pretty bottles

These blue bottles are from a new brand of beer.  Sons and AH drank the beer, I just grabbed the bottles out of the trash, washed them and removed the labels.  I'm thinking they'll be great to bottle limoncello when I get it done.  Did you know you can make this yummy liquor with oranges and limes also?  I'll definitely try the orange.  You could also use a bottle cutter and make the bottoms into glasses.  Be sure to look at everything before you toss it into the trash.  Making it into something useful is good for your wallet and the earth.

Spring time decor

When the sun starts shinning and the temps go up, I'm ready to change my decor to a springier look.  I got started this week.  First I took all the dark or red accessories off the shelves and tables.  I gave the shelves a good wipe down to get off the dust bunnies.  Then I drug out all the green and aqua glass and the silver accents to replace the dark colors and started arranging.  Odd numbers usually look best, I just try to make things look balanced.  Of course I didn't get too far before I got a call to come and work the rest of the week.  to be continued.....




shelves pre change  I'll leave the dishes and fabric covered foam core at the top.  Precious antique dishes and crazy kitties don't miz.



Wall before redo.  It's time for things to change.  I move all my furniture two times a year.  It gets everything clean and gives the house a fresh new look without spending any money.

Announcement

As my loyal readers know I write this blog Monday-Thursday.  Starting next week Friday will be added.  This day will be dedicated to Vintage Cottage Beauty and living a healthier beautiful life.  It will contain business news, tips on starting and running a business and recipes for natural beauty products you can make yourself. 
I hope you'll check it out and contribute your own recipes and ideas.

Here's a sample:
Make your own dusting powder to help you keep dry with the hot sweaty days of summer coming up.
Mix together 1C of cornstarch and arrowroot powder(this can be found with the baking products at most large grocery stores or health food stores) 1/2C baking soda.  Add essential oils for scent if you desire.  Shake and let it mellow together for a couple of weeks.  I put mine in a sugar shaker(an empty Parmesan cheese container would work great) or use a puff to apply to all those saggy parts, like under your breasts, that that are extra sweaty.

corn chowder

Corn chowder is another one of those soup recipes that we love when the weather is cold and yucky.
Here's what you need:
1# bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled
1 onion chopped
2# potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
1 15oz can each of corn and creamed corn
2T butter
3C each chicken broth and low fat milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley and grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Cook the bacon first and set aside I always lay my bacon on the broiler pan and bake 400 for 20 minutes or so.  The baking time depends on how thick your bacon is so start watching close after 15 min.
Saute the onion in the butter until translucent, Add the potatoes and cook about 5 min.
Add the cans of corn juice and all and the chicken stock.  I was out so i used chicken bouillon.
Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Add the milk and seasoning and heat until hot.
Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon, cheese and parsley.
You could also add frozen broccoli or peas when you add the milk for more vegie power.

easy candle stick

Another simple glass project.  Glue a tall thin vase to a candle stick with E6000 glue.  Let it dry and add a candle.  Very easy but with each different vase and candle holder you use you will get a completely different look.  you could change it up even more by using different bottles, bowls, glasses or plates.  You could spray paint them all one color to coordinate.  I can see a collection of these clustered together as a centerpiece.  Instead of the candle, fill with water and float a flower for a whole different look.



Crafting doesn't get any easier than this.




Callie always sits in the sink if I'm in the kitchen.  She told me she hadn't been in the blog lately and it was about time she was.



Business expo

Business partner KC and i decided a couple of months age to put together a showcase for home-based businesses in our area.  How hard could it be?  Well let's just day it was another steep learning curve for both of us.
1  Acess the need for what you want ot do.  Set a date and time.
2 Find a venue, hope it's free or cheap.
3 Put out as many feelers as you can for vendors.
4 Start marketing.  Press releaases, email, facebook, fliers.  Anything you can think of.
5 Invite anyone you know.  Send out emails to customers, family and friends.
6 Pray for good weather.
7 Prepare for the event.  Set up the building.  Make sure the basics are in place.  Food, drinks, heat, air conditioning and bathrooms are essential.
8 Work harder than this old body cares to do.
9 Enjoy.
10 Clean up and follow up.  Sleep for 11 hours straight.

Our vendors were great, the crowd not so much.  Everything you do helps you learn something new.  I know my bones resent standing for most of 7 hours.  I did really enjoy meeting new people and showing  our products.  How do we increase our crowd?  If you've got great ideas let me know.  KC and I both believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and that by joining together we all can be helped.  The local university has a great program for helping small businesses and most of it is free.  The local chamber, newspaper and economic development group seem to focus much more on bringing big business to the area than helping the little guys.  Is there a group out there that small and home-based businesses can join together in?
Will we do it again?  Ask again in a month.  Our vendors must have been happy, many of them asked to be notified if we do decide to do it again.
A huge thank you for all you vendors that participated.

junking finds

trays,  cute vase and great old looking hanging box.  I think I'll use it to hold files.

bowels, seam tape, tiny stool and a big bag of bottle stoppers.

Here are some treasures from my last junking ventures.  Grand total was $12 all at thrift stores that benefit churches or charities.