This Aproned Life

We've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:06:00 +0000

They have moved me once again to what is, I hope, my final place of work. I am now found at

www.thisapronedlife.com

Please join me there!

Warm Regards,
Betty

Saint Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:51:00 +0000

I hope you all have a wonderful Saint Patrick's day. I am not familiar with the numbers of our Irish customers, I feel safe to assume we have at least a few. Have a wonderful Holiday to you! Now that we are on the subject of the Irish, what is Irish food? I have heard that Irish stew is made with lamb and not beef as we eat here in America. I also heard that stewing comes from the need to use the tougher cuts of meat and turn them into a more palatable form. Is it true that lean meat dries when stewed? So many things I do not know. This is when one runs to Wikipedia with a cup of tea for a quiet moment of reading and discovery. I do so love to learn new things.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you all!
Warm Regards,
Betty

It's Lovely

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:37:00 +0000

Look around, it is pretty isn't it? I do enjoy this new look our conversations. I am quite satisfied and can be content here. The lace at the top of the banner suits me fine and the entire theme is simple yet elegant. I am so pleased. Now I must get working on topics. I am so thrilled to do so.

Warm Regards,
Betty Allen

I'm thrilled

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:22:00 +0000

I have news. I have been told that the powers that be are searching for a new design here. This will be wonderful. I have so much to share, so much to give and can't wait to get a fresh start. I am all smiles today.
And should you have the time, do take a look at the new Vermont Apron Co website. I hear they are still uploading products and working out kinks, you may find you need to be extra patient and kind, I always allot them a bit of extra patience anyways....:)

I hope you are well and that your day is filled with good news as was mine.

Warm Regards,
Betty.

Overseeing

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 03:46:00 +0000

Greetings,
We have had an exciting adventure and I have had the important task of overseeing the seamstress. A bright yellow gown had to be hemmed to fit a model properly. It was hung high on a beam that allowed the hem to be proper height. It is quite difficult to crawl around on a floor while pinning a hem. It was an interesting process and I was delighted to bear witness.

I was not allowed to attend the affair and can only hope that all went well. I am told that next I will be assisting with a new Apron that fits like a shirt. I do hope so.

Warm Regards,
Betty

Directions

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:19:00 +0000

Upon this new move to a fine studio, I find I have ample opportunity to expand myself into new responsibilities. I quite often am called upon to hold fabric or model a newly made sample. I was quite surprised to find myself draped in Goth. How horrid! I was amazed at the turn of design and wondered if this geographical change had as well changed our company direction.

But peace has come, I now hold and display only a wonderful retro 1950's piece in process, that reflects housewives and their kitchen. Lovely!

My hope is for them to craft a lovely Apron that also reflects that time in our history.
Is it really too much to ask?

Warm regards,
Betty.

It's Vermont

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:33:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

I appreciate the fact that I reside in Vermont, it is a very Northern state with a zone of 3 and 4. I also appreciate that people are kind, caring and loyal. A very kind gentleman, who, I assume, was concerned for my lack of winter gear, shared this hat with me. I am grateful but would hope for a hat with some degree of fashion sense if not even a bit.

I am grateful but would hope for a hat with some degree of fashion sense if not even a bit.

It doesnt even suit its purpose as you can plainly see it does not fit my head properly. And as you can see, I remain in a summer dress. Do we not have a proper PR department yet?

Alas, I shall wait with professional patience. It is Christmas season and I am left to assume that a lovely gown and headpiece will be forthcoming. I assume.... with confidence.... and fingers crossed.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Daisies and an Apron

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:23:00 +0000

Well, here I am.poised within the retail window that overlooks the downtown. People appear to be quite friendly but I must say that my nervousness leaves my cheerfulness impaired. My hope is that my worrisome mood will pass as I get acquainted with my new surroundings.

In the meantime, I stand as graceful as I can muster while appearing comfortable and content.Which I must say is not entirely true.

I am happy to have these photographs to share with you, my dear readers. I do hope this does not turn into too much of an adventure. I am not typically the adventurous type.

I hope all of you are doing well.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Unexpected turns

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:02:00 +0000

Dear Readers,
As in every good and descent novel, there are unexpected twists and turns that help us to engage with the writer's plot. Not so dramatically, I, too, have encountered a plot twist. I have been asked to leave the studio where I have resided since being unboxed. I am asked to join the other workers at the retail store and have surprisingly found that I shall be window mannequin for quite a number of weeks. I must admit I do find myself a twitter with anxiety at this new prospect. I am quite unprepared but shall rise to this occasion as best I can, while gently smiling of course.

How shall I respond to customers? What will be expected of me? Time will be our revealer. I shall put on my bravest face, stand tall, smile courteously and open my heart to a new adventure. I am a bit relieved to hear of my clothing. I shall be dressed in daisies in yellow gingham with a proper shawl, happily my dress will be appropriate for Spring. Goodness, I don't think they mentioned gloves and lipstick....and pearls, well, they wouldn't forget those, would they? It is an outing, isn't it?

Warm regards,
Betty

Batiste

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:08:00 +0000

We have finally found a lovely cotton batiste with which to work. Batiste is very soft, sheer and drapes wonderfully whatever clothing choice you make. It is especially wonderful over period clothing.
We now have a half Apron and full Bib Apron to offer in this wonderful fabric. The design was kept simple for historical accuracy.

Also, may I offer you a matching Ruffled Mop Cap.

A complete outift does look lovely, does it not?

A matching hat does provide not only coverage

and a way to hold back the hair

but also the perfect fashion accent.

Warm Regards,

Betty

White Aprons

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:54:00 +0000

I am thrilled to be the official studio sample mannequin, simply thrilled. In my role, I am the very first one to be presented with a finished sample to wear, model and pose for the camera. I am sure any one of you would be as thrilled as I am to have this opportunity.

Here I am posing in the first finished White Bib and Lace Apron with matching Ruffled Bonnet.

I feel elegant and find that the Lace does fancy me up a notch. I find myself inspired to cook food beyond my usual scope and do feel that should an important guest sneak into my kitchen, I hope that this is the Apron I would be wearing.

By customer request, a simple white cotton half apron. Traditionally without pockets and contemporarily with drawstring waist. I find this lovely and tasteful in its simplicity.

Here, I model our new Muslin Drawstring Apron. It has large pockets and a drawstring waist that allows for a proper fit no matter how endowed one's beauty happends to be. All kitchen help deserves to feel gracefully dressed.

The white Ruffled Cap is a most beautiful replacement for the old hairnet. Isn't it?

Warm Regards,
Betty

Holiday Half Apron

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:53:00 +0000

I have never been a model. I am honored to be asked and so with dignity, I present the first Christmas Aprons in Gold. And may I note that my hair is perfectly coiffed for the Headwraps they make to complete the Apron as an outfit.

I must add that I do find gold and silver an elegant and regal choice for Holidays. It is a perfect combination for the hostess who cares to demonstrate grace and dignity.

I am told I will be called upon to model each of the Holiday Aprons for you.

And I am happy to do so.

Warm Regards,

Betty

The Season has changed.

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:41:00 +0000

I have been requested inside. A melancholy moment of seasons passing. Gardens are now brown and crunchy underfoot and the wind has a chill to it.There is a moment for each of us, here in New England when we know its time, the moment has come, to hurry inside and huddle through the winter's cold.

And Holiday time approaches as well. This is the time of year when people who never baked, never cooked, and have never seen a cookie press, spring forward onto a new enthusiatic path of discovery. They learn what baking powder does and more importantly they learn that cooking is more gracefully survived when one wears an Apron.

I hear new things are being created in the studio upstairs. It is time for us to join them there.

Warm Regards,
Betty

Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 04:22:00 +0000

It's becoming cool outside. Mornings are quite cool and bring the beginnings of frost. Sadly my outdoor posts will need to end and I will need to retreat to the warmth of the studio and gaze outdoors longingly for the warm, green liveliness of the gardens. Tomatoes are being harvested soon and I hear that kettles of pasta sauce will be made. I may stroll in and have a photo for you.

Warm Regards,
Betty

A Request for Identification

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

We received cuttings from the Post Office a while ago. We have two cuttings that have grown fabulously in the kitchen, growing up the wall and blossoming these big gorgeous blooms. We are so pleased with their presence and dramatic stance.

Unfortunately, we have no name for this plant. Are any of our readers familiar with them? We were lucky enough to have them in bloom for their photos. Wonderful, aren't they?

Warm Regards,
Betty

Pepper Trial

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:28:00 +0000

We have grown Bell Peppers over the years. Ours were found to be thin skinned and not very tasty. These photographs show peppers that are new to our garden. I have only been told that they are Italian Drying Peppers. We are told that when the temperatures begin to near freezing, we are to pull up the plant in its entirety and hang to dry. We look forward to trying these dried peppers.

Surprisingly and thankfully, these new vegetables were not touched by our forest friends.

It is our theory that the long grassy weeds confuses them.

Warm Regards,

Betty

A quick tour of todays flowers.

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:07:00 +0000

Another happy bee, this one has landed on the Statice.

This is Phlox, I believe. It smelled heavenly like perfume.

We have grown Angels Trumpet in the garden but this year we chose the Ballerina variety. It is taller, with fewer blossoms and later to bloom. Here is a first blossom ready for bloom.

Tomorrow we begin to pick, first flowers for bouquets, flowers to dry and tomatoes for sauce.

Sadly, this will be the start of the end of gardening season.

Warn Regards,

Betty

The Sunflower and the Bee.

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:05:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

Today a bee was captured on camera.

The chubby looking bee didn't seem to mind us at all.

It seems our presence was not as important as this bountiful flower.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:34:00 +0000

We have an unusually abundant crop of tomatoes this year. Apparently our forest friends have no desire to feast upon this plant. All tomatoe plants remain intact with lots of tomatoes. We do have a concern. They are green, all of them and the Vermont nights are getting cooler, dropping to below 50 degrees. We would like them to redden on the vine but we may, in the end, find ourselves with an abundance of paper bags lined up in the house doing the job that the garden did not. We will see.

Here is a pictorial of the many kinds of tomatoes we grew.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Cosmos

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:31:00 +0000

We love our Cosmos. They are so bright, happy, and colorful that they make outstanding, although wild-looking arrangements for the house.

And we're told deer hate them. We made Cosmos a border plant surrounding our garden and so far, not a hoof mark has been found in our garden soil.

Warm Regards,

Betty

A New Friend

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:14:00 +0000

In our garden this year, we have discovered many forest friends. They have eaten multiple rows of peas and greens. We have patiently replanted and they have enjoyed yet another delectable bountiful feast.

Today, we discovered our first domesticated new friend. He or she was spotted perched upon a fence post. We dont know the Cats name.

We don't where he or she lives but we can see that they find our garden quite comfortable and have even claimed a perch for themself. He or she sat still enough for a close-up photo. We will have to inquire of the neighbors so that we may address this new friend correctly.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Yellow Daisies

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:34:00 +0000

There are few things in life as happy as yellow daisies. Ours are just beginning to bloom. They are wonderful cut in vases for the dinner table, wonderful in masses in the garden.

I wish you a bountiful Daisy-filled season.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Fern

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Somehow a Fern has decided to join us. We don't quite know how. It's quite a garden mystery but there he is, right and royal. One wonders how and why he came to choose this particular spot to sit. Did he not like the Japanese Iris?

Can anyone identify this Fern for us? We have no idea what to call him. For now, we'll call him Fred.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Flowers blooming in our garden

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:37:00 +0000

A few garden photographs.

Miniature Zinnia in a planters box. Hostas bloom at the base of a tree.

Here is the first of the Cosmos.

Cosmos have such feathery, lacey leaves and delicate blossoms. They are pretty in a garden and lovely in a vase on the table.

Warm Regards,

Betty

Shopping Bags

noreply@blogger.com (thisapronedlife) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:41:00 +0000

We discovered a use of shopping bags. Did you know they make a crunchy noise when attached to a stick and left to blow in the wind? It is our greatest hope that our joyously singing bird friends will not be attracted to the snapping and crunching of these bags, and our forest friends will be afraid and not return. And if our newest planted row bears fruition, our newly planted seeds will grow past seedling stage and provide us with a lovely crop. We will keep you abreast of this dire circunstance.