Thursday, September 24, 2009

Fall Fashions

Now that it is officially fall Betty and her family spend their weekends picking pumpkins, hiking through their local state park and taking afternoon drives in the country, all the while enjoying the changing leaves. Sporting a cozy sweater, gloves and scarf Betty is ready for the cool weather. She packs away her summer dresses replacing them with cardigans and skirts, all perfect for autumn. Dressed in shades of orange, yellow, blue and cream Betty takes to the outdoors enjoying her favorite season.

Clockwise from Top Left: www.LucyMaude.etsy.com, www.NodtoModvintage.etsy.com, www.dahlilafound.etsy.com, www.SecretAgentGirl.etsy.com, www.bohemiennes.etsy.com, www.nashvillefille.etsy.com, www.adVintagous.etsy.com, www.thevintagesupplyco.etsy.com

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Colors of Fall

As the days get shorter and the nights turn cool, Betty decorates her home to celebrate the fall. But being the mid-century modern woman that she is Betty likes to mix in non-traditional colors like purple and gray to evoke the spirit of the season. Using leaf plates and trays at every meal and autumnal accents around her home, Betty brings the outdoors in. With cozy blankets in every room how can you resist getting wrapped up in the season? 

Clockwise from top left: www.VintageEtc.etsy.com, www.sosovintage.etsy.com, www.RetroPlaid.etsy.com, www.WildrosePrimitives.etsy.com, www.WillowCreekSparrow.etsy.com, www.craftydill.etsy.com, www.5gardenias.etsy.com, www.LittleEdithBee.etsy.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Ripe for the Picking

With autumn around the corner and the apple harvest starting again, Betty and her husband take the kids on a Saturday drive to their favorite orchard.  They spend the day in the golden fall sun, the air a little crisp, picking out the best of the bunch. But Betty’s favorite part is the cider doughnuts they buy at the farm. Come Sunday morning Betty and her daughter are busy making applesauce (see recipe below) which the family eats as an afternoon snack. The rest is stored in mason jars to be shared with family and friends.

This weekend head to an apple orchard near you with Betty’s seasonal harvest finds. Use a vintage basket for collection and retro measuring cups for precision while making apple treats. Don’t forget to serve everything on apple inspired bowls and plates! To find a pick-your-own farm or apple festival near you check out the links below.

www.pickyourown.org

www.nationalapplemuseum.com/festivals.html

Clockwise from top left: www.hausmittel.etsy.com, www.cattales.etsy.com, apple sauce, www.erratichabits.etsy.com, cider doughnut, www.jaditekate.etsy.com, www.junkculture.etsy.com, www.BlendedSplendid.etsy.com

Applesauce

Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls: 1957

Wash, peel, quarter and core 8 medium apples. Add water about 1/2 inch deep in pan. Cover tightly and bring to a boil (about 5 minutes) Turn down heat and simmer until tender. Stir in about 1/2 cup sugar to taste. Reheat to boiling. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg and serve warm or cold.



Friday, September 4, 2009

School Days

Every September Betty prepares the kids for the first week of school. With the prospect of new lunch boxes, pencils and books, they are almost excited. So this month while children begin the next grade, give yourself a fresh start, too, because school supplies are no longer just for students. These nostalgic Etsy finds would be perfect in any office, art studio, or craft room. Now, please take out your homework. Class is in session!

Clockwise from top left: theowlery.etsy.com, Hindsvik.etsy.com, 26olivestreet.etsy.com, tippleandsnack.etsy.com, SweetLoveVintage.etsy.com, ricracandbuttons.etsy.com, Crabapplevintage.etsy.com, myvintagewhimsy.etsy.com