I have dreamt about a jadeite plate wall for many years, but all I could see was shattered green glass on the floor. I have been inspired by so many gorgeous plate walls in the past few years, that I figured I needed to face my fears and get some pretty green plates up on the wall! Finding the right hanger was key to facing my fears. When I first started researching hangers, I learned that people often use three different methods: 1) Command Strips - I just don't trust them enough! Even though they really do hang vintage signs nicely. These are my favorite. These would be good if you can not nail holes in your wall, but I would only recommend with lighter, smaller style plates. 2) ...
We Bought A Victorian Fixer Upper!
For as many years as I can remember the first goal that I would write down on my yearly goals list was: Restore a Historic home. I can finally say that goal is going to come true, as we have found the perfect fixer upper in Deadwood, South Dakota. As some of you know by now, I have been over the moon excited for the purchase of an 1885 Folk Victorian fixer upper in Deadwood, South Dakota. I have been looking for the perfect home in Deadwood for about two years. I grew up in the Black Hills and Deadwood has always held a special place in my heart, as I worked at the old time photo studio there for three years in Deadwood. Now you might say to yourself, Courtney that is not a Victorian ...
Vintage Folding Ruler Stars
When you think of a ruler, you might think that their sole purpose is only to measure things. When I stumbled upon a collection of foldable vintage rulers at a garage sale, a million ideas sprung up on how I could use these for decor! These rulers come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes. The earliest rulers date back to the 17th century and aided in the standardization of measurement. These folding rulers were handy for carpenters because they were both portable and sturdy. Many rulers that can be found today, also have really neat advertising on them too. This article here has a lot of interesting history about antique rulers. My initial plan was to use them ...
Decorating with Blue Ball Glass Mason Jars
When you see a blue glass Ball jar, you may just think that it's only use is for canning, but lo and behold let me show you that these beautiful glass jars can be so much more! Birthday parties, fresh flowers, mementos, Fourth of July - all play host for the perfect use of the blue Ball glass jar. History The Ball brand of jars were made in several different colors, but one of the most beautiful is the characteristic "Ball blue" or aqua color. These jars were produced from about 1910 to 1930. Dating these jars can be quite difficult, as the logos changed several times. This chart below is a handy resource from this very helpful article. Where to find: Blue glass Ball jars ...
Rhubarbecue Sauce
I have seen so many scrumptious desserts made with big chunks of rhubarb, but they just do not speak to me. I am not much of a pie person or one to eat cooked fruit, so I am continually looking for new ways to use rhubarb. In the past, my favorite way to savor the rhubarb of the season, was with a margarita, until I discovered RHUBARBECUE sauce! It is the perfect blend of the sweet rhubarb and tangy barbecue that you are used to, all mixed into one luscious sauce! AND it even offers up a delicious juice (that can be saved for future margaritas if needed). We used our rhubarbecue sauce on a set of pork spare ribs and I can tell you - THEY. WERE. AMAZING! My two and five year old ...
Spring & Easter Book Wall
One of our favorite things to unpack within our holiday totes, is the seasonal books we tuck away in each one. Halloween, Christmas, Fall, Spring, and Summer all play host to some fabulous children's books. These books are all wonderful to read, but also offer so much character and charm to any book wall. Here are just a few of our favorites for Spring and Easter. They make great additions to any Easter basket or to curl up and read with your kiddos. The titles are listed under each photo and each link is clickable if you want to add one to your collection! The Tale of Peter Rabbit - This is the classic tale of Peter Rabbit! Little Cow - The Look at Me series that details the ...
Grandma Smith’s Tuna Fish
For as long as I can remember, my Grandma Smith’s tuna fish has been my favorite meal in the entire world. It’s the first thing I want to savor when I get to my Grandma’s house or the meal I turn to if I’m having a down day. I grew up eating these sandwiches at her house and when we moved away from New York when I was 9, I had to learn how to master the art of Grandma Smith’s tuna fish sandwich on my own. It took many years and much trial and error, but I believe I have mastered the perfect sandwich (with a little help from my Grandma). There are many variables in this sandwich that you can alter to your taste, but there are several key elements that are essential. Use good tuna – I ...
Vintage Patriotic Decor
First it's Memorial Day, then Flag Day, then the FOURTH of JULY! So naturally summer is the best time to deck the halls with some red, white and blue of course! I want to share with you some fun ways to incorporate vintage charm into your patriotic farmhouse decor. Vintage Crocks - I have been an avid collector of Red Wing vintage crocks for a couple of years, which has graduated into collections of any vintage stoneware! This beautiful pottery with the blue accents makes for the perfect pieces to display greenery or a few American flags. Hang a large American flag - I lucked out and found this flag in the giveaway pile at my workplace, but I have seen glorious vintage American ...
Rhubarb Poke Cake
My rhubarb patch is by far still very minuscule, THANKFULLY we have family members who are rich in rhubarb! Each year I get really lucky and I get to steal a few stalks to use for baking - rhubarb pie or my favorite, Rhubarb Margaritas. Since I am pregnant at the moment, the rhubarb margaritas are off the table, so baking it is!Some of my favorite summer cakes are those that are light and fruity and this rhubarb poke cake combines all of those elements. A light, airy vanilla cake that is infused with ruby red, rhubarb sweetness. Bonus - this cake is RED, WHITE, and BLUE! A perfect choice for your summer barbecue or 4th of July celebration, am I right? Red and white stripes dotted with ...
Easter Brunch Tablescape
Jadeite is the best color for your Easter table setting, HANDS DOWN! It’s also the best color for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and Birthdays! (I might be a little biased!) But in all seriousness, I think that Easter offers the best palette for these vintage, vibrant dishes to shine. Accents of purple, blush, yellows, and blues make this Easter table setting a pastel perfection. A few of my favorite elements of this table setting include: The cute bunny paper salad plates! I like incorporating a paper product element to make cleanup on Easter morning just a smidgen easier. I chose to use my Fireking plates in the Alice pattern as the base because I think they just scream ...
