A Vintage Halloween

I was talking to my husband about days of old, when we were kids and what Halloween use be something fun.  Today, we participate with our kids, letting them go door to do, but to be honest it is not the same, nothing like it use to be.

I won't bore you with the differences of then and now. I just want to share a few things that remind of the good ole days when I was young.

Okay wait before you go trying to guess my age, I am not that old...Some of these images are

Initially released in 1966. Growing up this one was my favorite.  

Okay this one may just give away my age....can you guess?  

Star War's Costumes 

 Let's just say, I was young enough to remember the first Star War's movie, but not near old enough that I could not go see it by myself or just with a friend.  

I guess you say this is one is someone of my era...at least I claim I am a child of it.  

Strawberry Shortcake Costume - Debuted 1980

The next few are simply images  (I tried to just narrow down to a few because as you know I love just about everything vintage), I found simply found to be cute or funny.  Some actually reminded me of specific feelings and moments of my past.  For instance can you imagine any picture of a witch scaring the mess out of me?  Well, it's true, any image of a witch, would scare me onto the straight and narrow.  Today, though, I am an adult...all grown up, witches still creep me out.  

Well, here they are, my favorite few images of Halloween past...I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. 

Last but not least, this is my favorite.  

I can't help but giggle a bit when I see it. Especially on Halloween night.  We all know or have come to accept that each child always sneaks handfuls of candy before their parents can check the bag for safety.  We all now know the reason as to why most kids will not  be able to go straight to sleep at bed time.  No matter how much we say, "Hush and settle down!" "Go to sleep!" Or, we warn them to stop it. they can't.  Well this says it all..."Quick Energy for Active Bodies".  

Well, no matter how you celebrate I hope you have grand Halloween!

Until next time, be well and at peace ~ Michaelyn 

Pumpkin Puree Without the Blender

Pumpkin Puree Without the Blender

There is nothing like trying to eat around six pumpkins of various sizes that have been placed around your already seasonally decorated dinning room table.  They do not add to the decor, they where simply placed there as a resting place as we brought in the rest of the groceries a week ago and they never were moved.  

It only took a day or two for everyone to get use to the idea of the pumkins bign on the table.  Instead of a family style dinner, I would set up our meals like a buffet in the center of your dinning room table with zero order or decorating sense. Everything's just there.  Trying to pass the peas and roast beast (aka beef).  It's what we call it ever since watching some movie, but I can't remember which one...but I think it was the Grinch.) 

It's a good thing I have a really big table to host 9 people for meals.  Otherwise, I might feel bad that a few of those in my family would have to use the pumpkin as a place setting.  I don't know, I figure eating off the pumpkins might be a bit fun for the two year old and perhaps the 4 year old, but a bit awkward for the rest of us that are well...how can I say it? Well mannered and civilized?...Okay, yeah right. 

Now that it's just about the middle of October, I feel the need to bake. Though I do my best not to go hog wild on making everything pumpkin, especially the same recipes over and over again, I do go out of my way to make sure I have enough pumpkins for decorating and for making pumpkin puree, which I happily store in my freezer for just when the mood hits to bake anything pumpkiny.  

I have been asked how do I make my own pumpkin puree, and I have to say, it is one of the quickest and easiest things to do...I actually recruit the kids to help...but not this time, because time was of the essence and I really wanted to get the photo taken before I lost all the good light in the kitchen.  For any bloggers out there you know what's that like, right? 

Anyway, here is the skinny of how I create my pumpkin puree without taking out my blender which requires me to add water and then the annoying part of taking it apart to clean it.  

You ready?  Great...

You Will Need: 

Sugar pumpkin (really any pumpkin but, small enough to fit in the oven)

Foil

Cookie Sheet

Knife

Large metal spoon 

Large bowl

Ziploc bags

Sharpie Pen (or any marker will do - consider that it needs to be durable to withstand the freezer) 

 What To Do: 

First things first..preheat your oven to 300 degrees.  Next wash your pumpkin to rid of any dirt or any other gross stuff, like bugs or I don't know...just gross stuff.  Then line your cookie sheet with foil.  Place your dry pumpkin in the center of the pan and place in the oven for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, or until skin is a light brownish color.  

It you are not sure about the color, remove when the pumpkin is tender.  Simpy take a toothpick or skewer and poke it.  If it goes through easily, the pumpkin is ready to be removed from the oven.  

Pumpkin will have a burnt orange coloring and be tender to the touch. 

Once you have placed the pan on the counter, cut the top off and then cut into halves or quarters, depending on the size of the pumpkin.  

Use the metal spoon to lightly scoop out the seeds and the inside mushy pulp. 

Notice the darker orange pulp the seeds are attached to?
That is what you will remove with the spoon.

After you have removed all the seeds, scrape your pumpkin to remove all the pulp and place it in a mixing bowl.

Once the pulp is removed it will be really stringy...well because it is.  You can use it like this, but to be honest when you do, everything you  bake will have that pumpkin string texture running through it.  So, this is where I like to take out my handheld mixer (electric of course) and go at it usually on the second speed.  

Sometimes, I will use a spatula to scrape the sides to ensure that I've pureed every bit of pumpkin pulp.  

Half sort of pureed and half not...

It usually takes me anywhere from one to two minutes to puree a the pulp to a nice smooth consistency.

Tell me that doesn't look store bought...
The perfect Consistency

Since I do not wait until my pumpkins have cooled down to scrape the pulp out and puree with the hand mixer, once I have reached the right puree consistency I will let the bowl sit on the counter with waxed paper covering the bowl (that's just to keep any pesky flying things out but let air flow through without letting water in from condensation, which will change the consistency.  

After the puree has cooled for about a half hour to forty minutes, I will place two cups of puree into a freezer storage bag.  I'll then I will write on the bag the content and how much is in the bag for future use.  

Well BAM!  There it is easy peazy!  

Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding

First  of all let me share with you before I say another word, this recipe that I am about to share with you is so GGOOOODD!  I mean it is slap your momma kinda good! But, be careful don't actually slap your momma or anyone else's for that matter, 'cause I am thinking if they are anything like my momma, she'll smack you back and it will be a long time until you recover.

Can you say Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding? Say it again. and again...

Okay back to the goodness and the party that will be going on in your mouth once you taste this awesomeness!  I adapted the recipe from Southern Living Magazine, making it my own, I have found what works for us...But just in case you want to try theirs here it is: SL Caramel-Pecan BP.  

Here is my version and I tell you no lie, it's more than awesome! Slap your momma awesome! 

To make the Bread Pudding:

10 cups of potato rolls torn into small pieces. (we used 10 wheat hamburger rolls packaged by Martin)

Note: You can use any bread.  We just like the potato rolls the best.  

2 Cups Pumpkin Puree (see my post on DIY Puree or one 15 oz can)
4 Eggs Beaten
1 1/2 Cups Milk (I use whole milk for a richer taste)
1 Cup Half/Half
1 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extra

• For now, before you mix all this goodness together, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease your baking/casserole dish.  Now we get to the awesome making stuff.  Now, lightly beat your eggs together and pour them and the rest of the ingredients into the same bowl as your torn pieces of bread.  Mix well and pour into your greased baking dish. Set the dish aside for 15 to 25 minutes.  Place bread pudding in the oven for 35 minutes uncovered. Then cover with foil for another 20 minutes.  You can, at this point take out the bread pudding or uncover the dish and let it back for another 5 minutes to brown on the top.  During the last 10 minutes of baking, make your sauce.

• Now it's time to make the Caramel-Pecan Sauce: 

•  Note: the original recipe says to roast the pecans.  We tried it both ways and our family vote is to not roast the pecan.  

1 Cup Pecans

1 Cup of light brown sugar firmly packed

1 Tablespoon of light corn syrup

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Cook brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Pull your bread putting out of the oven.  Remove sauce from heat; stir in vanilla and pecans. Pour over your bread pudding and place the whole thing back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the caramel bubbles.  

Take your bread pudding out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack...wait 15 minutes to serve.

Now ENJOY!!!  And remember do not actually slap your momma!! 

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The Old Country Antiques Shoppe

For twelve years, I have been driving by this place and never stopped in until yesterday.

Olde Country Antiques Shoppe - Rt. 33, Exit 8 NJ Tpke - Hightstown, NJ
www.oldecountry.com - (609)448-2670

I have no idea why I never stopped by, I guess you can say I was too busy or that it never crossed my mind.  What made me stop in yesterday?  I couldn't get the building out of my mind.  I told my mother that I wanted to stop in.  Just so happened, we had to go to Walmart to pick up diapers for my littlest.  Can I say, I am so glad we stopped in.  

It's a small shop, and we only ventured into the front of the building.  Mainly due to being short on time. Believe me, it was more than enough to see what I have been missing.   

From the steps you can tell what this shop mostly features, original primitives, Colonial American housewares and decor from the 18th and 19th centuries.  

Walking through the door, I was welcomed by the faint scent of apple cider.  It just smelled like fall and home.  As I lifted my head to take a look inside, I was felt as if I was immediately taken back into time.  

Stepping through the door, I did a quick did visual sweep of the shop, pin pointed where would be a good place to begin my personal little tour.  As my eyes connected with each piece, it was as if I could feel and see the life of each piece.  It was as if the past was speaking to me. No Seriously, I am not trying to be creepy and weird.  Really I am not.  It's just a feeling you get when you know something is so old that you are sure it has not just a history, but a life behind it.  I guess what I am trying to say is that I begin to visualize or perhaps, to put it a better way, fantasize the stories behind them.

  

The shop was orderly and sparingly decorated leaving room for you to view, examine and see each individual item.  I literally felt at ease and not in a rush...I think I said it before.  It felt like home.

So here is a peek at items I remembered to capture before we left.  

Ironstone Pitcher and Bowl
I believe this type of decor was called "Feather" - don't shoot me if I am wrong.

Below is a display of Redware.  I learned that many of folks died early due to eating and drinking from these vessels.  Why? Because they were made with lead.  

Redware

Jelly Cabinet with awesome Yellowware bowls

Did you see the bread and Cake keeper in the bottom right of the picture above?  No, well here's a better look...

This bread and cake keeper was huge!
 I would say it was approximately 24" tall and just as wide

Box it up and put it in the truck please...Especially that barrel! 

A perfect display of mixing bowls.

Grilled cakes and cornbread comes to mind when I see these....I love cast iron pans and pots.
Oh and yes, check out that awesome spinning wheel! 

This is what I believe was the reason why I had to come to this shop to today.  Why, I couldn't get this little red building out of my mind...

Old Fashioned Milk Paint for $16.95 

Yup! Milk paint did you see that price.  And from all that I understand, these are the original earth colors of the colonial days...Naturally stained so they are safe to environment, kids and pets.  I am still floored over the price. 

All natural coloring 

Upon leaving the store, I took a good look at what was on display on the porch.  My mom and I thought this bundt cake pan and measuring cups were just sweet.  

Our visit was short, because as I said, I has to get to Walmart and purchase diapers for my littlest one but I will return soon. I have to. They have the milk paint I have been looking for within in my price range.  

BCL Shop: Solid Wood Dresser

Earlier today, I posted two awesome mirrors that we updated and listed for sale. In that same post, I made mention of a matching dresser that is also for sale. Well here it is...

The dresser is in extremely good condition, to be honest, I want it for myself, but our 1900 sq. ft. townhouse will not accommodate it.  Plus, I am holding out for a new (new meaning: new to me and purchased at a thrift store) china cabinet.

Anyway, the dresser is approximately 72" long and 19" deep. It has 9 drawers (three on each side and three in the middle.

9 Draw Dresser

dresser detail - right and left side are identical

Dresser detail - Middle

This dresser is being sold as is, with a dark walnut finish,  for $125 and starting at $215 for custom painting, your color choice (Price does not include changing of hardware or personalized art work i.e. lettering or other designs).

If you are interested, please contact me at : info@blossomcottagelace or via phone (609)902-0826.

Okay...sooo...do you see why I love this dresser?  It's in the details!

Before and After: Double Vision - Mirrors

I love, love, love the details of these mirrors.  They are not quite vintage, made in the 1970's, but they are solid wood.  They are approximately 48" tall and 21" wide.

Double mirrors: Showing before and after

I mixed my own chalk paint using Antique Beige and Plaster of Paris, it took a bit to get the mixture to my liking but, once just right, it worked wonderfully.  I finished the mirrors with Antique Walnut stain by Minwax.

Detail of left mirror

Left Mirror

Detail of Right Mirror

Right Mirror - a shade darker then left mirror.
(Sorry of the quality of picture) 

 Both mirrors come with a steel pole to fasten to the back end of a dresser or buffet (Like the one we currently have for sale. Click HERE to view dresser. ) - like the one shown in the pictures - the dresser is also for sale). If you do not want the poles, wall fasteners can be added for $3 each.  Again, both mirrors are set to sale each for $60 or together for $100.

If you are interested please contact me at: info@blossomcottagelace.com or (609)902-0826.

DIY: Prepping Pine Cones For Holiday Crafts

With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the time to prep and prepare.  The first thing I think of when it comes to decorating for the up and coming season is pine cones.  Where I live in New Jersey, there is not a shortage of pine trees and therefore pine cones.  It is usually around this time of the year - Early to mid-September - that I, along with my mother and one or all of the kids will go out pine cone hunting.

Taking our time walking through the neighborhood as we try to pick up the best pine cones, it is one of my favorite time sharing activities with my family.  With double layered grocery bags in hand to hold our crafting treasures, I find we tend to talk more and catch up on who is doing what, when, where and why.  Oh, don't get me wrong, we know the day to day stuff that is happening in our lives, but it’s the heart to heart talks that tend to come out when we set out on our craft hunts.  These are the times when my kids get to really know who mom is and I get to see who they are really developing into.  We laugh and sometimes cry, but it's the perfect time just to be without the hustle of our daily lives.  It's during these times when my heart is revealed to my children and theirs to me.  That's why it's my favorite time.

So back to the post, Prepping pines cones for crafts.  There are three methods which that are useful based on your crafting needs.  Baking, soaking and bleaching.  How do I wash and prepare pine cones for crafts?  I use the last two methods to wash away all the sap and bugs.

WAIT!!! Before I tell you about prepping your cones for crafts, if you are using your pine cones for bird feeders you do not have to clean them...Okay back to prepping.

First the soaking method:

Soaking pine cones in vinegar and water

What you need:

• 1 large bucket or a big sink (such as a 10 gallon , likle the one in most kitchens)
• White Vinegar -  1/2 to 1 cup
• Warm water - Fill the bucket or sink 3/4 full

Directions:

1. Mix the water and vinegar solution.
2. Place the pine cones in the solution.  press them down to ensure they are covered with water, you may have to place another bucket or heavy object over the cones to get them to soak properly. Let them soak for a 20 to 30 minutes.  Note: The cones may close up, if you have let the water cool down to much.
3. Drain the pine cones from the water, and place them as a single layer on a tray (you may line them with newspaper if you wish).
4. Let the cones dry for 3 to 4 days before crafting or cutting.

Note: This "soaking" method will kill all bugs and clean off the sap.

Second method - Baking: 

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees
2. Line your baking sheet with foil
3. Place pine cones in a single layer with room to expand on the baking sheet.
4. Let them bake for about 15 to 25 minutes. You will see the sap has formed a glaze on the sides of the cone and they will be hard.  NOTE: do not leave the oven unattended.  Super dry pine cones tend to smoke and may cause a fire.
5. Place baked cones on a cooling tray or basket and let them sit for a few days.  They will continue to expand and open up.

A NOTE about the baking method: Baking the cones will immediately kill all bugs (which is my favorite method because I don't have to see them or touch them) .  This method will also form a glaze from the sap on your cones so you will not have to glaze them later on, if you so choose.  Baking the cones will cause the your house to have a strong scent of pine, so if you not into that (which I can't imagine if you are working with pine cones) you might want stick with the soaking method.  The soaking method will also not produce a glaze look since you are washing off all the sap.

The third method is bleaching...I don't use that because I prefer not keep harsh chemicals in my house, if I can help it but from what I understand it will bleach the cones white for those winter decor options you may have in mind.

Bleaching method:

1. Make a mixture of 50/50 water and bleach in a bucket.
2. Place your pine cones in the solution.
3. Let them sit in the solution for up to 8 hours (which is why I said to use a bucket because I can't have my sink occupied for 8 hours with pine cones...think kids).
4. Drain from the solution, lay them on a tray in a single layer in the sun to dry.

Note: The bleach will debug the cones and clean off the sap.

If you wish to preserve your pine cones, you can lightly spray them with clear acrylic, polyurethane, or varnish.  However if you are thinking of returning them back to nature, after you are done with them, it is best to leave them be.

Here's one pine cone that is holiday ready! (unbleached) 

Okay so now that my pine cones are prepped and ready, I can't wait to get to crafting for the holidays.  What is your favorite use of the pine cones during the holiday season?  Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to leave me your comments and share the post.