Modern Life Of A Vintage Housewife

Can A Vintage Lifestyle Make For a Good Marriage?

2017-03-22T10:16:00.002-04:00

Donna Reed Show

Thank's for stopping by. I apologize for not having posted in quite sometime.

Today's world can be overwhelming in many aspects these days. Politics, 3rd wave feminism, radical religious ideology and many other things of modern day don't mesh with a seemingly more conservative vintage lifestyle.

Of course living a vintage lifestyle doesn't mean we are agreement with segregation and anti-gay stance of years ago either.

Choosing to be a "Vintee" or "Vintage Enthusiast" is seen as a subculture of individuals devoting their lives to living in the past.

Many like myself have adopted the 1940's to 1950's fashions and lifestyle. I find such comfort in this and adore taking care of my husband, family and home.

I am guilty of laying out my husbands clothes every morning before he goes to work.

Some wives may find this to be offensive and subservient to a man. I don't subscribe to a "feminist" viewpoint so it works for me. Laying his clothing out is actually an act of service A.K.A act of love toward my husband. We have to remember that "love" is an action.

My husband and I do not have a perfect marriage and yes it has been a train wreck at some point too. Our vintage lifestyle has fit in so well with both our needs as a married couple. I love the fashion's too, I won't lie.

When we were first married we had some obstacles we needed to overcome. We attended a couples class at our church and were introduced to the 5 Love Languages. We use the 5 Love Languages to gauge what each others top need is. I recommend taking the Love Language test for couples.

DISCOVER YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE

My husbands top love language is "Word's of Affirmation". What guy doesn't want to be built up and told how appreciated he is? My husband loves to be told he's doing a great job. His second highest love language is "Acts of Service".

He looks forward to having a clean home. Of course that is always a work in progress as I am not Martha Stewart.

He prefers to have dinner on the table when he get's home from work. I'm not on the ""Donna Reed Show, so this doesn't always happen everyday either, but I try. Our children like to have dinner at the table as well and studies show that it's better for them to eat dinner as a family during the week.

Before we adopted the 1950's vintage lifestyle shortly after we were married 6 years ago, our life together and in both our past marriages was like a tug of war. There was always a power struggle, no one had a role and they were always chaotic. Our former marriages crashed and burned and now here we are trying something different and it's working.

Each couple has to be in agreement to what "role" is theirs. The 1950's housewife role is a comfortable one for myself. My husband's role is the provider.

My favorite part of the vintage lifestyle is being able to look the part of the 1950's sitcom housewife.

Some may say it's quirky but I'm not willing to pass up the lovely vintage clothing styles for sweatpants just yet.

I do get the side eye from people when I'm out and about, but I also get compliments. My vintage clothing opens a lot of dialog, mostly from other women. The conversation is always positive. I personally think women of today still like the idea of old fashioned femininity or dressing feminine. I admit the comfort zone of leggings and tunics is a hard one to get away from.

Our vintage lifestyle works for our marriage and I think it could work for others as well. Also understanding the 5 Love Languages and hard work help's a lot too.

Happy Housewifing!

Vintage Farmhouse Wild Apple Sauce

2016-09-13T17:02:00.001-04:00

Happy almost Fall everyone. The kid's are back in school and the feeling of Fall is back. Today I decided I was going to make use of our old apple tree's and the lovely apples that are starting to drop onto the ground in our back yard. A simple wild apple sauce recipe will help ensure I won't waste another years crop. The kids love applesauce. A jar of applesauce goes pretty fast in our house so a big batch is in the works using our wild apples.

Women of the 1940's and 1950's would make use of the wild apples. In today's world I guess they would be called "organic" apples. Our home was built in the late 1800's and we have many apple trees on our property. We have crab apples and as I call them "regular" apples. I'm not sure what kind I am using today but they are similar to a Mcintosh apple We are quite lucky to have those trees. I love to think a housewife lived in this farmhouse during the 1940's or 1950's and picked the same apples and stood under the same tree I am today.

I was able to pick a couple of small baskets full. To be quite honest I found some beautiful apples laying on the ground already and foraged those too. I made a large batch of apple sauce and didn't use a real recipe. I went with taste testing to get the final product. I also made an apple crisp for this evenings dessert after dinner.

Making apple sauce is quite easy and hard to mess up. Below a the ingredients I used to make my homemade apple sauce today. It can be made to taste.

Large Batch Wild Apple Sauce Recipe

20 Wild Apples - Peeled or Unpeeled

2 Cups Water

1/2 Cup Lemon Juice

2 TBS Cinnamon

2 Cups Sugar

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 tsp Ground Ginger

1 tsp Allspice

Gradually add more water for a soupier apple sauce if desired.

All ingredients can be changed to desired taste.

---------------------------------------

Heat water, lemon juice and cut up apples together in pan on low. The apples will start to soften, Mash the apples using a potato masher or fork. Add ingredients if desired.

Store it in the refrigerator or freeze it. What a wonderfully simple recipe.

Enjoying the Day while gathering apples outback.

Outfit

True Vintage Cotton Gingham Shirt Dress- Handmade Thrifted

Vintage Paisley Full Apron - Estate Sale Find

1940's Vintage Shoes - Brand Unknown - Thrifted

Earrings - Modern Basic Pearl Pierced Studs

Little Doggie - Millie our 8 year old Shi Zhu Mix we rescued from the shelter this past Spring.

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

As Seen On Etsy - Vintage Retro Lunch Boxes

2016-08-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

My daughter has asked me to buy her a Vera Bradley lunch box for her high school lunches this year. Vera Bradley is pretty expensive in my eyes. Luckily, I am pretty frugal and she doesn't mind getting deals on things too. Off to Ebay I go for some Vera.

I have also been in the market for a vintage lunch box for my husbands lunches. I stopped by etsy.com to see what goodies they have for sale for new and vintage. Some of these are just too beautiful to use and would be wonderful for a collection or on display in the vintage decorated home.

1957 Teenager Metal Dome Lunch Box - $75.00

Etsy Store: Lalecreations

This is by far my favorite find!

Vintage Animal Crackers Lunch Tote Box - $15.00

Etsy Store : CarolynsEclectics

1957 Red Barn Dome Metal Lunch Box $39.99

Etsy Store: SchatzisShadowBox

1950's-1960's Metal Barn Lunch Box with Original Thermos - $65.00

Etsy Store: Rewind Unique Finds

Vintage Petty Coat Junction Metal Lunch Box - $10.00

Etsy Store : MargsFinds

Adorable with a Shabby Chic Appeal - 1960's Girls Metal Lunch Box - $10.00

Etsy Store - retrorigamarole

Loving this revived RED Vintage Aladdin Lunch Box - $23.63

Etsy Store: TheRunningRooster

I couldn't leave this cute little guy out. Vintage Red Happy Home Lunch Box Thermos - $9.75

Etsy Store: Circa810

They don't make them like they used to. I hope you liked what I found on Etsy.

Happy Housewifing!!

Refashioned 1980's Vintage Dresses into 1940's Style Outfits.

2016-08-26T08:19:00.000-04:00

It's August here on the east coast of the U.S. and today was an exceptionally beautiful day. I knew it was the perfect time to snap some photos of two dresses I picked up in early Summer and finally got around to restyling.

These vintage dresses are from the 1980's and possibly early 1990's. Back in the1980's there was the 1980's does 1940's styling rage. I really didn't pay much attention at the time at why the clothing styles were the way they were. I was an 80's kid, I knew I loved the my pastel high top sneakers and any thing fluorescent yellow and of course my rubik's cube.

Shoulder pads found in women's clothing were a style of the 1940's and brought back by clothing designers of the 1980's.

I picked up these two particular dresses at a thrift store of course. They have classic 1940's shirt waist dress styling. As a housewife I prefer a one piece frock as it's easier to throw on and your outfit is done. I like to keep things simple, especially when I have a lot to do in the upcoming day. The fall and winter season are a little different as I wear wool skirts and have to match them with tops and sweaters. I will be doing a fall outfit blog post in the upcoming few weeks.

These two dresses were both about 6 inches too long and hung to my mid calf. I am 5' 5" so these were quite long. I am not a professional seamstress or even claim to be a fantastic sewer but I did manage to hem these two dresses nicely. I also added elastic to the brown dress sleeves to create a ruching effect. The sleeves were much to floppy for my taste. I also took the sides of the polka dot shirt dress in as it was a bit too wide for my waist and made it more form fitting.

I shortened these dresses to match the 1940's hemline styles. As the war went on the hem lines became shorter to about just below the knee in the 1940's. Fabric was rationed like everything during World War II, so the hem lines went up.

1980's does 1940's vintage dresses are more plentiful that actual 1940's era dresses themselves.

Many 1940's vintage dresses have not stood the test of time or are very expensive to purchase. I prefer to wear women's fashion styles of the late 1940's to mid-1950's.

One of the advantages to wearing a 1980's restyled to 1940's vintage dress is that we can machine wash them and not worry about ruining them while doing housework. I would feel much less anxious about staining an 80's vintage dress than a true 1940's dress. These 80's dresses are hanging in most thrift stores in abundance.

I haven't done a photo set in quite a while. I guess I still hate having my photo taken and it's been a source of anxiety for me for many years, and I'm still working on it. I'm an introvert at heart. PS; The polka dot dress is the actual outfit I wore today. I did feel a little out of place at my sons football practice tonight. All the other moms were wearing spandex or jeans. Sigh.

The dresses I am wearing below are light, flowy fabrics much like the rayon of 1940's dresses. These are polyester blends and perfect for late hot late Summer days.

This is a photo of shirt dresses featured in a 1943 Catalog.

Outfit Details

Thrifted Vintage Shirt Dress : Talbots Petites

True Vintage 1950's - Cream Patent Leather Box Purse - Estate Sale

Thrifted Shoes - Vintage Styling Cork Wedge Strappy Sandals - Softspots

Earrings - Modern Basic Faux Pearl Stud Earrings

New Modern Barrett/Bow Snood - Ebay

Outfit Details

Thrifted: Navy Blue with Baby Blue Polka Dot 1980's Upcycled to 1940's Summer Dress by White Stag.

Estate Sale - Vintage Wicker & Leather Purse

Cork Wedge Shoes By Soft Spot

Barrett Clip Bow - Snood - Ebay

Rhinestone Crane Brooch - New from Ebay

Rhinestone Crane Brooch found here on Ebay.

Barrett Bow Snood found here on Ebay.

Thank For Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

Vintage Nightgowns For the Feminine Touch

2016-08-23T14:27:00.004-04:00

Often as homemakers we can become frumpy with our night attire. I am guilty of this myself. The habit of throwing on sweatpants and a t-shirt is easy and comfortable. I have a favorite pair of thick fleece jammie pants myself. I dress vintage as much as I can with a mix of modern pieces, but I have honestly been lazy with my nightwear.

In modern times pajamas have become daywear.

You may have seen young women, mom's and even men wearing jammie pants to the local grocery store. Years ago during my favorite eras of the late 1940's to mid 1950's, this would have been a crazy idea. I wonder if a woman or man would have been arrested for public indecency for wearing pajamas in public?

What happened to women wearing beautiful nightgowns? I suspect as more and more women entered the workforce and became busier those pink ruffled gowns were put away and forgotten about.

Through the years night attire adorned with lace and ruffles would be seen as sexy and only worn for our husbands on those "special" occasions.

I believe with the rise of online pornography and constant sexualization of women in general that anything feminine or frilly translates as sexy. And anything sexy and must be worn for "sex".

Women also wore garter belts and thigh high stockings for everyday wear back in the day, but today those items seem to be seen as an "intimate" uniform for sex in modern times.

Are the day's of dainty, feminine nightwear gone? Victoria's Secret and PINK offer a range to things for nightwear. I'm not interested in thongs, shorty short nighties and I know I don't want words across the butt my panties.

Many of us have heard that flannel nightgowns are for our grandma's.

Vintage feminine nightgowns left a little to the imagination and were functional as well. Some vintage nightgowns were more sheer than others, but many of these vintage nightgowns had matching robes and slippers. During the fall and winter months many nightgowns were made of flannel but also included lace and ruffles. They were very feminine and comfortable.

I'm excited to build my vintage nighttime wardrobe and grow with the femininity it offers. My husband loves vintage nightwear. He also loves the 1940's and 1950's like I do. He agrees that modern women have lost the feminine touch in many aspects.

Below are photos of my two of my favorite pieces of nightwear for the Summer Months. The vintage lace, ruffle and applique details are wonderful. I the vintage pink 3 piece set at an estate sale for $2. It was new in the box. The vintage 2 piece blue lace nightgown & robe set was thrifted.

Beautiful Details!

Pearlesque Buttons, Lace and Pink Embroidered Flowers

Estate Sale Find - Vintage Pink Nightgown & Robe Set

Matching Vintage Ruffle Bloomers

Thrifted Vintage Blue Ruffle & Floral Lace Nightgown & Robe Set

Wonderful Vintage Styling!

Ruffle and Floral Lace Details On the Sleeves Too!

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

A Peek At Etsy Shop - A Vintage Look - Handmade Retro & Vintage Inspired Decor

2016-08-19T08:56:00.000-04:00

Today I wanted to share one of my favorite etsy shops, A Vintage Look. The shop specializes in handmade valances, curtains and towels, placemats and pillows. Decorating a home with a certain vintage look can be difficult. In my case, many times 1950's era curtains are a very expensive find or I can't find any at all that match our atomic decor. It's not like we can stop at a Walmart and pick up a midcentury, starburst valance and a gallon of milk.

Years ago women would make their own curtains, but not everyone sews in modern times or has the time to whip up 3 sets of kitchen curtains. If you aren't a sewing enthusiast like myself and are looking for retro decor take a peek at A Vintage Look. The prices are reasonable and the feedback is 5 star from former customers. Browsing the shop is such fun and gives me so many ideas for decorating and re-decorating my home. The shop also takes custom orders. Be sure to favorite the store when you visit.

Below are some of my favorite pieces from Etsy Shop : A Vintage Look

Atomic Mid Century Turquoise Starburst Throw Pillow Cover - $16.50

Atomic Kitties Starburst Valance Curtain Panel - $21+

Atomic Kitties Kitchen Towel (These match the Valance Above) - $12.95

Happy Campers Valance - $20+

What a great vintage print!

This print reminds me of Vintage Pyrex Bowls - Retro Waffle Weave Teal White Print Towel - $12.95

Retro Pinup Cowgirl Throw Pillow Cover - $16.50+

Hula Tiki Print Retro Curtains- $20+

Retro Mid Century Red, Jade and White Kitchen Valance - $21.00

Route 66 Retro Pillow Cover - $18.00

There are so many more Mid Century Style Decor Item's in this Wonderful Etsy Shop. Check It Out!

AVintageLook

Happy Housewifing!!!

The Homemakers Creed - Free Printable

2016-08-13T15:17:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share an oldy but goody from way back. Betty Crocker created the Home Legion of America in 1940. This is "The Homemakers Creed" of the Home Legion. I love being a homemaker or housewife and I simply believe all of these things.

This list helps me when I get discouraged or side tracked. Print one out for your fridge or wall as a reminder of how important our job is as a homemaker..

Free Printable "The Homemakers Creed"

Thanks for Reading! Happy Housewifing!

http://convertalinktest.affiliatewindow.com

Vintage Pyrex Dumpster Finds and Other Vintage Rescues

2016-08-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post about some vintage rescues I made this week. I've been cleaning out clutter this Summer and I have thrown out a ton of junk. I have been trying to keep my "vintage collecting" to a minimum. It's a challenge and this past Sunday I caved. It was a nice day and My husband and myself happened to be dropping off some donations at the Salvation Army and I noticed the dumpster was packed full to the brim with "junk". I saw a shiny object on top and knew immediately what it was. I'm not embarrassed to say I dumpster dived and have done it before. I honestly wasn't purposely looking for "vintage" finds I swear I wasn't. This one is NOT my fault.

I walked over and grabbed it and my husband already knew he had lost me. I was all in by now. It was a beautiful vintage copper colored gingerbread man jello mold. I have a collection on my kitchen wall and now this little man is hanging there with pride.

Of course I went back to see just in case the employees threw out anymore "junk" and to my delight and high. PYREX! Vintage PYREX! Score. It's pink, perfect and it was sitting with a small pyrex inside it. Sadly there was another pyrex dish smashed into a million pieces near them. Honestly, I was still overjoyed and happily walked over to the car with my dumpster rescues. Of course my husband was laughing at me.

My husband then pointed to the ground between the dumpsters at something pink and he walked over and grabbed a small pink vintage Royal Traveler suitcase. I could have died. Apparently the employees view this stuff as worthless but it's like gold to anyone with a love for vintage.

Vintage Pink Pyrex Casserole Dish and Bowl and Vintage Copper Colored Jello Mold

Vintage Pink Royal Traveler Train Case - Suitcase

Thanks for Reading! Happy Housewifing!

This LAZY Housewife Walked Over 2 miles Today and I didn't Leave The House

2016-08-10T17:25:00.002-04:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by to read my blog. I wanted to make a post about my part of my day. Like the title says I walked over 2 miles today.

I know I have touched on the modern negative view of stay at home moms or housewives. We have all heard phrases like "She's a lazy housewife." or "She sit's on the couch eating and watching T.V. all day" and other nonsense.

To be fair maybe some women do sit around. I for one don't sit around and today was a light duty housework day and I managed to walk over 2 miles and I wasn't wearing athletic shoes and I didn't leave the house except to let my little dog Millie out to potty. My son took her for her walk today which I usually do myself.

I wasn't purposely monitoring steps but I did have my pocket apron on and I had left my phone in the pocket all day while doing laundry, sweeping, doing dishes, and just doing daily housewife duties. I inadvertently caught my step count on my not so vintage Iphone 5. The built in health monitor caught everything. I happened to browse at some unwanted apps on my phone and removed those an opened this one to see what it was.

I walk regularly and hike on weekends with the family but never thought that I was "exercising" while doing my housework. It can be tough to fit exercise in our busy days. I honestly think using a pedometer or an "app" step counter can be a positive lift to us stay at home parents, homemakers or housewives. Choose your title. I feel pretty good about my 2 plus miles right now. Below is a screen shot of my steps today. I think my goal for tomorrow will be 5000 steps. What a fun app!

Cleaning with Bleach, Makes Me Happy!

2016-07-19T14:00:00.002-04:00

1950's Housewife Cleaning with Bleach

Just like the title says, cleaning my kitchen counters makes me happy. As stay at home moms or housewives most of us can relate to the dread of cleaning a messy kitchen. This is where everything and everyone seems to land. It leads to piles of just about everything and if you procrastinate like I do, dishes pile up and counters get sticky and so on. Being a housewife/stay at home mom takes a lot of self-discipline.

I have found that no matter what I use to clean my kitchen with it just doesn't give it the clean smell or brightness as bleach. I have used store bought cleaners and of course vinegar and water. Cleaning is daunting period. I wish I was one of those Martha Stuart or June Cleaver types with the perfectly clean eat off the floor homes. You know them, we all know them. It's depressing.

I have told myself I WILL clean the kitchen sink and counters every morning with a old spray bottle of water and bleach. I have done it for almost 30 days. As they say it takes 30 days to form a habit and this is one is actually going to work.

In the morning I send my husband off to work. I always lay his clothes out for him and make him a cup of tea as he kicked the coffee habit. The kids are home from school for the Summer so they are still sleeping that early in the morning. I take our little dog Millie out for tinkle and feed her as part of my morning routine. I put any dishes into the dishwasher and hand wash any that need scrubbing like the pots and pans from the night before. I turn the dishwasher on and grab my spray bottle of bleach/water mix. I use a stronger bleach mix in my bottle and spray away. I don't use gloves but you may want to. I spray the counters, microwave and the front of any appliances on the counter. I wipe them down with a simple wash cloth. My sink is white and I wipe it down and then spray it and leave the bleach mixture to dry. My sink has never been so white in all the 5 years we have lived here in our home.

The clean smell bleach gives my kitchen area is great. I sweep the floor and spray any spots in the most heavy traffic areas and run a damp mop over it. I wipe out the sink and microwave daily now. It really does help to get the day going. It's good simple routine that has helped to keep me happier throughout the day. I don't dread the kitchen and things don't pile up anymore. Such a simple old fashioned cleaning trick changed the hum drum daily task of cleaning the kitchen.

Etsy Gift Ideas For The Modern Vintage Housewife

2016-02-04T15:14:00.001-05:00

With Valentine Day fast approaching I thought I would put together a Gift guide for the all of us modern vintage homemakers. I adore "true" vintage of course. There are wonderful modern retro "housewife" gifts Etsy sellers are offering and they are just too adorable to ignore.

This is just perfect! Vintage TEAL Blender, Glass Pendant on a 24" Chain.

Retro Mixer Necklace byKokoCo - $14.99

Of Course this goes without saying.......

Mug By Etsy Seller - Creationsbytiff34 - $9

This 1950's Housewife Switchplate would make a really unique gift. It's not jewelry or flowers it's a light switch plate. Honestly it's quirky and awesome so I had to add it here. Psst: I would love my hubby to get me this!

Retro Housewife Light Switchplate - By Etsy Seller BuckeroosMerchantile - $9.95

We love fridge magnets, don't we? This particular magnet is bringing up feelings of guilt..lol

This seller has many other retro magnets to choose from.

Retro Fridge Magnet by Etsy Seller KellysMagnets - $4.75

What a sweet peg apron and so perfect when we are hanging out the laundry! We can do it in style!

Handmade Retro Peg Apron by PinnyPegs - $22

I love these too much! I love them because I made 4 sets of curtains from this great flannel fabric last week and these would match my kitchen perfectly! This is a set of two retro potholders.

Handmade by PeggyandCo - $14.00

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

The Bee's Knees - Vintage Camper Gal Wisconsin Vlogger

2016-01-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend. We were expecting a snow storm here in the north east but it looks like it will actually miss us. Yay! I wanted to mention a lovely vintage vlogger I have been following, she's in the cold state of Wisconsin. Her channel is Vintage Camper Gal Wisconsin. I love her style, her accent as well as her vintage hair dryers she uses to set her hair. There's a lot to love here. I am really adoring her channel. She offers a great range of videos such as morning coffee in curlers, vintage glamping, vintage hair styling, vintage shopping & thrifting, homemaking tips and cruelty free make-up reviews. She also includes us in her travels to car shows, vacations and most recently VLV 18. Woohoo! This lady makes me want to start my own youtube channel, but for now I will just love on her channel. She's the Bee Knees! Give her a watch and follow.

Thanks For Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

I'm a stay-at-home mom. Go ahead ask me what I do all day. I dare you.

2016-01-20T08:17:00.003-05:00

photo credit: naughtymommys.wordpress.com

I sit here contemplating life this morning and I am feeling a little perturbed. I was asked AGAIN last night by a nice, but well meaning new acquaintance that dreaded question "What do you do all day"? Really? Ugh! I went on to explain. It seem's like I need an explanation to not work outside the home these days.

Is it that strange to be home with my children and keep a home? Maybe? The fact is that if we live within our means there should not be an issue with being a homemaker. Wive's can be spend thrifts. My husband experienced being almost in financial ruin in his past marriage. Many husbands struggle with wive's over spending. One of the top things couple fight about is money.

Like I said I am a "modern vintage homemaker" which means I have experienced divorces, step family issues, financial strains from child support payments paid out and lack of child support payments coming in and much more. I believe it takes the right plan and mind set to be a stay at home wife. I give mom's who do work outside the home props for juggling that lifestyle too.

I'm not perfect by any means and it is a work in progress. My home is never perfectly spotless and I do feel a little guilt over that. Our family is happy and comfortable. That's what counts. We have healthcare through my husbands job and for that I am grateful. My husband has a good income but we are not rich by any means. I believe to be a homemaker in today's world there are things you will give up, but also gain different things in exchange. It's what you make of it.

My Top 5 Pet Peeves People Say To Homemakers:

1. What do you do all day?

2. Do you have to ask for money?

3. I wish I could watch T.V. all day.

4. You're so lucky to have all that free time.

5. I wish my husband was rich, so I wouldn't have to work either.

Ok, I feel better now. I'm heading back to my happy place.

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

How to Decorate with Vintage Plates and Serving Trays

2016-01-19T17:00:00.000-05:00

photo credit: thevelvetfantastic

photo credit: foundinithica

Throughout my vintage collecting years I have come across literally thousands of beautiful vintage plates. Most of those plates are missing their little tea cups and are sadly alone on those thrift store shelves. I have passed up so many beautiful pieces just for the fact that I had no where to display them. I also had trouble displaying my vintage trays. I also used this simple tutorial to hang those as well. Even though hanging plates on walls is not a new idea, I made my vintage plate wall a while back and wanted to share this easy DIY tutorial of how I did it.

Vintage plates and trays can be found at almost all thrift stores, antique shops, yard sales and even Grandmother's house. This is a very affordable and easy way to decorate with vintage. It is sometimes called cottage decorating.

You may choose a theme such as blue willow plates. Any shapes or sizes of plates can be used as long as they are not to thick; which equals heavy. Vintage trays actually don't weigh very much and hang well with this a paper clip wall hook.

You may grow your plate wall from floor to ceiling if you like and I might end up filling my wall as well. I display my vintage serving trays in my kitchen and my vintage plates in my dining room.

If you own a simple glue gun, paper clips and have some plates or trays just waiting to be shown off then why not try this simple vintage plate/tray wall tutorial.

Things You Will Need For This Project:

Paper Clips
Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Vintage Plates or Vintage Trays
Small Nails or Hanging Hooks.

Step One:

Open Your Paper Clips Like This

Step Two:

Heat the Glue Gun Up and Glue "Open" V Part of Paper Clip to back of Plate or tray.

Step Three:

Voila! Hang your vintage plates and trays!

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

A Busy Monday for this Homemaker and Blog Updates

2016-01-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

photo credit:homeschooledmom.blogspot.com

Hello all! I hope everyone is having a great start to their week. It's a Monday. Monday's are always busy for me. I tend to have to recover from the kids and my husband being home for the weekend. This is a three day weekend for the kids due to the Martin Luther King holiday. The kids are home lounging around in their PJ's and I've got to get going on my housework list. I have laundry, decluttering , bathroom/shower, vacuuming, mopping the kitchen, and baking some treats for the family

Monday's are also blogging days. I have been playing around with my blog and trying to clean it up for a neater appearance. I believe less is more when it comes to blogging now. Long gone are the day's where blinking and scrolling text is acceptable. I am not a professional designer by any means. My header is a little fuzzy as I just whipped it up in my basic paint program. I will be browsing etsy for some buttons for this blog and there are some really talented sellers with beautiful designs.

I have also been working on monetizing my blog. I know a lot of you have blogs of your own. It's no secret that I have ad's on my blog. We write about what we love so why not get paid to do it as well. I recently joined Share-A-Sale. See how I did that? I placed an affiliate link there.

Share-A-Sale..see I did it again. Ok, now back to what I was explaining. Share-A-Sale is just one of many affiliate marketing websites. People like us bloggers can join for free and select products that we like or that match what we blog about. We earn a portion of the merchants sale for the visit. There are other way's to make money with affiliate marketing. There is pay-per-click, pay-per-sale etc.

For instance if you blog about vintage style dresses and fashion, you would put that search term in the search box. I searched for "vintage dress". A couple of merchants that came up in my search were: Sammy Dress and Vintage Trend's.

Sammy Dress sell's great vintage themed dresses as well as jewelry, maternity, plus size clothing and gifts. Vintage Trends sell's true vintage clothing as well as vintage military clothing.

Some programs take a day or two for approval when you apply. Vintage Trends has 100% approval rate so you could apply today, get accepted and place your chosen text, banner or coupon on your blog.

I have also joined the Ebay Partner Network and this happens to be my FAVORITE as I can choose from millions of items to promote. I love browsing Ebay for vintage everything and that's what I choose to promote.

While being part of the Ebay Partner Network I have access to the Half.com affiliate program as well. Amazon does not offer an affiliate program to my state due to tax reasons. I have chosen Half.com as a source of finding great cookbooks and books to review.

I have found a book on on half.com about affiliate marketing

Quick Start Guide to Affiliate Marketing : Answers to the Questions You Should Be Asking by Evgenii Prussakov (2014, Paperback)

If you don't know much about affiliate marketing there are many more books about it on half.com. I personally like a "printed" book to read while I sit and have tea.

Whew...there is quite a lot to blogging. I hope I haven't overwhelmed or bored you. I will say that I have been playing it safe with my blog posts and I will be writing "meatier" postsin the future. I am pretty candid and now feel that I can be more open in my posts. Subjects like remarriage, being a stay at home wife, mother, self esteem, anxiety, and basically most topics I have stayed away from. I'm also excited to announce that I will be having monthly or weekly giveaways. I haven't decided just yet. Stay tuned!

I must get going on my housework as I am way behind already.

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

Vintage Kitsch Weekend Favorites

2016-01-16T12:49:00.001-05:00

I wish I could buy everything vintage bobble I see. I love finding vintage deals online and while I'm out thrifting. Today we are having a snowstorm and I've taken some time to sit and have a cup of tea and browse online. Ebay is my favorite site for finding vintage kitsch.

I'm in love with a seller I found while searching for vintage potholders on ebay. This seller happens to live in my state and is called Mainely Vintage Linens. Here are just a few items they have in their store. If your kitchen is looking a little bare these would do a wonderful job of brightening up a vintage themed kitchen.

Super Cute Kitsch Chrocheted Pot Holders

1950's Vintage Lot of PotHolders

Below are also some great vintage decorations I found this morning while browsing. I love spaghetti poodles. I have seen these same poodles selling for up $100 in my area. The poodles on ebay are very affordable and too adorable! My collection...begins..

Vintage Spaghetti Poodle from

Ebay Seller: SweetRepeats4All

Sweet Spaghetti Poodle with Pink Bow-

Ebay Seller :BakesVinyl

I also browsed for some chalkware. I actually broke my vintage fruit plaque while dusting it so I'm one the lookout for another. There are many on ebay. I like the Arther Miller aka Miller Studio, as they usually have the date on stamped into the back of them. I'm picky like that.

1951 Chalkware Fruit Plaques - Miller -

Ebay Seller - Antique Alter Ego

Vintage 1954 Fish Chalkware - Miller Studio

Ebay Seller - Masterkee1982

Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers - 1950's

Ebay Seller - FirstGlassCat

1950's Corn on the Cob - Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

Ebay Seller - Airgonaut8

Of Course I had to browse for some new brooches. Some of these were just scrumptious!

Vintage Poodle Pin Brooch -

Ebay Seller - Bills Sock's Jewelry and Much More

Vintage Pear Fruit Brooch - Ebay Seller His Favor n Grace

Thanks For Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

Housekeeping Tip - How to Clean Burned, Scorched Pans, Instead of Throwing Them Away. Gasp!

2016-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

My muffin pan is due for some TLC. I use it for individual meatloafs, cupcakes, and muffins. It is a pain trying to clean inside each individual cup. There is so much baked on grease I embarrassed to post the photo. Ugh!

Pans like these are still good and I am guilty in my younger years as a housewife of "throwing" pans away deemed to dirty to wash. Now, I am more frugal and would not throw them away. I have several 1950's vintage pans that need some attention as well.

This morning I spent some time researching a natural "old fashioned" way to make my pans shine.

Yes, they are awful! I'm totally embarrassed to post this but I know I'm not alone with this predicament. It sneaks up on a unsuspecting housewife. It's a "I'll get to it later" kind of thing, and later is here.

Below is a 24 Cup Muffin Pan. Other pan's will require more or less of the recipe. This is what I used for cleaning this particular pan.

SIMPLE RECIPE for Cleaning Baked On Grease from Pans.

2 Quarts of Water
3 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
Heat Oven to 350 Degrees

Add Baking Soda to the Water and Mix well until the baking soda is dissolved.

Pour mixture into each cup almost to the top. If you run out of mixture, just make more.

Put pan in the oven for 20 minutes. My water was boiling. I shut the oven off and let the pan cool before removing it. Safety first!

Take the pan out and put into your sink. Add some dish detergent to the water and sponge or rag of your choice and wipe down the pan. My pan was extra dirty and I did this whole procedure twice before I was happy with the outcome.

Muffin Pan - Before Cleaning

Muffin Pan - After

All in all I say that this works. My muffin pan was incredibly stained with baked on grease . Most I suspect would start off with what my pan looks like after I cleaned it with the baking soda mixture. I am pretty happy with the results. I will probably do this one more time to see how much more will come off.

Thanks for following!

Happy Housewifing!

Mom's Homemade Apple Pie with only 2 Ingredients. Sort of from scratch...

2016-01-15T10:22:00.001-05:00

Most of us remember the sweet smell of homemade pies baking in the oven. Many of us have never made a pie from scratch. I'm one of them. (Raises Hand). Sadly I have only ventured into cookies, boxed cakes, brownies, and breads. I have however warmed a pre-made pie up in the oven. Ok, I know that doesn't count. So much for the vintage housewife gig, right? This past week I decided to make a pie. Sort of from scratch.

I bought a small box of Jiffy Pie Mix at my last grocery store visit. The box said made since 1935. So I was curious and it was $.75 and at that price I thought why not? I was sure I could make use of it. I didn't read the rest package and assumed I would need to add eggs, milk or some other ingredients to the mix.

I had also purchased can's pie filling in Apple, Cherry and Key Lime and usually have these on hand. I found these to be extremely cheap at just $1 at our local Dollar Store. I stocked up on those cans, as I like to make dump cakes for my family.

So there I had it. Two Ingredients was all I needed for my pie. I added some cinnamon and sugar to the top of the pie just to make it pretty.

I was surprised to find all I was going to need to do for the Jiffy Pie Mix was add a few tablespoons of water and mix it with a fork. Now I am an accomplished pie maker. Sort of. Maybe you can try making your hubby one tonight?

2 Ingredient - Sort Of From Scratch Pie

Recipe:

1 Box Jiffy Pie Crust Mix
1 Can of Pie Filling

Before Baking

After Baking

Happy Housewifing!

Review - Back in Time for Dinner TV Show - A week in the 1950's

2016-01-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: theguardian.com

Hello everyone. I wanted to share with my loyal blog readers a neat television show I came across on my endless search for people living life like the 1950's. This series takes a modern family and document's their experience living in different decades of life and what their meals would have been like as a family in the 1950's though 1990's.

"Back In Time For Dinner" is the title and the show was pretty eye opening and funny. It was quite interesting to watch as the family all tried to figure out how to use the can opener. I honestly don't know if I would fare any better than they did.

In the 1950's England food rationing was still happening even though war ended in 1945. It wasn't until 1954 that things got much better for the family at meal time. Rationing ended in 1954. This show is made in Britain by the BBC and the experiences of the English housewife may be somewhat different from what American housewives were experiencing.

I adored the color scheme as well as the kitchen curtains and the yellow cabinets featured in these episodes. As my kitchen is already teal/green it has prompted me to change my pink cupboards to creamy yellow and research rationing. My next project is to find some 1940's - 1950's recipe booklets using rations. It should be very interesting trying those recipes out on my own family. I mentioned my plan to my husband and the amounts that were rationed to each family member. Let's say he was less than enthused at giving up his "larger" portions.

This show is worth the watch. I was mostly interested in the decade of the 1950's. The series can be found on youtube or begin watching the first episode the below.

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

Outfit of the Day! Plus a New to Me Lovely Vintage, Wool, Winter Coat.

2016-01-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm posting my OOTD. Recently I have been leaning toward the fashions of the late 1940's, early 1950's. I will be posting some recent vintage frocks I have come across this past weekend. One of the lovely finds is a beautiful camel colored lined coat I found and it only cost $8.99. I also thrifted an adorable brown, striped hand knit scarf that matched quite well. I was hoping to find this very style of coat. I have plaid, wool coats in my wardrobe but I needed a basic piece like this. The camel color matches everything and is timeless. It is in mint condition and a wonderful find. You may understand that feeling you get when you come across that special vintage piece and fall in love.

Blouse - Thrifted

Vintage Puff Sleeve Embroidered Sweater - Thrifted

Wool Button Front Skirt - Thrifted

Shoes - Thrifted
Brooch - Thrifted

Thanks for Reading!

Happpy Housewifing!

A Mom, Housewife and Figure Skater? Oh, My!

2016-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I decided to pick up some figure skates and start figure skating again. Honestly the first day I put those skates on it was HARD. I still felt like that young 14 year old girl with those skates on and thought I would have no problem and would just take off skating. Wrong! My legs were wobbly, weak and I could not believe how challenging it had become.

Skating was one of my passions as a youth. I had a dream to become a famous figure skater, but as a child I didn't have the opportunity to follow that dream. My life as a figure skater ended on the public outdoor rink one Winter. Life went on and I didn't put on a pair of figure skates until November, 2015, over 30 years later.

I purchased a $4.99 pair from a thrift store and tried my skill at the local indoor ice arena. It wasn't long until I figured out that this was going to take some..ok..a lot of work. I researched some "better" skates and purchased those. I have been regularly skating at the rink and I am up to one foot spins as of two days ago. It's a lot of fun. Figure skating is a life long sport. A have met a few ladies at our local rink and are aged 54 to 71. They are out there jumping and spinning. Age is just a number.

I remember watching movies with Sonja Henie (1912-1969). She was a Hollywood Starlet from the 1930's - 1950's. She made movies showcasing her figure skating talent such as "One in a Million" in 1936 and "Iceland" in 1942 as well as "It's a pleasure" in 1945. I watch her dance, flow and jump across the ice with such ease. I see her vintage skates and wonder how she did it without killing herself on the ice. They don't make starlet's like her anymore. She was so talented in such a unique way. Old Hollywood had it right!!

Sonja Henie (1912-1969)

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Housewifing!

1950's - Easy Sunday Dinner for the Family - American Chop Suey

2016-01-10T12:58:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share a family favorite of ours. American Chop Suey is an easy, quick and cheap meal idea for a larger family like ours. This is one recipe that our three children don't turn their nose up at.
It can be made in many different ways but I will share with you how I make it.

-----------------
2 Boxes of Elbow Macaroni
1 Jar Spagetti Sauce - Any Kind
1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (I use the kind seasoned with basil, garlic and oregano)
1 Onion - Chopped (optional)
1 Cup of chopped green peppers (I used the frozen kind this time) (optional)
1/2 pound to 1 pound - Hamburg
-------------------

Fry Hamburg, Onion, and Green Peppers together (Drain)
Add Can of Tomatoes
Simmer - 5 minutes

Meanwhile - Boil water and Cook Macaroni until tender
Drain

Add Hamburg mixture
Add Jar of Spagetti Sauce

Mix Well

Voila!!! Dinner is Served and there are plenty of left overs to send in your hubby's lunch bucket for work Monday morning.

Thanks for Reading! Happy Housewifing!

1950's Vintage Apple Dump Cake Recipe

2015-10-07T15:11:00.000-04:00

I am all for simple..simple recipes that is. Dump cakes became popular during the 1950's. It truly amazes me how the women of the 1950's would come up with these wonderful ideas. After World War II boxed cake mixes became available to the delight of housewives everywhere as well as canned food.
Dump cakes are simply 2 or 3 ingredients. I am sharing this wonderful Apple Dump Cake recipe. My husband and children love it. I serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. PLUS..there is very little mess to clean up as well. No mixing bowl. I can live with that.

1950's Apple Dump Cake

3 MAIN INGREDIENTS:

1 Can of Apple Pie Filling

1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix

3/4 Cup - Butter or Margarine ( Melted)

1 tsp - Cinnamon

Use 13" x 9" Pan

EASY DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare 13" x 9" Baking pan. Spray with cooking spray or lightly grease with margarine/butter.
3. Pour apple pie filling into pan, sprinkle with cinnamon (if desired), cover with dry cake mix, melt butter/margerine and drizzle all over dry cake mix.
4. Place in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.
5. Take it out and Enjoy.

Thanks for reading! Happy Housewifing!

Outfit of the Day and A Favorite 1950's Chair

2015-09-09T15:15:00.000-04:00

My outfit of the day. It's a beautiful late Summer day here and thought I would capture the wonderful lighting in my living room . Here I am sitting on my favorite thrift store find my 1950's atomic chair. It has little lightning bolts all over the fabric and of course the perfect teal color as well. I made the amoeba pillow cover. The fabric is part of the Mad Mod collection by Ragnar. It is out of print but can still be found on ebay or etsy. In the background is a clock and pole lamp I won at an auction. All three pieces together cost less than $20. Woohoo!

Outfit

Pink Thrifted top by Arizona

Black Thrifted patent leather belt

Pink Floral Rose Skirt - Handmade my ME

Thrifted - Vintage Flower Pin/Brooch with faux pearl accent

Ebay- Vintage Faux pearl necklace (doubled and used as bracelet)

Thrifted - Vintage Wicker (Simon) Purse/Handbag

Thanks for Reading! Happy Housewifing!

Window Shopping Night - My 1950's Etsy Kitchen Favorites under $20

2015-07-06T19:51:00.002-04:00

It's Window Shopping Night - My Etsy Kitchen favorites from the 1950's.

PinkChicBoutique - $10.00

Lovely 1950's Schilling Tins and Amazing shape. I would love to have a cabinet full of these for display.

FattyandBaldy - $16.00

Original - Atomic vs. Shabby Chic Table Mats from the 1950's. Perfect addition to a vintage kitchen.

ShakeThatThang - $16.50

Adorable Kitschy Salt, Pepper and Sugar Bowl Windmill Set - Pink and Turquoise the perfect combo.

vintagearcheology - $12.00

I love 1950's chalkware and love Pennsylvania Dutch Kitchens. These are in great condition and so cute.

bumpmarie - $17.00

What better way to decorate a vintage kitchen than with jello molds. I have many molds but none as great as these. I may snatch these for myself.

DottieDigsVintage - $9.95

Where has this been all my life. Every vintage housewife needs a 1950's wooden hamburger press. This would make things go much more smoothly when I'm making my pathetically shaped patties.

afalls- $13.00

Never wonder what time it is with this General Electric 1950's Turquoise kitchen wall clock. What a great find.