Crochet Doily Baskets

 Making crochet baskets are so easy. My nana used to make them and she would cut a small hole out of the bottom and place it on a lamp like a lamp shade. It was very pretty and romantic. This method can be used to stiffen crochet ornaments and snowflakes. 

I found the crochet doilies and Stiffy fabric stiffener at Micheal's Craft Store. I have some old doilies I want to make into baskets to keep out all year long. These colors are great for Easter tables and decoration. Amelia has already claimed them for herself. She uses them in her play kitchen.

 

Saturate the doily with the fabric stiffener. Squeeze out the excess liquid.

Spread the wet doily over a bowl that has been covered in plastic wrap. I used different sized bowls. Make sure to line up the middle of the doily with the bottom of the bowl. Let it dry over night.

I like using a small bowl so I can spread out the scollops flat so that the basket has a fluted rim.

Vintage dresses

I found this 1950s dress for about $20! It's in great condition. It fits really well and is so soft and flowy. I would like to hem it though. Right at the knee or a little above the knee would feel better to me. I want to make a matching belt with the fabric I cut off the bottom. I may take in the bust a little too. Who knows. I'm hoping to get an adjustable dress form for my birthday or mother's day. That would be a tremendous help!

Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake

 Chocolate marble cakes are so retro. I love the combination of vanilla and chocolate together. I made mine gluten free. Next time I will make sure I swirl the batter together a little better.

I found this 1953 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook at an antique store while visiting family in Va during our Christmas vacation. It is in amazing condition. The pictures inside are bright and almost cartoon like. So fun!

 Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake


1/3 cups non hydrogenated shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups sifted cake flour or gluten free flour with xanthum gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
3 stiff beaten egg whites
1  1-oz square unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda


Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to creamed mixture alternating between the milk and flour, a small amount at a time beating until smooth after each addition. Fold in egg whites. Combine melted chocolate, dissolved coffee and baking soda together. Add this to half the batter. Alternate light and dark batters by spoonfuls in a greased and floured 10x5x3in loaf pan. Swirl the batter around with a knife or skewer. Bake at 350 about 45-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost or serve as is.

 I made a simple chocolate ganache to frost my cake. You can see Amelia couldn't wait to taste it.

Wordless Wednesday- Me and My Girl

Link Show and Tell

Link Show and Tell

 

1. Modern Retro Woman talks about war time meal planning. Here and Here. Very interesting! You can see how important a "Victory Garden" was during WWII. She also discusses WWII food rationing and better health and Balanced Meals-1941. I like the idea of "Eating Like my Grandmother Did".

2. Making this vintage inspired crochet collar as well as this one is on my to do list.  They're adorable!

3. Casey made a simple and beautiful blouse. I have to make one!

Wordless Wednesday- Year of The Dragon and Zoo Fun

Natural Remedies- Herbal Ear Oil for Ear Infections

One of my favorite herbal remedies has to be this ear oil from Pharmaca. I am very thankful that it has successfully treated my daughter's ear infections. My daughter had her first ear infection when she was about 3 years old. She did not complain of her ears hurting and the only symptoms she had was a cough and a low grade fever that came and went for 4 days so I took her to see the pediatrician. Both ears were infected and bright red inside. I was shocked. You would think that her ears would be hurting her but she never complained. My pediatrician rarely ever prescribes antibiotics or medications and this was the first time she ever suggested antibiotics for Amelia. I knew I had a bottle of this ear oil at home so I filled out the prescription at the pharmacy to have on had just in case the ear oil did not work. As soon as we got home I warmed the bottle of ear oil and put a few drops in each ear and did this ever 1-2 hours until bed time. Amelia still had a low grade fever when she went to bed but by morning her fever had broken and did not return. I continued to put warmed drops in her ears ever 2-3 hours on that second day. On the 3rd and 4th day I used the drops ever 3-4 hours. After a week I took Amelia back to the pediatrician's to have her ears checked to make sure the drops were working and sure enough, her ears were back to normal!

I now use the drops when Amelia has a nasty mucusy cold to prevent an ear infection. I have personally used the warmed drops for an earache. It is so soothing and gets rid of the pain very quickly.

The herbal oil contains Mullein Flower Oil, Coptis Root Oil, Garlic Bulb Oil, and Arnica Flower Oil.

(These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)