Lovely Edwardian Woman with Rose Embellishment

Edwardian Fashion Coloring Book

"Something Happened" ~ Eshakti Contest Entry from My Daughter

For the twentieth time, I scoured every store I could think of. Every time, I thought something beautiful, vintage, and good quality would somehow "pop up." I went to the cheapest thrift shops and the most upper-end malls. The thrift stores had pieces that were, well, never going to fit (they seemed to have one size and that was "tiny")! The expensive stores had - expensive clothing (why was I surprised?) which was WAY out of my budget. To my frustration, nothing ever did "pop up." Nothing perfect, that is.  I was really starting to lose hope. It seemed like finding my dream dresses was proving impossible. I'm a teenager with definite ideas of what a dress should be, and the mid-calf length, 1950's inspired dresses I pined for were, simply put, nonexistent. That was a rough summer.

Then something happened. Fast forward a year. I had big events coming up, and, as usual, nothing to wear. That was when my mom suggested checking out Eshakti. Now, I'd seen plenty of Eshakti ads in my time, and, to be honest, I always ignored them (my excuse? young and dumb). Well, 5 minutes on the site, and I was ready to preach Eshakti to all the deprived dress world! I was instantly stunned by the huge assortment of vintage inspired, CLASSY dresses! Dresses that looked like clones of Audrey Hepburn dresses! After considerable hemming and hawing, I bought two - a navy blue shirt-dress and the hounds-tooth dress I'm wearing in the photo. And oh! When I tried them on with the custom sizes I had ordered, I felt like a million bucks!

Then - something else happened. When I wore the hounds-tooth dress, my aunt instantly complimented it, saying how flattering it was to the waistline!!! That's a big deal because I've always struggled with having a naturally thick waist (Ugh).

THEN something ELSE happened! My friend saw the dress. She has VERY different taste from my aunt and I; preferring a more modern look as opposed to the feminine and vintage look we like. And guess what, she loved the dress (and she's super quiet and withdrawn, so it meant a LOT coming from her)!

And finally, I have to say, I was nervous about the "big" event I bought it for. But when I put that navy blue 50's dress on, and added a polka dotted scarf and peep toe wedges, I had all the confidence in the world! I'm so happy Eshakti exists! I've got a big summer coming up... And I'll need all the gorgeous custom made dresses I can get my fingertips on!

Thank you for reading this entry from my daughter for the "Something Happened" Eshakti contest!

Colonial Woman Hand-Washing Clothes in Wooden Tubs

DIY Decorative Clothespins

Food Swap by Emily Pastor {Book Review}

Food Swap: Specialty Recipes for Bartering, Sharing & Giving --

Including the World's Best Salted Caramel Sauce

by Emily Pastor

Food Swap is quite the interesting concept for those who have a desire to barter their goods and reap more than just what they sow. Emily Pastor shares many tips and ideas on how to plan your own food swap in order to trade home-baked, canned goods, farm fresh foods, local produce, local honey, specialty foods, etc., within your community. This is such a wonderful idea for those who would like to broaden their food supply without affecting their cash flow. The photography in this book is beautiful! And, the author also shares a nice repertoire of recipes (and packaging tips) that you can use for your own home or a future food swap! I highly recommend this book for those of you who have a desire to add more bartering into their lifestyle. 

Description of book from Amazon:

"Whether your goal is to start your own community food swap, or just make delicious treats to share with family and friends, this is the book you need! Part cookbook, part how-to guide, Food Swap features more than 80 recipes for artisanal items that will be coveted at food swaps and adored as gifts, including preserves, baked goods, granolas, cheeses, pestos, roasted nuts, flavored salts, and specialty spices -- everything from salted caramel sauce and Meyer lemon curd to green tomato salsa, lavender shortbread, cultured butter, apricot jalapeno jelly, and rum vanilla extract. You’ll also find creative ways to irresistibly package your items, and the book even includes perforated gift tags ready for personalization. Finally, author Emily Paster -- co-founder of the Chicago Food Swap, one of the biggest in the world -- offers guidance on setting up a food swap in your own community, as well as inspiring stories from people who are part of this growing movement."

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Moss Rose (Rosa Muscosa) ~ Vintage Botanical Art Print

Woman Doing Yard Work Illustration

"She Planteth" ~ A Gardening Journal {Free Printable}

Vintage Holly Clusters ~ Clip Art