Homemade Bloody Mary Recipe...done the Wisconsin way!

Wisconsinites are known to love their Bloody Marys!  They do them up right with a beer chaser and often times outrageous garnishes!

There are lots of bottled Bloody Mary mixes, many are quite good, but many also contain lots of sodium...so we found the perfect homemade recipe!!  You can adjust the level of spiciness by how much Tabasco you add or maybe even try adding a bit of horseradish!

10 oz. Vodka
2  oz  Worcestershire Sauce
2  oz  Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
8 drops + Tabasco
1 48 oz Can or Bottle of V8 Juice
Salt, Pepper and Celery Salt to taste.

Add the first 4 ingredients to a 2 cup measuring cup...easy peasy!  In a large pitcher, add all ingredients together and stir!

Assemble your choice of outrageous garnishes on a long skewer, add ice to large glass.  Pour the mix over ice, add a straw and enjoy!  Don't forget the beer chaser!!

Why I love Vintage Cookbooks!!

I confess, I'm obsessed with vintage cookbooks!  Especially the ones with great photos!  I have amassed quite a collection of all kinds and ages.  Its fun to follow the history of cooking...people used what they had on hand, cooking for large families or groups, traditions amongst ethnic groups, etc.
Above is an example of one of my favorite cookbooks!  Why, you say?  It was passed down from my mom, and I have fond memories of her using some of the recipes!  The book dates back to 1974, a time in my parent's life that they loved to entertain and experiment with new flavors.  A time when Julia Child's french cuisine was popular!

A few nights ago, I thought I'd make one of my favorites!  10 Minute Sukiyaki!  As you can see from the recipe...its been made a lot!!  I checked the ingredient list, and to my dismay...the pantry was missing mushrooms...oh well...grab a glass of wine and improvise!!

I added a few more fresh vegetables in substitution, and didn't even notice the lack of mushrooms!
Recipe also instructs to use an electric...once again I took liberties and used a stove top wok!

Served with brown rice, the final product was amazing!!

So don't pass up those vintage cookbooks...they not only hold recipes that stand today, but also rekindle happy memories and give us glimpses into the past!! 

Stop and Look at Sunflowers!

For those of you that follow my Facebook page , you may have noticed my latest obsession with sunflowers!  Maybe because summer is coming to an end, or just their inherent beauty, or possibly because that a rummage sale flower pot turned into a surprise crop of sunflowers, I have fell in love with sunflowers!  And each day, as I check on my driveway crop, to see how many have opened or how many are going to seed, I started contemplating many things.

How can something so pretty, grow from just a small seed? Why are sunflowers yellow?  How is it determined how many petals are on the flower?   These questions that come to mind, don't require great thought, just a small amount of my time to think about them, to enjoy them.  It made me realize, that sunflowers grow whether we see them or not.  Everyday, nature puts on a show with or without an audience.  It surely doesn't take much time to notice or enjoy it and it surely makes the start to the day all that more enjoyable. 

So my thought for you today...take the time to find your sunflower, or gift of nature that calls to you, and enjoy it...life is too short to just go through the motions and not appreciate the small things that provide us, free of charge with simple pleasure!  Its worth it!!

Where's the best place to sell an antique?

Now that I'm an antique appraiser as well as an antique dealer, I'm often approached by people looking to sell antiques.  Someone may be downsizing a household in preparation for moving, helping a family member sell a collection, or just looking for some extra cash!  There are many wonderful avenues for selling antiques, and I would like to take sometime to explain the various options.

If you have all the time in the world, obviously you can be a bit more selective in your options.  Logic would tell you, that if you can sell to the final owner, you will make more money.  So how do you find that final owner? 
Today's blog entry will focus on:

1.  Selling on Craig's List:

Craig Newmark began the service in 1995 as an email distribution list to friends, featuring local events in the San Francisco Bay Area, before becoming a web-based service in 1996 and expanding into other classified categories. It started expanding to other U.S. cities in 2000, and currently covers 50 countries.

Many larger communities have Craig's List Hubs, and you can find just about anything for sale!

+ for selling on Craig's List:
-Relatively Easy
-No Fees
-Minimal Computer experience needed
-Large Local Audience to see your items
-Don't have to ship, can arrange pick up of items
-Able to negotiate the best price and don't have to sell if offer is too low!

- for selling on Craig's List:
Where there's a positive, there's always a negative!

-You have to be careful when selling...there are more and more scammers and frauds out there!
-Some effort is needed to have a successful listing...research for pricing, photographs are a must as is an accurate description
-You have to be willing to meet your prospective buyer and this can mean dealing with disappointment when they don't show up...it does happen!

The internet is full of tips and techniques for selling on Craig's List...here is one such link!
Craig's List Tips

Next Blog Entry...selling on ebay!

My First Decoupage Project!

 I found this great table at a tag sale...the top was in poor condition, but I loved the carvings on the legs!  What could I do to fix it!  Just painting solid black, just seemed to blah...so I saw a jar of Mod Podge at my local craft store and thought...let's give it a try!

1)  Painted the top black, let dry.
2)  Found a cool old piece of sheet music that was missing pages anyway, thought the colors would really pop!
3)  Applied Mod Podge to table and back of music, centered on table top.  Used straight edge to smooth out bubbles.  Let dry!
4)  Applied several coats of Mod Podge to top surface, being careful with consistent brush strokes, letting dry between coats...and I did sand a bit between coats as well.  (This is an important step to give a smooth finish)
5)  Final coat was a glossy Polyurethane, as Mod Podge is not water resistant!  (Also an important step)
6)  Wallah!  Not bad for first attempt!  What do you think??

Woodruff Place Flea Market 2013

We had the privilege of attending the Woodruff Place Flea Market this past weekend!  I'm hooked!  This yearly event is held in a quaint neighborhood near downtown Indianapolis.  Strolling around this old neighborhood is worth the trip in itself.  Almost every house is different and all have such character. Home owners take pride in their homes and landscaping.  So many of the homes have large porches, and this was needed this weekend, as rain almost dampened their parade on Saturday, with early morning showers.  But the covered porches, gave a needed escape from the drizzles and protected the treasures that abounded!  Live music and food vendors added to this well organized event!

Our favorite vendors were the ones that had architectural elements, and of course we loaded up our car with goodies!  But had to make room for the puppies that made the trip with us!

Crosby and Conner, 9 week old puppies, loved all the attention they received from new found 2 and 4 legged friends.  Fellow flea market attendees, helped the puppies learn important new skills that will help them become good canine citizens! 

We loved some creative ideas we found at the market as well!  Pictured below are 2 examples.

 So after 2 great days, we decided this is an event we don't want to miss!  If you are in the area, be sure to check it out next year!

Lovely Vintage Glassware

The glassware market offers great deals for buyers!  Vintage glassware not only looks pretty and makes any table setting look at bit more elegant, it is made to be used!  So, make a romantic dinner for your special someone and dress up the table with pretty candlesticks, fancy drink glasses or lovely serving dishes!

See some of my current ebay listings!  Lots of great deals to be found.
Cherirtoys Ebay Listings

Table Setting Etiquette

In my research for a new ebay listing, I came across a wonderful website that tells all about setting a proper table!  Something we all need to know, right??  I learned a lot when viewing this site.  Did you know that cups come in 7 different sizes?

"The cup is made in seven sizes, each with a different volume capacity:

1. Breakfast cup;
2. Mug;
3. Teacup;
4. Coffee cup;
5. Chocolate cup;
6. After-dinner coffee cup; and
7. Demitasse cup."

See their website for more great information!  www.eitquettescholar.com

Below is a photo of the wonderful cup and saucer I currently have listed on ebay!  While this cup is called a breakfast cup and saucer, I think its uses are endless...I could see this cup holding a steaming cup of oatmeal or even soup!

Here is the link to my ebay listing, in case you would love this great cup!
Old Castles C&S

Where is spring?

I usually really like living in Wisconsin.  The Midwest offers a pleasant change of all 4 seasons.  But its Springs like this one, that make me want to rethink where I call home! Its April 13th and today is the, I stopped counting gloomy day in a row.  Temperatures have struggled to get anywhere near 40 or 50 and I actually saw snow flurries this AM.  The photo below shows the Fox River running fast and high.  The riverwalk is closed and the bears will soon have to swim!

Merry Christmas to my wonderful customers!

Before the Holidays greet us full force...I wanted to take the time to thank all my great customers!  Whether our paths crossed at a Flea Market, in an Antique Mall or through an ebay transaction...each and every one of you is important to what I do everyday!

Make this Holiday special, share it with loved ones; your friends and family.  Even spread some kindness and holiday cheer to a stranger...the world could use a bit more of that this year and in the years to come.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!  See you in 2012!

Elkhorn Flea Market-May 15th

What is Wisconsin weather doing to us? Hail, rain, cold weather...feels more like fall, but you know spring has to be out there somewhere! Nothing can keep away the diehard flea market fan!! We'll be there, dressed for the occasion, tent erected and ready to sell! For directions and more details Elkhorn Flea Market. Our focus for the first outing in booth #1318 is garden items and pottery...plus a whole lot of this and that! We are always happy to dicker and love repeat customers..and if you by chance see this blog...mention it and receive and extra discount on your purchase!!

Start a New Table Setting Trend

Have you or are you going to inherit the "Family's China?" I know what you are thinking...hand washing, stuffy, too fragile...just too much effort! Well, I want you to reconsider! Vintage dishware can set a gorgeous table...and its ok to mix and match china, glassware and flatware. Use newer charger plates, mixed with vintage china pieces...pictured here is my plan for Easter Dinner. Metallic chargers I purchased from a resale shop; The pink bird plates are vintage by Spode and the small sauce dish is from my grandmother; Mieto China, made in Occupied Japan. Everytime I use her dishes, fond memories rush back... the women in the family doing dishes together in the kitchen after every holiday meal. Families memories like these are important to pass on to children.

Maybe, just use vintage piece of glassware or china for a single course of a meal....bring out the pink depression plates for dessert; serve wine in antique etched stems...possibilities are endless. If you don't have inherited dishes...they are easily found at resale shops, antique malls or even garage sales...and the prices are usually quite affordable!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Need some last minute ideas for your special Valentine? Antique malls are filled with great accessories to make your special someone feel extra special! A gorgeous vase for flowers;
a vintage valentine to make someone smile;
Red, pink, white or silver dishes to set a fancy Valentine table.
The local antique malls are filled with great items and ideas to finish off your plans for a beautiful evening! Just don't forget to say I Love You to your someone special! ♡♡♡

PS...Fox Lake Country Antiques is having a terrific Valentines Day Sale! You might even find a great item at a great price!

Super Bowl XLV Go Pack Go!!

As Packer fans awake this morning, there is only one thing on their mind! Super Bowl Victory! Let's hope that dream once again comes true! Bring out your favorite Packer garb, follow your rituals and most of all...Have a Blast!! Go Pack Go!!

Resolution 2011 Day 4

For those of you that follow me on Facebook, you know that I set a New Year's Resolution to Clear out whatever hasn't been looked at or used in over a year! Here's an update on day 4 of the New Year! So far so good! Check out my Ebay listings for some great deals on stuff that has been cluttering our house and bring it to yours!!
Cherirtoys ebay listings

You'll find household and decorating items, clothing, toys (yes, Andy is purging as well!) and of course Antiques and Collectibles. Hopefully this trend continues...I feel lighter already!!

Visit the Man Cave!

Looking for something to do New Year's Day? Come and visit the Waukesha Antique Malls on Bank Street in Downtown Waukesha. Its our spectacular Dealer Dicker Event! Dealers will be on premise, ready to make a deal!! Come and see my newly decorated "Man Cave" and "Wall of Mirrors!" Its sure to be a great start to 2011...and still plenty of time to get home to cheer the Wisconsin Badgers to a Victory!!

Ephemera

Ephemera

Wikipedia describes "Ephemera as transitory written and printed matter not intended to be retained or preserved. The word derives from the Greek, meaning things lasting no more than a day. Some collectible ephemera are advertising trade cards, airsickness bags, bookmarks, catalogues, greeting cards, letters, pamphlets, postcards, posters, prospectuses, stock certificates, tickets and zines."

Ephemera is a popular collectible and can often encompass many collectible markets. Maybe you collect holiday items...thus holiday postcards would fall into that category. Or you have a large collection of kerosene or oil lamps...an old advertising pamphlet may be a great addition to your collection. Those who restore antique or vintage cars, are always looking for the product or repair manuals for important information on their vehicles.

Pictured is an example of early ephemera and it dates back to the early 1900's. It is filled with great advertising as well as some tough brain teasers! Can you answer these??

1. What is another name for Christmas?

2. Who wrote Snowbound?

3. What is the name of the little lame boy in Dicken's "Christmas Carol"? (OK, that's an easy one!)

4 What is the chief ingredient of Angel Cake?

Check back soon for the answers to these teasers! Also, check out my ebay listings, for more examples of ephemera I have up for auction! Current ebay listings for Cherirtoys

Antique Christmas

Looking for some great ideas for Christmas Decorating or shopping for the special someone who loves antiques? Come out to an Antique Mall...we are all decorated for the Holidays! Festive music and maybe a sale or two should help get you into that Christmas Spirit! Featured on this post are some of my Holiday Displays! Santa has to show his face of course, but you can find vintage postcards and ornaments too! Check out the Lake Country Antiques Website for more details and directions to the shop in Oconomowoc! Their 12 Days of Christmas Sale starts today!
http://www.foxantiquemalls.com/