Vintage Linens 'n' Things...

Traveled last Friday to spend the day with my youngest daughter who lives two hours away.  What fun! :) We hit a few regular (retail and discount) shops and then stopped in two thrift stores.  I found these cute handkerchiefs and doily there.  Was thinking I could use them as pockets for more aprons to be made.  The one with pink butterfly trim is actually a beautiful dark blue, which did not show up well in this photo.

Also found this cute vintage apron at one of the thrift shops.  It is hanging in my laundry area - full of clothespins.

While we are on clothespin bags... At an estate sale some time ago I found this vintage embroidered clothespin bag.  There is a rip down one side.  Whoever did the needlework did not use regular embroidery floss, but something thicker and more glossy.  It really is lovely.  Been trying to decide how to use it.  Not sure it is up to holding clothespins any longer.

Here is a close-up of the needlework.  Isn't it lovely? Still the color is not as brilliant as in reality.

Not doing crazy amounts of thrifting lately, hardly any at all really.  It was fun to get out again with my younger daughter and look for hidden treasures.  Scheduled to yard sale with my oldest daughter soon.  Hopefully, I'll have more pics of bounty to share.  How about you?  Found any wonderful treasures recently?

Blessings, Leah :)

Make Your Own Iced Coffee ...

I am trying not to drink coffee right now, or not too much of it anyway, but came across this recipe for making your own iced coffee.  Some fork out $4-$5 regularly for these delicious treats, but here is a link that instructs you on how to make your own.  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/perfect-iced-coffee/  The Pioneer Woman is a great site for many reasons ... recipes, garden, home, etc.  After you have checked out her Iced Coffee instructions hit her home and peruse through her blog ... kind of fun.  Hope you are well!

Blessings, Leah :)

Not Your Average Cellists...

A friend posted the below link on Facebook.  Thought you might enjoy a little energetic cello playing. :)


http://wimp.com/junglecellos/

Made Another Apron....

Well, it appears that I am on an apron-making run.  Made another apron yesterday from a vintage pink floral pillowcase.  It is rather on the long side, which was necessary to preserve the pattern.



To form pockets I cut slits above the middle pattern on each side and finished with bias tape and lining.  The length of the apron and distance of pockets from waist make this apron great for tall gals.  Not a good fit for me at 5'2".

I could get into this apron making thing.  It is fun to figure out how to construct them from lovely vintage linens.  Next I have a vintage embroidered clothes pin bag that I plan to use as the bib for a full apron.  I think it will go well with a vintage floral duvet from which fabric can be used for the skirt.  I'll keep you posted on progress.

Spoil those fathers today.  Hubby received a steak dinner last night as early celebration of Father's Day.  Blessings to all, Leah :)

Pillowcase Apron...

I have had these lovely vintage pillowcases for some time and wanted to make something from them.  Before making the full apron in yesterday's post I googled "vintage apron patterns" and found a tutorial on how to make one from an old pillowcase.  I made mine differently, putting interfacing in the band, gathering the skirt and I have not added a pocket yet.  I am waiting for the right vintage doily or handkerchief.  What do you think?  I still have another aqua and white pillowcase and two pink/green/white ones as well.  I may be on an apron making run. :)

Apron Made From Vintage Curtain Panel...

A friend of mine gave me some miscellaneous fabric, etc., in which I found a single vintage curtain panel.  It's fabric was so sweet I knew I wanted to make it into something.

Thought about making a half apron, but I am a messy cook.  Since the panel was long enough I decided to make a full apron.  Used a fabric handle I had cut and saved from a disposable bag for the neck strap and a very long shoelace of which I had just one for the ties.  The triangles I cut from the top sides I sewed together and trimmed to make a pocket.  Top of the apron and pocket are gathered already from the curtain's original construction.

Here's the finished product in use. Sorry, no make-up or prepped hair for this photo.  It's was a stay-at-home day.

For All You Dog and Cat Lovers...

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible.. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, some consider dogs and cats better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ...

Beautiful Cakes...

My niece is very creative and makes beautiful cakes with a friend of hers.  On her blog she posted about a wedding cake they made recently for some friends.  Cute, heh?

You can find her blog here: http://howdrearytobesomebody.wordpress.com/

Have a blessed day! :)

Shells and Flowers...

On Sunday my blogging friend,  Barabara, posted a simple picture of a solitary shell.  She posts beautiful pictures.  Thanks, Barbara. :)  Anyway, it reminded me of the shells I found at the beach last month and have placed on a shelf near our front door.  Here they are:

You can find Barbara's blog here: http://warmwoollenmittens.wordpress.com/

One of the shells has a lacy plastic looking something on it.  Do not have any idea what it is, but thought it was lovely.  Here is a close-up of it:

We also celebrated Mother's Day while at the beach.  I received a basket full of fun spa type items, some edible goodies, the Human Planet DVD series and these sweet flowers one of my daughters made from felt and fabric scraps.

Here is a close-up of them...

Also wanted to show you this unique item I picked up at a church rummage sale.  Someone had placed a silk daisy in an old glass doorknob.  It now sits on the shelf next to my shells.

Have you come across many creative craft ideas lately?

Love and Blessings, Leah

Family Photos....

While at the beach a friend of my daughter did a family photo shoot for us.  Here are some of the shots, untouched as yet.  I thought they turned out pretty well.  I've been wanting a new family photo to frame for home so here we go.  It was actually quite fun, minus the sun shining in our eyes.  Family... love them, enjoy them and tell them you do, as often as possible.

You Are A Gift...

A friend shared this quote recently on Facebook.   I loved it.  Hope you do too.

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."— Albert Einstein

I believe everyone has a gift.  Sometimes we just need a little help finding it.  Have a great weekend!

The Brooklyn Parrots...

The sweet little bird pictured in my blog title is a Quaker Parrot.  Originally from Argentina, it seems a batch of them were accidentally released in the New York area in the late 1960's and have increased considerably.  There is even a website dedicated to these feathered friends here: http://www.brooklynparrots.com/2005/03/what-are-wild-parrots-doing-in.html 

I read in one of their more recent posts that the UK is trying to rid themselves of them since they are not native to the area.  I love birds, but do understand that introducing new species can result in harmful affects on the native populations.  Do not know if that is the case here or not.  Just found the pics and wanted to share them as another example of God's beautiful creations.

 In Florida we have a vast array of birds and have fostered wild baby birds several times - a lot of work, but fun to watch them grow and then release them.

Birds add such beauty and joy to every day.  I love to sit on my back patio and listen to and, when possible, watch them.  Do you have a favorite bird?  I think mine is the mourning dove.  I so enjoy their peaceful call. Hope you are able to experience some of these beautiful creatures today!

Blessings to you and yours,  Leah

Old Fashioned Coffee Pudding Recipe - German

 

Found it here:

http://www.tasteofhome.com

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (my daughter's recipe used corn starch instead of flour)
• Pinch salt
• 2 cups cold strong coffee
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped until stiff
• Additional whipped cream, optional
• Shaved bittersweet chocolate, optional

Directions

• In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Gradually stir in
• coffee and egg yolks. Heat over low, stirring constantly, until
• thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Cool. Fold in
• whipping cream. Chill. Garnish with additional whipped cream and
• chocolate if desired. Yield: 4 servings.

Prep: 15 min. + chilling 

 

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 214 calories, 14 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 147 mg cholesterol, 54 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 3 g protein. 

 

"This pudding was handed down from my husband's great-grandmother. To give an idea of how old this recipe is, it was translated from her German script found in a old ledger when she'd collected favorite recipes from her friends. It's a bona fide and delicious "antique". The only modern touch that I've added to it is the option of using decaffeinated coffee." ... quote listed with recipe at Taste of Home web site.