Surviving Grief {Part 3 Taxes}

 "...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." As written by Benjamin Franklin in 1789 and this quote still holds true.

I can honestly say I am relieved that tax year 2014 is over for me. I had an appointment with a new tax preparer last week. I had so many things that were thrown into the mix, financially, that there was no way I could hold myself together to do my own taxes this year.  I'd like to think of myself as pretty savvy when it comes to finances and saving money, but having a professional's opinion really calmed my nerves.  My father's preparedness also made the transition easier for me.

Items That Were Different In 2014

• Probate was not an issue, as I was the sole heir.
• My pops and I prepared a deed title transfer for their home into my name. Had it notarized. All I had to do was file it with the County upon his death. I paid off the house and paid the property taxes.
• All of the bank accounts had my name on them (not beneficiary, but I actually had access to all funds).
• We completed a Power of Attorney for Finances and Health. Had it notarized.
• I was beneficiary to two IRAs/Annuities. Since he was of age, it was mandatory to take the minimum distribution from all accounts. The beneficiary has a choice of withdrawing one lump sump or payments. I decided to take the absolute minimum. I also chose for them to take out taxes at the same time, rather than paying them at the end of the year. I let Federal take 20% and State take 15%. I knew I was overestimating these numbers. (The company also gives you a choice as to what percentage to take out for taxes.) With this particular company, I have to withdraw the whole amount by five years after his death. In speaking with my tax preparer, she showed me what numbers will work next year so I don't fall into the next tax bracket and pay even more taxes. So, I don't have to be so careful as I was last year.
• I was beneficiary to one 401(k). I took the absolute minimum distribution, again. I don't have to withdraw this one within five years.
• I decided to roll over the Annuities and 401(K) into a Roth IRA for myself. It will be a good supplement to my already established retirement account.
• Donations: I ended up having two or three yard sales and the leftovers I took to a non-profit thrift shop. I made sure I got receipts. Turns out, the maximum I can claim is $500 (unless I do an itemized list). I realized craigslist is the way to go to sell some of the stuff- more money in my pocket.
• Vehicle registrations: I kept my parent's vehicles and sold mine. Had three to write off.
• Turns out, I didn't have to file final taxes for my parent's this year, as their Social Security income was low.

Afterword

I am, by no means, rich off of the inheritance. My father was smart with his money and I see this as a good security for my future, and also a decent emergency fund if I were to ever lose my job.  I've made it passed the first year without any crazy emotional decisions, in terms of money and spending.

This closes a major chapter. I was so stressed for these things to be handled correctly. I am currently working on minimizing my monetary accounts and continuing to streamline my life. I feel freedom - a great reward after making good financial choices.

Surviving Grief {Part 2 Dream State}

I'm grateful that my subconscious mind dreams in color and carries such vividness and emotion when I am asleep. I've always been a believer that remembering dreams the next morning can help with conflicts in real life. They give me an outlook to an issue I may not have thought of before. I woke up this morning with my heart pounding.

Dream State

I was out and about in the city doing errands and driving around in my white Tahoe. I get a phone call that my father is in the hospital.  I am rushing around and encountering every possible obstacle to get to the hospital. My vehicle completely breaks down and it ends up on a ledge upon someone's in-ground backyard pool.  I get out and I start running for my life through people's yards. I recognize one family and I think to myself, they wouldn't mind if I jump their fences (as the crow flies) to the hospital. I get to the back of the fence line and I am stopped with fear because their dogs heard me. The owner comes out and I begged and pleaded with him not to call the police. I sweet talk him and he lets me go. I'm running down sidewalks as fast as I can and his wife catches up with me. She stops me and threatens to turn me into law enforcement. I am so broken at this point sitting on a curb to a busy street that's in the opposite direction of my destination. I am weeping uncontrollably because whatever I try, I cannot get to where I need to be.  This next part is a bit of a blur but the next thing I know, I am home. I attempted to make two phone calls to my father. Neither time was there a ringtone.

Afterword

One of the things I missed most was calling my father every couple of days. I really hadn't been on my own for that long, so it was always comforting to converse and get his opinion on things. My parents and I would have our own "Taco Tuesdays" where I'd go to their house, have dinner, and watch Sons of Anarchy on a weekly basis.

This dream just reminded me how much I do miss my folks and I will always have these fond memories of spending time with them. I jumped every time they needed me and was by their side the whole time of their down turns. Of course everyone wishes they had more time with their deceased loved ones. I am not unusual, I know. I'm content with the way things ended. We had a very happy and nice Holiday Season 2013. I don't regret anything because I was far from negative in my reaction to the last six months. I didn't hold back any love, I was strong, and I was right where I needed to be.

Surviving Grief {Part 1 The Estate}

I'm turning the tables a little bit and am going to talk about surviving grief. I lost both of my parents in 2014 within 3 months of each other. I was very close to them, so this was devastating. My brother passed when I was 15 and emotions of that time in my life have been brought back to life. When my half-brother learned of our mother's deterioration, he made it clear, I was more capable of taking care of her, as he did not have the emotional connection with her like I did.

Hence why this blog has gone by the wayside and my vintage clothing business has puckered out.

For my long time friends and small list of followers, this might not interest you and that's okay, you can skip these entries. I will clearly title them accordingly. I am at the point I *need* a healthy and creative outlet for these emotions. I hope you can relate and engage and if these entries help another, know that you are not alone. Whilst talking about such a depressing issue, I will try to end each blog entry in a positive, uplifting note.

I have no set outline in how to write about my situation. There are so many topics to cover and different situations that arise every day. I figure I will just type what's on my mind. I'm not going to be secretive, I'm aiming to be completely honest here. It might take me a few entries to get deep into my emotions, but I'll get there and I hope that my coping skills improve as time goes on.

The Estate

I inherited my parent's home, including all of the "stuff" in it. Mom and Dad were married for 48 years and lived at the last residence for 24 years. They weren't hoarders, but you can imagine the accumulation I had to sift through. Besides family photos, the oldest thing I found was a vintage green metal box, with index dividers,  full of receipts from their first apartment rental together in 1967.

I'm writing about the estate because it is weighing heavily on me at the moment. I was hoping to have the home rented out or sold before Fall 2014 but time crept on me too quickly. With a full time job, my own home to tidy and also spending a good chunk of time at Greg's (my Fiancé) home, my goal of cleaning out the house did not go as planned. I went full speed at first but then burnt out around October. Nothing got done during the holidays.

It's easy for people on the outside looking in, to say, "Just rent a dumpster and throw everything out!"

My father worked his whole life and very hard, for that matter, to provide for his family. Mom and Dad came from a generation where they took pride in their possessions and everything had a use. Just a couple of weeks ago, I listed a couch that was in the formal living room on Craigslist. I listed it as free because the Kitty used one side arm as a scratch pad. There was no way someone would buy it, even though it was rarely used.  When the 30-ish man and his young son left with the couch, I broke out in heavy tears. Greg was there to witness this raw emotion. I was crying over an old couch that I never sat in! I realized I was upset over the fact my Dad lived to work, providing for his family at age 8 all the way to age 70. When he finally retired at 67/68,  he was taking care of Mom. He never *really* enjoyed the retirement he had planned for himself.

In late December, my Fiancé and I decided to move in together. The pressure is on to get moving with the estate. Together, we have 3 households worth of stuff. I'm slowly selling off things and donating or trashing others. I am really excited to move on to the next chapter in my life and for 2015 will schedule time to stress/worry about the estate. I realized that I was consumed by it in all of 2014. I've said aloud that I will work on it only about 3 times a week for now. I don't have a goal as to when the project will be completed, but at least I won't be overwhelming myself to the edge. I want to focus on my personal relationship with Greg, get my hobbies going again and arranging "me" time so I am more calm and focused toward a happier path.

Shop Update :: 1950's Novelty Pocket Knives

During this long process of liquidating my parent's home, I came across a few of these neat, vintage novelty pocket knives. I decided to start the bids at .99 each...ends Friday.

 

Click here for Ebay listing! -SOLD!

 

 

Click here for Ebay listing! - SOLD!

 

 

Click here for Ebay Listing! -SOLD!

 

 

Click here for Ebay listing! - SOLD!

 

 

Click here for Ebay listing! -SOLD!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shop Update :: 1940's Pillow Sham :: Hollywood, California

Greg and I cleaned out his "storage room" and you know we all have one of these! He has this extra bedroom where items have fallen by the way side. It's his tattoo equipment storage / computer room / art room / old linen storage room. On top if it all, literally, is a 1950s daybed upside down. Based on our engagement, we decided to sell his home and for the time being, he will move into mine until we discuss what our permanent plans are and where we want to live. We had to start somewhere with liquidating and we started with that room. By the way, we got it done in an evening and now he can actually work in there. :-)

But, I digress... we found this 1940's souvenir pillow sham. He has no idea where it came from so he encouraged me to list it on Ebay. My hopes are it will find a home with the perfect matching décor! It's pink with green tassels all around. It is total Hollywood Glamour with drawings of famous Hollywood hotspots: such as, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Boulevard, Chinese Theatre (before they added "Man's"), and a depiction of a glamorous actress with Lights, Camera, Action!

Bidding starts at .99! Ends Friday...

Click here for the Ebay listing! - SOLD!

Shop Update

I've got a really cool auction up this week-

Vintage '40s G-8 Sheepskin Bomber Jacket - SOLD!

 

 

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Oh dear, internet service (part 2 of 2)

So, who knew that all of the internet/DSL providers are running at about $50/month now? I remember when DSL first came out years ago and it $20/month. It's no wonder why people live beyond their means...rates for basic services go up and up and people have to have every new gadget that include monthly fees. Society is out of control!

I was able to talk my provider down by $5 but not without a fight. Did you know companies have special software that keep track of their customers? Anytime you call in, they have the ability to see if you are a "difficult" customer. This last time I got a very stern operator. They knew I was an angry customer, so they matched me accordingly. I'm not kidding here, I learned about this in my last computer class for business.

When I moved into my house last year, I intentionally waited over 6 months to get internet service. Knowing that I could access it at my parent's house, work and school, I wasn't too worried about it.  I had to finally break down and get it because I signed up for online classes.

I still don't have any television. My area does not have free local channels like a lot of other cities. I refuse to spend a lot of money on tv because I am hardly home. Call me old fashioned but I don't even have a newer style flat screen tv. I have an old tv passed down from one of my Aunts and a dvd player I got for free from a friend. Granted, I do subscribe to Netflix and get 2 dvd's at a time for entertainment. I also go over to my boyfriend's house to watch tv and take advantage of the DVR he has too. I'm not going to lie, I watched the season premier of What Not to Wear last week, thanks to the satellite dish service he pays for.

It blows me away, when will this plateau? I just want to live comfortably in my own house with extra cash to have fun with. Learning to budget is a lifelong process, I think. I've done pretty well this last year and I hope I keep it going smoothly.

What are your thoughts? Let's open conversation!

Oh dear, internet service

You ever have one of those days where you open up a bill and all of a sudden it's increased substantially? I think satellite, phone, and internet services are notorious for this. Consider the following a rant and I am not apologetic. For the last twelve months my internet bill has been $29.99 by an undisclosed provider. They raised it to $49.99! When I first signed up, the sales man relayed to me as long as I call before the twelve month promotion was over, I could keep that $29.99 price. Well, I went through the silly amount of phone operators and the best they could do was lower it to $39.99. I really hate it when people deceive me and I really don't like it when companies take advantage of the little people. I went ahead and made a sharp decision to cancel it. Yup, I dug myself a hole and now need to find a new provider. I'm hoping I don't have to go back to this company. The service was great but there's no reason to charge people an insane amount of money. They can do that in my area and get away with it, unfortunately. This afternoon is going to be fun-filled, poking around for prices and different options. Would anybody like to join me? Call me a rebel, but if I have to go without, I will, and just on the case of principle, too!

Shop Update & Etsy Treasury

I finally got started with listing items in my Etsy shop. I thought I'd start off with some shoes...Classic late 50's/early 60's styling. I hope you enjoy!

To my suprise, I'm already featured in a Treasury...That really brightened up my evening! Thank you, Lisa!

Why, hello there...stranger...it's been a while

Almost 3 years! So much has happened since I last wrote you, dear Blogger; a lot has changed, personal and things not-so-personal. Do I give you a run down of my life or do I start anew? What's in-store for the future?

I'd prefer to talk about what I'm doing now and the future, of course.  I finally have my photo studio/office set up (for the most part). I'll be selling vintage items again. I am so happy! I've always loved interacting with people all over the world and helping them find the perfect, unique vintage outfit. I've had all of my inventory in storage for the last 3 years and it's time to bust it out and share with fellow vintage lovers.

I've been on hiatus for a few reasons. My mother was diagnosed with Dementia and it was a difficult transition to finally accept that fact. If you know me, you know I am a lifetime student....I've also been taking classes to fill my time (but became a bit consuming with working at the same time).  Lastly, I bought a house! Yes, all by myself. I am so proud of this achievement! I've lived in the house for over a year now and it is wonderful. I am using one of the extra bedrooms as my photo studio to pursue my hobby of vintage dealing.

I've missed writing and interacting within the blogosphere and a lot has changed with the online environment;  Twitter has exploded, everyone has IPhones, everyone uses Instagram and Pinterest, and Facebook is a staple in online life and communication.  As I list my stock and the available inventory increases, I will start to use these media outlets. I have somewhat sworn these off, but I know the programs are very popular and I will soon catch up with the human race.

I can't wait to get the ball rollin' again...I've missed you!

This has nothing to do with vintage, but here are some pics of me ziplining in the local mountains (Go Kings Go, hehe) !

XOXO
Michelle Vaudeville

What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger

What an amazing trip I've been on lately...it's this thing called life.... things have been so hectic for me. There's a constant struggle with my mothers declining health and plain ol' stubborness...going back to school...btw I got an "A" in my last accounting class...returning in the fall for the second edition of self inflicted pain...

No time for the vintage love...but I will be hosting a sale of my inventory next month. If your local, I encourage you to come out and take a look. I'll keep ya posted here and will be obsessively, I'm sure.

I've found myself kind of bored with the fashion lately, too. This trend of early '90s is driving me insane. Maybe because I had all of those clothes but gave them up to thrift stores a long time ago? I may just be bitter over it. I'm trying to resist but I will probably give in  towards the end. That always happens. Hopefully not though.

I'm kind of bored with what used to be my daily fashion read blogs, too. I've ventured out of the zone and have started reading these: Rockstar Diaries, Fed Up With Lunch: The School Lunch Project, and I'm Just Walkin'. They are all pretty random, I know. Do you have any suggestions for new reads?

I've been catching up on my movie flicks, too. Recent films I've seen on Netflix:  2 Days In Paris, Splinterheads, Broken English, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and of course Twilight and New Moon.

Tonight will be filled with housework and laundry. Tomorrow, I'll be driving to Orange County for some antique shopping with a girlfriend (looking for turquoise jewelry). Sunday, looking for a gas economical car for my father (Bleh...not looking forward to test driving foreign cars). And of course on the Netflix queue: The Time Traveler's Wife.

xoxo

Has it been 2 months??

Oh dear, blogger, for I have neglected you...let me make it up to you...

Last time I departed, I mentioned a little trip to Northern California. If you ever have the chance, drive Highway 101 from the Oregon Border on down to Ventura. Theee most beautiful roadtrip I have ever taken! You can see a few snapshots here.

No cowboy boots found on my travels, and quite frankly, the thrifting near the Oregon border was quite slim. Fun stuff found in San Francisco but nothing I haven't seen before. I guess I didn't try too hard..this vacay was more for relaxation than anything. (Lots of staying in pjs all day long!)

Ahh, but on a whim, I decided to check out the Memorial Day yard sale extravaganza in my local town. Not only did I find the perfect pair of worn in western boots in my exact size....I found two! Here is a silly lil picture. The other pair is a blonde color and goes perfect with all my light shade tops! Both pair for $5 each. I was beside myself. Still am. And I wear them proudly! ;-)

Since I got back from my week vacation, work has been insane and I've been doing overtime. That and I just finished my final for my Accounting course.  Going back to school was a great decision. My mind felt like mush and it needed some stimulation! I'm taking the Summer off and will be returning in the Fall.

I've also been going on hikes to beautiful places around town. Toby has been such a great sport and is trained so well to jump in my truck and chill during the ride. We will be doing lots more exploring this year!

Went to the bookstore yesterday and picked up, "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. It's something different for me but maybe refreshing. It basically give you the keys for positive thinking and how that acts as a magnet for positive things to come. My boss recommended it and I do admire her for her positive and upbeat outlook on life. I'll probably do a review of the book when it's completed.

As for things coming up: There is a bike show in Long Beach on Saturday and also the annual Ink n Iron show. I'll be hitting both up, come say hi if you see me! :-)

xoxo

Oh, how I long for you...

...dear cowboy boots!


I'm a gal with a lot of shoes, but there are just a couple of pairs that, quite frankly, are in constant rotation. I will wear my chuck taylors until you can see my socks through the flapping sole. I will wear my high heels until the black rubber at the heel wears off. When I have a favorite pair of shoes, I walk them into the ground. I've come to the realization that my trusty '70s Frye boots may not live forever. A suitable replacement is in order. I've been dreaming about cowboy boots for a long time, but never found the perfect pair. My trip to Montana left me empty handed and, well, I haven't gone on a thrifting adventure since. I'm going on a solo trip in my beloved white truck to Northern California, say like near the Oregon border, not SF. Well, I will be dropping by to say hello to Laura on the way back home. I'm hoping to find some obscure shops with some bad ass boots to don on my feet and rub it into everyone's faces when I get back.


I did a little research on Etsy and found a few pairs of boots that I like and one's that are at a decent price. I just hate when vintage is so overpriced, it's ridiculous....off my soap box now....

Available at: Bootmeister $48

Available at: Bourbon and Lace $30

Available at: Vacation Vintage $38

Available at: Pure Vintage Clothing $45

The Darlings

Just like finding a random $10 in your pocket, I love finding cd's I have forgotten about... Last year I saw the Street Dogs and The Darlings were on the bill, too (I think, I could have had one too many cocktails). Well, I thought the band was rockin' and the guys were cute, so I bought their cd. I haven't opened it until this weekend (my cd player broke and my itunes thingamajig screwed up somehow and I'm a bit behind).

I am obsessed with their song, Love Story. It's pretty much tells the tale of my early 20s and rock n roll. It's a mix of Social Distortion and Stone Temple Pilots with a hint of AFI (maybe). The rest of their cd may be a bit too poppy for my liking but it's got a taste of that street punk I love. These guys are from So Cal, too.

My new favorite song:

The 59 parts car as my prop

What's better than finding $10 weeks after you stuffed it in your jacket pocket? ....vintage clothing... :-D

My mom was awesome enough to secretly stash this blue sweater vest in my closet...it's been hiding away in her things since the 70s or 80s. Yeah, it's a needlepoint fox and birds. Not exactly politically correct nowadays, but, hey, it's pretty rad and now it's been passed down to me.

Attempting to take my picture of the day, I couldn't decide which photo was cuter, so I'm posting a few from the photoshoot.

Oh yeah and the cranberry ascot was hand knitted by Yarn Over Movement. Love her. Absolutely beautiful work.

XOXO

She & Him

Are you a fan of She & Him with Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward? I read in a random blog that they were touring again so I checked out their website---All of the dates in my area were sold out! So, I signed up  for their mailing list and received notice anyone can listen to their new, unreleased album in it's entirety through NPR's website. I've been listening to it all day today!  Volume Two has the same charm as Volume One and I love iiiiittt!

Event happenings!

I'm super excited this week! I signed on to be a vendor at a local high school. This will be my first non-flea market experience. Pressed for time, I'm pulling together my booth. I purchased a cherry wooden full length mirror, cherry wooden hangers, and other things to really set a mood for the space! This year, I do plan on selling at more events...I love the human interaction...

If you are local, check this out: Saturday, March 20th- The University Prep School in Victorville is having a fundraiser for their band department and the bands will be performing throughout the event. Plus, there will be over 20 other vendors. It's from 9am-2pm @ 16925 Forrest St. Oh yeah, and it's free...If you need any additional info, email me. See you there!

Shop Update

I've added a few new purses to the shop. Super neutral pieces that will go with any super sweet outfit! This one is my favorite (It's a shame I don't have any more room in my closet, argh.) :

70s navy blue kelly handbag 

I really do have a ton more that I'm going through...hopefully I can get them into the shop in the coming weeks.

It's Friday!

And it's time for much more randomness! While doing some research, I found this little bit of laughter from Life Images. I surely do recommend checking out the whole article (sans water marks)...here are just a few of the  "30 Dumb Inventions":

Venetian Blind Sunglasses, 1950

Charles L. Langs, inventor of poses, his strapless, backless, wireless bras, 1949

Baby cage out the window, 1937

Shop Update

Just a heads up, I updated my shop today! Yes, this is a huge feat because I haven't had one in a while...

     

1. My Grecian Goddess 2. Modern Day Harlow 3. Scoot On Over 4. Exotic Floral Maxi Dress