From MyIttyBitty
From Country Life Naturals
From Blended Splendid
From ChezSucreChez
From Cotton Top Quilts
From Ever Improving Me
Showing posts with label Thrifty Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thrifty Tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Eat Green!
Pack your own lunch in re-useable totes and containers. Here are a few cute finds from Etsy:
From MyIttyBitty
From Country Life Naturals
From Blended Splendid
From ChezSucreChez
From Cotton Top Quilts
From Ever Improving Me
From MyIttyBitty
From Country Life Naturals
From Blended Splendid
From ChezSucreChez
From Cotton Top Quilts
From Ever Improving Me
Happy Earth Day!
Being green is very important to Mom and me. One reason that we love the vintage goodies that we sell at Trendy Bindi's Boutique is because by using and loving them, we aren't adding to our carbon footprint. In celebration of Earth Day, we'd like to share some of our favorite tips and finds to help you stay green.
When mowing down at the shop, we use an old Smith and Hawken reel push mower. If your yard isn't too big it is a great green option for lawn maintenance. It's powered by you so you don't have to pay for gas or worry about pollution. You can also burn off some calories! We've had the same mower since I was little and it is working just fine 20 years later. Smith and Hawken no longer makes one but their parent company Scotts does.
You can find this here
Another thing that makes such a huge difference to the health of the planet as well as your own is to grow your own fruit and veggies. If you can't grow your own produce buy local organic. Fresher and often richer in nutrients, local produce also uses much less energy to put on your plate because it doesn't have to be shipped, flown or trucked in to your local supermarkets.
For some great information on gardening visit one of these great sites on Victory Gardens:
Victory Garden on PBS
and
Revive Victory Gardens
To find a local farmers market try one of these sites:
Local Harvest
and
Farmers Market Dot Com
When mowing down at the shop, we use an old Smith and Hawken reel push mower. If your yard isn't too big it is a great green option for lawn maintenance. It's powered by you so you don't have to pay for gas or worry about pollution. You can also burn off some calories! We've had the same mower since I was little and it is working just fine 20 years later. Smith and Hawken no longer makes one but their parent company Scotts does.
You can find this here
Another thing that makes such a huge difference to the health of the planet as well as your own is to grow your own fruit and veggies. If you can't grow your own produce buy local organic. Fresher and often richer in nutrients, local produce also uses much less energy to put on your plate because it doesn't have to be shipped, flown or trucked in to your local supermarkets.
For some great information on gardening visit one of these great sites on Victory Gardens:
Victory Garden on PBS
and
Revive Victory Gardens
To find a local farmers market try one of these sites:
Local Harvest
and
Farmers Market Dot Com
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Blissful Reading: A Well-Kept Home
Have you ever had a book decide to come home with you? I have. A couple of weeks ago I was visiting my wonderful local library, heading over to the mystery section to find a good cozy when this book seemed to leap at me from the shelf as I passed. I am quite happy that it did. A Well-Kept Home: Household Traditions and Simple Secrets from a French Grandmother by Laura Fronty and Yves Duronsky is a beautiful book featuring simply elegant photography by Yves Duronsky.
Buy this at Barnes and Nobles!
This book has five basic sections that cover food, home maintenance, caring for linens, beauty & healthcare and gardening with the age old wisdom gleaned from the author's French grandmothers. There is also a handy little index at the back that lists handy uses for, say, garlic or irises.
This book really captures the cottage lifestyle by sharing the wisdom of our fore-mothers and sharing greener, thriftier and more effective ways to care for ourselves and our homes.
I hate to take my copy back to the library--I'll just have to buy my own!
Kerry
Buy this at Barnes and Nobles!
This book has five basic sections that cover food, home maintenance, caring for linens, beauty & healthcare and gardening with the age old wisdom gleaned from the author's French grandmothers. There is also a handy little index at the back that lists handy uses for, say, garlic or irises.
This book really captures the cottage lifestyle by sharing the wisdom of our fore-mothers and sharing greener, thriftier and more effective ways to care for ourselves and our homes.
I hate to take my copy back to the library--I'll just have to buy my own!
Kerry
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I can't help it. Right now I am so excited that spring is sooo close. St. Patrick's Day really seems to make it seem even closer. I thought I would share with you some of my little baby plants to show you how far they've come!
First, here is my first batch of little veggies. The peppers haven't really started yet but you can see that the spinach, lettuce and tomatoes are really coming along.
Here is a picture of some baby snap dragons. If you are wondering what that planter is, I took a 24 can cardboard box and cut it in half. I then inserted one half inside the other and lined it with newspaper. I then loaded it up with some Miracle Grow Organic potting soil (I have just discovered this and I LOVE it!) and voila! a cheap and crafty planter which saves your money for something a little more fun, like that vintage tablecloth you've been wanting. As you can see, the little snapdragons seem to be liking this just fine.
Here are some of my crocuses which are just adoring the wonderful weather which we've been having. Fortunately, the squirrels don't seem to have found all of my purple ones yet!
First, here is my first batch of little veggies. The peppers haven't really started yet but you can see that the spinach, lettuce and tomatoes are really coming along.
Here is a picture of some baby snap dragons. If you are wondering what that planter is, I took a 24 can cardboard box and cut it in half. I then inserted one half inside the other and lined it with newspaper. I then loaded it up with some Miracle Grow Organic potting soil (I have just discovered this and I LOVE it!) and voila! a cheap and crafty planter which saves your money for something a little more fun, like that vintage tablecloth you've been wanting. As you can see, the little snapdragons seem to be liking this just fine.
Here are some of my crocuses which are just adoring the wonderful weather which we've been having. Fortunately, the squirrels don't seem to have found all of my purple ones yet!
Friday, March 6, 2009
It's Time to Start Gardening!
I am so excited! I think it was about a week or so ago that Mom and I had been out doing some errands together when we noticed that the first of the seed packets had already come in. We bought a bunch, I think about 19 or so at only 20 cents a packet! We also got some potting soil. A bunch of veggies and then some flowers too. Last night I sowed the first of the veggies, those that can be started early indoors. I've had everybody saving their cardboard egg-cartons since sometime after Christmas and I put them to good use. They are so easy to make into planters, especially if you follow my directions below. I like to use the vintage cabinet in front of our breakfast room window to start the seeds because they seem to do best there. But any suitably sunny spot will do.
First, I cut the lids off and used them as saucers for the egg toting halves.
Then using an old large measuring spoon I scooped soil into the individual egg compartments. You don't want too much because it will spill out all over the place!
For right now I marked in permanent marker the names of the plants I was starting on the carton lid saucers, but I will go back later and put a name stake in (I forget where I read this, but someone had suggested using plastic knives as stakes, just write the name on in permanent marker on the handle and stick the blade down. They are especially nice if the blade is serrated as it really catches the ground. You can transplant this stake at the same time you do the plants.)
Then you put one seed in each compartment, and using an old pencil or a bamboo skewer, gently nudge the seed beneath the soil, according to the directions on the seed packet.
I like to keep one variety of seeds in each carton just because it is a lot easier to keep track of your plants.
If you really want to maximize the space you can split cartons down the middle to fit on your window sills.
***Remember to put a liner of some sort under your plants. You don't want to have to refinish or paint later!***
Water as directed!
Right now, I am on the border of zones 4 and 5 so I started my tomatoes, spinach, lettuce and peppers. I am hoping to start some snapdragons soon too.
Gardening is so rewarding in and of itself because you get to literally reap your own rewards for the labor that you put forth. Not to mention there is something almost magical watching the seeds grow into something you can eat, or in the case of flowers, enjoy for their beauty. However, in these times, gardening is a great way to be environmentally friendly and frugal.
For just a few dollars at the outset I will be able save a considerable amount at the grocery store from the spring through the fall.
First, I cut the lids off and used them as saucers for the egg toting halves.
Then using an old large measuring spoon I scooped soil into the individual egg compartments. You don't want too much because it will spill out all over the place!
For right now I marked in permanent marker the names of the plants I was starting on the carton lid saucers, but I will go back later and put a name stake in (I forget where I read this, but someone had suggested using plastic knives as stakes, just write the name on in permanent marker on the handle and stick the blade down. They are especially nice if the blade is serrated as it really catches the ground. You can transplant this stake at the same time you do the plants.)
Then you put one seed in each compartment, and using an old pencil or a bamboo skewer, gently nudge the seed beneath the soil, according to the directions on the seed packet.
I like to keep one variety of seeds in each carton just because it is a lot easier to keep track of your plants.
If you really want to maximize the space you can split cartons down the middle to fit on your window sills.
***Remember to put a liner of some sort under your plants. You don't want to have to refinish or paint later!***
Water as directed!
Right now, I am on the border of zones 4 and 5 so I started my tomatoes, spinach, lettuce and peppers. I am hoping to start some snapdragons soon too.
Gardening is so rewarding in and of itself because you get to literally reap your own rewards for the labor that you put forth. Not to mention there is something almost magical watching the seeds grow into something you can eat, or in the case of flowers, enjoy for their beauty. However, in these times, gardening is a great way to be environmentally friendly and frugal.
For just a few dollars at the outset I will be able save a considerable amount at the grocery store from the spring through the fall.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CPSIA and Trendy Bindi's Boutique
In order to be compliant with the new regulations, Trendy Bindi's Boutique will no longer be able to offer any of our handcrafted baby or children's items. The artisans that we work with create adorable one of a kind items, often with vintage components, like the tablecloth dresses or pillowcase dresses. We will no longer be able to sell our sweet booties. Additionally, the popular line of baby and toddler apparel, hand-embroidered with designs from vintage transfers, will no longer be available.
These and our other handcrafted children's items will be taken from the shelves before we open for business on February 10th. Due to the one of a kind nature of these items and the fact that these artisans are small business cottage industry entrepreneurs they can no longer afford to remain in the business of creating handcrafted items for children under 13.
All other items in our shop are either handcrafted or vintage collectibles intended for adult use only. We will not knowingly be able to sell to anyone under 13 years of age or to someone who intends to give any of our merchandise to a child. If you should purchase something and give it to a child under 13 please be aware that you accept all legal ramifications. We accept no responsibility. If necessary, children under 13 will no longer be allowed in our shop.
This is not something that we wish to do, however this is something that we must do in order to be above board and compliant with the new CPSIA regulations. We really hate to do this because one of the greatest joys of owning our shop has been being able to help introduce the next generation to beautiful handcrafted and vintage items, helping a child pick out a gift for a parent or their own special treasures. Sadly, we will no longer be able to help you create that cottagey haven in your nurseries.
For more information on the CPSIA please look at our earlier postings.
These and our other handcrafted children's items will be taken from the shelves before we open for business on February 10th. Due to the one of a kind nature of these items and the fact that these artisans are small business cottage industry entrepreneurs they can no longer afford to remain in the business of creating handcrafted items for children under 13.
All other items in our shop are either handcrafted or vintage collectibles intended for adult use only. We will not knowingly be able to sell to anyone under 13 years of age or to someone who intends to give any of our merchandise to a child. If you should purchase something and give it to a child under 13 please be aware that you accept all legal ramifications. We accept no responsibility. If necessary, children under 13 will no longer be allowed in our shop.
This is not something that we wish to do, however this is something that we must do in order to be above board and compliant with the new CPSIA regulations. We really hate to do this because one of the greatest joys of owning our shop has been being able to help introduce the next generation to beautiful handcrafted and vintage items, helping a child pick out a gift for a parent or their own special treasures. Sadly, we will no longer be able to help you create that cottagey haven in your nurseries.
For more information on the CPSIA please look at our earlier postings.
The CPSIA Regulations and How it Affects YOU!
We here at Trendy Bindi's Boutique LLC are proud to be taking part in a national day of blogging to spread the word about the impending CPSIA regulations. Many thanks to Chichibouilie (blog)and Winklepots (blog)for their time and effort putting this together. They like so many others are being deeply affected by this law. If you are here reading this you are most likely will be affected in some way or another as well.
CPSIA and YOU!!!
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
CPSIA and YOU!!!
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Romantically Reminiscent Christmas
Christmas is, as they say, a time of comfort and joy. The very nature of this holiday celebrates family and coming together and for those who love the Romantic Cottage style, we find comfort in incorporating the warmth of the old, with the pleasant memories of family and friends they bring, in our celebrations of the holidays. This, as any good Romantic knows, goes beyond seeing things at the face value of their assigned roles. Here are a few examples Mom and I have put together in our shop of giving freedom to finds from the past so that they can help warm our homes and our hearts during this season.
Mom used vintage cookie cutters to decorate the tree below. For that warm glow I put battery operated tea lights in old Jello molds (the tree is supposed to be flame retardant but we weren't going to push our luck!). Old red and white kitchen utensils on a red and white striped tree skirt help to spread the cheer.
These are some Pyrex personal carafes with the rubber neck bands on an old moire tray spruced up with some lovely poinsettia picks.
Here is an idea for a festive centerpiece that is very retro chic as well: Use a gilded pyrex tall carafe and fill the bottom with shredded gift foil or a piece of satin. Wrap a paper towel or plastic dowel in pretty coordinating ribbon and insert it in the top, place ornament hooks and floral picks in and arrange them to your taste. Then hang some pretty ornaments and voila! you have a pretty centerpiece!
Mom used vintage cookie cutters to decorate the tree below. For that warm glow I put battery operated tea lights in old Jello molds (the tree is supposed to be flame retardant but we weren't going to push our luck!). Old red and white kitchen utensils on a red and white striped tree skirt help to spread the cheer.
These are some Pyrex personal carafes with the rubber neck bands on an old moire tray spruced up with some lovely poinsettia picks.
Here is an idea for a festive centerpiece that is very retro chic as well: Use a gilded pyrex tall carafe and fill the bottom with shredded gift foil or a piece of satin. Wrap a paper towel or plastic dowel in pretty coordinating ribbon and insert it in the top, place ornament hooks and floral picks in and arrange them to your taste. Then hang some pretty ornaments and voila! you have a pretty centerpiece!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Terrific Timely Tips from WWII booklet
Mom and I were out and about collecting goodies for our store and boy did we find some wonderful goodies at the estate of a 95 year old woman who still had many of her mother's belongings. Many of these items will be added to our inventory soon but they are just so neat that I wanted to share some of them with you!
One of these goodies is a great promotional Swans Down cake flour booklet filled with wartime recipes called "How to bake by the Ration Book". This little booklet features recipes that make do with less. For example there are cakes with little or no eggs or sugar and biscuits with only a tablespoon of shortening. Not only is it interesting to see how creative people were with what they had but these are recipes that are just as good for us today helping both our waistlines and our wallets.
Here are a couple of recipes for you to try:
One-Egg Wonder Cake
2 cups sifted Swans Down Cake Flour
1 cup Sugar
2 tsp. Calumet Baking Powder
1 egg, unbeaten
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 or 1/3 cup shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder and salt, and sift together three times. Cream shortening, add sugar gradually, and cream together well. Add egg and beat very thoroughly. Add flour, alternately with milk, a small amount at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Add vanilla. Bake in two greased 8 inch layer pans or in greased large cup-cake pan in moderate oven (375 degrees F.) 20-25 minutes. Spread with topping...
Wartime Drop Biscuits
2 cups sifted Swans Down Cake Flour
3/4 cup milk
2 1/2 tsp. Calumet Baking Powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon melted shortening or oil
Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder and salt, and sift again. Add milk and melted shortening. Then stir quickly and lightly until all flour is dampened. Drop from tip of teaspoon in small mounds on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in hot oven (450 degrees F.) 15 minutes or until done. Makes about 18 biscuits.
Bon Appetit!
Kerry
One of these goodies is a great promotional Swans Down cake flour booklet filled with wartime recipes called "How to bake by the Ration Book". This little booklet features recipes that make do with less. For example there are cakes with little or no eggs or sugar and biscuits with only a tablespoon of shortening. Not only is it interesting to see how creative people were with what they had but these are recipes that are just as good for us today helping both our waistlines and our wallets.
Here are a couple of recipes for you to try:
One-Egg Wonder Cake
2 cups sifted Swans Down Cake Flour
1 cup Sugar
2 tsp. Calumet Baking Powder
1 egg, unbeaten
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 or 1/3 cup shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder and salt, and sift together three times. Cream shortening, add sugar gradually, and cream together well. Add egg and beat very thoroughly. Add flour, alternately with milk, a small amount at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Add vanilla. Bake in two greased 8 inch layer pans or in greased large cup-cake pan in moderate oven (375 degrees F.) 20-25 minutes. Spread with topping...
Wartime Drop Biscuits
2 cups sifted Swans Down Cake Flour
3/4 cup milk
2 1/2 tsp. Calumet Baking Powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon melted shortening or oil
Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder and salt, and sift again. Add milk and melted shortening. Then stir quickly and lightly until all flour is dampened. Drop from tip of teaspoon in small mounds on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in hot oven (450 degrees F.) 15 minutes or until done. Makes about 18 biscuits.
Bon Appetit!
Kerry
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