Waste not....want not....

I really object to waste...food, paper, fabric...whatever my medium, it really bothers me to discard my leftovers. Because of this I have deep appreciation for my chickens, compost and garden helping me to solve, at least, the food portion of my waste issues. When my Mother told me some salmon we had purchased was "a little strong" my thought was...ugh, how am I going to keep from wasting this fish. First response was "the chickens are going to L-O-V-E this"! Then she (Mom) suggested soaking it in milk. As we hung up the phone I dismissed the topic thinking Yeah, that is what I will do. When I came back to the thought of cooking the fish I decided to do one better, How about cooking it in Milk? Fast forward...thawed the salmon, found the perfect recipe and the result, Salmon Chowder! As for the salmon skin...sauteed and on its way to the chicken coop!

Salmon Chowder Perfect for a Cool Fall Day

The chowder is wonderful, sweet and salty with just a little bit of spice. It's loaded with fresh corn and shallot (i used shallot instead of scallions) plus potatoes and garlic from my own garden. Organic milk, sea salt and bacon plus my wonderful Penzey's herbs and spices completed the top notch goodies that made up this soup...TIME FOR DINNER!

Einkorn Experiment aka distracting myself from the weather change....

....it is snowing...(i am ignoring the horrifying scream squeals of delight that are building in the back of my mind)...i am cooking.

Today, I am experimenting with Einkorn flour and made eggs noodles for my traditional Chicken Noodle Soup. The nutty sweetness of this wheat is enough reason to investigate adding to your diet, but if you need more reason read here!

The noodle recipe that I am using comes from http://naturallyella.com/mediterranean-einkorn-pasta/ 
(I WILL be using the rest of this recipe very soon. The resulting noodles were filled with flavor and had a yummy, silky texture. I do not have a means of cutting pasta other than by hand so they were "Maltagliati" style (which translates to "badly cut"...hehe)!

I hope you take just a minute to investigate Einkorn Flour and have a wondrous Winter fabulous Fall day!!

Stools just finished....

Good Morning....I have  not blogged in forever and ever.....SHAMEFUL....

This morning I finished this set of refurbed stools and just had to share.....they have been in the works for a while - again - SHAMEFUL....

They are on there way to Antiques at the Factory!!

Thanks for stopping by and come see me on my FB page for "almost" daily inspirations!!

Toni @ J'aime Vintaje

Mix it up!

Mix-er
n.
an old fashioned dance or party arranged to give the attendees the opportunity to get acquainted

Mix-ed ta-ble set-ting
ph.
a new fangled style of table decor to give the "mixer" attendees something to talk about therefore becoming acquainted

LOL
abbr.
laughing out loud....really...well at least a real big smile just because I love the look of mixed china (or any dishes), linen, flatware, glassware and dining chairs! The table setting is as important as the menu and only comes in second to the company you are keeping!

Here is some inspiration for your perfect Mix-er....LOL....

Sweet Peach

Once Wed

StoneGable

Hipster's Tea Party


Thank you for allowing me to share my inspiration with you and have a lovely day!!

My cup runneth over....

I don't think that anyone envisioned the effect that the advent of the "world wide web" would have on art, creativity, design and inspiration....I don't think that it would have been possible to even imagine....blogging, etsy, pinterest, facebook and much, much more....

Wow....every day I am humbled by the imagination of those I am surrounded by...that inspire me and push me to be the best that I can be....thank you....

My cup runneth over....

Photo credit: containergardening

Photo credit: The Thriftress

Photo credit: Sparkles and Crafts

Photo credit: MarthaStewart.com

Old Books have Ruffles and I bet you can't own just one....

....let me start by saying I have been an absentee blogger and that is all I have to say about that.


Recently, in Elle Decor magazine I had my feathers "ruffled".  Ronda Carman, in her All of the Best blog, was quoted on the Elle's Style Sheet page as saying "books as props have a short shelf life".....well! I fell just short of writing the editor (as Elle included photos of books included as decor on at least 18 pages), vowing to never use Elle Decor for my inspirations again and giving Ronda a piece of my mind!  I have since calmed down and realized she may have literally meant "props".  You see...I really love books and on top of that ....old "ruffled" books. She went on to quote Rose Tarlow and say "An object added for effect rather than affection will always look like an affectation".....(wish I could write like that)...and as I said I do LOVE old books.  Although, I still think they may have their place as "props" I would not be able to form an objective opinion at this point.


Over time, books develop "ruffles", they become more elegant, more lovely and more loved. (I have since decided that, I also, am developing "ruffles" and not wrinkles.)  Here are some ruffled inspirations for you....

Ruffled books are always available in the booth (J'Aime Vintaje at the Harpeth Antique Mall in historic Franklin, TN) and you can find them at most yard sales, estate sales and 2nd hand stores.....with affection, of course....(wink)!

I am infatuated....

with BLING.....a schoolgirl crush on color!  Not just any color and not just a "captain of the football team" color, but the whole team!  I am "in love" with metallics!  Gold, Bronze, Silver, Copper, Platinum, even Stainless Steel.....they make my heart flutter!  I want to spray paint all of my vintage finds.....I want of stripe of mica in our new tile...how about a fleck of gold in the granite....I am coveting a faux copper mirror in the newly vacant spot next to the kitchen  (found one at Pier One but it was too big....bummer...gonna have to DIY)....I want gaudy glitz and gleam!

Here is what I'm sayin"....

Gourgeous from Wisteria.com

Pretty Thanksgiving Table Setting with Vintage elements and Gold accents

from marthastewart.com

Oh my...love these! Metallic Acorns from Etsy.com

This is a CAKE!....created by The Sugar Flower Cake Shop

Wow....(found on Pinterest, original source unknown) 

Elegant Fall display ....from bhg.com

Pull it all together for a look like this....found on the Centsational Girl Blog...

and finally.....a DIY from Centsational Girl....a great "how to" add some BLING to your decor!

Silver Leaf DIY from Centsational Girl!

Infatuated, enamored, smitten, obsessed.....a schoolgirl crush!  I am just lovin' metallics this fall!!

One Holiday at a Time.......Pumpkin Love!

I know...I know...I have not blogged since August! I am hanging my head in shame.....

Well I'm back...and so excited to share my new found resolve!  I am going to enjoy "one holiday at a time" and I think we should make this a national movement! ;-)

This year as I was shopping, window shopping of course....wink, wink, I noticed that Christmas merchandise was out in September.  Now I understand that for DIYers, Crafters and Artists we need access to some supplies that are holiday related BUT I am talkin' about Made in China glitter and glitz displayed in September.....please!

Anyway, today we are going to celebrate pumpkins....and I hope to inspire you to create, rummage, treasure hunt and decorate for "one holiday at a time"!

My 2011 pumpkin creations made from vintage music, styrofoam type pumpkins and Collage Pauge. I finished them off with rhinestones and sheer black ribbon....I used the matte Collage Pauge but next time I will use the glossy. It is a little harder to work with but I like the results better....regardless they turned out magical. They can be found in Heart and Hands on Historic Main Street in Franklin, TN.

My 2010 pumpkin creations made using colorful cotton and batik fabrics using the NancyDeliz eBook pattern on Etsy....I really enjoyed making these and WILL make more!  Next time in velvet....I found some great vintage velvet clothes at Goodwill to repurpose for this project!! There are a couple of these left in my J'Aime Vintaje booth at Harpeth Antique Mall.

I am absolutely enamored with these and have plastered them all over my eWorld!  They are from LeFadedFleur on Etsy and I think they are SO ROMANTIC!

I included these as "Today's Inspiration" on the Nov. 7 J'Aime Vintaje Facebook page.  They were featured as one of 12 fall projects on the Homepodge.com blog.  They are originally from Two Shades of Pink and I love the textures!!

I hope you are inspired....remember to enjoy "one holiday at a time" and have a wonderful day!

It's another White Wednesday....

....Happy Hump Day!  Always a day to celebrate!  It's half way to the weekend and it is WHITE WEDNESDAY!

Let's party!  Grab a beverage (coffee for me, please)....do you need a coaster....

Coasters from the Creating Keepsakes Blog

 the music is on.....listen...can't you hear it....no? Well then let's turn it up....

My Mannequin in J'Aime Vintaje (Harpeth Antique Mall)



Chair by J'Aime Vintaje (SOLD!)



Detail of Back Rest

 How about a little more? Let's see....some Christmas Music....

Gift Tags by J'Aime Vintaje

Icicles by HiHo Home Market...isn't Humphrey adorable?

You can't listen to music without a love song....

Floral Cones from the Creative Keepsakes Blog

Happy Wednesday....keep a song in your heart all day long!

Heart Garland from Elizabeth Wren on Etsy.com

Summer Fun: Low Country Boil

For years we shared memories with our family and friends over a boiling pot of heaven called a "Low Country Boil"....an aromatic combination of succulent Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, small red potatoes, and sweet summer corn in a broth of Old Bay Seasoning, lemons and a few quartered Vidalia onions...mmmhmm! You can make your own memories this weekend!  I am sharing the recipe and J'Aime Vintage is celebrating the tradition....just visit my booth for all the decor and I have even planned the menu for you!!

Recipe

Low Country Boil for 6

1 large can Old Bay Seasoning

4 Lemons

4 quartered Vidalia Onions

1/8 cup Salt

3 gallons water (or more to cover all ingredients)

3 lbs. Shrimp

2 lbs. Andouille Sausage

3 lbs. small Red Potatoes (scrubbed)

6 ears Sweet Corn (shucked)

Your favorite:

Cole Slaw

Sweet Corn Bread

and a Blackberry Cobbler with

Homemade Ice Cream, of course!!

Don't forget the Sweet Tea!!

Bring the water, and salt to a boil....(we use an outdoor pot because we think this is the REAL use for that Turkey Fryer, though they are good!!). Add the Old Bay, Lemons, Onions, and Potatoes, cook until the potatoes are almost tender, add the Sausage for 15 minutes, then the Corn for another 10, finish off with the Shrimp for 3 minutes and remove from the heat....now be careful....drain the mixture and pour the whole thing out on a table covered thick with newspapers....DIG IN!!!

All of the items pictured are available this month at J'Aime Vintaje located in the front window of the Harpeth Antique Mall or by contacting me at tacjdc@comcast.net .....

Thanks for stopping by and have an inspired day!!



White Wednesday.....

Good day!  It's another White Wednesday....shouldn't that be a song?

It's a beautiful day here in Tennessee!  The 13 year cicadas are almost gone,  it is cool this morning and I woke up to my husband singing "It's appliance day"!  That WAS at 6 am and I am not the best morning person....;-)  We are replacing our kitchen appliances and unlike most White Wednesday's this one is out with the white and in with the stainless steel! 

In honor of this momentous occassion (well if my husband can sing about it I can blog about it....right?) I am sharing some vintage candlesticks that I just embellished....some of them are silver and creamy white....the colors our kitchen will be this evening when all is done!

Don't forget to pop on over to Faded Charm's blog and see what everyone else shared today....here are my White Wednesday inspirations.....

The whole group....a mixture of pewter, sterling and silver plated....these would make great hostess or wedding attendant gifts and are available in my booth!

The pewter pair.....

and my favorite....and old sterling candle stick....still tarnished and lovely with a bit of ribbon and lace, finished with a vintage button....yum!



Time sometimes flies like a bird....

I cannot believe I have had my vintage booth for 4 months, nor can I believe that my daughter just completed four years of college, that I have been married 14 years (and 26 years in total if I count both marriages...hmmmm), that my daughter is 22, that I am 50.....time flies like a bird.....

 

 

(votive ring from J'Aime Vintaje and antique doilies with original pen and ink by Michelle Palmer)

 

Just two weeks ago (where did two weeks go?) I was watching my only child cross the stage at graduation....she looked beautiful and the hood and cords wrapped around her commencement gown made it such a bittersweet moment...so much pride, but she really is grown and my turn is really up!  I know I am still here for advice, but she has fledged....time flies like a bird....

 

(vintage finds by J'Aime Vintaje)

Today I am posting in honor of another celebration of time..... Faded Charm has reached her 100th White Wednesday!  Her cream, dreamy white inspired blog has been posted 100 times! Give her a visit and celebrate her passage of time....in a beautiful way!!

Time sometimes flies like a bird, and sometimes for just a moment, it pauses....

(vintage statuary by J'Aime Vintaje)

 

Happy 100th Faded Charm!!

 

Creative flow....

I have always been one of those people that cannot force creativity. No matter the subject....writing, work, decorating, even grocery shopping for me is dependent on something bigger than I am. I can tell within minutes if I am "in the zone".....if whatever combination of events, karma, creative juices, planetary positions (heehee) are not right then creativity is out of reach for me.
Of course this applies to junking...and it applied in a big way this weekend. My first stop was someone who was not ready to part with her treasures as indicated by her prices....the second stop I found my ONE treasure for the day and after a few more stops I felt that ever familiar closing of the creative flow......I was done!
But, my one find was a biggie! I have been wanting to find a hall tree for a while and there must have been a very temporary opening in the creative cloud......bingo!

It needs a little structural work and will have to be painted as the varnish is too damaged in spots....that's where my mind has been....I was perusing Etsy a couple of days ago and was inspired by some of the paint colors and finishes that I found.....I have been using vintage whites and ivories for all of my refurbishing projects but now I am inspired....

Vintage Wood Window Hall Hooks from Casanovas Cabinets on Etsy

Vintage End Table by Verdigreen on Etsy

Blue Bird by Melissap6908 on Etsy

Pretty!!!!! Tell me what you think....creamy whites or something a little daring.....

Let's dish.....about Dishes!

My husband, John, and I love to set a table! We have four sets of dishes; two formal china, one Christmas china and one everyday stoneware set (above is a sampling of our dishes). In addition, we have pieces that we use to accessorize. I thought we were an anomally but there seems to be a recent resurgence in table setting!
Living in the south, the art of dining has never completely died, but this seems to be an international rebirth. If you visit Victoria Magazine's website you will find the current home page slideshow is filled with table setting shots.....lovely! I often peruse a couple of British home decor mags and have found the same focus on the table. I hope this revival of the table encourages us all to linger over our meals and enjoy the company of those who we are dining with!

The dish is the guest star at the table and the possibilities are infinite. I want to share a little inspiration with you for your next table setting.....
A little taste of one of our Easter tables last Sunday.....

You can find some great additions to your table setting from many sources....try you local Goodwill, consignment stores and flea markets. Etsy and eBay are also great sources....here are a couple of nice dishes from my Etsy store and my booth at Harpeth Antique Mall...

Do you have an upcoming event that will require a large number of dishes but you still want a homestyle feel or an elegant touch? You can rent! Vintage and Antique rental dishes are now a business......

Rent My Dust specializes in vintage for that at home feel....perfect for a Fourth of July or Family Reunion celebration!

Table Graces' focus is on elegant, antique table settings.....visit their site. The china is exquisite!

Have an inspired day!