PresentPast Collection

Treat or Treat

Edited: Cookie Recipe Added Below

  Tonight is my annual Chili Night. I've been having it for about 15 years now. It's an open house, no invitation needed and there's no need to call, everyone just stops in on their way to Trick or Treat or during the evening to refuel!  I cook the same recipes every year, except the desserts. This year I made my favorite Carrot Cookies because I thought they'd be the perfect pumpkin color. The only thing I did different with them this year was make a double batch of icing. Yummy!

And because there will be lots of little ones, I made Halloween cupcakes, with the help of Pillsbury. I hope you all have a fun time with your families and get a chance to treat yourself to a little treat!

Here's the recipe for the cookies, enjoy!

Carrot Cookies

1c. shortening

1c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1c. cooked, mashed and cooled carrots

2c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

Cream shortening, sugar, and eggs then add vanilla and lemon juice. Next mix in the carrots. Then combine the wet ingredients with the dry. Use a mini ice cream or cookie scoop to create uniform ball shaped cookies. Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes.

Icing

Please note: this is a double batch of icing

3c. powder sugar

2 tbs. butter

2-4 tbs. milk to reach desired consistency.

Make sure it's not too thin, or it won't stick to the cookies. Drizzle over cooled cookies, twice if you have enough frosting! Delish!

Vintage Trinkettes & Glittery Goods

The shop has been replenished with some new Vintage Trinkettes. I owe a big Thank You to those who have waited so patiently for them. I can't count the number of emails I've received asking me when I'll have more. They take quite a while to put together because collecting the vintage embellishments takes some time, of which I've not had much of lately. But over the weekend I had some free time to gather up some goodies for you. I hope you enjoy them, they're just in time for your holiday crafting!

I also had some time to take a few sneak peek photos of some of the Present Past Collection wares that will be offered at Silver Bella on Vendor Night. These are my Silver Bella Bells! So cute and glittery and in a range of shabby vintage colors.

Darling silver filigree baskets to hang on the tree or fill with sweet treats to tuck in a stocking. They would also make wonderful little take home gifts on your holiday dinner table with a small name tag attached and used as place cards.

And I can't possibly go to this Paper Arts Extravaganza without some vintage wallpaper! My part time employee (Sis) has been getting them ready, lots of cutting and lots of scraps. She's been quite a trooper because vintage paper can be very temperamental and brittle which she was quick to figure out! Although, I'm not quite sure she's in any hurry to tackle another batch.

I also imported lots of cracked glass ornaments just for Silver Bella in pretty girlie colors. Aren't these miniature pink hearts adorable? I love buying Christmas ornaments when I'm on a special trip and hope the wonderful gals attending will feel the same!

Last year, I didn't attend Silver Bella, nor have I ever been to any of the other spectacular artist events that I read about in Blogland. But, I do remember how much I have enjoyed seeing photos from the attendees and vendors and feel that you might like seeing them too. Now let's try to get the other vendors to show us a few sneak peeks as well. What do you say vendors? Show us your goods, or at least a little teaser!

The End of My Toile Era

I've been feeling it for a while. Thinking about it, mulling it over in my mind and the time has finally come. My black and white toile kitchen has reached it's final days. It's served me well for the last 5 years and that's a very, very long time in designer years!

I remember the newlywed stage of my relationship with toile. The first time we met I was so sure it was the perfect match for me. I thought we would have a long and happy life together, and we have. There were good times, like the time it looked so perfect with my Christmas decor, and the time I added the coordinating drapery treatments over the kitchen windows. Yes, those were good times.

But you know what they say? All good things must come to an end. And now I must move on. And my toile must move on. It deserves someone that loves and adores it, just the way it is. Perhaps we will meet again, on an accent pillow or the occasional soup bowl and we can reminisce about what a fun life we shared together. Oh, my little toile, you will always be remembered with fond admiration and I wish you nothing but the best! And know, that we will always be friends!

Cheerful Pick Me Up

Thank you for the outpouring of concern for my family and the residents of Southern California. The strong winds have died down today and will help in fighting the horrendous fires. I believe the news said there were 18 still burning the last time I checked. I have never seen anything like this in all the years I've lived here. Hopefully, in the next few days there will be continued improvement in containing them.

I received this package in the mail yesterday from McMaster & Storm and it couldn't have come at a better time. My heart was aching all day thinking of the victims and when I opened this box it was so cheerful I couldn't help but be happy. I had seen the black and white numbers on Darcy and Kara's blog and called to see if they had the one I was looking for. Sure enough, the 15 was waiting for me! It's my wedding day and now everytime I look at it, it will make me smile.

Of course, while I was on the phone with them I had to order a few more goodies to travel with my number to California. Just look at their delightful packaging with brightly colored tissues, pretty ribbons and little pink tickets secured around a vintage inspired bag. Adorable! Just adorable!

They are such sweet shop owners and tucked in a few surprises for me. Don't you think the letter "H" is such a thoughtful touch? I would just love to visit their "Petite Department Store" in person one day. I think it would be the perfect place to spend an afternoon buying darling little gifts for my loved ones. And possibly some for me too!

Home Comfort

The fires that are raging all across Southern California are utterly devastating. The news channels are on 24/7 with evacuation plans, State of Emergency announcements, tragedies all around us. This morning at 6 am the smoke was so powerful when I let Bella outside for her morning break that I had to shut the door. There is ash and soot all over cars, houses and patios covering like a blanket of dirt. My home backs up to a very large canyon with no homes behind me and I worry that the gusty winds might spark something up in my neighborhood.

The last time this happened I spent days and days at the American Red Cross helping out families that had been displaced with food and medical attention. It is such a humbling experience. Basic human need. I pray that today they will be able to get a handle on some of these fires in hopes that remaining homes and lives will be spared. And today, I cherish my home. My little comfortable place that makes my family feel safe and loved. And I hope that everyone reading this will feel the same. Blessed.

Nest Sweet Nest

I just added some of my Copper Wire Nests to the shop. You can find them here. I think they would be so pretty resting under a glass cloche or added to a tabletop vignette. I'm going to give a few away to friends as hostess gifts, but they would also be a sweet surprise for someone who is cooking that Thanksgiving dinner!

I'm still under the glitter spell. The Man was asking me how long our house was going to look this way? Hmmm.....forever maybe? I'm finding glitter in the most unusual places around here. I'm sure those of you who are glitter experts may have a few tricks on keeping it under control. I'm not there yet. I think I just need to embrace my Sparkliness!

Shabby Shopping

Thanks for all the well wishes on our Anniversary. The Man has enjoyed reading the comments of love and congratulations for us. Of course, I'm sure he also enjoys the hunky, Sean Connery and hot bald guy ones too! Wink Wink!

We went to Fashion Island recently for a day of shopping, dinner and a movie. I picked up these adorable crown place card holders that I think are perfect for business cards, photos or postcards. And a big beautiful box of matches. Take a look inside:

Pink tips on the matches! So cute! They will make me smile every time I light a candle, especially the ones that go on top of cakes!

I also bought some cushions for my French bistro chairs. They are nice and plump and have such great linen fabric.

I love the color of the chair and cushion together, such a nice contrast.

There's also been lots of glitter scattered all over the studio, workroom, dining room table, kitchen table, and floors in preparation for the Silver Bella event. I mean, really? How could you possibly go to this event and not have glitter? Impossible. But I believe there is one sweet gal who will receive the Glitter Trophy! Don't you think she deserves it? I will be voting for her for sure!

Here's my humble little sneak peek. I'll try to post more as I finish putting things together. I have reinforcements coming over tonight for a Glitter Party. So, I'm off to make some goodies to keep their energy up. I think it should be full of sugar....and caffeine.  Hugs to you all, Heather

I Do, I Do!

Today's our day! Another year to celebrate the day we said I Do! We often say to each other that we'd marry each other again and again. He's my favorite man in the entire world and my best friend. There are so many reasons I love him, but thought I'd share a few of the little things he does to show his love to me.

He tells me he loves me every single day. He always kisses me when he leaves and again when he comes home. He brings me flowers for no reason at all. Sometimes they are from the garden and sometimes from the flowershop and sometimes from the roadside flower stand. If he makes dinner, he always gives me the "pretty" plate, the one that's my favorite. He will build me anything I want, such as a picnic table, fireplace mantle, brick patio, picture frames and my soon to be potting bench.

  He loves a home cooked meal and homemade cookies. He loves going to the flea market with me. He is kind and generous and very sentimental. He supports my dreams and goals and helps me attain them. He encourages me in all my endeavors and mostly, he loves me just the way I am.

He said he knew right away that he wanted to marry me. It took me a little longer, but I can say without a doubt, I'm so blessed that I said I Do! And I can't wait to live the rest of my life with him, sharing our adventures together.

October Barn Sale

The Barn Sale starts tomorrow and I wanted to share some photos for those of you who would like a sneak peek and for those who can't make it. I went with a fall color palette of creamy whites, soft blush and warm browns. And of course, a few pumpkins scattered here and there.

Here's Miss Tessie Faye, all dolled up in her Tattered Finery. She's picked out her best farm girl chic ensemble!

This is a closeup of her skirt. Just your basic burlap with crushed vintage sheet music as the ruffles.

Oh, and a few beaded garlands for the extra Bling factor!

These are some really cool ceramic letters. I think they would look so great in a silver or crystal dish, spelling out your loved ones name or initials.

Here are a few copper wire bird nests tied with velvet ribbons in perfect autumn colors.

French themed burlap bags for wrapping small gifts or hanging on a hook or doorknob.

And lastly, this is the barn chic chandelier I made using beat up picket fencing.

I just turned it upside down, dropped a real chandelier in the center and then added a garland of straw mesh and autumn leaves.

Hope you enjoyed the little mini tour! Of course, there's tons more than what I've shared. There are so many talented ladies that bring the best of the best to this monthly event! If you're able to come by, be sure to say Hello!

La Maison Rustique Barn Sale, this Friday, Saturday (9:30-6) and Sunday(11-5). Located in the heart of beautiful Temecula Wine Country at 39195 Avenida Antonivich.

Workroom Chatter

A couple weeks ago, I had to hire my first part time employee. She comes a couple days a week to help with the many projects that are going on around here at PresentPast Collection. The very best part for me? It's my Sister! So, needless to say that besides more work getting accomplished, there are tons and tons of laughs!

Case in point, this gorgeous pale blue rhinestone necklace. Last week, I went on a buying trip to a junkers graveyard. The gal that owned the acre or so property was moving back to France and was selling everything she could. Picture junk literally everywhere you look, everywhere. She had several buildings on the property, all full, plus a freight container, also full. I went with my friend Linda which was a good thing because I forgot to bring my breadcrumbs in case I got lost.

Anyhoo, amid all the clutter were a couple of boxes of jewelry and that's where I pulled out this necklace. Should I get it? Forty dollars! French lady said, "Ok, Thirty." Hmmm, don't know? Linda said, "YES, Get It! It matches your eyes". How sweet of her, I'll take it.

When my Sis came to work the next day, I was wearing the necklace and my pajamas. After telling her the story of where I got it, I told her it needed a name. The conversation went something like this:

Sis: How about Blue Belle?

Me: No, sounds like a sweet Texas girl, and this one's from the big city.

Sis: How about Blue Ice Queen?

Me: No, sounds too cold and this girl is really, really friendly.

Sis: How about Ocean's Heaven.

Me: Honey, she's not goin' to Heaven. She needs a trashy, yet expensive name.

Sis: AQUA NETTA!

Both: Practically laughing our pants off! Yes! Perfect!

So, I introduce to you Miss Aqua Netta. Which I plan to wear with jeans and a t-shirt....while junking of course!