The RetroMom

Laundry Room

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Today I wanted to give you a preview of our progress in the laundry room. Keep in mind that we started out with off white walls, oak laminate cabinetry, & stained vinyl flooring. For the tile we went with Datile in a very dark grey/tan; I wanted something that would NOT show dirt & I think I won with this look! (Plus it was on a bargain bin for on 99 cents a Sq. Ft) Now for the walls as you know I chose Sherwin-Williams paint in Jogging Path; I wanted sort of (what I would call) Martha Stewart Grey. I think it turned out lovely. We are still not finished cleaning the tile but you get the idea. Next for the laundry we are going to get a small vanity sink cabinet. I found this great deal at home depot for only $39 you get everything but the faucet- AWESOME!!!

Retro Find: 1940's Table Fan

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:29:00 +0000

I found this lovely Zephair Retro Table Fan here about a year ago, & I fell in love with it's vintage 1940's style. What I did not fall in love with was the price, which is almost $250..for a table fan- um how about NO! So I have spent the last few months looking for a similar fan for a better price. I had no luck for the longest time & just when I gave up finding a copy I found IT! A beautiful retro bronzed finish table fan by Hawaiian Breeze at Wal-Mart for only $30! They also carry brushed nickel look if that's your style. Head on over asap, because I believe they are about to clearance these out!

Kitchen Update

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

After tearing out the wall to open up our kitchen area we took out the old oak/laminate cabinets & opted to put in Shenandoah Cabinets from Lowes. That was a huge mistake, sure they look good & have a great price tag,but it was getting them in the house that was the hard part. Lowes took forever to order them & then when they shipped them we didn't get all the cabinets & had to wait another 2 months- it was a nightmare. We did save some money by using Lowes but it was such a headache I would never buy cabinets there again. I don't recommend them-go ahead & splurge when it comes to cabinets & get it done right.
So now we are moving forward to painting after the great cabinet fiasco. When it comes to paint I usually go to Porter Paints after attending a seminar by them I fell in love with their paint colors & how well they cover. This time though I chose to go with Sherwin-Williams HGTV paints. What lead me to that choice was the color palettes which claim that you can pick a color scheme & choose any one of the colors in each room & they will all coordinate. So I thought how simple is that, & immediately went to my local store to choose a color scheme. I chose Urban Organic which has a little retro feel while still being very modern. In review I do agree that the color choices do coordinate & help you to simplify choosing paint colors that will flow smoothly through your house. Although I wasn't as pleased with the coverage of Sherwin-Williams paint, Porter Paints still win in that fight. The color we chose for the kitchen is SW-Hazel, which is a nice retro teal. The other color which is our living room is SW-Jersey Cream. In the photo you can also see our beams from where the wall use to be-as you can see they still need woodwork, but that's another day!

DIY Vinyl -Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

One of the first things we wanted to change to make our house seem more like a home was the mailbox. We felt like we needed to make a statement, to say here we are The Brewer's! So I love art deco style lettering plus I wanted something simple & durable so I started googling vinyl letting. The very first thing that popped up was DIY Lettering after reading their many testimonials I didn't even think twice I just ordered. I am so happy with the results, the vinyl came in mint condition with super simple instructions, & most importantly it looks amazing!!! So next time you need some vinyl lettering stop by DIY Lettering you will not be disappointed!

Check this out!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

320*Sycamore did a recap this week of their fav posts from last year. Head on over & check it out I really enjoyed the 'retro' goldenbook post!

Tim-ber!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

As you can see we've been hard at work knocking down the wall between the formal dining room & the kitchen to provide a more open floor plan & let some light into a very dark kitchen! After having a professional come look at our wall & determining it was a load bearing wall he gave us some tips on how to go about knocking that bad boy down! First we just started knocking out one section of dry wall to find where they came together- we then took the rest of the pieces down more gently to preserve them for later use. Then we added supports on either side of the wall & along the ceiling (so there is a beam that comes across as a support). At that point everything was supported & we took a saw & cut out all the boards from the wall. Luckily the ceiling did not cave in!(That was a huge relief) we now have an open kitchen/dining area & lots of sunshine. We still need to add woodwork to the beams to make it look right, but that's a whole other post ;) also if you are wondering who the fantastic work crew is in this photo it's my hubby Dustin & my Dad. They call themselves Double D Construction- don't go there.

Welcome 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

This is the year of change for me,the retro mom. Over the years I've always started projects & stopped halfway through. This year my resolution is to be more dedicated to my goals. I have 3 major goals(because 3 is always a good place to start);first of all I want to be healthier in this new year. Which means I will have to cut out my guilty pleasure-French Fries. I know it sounds tacky & gross but I LIKE THEM SO MUCH & THEREFORE THEY MUST GO, so I can have a healthier me! Another goal I have is my house, I want to get all the heavy-duty remodeling finished this year so I can enjoy our house as a home. Last but most importantly, keeping up with this blog. I know it seems simple but I have a short attention span & as I admitted in one of my first posts I could never keep a journal as a child.(you were warned!!) So therefore my goal is to strive to be a better blogger & keep you updated on the goings on in our home. So there is my 2012 all spelled out. I challenge all of you to make 3 resolutions for change in this new year as well. Please make them simple- baby steps always work! For example to get healthier my goal to will start simply with cutting French Fries out for only 1 week, then 30 days, and so on until I can make a bigger baby step. If you fall off the wagon, don't stop- just dust off & get back on! Happy New Year Everyone!

Our New House!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:46:00 +0000

After 5 years of looking & pondering building a house,(we even had plans made & had purchased a lot!) We finally found a house in the area we wanted to live. After a very lengthy buying process we are now very grateful homeowners!This house is ours because of we trusted God & he showered us with blessings! It is a little 2,000 sq. ft. brick ranch style house. It had been vacant for a few years & needed a little TLC so I will begin in the next few weeks documenting the changes we are in the process of making. Let's just say it's all going to start with the carpet & linoleum...they have to go!

Retro Planet... Have an "Out of this World" Shopping Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Sat, 08 May 2010 03:02:00 +0000

This week I would love to introduce you to my new favorite source for everything from retro gifts and reproductions to retro home decor, Retro Planet ! Retro Planet offers a large variety of vintage reproduction items that includes Old Fashioned Toys, Candy, Home Decor, Metal Signs, and even Diner Booths! What I'm most impressed with is the quality, their items are so sturdy and very well made. The best part is that they have great customer service and even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Plus if you need help with decorating, they have you covered with these great ideas that are sure to get you into the retro renovation mood! I hope you enjoy browsing their wide assortment of goodies, and check out this great RETRO FIND : a classic 50's diner sign! Don't you just love it? I know I do! Retro Planet has made it possible for one of my lucky readers to have their very own! To enter this giveaway please browse the website and then leave a comment below that includes your favorite item from Retro Planet, and you're email. To win you need to leave a comment here by Friday (5/14) at 8PM (EST). Winner will be chosen randomly. Good Luck :)

Retro Find: Vintage Inspired Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:34:00 +0000

Today I want to feature one of my most favorite online shops. One of my friends clued me on this retro find, and I'm SO GLAD she did! Ruche is a great resource for those looking for modern clothes with a vintage touch. Shopping their online boutique is just like taking a stroll down memory lane. I love their jewelry as well, this tie me up with ribbons bracelet will be my next purchase from Ruche! LOVE IT! Visit their Website; ShopRuche to learn more, but I will warn you...you might become addicted and spend hours browsing their beautiful items!(I know I do) Hope you love them as much as I do!

Mom's Potato Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:41:00 +0000

I'm having Country Ham, Baked Beans and Potato Salad for our dinner tomorrow night and I thought I would share my mom's recipe for potato salad. It's a great recipe, my family loves it...there are hardly any leftovers anytime I make this dish! Hope you like it!

Mom's Potato Salad
Ingredients
6 large potatoes - peeled and cut up
3 eggs
1 onion,chopped
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
3 tablespoons mustard
3 tablespoons miracle whip
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions
1.Bring water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but not too mushy.(13-15 min) Drain, and Set Aside.
2.Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 min. Remove, cool, peel and chop.
3.In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, onion, relish, mustard, and miracle whip. Mix Well
4.Blend together with the potatoes thoroughly. Sprinkle with paprika and refrigerate until chilled.

Free Samples

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:39:00 +0000

Have you checked out Wal-mart's Free Samples lately? Right now they are offering Free Baby Formula as well as Hair Care Samples for Men and Women! Check them out!

Retro Find: Fossil Trailer Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:01:00 +0000

While browsing the sale rack in my local Fossil Shop I came across this great Retro Find! A Retro Trailer Shirt for only $14.99! I picked it up immediately since it was the last one left. Run to your local Fossil store as fast as you can for this amazing Retro Find!

Ask Me Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:39:00 +0000

I found this great video tutorial on how to get that pin up girl retro makeup look!It's from Ask Me Makeup on YouTube, I love their videos! I tried the look out today and it's really fun, plus it's a super easy look. Great for a date night. Check it out here. Also to get into the mood I really suggest Benefit Cosmetics all their products look like they came right out of the 50's. Enjoy.

Ps. If you're looking for more of a Breakfast at Tiffany's Look go here.

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:22:00 +0000

Tonights Dinner: Easy Pepper Steak (Modified from All You Magazine)

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds flank steak, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, cut into strips
2 large bell peppers, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup red wine vinegar

Directions
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, bell peppers, and garlic in oil until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
2.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar in pan, then add beef, cook beef until done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cooked vegetables, and cook another 10 to 15 minutes.

RETRO FIND: Vintage Saks Fifth Ave. Hose

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:11:00 +0000

This weekend I came out with an great find. A sealed pair of Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue Nude Panty hose... you know the ones with the retro lace racing stripe down the leg! How retro, and fun! I hardly ever find vintage clothing that hasn't been worn already but when I do, it makes my day. Although after I got them home I realized they aren't my size but oh well. It's the thought that counts...right?

Product Review: Little Tikes Turtle and Crayola Sand

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:11:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago we found a great item on clearance at Wal-mart. A Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox for only $15! It was from last season and they were trying to get rid of it for the new ones. I want to start out by saying that I loved the Crayola Sand it's colorful, a great fine texture (no rocks or chunky sand) and it looks great in the green turtle (we have the Green). It is very pricey compared to regular play sand, I paid $7 a bag for it. But I justified it b/c of the super cheap sandbox! Now for the Sandbox, I love the design, the color, the fact that I can clean it easy, and that the lid fits good plus my son loves it! My only complaint is that after a good rain, the next day we come out to a box full of dead worms and their sand trails...which I find super gross ( I hate worms) I just wish the lid locked on, so no bugs could crawl inside. Overall it's a great buy, I don't think I would have paid $50 for one since you can find them at yard sales for cheaper or on sale the way I did. I have purchased a litter scooper to fix my worm problem and now all is good!

Let's have fun....it's Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:14:00 +0000

I wanted to showcase this great blog I found, it's a little bit retro, slightly scary, and majorly HILARIOUS! It's PROMTACULAR, a site dedicated to the horrendously funny prom dresses that were worn through the past few decades. Check it out I'm sure it will make you laugh! You can even submit your own photos! Have a great weekend!

Dollar Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:37:00 +0000

Today I made a trip to our local dollar tree. Let me just say for the record that I feel like most of their products aren't worth even a buck. Usually I can find the same items for less than a dollar, but I still stop by on occasion. On this particular occasion, I'm very glad I stopped because I found some awesome things. They had a good selections of books I happened to pick up one called how to fly a plane (which sounds strange, but you must know that my husband recently told me he wants to start flying lessons.) I also found a great little book called Live/Work which is a home design book about how to create a work environment at home. This was a great find for me since I'm a sucker for decorating or design books. I also picked up a Sci-fi novel for my hubby. My other finds are included in the photo. (I particularly love the popcorn tub) Another thing I picked up there not in the photo were sponge packs in which I spent last night transforming into Sponge balls which is a great craft originally from Martha Stewart that I discovered on MomAdvice. Has anyone else found anything good at the Dollar Tree lately?

Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:42:00 +0000

Here are a few Green ways to clean your home in honor of Earth Day!

Homemade Window Cleaner-

To make window cleaner, combine two teaspoons white vinegar and one quart warm water in a bowl. Mix and Spray!

Homemade Furniture Polish

To make furniture polish, mix one cup olive oil and 1/4 cup white vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto a cloth and get busy!

Drain Cleaner

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then pour 1/2 cup white vinegar. Then flush the drain with warm water.

Toilet Cleaner

Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and one cup vinegar. Pour the mix in and let it sit for about three minutes. Scrub and rinse.

Have a Fun and Clean Earth Day!

SNOWBALLS IN SPRING!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:10:00 +0000

Some people like Twinkies others like Tasty Cakes... Me, I like Snowballs, unfortunately I don't buy them very often for myself. But I love the excuse to eat them and since my dad's birthday is coming up I decided to try something completely different from the normal b-day cake and make a Snowball Snack Cake. Which is just a larger version of the ones you can buy at the store. The best part is it's the most easy cake recipe I've ever tried and that is no lie! (is it awful to make something you love for someone Else's birthday?) hmm ...OH WELL too late now! :)
Here is the delicious recipe, PS. make sure you have a Pyrex bowl on hand!

Courtesy of Kraft Foods:
SNOWBALL CAKE
What You Need!
1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 egg
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold milk
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1 cup BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut
Make It!
HEAT oven to 350ºF.

1
PREPARE cake batter, in 2-1/2-qt. ovenproof bowl, as directed on package; scrape side of bowl. Beat cream cheese, egg and granulated sugar until well blended; spoon into center of batter in bowl.

2
BAKE 1 hour 5 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in bowl 10 min. Loosen cake from bowl with knife; invert onto wire rack. Remove bowl. Cool cake completely.

3
MEANWHILE, beat dry pudding mix, powdered sugar and milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in COOL WHIP. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4
PLACE cake on plate; frost with pudding mixture. Cover with coconut. Keep refrigerated.

YesterLand...A retro step into Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:19:00 +0000

I love all things Disney, I at least go to WDW Resort every Three years. Which is why I'm super excited to share with you this RETRO-FIND: Yesterland! A full website dedicated to all that Disney is and USED to be! If you share my retro inspired obsession you will also love this site. please check it out it's really awesome!

Product Review Samsung N210

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:04:00 +0000

This week my ancient Toshiba laptop bit the dust,and I welcomed the new "kid" on the block: SAM-SUNG N210 Net-book. It boasts that it's the top net-book available, and it comes in a beautiful white color that I absolutely fell for when I saw it in Best Buy. So I had a impulse and purchased it! Now I will tell you that for a net-book it's one of the priciest, but it runs great just like my full size Toshiba did. Plus it doesn't have the midget sized keyboard like other net-books. I also loved the fact that it has a web cam, and comes with it's own sleeve, so I didn't even have to waste time trying to find one that fit snug.I'm not a tech guy so I really can't give you the complete detail on all the internals. But I can tell you that if you want a top of the line net-book that will look awesome while your sitting in Starbucks next to a bunch of college kids with macs.....you have found your laptop! It's RetroMom approved.Check out the features here. I want to add that at this point in time it's a Best Buy Exclusive.

Cheap Diamond & Sterling Jewelry Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:39:00 +0000

Today on The Martha Show she did a short segment about jewelry cleaning and I thought I might share that tidbit. Here is her soaking tip for Diamonds and Sterling: Jewelry should be soaked in an ammonia-based cleaner and then wiped with a paper towel. So I used a Windex and Water mix, about 50/50 and it worked great! Try it out yourself, it beats paying those prices for expensive cleaners!

Movie Time for RETROMOM

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Just went to see Date Night with Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, and it's very cute. A great movie to see with you hubby! Check it out while it's still in theaters! Also Tina Fey will be on SNL this weekend don't miss it!