Vintage Costume Inspiration

Ok, so dressing up for Halloween has not really been something that I have ever looked forward to.  However, I do enjoy seeing all of the costumes...well, most of them anyway.  Of course, I love looking at the vintage pics of old costumes and decorations.  I found some very creative vintage costume inspiration. 

These are "fancy" costumes from the 1920's

Think I could pull this off pretty easily



These little indains from the 1800's are too cute.



This clown from 1905 is a little spooky

I am sure this group of friends pulled a few pranks back in the day.

Too cute!!  1930's Argentina

These Trick or Treaters in 1939 took the cute right out of the Three Little Pig's

Maybe they should have stuck to three



LOVE this picture from a Halloween Party in 1948



Loving the Space Suit's back in 1948

1954 Superman!!

Now, this is one of my Favorite Scary Witches from 1956
Love how she is bent over and "playing the part"



Not sure but Great Creativity!

You can see many more of these old pics @ http://www.wackyowl.com/creepy-vintage-halloween-costumes-1800-1959/.

Inspiration from Italy

Believe me, these are just a few of about 3000 pics I took on our vacation to Italy.  I was overwhelmed by the beauty, not to mention the culture.  The Old World Architecture was amazing.  Just everywhere you looked was beauty.  It was during this trip that I truely realized

the beauty of simplicity. 

I have always been drawn to things from the past but, had never really given much thought to why. It wasn't until I started looking at what had inspired me to begin this blog and for a name and "niche" that I realized it is the simplicity of that which is reminiscent of the past that inspires me.

While in Italy I felt an overwhelming calm.  It was so easy to see the difference of the approach and attitude towards life.  There is a pride of history.  Old structures are not torn down and replaced by something new, they are restored to their former beauty.  If something is still working it is not thoughtlessly replaced just for the sake of having a newer, "better" version.  

Time is valuable, not because there is a need to rush but, for savoring every minute to focus on making the most of what is going on in that moment.  Outside distractions are few and enjoyment is found in gathering with friends, family or even a stranger.  Most importantly, time is not wasted on worrying about the small stuff.  It seems there, time is a way of allowing for everything to work out.  In other words, don't worry because if you wait long enough, it will all work out.  This does not appear to be something the Italians have to keep reminding themselves of...it just is.  

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to visit Italy and I was truely inspired in more ways that I could ever express.  I am sure I will be sharing somemore pics and thoughts in the future.

Revived Vintage

It is so fun to see all the creative ideas for repurposing vintage items. There is so much inspiration that you can find to revive/repurpose/reuse anything.  Here is some of my favorites.

Not that I wear earrings but, I love the idea of using a old cheese grater for an earring holder.  Spice racks can be used in any vingette.  I have had tons of fun painting the old brass taper candle holders.  These days almost anything metal can be made into a a memo board.                                       

Old glass, brass or wooden door knobs or hooks afixed to an old piece of wood or architectural element make a great way to hag your coat, towels or keys.  Vintage wallpaper is a perfect way to dress up anything really.  Here they used it on the back of the shelves.  Old jars and bottles are great to use as a catch-all for change or hold flowers....

These are just great!  Tupperware as a light!!  Love it!!  There are so many ways to use a simple light kit to make a beautiful light.  The uplit cheese graters...who would have thought??

Another one of my favorites, the old wooden boxes such a pretty way to hold books, craft tools, office supplies....   I use these old cornices as bookends.

As I said, you can make memo boards and or magnetic boards ot of anything these days with some magnetic paint, cork or chicken wire.  I like the old world look of the suitcase end table.

For more upcycling inspiration check out these sites.....
http://www.etsy.com/people/inmynest?ref=ls_profile
http://www.etsy.com/people/KnickofTime?ref=ls_profile
http://www.etsy.com/shop/the20minutegift
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage
http://www.etsy.com/shop/thisOtherthing
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnickofTime
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatWeMade

Favorite Recipes From Mom's Kitchen

Growing up my Mom, who most people know as Berta, was always baking for someone. Not that she did not bake for us but, I remember asking, "When are you going to make something for our house".  She makes the best pies, cakes and desserts ever!!!!!!! So, here I am going to share some of our favorite recipes of hers. Hope you will try some of them. Thanks Mom!!! Love ya!!


Lemon Pecan Pie
3 eggs
1/3 c melted butter
1 1/2 c sugar
1 c pecan pieces
1 tsp pure lemon extract
4 Tbls lemon juice (Minute Maid or fresh)


Beat all except pecans
Stir in pecans
Pour into 9" unbaked pie shell
Bake @ 350 for 10 minutes
Reduce oven to 300
Bake an additional 45 to 50 minutes


**top will be golden


This is a family favorite!!  I hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin Trending

The Old Days of simply carving a face or goolish image into a pumpkin, which I may add is not so simple, are being replaced by what, in all honesty, is probably an easier and less messy way of decorating a pumpkin.  However, that doesn't mean there cannot be fun involved.  Kids love to paint, make cut-outs, use stencils, glitter, glue, markers, construction paper, oh and even stockings......you guys might like those.

Here are some Fun and Beautiful ideas for Decorating Your Pumpkin.........

 

  

 

  

Check out My Little Cottage and River City Trading Post on Facaebook for more fun ideas.

Images via Pinterest