appleschloss

Lots of new goodies at...

2009-07-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

www.bungalow.etsy.com

Frida Cat

2009-06-20T22:27:00.001-07:00

Frida, originally uploaded by appleschloss.

this is a test to see how to get pictures from flickr to blogger without loosing my mind

Something Borrowed Something Bungalow

2009-06-18T01:55:00.001-07:00

Something Old Something New

Else Headband

Cecile Headband

Marta Headband

Volume Twenty Five

2009-06-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love finding new shops on etsy... sometimes I feel like I spend so much time on there that I've seen everything there is to see

...not so!

Tonight i discovered Volume Twenty Five - a great shop filled with adorable uplifting art... one of my favorite pieces is this one...

write it in your heart

Such great words to remember! I think this would look so cute in a craft room or computer room. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need it once I start renovating my craft room (which currently looks like a hurricane hit it!).

A Bungalow Bride!

2009-06-16T20:38:00.001-07:00

I love weddings. Obviously, since I photograph them, film them, and I've decided I want to plan them. Also, wedding headpieces are pretty much my very favorite thing ever to design. It's such an honor having someone decide to wear one of my pieces on their wedding day! One of my customers sent me pictures from her wedding where she wore the blake headband!

Here is Alisa singing Heart's "Barracuda" at her wedding while her husband's old band played... so cool!

Thoughts of a sick girl

2009-06-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm stuck in bed sick with the worst cold and my laptop is my big source of entertainment (that and leaving the window open, enjoying the fresh breeze, and trying out my future career as a neighborhood gossip by listening intently to everything I can catch my fellow 209ers saying... but anyways, thats besides the point). My real point was, I've exhausted myspace, facebook, etsy, stalking random profiles on myspace, you get the picture. After getting an e-mail from urban outfitters that said "Dear Amy, we hate you so we're holding our annual yard sale this week that we know you love while you're sick. ha ha. Enjoy thinking about all the fabulous finds you could have picked up between '$10-$20' if you weren't sick with the devils own cold"... or something along those lines. Well... after my heart shattered in to about a million pieces I decided to comfort myself at urban out(wait.... someone is talking outside... what was that?!)fitters big sister store. My soulmate of a store. My one true love. Anthropologie.

Menswear Top

How amazing is this top? I mean really... with a pair of little white shorts and these shoes...

Waves & Waves Espadrilles

oh and then if I was going to decide to go on a spontaneous vacation somewhere fabulous for the weekend I could pack my new fabulous shirt in this!

Hydrangea Weekender

I'm pretty sure all of these goodies would instantly heal me! I can't swear to it but I'm 99% sure.

Tarragon Salad

2009-06-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here full force and when it gets this hot out two of the things that I always crave are grapefruit and avocado. I finally got inspired to try putting them together and let me tell you, it was magical! This is officially my summer salad! I added thin slices of avocado and slices of grapefruit over a bed of organic baby greens with the most amazing tarragon vinaigrette!

I found this recipe for the life changing vinaigrette over at Green Colander

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

3/4 cup olive oil (I'm hooked on Safeway's O Organic brand)

1 large clove garlic, minced

generous grind of fresh black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

1 heaping Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

1 tsp chopped fresh chives

Whisk together ingredients and you're set!

Really... if you're not already slicing your avocados... get to it! You will fall in love! I guarantee!

Career Options?

2009-05-13T17:32:00.001-07:00

So today I've been struck with a few possible career options and these are the top 3...

Scientist: More specifically a disease curing scientist.... I decided that would be awesome this morning. I could really see myself doing that. The world would be a much better place without disease! I'm pretty sure it will just happen as soon as I become a scientist... I mean I'm already half way there.... I'm a social scientist. I just need to stop being so social and get down to bizz.

Country Western Singer: Well... ok it's true... I really don't love country music BUT I think I have Jolene by Dolly Parton down pat (that is one countryish song that I just adore). Plus I've been developing this love for big blonde hair.... I'm using my scientific ways to learn to make it bigger every day. I'm pretty impressed with myself.

Chocolate Truffle Maker: Lets just say this... I make Godiva look like a fraud!

The girls in class told me I was way to chipper and cheerful and positive to be a social worker..... so... looks like thats out and one of these is in. Any votes? Possibly I could do all 3! As I'm curing someone's disease I'll sing them Jolene and then hand them a truffle as a parting gift!

I think it's all solved! Now what major would this be under?

Hott.

2009-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

I lovvveeeee Jenny Lewis

7 deadly...plates?

2009-04-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

I want these plates from www.trixiedelicious.etsy.com oh so bad. I can't decide whether they would be better hung on the wall or used to serve salad with a surprise message at the bottom!

I thought this might be fun!

2009-04-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

Who was the last person you spoke to before you went to sleep last night?
M

What is something you currently want right now?
Happiness... pure drama free happiness

Aside from waking up, what was the first thing you did this morning?
Check my phone

Do you have a friend that you can literally run to at three in the morning?
My mama

What color was the last pill you took?
Pink

What are you craving right now?
Organic Strawberry Poptarts=Love.

When was the last time you were told you were cute?
Hmm.... This girl at Bacchus told me I looked so cute dancing with my martini glass on Friday

Are you someone's best friend
I've got a few of those : )

Did you laugh a lot at something today? If so what?
I was mostly sleepy today... sleepy and mad

Any current problems?
nothing that won't be okay.

Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Lets hope so!

How often do you drink water?
daily.

Do your initials spell out a word?
AES

What do you do when you're having a bad day?
Write ranty blogs on myspace lol... aparently that makes me passive agressive or just "passive"

Was this new years enjoyable?
Can't remember what I did

If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be?
Oh geez.... right now if I could go ahead and skip to 22 I'd do that... this year has been kinda sucky.... I mean there has been a lot of great stuff.... like starting Bungalow and getting in to Phi Kappa Phi and spending time with great friends... but relationship wise and sadness wise... it's been kinda ehh

Is there someone who meant a lot to you at one point, and isn't around?
yes.

What do you plan on doing this upcoming weekend?
Phi Kappa Phi induction/Dancing=Friday, Filming a wedding=Saturday... not sure about Sunday yet

Has anyone ever cheated on their boyfriend/girlfriend with you?
Yes.

Are you looking for a boyfriend / girlfriend?
No boyfriends right now.... especially after last night....

Who are the past 5 people to send you a text?
Kelly, M, My daddy, Sheri, and Jen

Have you ever showered with someone?
Don't you wish you knew! : P

Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?
I'm good where I am but going to New York would be fun!

What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Dancing at Speakeasy!!

What can always put you in a good mood?
Hmmmm.... I can't think of one particular thing

When was the last time you cried from laughing so hard?
Oh gosh it seems like it was recently but I forget now!

Who was the last person to make you cry?
Doesn't matter anymore.

What are your plans for Thursday?
Day off! Probably going to be working on my make a game exam like a crazy woman..... or going to the city : )

What are you wearing?
My lovely silk tank top from J. Crew

Have you ever thrown up from drinking?
No thank goodness

Have you had your birthday yet this year?
Nope, it's almost here!! yay!

Have you ever driven without a license?
When I was like 7 hahahaha

Whats your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Dance dance dance!

How do you feel about your siblings?
I love my kitty sister <3

When did you last eat Chinese food?
Long time ago

Have you ever kissed someone that was high?
I can't remember.... I think I was too angry that he was high to kiss him... yeah I'm like 99% sure I didn't.

Do you take compliments well?
Sometimes lol : ) Depends on who they're from

Do you think you've changed over the past year?
Always changing

When was the last time you threw up?
Long time ago

Have you kissed anyone in the past week? Who?
Yes

Are you playing hard to get right now?
No

Is there someone you don't ever want to be out of your life? Who?
My family and close friends

Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?
No

Are you wasting your time on someone?
Yes I should be sleeping

Last two people you texted?
Jen and M

Did you get 8 hours of sleep last night?
Close

What will be the next thing you will write down?
Gonna change my headline on myspace... it's no longer fitting

Last missed call?
Monica I think

Where's your best friend?
They're all probably sleeping

Last thing you drank?
Organic Apple Juice!

What will you wear tomorrow?
Good Question! I'm thinking the skirt I made tonight would be fun to wear

Will you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Never again.

Do you get jealous easily?
Sadly, yes.

Do you miss anyone?
Yes

Are you happy?
Actually, yeah I am.

Have you dyed your hair?
Just did!

Last person you were on the phone with for more than 20 minutes?
Oh geez I don't know.... I'm not a huge phone person

Who was the first person you talked to on the phone when you woke up?
haven't talked on the phone today oh wait yeah I talked to my dad for a bit

Is there something you need to get off your chest?
Yes yes yes

Have you held hands with anyone in the past week?
Yeah : ) But no more of that either. Done done done.

Your phones rings in the middle of the night who is it?
Probably someone who has drank a bit too much.

Last person you sent a rude myspace message to? and why?
no one?

What color shirt are you wearing?
Turquoise

Would you kiss anyone on your friends list?
Which friends list??? Goodness, so many lists!

What did you do for your last birthday?
Sex and the city party!

What's your main ringtone on your phone?
I love Rock n Roll- Miss Britney Spears

What were you doing two nights ago?
Dancing at Bacchus

Do you like having your hair pulled?
hahaha.

What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself
not a damn thing.

How long have you worked at your current job?
Forever

What's the last piece of clothing someone borrowed from you?
Sheri borrowed a white tank

Have you been to Europe?
no.

If someone you hated died, what would you do?
I'd probably be sad... hate rarely lasts

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
*shurgs*

Honestly, who was the last person to tell you that they love you?
my mama

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
my daddy

What do you spend most of your money on?
Clothes and bungalow supplies

Who is someone you wish you could fix things with?
Things break for a reason

Are you a cuddler?
Yes : )

Will this weekend be a good one?
i hope so.... kinda nervous

Are you a kissable person?
lol well I think so

What do you think of love?
I love love!

Do you think that you’re a good person?
Yes

Is there one place you'd like to visit?
Lots of places!

Do you lead people on?
I hope not

Do people underestimate you?
yes.

Ever been kissed under fireworks?
No but that has always sounded so sweet.... one day... one day : )

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Kinda... but that feeling didn't last long

The perfect summer bag

2009-04-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

So maybe it was a goodshare the name... San Tropez Sunday.... or maybe it was the big white bow.... or the organic fabric.... or the super cute lining and pocket...what ever it was, it is love.

I bought my pretty little bag this morning when one of my headbands was featured in a treasury along side it. Anyways... I think it will be perfect for summer and I just adore the shop it came from... I'm sure this wont be my last purchase from shecological.etsy.com

When I think of your kisses my mind see-saws

2009-03-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Oh I love you when I forget abooooout meeeeeeeee
I want to be strong I want to laugh along
I want to belong to the liiiiiiving
Alive, alive, I want to get up and jive!
I want to wreck my stockings in some juke box dive
Do you want - do you want - do you want
To dance with me baby
Do you want to take a chhhaaance
On maybe finding some sweeeeeet romance with me baby
Well, come on : )

How much do you love that song? Seriously! I have listened to it about a million times... well sometimes I alter it with California... I'm obsessed!

This is my other favorite bit...

Iwanttohavefun,IwanttoshinelikethesunIwanttobetheonethatyouwanttoseeIwanttoknityoua sweaterWanttowriteyoualoveletterIwanttomakeyoufeelbetterIwanttomakeyoufeelfreeeeeee

I can tell my summer music will be all Joni Mitchell.

Undomestic Goddess

2009-03-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

So as many of you know, or are about to find out, I am not so great around the house. My blog about my fear of gas stoves and knives may have given you the slightest glimmer of that idea a few days ago (although tomorrow night I am cooking a glorious dinner of vegan ribs, organic corn, and buttermilk biscuits. Anyways, thats besides the point. Just felt the need to brag before completely embarrassing myself.). I was the little girl who thought parading around with my feather duster was down and dirty cleaning and putting away the silverware was an exhausting afternoon of doing the dishes. I never had really put much thought in to how they got done, I was a whimsical child and my best guess was it was probably all thanks to a magical dish washing fairy. Sadly, I can't say as I aged I found out the dish washing fairy wasn't real (well, I have this suspicion that it may be my dad... but, how crazy is that?!). I had more important things to do with my time than laundry or vacuuming or any other domestic mystery. So when I found this video tonight, I found a kindred spirit (and when I found it I swear I wasn't searching how to do dishes out of idle curiosity... I swear....).

Fellow undomestic goddesses, rejoice! I have found an informational guide for us!

How To Do Dishes In 1 Min - For more amazing video clips, click here

Penuche Frosting

2009-03-15T15:15:00.001-07:00

Cook Book, originally uploaded by appleschloss.

Ever since I was little I have been addicted to Penuche frosting. I would save the left over frosting until it hardend and it would taste almost like maple sugar candy but I guess it would be more like brown sugar candy. Either way... it's amazing... and life altering... and you must try it!

The wonderful recipe is from the Better Homes and Gardens cook book from 1976 (passed on from my Dad)

Melt 1/2 cup butter; add one cup brown sugar. Bring to boiling; cook and stir for one minute or till slightly thick. Cool 15 minutes.

Add 1/4 cup hot milk and beat smooth. Beat in enough of 3 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar for spreading consistency. Frosts two 8 or 9 inch layers or a 9 x 13 sheet cake.

As usual this cake went very quick. My dad thought it might be a good idea to cut him one of the last slices this morning, all for the sake of the photo shoot, of course.

Oh and for those of you wondering how to pronounce Penuche you can learn how at http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penuche and listen to an audio clip. This will help you to not spend 21 years of your life mispronouncing it like someone I know... *cough*

Amy + Rosa

2009-03-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today I was inspired to start a new line called Amy and Rosa (no, Rosa is not a partner in this, she's my invisible donkey friend! You see, I have always wanted a donkey... but since I don't live in the country I just have to dream about my future donkey, Rosa, who inspired these clothes!). I'm waiting to list anything in the new shop until I have more items finished. So far I've made a few embellished women's shirts and a bunch of adorable baby onesies! This one is my favorite...

California Love!

It was also the most labor intensive! It was my first attempt embroidering on t-shirt material. Not as easy as embroidering a dish towel!

After a long and fun night of working on Amy and Rosa I rewarded myself with some of the best ice cream I have ever had. Has anyone else tried Haagen-Dazs 5? I am completely addicted to the brown sugar variety! Only 5 ingredients... so great!

I imagine this is what heaven tastes like! Go try it yourself!

Chocolate Dream Sandwich Cookies

2009-03-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

After being inspired by the Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies on Bakerella I decided to make the chocoholic version of them! They were all gone within the day! Apparently I have a chocolate loving family too! To make these delicious cookies all you need is...

1 Box cake mix (I used a triple chocolate mix)

1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature

2 Eggs (or 3 t ener-g and 4 T warm water)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix ingredients until combined.

Drop spoonfuls of cookie batter onto baking sheet about two inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cool.

For the filling I didn't bother to measure anything out. I melted a bunch of organic chocolate squares for about 2 minutes at 50% , added a bit of butter and enough powdered sugar to make it a fudge like consistency. When it got a little too thick I heated it a bit more and added some milk. Then it was perfect for spreading between the cookies!

Enjoy!

Lets Cook!

2009-03-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Cooking to do:

-Start making more from scratch

-Get over my fear of knives (although my plastic knife I joyously picked up at whole foods is great for some things... you really just can't beat the real deal)

-Learn to "zest" things... that word always makes me flip to the next recipe in the book that involves things like chocolate! Or cinnamon! Or some sort of fruit that doesn't need to be "zested"... it really can't be that difficult. I'm going to attempt it.

-Get over my fear of gas stoves (When buying our new convection oven *woot woot* I wouldn't even get near the gas stoves in the store... yes thats right, the ones that didn't even work. After being told the story of how my mom burned her poor roommates eyebrows off by not knowing how to use a gas stove has forever freaked me out. I'm sure stoves have come a long way since then but I'm still playing it safe. Especially since she always says I remind her of that roommate. I can't help it! I'm very attached to my eye brows!).

-Learn to garden so I can grown fresh herbs and veggies and such... lets ignore the fact that I've never been able to keep a plant alive in my life. Well, other than what I so kindly referred to as the "love fern" which I tried and tried to kill but it just kept on survivin.

-Try out that thing that sits on top of the oven with all the circles on it.... now I am pretty sure it is used to make things other than ganache but I couldn't swear to it!

-Make these delicious looking recipes... listed in order of most do-able by Amy appearance:

Walnut Blondie with Maple Butter Sauce that I spent hours staring at on Bakerella

Smashed Chickpea Salad from Smitten Kitchen (just discovered this great blog today!)

...and last but certainly not least, Farfalle with Zucchini. A Yummy Summer Meal! From The Pioneer Woman (one of my favorite reads)!

Can you tell I'm hungry?

Sick

2009-02-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

So I am at home, sick yet again, cursing the names of all who come to class sick (not that I know their names, but if I did, oh would I be a'cursin them). I just don't get it, well I mean I guess I do, but I most certainly don't agree with it. I understand it can be a challenge to not come to school for 2 weeks while a cough lingers on, I wouldn't expect them to go to those lengths. All I expect is that if you're coughing so much that I mistake my favorite sociology class for a TB ward.... just go ahead and take it easy for a few days. No need to be a hero, most professors will gladly update you on what you missed so they don't have to catch your freak cold themselves. Have some respect for your fellow people in the class room for goodness sake!

Colds are contagious for the first few days. It's not brain surgery to figure out how to stop spreading them.

Thats all.

Mushaboom

2009-02-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

Today I started my 4th spring semester, the semester they suggest you should graduate. Because I fall madly in love with every subject... and I've switched majors more times than I'd like to admit, it looks like I'll have a couple semesters left which in all honesty is just fine by me. I like exploring my options, and today in class a good share of us announced that we were lingering in school awhile more to pick up another major as long as the economy is this bad. It was kind of a relief to hear so many other people have the same plan I do. I was feeling a little adrift not having a solid plan, I have more of a solid feeling. It's hard to explain, it's like I have all these images, sounds, feelings in my mind of what I want to do. I come up with so many different ideas but they all pretty much revolve around the same feelings. The only job that fell outside of that vibe was to be a health educator... however after I tried out the medical sociology class tonight I'm thinking that's not for me after all. Instead I would LOVE to own my own shop, work for Anthropologie as a buyer, work for an amazing magazine like (RIP Domino) or Real Simple, be a stylist, anything like that... it's like I have all this creativity that wants to come out but it's going in every which way. In addition to creative things, I also love Anthropology, Archeology, and Sociology.... which I guess I could tie in to that in some strange way. I'm trying not to push myself to pick too quick. Someone once told me do what you love and it'll all work out. I think that is so true, you only live once. I feel so happy where I am right now with my business and my life and all that good stuff : ) I think I'll just keep goin where I'm goin and see where it takes me! No need to rush in to a masters program I'm not crazy about, no need to pick a major I hate just because it seems like the right thing to do.

Every time I watch this video I think "Oooh that is just creepily me"... it might help this whole crazy blog make more sense : )

Feist - Mushaboom

On a side note.... I had the greatest late valentines day today/yesterday : ) Matthew gave me the cutest gift from my very favorite antique shop! I'll post some pictures along with all my vacation pictures as soon as I get enough energy to get them off the camera : ) haha

Anyways! There's my rambling thoughts for the day... it's so hard writing sometimes, I'm never sure what I'm saying is coming across the right way... this whole thing was said in the most cheerful optimistic tone : )

Busy as a bee!

2008-11-29T00:16:00.000-08:00

I have been so insanely busy getting ready for handborn (which is tomorrow, or I guess technically today). I'm so excited, I got a great spot in Concetta, the same place the fashion parade will be! I could not have gotten this much stuff done without my wonderful family. My mama cut scarves and my dad sprayed trays. I was sewing embellishments on to scarves like crazy while they were working on all their assignments lol. Anywhos, I'm off to get some much needed sleep, today was absolutely crazy trying to navigate around town with all the Day After Thanksgiving (aka their first day out of the house apparently) drivers. Here's the flier for handborn... hope to see lots of familiar faces : )

Feature!

2008-11-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

So exciting! Bungalow was featured in this super cool blog... check it out!

http://stilldottie.blogspot.com/2008/11/etsy-wednesday_26.html

Featured in another treasury!

2008-11-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

Yay! Bungalow was featured in this beautiful treasury today... so flattering!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=22493

I knew the buttercream necklace kept reminding me of a fancy cake... but it wasn't until I was browsing absolutely beautiful things last night (just love that blog!) that I remembered which cake it reminded me of! The lovely pink cake from Martha Stewart!

Twins seperated at birth? I think so. (I'm just dying to make that cake one day!)

New Items!

2008-11-22T00:06:00.000-08:00

So I've been quite crafty getting ready for handborn! Here are a few of the latest additions to Bungalow!

The Adaline Veiled Headband... Perfect for a blushing bride!

Violette Dress Gloves... Made from 1940's gloves and embelished with antique doily pansies

Buttercream Necklace... Makes you feel like you're wearing the icing on the cake!

The "Oh My Deer" Frame and vintage deer figurine print!

Back from the windy city!

2008-11-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

I had the absolute best weekend in Chicago (and Carol Stream/Bloomingdale/Wheaton)! Saturday we packed up and headed out on our adventure to Illinois, it was a frosty cold morning so me and my mama warmed up inside while my dad braved the freezing temperatures to go hike to the rental RAV 4. Luckily the snow had stopped so we had a lovely drive through Wisconsin before we got to our final destination.

When we finally got all checked in to our hotel we headed over to my friend Boofys family's house for some real Chicago style pizza. After dinner I got to meet some of her friends and her boyfriend Rob. We spent the evening visiting and playing with her friends Ali and Scott's son Aiden (who is just way too cute and obsessed with watching fans!).

The next day we headed out to the city for a day of fun with Boofy and her sweet mom as our tour guides!

We started the morning off with some amazing applecider doughnuts from boofy's bakery that she picked up for us! Once we made it out of the parking garage (we got a little lost) we headed over to my new favorite shop where I bought some postcards, Christmas presents, a surprise for Chris, and some a few treats for myself! I absolutely love Chicago, there was celebratory Obama merchandise everywhere, so boofy and I bought Obama sweatshirts to keep us cozy warm!

After doing some shopping we wandered around looking at all of the cool art Chicago has! We especially loved the gigantic silver bean!

I also loved the ever changing faces... I could have stood there for hours watching them change!

Our last big stop was to Macys, formerly known as Marshall Field to see the Christmas decorations and the famous Walnut Room!

I fell head over heels for the top floor of macys, this is my dream window... ahh if only I could wake up to that every morning!

Boofy and I snuck in to FAO Schwartz even though we were probably the oldest ones in there with out babies of our own! While lusting after the sweet little dresses in the Ralph Lauren section for my future baby girl we felt sorry for the headless mannequins so we started a "Save the headless mannequins foundation!" (donations can be sent to my paypal hehe)

On our walk back to the garage we made a quick stop off at Garret's popcorn, the best place for popcorn in Chicago (or anywhere for that matter). I also picked up the most amazing peanut butter chocolate toffee there which I have been slowly savoring!

Once we got back to Bloomingdale we dropped boofy and her mama off, said our goodbyes and headed over to Barnes and Noble so I could check my lap top before bed (the hotel's wireless wasn't having a good day). As I was sitting there sipping on my herbal mint tea and chatting with my sweetie I turn around to see Boofy! She had been over at Rob's but he was sleepy so she decided to pop in and hang out awhile more, so we headed back to my hotel and stayed up late visiting and laughing in the lobby!

My last morning in IL boofy took me to "my store" (boy was she right on that one!) called it's our earth in Wheaton. I had a field day in there browsing their antiques and unique crafty things! I ended up buying two packs of vintage hair pins (one with birds and the other with forest friends) and a flattened glass bottle, that I think will be perfect to set on my nightstand and toss my rings in before bed!

(Boofy purchasing the cutest ornaments and me with my glass bottle)

After that we said our goodbyes and I made her promise to come visit me in California and I'd show her all the cool places there! We hit the road again with only a few little stops. One including the sweetest antique store where I found a vintage orange juice pitcher and 6 glasses all with tiny pink flowers on them! I also checked out their selection of antique art deco rings : ) Found my dream ring in amongst them! It seemed like it took forever to get home but we finally made it back to my grandparents house for a dinner of delish homemade pizza!

Life in the forest

2008-11-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing feels more like winter than being at my grandparents house in the woods! It's so beautiful no matter what window you look out of it's filled with trees and soft sunlight. Thank goodness for that sunlight today since we kept loosing power due to the tiny storm we had this morning. Me and my grandma stayed inside making headbands and necklaces while the rest of the family was outside splitting wood for the colder months! I did slip outside to snap a few pictures of them working though as proof that the Californians can get ready for a Minnesota winter! When it got too cold to take anymore pictures my grandma and I came back inside and she took a box down filled with antiques to show me that will one day be mine. I wanted to take home this tiny little plate that's about 100 years old to hang on my wall that I've been working on. I'm just too nervous to bring it on the plane, if it got smashed I would be devastated! After all the wood was split us girls headed out to scour the craft shops for material and silk flowers. We had a very successful mission! I ended up with yards of chiffon and veiling plus more ranunculus stems than I can count! I think I'm set with plenty of crafting supplies for the rest of my 10 days here (plus I have all the goodies in my grandma's craft drawers). On the way out of hancock the woman told us it was supposed to snow tonight. I got all giddy!

Anyways I should be off to sleep, I'm going to my grandma's gourmet group luncheon tomorrow at 11:00 and since I'm still on CA time that feels like 9:00 to me! I need to be up nice and early so I don't have to fib about not having eaten breakfast 30 minutes before I got there!

Let it snow!

2008-11-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

We've finally been getting lots of rain but I'm so in the mood for snow! Don't mind the fact that it's only snowed here twice in my life! I'm going ice skating tomorrow so that will be close! I think the let it snow headband I put up for sale a few days ago is the ultimate ice skating accessory! It's just so retro and sweet.

I'm off to write a paper for Folk Literature and the Arts while enjoying the drizzly weather I can see through my window!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Goodness

2008-10-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

When I was attempting to make an un-sweet birthday cake I ended up finding an amazing recipe for chocolate peanut butter bars. I've already sampled them a bit so I can attest to their wonderfulness. They still were pretty sweet.... but really.... whats up with hating sweets anyways?!

(On my favorite desert plates from William Sonoma with my cute little noritaki tea cup I picked up at the estate sale this morning in the background!)

If you're a fan of Chocolate and Peanut Butter (and who's not?!) you absolutely must try these!

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups powdered sugar

2/3 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips, melted (6 oz.)

Directions:

Combine everything but the chocolate chips, and press in a greased 8x8" pan.

Spread melted chocolate chips over top with a spatula, covering entire surface. Chill 2 hours.

I added some crushed peanut butter oreos on top of the chocolate before chilling, I also cut back on the powder sugar a bit (trying to make it less sweet!). I must say this was the simplisest most delicious recipe I've made in a long time.

Bungalow featured in a treasury!

2008-10-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Bungalow's Catherine Dress Gloves were featured in this amazingly beautiful treasury! I feel so flattered to have been picked! Here's the link to the treasury http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=30335

I'm off to bake birthday treats for my boyfriends birthday!!

Girls Day!

2008-10-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Today was very eventful! Ali and I have been talking about wanting to go to the Turlock flea market for awhile now but since it opens at the crack of dawn and I'm a sleepy head so it took a long time to get the oomph to go. So I crawled out of bed at 6:30 AM and drove to turlock. I saw it was on East Ave (right by one of my favorite thrift stores) and that isn't the best area of Turlock, which is so sad because it's a beautiful neighborhood filled with old sweet homes. As soon as we got going and turned the corner we saw two women trying to push an enormous pick up truck so my mom stopped and asked if they needed any help and we got out and helped them push, then the woman across the street from us drives up and gets out too, when in moments we had that truck moved. Us girls in the "hood" are pretty darn strong! So after that little ordeal, I gave Ali a call, woke her up, and told her I'd be a couple minutes late because we'd been rescuing some neighbors! When we finally got to turlock, it was in just as scary a neighborhood as I had guessed. So I call Ali to tell her to wait to get out of her car until we can meet up with her, but instead I get her sister because she accidentally left her cell at home. I go in to a panic because the place is mobbed and I'm not seeing her cute little prius anywhere near. Finally my mom and I park down the street and hike it in when I see a familiar back in front of me...I called out "Ali!?!" and thank the Lord it was here... we were all freaking out! No one likes to be lost without cell phone in scary parts of Turlock.

We were pretty discouraged when we first walked in, I was listening to air musique (the french radio station) on XM on the drive there imaging it would be like the Paris flea market (ok well I knew it would be nothing like it but I was hoping!). Instead I should have been listening to the Spanish channel because at first it looked more like little Mexico, which was fun too! Just different than the antique shop owner I met in monterey told me it would be. She drives 3 hours at 4:00 in the morning just to come to this flea market so she gave me high hopes! Once we got past the stands of veggies, socks, and contact lenses I found the treasures! I found the coolest pendant and cabochons (which I've already made something out of!), and these super retro wall hangings (some of which I'm spraying white and putting up for sale on Bungalow and the rest are going on Appleschloss!). My mom found this amazing Danish (which is our heritage) table cloth, it's been well loved but it'll be beautiful when my parents remodel the kitchen. It's white with blue embroidered seagulls on it, perfect for how the kitchen will be decorated!

After we scoured through the market (which I eventually began to love) we headed over to this amazing retro diner Latif's for breakfast. It was like a trip back in time! So cute! Once we were satiated we wandered around downtown turlock looking for the bakery who's sign we could see out the window. Sadly they had gone out of business but on our hunt we found my new favorite store, Vintage Rose Interiors. I had a field day in there, it reminded me so much of Anthropologie. I bought a sweet little card, and these gorgeous recycled grocery bags for my grandma and aunt, of course I couldn't help but pick up one for myself too. They were just so unique, very feminine and my whole family loves beautiful eco friendly finds! So I think they will make the perfect Christmas present. It's a husband and wife who own the store. The husband and store mascot (a tiny little dog in a basket named Winston) were working there today and they couldn't have been more welcoming! Fresh coffee offered, beautiful free gift wrapping, I'll be back there often! That is just the kind of store I dream of opening. Everything in there is on my Christmas list now!

I want this!

2008-10-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Isn't this ring gorgeous??? I was browsing through etsy today and now I want the "connected" heart ring so bad! Everything in soulyyours's shop is amazing! Go check it out! http://www.soulyyours.etsy.com

Change is in the air!

2008-10-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to combine blogs! This will be my one and only spot to write now, no more myspace blogging (unless I'm feeling nostalgic).

Today was just lovely. Baking organic scones for breakfast and then having them with my very favorite peach amaretto jam from stonewall kitchen always insures a good day ahead! I wish we had a whole foods closer by. Every time I'm near one I stock up on scone mix because it makes possibly the best scones on earth.

After breakfast I ventured out to Beverley's to stock up on crafty supplies with my mommy while I had my coupons! I've had my eye on the Amy Butler book of baby patterns for awhile now but after glancing through it more thoroughly today I realized I should start a bit slower on my line of baby clothes! My sewing isn't quite to that level yet. I ended up buying the sweetest pattern and the happiest cream and grass green fabric to create with! I also picked up some more embroidery supplies so I can finish some of my projects I've been working on. I can't wait to make the flower sack towels I bought today, they were on such a great sale... I couldn't resist buying them!

When I finally tore myself away from crafting heaven we headed over to the office to see our new backdrops that my dad bought my mom for her birthday! It changed up the look of the office but I think they'll be a lot of fun! I played with them a little bit today and posed with the chandelier I bought from urban outfitters awhile back (thought it would be cute hung in there... but it ended up finding it's home propped up against a huge frame).

Well I better get to sleep... tomorrow is going to be crammed full of studying for my gender studies class. I absolutely love it, but it sneaks up on me every week! I'm hoping tomorrow night I can cook up something from my new cookbook I picked up at my schools brand new book store (it's so beautiful). Everything in it looks amazing! I especially want to try the Acorn Squash and Black Bean Empanadas!

Goodnight everyone!

Catherine Dress Gloves

2008-10-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

These are possibly my favorite thing I've ever made (haha ok so maybe I say that about everything, but really... these are amazing!!!). Made from 1940's vintage gloves and ebelished with a delicate pale pink chiffon flower and two tiny green chiffon leaves on the wrist of the right glove. I'm in love!

Lulubelle Headband!

2008-09-18T15:27:00.001-07:00

This headband would look so amazing for a wedding or to wear to a party or even around town when you need a bit of frill for your outfit!

Emma Necklace

2008-09-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

So I was feeling creative tonight and came up with the Emma Necklace! I think it's just so sweet and girly... perfect for every day wear or you can dress it up! It's up for sale at Bungalow... check it out!

New at Bungalow

2008-08-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

I've been so in to hydrangeas lately so I made these old fashion doily wrapped vases and jars to hold some! There's something so beautiful, simple, and clean about green hydrangeas against a antique silver tray. Right now this trio is sitting atop my very favorite cabinet, however if someone else falls in love with them as much as I have they're for sale at Bungalow!

Bungalow is open for business!

2008-08-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's offical, I've opened my second shop! All the handmade items are being transfered over from Appleschloss and new items are being added daily! Appleschloss is now exclusively vintage goods. This blog will now feature both of my sites... such as this brand new cake stand for sale at Bungalow!

Come check out the new shop at http://www.bungalow.etsy.com

Chrysanthemum

2008-07-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was playing around with a design I came up with awhile ago but got too busy to work on and I ended up making this little number...The Chrysanthemum!

Displayed on one of my favorite prints that I got at Reform School in Silver Lake... once I saw it in Domino I fell in love so I had to get the minature version!

Up for sale at Appleschloss along with the pastel version, The Camellia.

New Discovery

2008-06-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

So I found this new site, Polyvore. I pretty much love it. It's like paper dolls for big girls! I made this little collage a few minutes ago.... I love the kitsch koala bear necklace paired with an Yves Saint Laurent forever bag.

Baby Blues

2008-06-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this little sweetheart fawn... her big blue eyes caught my heart as soon as I saw her! She would look so cute in a nursery or a retro woodland room. Behind her are the amazing 1950's/60's firestone bowls my Grandma sent me for my birthday! They are sooo amazing, I just love the shape! I wish bowls were still mad so creatively and in such lovely colors.

Well I'm off to get dressed before the delivery men bring the new refrigerator. We've been waiting for days and have had nothing but problems with lowes, until finally they agreed to give us $500 off for all of the trouble! yay! Then after that is work and then out for Mexican food and Margaritas with the girls for a late birthday celebration, I can't wait!

Shabby Chic Wrapped Doilie Vase and the great things you find under the sink!

2008-05-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Available at Appleschloss

The last few days have been put in to creating this lovely shabby chic style vase. I've been very in to using doilies lately so I searched all over town for the best doilie to make a vase out of... when I found this great vintage floral one made in a dutch community near me I knew it was perfect! With some dried flowers nestled inside it would make a sweet addition to any living room!

While I was hunting for a vase to go under the doilie I decided to hunt under our kitchen sink where I found these two treasures!

Available at Appleschloss

This is an amazingly unique vintage Apothecary container... I can just picture it with vintage buttons for a cool decoration or cotton balls in it to add some vintage style to your bathroom. Makes a great gift or gift for yourself!

This little beauty queen planter isn't for sale! I love her far too much! She belonged to my great great grandma and I'm not sure how old she is, but I do know my great great grandma died in the 50's so she has to be from sometime before then. I can't believe she was hiding under the sink... she's too much of a star not to be on display!

First Post!

2008-05-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I'm excited, Appleschloss now has it's very own blog! A blog which will probably be interspersed with all my cooking photos, room redecorating, and fabulous finds!

Above is our sweet Petite Ribbon Candy Necklace... I made it last night during my veronica mars marathon (such an addicting show by the way... so sad it's canceled!) and I'm so in love with it now! It really goes with everything, wear it to class or out on the town... it's very versatile! I made a few larger pleated ribbon necklaces too out of this beautiful sage and cream ribbon! It's so nice to have my assistant Margaret (my calico kitty, also my

little sister) to supervise the ribbon folding and investigation of vintage items waiting to be listed! She's a good helper for Appleschloss! Speaking of vintage items...we were featured in Vintage Indie over the weekend in their Vintage + Modern Mingle article! Our fabulously retro coffee and tea mug was the item of choice for the feature and it sold a few hours after it was in Vintage Indie! Be sure to check out the article! Vintage + Modern Mingle= Mother's Day Gifts Coffee or Tea?