VCB

Big new things are coming to Vintage Cottage Beauty.  We're working on a news letter, the small business development group at EIU and continuing to work on youtube videos.. You can see what we have now at youtube/vintage cottage beauty2012.  Check us out.  Off to the big big city to visit with my parents for the week.  i hope to come back with lots of treasures and renewed energy.  There's nothing like being spoiled by your mama to rev you up.

lemon steak skewers

1# sirloin steak cut in strips against the grain
2 lemons juiced
slat, pepper, garlic powder 1tsp each
2T vinegar
1/2C  olive oil
Mix together and put in a zip top bag including the lemon rinds
Marinate steak for at least 1 hour
Soak wooden skewers while meat is marinating, thread meat on and grill until done to your liking.  Keep the meat flat or cut it in chunks so it cooks evenly.  Serveith salad and bread
Sorry no pictures the computer lost it's mind

new old chair

I had picked this old bentwood chair with no seat up at a sale.  It's an odd size and even without the seat was in too good shape to put outside with a plant in it.  After moving the guset bedroom around i decided to repurpose it into a bedside table.  It was as simple as marble painting an old metal tray to go with the colors in the room and putting it next to the bed.  Perfect size for the new room arrangement.



base coat with ivory letting some of the black show




add squiggles of copper, blue and green




swirl and brush until you're happy with the look



finished table, just the right height for a tall bedside

 

hamziti

When I asked AH what he wanted for his Father's Day dinner, he told me to surprise him.  My first thought was reservations, but since he had to work that night I came up with this.  It's a variation on something I saw on TV with my own twist to it.
1# chunk of ham cut in cubes
3 carrots
1 onion
3 stalks celery
6-8 mini sweet peppers
2 clove garlic
1 can diced tomatoes
olive oil
dice everything and cook in 2-3T olive oil until tender salt and pepper to taste
In a separate pan cook 1# ziti 3-4 minutes less than the package says and drain
While the pasta cooks melt 1/4C butter and add 1/4C flour cook for a few minutes then add 2C milk heat until thickened
Add fresh grated Parmesan cheese to taste I used about 1C Add the sauce and cheese to the pasta and mix
Layer pasta and ham mixture into a 9X13 greased pan and top with additional cheese.  Bake 350 30-45 minutes.  it should be bubbly and crispy on top.  Plenty of leftovers. 

simple arrangements

Flower arranging does not have to be stuffy or complicated.  A plain bottle and a few stems are all you need when the flowers are as beautiful as these hydrangeas.  The kitchen arrangement is just an old bottle.  The living room coffee table arrangement is a tall thin bottle on a silver tray, paired with a faux mercury glass candle stick and candle.  You can't get easier than that.

Little visitors

I spent the last week hanging out with my two youngest granddaughters.  There is very good reason to have children while you are young,  they wore me out every day.  It was non-stop activity every minute.  They both wanted to learn how to sew so we started with the shirt aprons you've seen on here before, I just bought women's size small and made them the same way.  The aprons turned out great and both girls were so proud to model their projects.  Now they want to cook even more than before.

VCB

It's Friday and time for a vintage cottage update.  Kathy and I have been shooting videos and a couple of them are up on youtube.  Go to youtube and type in vintage cottage beauty 2012 that will give you a list of what we have up now.  A big thanks to WEIU TV for featuring us their show and youtube.
We're contemplating putting our products in a few stores in the area.  My past experience with consignment selling has not been great, I'm trying to keep and open mind, but be very cautious about that kind of commitment.  We're spending one day this week visiting shops that we might be interested in.  Of course the most important part of that day will be where we go for lunch.

salvaged treasure

As I've mentioned before our local high school will be torn down sometime this summer.  It breaks my heart that all of the old architectural things will be removed from the community or go down with the building.  This piece was in the principals office, when I asked about it, I was told it was just a piece of junk and I could have it if I could get it out.  It was backless and attached to the wall but with a pry bar and AH's help we did get it out.  We added a back of luan and cleaned it up.  It still needs a little work on the side and some paints drips removed, but I think it looks great.  I'm using it to sore all my crystal and glass ware.  Several people have seen it in the last week and no one can believe the school district is letting such treasures go.
I've been asked wht luan is.  It is a 4X8 sheet of 1/4" wood that makes great backs for furinture as well as for many other craft projects.  Most big box stores carry it and will cut it in half to fit in your car if needed.

brownie triffle

Looks real fancy but it couldn't be easier.
Make 1 lg box of pudding mix according to directions
Make a brownie box mix according to package directions for cake like brownies, or just add and extra egg if your box doesn't have a cake like recipe.
Sprinkle nuts, toffee bits and chocolate chips over the top and bake according to box directions.
Cool and cut into squares.
to serve layer with pudding and whip cream. You can layer in one large bowl or in wine glasses if you're getting real fancy.  Or just put it on the plate and gobble like we did. I did use sugar free/fat free pudding, low fat milk and sugar free whip cream.

cabinet redo

I've been told that if you stand still long enough at my house, I'll probably paint you.  Not too far from the truth.  I've had this little cabinet for several years.  It's been in the sun room and most recently in the hall. all the time in burgundy paint.  With all the moving around lately I decided to give it a new coat of paint and use it in the guest/storage room.  I always need more places to put my stuff.


In the kitchen ready for primer.  Always use a primer if you are going from very dark to a light color.  I don't usually paint in the house but it was 95 that day.




primer and the inside painted a contrasting color




finished cabinet notice the detail of the contrasting knobs



fancy cookies

This recipe came from a WW2 era Betty Crocker cook book.  I've made these since I was a kid and they are still one of my favorites.  Some times you need a cookie for a shower, tea or special occasion that's just a little more lady like than what you usually make.  This recipe fits the bill and it's super versatile.
Sour Cream Drops
1C shortening or half butter half shortening
3C sugar
4 eggs
Cream together
2C cour cream
2tsp vanilla
Stir into sugar mix
51/2C flour
1tsp each soda, salt and baking powder
Stir into mix
Chill for at least 1 hour.  Drop rounded teaspoon 2' apart onto greased cookie sheet
Bake 425 8-10 minutes
Cool and frost if you want

Variations
Butterscotch cookies
replace the sugar with brown sugar
Brown sugar frosting
melt 1 stick butter until golden brown add in 2C sifted powder sugar and 1tsp vanilla
Add in 1-2T hot water until icing spreads easily

Coconut cookies
add 2C shredded coconut into the mix

Fruit and nut cookies
Add 2C each chopped dried friut and nuts along with 1tsp cinnamon

Chocolate cookies
add 4 squares of melted unsweetened chocolate or 1/2C cocoa and 2T melted butter to the sugar mix and proceed with the recipe
Fudge frosting
2T melted butter 2 sq chocolate or cocoa add in 3C sifted powder sugar and 3-5T milk to make the icing smooth
Bet you can't guess what kind I make most often.
You could always double or tripple the dough from the basic recipe and  freeze.  After you defrost you can whatever mixins you feel like that day.

VCB

This is a lsow time for the beauty product business.  Kathy and I are trying to get as many of the extra projects we'd put on the back burner done this summer.  We've been shooting youtube video, checking out places to make submissions and setting up a Pinterest account.  All of these should help us expand our internet picture and get the word out about Vintage Cottage.  If you have a marketing idea for us to try, let us know.  We are definite newbies at all this and need all the help we can get.  As soon as we have some videos up loaded and pinterest open we'll let you know.

tile coasters

Sometimes you need a small gift and I think these coasters fit the bill perfectly.  I saw these on a blog and thougt I'd give them a try.
You need 4" unglazed tiles.  You can buy these at any big box store.  The ones I got were 9 to a pack for arund $5.00
Stazon ink pad
Stamps

Wwipe off your tiles to remove dust. Stamp your design and initial, let dry.  If you want to add color use permanent markers. That's it, tie them up with a pretty ribbon or pop them in a gift bag.  Perfect for a hostess gift, shower, birthday or I'm thinking of you.  How about in a basket with a nice bottle of wine and glasses?

new door look

Our back door has been dark red for several years now, it was time for a change.  AH took it down, I  painted it.  It poured down rain and was too heavy for me to move so I had to paint it again.  Got it rehung and decided to add a third coat.  Finally I hung a new wreath with our initial and now it's done.  It looks great with all the green and aqua colors I've been using.  Now if I can only keep AH from putting his dirty hands on any parts except the handle.(I see more painting in my future)

dead end road

This is not my typical post but it was such an interesting experience I thought I'd share.  I was off to a decorating clients home on a beautiful sunny afternoon.  Now in my own defense I hadn't been to her house in 6-7 years and did start off in the right direction.  Any one who knows me realizes I'm severely directionally impaired.  I tour parking lots and get headed in the wrong direction A LOT.  I did start out right but turned one road too soon.  It didn't take long to realize I was not only on the wrong road but it was a dead end.  I had no choice but to keep going down this progressively narrowing road to find a place to turn around.  Finally at the end of the road there was a house and drive way.  Now typically in the country  if someone pulls into your drive while you're out, you go over see what's going on and chat for a few minutes. You'll probably  offer coffee or ice tea and asked the driver to come a sit a spell.   Not this place.  As I'm pulling into the drive an elderly, long haired, white bearded gentleman is hot footing towards his house from the direction of his swimming pool.  It didn't take long to realize that he had been enjoying the pool au natural and was running to his home with a blow-up swim ring on one side and what looked like swim fins on the other.  While running, he kept switching the placement of both coverings.  Now I have no problem with anyone doing their own thing in the all together, on their own property, but beware of the directionally challenged woman going the wrong way.
Of course I had to share with my client why I was late..  I'm not sure she can look her neighbor in the eye without giggling the next time she sees him.
Sorry no pictures it wasn't a pretty sight, just funny.

book making

It's no secret, I love books.  It is my biggest vice in life.  I spend tons of money and time on books and  my house is full of them.   I had the opportunity last weekend to take a book making class with two former art teachers.  There were 10 of us and we all had a great time.  There is no better way to appreciate the art of something than to make it yourself.  We worked on several different kinds of books including basic lacing, pop ups and accordion.  With today's automation book making is easy, but think how much effort it was before machines.  It's no wonder people cherished all books.  Most household would have had a Bible and maybe one other volume, to be read over and over.



instructor Pat





lacing, getting those holes through the boards and paper was the most difficult part.




I'm glad I'm not the only creative person who is very messy




hand painted painters tarp covering a photo album



surprise it's an accordion book

VCB

We have been working on photos to enhance our web site and explain how we got the  name for our business.  My partner is a much better photographer than I am.  This is what we came up with.  I had named my blog my vintage cottage life because is said so much about how I live. The dictionary description of a cottage as a small, single story home frequently surrounded by flower beds.  My definition is a home that is warm, welcoming and comfortable.  Living a creative,simple, frugal, reuse, recycle life is what I strive for.
It's what I want by blog to be about and what I want for our business.  This kind of life is what energizes and fulfills me.  I hope you enjoy it too.

simple lunch

bruchetta is usually served as an appetizer but I use the same topping mixture to make an open face cheese sandwich for lunch.
1 slice leftover garlic bread
2 slices cheese I used cheddar, toast in oven or toaster oven until cheese is melted
1/4C chopped tomato
2T olive oil
garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt and pepper to taste.  I used about 1/4tsp each
mix together and top your cheese toast with it.  Add Parmesan cheese.
Of course if you have topping form the night before that works too.

Another simple garden scene.  A field tile, enamel pan turned birdbath, watering can, bird stake all set next to one of the lamp post flower holders I made earlier.  If you're going to do a birdbath be sure to keep changing the water every day for your feathery friends. All of this area will (hopefully) be the new patio some day soon.

what is it?

I picked this up at a recent sale.  I have no clue what it is but thought it looked cool.  The top is a small glass container with grapes and vines etched on it.  At the bottom of the glass part, there is a small metal piece that when pushed up will empty whatever liquid is in the decanter into a glass.  The frame is metal with a round platform at the bottom.  The side has several u-shaped bends in it almost like it needs something to hang on it.  The best guess so far was that it was wine dispenser but the glass part would only hold about 16oz.  The weirdest guess is that it is a very funky bunsen burnner.  If you know what it is please let me know.  What ever it is it is certainly a conversation starter.

shake down trip

The first camping trip of the season is always a little disorganized.  Things need replaced in the camper and even with a list I always forget a few things.  Add in a cold snap after several 90+ days and torrential rains and that was our trip this last weekend.  Nate and kids came up to join us and having little ones around takes non-stop energy.  That's why you have them when you're young.  Both kids were great, well behaved and full of imagination.  Our little guy decided with Grandpa's cool hat he was a great adventurer.  Add in a spy glass(paper towel tube) and a magnifying glass and he was in little boy heaven.  JJ loves to cook and helped a lot with the food prep.  Her favorite part was frosting and decorating cup cakes and then being the waitress to serve them.  We'll see if that happens in a few years when she's a teen!  Add in a trip to Amish land, a visit to a a country store and a motorcycle ride.  They didn't miss the high tech gadgets and mind numbing video games.