Makes My Heart Smile Award

Makes My Heart Smile Award

My first blog award... I'm so excited.

Thank you Yvette for thinking of me.

http://thecharmhouse.blogspot.com/2009/05/makes-my-heart-smile-award.html

So here are the rules for the award:

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog (just right click on the image and copy, then paste to your blog post)
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award
3. Nominate 10 blogs
4. Put a link to their blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominee's

Blogs that make me SMILE~

1. http://cottagegardens-theresa-smith.blogspot.com/ Theresa, a dealer from Kentucky that I miss terribly (Lakewood Antique Market) & stay in touch with through our blogs. She has great junque & always offers a heart smile... even, just opening her blog.
2. http://talkingwhitetrash.blogspot.com/ Deb ~ has a wonderful new granddaughter to love ~ a preemie that makes me smile. Not to mention her creative post... hoping to meet her one day in my junk travels.
3. http://2chippys.blogspot.com/ 2 chippys... now they are a hoot. Of course, they make my heart smile. Mad talent they both posses. Head on over an meet Laurie & Lulu you will understand right away why they bring heart smiles.
4. http://musingsofaseawitch.blogspot.com/ Dari who is getting married today in the Bahamas always makes me smile. Whether at the village or reading her post. Congrats Dari~! Hope your pretty painted toes hold up in the sand for your special day.
5. http://vintagewindow.blogspot.com/ Kris is another soul who shares the same loves I do. Looking through her Vintage Window always brings a heart smile.
6. http://campagnemaison-jacque.blogspot.com/ Jacque is Country with a French Twist... who wouldn't smile while reading her post. This blog friend always brings a fun smile.
7. http://theshackoutback.blogspot.com/ This amazing threesome makes my heart smile seeing the progress they make each day with their new shop. Now girls... get to posting on your new blog too.
8. http://countrychintz.blogspot.com/ Kathy makes my heart smile whether shopping at the village or inspiring this little blog. Have you met this amazing lady? An instant treat with her caring & loving spirit.
9. http://www.marykayandrews.com/blog/index.asp Mary Kay Andrews ~ if you haven't read her books they are a must for your next book store trip. Whether her books or her blog ~ an amazing author that I'm so glad I found. (pleasure to meet her at Lakewood 400 too ~ that sure made my heart smile...)
10. So many choices... so little opportunity to recognize (with only 10) lets see... http://artsyfartsyfinds.blogspot.com/ Janna is another crusty chippy lover (look chippy's) who I have to visit often. North Carolina where I was born... in a mall that I must visit... definitely makes my heart smile.

Of course, these are in no particular order ~ adore these gals, their talents amazing always....

Make My Heart Smile.

~one vintage hag

Happy Birthday "My Vintage Heart"

Happy Birthday "My Vintage Heart"

Today is my friend Susan's birthday

This talented lady is one of our dealers at the village.

I mention her often in post... remember.

So glad that we have gotten to know each other over the years ~

so glad that she is vital part of the village family.

She knows the best places for treasures, has a keen eye for all things vintage

& display of found treasures (at home or the village)

the best part... a dear friend that means a lot to me.

I thought I had a picture I could share of Susan (see the spot above) but it wasn't her (sorry).
We have many things in common... camera shy (don't like pictures of us...I will try hard to catch her in a picture and share that with you later) the love of junk,
the love of the hunt for treasures, the love of family & the love of friends. She loves Roses (so do I...), the love of collections, the love of being an antique/collectible dealer.
I could go on and on. If not for friends like her, this business would get pretty lonely.



Susan is that dear friend that I can't imagine not having.
So, happiest of birthdays today ~ "My Vintage Heart"
Only the best in the coming year(s) is what I wish for you.
Thanks for being my friend & sharing so much about our business of bliss always.

~one vintage hag

Hidden Health Secrets of Coffee... Not just a drink some of us enjoy.

Hidden Secrets of Coffee

I love finding article like this one to share... Might be something that

is relevant to every one. So, read on.

A cuppa Joe is good for more than a quick pick-me-up.
By Dan Fields

Move over, green tea? Recent studies indicate that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Alzheimer's, colon cancer, and diabetes compared to non-drinkers, and they're also less apt to die from heart disease. To be sure, coffee isn't for everyone: It can cause insomnia, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat in some people, and too much caffeine during pregnancy can increase miscarriage risk. Plus, specialty coffee drinks (like Starbucks Frappuccinos) can be high in calories. But if coffee's your drink of choice, let's look at the many ways that

coffee can boost your health.

Avoid Alzheimer's
A 2009 study found that people who drank three to five cups of coffee a day at midlife were 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's in their later years, compared to those who drank little or no coffee. Other research suggests that the caffeine in coffee may reduce production of the protein beta-amyloid, deposits of which often form in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

Curb Cancer Risk
The antioxidant compounds in coffee may help prevent several types of cancer. In a Japanese study, women who drank three or more cups of coffee a day had half the risk of developing colon cancer, compared to those who didn't drink coffee. An analysis of 10 studies showed that coffee drinkers have a 41 percent lower risk of liver cancer than coffee abstainers. Other studies have linked coffee consumption with a reduced risk of endometrial, kidney, and oral cancers.

Defend Against Diabetes
Drinking coffee lowered the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 60 percent in a 2006 study that included people at high risk for the disease. Even former coffee drinkers were less likely to develop the disease than those who never drank it. The antioxidants, minerals, and caffeine in coffee may help keep diabetes at bay by improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Reduce Workout Pain
Consuming caffeinated coffee an hour before vigorous exercise may help prevent pain while you're working out, suggests a 2009 study of young men. An earlier study of young women found that using caffeine before exercise can cut post-workout pain by nearly 50 percent. The caffeine in coffee may help by blocking the activity of a chemical called adenosine that activates pain receptors in cells.

Guard Against Gout
Two studies from 2007 suggest that drinking coffee is protective against gout, a painful, arthritic condition of the joints (most commonly, the big toes). In one study, middle-aged and older men who drank four to five cups of coffee a day were 40 percent less likely to develop gout than those who abstained from the beverage. Decaf also was associated with a modest reduction in risk, suggesting that something other than caffeine is responsible for the beneficial effect. Another study, involving both men and women, found that coffee consumption may lower blood levels of uric acid, a substance linked to gout.

Preserve Your Memory
Coffee may help to keep memory sharp, according to a pair of studies from 2007. In one study, older women who drank more than three cups of coffee a day experienced less decline over time on memory tests than those who drank one cup or less a day. Tea drinkers enjoyed similar benefits, so caffeine may be the beneficial component. Another study found that older men who consumed three cups of coffee a day had a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who drank either more or less than this amount.

Protect Against Parkinson's
Several studies have linked coffee drinking with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease. For instance, a 2007 study revealed that people who drank one to four cups of coffee a day cut their chances of developing the neurodegenerative disorder by nearly 50 percent. Scientists believe the caffeine in coffee may help defend against Parkinson's by boosting levels of the brain chemical dopamine.

Sidestep Stones
Coffee appears to reduce the risk of both gallstones and kidney stones. In a 2002 study, women who drank at least four cups of coffee a day were 25 percent less likely to need surgery for gallstones than nondrinkers were, and an earlier study showed that coffee drinking lowered gallstone risk in men. The caffeine in coffee may discourage gallstone formation by triggering gallbladder contractions and increasing the flow of bile. As for kidney stones, both regular and decaf coffee have been linked to risk reduction, perhaps simply by increasing urine output.

Say No to Stroke
In a 2009 study, women who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 20 percent lower risk of stroke, compared to those who had less than one cup a month. Coffee's protective effect was even more pronounced among nonsmokers: For women who had never smoked or had kicked the habit, drinking at least four cups of coffee daily was linked to a 43 percent reduced risk of stroke. As with heart disease, the antioxidants in coffee may offer protection by improving blood vessel function.

Deter Death from Heart Disease
A number of recent studies indicate that coffee drinkers have lower odds of dying from heart disease. For instance, a 2008 study concluded that women who drank two to three cups of coffee per day had a 25 percent lower risk of death from heart disease than those drinking less than a cup a month. The antioxidants in coffee may have several heart-healthy effects, including improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and protecting LDL ("bad") cholesterol from oxidation.

Guess I will refill my cup this morning with coffee to take to the village

while I work. Enjoy every sip and I think about the hidden health secrets.

Not just my cup of joe to each morning.

~one vintage hag

Happy Memorial Day

If I Knew

If I knew it would be the last time I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in tighter and pray the lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss and come back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise

I'd videotape each action and word, so I could play them back day by day.

If I knew it would be the last time I could spare an extra minute or two,

to stop and say "I love you"

instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time

I would be there to share your day.

Well, I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can just let this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,

and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you"

certainly there's another chance

to say "anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,

I'd like to say how much I love you and hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone young or old alike,

and today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

Always hold them near, and take time to say "I'm sorry!"

"Please forgive me!" "Thank you!" "It's ok!" and if tomorrow never comes

you'll have no regrets about today.

~author unknown

I Will Always Remember You

You were born in California New York and Tennessee

You are every generations hope of all that we can be

All this land between the oceans

Is the home that you defend

You're my mother, you're my daughter

My sister, my friend

No one ever had to ask you

It seemed you always knew

Standing up for what is right

Is all that you could do.

Not one to look the other way

You chose to serve with pride

And dared to cross the boundaries

Knowing God was on your side

And I will always remember you

For you remembered me.

Always there when I needed you

Always there to keep me free.

How could I ever forget you

You, who always came through

For duty, honor, country

I will always remember you

How you taught us strength and courage

And the will to never fail

And that through our every conflict

Somehow triumph would prevail

You made your peace with history

And stand among the brave

No more the unsung hero

For you our banners wave

~Gini Stern

Aren't Holiday Weekends Fun...Sometimes.Memorial Day Weekend much to be Grateful for

Aren't Holiday Weekends Fun....Sometimes.

Much to be grateful for this Memorial Day Weekend.

The hustle & bustle around us as many have time off.

Cookouts, Special Events, Parades, whatever your special plans for this weekend are.

This Memorial Day weekend a time to be thankful &

never take for granted the sacrifices made for the sake of our Nation.

Grateful for those who have served our Country.

Grateful for the Freedoms those have fought for.

Grateful for the USA.

Grateful that we can pay tribute each day ~ not just Memorial Day.

Yesterday I witnessed various tributes for those who serve our Country.

Reminders of those who died doing just that.

Holiday weekends are always fun... although this weekend a reminder of lives

lost in the pursuit of our freedoms.

Hustle & Bustle of out of town friends & family coming for a visit.

Those traveling over this long weekend ~ time away from their jobs.

Grateful for the increased traffic at the village this long weekend.

This particular weekend an ever present reminder~ Soldiers in uniform.

The Brave that sacrifice so much in the name of our freedom.

You don't have to look far to find someone who's husband, wife, child, family member

or friend serves our Great Country.

I too, have a Son who will be doing just that ~ actually he already is. It's never easy

seeing someone you love having the potential to put themselves in harms way.

But, if not for them.... our freedoms wouldn't be what they are.

I understand the feelings of all those parents before me ~ even those who have lost precious family or friends. A time of be grateful ~ I do try to be with each new day.

Time to ponder whether we would even be going about doing what we love.

If not for the service these young men & women who defend our freedom.

For me, a love for family, friends, junk & antiques...

for you, whatever special things you hold dear.

"... from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain...~Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address~

Thankful for our Nation
Thankful for those who serve everywhere
Thankful that we are all able to pursue our dreams
because of their service offered for many years.

Normally, Sunday is a day off for me. Today, working at the village.
Tomorrow, too. Hope that I will have the chance over this weekend to thank
more of our service men & women for all they do.
Sorrowful for those who have lost their lives protecting this our country.
The Land of the Free ~ The Home of the Brave.

Hoping that you are taking those opportunities to be grateful & thankful, too.

~one vintage hag

So busy this week there has been no time for new post... I'm back with some fresh pictures Vintage Village, The Shack Out Back & more Wedding Showers

The busiest week ever....

well, almost.

Not a single second for a post ~ yes, I'm fine

just chasing my tail to get everything done.

I've missed sharing... missed catching up with all of you...

Let's see... Sunday, May 17 another Wedding Shower, here in our clubhouse~ Pampered Chef, we had a blast. Monday,Tuesday ~ packed with village work.

Wednesday ~ moving Clayton home since his semester ended... extra dorm house stuff

to the village. Thursday, Friday...more village work, of course that was fun.

But when you add all those things to the everyday items ~ it leaves very little

time to sleep or any extra free time.

Today... Catch up on all those things I adore ~ even this little blog.

I have had some new pictures from Vintage Village all week to share.

Will get the rest on soon ~ as you have probably realized by now we sell tons

at the village so treasures change daily. Hope that many of these items are

still available for purchase.

A stroll around the downstairs. I must say, the coziest shop in our area.

Black toile offerings, roosters, canisters, lamps, tables & chairs.

Just to name a few.

Vintage wares are amongst our favorites but we do add some

new items that are packed with charm.

China, vintage transfer ware, vintage prints & pictures, chandeliers too.

Honored to have Pam back ~ the interior seamstress that knows her fabrics.

All her offering at the village ~ $7 per yard or less. With all those gadgets needed

for drapery's & such. One of my favorite things to enjoy at home.... our bedroom adorned by items that Pam created for us. Comforter, Dust Ruffle, Pillows & more pillows.

A favorite on this stroll. My Vintage Heart has the cutest pink vintage children's piece.

Just right shabby & the added chic. Sure wish I had a place for this treasure.

The Shack out Back...
amazed by how well this shack looks. It's better than ever.
The Shack Pack does a beautiful job
packing their shop with treasures old & new.
Always a treat to visit with them.
They have done a bit of work to their cute blog too
(with a little help from a "hag")...
make sure you visit there often.
http://theshackoutback.blogspot.com/
More chances to see all that is going on in the piece of asphalt we all share.


What a darling patio set ~ great colors & comfortable too.
Easy to see why this charming set sold so fast.
Until it goes to its new home... we will enjoy some time on the shack patio admiring
all the outside offerings.


Inside... precious vignettes of matching colors & schemes.
Have you been for a visit.
Our shops do have offerings that you will fall in love with.


Village Gardens are growing. Look how pretty.
With all the rain we have had recently our greens are loving being in Hag Lane.
Look Flower Wower... you'll be so proud.
This week for sure...weeding & fertilizing are on my list. You know we have
organic veggies growing too. Little Sqaush, Peppers, Tomatoes & Lettuce. Can't
wait for a fresh feast for dinner from the Village Shack Veggie Garden.


Our toad abode awaits... those frogs that wish to take up residency.
In the cool old clay pots ~ complete with a bit of moss and their abode
includes lovely pink impatience & fern that grows more each day.


Another Wedding Shower... Pampered Chef. What Fun.


Great Food, Great Company & Great gifts for Lindsey & Steven.
They will enjoy using the products Pampered Chef has to offer.
Lindsey made our BBQ Sauce for a delicious pork tenderloin.
And she wedged a pineapple ~ with their cool new product that does all the work
for you. Family, Friends, Bridesmaids & Wedding Attendants were all here for a
Sunday afternoon packed with fun.


Lindsey got her first apron... signed by our Shower Guest.
Thank You Kim (a village dealer & pampered chef director) for putting on a great shower.

I love being busy... but this week, a bit busier than even I like.
Vintage Village, The Shack out Back, Gardens that need care, Wedding Showers,
moving Clayton home (until he ships to Basic Training). Plus, my usual joys....
a husband to chat with, a pond to take care of (you'll see that soon), a precious little white guy that loves attention. A condo to pretend to clean up a bit in, laundry, meals, season finales to enjoy. Weeks like this leave little time to blog (sadly...).

I'll be back in the groove this week.
I've missed my time away from this little blog. I've missed my cherished free time.

A Wife, Mother, Shop Owner sometimes a hectic, busy job.
So glad that I have each of these to enjoy... even in my busiest weeks.

~one vintage hag

one last thing... Happiest of Birthdays today ~ Shirley (Etc from the village)
Hope that your day is packed with surprise & all your wishes come true in the year ahead.

Showers Showers Showers ~ aren't weddings great~! Happy Birthday Sea Witch

So, as not to forget a very special birthday mixed in with all these Wedding Showers I'm attending ~ a Very Happy Birthday to The Sea Witch.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dari (that's the sea witch) does so much for vintage village & the shack out back

with her keen photography, web design & maintenance for our shop websites.

Blogger (something she started recently, yippee)

She is a talented dealer of the village ~ remember, I've told you about her very descriptive sales tags... love those & all the vintage wares she adds to the her spot.

Guess I could sum her up well by just saying ~ this multifaceted wonderful charming

lady is a keeper.

So very glad that she is my friend.

Happiest of Birthdays Sea Witch

hoping that the years ahead bring all your wishes.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding in the Bahamas, too.

Head on over to her blog and wish her a happy day tomorrow...

http://musingsofaseawitch.blogspot.com/

Isn't this a great picture.

Yes, from another Lindsey & Steven Wedding Shower.

Hosted by her Maid of Honor, Amanda (who is also getting married in October of this year).

A couples shower that I received pictures of today.

Loved this one so I had to share.

(Left to right ~back to front) ~ Kayleigh (Stevens brother Drew's, girlfriend) , Kristen (Lindsey's cousin Tylers girlfriend), Lacy (she is a maid in Lindsey's upcoming wedding~ they grew up together and have brothers born the same day, same year ~ what a cutie) Jessie (Steven's sister ~ she is a wedding attendant as well ~ she'll be on Steven's side at the wedding) Lindsey (my precious daughter, the bride) Amanda (in pink ~ she and Lindsey also grew up together... friends for years, each with a special place in their

upcoming weddings...Maid & Matron of Honor)

In front red dress... Holly (also a maid ~ she and Lindsey attended

Young Harris college together, had loads of college fun).

Clear as mud... hope so. I have trouble keeping up with it all too.

That isn't even all ~ you will meet Megan (another maid) and the remainder of

the wedding party in a post for another day. Shew...

Tomorrow, yes you guessed it ~ another shower. This time with family/friends

for Pampered Chef. Can't wait to taste all those delicious recipes that will be prepared.

Weddings... busy fun filled times. So that's me... the brides Mom.

Once we get beyond this weekend... perhaps I will have time to spend on other post that

have nothing to do with the wedding.

Gosh... so much fun.

~one vintage hag

Vinegar ~ So many uses... who knew?

Vinegar

Who knew....

being a blogger its only natural to enjoy post from other blogs.

A week or so ago I ran across a post on vinegar on one of my favorite blogs

my charming kids

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/05/natural-cleaning-ideasand-mothers-day

Here are some of my own favorite cleaning ideas.

Vinegar: Just plain old white vinegar cleans seriously just about everything. I could not clean without it. It cuts grease, removes stains and gets the streaks and fingerprints off of my stainless steel refrigerator door. Vinegar's infamous strong smell dissipates as the vinegar dries. I also pour white vinegar in with my loads of cloth diapers,

as it neutralizes the urine.

I did a bit more looking around and found all these uses for

plain old white distilled vinegar.

To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so then run hot water down the drain.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.

Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.

To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.

For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.

Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.

Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.

Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.

Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.

To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.

To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.
Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.

Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.

Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Rinse away soapy film on counter tops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.

Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.

Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).

Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

To clean a scummy shower head, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the shower head. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.

Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.

Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.

For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dish washing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.

Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.

To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.

To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.

Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.

Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.

vinegar can be used for all those & that's just many on various list... who knew...

think I will add several great big bottles to my grocery list for my next shopping trip.

so glad we benefit from tips others in blog land share

~one vintage hag

finishing up my village pictures then the post i promised. hopefully by tomorrow. until then...

Lindsey's House & Pay it Forward Gifts Arrived

A trip to Lindsey & Steven's house

Pay it forward Gifts arrived...

We had been invited to Lindsey's house after the shower on Monday.

Driving the back roads from the school where she teaches and of course

Bagel Meister ~ old town section of Douglasville.

I must make it a priority at sometime to junk in this area ~ Do all of Hwy 92

in all those quaint little towns.

We arrived ~ having been here before just forgetting to take pictures I actually remembered

this time. After securing her job as a Teacher at Douglas County High School ~ getting engaged while Steven was finishing his degree at Southern Poly.

They decided to begin house hunting.

In Dallas (a long way from home) Lindsey found a great quaint home ~ a foreclosure that needed much TLC. Wishing for before & after photos I just made the most of the after

photos on Monday. The grass, shrubs were as tall as me. Now, the finished outside projects.

Inside, much the same ~ much progress has been made. Owning a home ~ there will always be something to do.

The girls ~ Bailey & Carson greeted us at the gate. I know they enjoy the big fenced back yard that backs up to a Nature Preserve. Not far from the Silver Comet Trail they enjoy walks there too. Carson has the prettiest blue eyes ~ the youngest of our Grand Dogs~!

Bailey the boxer ~ she was first and has the cutest personality.

Her whole back shakes when she sees us now.

Being the favorite picture in their family room ~ I had to share it with you.
Black and White street scene with only a hand tinted red bicycle.
Gosh, I wish I were there this morning. I imagine that I left the bike in the pursuit
of treasures... junkers always think like that.


They have really worked in their darling home. Once bright carpets & even brighter walls ~
the kitchen includes stainless, white cabinets & beautiful wood floors. Nannie was so impressed with all they have accomplished in such a short time. All they need
now is a shopping trip to the village ~ fill this pretty picture frame to the gills. You know that I look forward to that day ~ loving treasures. That is all that's needed now.
Perhaps after the wedding when there is more time. For now, so very proud of their project ~ a new home.

Looks as though Carson does plenty of digging in the yard.
She isn't suppose to be the color of red clay.
They have a wonderful deck with a nice grill for the summer months ahead.


A Mother's Day frame with 4 pretty pictures. I will treasure this keepsake.
I need to get busy finding the perfect place.
Loved getting this on our visit.
I think the lower right picture will be the announcement for our paper
of their upcoming July wedding.


Loved every second of our visit. They have done so much ~ busy bee's.
Like her Mom ~ Lindsey gets on a mission ~ I'm sure Steven has filled his days with
work on their home. Probably even while Lindsey teaches.

A Harley too... Steven has his license to ride. Don't think Lindsey has been for a ride yet.
But, I'm sure that will happen soon.

The Pay It Forward gifts arrived.

So glad that Jacque, Dari and Kris liked their gifts.
A crafter ~ not really... So, I made a special binder for each. Something that I did
with the Crafty Chicks for myself a while ago that I use every day. An inventory book,
a notes book, a calendar ~pricing supplies & even post its to remember ~ I hope they will enjoy having them as much as I enjoy using mine. One more gift from the Pay It Forward to complete ~ something different for Whimsy... I'll share when it's finished. Or, maybe she will.
Jacque has already shared hers ~
http://campagnemaison-jacque.blogspot.com/

Dari has too ~
http://musingsofaseawitch.blogspot.com/

Kris will have hers on later in the week.

Grateful ~ A Special Daughter with her fiance in their home.
Blog Friends to share a little swag with.

~one vintage hag

a second post today... well maybe.
the camera and I will be heading to the village this morning.