DIY – Vintage Dresser Revamp

 

I had been looking for a tall vintage dresser for a few years.  When I recently (finally) came across the EXACT RIGHT one, I pounced on it. Solid wood, with Art Deco styling, the dresser was perfect. What really made me do the happy dance was the beautiful handles. Scrolled brass encircled with yellow Bakelite, the handles made the dresser amazing!

The dresser was in need of some TLC and a new coat of paint.  The original wood veneer had been painted over (probably due to damage), but the current color of army gray/green was not working for me. I decided on a gorgeous, black, satin paint that would really show off those handles. After cleaning, and sanding the dresser and drawers, my guy and I painted two coats,  first with a roller for coverage, then second with a brush to keep it smooth.

I lined the drawers with alternating papers of turquoise cherries and bright, apple green birds – it makes me happy just seeing that pretty paper inside. The final touch was putting the handles back on after I scrubbed them clean with vinegar.

What do you think? I love how it turned out, it was worth the wait, and best of all “DIY”ing it made it perfectly mine.

Cocktail of the Month – Bourbon Peach Smash

 

September is one of my least favorite months. Back to school means: new schedules, carpools, sports, school meetings, and homework.  Plus the weather is still hot, even though “fall is coming”,  and all of this makes everyone at our house crabby.  Cocktails this month call for a drink that is reminiscent of summer, but packs a punch – kind of like September!

Bourbon Peach Smash*

Recipe:

3 medium ripe peaches, pitted, skin removed, sliced

3/4 cup sugar

4-6 mint leaves

1 1/2 ounces Bourbon (per glass)

Splash of ginger ale

Crushed ice

Combine peaches, mint and sugar in a bowl. Mash gently enough to mix in sugar with peaches and mint. Spoon peach mixture into two mason jar glasses filled with ice. Pour bourbon into each glass, top with ginger ale and drink immediately.

*Recipe adapted from aidamollenkamp.com

Peach cocktail image via olesmokey on Pinterest.com

Bourbon image via heteronomy.wordpress.com

Cocktail of the Month – Coconut Breeze

The weather is heating up, back to school is on, and what I’d really like to do is extend my summer. Since I haven’t figured out how to make a time machine, I guess I will have to settle for a delicious, indulgent-tasting cocktail that transports me to far away places in my mind…

Coconut Breeze

Ingredients

4 ounces coconut water (found at most grocery stores)

2 ounces gin

2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons of honey (or simple syrup)

Lime wedges

Crushed ice

Directions:

Combine the coconut water, gin, lime juice, and honey in a glass or cocktail shaker. Stir or shake until the honey is dissolved. Pour over 2 glasses with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, serve immediately, then close your eyes and pretend you are on your favorite beach. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from careypalenchar.com

Images via hungrycouplenyc.blogspot

Airstream Trailer Love

 

Shiny, silver, rounded and riveted, Airstream travel trailers are iconic.  When I see one on the road, or at a campsite, and whether its vintage or new, that cool, classic bullet shape, never disappoints me.

Last week, my husband and I toured several new Airstream models.  Seeing them up close and in person only fueled my dream of owning one. I felt a little like Goldilocks, trying out all the different models.  Some were too big (The Flying Cloud), some where too small (Sport 16), but the  Bambi Sport was just right!  It’s a single axle trailer, easy to tow, and the layout includes a dinette style booth – I’m sold!  It has everything this retro girl needs to spend the rest of her life vacationing in style.

To see new Airstream models in person head over to southwestcoaches.com located in Corona.  For everything else airstream go to http://www.airstream.com

Airstream collage images via Flickr.com/jackiewren
1963 Airstream Photo via thewallacecollection.net

Foodie Adventure – The Pie Hole

A few months ago, I heard about a fabulous pie place in LA called “The Pie Hole” and I finally got the chance to try it. I immediately loved its unassuming decor and walk up counter. The place feels like a warm, friendly, neighborhood joint, not a fussy or trendy restaurant in the Arts District. The menu is hand-written on butcher block paper and the choices run from sweet (Mexican Chocolate) to savory (Chicken and Cornbread), comfort food fixes (Mac and Cheese hand pies), or old-fashioned flavors like Maple Custard (my choice). They offer individual pie slices, pot pies, and hand-held pies with coffee and tea.

Everything is made from scratch and they often sell out, so come early if you have your heart set on certain flavors.  To see the entire menu check out: thepiehole.com or visit The Pie Hole at 714 Traction Ave. in LA.

Now that I’ve had my pie fix, I’m freshly inspired to get out my grandmothers rolling pin and get my pie groove on!

Pie hole logo,shoppe decor and hand held pie images via thepiehole.com

Pie slices photo via tasteology.notcot.org

Peterboro Baskets

 

I discovered Peteboro Baskets last year, when I was searching for a picnic basket. I fell in love with one I finally found at Crate and Barrel.  The basket was made of wood, not wicker, it was sturdy, had great vintage style, and had a hinged lid with lots of room inside. The basket had a brass plaque with “Peterboro” on it. I did some research and found out they are the oldest basket making company (150 years) still proudly made in the USA. The baskets are made from Appalachian White Ash wood and is harvested from Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. They use solid brass nails to prevent rust and all of the hardware is brass coated. The baskets are made to last, which is why they offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Peterboro makes all kinds of amazing baskets including pie baskets, bicycle baskets, coolers and of course picnic baskets. I adore my picnic basket and can’t wait to order the bicycle basket next! I love supporting made in the USA companies, especially ones that have such great tradition and history. You can find all of their inspired baskets at peterborobasket.com.

Logo Images via: peterborobasket.com

Bike basket image: flickriver.com

Pie basket image: thegreenhead.com

Picnic basket image: remodelista.com

Cocktail of the Month – Limoncello Ginny

When July starts to heat up, what I need is a cool, refreshing, cocktail.  The hot nights are no time for mixing complicated concoctions, so I’ve discovered the perfect solution- Limoncello.  Limoncello is a liqueur made from fermented lemons.  The flavor is deliciously, intensified lemon, but it packs a wallop because its made with vodka, so beware.

I came across a great version of this drink on Pinterest (thank you Pinterest people*), and I have to say, this drink is my new favorite.  I decided to name it Ginny because the recipe uses gin and my grandmother loved to make cocktails, (plus her nickname was Ginny short for Virginia).

Limoncello Ginny Recipe-

Limoncello Liqueur (Trader Joes Pallini is fabulous)
Gin
Sparkling Water
Lemon twists for garnish
Crushed ice

Chill two tall glasses, add crushed ice, 1 shot in each glass of Limoncello and Gin, pour sparkling water over the mixture and stir.  Add lemon twist to each for garnish.

*Limoncello Gin Cocktail recipe adapted from: thekitchn.com

Photo credits:
Lemon cocktail image Liquor.com
Pallini image via Italiquore.com.au

Vintage Inspired Sunglass Upgrade – Tres Noir

 
I love the look of vintage sunglasses, but not the way they pinch my nose, or their scratched lenses, or the skyrocketed prices.  A fabulous modern choice is Tres Noir sunglasses. They are a local company (based in Orange County), vintage-inspired and hand made. Two brothers started the company back in 2006 and now they have over 17 styles for both men and women.  My favorites styles are the cat eye “Ultralux” and the oversized “Bombshell”.  They both come in a variety of colors (tortoise, black, cream, red) and are every bit as cool as vintage but with modern comfort and fit.

Roadkill Ranch & Boutique has been carrying the line at the store for over a year now and they just keep getting better and better.  I heard from our rep that the new Ultralux is out with a cream and gold flake color -be still my heart!!  I’m pretty sure I’ve been a good girl and that I definitely deserve this upgrade!

Tres Noir images: Greaseandglory.com,
Bette Davis picture credit: Wehadfacesthen.tumblr.com
Ava Gardner : vintagegal.tumblr.com

Cocktail of the Month – School is Out for The Summer (aka Apple Mojito)

The month of June signals that school is out for the summer.  For myself personally, it’s a huge milestone because it’s the end of elementary school for my three kids!  For 12 years, we have been a part of a lovely, little school and now it’s time to say our final goodbye.  To celebrate this and the start of summer, I wanted to create a cocktail that symbolized this big event.  After some extensive research (recipe tasting), I came up with an apple based beverage with a twist of lime and a healthy dose of rum.  I think it captures the spirit of “school is out” perfectly!

Apple Mojito –

1/3 cup white Rum
5 Mint Leaves
1/2 Lime
3/4 cup Apple soda (Jones makes a great one)
Splash of Seltzer*
Brown sugar for rim

In a small bowl crush the mint leaves with a muddler.  Add 1/2 juice of a lime. Set aside. Rim tall glass with brown sugar and add ice to glass. Pour apple soda, rum, and lime/mint mixture into glass.  Add a splash of seltzer, stir very gently and drink up!

Special note to moms:  Congratulate yourself on a long road of carpools, class parties, field trips, science projects and play dates! Good job! Now add and extra shot of rum!

Recipe adapted from foodnetwork.com
Photo credit: papers-art.blogspot.com, cheekykitchen.com

Collecting – Vintage Soda Machines

One of my projects this summer is to help clean out our garage.  To get myself motivated for this unfun task, I’m dreaming about how it will look once it’s reorganized and clean.  I’ve decided a great addition to the space is a vintage soda machine!

When I was in high school, one of my best friends had a cool “Pop Shoppe” machine on his patio and I’ve wanted one like it ever since.  I plan to fill my machine with really cool flavors like; Creme Soda, Black Cherry, Orange Cream, Apple, Black Currant, Grape, Meyer Lemon, and of course classics like Moxie, Bubble Up, and Coca Cola lite.  Did you know that sodas make amazing cocktail mixers when you add a little seltzer to them?  I might even find a vintage bar to go right next to the soda machine.  What do you think?

I just remembered that a good friend of mine has a brother who owns a vending machine business (you know who you are).  Be ready for my call!

For a great selection of soda pop, check out Galco’s @sodapopstop.com
Dr Pepper 56 machine & Frostie Rootbeer 64 @gstisp.com
Soda Pop pictures – Flickr.com, texaslegacybrands.com