Collecting vintage handkerchiefs is a fun and inexpensive hobby that I just love. They can be found in antique stores, on Ebay, at flea markets and estate sales. For me, this is the best time of year to go “handkerchief-ing”  at the antique stores in Lambertville, NJ. The weather is perfect for a stroll and I feel so satisfied walking back to my car with little bags filled with hankies.  Though I have not met anyone that has gotten rich off collecting and selling hankies, some are actually worth more than others. My absolute favorite ones to collect are the Burmel hankies from the Handkerchief of the Month Club that was seen in Vogue magazine in the 1950′s. I will never forget when I found a handkerchief at a flea market with the Burmel tag still attached!            

(side note…if you decide to take a trip to Lambertville, make sure you have breakfast at the Full Moon Cafe!)

Next week starts “5 Hanky Projects in 5 Days”. Each day I will show you a new, creative way to use your handkerchiefs! Have a good weekend and Happy Halloween!

There are so many creative ways to incorporate handkerchiefs into your wedding day! One of my absolute favorites is wrapping a hanky around the bridesmaids’ bouquets. If you are a bride, choose a Happy Hanky style that matches your color palette and have the florist wrap the handkerchief around each of the bouquets. It’s fun to have them secure the handkerchiefs with a couple of pearl or vintage pins. After the wedding, each of the bridemaids has a handkerchief keepsake to take with them!

Most florists will know how to wrap the handkerchief around the bridal bouquets. If you are DIY, then check out the simple instructions on Martha Stewart Weddings http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/good-things/handkerchief-bouquet-wrap   

Jeff and I visited the “Making Scents” exhibit at Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA. The perfume bottle collection alone is reason to visit but they also allow you to create your very own fragrance (I prefer notes of sandalwood, jasmine and bergamot). The exhibit reminded me of how my grandmother would lightly mist her handkerchiefs with her perfume and place them in her handbags and linen drawers. There’s something feminine and unique about keeping a scented handkerchief in your tote or tying a misted hanky to your handbag. It allows your scent to follow you everywhere! One of the floral Happy Hankies would look super cute tied on your favorite bag! I tied the Hedgehog Party handkerchief to my diaper bag and the Limited Edition Pink Party handkerchief to my briefcase!

I was so happy when Tami Reed from Talking with Tamicontacted me about mentioning Happy Hanky handkerchiefs on her show and blog.  Tami also has a love for hankies and had inherited many of her granny’s handkerchiefs. She loved my fresh take on the classic accessory. Tami is having a party in a few weeks and will be giving Happy Hanky to each guest along with a vintage teacup – love it!   You can check out her blog post on Happy Hanky handkerchiefs at the link below and browse her site….she’s a doll and a real inspiration for all entrepreneurs!

http://talkingwithtami.com/cool-product-happy-hanky

Tami Reed started her own talk show in 2005 and has interviewed many big celebrities like Fergie, Usher, Jane Fonda and many others. She has been featured in many magazines and guest blogs on numerous sites.

I wanted to touch base with all of you….and try to get on some sort of schedule with my new baby! I know all mothers with newborns are probably laughing right now – schedule what?? Thank you for all the well wishes! Mommy, Daddy and baby are all doing super! It has been great getting to know this little guy.

I brought a Happy Hanky to the hospital with me and I can’t even count how many times I used it. I cried so many happy tears! I always suggested a Happy Hanky handkerchief  as a gift for expecting mothers because I knew it was a joyous occasion but I did not really understand until I experienced it for myself. A Happy Hanky handkerchief is a must for every new mother. My hanky is now going into our baby’s memory book!

More soon….