The Revival Of Vintage

The Revival of Vintage ~ Atlanta Spring 2013 Marketplace
This past weekend we stopped by The Revival of Vintage Spring show 
and scooped up these really great vintage finds:


1.2.3.4.5.
The Revival took place at the Goat Farm Arts Center, a rustic industrial space that hosts a multitude of art shows and performances.  The weather Saturday couldn't have been more perfect nor could the people have been any friendlier!
Vendors came from all over the country and there was a wide range of items and vintage finds for sale ~ truly something from everyone!  Here are a few of our favorites:

Curious Provisions

These one-of-a-kind rechargeable vintage suitcases are AMAZING!  While we didn't leave with one, I can assure you this is on my husband's Christmas list!  The design and sound quality was superb, and while I'm all about DIY, I can assure you there is no replicating these things ~ they're well worth the price!  Already have a vintage suitcase ~ no worries, they customize.  Be sure to check out there website here! 

Their eye for retro men's wear and vintage bow ties had us excited!  Be sure to check out there site for more about what they offer in consignment fashion!

One Unique
 This duo is super outgoing and has a shop in Canton, GA.  We found these vintage door pulls in their booth  and can't wait to put them to use.  Be sure to visit and like their Facebook Page for more information and directions to their shop.

Dixie Moon Vintage Rentals
 
What I love most about Dixie Moon is that they're a Vintage Rentals Company ~ perfect for weddings and intimate events!  They also sell select items, I took home these simple dish towels.  If you live in the Atlanta, Athens area be sure to check out their website and rental inventory!  

J. Drexler Designs
 I was super thrilled to find this vintage silver-plated platter.  Jessica specialized in jewelry and has an eye for unique finds.  We really liked her vintage trophy dog bowls shown above.  Be sure to check out her website!

Junque Sisters
 These two were so sweet and from the great state of Ohio.  After a brief conversation, a trip to Ohio is now imminent ~ I'm thinking Ohio is a vintage gold mine!  I scored the basket and tablecloth from them and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the two of them!  
Check out  their website here!

 Any vintage shows or festivals 
you're planning to attend this Spring?
We'd love for you to share them with us!

Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe

Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe
With golf season underway what better drink to celebrate yesterday's Master's Tournament, than an icy Arnold Palmer.  The traditional drink is a mix of ice tea and lemonade and for a simple twist on the classic drink, we used Luigi's Italian Ice.

For A 12 ounce Drink:
One 6 oz. Luigi's Italian Ice Lemon Flavor
2 tbsp. Simple Syrup
Hot Tea
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Sprig of Mint
*For an alcohol version, just add vodka*
To Make:
First brew a pot of Tea ~ we use a 3:1 ratio of Lipton to Constant Comment
While Tea is brewing, make simple syrup.
To make boil equal parts water and sugar over medium heat.
Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat.  Once tea is brewed remove from heat to cool, but don't ice ~ you want the tea warm, but not boiling.
In 12 oz glass, pour juice from half a lemon over mint ~ then place Luigi's Italian Ice in glass.
 Pour warmed tea over italian ice, let sit for about a minute until drink is icy cold.
Garnish with mint and Enjoy!  
 For an easy golf day menu pair with a classic Club Sandwich!


Bamboo Souvenir Tray

Vintage Find
Happy Happy Friday!
As you can tell from recent posts I am ready for warm weather, so I thought it only fitting to share these vintage bamboo souvenir trays with you.  While a little on the kitchy side, their retro flare would be perfect for serving drinks (the ones with the little umbrellas) or a fun addition to any coastal kitchen.  

What tropical inspired finds have you found?

Paper Napkins

With Summer not too far away, I'm always on the look out for cute summertime staples and with our recent Celebrate Spring post you know I love dining outdoors.  So when I spotted these cute paper napkins from Target for $1 (yes, I said $1) you better believe I bought multiples! I haven't spotted these online yet, so be sure to hit up your local Target before they're all gone!
I'm loving the pink and orange combo ~ great for a cheerful Mother's Day Brunch or a Lily Pulitzer inspired party.  I also found this Coral Perforated Table Runner from Target for $4.  Pair with simple white plates and  use lemons as a centerpiece for an easy table setting!
 
The blues and greens go great with our vintage Fiestaware.
Perfect for a poolside bash or tropical inspired dinner!  
Proving that simple additions to your table can make a big impact!
 What summertime staples are you currently on the lookout for?



How To Fold A Shirt



How To Fold A Shirt Using A Magazine
We've all seen them ~ those perfectly folded stacks of shirts in stores.  If you think the task is impossible for your own home, think again, it's as simple as using a magazine or catalog!  Most retailers use a plastic folding board ~ for the same effect just grab a magazine and follow our fool proof steps below.  Before you know it, you too will be folding like a pro!





Reader's Digest Books

 Happy Tuesday!  Today's 
are Vintage Reader Digest's Books.
I'm sure most of you have stumbled upon the old Reader Digest Books at some point.  I love the punchy colors and retro designs!  The colorful covers make for great accents around the house and will add personality to any bookshelf.  Most of ours have been purchased for $1-2 from our local Goodwill and Thrift Stores.  Anything under $1 is a real steal and frankly finding these for $5 or under is a good price.  

What $5 and under finds are you currently collecting? 

Backyard Fire Pit

 Although Spring is here, it sure doesn't feel like it in most parts of the country, and here in the South, this enjoyable cool weather will quickly turn hot and humid!.  
So to take advantage of this cool weather, 
we threw together a backyard fire pit for another al fresco dinner!  
The key to outdoor dining is to keep it simple!  String some lights for added ambiance, use blooming bushes for a colorful backdrop and light the table and path with candles.  The chairs were a thrift store find for $3 a piece and the rest were things we had in the house.  Dinner included hot dogs roasted over the fire and marshmallows for dessert! 
So whether a cozy dinner for two, or a family fun night, light a fire and 
Celebrate Spring in the great outdoors!

Easter Favor Bag

Chalkboard Favor Bags
These favor bags are easy to make and would be perfect as a personalized favor or a great addition to the kids table at Easter.  For the grownups, monogram and use them as a place card and for the kids, put a box of chalk in each one and let them decorate.

To Make You'll Need:
Muslin Bags ~ we purchased ours from Container Store
Chalkboard Paint
Cardstock Paper ~ we used an index card
Cardboard
Foam Paint Brush
Tape
Chalk and/or Chalk Pen
1.  Place cardboard inside muslin bag to prevent chalkboard paint from bleeding through.
2.  Cut out oval from cardstock to make stencil
3.  Center stencil to muslin bag, then tape down
4.  Using foam brush blot on chalkboard paint in thin coats to avoid bleeding through your stencil
5.  We gave ours two solid coats ~ then allowed it to dry completely
6.  Remove tape and stencil

7.  Remove cardboard from bag
8.  Condition chalkboard by rubbing the side of chalk on entire surface
9.  Wipe clean with wet wipe, then dry ~ now for the fun part!

Chalk is great for the kids and will allow for continuous decorating.  For a cleaner, sharper look the Chalk Ink works great, but doesn't wipe off as easily once dried completely ~ this would be ideal for monogrammed place cards and personalized favors.

What Easter Crafts are you planning to make next week?

Enjoy The Ride

I know everyone says their mom is amazing, but I have to say mine is truly one of a kind.  Caring, Kind, Thoughtful + Sweet, she always threw us these AMAZING Themed Birthday Parties as Kids (she still does now).  For her 50th Birthday we wanted to stay away from the drab and dreary Over the Hill.  Instead we were inspired by her Vintage Red Bike + decided on an Enjoy the Ride Theme!  We put together a couple Summertime Staples ~ A Lemonade Stand,  Gingham Table Cloth, Watermelon + Apple Pie.  And made stationary to go along with our Theme for this Birthday Party!
Our Lemonade Stand was inspired by Kristyn's from Lil' Luna.  Be sure to check out her cute blog + her amazing Vintage Lemonade Stand Tutorial.  The main alteration we made from Kristyn's project was we used Canvas rather than wood.  This way we were able to attach it to another table with double sided tape.  Making our Lemonade Stand a temporary one!

Super Easy ~ Cut canvas to length, tape off equal sections and paint stripes!  We made the banner with craft paper from Hobby Lobby.  And used the scraps to make colorful Pinwheels + Gift Tags.
The Lemonade Popscicles were found on Somewhere Splendid.  
These were super yummy and our new summertime favorite!  
Be sure to check out Maddy's Recipe to make your own!
For the Gift Bags + Guest Book Postcards (shown above), Brian sketched this scene ~ Bike, Hills + Lemon  Orchard.  Everyone colored their own + wrote a note to the Birthday Girl.
 The Table Cloth was simply Gingham Fabric from Hobby Lobby.  Burlap Gift Bags were Labeled with Chalkboard Sticky Tags.  Favors included nostalgic favorites like Silly Putty, Jacks + Bazooka Bubble Gum.
Happy Birthday to an Amazing Mom!! 


Like this post?  Then may we suggest this one as well:

Outside Dining

When it comes to Spring, there's nothing I love more than dining al fresco!  And when it comes to table decorating we like to keep it simple and intimate.  Potted herbs, a $4 table cloth and string lights make this outdoor table fuss free for a relaxing evening!  Scroll down below for an additional set up and buying guide.
For dinner, keep it simple with baked salmon over spinach.
Once the sun starts to set, light the candles, pour the drinks and enjoy the great outdoors! 
Set Up Guide
All too often we have outdoor furniture that we keep in one place all year round.  Mix it up and move the table to a back corner of your yard or near a recently planted garden.  String lights for additional ambiance and provide blankets to guests on chilly evenings.  Use seed packs for favors and plan a menu that's easy and fuss free!
Buying Guide
I love mixing old with new and when it comes to table decor it's no different.  The Blue and White Tablecloth ($4), Hurricanes ($1-5 each), Clay Pots($1 or less), Homer Laughlin Divided Plates ($2.50 each), and Silverplate Flatware were all vintage finds purchased from various antique and thrift stores.  The stripe throw was a floor sample purchased for $10 at West Elm.  The woven chargers were bought a couple years ago from Walmart.  The candles are from Pottery Barn Outlet and the herbs were purchased from Lowes.  

How do you plan to celebrate this Spring?


Glass Hurricane

I'm back with another
These are items I frequently come across at my local goodwill and thrift stores ~
and while prices can range per store and location, these items typically sell for $5 or less.
Glass Hurricanes
I see a ton of these out and about and have several myself.  My favorite place to find these are consignment shops.  The one above was marked $10 and dated May 2012 ~ for every month it sits idle, the shop takes 10% off, up to 90%.  So this hurricane cost me only $1!  Others I've purchased for $2-$3 with only one costing right at $5.  So again, with patience you can easily find these for $5 or less.
Look Out For & Cleaning Advice
Scratches & Chips
Regardless of price, be sure to search for broken pieces or heavily scratched surfaces.
To clean a little soap and water goes a long way.  For sticky residue goo-be-gone works well.  Any wax can be removed by freezing it ~ rub an ice cube over it, then scrape off.  Super hot water will then remove any remaining residue.
Uses
I love using these while dining al fresco ~ speaking of which, check back later today to see our Celebrate Spring Tabletop!


Easter Eggs

Dyed Easter Eggs Using Tea
When it comes to dying Easter eggs, there are so many options!  
For a simple organic look, it's as easy as looking in your kitchen pantry.
For Tea Stained Easter Eggs:
Bring water to a boil with several Lipton Tea Bags
Once a roiling boil, remove tea bags, place white eggs in water and boil for 10 minutes
Remove from heat and let rest another 10 minutes
Remove Eggs and allow to dry in original carton
Now for the fun part ~ Decorating Easter Eggs!
For our tea stained eggs I used a paint pen to decorate.
Get as creative as you want with monograms, polka dots and lattice work!


How do you plan to decorate your Easter Eggs this year?
  

How To Pick Out Silverplate Flatware

Silverplate Treasure Hunt
So you come across a pile of silverware with a sign saying $1 each.
At first glance it's old and dirty ~ yuck!  But don't let first impressions fool you!  
More than likely it may be more than what meets the eye.  
*   *   *
Pick one up, turn it upside down and read the engraving on the back.  
If it's STAINLESS it will say Stainless
If it's STERLING SILVER it will say Sterling (90% of the time)
*If you come across Sterling , BUY IT *
SILVERPLATE can be a little trickier, there are many different halmarks for silver and silverplate.  Some silverplate won't distinguish what it is and you can bet if it doesn't say Sterling or Stainless, more than likely it will be silverplate ~ or coin plate.  Other indicators of silverplate include engravings marked silverplate, plated and e.p.n.s.
*   *   *
OK, now that you know you've got silverplate, 
how do you determine what pieces are good when all of them are so tarnished?
Look at the pieces below, can you determine which piece has it's silver plate worn off?
 Yah!  If you picked the left serving piece you're correct!  
The other pieces are just tarnished and in need of some major TLC!
There are a couple key features to look for when picking out silver plate.
 The white arrows above show where the silver has worn off and now is exposing the core metal.  Polishing these won't get them back to their silver luster.  Pieces this worn are easy to expose ~ it's the ones with subtle wear that are harder to see when they're black from tarnish.  Focus on surface areas most used, for example the handles.  Another key area is highlighted by the dotted line above ~ the surface area that sits on the ground when the utensil is at rest.  Also look for heavy scratching and major dents. 
Before: 
 And After:

 Happy Hunting!