Vampire Pumpkins, Candied Pumpkin Seeds & Pumpkin Chicken Feed

Ooooh, I love Halloween!  All the merriment, pumpkin carving and the costumes!

For many years Captain Project and I hosted a Halloween party.  We took our costumes very seriously and began working on them usually months in advance.  A few of my faves:

(A couple yards of felt and sytrofoam balls is all it took for Fred & Wilma)

(The Dynamic Duo for our first Halloween together!)

(We were Riff Raff and Magenta from The Rocky Horror Picture Show)

(Elvi, yes, plural ~ our favorite costumes ever!)

Carving pumpkins was always a family affair:

(Captain Project and the kids 1985)

Nowadays, because we live out in the middle of the 'boons, we don't get trick-or-treaters and we have no party planned.  Waaah!

So to entertain myself and try and get into the spirit, I made these little vampire pumpkins that I saw on the Martha Stewart show:

I gave them to a friend's daughter:

(Cutie Carmella)

They were super easy to make.  Just cut a small rectangle into your pumpkin, scoop out the guts, cram in the vampire teeth and poke in straight pins for the eyes.

Then I toasted the pumpkin seeds.  Have you ever toasted pumpkin seeds?  They're delicious and take about a minute to prepare...

Place your pumpkin seeds in a mixing bowl (you can include the "guts" of the pumpkin if you'd like).  Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla; mix well and spoon onto a greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 1 hour in a 300 degree oven, flipping with a spatula occasionally.

This is my favorite recipe for pumpkin seeds ~ sweet and crunchy.  If you can, eat them warm ~ sooooo good!

Then I cut up the pumpkin meat and feed it to Ivana.  Who knew chickens like pumpkin?!

What are your Halloween plans?  Got any clever costume ideas to share?

Remember to leave a comment because I'm drawing 3 winners from all of your October comments for these custom-made coin purses from Tracy's Treasures:

Drawing is October 31st ~ good luck!

Unattended Tractors {Apron Photo Op}

A while back Captain Project and I were out and about runnning errands.  Living out in the country, there are miles and miles of farmland.  Seriously, it takes a good 45 minutes to get anywhere!

Occassionally we'll spot an unattended tractor.  Or two.

So what's an apron-obsessed gal to do?  Why, jump on said unattended tractors for pictures!

Gawd, it'd be so cool to have one of these for our farm.  I wonder how an apron would look for a mug shot ~ ha!  Don't worry!  Quick trespassing is my limit to bad behavior;)

Have you trespassed anywhere interesting?  Do tell and you'll have a chance to win one of three handmade coin purses I'm giving away on October 31st!

Whale or Mermaid {Facebook}

Do you Facebook?  I resisted for years but finally, with the constant urging of my daughter, relented.  I originally joined thinking it'd be a good way to help grow my business, Retro Revival.  It has, and I've expanded my Facebook'ing to now include a business page, where I post product and customer pictures.

There are parts of Facebook that I really enjoy.  I've reconnected with all sorts of people, all the way back from junior high ~ ha!  It's been fun keeping up with my neices and nephews and chatting with old neighbors and co-workers too.  I love looking at everyone's pictures ~ catching glimpses of good times, babies and big events like weddings and holidays.

Then there are the things I hate about Facebook...the changes!  Ugh!  I'm a dweeb and it takes me forever to figure out all the changes!  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's FREE but still!  Wah wah wah!  And the GAMES!  Really?!  Sorry if you like the games.  And the quizes and surveys.  Hate them.

Occassionally, a friend or family member will post something on FB that really moves me.  Sometimes it's a joke or funny video.  Last week it was this:

Along with these words:

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin, beautiful woman.  The caption was, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

A woman answered, "Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans).  They are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.  They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns.  They swin all day and travel to fantastic places.  They sing incredibly well.  They are impressive.  They're dearly loved animals, defended and admired.

"Mermaids do not exist.  But if they existed they would line up to see a psychologist because of split personality disorder: woman or fish?  They'd have no sex life and could not bear children.  Yes, they'd be lovely but they'd be sad and lonely.

"Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.  At a time when so many images 'tell' us that thin is the only beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

"We women gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.  We're not fat.  We're greatly cultivated.  Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself, "How amazing am I?!"

Best FB post I've seen in a long time!

What do you think?  Share your thoughts here and you're entered to win one of three custom, handmade coin purses from Tracy's Treasures!

I'll draw three winners from all of your October comments on 10/31.  Good luck!

 

A Little Birdie & Peach Pie

If you've been following this blog for at least a few months, you know that I love pie baking.  And you're also aware that my pie crust skills are lacking!

My pies taste delicious but aren't very pretty.

So when I saw this little ceramic pie bird at the flea market recently, I just had to have her!

Pie birds, also known as crustholders, pie vents and pie chimneys, actually come in lots of different shapes, not just birds, but houses, people and all sorts of critters.  The small arch at the bottom allows steam to enter the hollow body and escape through its gaping mouth so that other piercing isn't necessary ~ just what a pastry-challenged gal like me needs!

All I did was lay the bottom crust in the dish, place the bird in the middle, filled the crust with the fruit and laid the top crust right over her, poking her beak through the crust.  This little birdie also helped support the upper crust ~ no collapsing!

This peach pie was delicious and pretty!

Thanks to Donna from Sugar Spice and Southern Life for sharing her famous Brown Sugar Cinnamon Peach Pie recipe ~ it's amaze-balls good!  Donna says I can share the recipe with you, so please be sure to pay her a visit, OK?

DONNA'S BROWN SUGAR CINNAMON PEACH PIE

Ingredients:

8 large, fresh, firm, ripe peaches (about 4 pounds)

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

Pie crust

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425

2.  Peel peaches, cut into 1/2 inch slices and cut slices in half.

3.  Stir together brown sugar and next 4 ingredients.  4.  Add peaches, stirring to coat

5.  Immediately spoon mixture into piecrust and dot with butter (do not make mixture ahead of time or it will become too juicy).

6.  Freeze pie 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, heat a cookie sheet in oven for 10 minutes.

7.  Place pie on hot cookie sheet and bake on lower oven rack 15 minutes.

8.  Reduce oven temperature to 375 and bake 40 minutes (cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning).

9.  Remove foil and bake for 25 more minutes or until juices are thick and bubbly.  Remove from oven and let cool for 2 hours before serving.

10.  Enjoy!

So what's your favorite pie?  Do tell and you're automatically entered to win one of these coin purses from Tracy's Treasures:

I'll draw three winners from all of your October comments, so the more you comment, the more chances you have to win!  Drawing is October 31st ~ good luck!

 

Yay! New Retail Customer

My wholesale business continues to grow so I'm excited to introduce you to my newest retail customer, Buttercream Cosmetics!  Buttercream is my first online retailer ~ yay!

Jayne Polan is the co-owner and creative force behind Shampowder, the revolutionary new cosmetic hair powder, designed to freshen hair and extend time between washings.  Known for her creative flair and interest in the arts, Jayne, for as long as she can remember has looked for the solution and unique way to work with her makeup and hair.

It was during her busy college days that she first discovered the trick of putting baby powder in her hair to absorb the oils.  The baby powder did the job, but not without its limitations, most notable were the discoloration and strong odor.  Not realizing it at that time, the idea for Shampowder was first born and Jayne would eventually combine her entrepreneurial spirit and talents together to launch a new brand.

Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, Jayne moved to Los Angeles immediately after college graduation to apply her talents to the entertainment industry.  Starting out literally at basement level sorting mail for a talent agency, Jayne worked her way up the ladder.  Thriving in a fast paced, creative atmosphere, it wasn’t long before she was working in production for major television shows such as The Sharon Osbourne Show, The Dr. Keith Ablow Show and most recently The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

After the birth of her son, Jonah, Jayne decided to take a short break from the entertainment world.  She quickly realized that the fast paced, hectic world of entertainment was nothing compared to motherhood, and with absolutely-no-time-to-spare-to-wash-her-hair, Jayne was back to the baby powder.  Knowing that there was a better way, the idea for Shampowder took shape.

Teaming up with her husband and co-creator, Barry Polan, they began the process of developing and formulating the perfect solution.  When there’s no time to spare to wash your hair … Shampowder!

So now that Jayne's Shampowder business is thriving we thought what better complimentary product than Retro Revival's Waterproof, Washable Shower Caps?! 

A perfect marriage, right?!

Washing your hair every day takes time, and as any stylist will tell you, it frequently strips our hair of moisture and washes out color.  Blow drying, curling, straightening all takes time too, and can damage our hair.  So save some time, be kind to your hair and slip on a Retro Revival Shower Cap to keep your locks dry and frizz free as you bathe.

Then dab on some Shampowder (click HERE to see the demo video) to absorb oils and pollutants and gently refresh your mane.

Wah-lah, you'll look gorgeous and your hair will be healthier, feel fresh, clean and full of body!

 Remember to leave a comment here for a chance to win one of three handmade coin purses by Tracy's Treasures:

The more comments you leave on my October posts, the more chances you have to win!  Drawing is October 31st ~ good luck!

 

Bathing Beauties ~ Look at my Lovely Customers!

There's really nothing better than checking my email and finding sweet notes from my customers, thanking me for their Retro Revival shower caps.  Except PICTURES!

*Squeel*

I get so excited when pictures are included!  Have to share a few with you...

You're smiling, right?  Me too!

Please remember to leave a comment here so that you'll automatically be entered to win one of these beauties:

I'll draw THREE winners on October 31st ~ good luck!

 

Retro Rita Interview: Introducing Tracy's Treasures!

Retro Rita here and I'm super excited to introduce you to Tracy of Tracy's Treasures!

Cindy's known Tracy for nearly 10 years now and has happily followed her crafting progress through the years.  Now, as Tracy embarks on officially selling her treasures, I am pleased to share my interview with her:

Retro Rita:  Tell us about your favorite craft projects

Tracy:  Oh man… favorites huh?  My favorites are those that are cute and fast to make.  They don’t necessarily have to be easy, just something I can do in day or two ~ I like that feeling of instant gratification (thread catches, mouse pads, slippers, purses, wallets, coin purses, book covers…).

Retro Rita:  What inspired you to create coin purses?

Tracy:  I met up with some book/quilting buddies at the Knoxville AQS quilt show in 2009.  One of the vendors had these little coin purses.  I was like a bug drawn to the light; no matter what I did I kept coming back to that booth.  Finally before the day was over, I went back and got a pattern and a frame.  Then I went in search of two fat quarters and one small piece of batting.  Back to the hotel we went and guess what, I’m in a room of quilters and not one of us has a needle and thread!  Down to the front desk I go to get a sewing kit from guest services!  I sat that night and hand sewed my first coin purse.  Went back to the show the next day for four more frames ~ the rest is history.  Here is a picture of the first three I made:

Retro Rita:  Share with us why you’re inspired to quilt.

Tracy:  Sue Grafton!  Yup, I said Sue Grafton.  There are a group of people I met online that all shared a common interest in reading Sue Grafton’s books ~ for those not familiar, she is the author of the Kinsey Millhone Mysteries or the “Alphabet books,” A is for Alibi, B is for… She’s up to V this year.  Anyway, back in 2007, we were all getting together to meet up with Sue for a few days in Avila Beach, CA.  Two of the ladies had each of us do some type of block to put into a quilt to give to Sue as a gift.  My block was cross stitch, which was my passion at the time… after seeing the finished product I was blown away.  You can kind of see my “T is for Tracy” in the quilt Sue is keeping warm in (second block from the left bottom row).  The love, beauty and time that went into making that quilt was my inspiration to give it a try.  Bonnie (Morningstar) sent me a book, a cutting board and cutter, and I was off and running.

Retro Rita:  What’s your involvement with quilting for charity?

Tracy:  Ask anyone and they will tell you there is one word I do not have in my vocabulary and that is ‘no.’  I just can’t seem to say no.  I blame my mom, she was the same way.  If there is someone out there that needs something and I can help, I’m there.  Quilting clubs/bees etc, and I do a LOT of charity work.  My Bee has done work for the Humane Society and made Alzheimer patient lap quilts (Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study).  On my own and through other quilters I’ve discovered pillow cases for Cancer patients (ConKerr), quilts of valor, and now animal cruelty.  The list just grows and grows ~ it’s a selfish thing ~ it makes me feel good.

Retro Rita:  So you're getting set to sell your work ~ what are thoughts/concerns/considerations?

Tracy:  I’m actually going to try selling some coin purses at a craft show in November.  This will be my debut into selling.  SCARY.  My biggest concern is pricing ~ I know I personally would only pay a certain amount for one of these, so taking that into consideration along with the cost of the supplies, the only way to make a little money is to ‘donate’ your time.  Which is okay ~ I like to keep busy and I’ll probably just stick to a ‘person to person’ sales approach.  If someone contacts me about buying one, I’ll make it and sell it to them, but we’ll see how the craft show goes before I make up my mind for sure.

Retro Rita:   Apart from crafting, what do you do?

Tracy:  You mean there is a world out there besides the craft world ~ oh my where have I been?!  I do actually have a job and do some contract work on the side.  Fun contract stuff though, building e-learning courses, websites and graphics, so it’s kind of like crafting.

Retro Rita:  What does handmade mean to you?

Tracy:  My dad made a lot of handmade things.  I saw how much time, love and care he put into them.  Now that he’s gone, I will cherish these gifts forever and they are a constant reminder of him.  I like to think that every handmade item is a smile and a memory.

Retro Rita:  Why should people buy handmade?

Tracy:  You can’t get better than handmade, that’s just a fact.  You know where it was made, who made it and you get something unique that no one else has.  Like with my coin purses, so far ~ no two have been the same.  People that make handmade items also take pride in their work, so you know you’re getting something good!

Retro Rita:  What handmade possession do you cherish most?

Tracy:  A wooden church.  My dad made it.  I bring it out every Christmas; add some angel hair, a couple little trees and it just brings my family back for the holidays.  And I have a little post-it note cut into the shape of a heart from my husband that says “More” on it.

Thank you Rita and Tracy.  We're all wishing Tracy wild success at her first craft show!  If you're interested in purchasing one of Tracy's coin purses, you can contact her directly at tracy@tjstreasures.com.  In the meantime, I asked Tracy to custom make a couple for this month's blog giveaway.  You all already know how in love I am with vintage crocheted doilies, so Tracy stitched up three coin purses especially for you:

Aren't they so sweet?!  Leave a comment on this blog post, or any/all of my October posts and you're automatically entered to win one!  On October 31st I'll randomly draw three winners from your comments ~ yay!