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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Growing Hearts Through Canine Love


Ben and Jimmy at The Hop
Recently Ben and I have decided to do some volunteer work with a local organization called Animal Compassion Network.  Over the years one of my best friends Kim has grown to love this organization so much that recently she was named President, congrats Kim!  It's true what they say, volunteering does open your heart, your compassion for whatever cause your heart leads you to grows tremendously after each volunteer event or effort.  I knew it was time for Ben, 13 to begin some sort of community volunteering and what better way than to help animals.  Last night was the annual Dine To Be Kind event.  Several restaurants in the area participated and donated a portion of their daily profits to ACN.  Ben and I were stationed at The Hop ice cream shop, perfect right?  We brought Jimmy our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as our mascot and he was a hit!  I am so glad I chose such an wonderful organization for Ben and I to grow with and can't wait to jump in to some more volunteer work.  Here is the link to Animal Compassion Network:

www.animalcompassionnetwork.org





Here are some more photos of our furry companions



I can read his mind "someone please tell this child to put me down for God sake".



We do think Charlie is related to the dog in The Labyrinth.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Update On Construction Of House Of Ross

Here are some new photos of the house.  The roof in on, fireplace is in and the stain glass is in the wall, the skylights on the third floor are in and the siding has started, looks beautiful!











Wednesday, February 15, 2012

This Ain't No Hippie Granola



So I want to share my granola recipe only I don't technically have one. I started making granola at The Farm in Virginia a few years ago and I have tweaked it just right. So I don't have a formal recipe.  I will share the best I can on how to make it, its well worth the estimating.

Ingredients:
Oats
honey (Add 1/2 cup of sugar if you want sweeter granola, I prefer not as I like to taste the natural sweetness of the honey)
olive oil
raisins
dried cranberries
coconut
almonds ( any nut will work walnuts, pecans, cashew)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees

Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray and set aside.

In a bowl mix the following
Oats, buy any size container you want.  Large is best as a small container will not make much granola  ( You can use instant or regular) I use instant because it is more cost effective.
Olive Oil and honey enough to saturate all the oats, you shouldn't have any dry oats after mixing.  Add the
Coconut and the nuts, as much as desired.  Mix.

Spread onto the baking sheet and bake until golden brown.

Remove from oven, let cool completely.  Granola will turn crunchy upon cooling.  Add raisins or dried cranberries, or both!

Important, do not bake the raisins or dried cranberries they will burn.

Serve over yogurt, milk or just snack on it.  Enjoy!




Val's Vintage 1st Anniversary!

Friday the 17th is my first year anniversary for Val's Vintage.  I would have never dreamed of leaving a job I loved and doing this full time but the success Val's Vintage brought gave me the confident and courage to take the plung and dive in full time.  It allows me to be at home with my children, avoid high day care cost and most importantly do what I love.  I have sold items to women for their weddings, movie photo shoots, stage producers, Christmas gifts for mothers and grand mothers, and I have sold items to other businesses in order for them to thrive as I do.

What a gift, to do what I love, feel rewarded and share it with the world.  My husband and mom have been so supportive and encouraging this past year.  My mom is somewhat of a partner to Val's Vintage, often hunting for treasures for me as often as she can and getting as excited as I do when she sees something sell that she found for the shoppe, what fun we have.  Let's not forget the ultimate Val's Vintage mascot, Stella.  Ms. Stella can go into four thrift stores in one day without a bit of whining or complaining, often because she know she will get a Barbie or pocket book out of the ride.  Stella starts Kindergarten in August and I just tear up at the idea of not having my little treasure hunter with me during the day.

The next phase for Val's Vintage is to move into our new home equipped with a third floor office space which will allow me to have my photography, packing table and supplies and computer and printer desk all in one space.  No more taking up space on our dining room table, pool table, bedroom and couch, I know David will love that.

So a big thanks to those that have kept up with my progress, dealt with my endless facebook post and supported me from day one.

I will have a coupon on Friday, the anniversary day, for %15 off your entire purchase.

And of course I couldn't wrap up this post without mentioning my newest items for the shoppe.  Take a look!

And most importantly, Enjoy!

California Pottery Planter

Leather Etienne Aigner

Powder Blue Planter by Bishop Ceramics

Oxblood Etienne Aigner Clutch

Hollywood Regency Vanity Tray

Hollywood Regency Wall Sconces

Silver Plated Covered Dish

Nippon Six Piece Snack Set

Mini Trays

Trio of Bavarian Gold Plates

Industrial Desk Lamp

Wedgwood Square Cake Plates

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine Tea Time

This is how we celebrate this silly little holiday our consumer driven nation has trumped up, with tea!  David and I agree to save our money and not buy in to the whole Valentines Day hoopla.  Thank goodness because this holiday makes as much sense to me as Columbus Day.  In high school my friends and I decided to protest Valentines day by spray painting roses black and carrying them around the whole day.  Over dramatic yes but hey we were teenagers, smart ones to already recognize the asinine tradition this day brought.  So as a grown up I keep it simple, this day is for kids, the powdery Rolaid like heart candies, waxy chocolates and Sponge Bob cards are a blast, if you're eight years old.  After the age of around ten or eleven its time to move on.



Thanks for the chocolates Daddy!



Perfect, one box for the whole family.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Soon To Be Listed In My Shoppe~Some great things for Spring!

Pink Lace Shaw

Vintage Gap Denim

Leather Oxblood

Italian, great for spring and summer!

The 80's they have returned.

80's Leather Patchwork

Leather with snake skin detail

Marcus Brothers of Miami

Vintage Leather Half Pack

Tortoise shell tote

Lenox

Bavarian

Hand painted

California Pottery

German

Haviland Limoges bowls
Here are my newest vintage finds for the shoppe.