A Blast from the Past

Rummaging through a box of stuff from my youth, I came across this: 
MTV Top 20 Video Countdown, First Annual, 1984

Why I wrote this down and kept it, who knows? "Missing You" by John Waite was a favorite so perhaps that is why. Or, maybe just because it was the first. Or because I'm a huge dork. I recall sitting with my best friend and her brothers and sisters on their couch watching MTV when it was first introduced, curious about this hot new thing.

A few Etsy Picks from that era, including my newest 80's find for our shop:

80's double heart belt and Espirit top from Crabapple Vintage.

Someday, perhaps I'll share some photos of my Espirit outfit from high school.

Lisa Frank stickers! I still have a sticker book full of these and others, and was a bit giddy when I saw the collection at Anne's Accumulations.

My Little Pony from DoNotDestroy

Michael Jackson pin from VintageEyeFashion

Note: The wacky spacing is with Blogger, not just messiness on my part!

Your Funky Valentine - Hip Necklaces

I've been wanting to share a few necklace finds, am pondering a giveaway, and today came across some great cuff links (listed already!) that I want to share.

I'm not a huge fan of traditional Valentine's gifts. The coffee and toast (of his handmade, whole grain, sourdough) my hubby made for me this morning was a gift. But there are times when a new piece of jewelry is just the thing! I received an enamel necklace for the holidays from a local designer and am so happy with it. Here are a few handmade necklaces that are sure to please:

 Radish Sterling Silver and Fabric Necklace by 3Squares

Violet and Vintage Eco Felt Aster Necklace by akaCINDERS

Recycled Magnet Locket Set by Polarity

And here are the cuff links I found today. They are fun and beautiful as is, but I could also imagine them upcycled into new jewelry pieces.

Valentine's Surprises

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. There is still time to surprise your sweetie in style! Here are a few of my favorite ideas - for you. For me, I want dark chocolate dipped in dark chocolate with dark chocolate on top. ; )  

 Tea for Two from Crabapple Vintage

 

Antique Sewing Scissors with Strawberry Case from VintageEye

Fun, Upcycled Watch handmade by UndoneClothing

She has other colors and watch face styles to choose from. This one was my favorite.

Lovely vintage nightgown from Crabapple Vintage 

We have elegant and sassy lingerie in a variety of sizes - check it out!

A promise of beautiful things to come.....

"Summer is Coming" Fine Art Print by Lori411

Cookies!

I have cookies on my mind. Really. Always. But more so today. Yesterday, I came across a cookie cutter and almost bought it because it is the same one my grandmother used to make her frosted ginger cookies - a family obsession. For a while, I carried on the tradition, spending hours rolling dough, cutting shapes, and decorating ginger cookies. Her recipe was in her head and I lost my Better Homes & Gardens version (because for some reason I  ripped it out of the book), so I have turned to an easier, somewhat healthier, drop cookie version. 

A few essentials for the cookie baker:

A beautiful cookie jar!

Handmade by KbOriginalsetc

 (This would make a lovely birthday gift - hint! hint!)

A Mixing Bowl

Vintage from CUSTOMEYES

Or Three

 Handmade by Mud Stuffing

Spice Jars 

Vintage from Mira Elwell

  

And, Cookie Cutters! 

Vintage from Crabapple Vintage

Oh, you wanted to see the recipe, did you?

Ginger Molasses Cookies
¼ cup rolled oats
¼ cup canola oil.
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 TBSP blackstrap molasses
½ tsp vanilla
½ cup raisins (optional)
1 ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp powdered ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Process the oats in a food processor until they are the consistency of coarse flour. Put in a bowl with the raisins then whisk in remaining dry ingredients.  In a small bowl, mix oil, syrup, molasses and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix with a spatula until well incorporated.

Scoop batter in tablespoon sized dollops onto a  parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 10 mins. Rotate pans. Bake 4-5 mins more. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5-6 minutes before moving to cooling rack.

Once thoroughly cooled, frost with maple cream.

Coats to Carry You from Winter to Spring

Here are a few great "shoulder season" coats from Crabapple Vintage. Snag them now to wear through Spring and be ready for Fall. Mention that you saw them on my blog in the "message to seller" and get 10% off!

This coat is probably my favorite find ever. I literally zoned in on it from across a room and my heart raced when I checked it out. It is gorgeous and nearly flawless.

Also, in great shape. I love the look of this coat. It is youthful and confident and would look great with jeans and boots.

This jacket is so pretty and also nearly flawless. My camera and navy blue don't mix but I will try to take more flattering photos as the current ones do NOT do it justice.

Cute retro red jacket with juicy red buttons!

TINYcrush Society and More....

Check out this Ebay auction to benefit Haiti, and while your at it, BID ON THIS DRESS from TINYcrush Society. It's a great deal and a great dress.

 

Rather goofy pics of me in the brown version.

It is my favorite piece of clothing. It fits and flatters, is comfortable, washable, wrinkle free, and great looking, too.

Other designers whose pieces I like:

 by IslaNewYork

by Malam

by JaneBonBon

Valentine's Gift Ideas for Boys

Men like presents, too!  Here are a few Valentine's Day ideas from our shop and others. Click on the image to view the item in the shop.


The Thoughtful Gift:

Two vintage mugs along with his favorite coffee, tea, or cocoa. Also great for "cocoa with a secret" (add a little coconut rum).

The Hipster Gift:

Simple, clean, retro look and red & white for Valentine's Day.

The Boomerang Gift:

You give it to him, but it's really for you!

Another Thoughtful Gift:

Turquoise 16oz Pint Glass, handmade by Page Pottery.

This is amazing!

The Romantic Gift:

Make him his favorite dinner on these BBQ themed plates from Cottage Farm. Or, make dinner together!