Junk in the Trunk

So this old steamer trunk was in poor shape when I decided to refinish it. In addition to a lovely old moth ball smell, the fake wood paper a previous owner had tacked up was peeling badly. I should have taken "before" picture, but I was set on working on it and didn't want to waste a day grabbing my camera. Patience isn't one of my strongest traits.

First step, some major sanding, peeling and general clean up. Then I used the leftover wall paint from the shop (a nice powder blue) to paint the inside.

This is the "after":

(Inside the trunk: Vintage-inspired bibs and 3-in-1 storage boxes)

I also painted and upholstered a matching wood tray (shown above).


And bam! Now we're using it as a cute display for Kanibal Home's kids items. Not only was this an easy project, but it also passed the time during that one extremely rainy week.

Friday Favorites

So I've been having some serious cravings lately. And not the generic "Oh I kinda want a new summer dress" shopping cravings.

More along the lines of this:

Yea, you're seeing that correctly. That's a ridiculously large Victorian house (for those of you who have the luxury, it's actually up for sale in the Heights). I don't know if it's the rain, but I dream of tooling around this monstrosity renovating bathrooms and setting up elaborate libraries with antique fixtures and chaise lounges upholstered in velvet.

And then for a reality check. I try to deny it, but my Jeep Cherokee is dying a slow (somewhat painful) death. It's a great little car, can transport countless chairs and found objects and takes a beating, but I've noticed it rumbling a little louder, squeaking randomly in the rain and sometimes when I'm driving on the Turnpike I'm not sure if that melting plastic smell is from the engine or Exit 13A (Elizabeth).

So, while searching for my fantasy Victorian mansion, I've been checking out used cars. And what do I fall in love with? Something practical? Something safe? Nope, a '79 MG Midget.

(New ride or daydream?)

Long story short, I did make a purchase. It's vintage, but not a Victorian. It's shiny, but not a sports car.

Yes sir, I bought a vintage, red -- and completely rusted -- Raleigh bike. Try not to be too jealous. And maybe this weekend I'll even take it for a spin by my dream house in the Heights.

What's New?

So it looks like maybe we'll have two hours without rain this morning. At this point, I'll take whatever Mother Nature gives -- even if that's only a sliver of sunshine.

So, in response to this incredibly rainy summer season, Kanibal Home is featuring some flowery new products in the shop.

(Flower Blossom Chair/Stool)

(Flower Necklace from Swallow and the Swift)

Stop by and bring home a little sunshine.

Get Dressed!

Woohoo, Sarah is coming to help me with the shop windows today. I tried -- unsuccessfully -- to craft a picket fence the other day so I'm going to buy one instead. Sometimes I am all up in the crafts ... sometimes not so much.

Can't wait to see what window version 2.0 looks like! And, seriously people, read Sarah's blog at http://musingsinstyle.blogspot.com

Blog Love

One of the best things about having a physical location is the people that come into the shop. Jersey City is an amazing community and the customers that come in truly make my day.

One of those people is Kim, a local vintage fanatic and blogger. In addition to buying the below Swallow and the Swift necklace, Kim also picked up a bunch of precious vintage treasures -- you can read about it on her blog here: http://kimvee.blogspot.com/2009/06/hope-well-have-well.html

Chain necklace from Swallow and the Swift --Additional styles available at Kanibal Home

You can also find Kim at the following spots:

http://ohmyvintage.blogspot.com
http://kimvee.blogspot.com
http://omvintage.etsy.com

And best of all? She'll be dropping off some vintage purses and jewelry at KH very soon!

Constant Cravings: Kanibal Home

If you were wondering about our post dedicated to Leigh, well ... it's because she's really kinda awesome. And here's another post about her.

I was so psyched to see her post about Kanibal Home yesterday on her Constant Cravings blog (btw, if you aren't already following this lovely lady you need to be).

Check out her "New Kid In Town" post at: http://www.constant-cravings.com/2009/06/new-kid-in-town.html

New Styles in the Shop

This is just a sampling of some of the new styles that just arrived at the shop. Not to mention all the booty we brought back from our vintage buying trip yesterday.

Out of Office Reply:

FYI: Kanibal Home will be closed this Monday, June 15th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday.

So why are we going to be MIA? Shopping, of course! I'm going on a shopping (hunting) expedition with our lovely volunteer store managers Amy and Nina. And you bet on Tuesday we'll be back with lots of new vintage goodies.

Plus, I'm expecting two new clothing shipments in this week and another one the following week. Lots of summer dresses and fun, flirty tops.

Amy folding tees while her husband and baby (back left corner of the shot) hungrily wait to go home and eat dinner. I may be taking her away from her family, but I would seriously go nuts in the shop without her help, enthusiasm and professional clothes steaming abilities.

New Kicks

Ok, this has nothing to do with the shop and only highlights my supreme dork tendencies, BUT how rockin' are these sneakers? Seriously? I'm in love.

I was too embarrassed to write about my new shoes the other day because, well, I was wearing them in the shop and prancing around like a show pony. My lovely friend Donna dropped them off for me because ... there's no reason. She's just an amazing person.

What do you think?

KH in the News

Kanibal Home is pretty proud that we made it onto WNYC this morning (and last night)! It totally slipped my mind until Jennifer from Jack's Toy Shop (opening on Jersey Ave in a couple months) sent me an email to tell me she was driving her girls to school this morning and heard me on the radio.

What do you think? Is Grove Street really growing and getting better? Is it Jersey City's Main Street?

This Post is Dedicated to Leigh

Not the best photo in the world, but I wanted to honor Leigh's request and get a photo up of some of the Swallow and the Swift jewelry. The shop pretty much sold out of the first wave of pieces (including the Cicada necklace I was getting all bothered about) and we've already sold one large heart pendant necklace and the chain necklace pictured (all the way to the left in the above) from the second wave of jewelry Laura dropped off. 

Although this picture REALLY doesn't do the jewelry any justice, there are two pieces in this group that stand out for me: both are vintage belt buckles and they look so sweet on the chains Laura from Swallow and the Swift picked out. You can kind of see them above (the silver pendant on the shelf next to the red bangle and the black and silver circle pendant hanging in the middle of the stick). Come check it out in person and, in the meantime, I'll work on getting some halfway decent shots up on the blog. 

New in the Shop Today

The packaging alone sold me on these Lucia soaps, but they're not just another pretty face -- these soaps are made from 100% Organic Shea Butter and come in some smart scents like Wild Ginger & Fresh Fig and Sea Watercress & Chai Tea.

Not to be outdone, these 18" Brocade and Nest pillows from Thomas Paul are also sharing shelf space with some other new clever finds. You'll have to stop by, though, to see what else we got in ...

Get Schooled

Ok, maybe this is me trying to shake the remaining bit of corporate America away, but new -- revamped -- office supplies just landed at the shop.

How great is that wood stapler and tape dispenser? My favorites, though, are the cork pencil holder (that doubles as a tack board) and the porcelain pop top container. I may no longer be a part of the mainstream workforce, but I'll always have a love for nicely designed office supplies.

Fearless Shorts

Back by popular demand, the Fearless shorts are back in stock in sizes 0, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Universally flattering, this high-waisted style elongates legs (and seriously looks good on practically everyone ... even my stubby legs looked good in them).
We only have a couple sizes of each, so if you want us to put a pair on hold until you can get over to the 213 Montgomery Streeet location just email!

Swallow and the Swift

Laura from Swallow and the Swift, a local Jersey City jewelry designer, just dropped off some beautiful pieces and I'm so excited. Mainly because of selfish reasons -- number one: because all of her jewelry designs are composite pieces made up of found objects and vintage treasures; number two: I am SERIOUSLY loving this vintage gold plated cicada charm necklace and really want to buy it for myself. Is it bad that I buy my own inventory?

Sorry Laura, I may be stealing/buying this bug necklace before it's released to the public. And the best part of Swallow and the Swift's designs? All her pieces are under $30.

New Products

If you've shopped at the store, you know we get product in pretty much weekly ... and it flies out of the store. So, as an early update, we'll be getting these rad (and super appropriate) posters in the shop in the next week. Come check them out.

Also, stay tuned for:
* New Men's Tees
* Children's Tees and Gift Items
* Glass Botanical Jars
* Noir Pedestal Cake Stands in Small, Medium and Large Sizes

Party People

Last Friday Kanibal Home hosted its opening party and received a warm welcoming from old and new friends and family. We're loving our new location at 213 Montgomery Street and all the locals that pop in to say hello on a daily basis!

(Some Kanibal Home love)

(Amazing vocalist and guitar player Erin Farrell and her band)

(Valerie modeling a Kanibal Home vintage camera tee)

(Store Manager, Nina, Me and artist Laura modeling her jewelry)

(Night view of the exterior of the store)