Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to everyone who has supported us over this past year, through  encouragement or  purchases in our shop.  As we get ready to say goodbye (or good riddins) to 2011 and welcome 2012 we often start making the traditional New Years Resolutions.  We would like to keep it simple this year and not make resolutions that yes, we would like to be able to meet, but know down deep it really is not going to be possible to keep that promise.

So instead of the I'm going to lose that extra weight, won't eat anymore cookies after 8pm,  I will start remembering to turn off the lights to save money, we  want to get back to the focusing on what is really important.  For us that would be family and relationships!  To be able to be a better parent or spouse or in our case sisters, you have to spend time together.  In this very hectic world we live in sometimes we find ourselves pulled in so many directions.  Whether it be work commitments, church commitments, promises made to friends, or whatever is pulling at your life,  sometimes we forget the most important people in our lives.  

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to do this would be to bring back the family dinner hour, where everyone sits down to a meal together.  Of course we realize that is not always possible, but if you plan for it ahead of time, many days it can be done.  One day a week is better than none.

Some of the best memories  we have are conversations that have taken place around the table, or even in the kitchen as dinner is being prepared.  As busy moms sometimes it is hard to find the time to talk to our children one on one, especially if you have several.  So those moments in the kitchen become opportunities to become closer with our children. The dreaded kitchen duty, won't become such a chore anymore, it will become family time. 

What ever you choose for your New Year's Resolution we hope that it includes more family time, more laughter, and so much love that your cup is running over with something other than coffee.

Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2012
Mary and Cathy

Vintage Family Recipes

When we think of the the holidays we always seem to go back to the recipe box for those old family favorites that bring back fond childhood memories.
For some reason that special recipe gives you a comfort that nothing else can and gives you a inner peace.  Why we only go back to that recipe once a year is a mystery, but it is oh so worth it.  With the hustle and bustle of the season, trying to get it all done, you get one bite of that special recipe and it seems to melt all the stress away.

This first recipe will be one of our traditional cookies, Swedish Heirloom. Our holiday would definitely not be the same without them! The recipe card is so worn and tattered which means it is well loved.

We have many of those recipes and will share with you over time, and hope that you will share your special recipes with us as well.

SWEDISH HEIRLOOM COOKIES  OVEN 325 degrees
CREAM TOGETHER :
1 cup shortening
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 c. chopped nuts
2 cups sifted flour
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vanilla
Roll into 1" balls and place on an ungreased pan
Bake for 12-15 minutes  While still warm, in a bowl with powdered sugar, roll them around to cover and set on wire rack to finish cooling.
Then get a big glass of milk, cup of tea or coffee and enjoy.  Then pack the rest up to share :)

Silver Screen Christmas Memories

Looking back to the good old days, I think back to all of the holiday movies that have touched my heart.  Some of them I have purchased, but others I record and watch them over and over until I get burned out for the season.

I went through the movie guide and set it up to record Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop's Wife, Holiday Inn, Miracle on 34th St. and White Christmas.

I think I watch these movies not only to get into the holiday spirit, but I really enjoy looking at all of their props, many of them being glassware and dishes we have sold on our site. Gorgeous, well built solid furniture, delicate linens, even lighting fixtures.  That is probably why we are attracted to them in the first place.  A simpler time, non technology problems, and when Christmas was not so commercial.

If you have a holiday memory you would like to share, join us around the crackling fire with your hot cocoa and tell us your tale.

Making memories one day at a time!

We just love this vintage cake cover and plate.  It is perfect for taking that special treat to holiday gatherings..It is currently for sale at our Etsy site.  There is a clickable link on the right side of our page to view this and other listings that are currently for sale!

Christmas Baking with the Twins

This time of year everyone is busy baking for the Christmas holiday.  It always reminds me of a few years ago when my sister and I were together a week before Christmas.  We decided that we were going to have a pajama baking day.  So we bought matching pajamas, bought all the necessary ingredients to bake a massive amount of cookies.  We had the house to ourselves, had Christmas music blasting and of course the bottomless coffee pot was brewing again.   We were having a wonderful time, somewhere around the third batch of mixing up cookies.  There was a full bowl of flour stitting there on the counter, and I really can't tell you even who started it.  We looked at each other, and the next thing we knew, Cathy had her hand in the bowl throwing flour at me, and I had my hand in the bag of flour, and was tossing flour all over her.  By the time we got done, we were both covered in flour as well as the whole kitchen was a big, big mess..  And we were laughing so hard neither one of us could catch our breath.  So while you are rushing around trying to do it all, and get it done this Christmas season, remember have some fun while you are doing it.

Happy Baking
Mary and Cathy

The latest creation by Cathy

Welcome

Blogging is rather a new venture for us, but we hope to be able to share some of our adventures in treasure hunting for vintage items.  As well as share some wonderful vintage finds with you. We have had our Etsy shop open for a little over a year now.  And that alone has been a wonderful learning experience.  One day in the future we hope to open a Vintage store that we can work together and meet other vintage lovers.