Vintage Indie

Kentucky Life: Ft. Wright Baby Fights for Life and New Heart

Friends and fellow homeschoolers, the Kalapasevs.

 

 

Ft. Wright baby fights for life and new heart.

Through the Lens: Flowers of Spring

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

{Inspired by Spring Flowers }

 

Things are greening up here, I'm enjoying the lush green, the buds on the trees and I'm itching to plant flowers.

For now I'll enjoy these beautiful images by Angie Turner.

Pansies

Black-Eyed Susan

Hyacinth

 

Shop for these gorgeous prints at Angie Gets Personal and keep spring flowers in your home year-round. 

 

Photographs © Angie Turner

Vintage Hot Spot: Logan Antique Mall Logan, Ohio (Hocking Hills)

During our recent stay in Hocking Hills, it just so happened after leaving a very delicious restaurant (more on that later) we stumbled upon a sign that read antique mall. With the rainy weather and our love for antiques and vintage it was a perfect surprise. I'm pretty sure I squealed! 

 

For the next three hours, yes you read that right, three hours, we strolled the packed isles of the Logan Antique Mall.

The front porch, as long as the building was full of flea market priced goods.

It was glorious. The familiar smell of well loved treasures and worn edges on many pieces of furniture and glassware made for a super fun treasure hunt for hubbs and me.

Outdoor treasures.

Isle after isle we took our time as our eyes gazed on some fantastic finds. I would have loved to take home this display case.

Vintage and Antique cameras were plenty at this store.

A very full glass case of all kinds of flashlights. I've never seen so many antique flashlights all in one place. It made for a cool display.

I want this pink phone! It was $90.00 a little out of my price range for our kitchen phone.

Although this picture doesn't do the mall justice, it is very well lit and organized.

Lots of yummy milk bottles.

For information and hours visit the Logan Antique Mall Website.

 

Family Travels: New Column Family Friendly Destinations - Dreamscape Hideaway Logan, Ohio

Welcome to Family Travels, our newest column here at Vintage Indie. Word of mouth seems to be the best form of choosing a vacation spot or rental, and we hope that you'll visit Vintage Indie in the future when you are searching out a location for you or your family to stay in the Eastern part of the United States (possibly Western in the future).

Our first review is located in Logan, Ohio, also home to Hocking Hills, Old Man's Cave and 9 state parks.  

Dreamscape Hideaway April 2011

As we pulled up to the rocky driveway, the car lights flashed on the front of the log home nestled by the woods. Our getaway that landed us in Logan, Ohio for the first time was about to begin.

Hubby got out of the car and went to check it out. As a good hubby does, he went inside without me to make sure everything was safe for our unpacking, promising not to disclose any details.

Front porch of Dreamscape Hideaway with the most comfortable porch swing.

As I opened the door to the front of Dreamscape Hideaway, soft spa-like music filled the room creating a relaxing feeling all over me. I knew our weekend of a much needed husband-wife getaway had begun. The glow from the chandelier filled the large room to the top of the 20 feet ceilings creating a warm glow. Hubby flickered on the gas fireplace, and we both looked at each other and smiled. We thought this place couldn't get any better, but it certainly did.

Second living area, with a see through fireplace through the next room.

Like little kids, we darted from room to room commenting on everything we saw. The kitchen was so clean, as a matter of fact Dreamscape Hideaway was the cleanest rental place we have ever stayed in. The stainless steel appliances sparkled as well as the shiny espresso maker, eureka! I was determined to learn how to make a cappuccino.  

Open Floor view from the Loft

The entertainment center and flat screen T.V. offered over 100 movies to choose from, as well as games and books. As we made our way to the bedrooms we were surprised with the details in each room. Super soft sheets, luscious down pillows, a breakfast in bed tray filled with freshly baked cookies. It seems as if Leona, the owner, thought of every detail to make you feel as if you were in a 5 star hotel, but more like home in her cabin.

Loft Bedroom

Loft Bathroom with Jacuzzi Tub.

The weekend boasted a lot of rain, thunderstorms and lightning, but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves. Locked up in a cabin for a couple of days with the one you love is often needed to refresh your marriage.  It helps to remind each other how good the two of you really are when it's just the two of you. When the lightning settled, we found our way into the hot tub situated privately on the back porch where the trees, birds and nature greeted you. The soft sound of the rain pattering on the roof made for ultimate relaxation.

View of the woods from the hot tub. The birds and wildlife made for a wonderful experience.

Although we didn't get to visit the acclaimed rock formations of Old Man's Cave, or any of the outdoor offerings, we did find ourselves in bliss.  The cabin is situated within minutes of a delicious BBQ restaurant, and to our surprise, many antique malls. We had a blast!

 

Last minute, I decided to pack some food for us prior to leaving. The rain was unrelenting and I didn't know how I would feel traveling around looking for every meal. It turned out to be a perfect decision. Saturday morning, I found myself making breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen that includes a wonderful view of the woods from the window. With the porch screen door opened, fresh air filled the room. I didn't feel at all stressed with having to cook on our getaway.

 

 The beautiful table-scape provided a perfect setting for a home cooked meal, but we decided to dine outdoors on the covered back porch instead. If you're looking to grill out while you stay, Dreamscape offers a very clean grill on their covered porch, as well as a picnic table.

If you're inclined to do so, and the weather permits, the nearby fire pit would make a fun addition to your stay for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

Dreamscape Hideaway is not your typical cabin in the woods, but a paradise for husband and wife getaways, girlfriend getaways, family trips and whatever other excuse you can find to visit. The surroundings are a bonus, but not necessary if you want to just lock yourselves in for a weekend of peace and quiet. We found the drive to only be 2 1/2 hours from our Northern Kentucky location right outside Cincinnati. Perfect for a weekend trip and drive.

We truly appreciate the hospitality of Dreamscape Hideaway Cabin owner, Leona, for providing the cabin to us for the weekend. We hope you've enjoyed our review of the cabin, and encourage you to look to Dreamscape Hideaway for your next vacation spot.


Click to Visit Dreamscape Hideaway to book your stay!


Leona Doughty is also a professional photographer by day, and has photographed two books of her other love, Hawaii. I'll be back soon to highlight those books, and we'll get to know the owner of Dreamscape Hideaway a little better.

 

Truth in Review: Owner of Dreamscape Hideaway did provide us with accomidations in exchange for our review.  We were not paid for our review, any contents of our review or required any certain context within the review. We speak truly from our hearts and hope that you and your family will gain trust from Vintage Indie Family Travels Column so that you may enjoy your vacation, and find the right place for your and your family to stay.  All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial

Visit our Disclaimer for more info.

Vintage Crush: Vintage Coat Hangers

Contributing Editor, Elizabeth Holcombe is here with one of her most favorite recent vintage finds, wooden coat hangers. 

When I go to estate sales I find myself searching the closets, not for clothes, but for vintage hangers with writing on them!
Recently, I found two:





One is from a cleaners and the other is from an infamous Washington, DC hotel!





Other than using these wonderful vintage hangers for hanging clothes, I use them for hanging lengths of ribbon, displaying vintage clothes (such as my old Girl Scout uniform!), and for hanging art with clothespins. I know you can come up with lots of other fun uses! Vintage hangers are often overlooked at estate sales and you can usually snap them up for a dollar or less, even free!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

 

I'd love to hear what you are crushing on! Send us your recent vintage finds, we'd love to see what you've scored lately. - Gabreial

Through the Lens: Ranunculus

Hello friends! I've just returned from an amazing weekend getaway with my hubby celebrating our anniversary. I have a lot to share with you and plan to do so in the next few days. It was one of the most perfect trips, and it rained almost all weekend!

For now, some brightly colored inspiration.

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

{Inspired by Ranunculus }

These are my favorite flower, captured beautifully by Ciao Bella Photography

Purchase these gorgeous prints at Ciao Bella Photography

 

Photographs © Ciao Bella Photography

What is your favorite flower?

 

Visit our Featured Sponsor MagnetStreet Weddings to Win $100: Easter Egg Hunt

Our Featured Sponsor MagnetStreet is having a fun giveaway over at their blog. Visit the link below to see how to "play".

Win $100: Easter Egg Hunt.

Visit the link below to see MagnetStreet's Spring Wedding Inspiration Board.

 

The Daily Swank: Three Red Apples

I'm loving all of the details that Annabelle uses in her work at Three Red Apples.

Visit her shop to see more of her "textile doodles" as she calls them. Charming!

Three Red Apples

Instant Collection: Antique Ironstone

 

 Antique Ironstone

Create your instant collection at Zinnia Cottage.

Through the Lens: Farm Life by Amanda Keaton

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

{Inspired by Farm Life }

 

Amanda Keaton seems to capture the beauty of the farm in such a peaceful way. Simply beautiful.

Visit AmandaRaeK for prints and more of her beautiful work.

 

© Photos Copyright Amanda Keaton

Vintage Hot Spot: Tour & Interview Sweet Things Vintage Texarkana, AR

 

Welcome to another Vintage Hot Spot! We are so excited to be sharing with you a tour of Sweet Things Vintage Antique Mall filled to the brim with vintage goodies and authentic antiques. Please help me welcome Becky Sweet, owner of Sweet Things Vintage. 

 

Front of the store showing one of our local historic homes across the street.  We are in a historic area of Texarkana, AR

 

When did you open? Is there a story about why you opened?

I am Becky Sweet.  I started business in January of 2005 and quickly directed my focus on Vintage Costume Jewelry.  In my former career I was a stock broker and financial advisor and worked teaching State Employees how to invest for retirement.  It never would have occurred to me then that antiques can be a nice investment...but, now I wouldn't invest in much else! I moved back to my home town of Texarkana in August of 2006 when my daughter started college, to be closer to my parents who had just retired from the electronics business after 40 years.  The building we are in was their store. 

We have 6000 square foot, most of which is showrooms.

Mom got interested in my Jewelry business after I moved back and started helping me almost daily.  She especially enjoyed our road trips when we would go hunting for new stock.  May 8th of 2008, we opened Sweet Things Vintage in the old store building as an antique mall...Mom was tired of retirement!   After we'd been open a year, Dad retired a second time...he had been a full time volunteer at a local homeless shelter after deciding that retirement wasn't much fun sitting on the couch!  And, since then he has joined Mom & I and has become our "picker" going to estate and garage sales, auctions and responding to newspaper ads.  He is still learning, but brings in some wonderful things for us to sell.  One of the best things for me about the store is spending time doing something fun with my parents...and keeping them active and interested!

Just as you come in the door...and yes, the Barber Chair is the same model as that recently seen on Pawn Stars complete with the head rest that they had to pay $1000 to replace!  This one is beautifully restored.

A booth belonging to our elegant glass specialist.  She has a wonderful selection of Cambridge and Heisey.  She also has an online store on Cyberattic called Glass Amigos. 

What is your shop address?

We are located at the corner of East 7th and Pecan at 620 E. 7th St in Texarkana, AR...in the old Tape Village building for the locals.

Vendor booth filled with advertising collectibles.  This Vendor is a collector and knows his stuff!

 

What are your hours?
We are open 4 days a week from 10-5 Wednesday through Saturday. Our online stores are, of course, open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day for your shopping pleasure!

 

This vendor is in her 70's and has been doing this for a very long time, so has a great eye!

 

Top End Vintage Costume Jewelry

What are some of your favorite items?

My personal favorites are the jewelry and the Duck Decoys...isn't that a strange mix?  I also love the vintage glassware and cookie jars.

A collection of duck decoys.  My Dad has been a member of Ducks Unlimited for more than 35 years and won many awards for his work for the Ducks.

What is it that you love about vintage & antiques?

The BEST thing about vintage and antiques is when they connect you to your past.  Things like Grandmother used to have are just special.  Those things take us out of our too stressed lives and take us back to when a hot cookie was the best thing on earth.  And, sparkly things make me happy.  A strand of beautiful crystals on a rainy winter day can just bring a little sunshine in when winter has overstayed it's welcome.

Second photo is a booth with high end collectibles that can be seen in our other Ebay Store Sweet Things Vintage

Is shopping indie and small businesses important to you? If so, why?

The nice thing about vintage and antique from my standpoint is that it can't be done in a Big Box store.  It's always going to be a Mom & Pop...and those type stores are a dying breed.  Soon, we'll be the only ones left.  There is something very special about walking into a store and knowing the faces and knowing that they will know your name.  You get a sense of a place where you know you will have respect and appreciation and not be just another faceless wallet.

Above; Our furniture showroom, but the glass on the table is part of a new acquisition of a collection of 45 pieces of American Brilliant Cut Glass.

Fourth is the Perennial Favorite White Wicker that we try our best to keep in stock whenever we can find it.

 

We have tons of Art!  From vintage prints and Ducks Unlimited to LeRoy Neiman and Bev Doolittle!

Anything else you would like to add?

Maybe a financial tip for the young. :)  Buy vintage!  Not only is it likely to be less expensive, but it will usually be better quality and it will appreciate in value...so, shop those antique malls for your home furnishings and decor items.  You'll love the unique beauty of your home when you do...and be building a portfolio of investments!

 

A special thank you to Becky Sweet for giving us a tour into your wonderful store. Visit Sweet Things Vintage online too!

Swanky Swag Giveaway: Enter to Win a $25.00 Gift Certificate from April421

Lovely things to adorn you or your home is April421 

Enter to win a $25.00 Gift Certificate.

The RULES:
You must be 18 or older to enter (void where prohibited)

To enter:

• REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit April421 find an item that you would purchase if you won the $25.00 Gift Certificate and post a comment with their URL of the item  in the body of your comment.

• For additional entries, publish this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter or Blog. Please come back here to comment and leave a link for those entries.

• Entry Deadline: You have until FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2011.

• SATURDAY one winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email, so check those boxes for the winner announcements!

• The winner will have 24 hours to respond with their mailing address or the prize will be forfeited to the next random winner.
  
• We'll announce the winner next Monday!

All giveaways are open to US & Canadian entries only unless otherwise noted.

Would you like to sponsor a giveaway? Please contact me for more info.

 

Making the Most of Monday: Owie. On My Bookshelf. In My Kitchen

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owie, can you say that three times fast? I'm still in recovery mode after having my wisdom teeth removed on this fine sunny Monday. I'm not at all happy that they came out. I'm not even sure how necessary it was for all three to go, but the pressure for wisdom teeth removal these days is quite ridiculous and insurance covers more, the more teeth you have out. Go figure! While I'm trying to get some rest and home school my two children I've also been busy with a couple of projects.(doesn't sound like a lot of resting going on, but hubby has been graciously picking up the slack for me everywhere else, I'm a lucky gal!)

Projects, well reading for one. I can't seem to stop. Does anyone out there have this problem? On my bookshelf The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. If you've seen Food Inc. you should know some of what the first half of the book is about, but the second half has been very eye opening. I recommend this book if you'd like to know some straight facts into the "organic" world of marketing, processing and the organic side of food. I'm not on board with all of Michael Pollan's evolutionist views, but the food facts I appreciate.

Yesterday, I mustered up some strength and focus to finally make our first sourdough recipe from our "monster" aka our sourdough starter. We've been feeding him faithfully and we're excited to be in the kitchen experimenting.

Gnowfglins "Embracing "God's Natural, Organic, Whole Foods, Grown Locally, In Season"  Sourdough eCourse has been fabulous. The waffles turned out light, fluffy, buttery and so so good! The boys have really learned a lot about natural cultures, lactobacilli bacteria and the process of traditional sourdough. When I wake up they remind me to feed the monster, keep an eye on his bubbles and inhale his delicious smell. We're giving pizza dough a try tonight and hope to be on our way to making bread by next week. Baby steps! If you're looking to get a start on baking your own bread and get away from as much processed foods as you can, I highly recomend Gnowfglins. I appreciate what these ladies stand for and their love of teaching traditional ways.

 

What about you? How is your Monday going? Have you read The Omnivore's Dilemma? What did you think? Any good book reccomendations for me?

xoxo Gabreial

What You Make of It: A Spring Forest with Dyed Bottle Brush Trees

 Create a springtime forest for your Easter or spring decor!

First, you'll need those dark green bottle brush trees you can find at craft or hobby stores. Get the ones with natural bristles, not plastic ones.

Second, in a glass bowl, mix three parts water and one part bleach.

Third, put your bottle brush trees into the mixture and watch them fade! When the trees are free of the dark green, rinse off the bleach and set them aside. They don't have to dry as they will be going back into the water soon!

Fourth, get some ordinary food colors (I get mine from the dollar store). Fill various bowls with water and add white vinegar to the water (1 T. of vinegar to 1 cup of water). Mix. Then add drops of food coloring as directed on the package. Put your trees in the bowls and let them soak until the tree is the desired color you want. Soak longer for a darker color.

Fifth, remove trees from dye. Give them a quick rinse to remove vinegar smell. Some of the dye will come off, but that's OK. Allow trees to dry.

To display you may want to set your trees in vintage plastic nut cups as seen in the photo.

 

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

I love this idea Elizabeth! I can imagine a whole mantle filled with these adorable trees.

VI Headliner: Sponsor Feature Leslie Janson

I would like to welcome Leslie Janson back to Vintage Indie as an April sponsor. We are thrilled to have Leslie and her beuatiful designs represented here.

My parents have a lovely screened in back porch that would house these pillows beautifully. Just in time for spring and summer grainsack pillows make a fresh addition. You can find these and many more styles at Leslie Janson.

 

Thanks so much Leslie for your support of Vintage Indie!

 

Plan Ahead Events: Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market NY 12582 April 17th & More

This photo of the Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market looks huge! I'd love to know if you visit the show on Sunday! Send your snapshots to me!

APRIL 17, 2011

Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market
428 Route 216
Stormville, NY 12582

More dates for the rest of the year can be found at the Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market website.

Jewelry & Accessories: SD Marie Jewlery

Handmade Crush

There were too many things that I truly loved at SD Marie Jewlery. To see the rest of what I didn't show you here, visit SD Marie Jewlery on Etsy!

Through the Lens: Blossoms

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography }

{Inspired by Blossoms }

This one is my favorite. Aren't the colors amazing! 

Shop for these prints at JennJenn

© Jenn Vargas Penny Pixel Photography

 

Vintage Crush House & Home: I need this, I could adopt her.

Sometimes bloggers refer to their dress forms as "real people". They even give them quirky names.

I could do that with this piece of furniture from The Painted Cottage.

Isn't she dreamy!

The Painted Cottage

Through the Lens: Catherine ANN decor

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography } {Inspired by Vintage Cameras }

 

Catherine ANN decor " Vintage Art for the Modern Home"

 

TITLE: "Before the modern camera, there was vintage"
SIZE: 12x12

SHOP Prints: Catherine ANN decor

© Catherin ANN decor

Organic & Whole Living: How to Make Cultured Butter

Back in the good ole' days, I remember in 4th grade making homemade butter. We were reading Little House in the Big Woods Laura Ingalls Wilder at the time and learning about the process of how the Ingalls family made things at their homestead. (You all remember them playing with the pig's bladder right? I won't forget that either!)  I remember the day we learned about churning butter. The teacher brought in heavy cream, a ball glass pint jar and some salt. She added all of the ingredients into the jar and gave each one of us (I think there was at least 20 of us) a chance to shake the jar for a few seconds. By the time it reached the last student we had butter!

I remember her opening that jar and spreading fresh butter onto crackers for each of us. I can still remember the creamy and slightly salty taste. I've often thought back on that memory and wished to create my own butter at home. This time I'm more savvy about natural milk, and where my heavy cream comes from. I've also read up on cultured butter and the benefits of it.

Just in case you haven't heard of the term cultured butter, cultured butter is delicious butter created naturally by fermenting the butter. From Wikipedia -  "Butter made from a fermented cream is known as cultured butter. During fermentation, the cream naturally sours as bacteria convert milk sugars into lactic acid. The fermentation process produces additional aroma compounds, including diacetyl, which makes for a fuller-flavored and more "buttery" tasting product."

 

  If you've never tried your hand at making it from scratch, you really should give it a go. It's tangy, creamy, and oh so buttery!

Ingredients:

•  Natural Heavy Cream (that hasn't been pasteurized) Make sure you are getting your cream from a farmer that keeps his milking process clean.I've read about other recipes for making cream with buttermilk, sour cream, creme fresh, but this recipe covers the natural cream method.
• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt (or your salt of choice)
• Time

Pour your cream into a glass dish, and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 ours until you have a mildly sour cream.  This can also be done by allowing your natural cream to sour in the refrigerator but it takes longer. I used about two cups of heavy natural cream for this batch.

 

When you start to notice your cream beginning to look thick, and pull away from the edges with a slight sour smell, you'll know it's ready for making butter. 

Put your "soured cream" into the fridge until chilled.

Once your cream has chilled, pour it into the bowl of a food processor.

 

Start pulsing your cream, scraping down the sides if necessary until the cream begins to separate.

Once the separation has occurred, give it a couple more pulses just to make sure you've allowed all of the cream to give off it's whey. Now pour off as much whey as you can and add the butter to a clean bowl.

This next process is known as "washing & kneading" the butter. I like to use a wooden spatula to do the kneading and fresh filtered water. I want to make sure my butter is getting the best possible care.

Continue to use the spatula to knead your butter and wash it, dumping the "milky water & whey" off between each washing. 

Once your butter yields no more milky water and the water is clean after a good kneading, you know you're done washing. Make sure all of the cloudy water is out of your butter, this is an important step to insure healthy longer lasting butter.

At this point you can mix in your pink Himalayan salt to taste or leave unsalted.

You can choose to add your butter to a mold, roll it in parchment paper and make a log or add it to your favorite vintage dish. My hubby added this piece of Blue Sapphire Fire King to my collection last year for my birthday. It makes a perfect butter dish.

This type of butter is great for spreading on freshly baked sourdough bread, crackers or melting over steamed veggies, anything you would add butter to, but not cook.

I hope this post inspires you to make cultured butter. It really is so easy and if the kids are around they will enjoy the process and helping you knead.

 

Vintage Crush: Vintage Floral Glass Place Cards

 

Shop for these at jacklom3 Modern Vintage & Timeless Antiques

Vintage Fashion Forward: Blue Dresses at Meshka Vintage

 

Shop Meshka Vintage

 

How are you incorporating vintage into your spring wardrobe?

 

Plan Ahead Events: Funky Junk April 9th & 10th 2011 Chattaroy, WA 99003

WHEN

April 9 & 10, Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

WHERE

CHATTAROY, WA

Irish Dance Hall Grange : 8216 E. Big Meadows Rd. Chattaroy, WA 99003

Take Hwy 2 to Elk-Chattaroy Rd, and then take Big Meadows Rd
Just 15 mins. north of Spokane, WA - watch for signs

Plan Ahead Events: Clover Market Ardmore PA, April 10, 2011

 

Clover Market

10 am - 4 pm rain or shine
12 E. Lancaster Ave.
Ardmore PA 19003

Spring 2011 Poster