Tie your apron strings!

Those who know me well, know that I LOVE vintage aprons! I have such a collection that I could open up my own museum...well, maybe not that many...I have been weeding them out. But I do have a couple of favorites that I wear most days.

I bought this sweet one at an estate sale. It is red with white polka-dots and has a sweatheart neckline edged in black ric-rack. This week I used this apron as a pattern to make one for my sweet neighbor, Bobbi Jo. (click on any photo to enlarge.)

I dug around in my vintage tablecloth collection and found some cheerful fabric that would match her disposition (and also her RED kitchen.)

I used extra large red ric-rack around the neckline and added a flouncy ruffle at the bottom. It only took me about 3 hours total to complete. (That's REALLY fast for me because I am NOT a seamstress!) She will look so cute in it, tending to her husband and 5 children!

Lately, we've had some beautiful sunny days that make me believe that Spring is TRUELY on the way! When the weather is like that, I get a hankerin' for being outside, working on furniture.

I've lived with this little brown secretary table now for about 6 years and never liked the color. I dragged it out front, found a can of paint in the basement and started at it. I really like how it turned out. White is so plain and simple and clean.

Sorry the pic is kinda lame with the junk under it but you get the general idea.

Last week I was cruising Craigslist and came across a vintage refriderator...white with pink interior for $25!!!! I immediately borrowed a truck, grabbed my helpers and drove 1 hr north in the rain to pick it up! It is in the cottage now but I don't have any pics yet because it needs to be cleaned up. Bubba said, "It works real good. It was out here in the barn and I only used it for jerky and beer." ;)

Spring Sales! Bring on the Junque!

WooHoo! The sun is shining and it's almost time for Garage Sale season! My spare change is burning a hole in my pocket so I had to get out to the local Thrift Store (that I haven't been to since before Christmas, thank-you very much!) to see what I could find!

Here is a set of 4 vintage ashtrays edged in gold with pretty rosebuds on them. We'll use them as soy sauce trays on sushi nights. I learned this trick from my very clever sister. She uses a beautiful set of crystal ashtrays. The little divet in the edge is perfect for resting your chopsticks. $1 for the set.

A cute souvenier bracelet and unusual Madonna & Child cameo brooch for $1.50.

$3.50 for a lovely vintage floral table cloth.

.60 cents for some great vintage Princess rub-on transfers! I just painted our secretary table white and I think these would look "just right" on the drawers.

My best score today was definitely these vintage greeting cards for $2.00! Click any photo to enlarge.

Here are some close-ups of the sweetest ones!

A mini-card of the puppy in the forefront pulls out completely from behind the gate. He is pulling a wagon full of posies with a tag that says, "For You!"

Look at the adorable illustration inside!

This whimsical thank you card opens up to reveal a paper honeycomb mushroom! Fairyland!

I love this one the best...a petite baby card on see-thru acetate printed in white with birds delivering the little bundle through the clouds. The blanket folds open with the greeting and a tiny chickie inside. It's so delicate...makes me want a new baby to cuddle!

How is your treasure hunting going??

Can't wait for Easter!

I know Lent just started but I can't help looking forward to Easter! I am so ready to spot sprouting daffodils and forsythia bushes. I am tired of looking out my window and seeing grey, grey, GREY! I must say that we did have a lovely powdered-sugar snowfall yesterday that helped ease the doldrums...especially when I woke up this morning to see the sun shining on it making it look like fairies had sprinkled glitter on it over night!

In my image-googling today, I found some great Easter recipes that I'd like to try! Check out the following:

Easter Bunny Rolls
by Marye at bakingdelights.com. The photo and recipe are from a vintage BetterHomes and Gardens magazine!

Marye also shares her recipe for Resurrection Cookies. Great for teaching kids the true meaning of Easter! Have your Bible handy.

Garrie Rouse posted this picture of his wife Monica's Easter Bunny biscuits. Aren't they cute? He says she uses chives for the whiskers and dried cranberries for the eyes.

Here's one more little photo I ran across that looks like a simple way to morph canned biscuits in to bunnies. I think I'll try it.

Have fun decorating and preparing for your Easter celebrations! He is Risen indeed!