Vintage Apple

Vintage Weddings: Adding a Vintage Touch

2012-12-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

Even if you love vintage, like vintage or just want to do it for your wedding there are a lot of ways to add some vintage charm to your wedding and you don't have to spend a lot of money.

1. Vintage Wedding Dress:
Shop around, go to all your local vintage shops and even check out thrift stores. Also, a lot of what we would consider to be a wedding dress would have actually been a party dress then. Just look for one in white, off white, cream or any other color you are looking for. You can also look at here and here for more options.
Don't forget to ask friends or your family to see if anyone has a vintage dress stashed in the attic you can borrow or buy. A lot of times they wont get used.

2. Vintage Hairpiece: For a vintage hairpiece you would search the same way online and in store. You would want to make sure it is in very good condition because overtimes some of the structures tend to break down. This may be an example of when to do vintage inspired hairpiece, that way it will be around for a while and will give you the same look you want.

3. Milk Glass Centerpieces: Hydrangeas look lovely coming out of milk glass centerpieces. I always see milk glass at the Good Will they have so much and each piece is a couple dollars depending in size. You could put a lot of little glasses in the centerpiece or a few large ones. Or mix and match the size and shapes of the centerpieces. They are all the same color so it will still look cohesive. I would suggest going to goodwill for this one.

4. Wear a locket: Do you have a relative that you were close to and is no longer around? Wear a locket with a picture of that person on your wedding day and take time to remember them. At my wedding, I put pictures of my grandparents at the huge stone fireplace (we got married in front of a fireplace). It was nice because a lot of my family went up there to look at the pictures afterward. One thing I love now is that they have bouquet lockets that you could use as well see here.

5. Add A Brooch: I love brooches and you can find them in any color. My grandmother had so many of these and I just find them amazing. You could add a brooch to the handle of your bouquet for everyone to see while you walk down the aisle. You could even incorporate brooches into your bouquet which would be gorgeous as well. Etsy has a ton of brooch bouquets and I love them. You could just buy one or incorporate your own grandmothers into your own. You could also go to the thrift store to find some to use as well.

Hope this helped to jumpstart some ideas for you to incorporate into your own wedding.

Check out my complete wedding guide by clicking here.

Art of being a lady: Learning how to Lunch

2012-10-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of the ladies that lunch or should we say lunched?
They were wealthy, socially inclined women that would get together mid day to have lunch together. These lunches would take place in exclusive restaurants around the city. The ladies would be very put together, hair done, nails, great clothes... Great Ettiquette... Everything...

This made me question what is the modern day ettiquette for attending a luncheon. So below I share a few tips on how to have a seamless luncheon among friends.

Only among friends, make sure all your guests get along. Don't invite friends that are feuding or just have personality conflicts.

Dress classy not trashy, simple dresses, summer dresses, light weight fabrics, light colors, nothing to heavy or overly dressy. Nothing too short or too low.

Location is everything, Pick a spot that has a great vibe and great service. You don't want to spend the luncheon talking to your friends about the server who took to long.

Make a reservation once you have your final headcount in order to minimize your wait time.

Always arrive on time preferably 15 minutes before the lunch. It is not polite to have your friends waiting for you.

Order your food only after all your guests have arrived.

Practice good manners, chew with your mouth shut, keep elbows off the table, dont sit indian style, dont kick off your shoes under the table and dont cut off your guests when they are talking.

Give your company your full attention. This means putting away your cell phones, Ipads and electronics. (I know its hard but its worth it,)

If this is a business lunch only order an alcoholic beverage only if the person who invited you does and then limit yourself to one.

If you are out with the girls you can have a drink or two but its not ladylike to get waisted mid day.

Only leave after everyone has finished eating. It is very rude to rush off when there are people still eating their food.

I hope you enjoyed these quick tips!!! Rachel

Art of being a lady: Perfectly Poured Bloody Marys

2012-08-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

I come from a long line of beer plus tomato equals yummy drinkers. So Bloody Marys are in my genes... (probably not a good thing). So some days, much like today, I just have to have a nice cold Bloody Mary. Its a need not a want on days when work drags on too long or you have a little bit of tension in your life.
So relax and enjoy as I show you the traditional and my take...

My Traditional Bloody Mary

4 oz tomato juice
2 oz vodka
two dashes lemon juice
a dash of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce
sprinkling celery salt
sprinkling pepper
Franks hot sauce to taste
celery stalk garnish
Ice Cubes

Put Ice cubes in a glass. Pour tomato juice over ice followed by Vodka.
Add lemon juice, worcestershire, salt, pepper and hot sauce.
Finish by adding celery stalk on the side...

MY TAKE and how I ADORE my BLOODY MARYS

6 oz low sodium or spicy hot V8
4 oz Vodka
3 dash Worcestershire Sauce
a lot of Franks hot sauce.
salt and pepper to taste
green olive juice to taste
3 olives on a little drink spear to garnish.

Mix in a V8 and vodka in a glass no ice. Add worcestershire, hot sauce, salt, pepper and green olive juice. Add olives as garnish..
You can make it minus the Vodka... I do...

DRINK UP and ENJOY!

Retro House wife ideas...

2012-01-31T04:09:00.000-08:00

I have always had a love for the retro housewife, they were well groomed, charming, amazing dancers, poured the perfect drink, made delicious meals and kept a home spotless. Its a lot to live up to when you work 40 hours a week and blog on the sides. Well a girl can still dream right???

Anyways while Im not the perfect housewife I still love them and there kitchy, vintage charm... So here is my list for FAB FUN Retro Housewife Essentials....

A Fabtabulous Frilly Apron.
I know its a given because I have a pension for pretty aprons and frills and lace.... but who wouldnt look amazing dressed up in these aprons!!!
Some great examples you can actually buy are below. I have atleast five of these. Love them!

For the mind: Winter Reading Material

2012-01-31T03:58:00.000-08:00

I always love to curl up to a good book in the winter months, dont you??? You know us charming women have to keep our minds young and entertained. Here is some reading material I enjoy.

The Help.

If you have seen the movie why not read the book. The book is always much better!

The Hunger Games.

Everyone at my work is reading it.

This book is great if your a christian that loves Chick Lit

New Vs. Old. Hot vs. Not and pinups always win.

2012-01-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Saw this on facebook today.
What do you guys think???
I would take the bottom row any day!

Vintage Renovation

2011-07-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Since I have an entire day to do nothing (its a little rainy this fourth of july) I am going to do arts and crafts.
And theyre going to be antique inspired... Im a little bored with some of the plain things in my kitchen and theyre getting a makeover! yay!

Vintage Wedding: Vintage Wedding Cake Flavors

2011-06-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Here is some great ideas for a vintage wedding cake... these would be delicious topped with your grandparents cake topper.

Champagne Cake- this is a white cake with champagne mixed into the batter..

Champagne and Strawberry cake-White cake with champagne in the batter with white chocolate and strawberry ganache... yum

Coca cola cake-chocolate cake with marshmellow in the center and cola in the batter.

7 up cake- white cake with up in the batter.

Carrot cake- carrot cake with cream cheese filling

Inspiration...

2011-03-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

A dainty twig with a tiny bud growing on it. A funny song playing in the background. A massive vinyl album collection that you have collected for years. Your moms amazing recipe that you know you will pass down to your kids.

Everyday we are given gifts to view, hear, taste, smell. What we do with those is our choice. Do we ignore it, take it for granted, or appreciate it?

Do we get inspired by our surroundings and make the most of them. Do you write a poem about that song? Or make a cookbook based on your moms recipes? Do you live in the moment and appreciate everything we are given. Old or new?

We need to gather inspiration every day in order to make ourselves happy and its always good to reach to the past in order to understand our present and future.

Old Fashion Food: HMM...coca cola cake?

2011-01-29T13:48:00.000-08:00

Classic Cooking With Coca-Cola

Did you know that you can take any cake mix and instead of using all the eggs, water and oil you can use a can of coke or sprite and have a cake that is very airy and very delicious?
Its a dieters secret because if you use Diet coke there are not nearly as many calories.

But have you heard of coca cola cake?
It is delicious!
Now i have made it just using the coke and cake mix. But my fave way to make it is.
Take a box of Chocolate or even like devils food or chocolate fudge cake mix...
add one can of coke, two eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and a stick of butter...
mix it all together..really well....
then put it in a greased baking pan pop in the oven for about 30-40 mins on 350 degrees...
Let cool, dust the top wth powdered sugar and serve
I like it because its dense and delicious. and you can top it with any type of icing you want if you want. I like powdered sugar instead of icing personally.

Give it a try....They make great cupcakes to. And just think what would be more vintage then wedding cake flavors like pink champagne and chocolate coca cola cake... yummy!

Ill make one in a few days and upload the pic!

Try it and comment and I will randomly select one person that commented to win a prize so email me your email address after you comment!

Old Fashion Food: Breakfast of the Past

2011-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

I am so hungry this morning and I am thinking about what to make my wonderful husband for breakfast. I wonder what the most popular breakfast dishes of each decade were...

1950's:
chilled grapefruit, frenchtoast, applesauce, toast, eggs and bacon. Eggo Frozen waffles (came out in 1954)
1960's:
Fruit and cottage cheese, bacon, coffee, pancakes, eggs, POP TARTS (came out in
1970s:
Eggs, Egg McMuffin (came out in 1973) carnation breakfast squares

not much different then now...

I still dont know what I want. But looking that stuff up now makes me want a peppermint pie or baked alaska for dessert

I think I will jump off of here and make some french toast covered with fresh fruit??? I dont know I'll see what my honey is craving. But i also believe I just found some cool inspiration for a baby shower I am throwing in April and maybe for my birthday in July!
Have a wonderful day

Old Fashion Food: Ode to Buttermilk! Please read!!!!

2011-01-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

One drink I believe that has lost popularity with each new generation would have to be Buttermilk...
Now please be aware this whole post will be a wonderful love fest for it...
because
I LOVE BUTTERMILK...

Now I have been drinking buttermilk since I was a very little girl. It was something I have always liked. My Paw Paw was a big fan himself! I even get cravings for it...If there was a buttermilk drinking contest I would win it! I loved it even more when Doris Day mentioned it in Moonlight Bay (great movie gotta see it moonlight bay.)

I just love the slightly bitter, rich, creamy drink! I think buttermilk has a bad reputation for a good product. Most people think its fattening which it isnt and some people think your not even supposed to drink it. I think our generation now sees this more as an occasional cooking ingriediant rather then a drink, I've even heard of people putting vinegar in milk to make it for a recipe. This is not recommended

Many people believe buttermilk is fattening, this is not the case, buttermilk is actually the milky product left over from making butter. Now wouldnt all the fat go into the butter itself not in the left over residue. Buttermilk has about 2.2 grams of fat and about 100 calories per serving, this is less then regular milk.
It can also help with digestion because it is a pro biotic food and contains lactic acid.

Buttermilk can also be drank in a variety of ways, I personally like mine with fresh ground pepper. My aunt drinks hers with cinnamon and sugar. It tastes like a sweet yogurt that way!

So if you have never had buttermilk, why not give it a try, if you like it sweet that is awesome. If you like it more sour go for it! I love Kroger lowfat buttermilk with the yellow cap! I think it is the best!
Just give it a try.
Warning, you may not like it... But why not try it?

Also try it in some recipes... it is great!
Try it in an upscale torte... Sour Apple and Buttermilk Torte
Or use it a more down home recipe... buttermilk chicken breast

Comment your best buttermilk ideas to the blog and the best will win a prize. Do so by 2/15/11

Vintage Wedding: Vintage inspired wedding songs...

2010-11-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest factors in a wedding is the music played. It has the ability to make people think, make people laugh, make people cry and make people dance.
So when your picking out your wedding dance songs why not think back to the era of romance when music was more then just something that was played on the radio. It was something with depth and meaning...
At my wedding our first dance was Otis Redding these arms of mine. Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul [Vinyl]That song just has so much passion... And since we arent the best dancers it was also under three minutes so it didnt feel like an eternity as we swivled back in forth.We also went vintage with my two father daughter songs. What a wonderful world and My Girl it was alot of fun and very fitting!

Some great vintage first dance songs are:

Unchained Melody by The Righteous BrothersUnchained Melody: Very Best Of The Righteous Brothers
Hopelessly Devoted To You by Olivia Newton John
Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
When a Man Loves a Women by Percy SledgeUltimate Collection - When a Man Loves a Woman
We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters

Some great vintage father daughter dance songs are:

My Girl by The Temptations
What A Wonderful World by Louis ArmstrongDefinitive Collection
Thats How Strong My Love Is by Otis Redding
Stand By Me by Ben E KingVery Best of Ben E King (Reis)

Hope your inspired.

Ideas on how to score vintage finds on the cheap.

2010-11-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Vintage Guitar Magazine
Everything I buy is vintage and smells funny. Maybe that's why I don't have a boyfriend.
Lucy Liu

I'm only 24 so I'm def not loaded and I am def on a budget. Good thing you cant buy taste and you dont need alot of money to find cool stuff on a dime! So while I just adore vintage and vintage inspired things sometimes the good stuff is expensive... but dont fret heres some fun, flirty and fabulous tips on how to get it cheaper.

www.estatesales.net
Go here to get emails sent straight to your inbox that alerts you to estate sales in your neighborhood. I usually sign up for a 10 mile perimeter in my area. Estate sales are awesome because its usually cheaper and theres usually alot of really cool stuff in it!

Flea Markets
I think flea markets are def worth the time sometimes you can find some real gems. Especially stuff like vintage barbies and vintage platters... I would recommend making a day out of it and getting there early. If your in the Dayton/ Cincinnati area then Traders world would be a good fit for you. Access there website at
http://www.tradersworldmarket.com/

Thrift stores
Did you know you can take 200.00 worth of product to Goodwill and Salvation Army each and get a tax deduction? I do this every year so I know other people do to. Dont judge a book by its cover and def spend the time checking out your local thriftstores, I would recomend doing this every few weeks for 30 minutes to a hour. This stuff comes and goes pretty fast so stay on top of your game.
Check out the following links to get a thrift store near you.
www.goodwill.org
www.salvationarmy.org
www.svdpusa.org

RE Store
Habitat for humanity has a huge restore where they sell used items that were donated to build houses. The proceeds go to a great cause and you can find all kinds of things. I would say to go often to find the best stuff. They have everythign to dishwashers, appliances, candlesticks, old doors, stairs, and pretty much anything you can imagine.

Just keep in mind that vintage isnt the clothes you wear its how you live and maximize your house with some refashioned pieces that make your home a wonderful piece of art.

Amazon has some cool finds as well and shipping is usually low... I have set up some cool stuff I found on there sight below...

Vintage Glass Knobs ~ Shabby Chic Cabinet or Drawer Crystal Clear Glass Pulls ~ Set of 12 ~ Flower

Retro Vintage Oversized Frame Fashion Sunglasses - White/Smoke

Vintage Classic Leopard Tortoise Wayfarer Style Sunglasses
Crosley Kettle Classic Desk Phone CR62-Black

Shopping for Vintage: The Definitive Guide to Vintage Fashion

A Vintage Affair: A Novel
Hope this helped and happy hunting.

Cocktail Parties with a retro Edge.

2010-11-01T07:45:00.001-07:00

"The cocktail party has a simple function in modern society. Its basic purpose is to pay off social debts." Hal Boyle

My husband and I just love to host parties. I always try to get an edge on the other couples by making fabulous dishes and alot of times I look to the past for some retro tastes that are just dying for a comeback.
My bestfriend Betsy and her husband John once came over for an evening of games and her and I spent a good part of the evening just trying to make a Coca Cola cake, it wasnt the prettiest thing but it sure did taste good and gave us a good laugh while we drank wine and baked!
I can now successfully make a pretty coca cola cake, and a great pink champagne cupcakes...

Heres some more fun, flirty and fabulous vintage recipes you should try for your next event...

Swiss Fondue served with cubed bread and veggies, but follow proper ettiquette, no touching the tip of your fondue fork with your mouth and dont drop anything into the fondue. Serve with a nice wine. Heres a great fondue set Trudeau 15-Piece Meat Fondue Set

Or try this Cottage Fruit Salad Recipe from Betty Crocker. http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cottage-fruit-salad/e71e026c-40c3-42f9-8b53-3be9a755305e

Or try this recipe for Spicy Chiffon Cake http://www.recipegoldmine.com/cakeangel/spicy-chiffon-cake.html
Heres a cook book that has some cool chiffon recipes as well A World of Cake: From honey cakes to flat cakes, fritters to chiffons, meringues to mooncakes, tartes to tortes, fruit cakes to spice cakes, 150 recipes ... traditions from cultures around the world

Fashionable: How to feel luxurious even in pajamas.

2010-11-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

In a world wear Victoria Secret Pink sweatpants are taking over... I love for the old school version of sophisticated pajamas....

I had a great pair of cream pajamas, they had been something my grandma had bought and never used.
They were a great cream color and like a silk material. They were a tailored pant that was almost a wide leg with a long sleeved button down blouse.
They were very smart looking and they made me feel very luxurious and sophisticated like I should be writing a book or smoking a cigarette out of a very long cigarette holder.
I think feeling sexy and sophisticated in your pajamas, when your by your self is sometimes a needed luxury and even having just one pair of smart, vintage inspired pjs is well worth it!
Theres nothing like waking up on a saturday and making breakfast and feeling wonderful. Or if your sick and you still want to feel a touch of attractiveness.
Theres really no feeling like getting into a nice pair of pjs and hanging out or going to bed! It would really give an upscale revival to lounge day!

Fashionable: 70's could be fabulous

2010-11-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

When I typically think about vintage things, for some reason I never try to venture much post the 1960's, but we are living in the wonderful 2010's so the 1970s and the 1980s both could be considered older or vintage.
So when I logged onto the wonderful Elle.com today for some much needed fashion advice i was pleased to find that a new trend that is emerging is from the 1970's.

This is a trend I will definatly be using! Im way into nicer fabrics and even fur but only if its truly vintage, if its new then it must be faux.
Why dont we all use this as a little inspiration to become even more outside the box and more fashion forward while looking into the past!

Also, I have a huge obsession with sunglasses, but I always seem to leave them on the roof of my car and then run over them and lose them. so while i love the Tom Ford 70s inspired glasses shown at the top left of this blog, I would much rather spend $5.80 at Forever 21 and buy:

TELL ME YOUR IDEAS ON THE 70s Fashion revival!!!

Lucille Ball

2010-09-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, I remember countless times sitting over at my grandparents eating a sandwhich my PawPaw made me and laughing to I love lucy.
I just thought Lucille Ball was just so great and it was clean, wholesome, fun.
Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
I always loved her personality and she was always known for being such a comedian, She had immpecable timing! lol.
But did you know she is considered to be an iconic beauty! I am so happy she is it proves you can be a funny lady and a beauty as well.
Check it out here.

Love, Lucy

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/celebrity-style/staticslideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=25264141>1=32001
The Lucy & Desi Collection (Too Many Girls / The Long Long Trailer / Forever, Darling)

Lucy Show: Official Third Season

Lucy - Staying Young Metal Tin Sign

Old fashioned dresses

2010-05-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

I have this wonderful old fashioned dress that I wore once and I just adore.
The only problem now is I'm not sure what to do with it? I could sell it but I wont get much out of it and I kind of wish to do something with it to keep it around.
Maybe i can make it into pillows?
Or.... something funky....
What do you guys think. Let me know Luvvy.

Hmm. Birdy Birdy, Vintage birdcages for weddings

2010-05-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

So, as all of you know I am engaged to a truly wonderful man and our wedding is in actually less then five months! So exciting!!

One of the most amazing aspects for my wedding is this great big birdcage that is very vintage. Its about 20 inches high, olive green and its almost made out of wrought iron. Which is very cool.

I cant imagine a bird living in it the bottom sits up real high and its all wiry and thin on the bottom. I'm sure a bird would make a huge mess. And plus its beautiful so why waste it on a bird when it can be a magnificent centerpiece for a table or something.

The birdcage was my grandmothers and she never really did anything with it except keep it upstairs. Now I will be using it for the cards on my sign in table. I'm very excited about it and might wrap ivy or something around it to make it super special.

But i would also like to incorporate it after the wedding in my household. I do believe it would make a wonderful centerpiece with beautiful candles sitting inside. But I'm not completely sure, we have a small circular glass table.

Any ideas on how to incorporate this wonderful birdcage into my household decor and have my hubby to be love it as well... Let me know.
Love ya!!!

Cigar boxes.

2010-01-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Paper Covered Empty Cigar Box; pack of 10
I think cigar boxes are amazing. I plan on having a midnight garden wedding with a vintage feel and do plan on incorparating the cigar boxes maybe filled with flowers... and candles for an edgy yet still vintage feel.... i think its modern and vintage all in one.
plus there really well mad.e

who is doris day?

2010-01-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Doris Day, she was an extremely charming, amazingly talented and gorgeous actress. If you have not seen On Moonlight Bay, then I advise you go watch it immediately and get caught up on how great she was. and it shows how you can still be attractive without being dumb, overly girly and not very revealing.
She was fabulous. One of the best songs ever is her singing a bushel and a peck. its available on you tube.com so if you don't know you must look this up as well.

She was the wholesome blonde and i do believe she was before miss monroe. they are on two different scales here.
both very incredibly smart women. I do believe Doris Day is still alive living in Carmel Ca. and she fights for animal rights.

Vintage Apple Part 1

2009-10-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hello All! I am so excited to be starting my new blog vintage apple today. This is my second blog and its a little more true to my heart then my beauty blog girlreality.blogspot.com due to the fact that I am a huge vintage freak! Even for my wedding I am incorporating as much vintage I can possibly get my hands on! I love it!
I first fell in love with the past growing up watching Doris Day movies on the weekends with my Paw Paw! I remember thinking how amazing she was! She was gorgeous, sweet, could sing, loved buttermilk and could ice skate! She was also amazingly confident and not over the top. She seemed like the really cool and perfect neighbor down the street you wanted to be friends with!
Doris Day, turned in to Audrey Hepburn... who was so incredibly petite but a little more glamourous. Hello Breakfast at Tiffanys! I swear the first time I saw that movie I didnt really get it. But as Ive gotten older I have learned to love it even more! She was soo ultra glam in her big hat and black dress eating in front of the Tiffanys window! I swear that movie had to give Tiffanys soo much publicity that they should have given her a lifetime shopping spree!!!
Audrey led to Marilyn who was the ultra glamourous, ultra feminine, amazing sex kitten who all the men could only dream to have. My favorite of hers would have to be The Seven Year Itch among others she was so great on screen there was never a boring moment. SHe was probably the most provacative of all the leading hollywood ladies and you always wanted to see what she would wear...
I also have much love for Ms. Rita Hayworth, I mean beautiful and what an amazing dancer!
I LOVE IT ALL! ANd i Hope to incorporate many vintage ideas for everyday use! As well as new products with a vintage feel. I truly hope you all enjoy because this is something very close to my heart!