The Hostess With the Mostest!

Miss Spooky Pant Apron, by AnniesAttic

Hostessing the perfect party is an art, which I have YET to really master. Usually something or other falls through the cracks, no matter how much planning and preparing I do in advance. Paige, however, is an ARTIST when it comes to hostessing a party, leaving me wondering if she's really a 1950's hostess with the mostest reincarnate. Every detail is expertly executed, every guest feeling like an honored attendee - no drink glass is ever empty at a Paige party.

In April of this year, Paige's mom Mary Ellen turned 70, and to honor the event, Paige threw her a wonderful suprise party at her house with a "Spring Chicken" theme (Mary Ellen's birthday being so close to Easter this year). For the event, Paige and I put our skills together to whip up delightful little easter chick hostess aprons for herself, daughter Ella, and myself to wear at the party, and they turned out REALLY STINKIN' CUTE! (I will post photos of the finished apron on a later post, as I haven't had time to iron it and shoot it yet - more on that subject later).

I have been a collector of vintage hostess aprons for the past 7 or 8 years, and have a lovely little collection that I display in my kitchen at various times of the year. My favorites are the ones in my Christmas collection - my entire kitchen is done up in vintage mid-century Christmas kitsch, and it is the only time of year that my kitchen feels like a lovely place (more on THAT subject at a much later time.)

In honor of my husband's 38th birthday, I am hosting a barbecue party at my mom's house this afternoon. This is a beer and ribs party - nothing I can get frilly and hostessy with, so no apron for me today, but I am hoping I can channel the hostess goddess within to make sure that everyone has a good time.

Enjoy these lovely hostess aprons from our friends at Etsy - they make me want to run out to an estate sale!!

black and white polka dots with CHERRY APPLIQUE hostess apron, by loverdoversclothing

RETRO TO HELL with HOUSEWORK APRON, by VintageDove

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS APRON, by SWEETKATHLEEN

Sweet Candy Cane Christmas Vintage Apron, by SerendipityTreasures

Itsy Bitsy Spider

When my son was a baby, he had colic. BAD. Somewhere around 7pm began the "witching hour", when the 4-5-6 hour wailing session would commence. Few things worked to soothe his frazzled little nerves, but despite all the bobbing, tummy drops, car rides, etc, sometimes the ONLY thing that would calm him down would be a cutesy rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." Is it because, as William Congreve said, "Music calms the savage breast?" Maybe so, if your mommy is a professional singer. But it worked... sometimes...

Halloween is in the air, and I'm reminded again of spiders. Spiders, my crafty little housemates who build their mansions in the corners of my rooms. I once heard some legend about how it's bad luck to kill a spider, because the spiders are what keep the moon in its orbit. Something like that anyway, but to this day, I can't bring myself to swat one. (However, should a daddy longlegs suprise me in the shower, sorry daddy, it's you or me.)

Here are some great spider items I found today on Etsy. Enjoy!

Witches Promise - Off the Shoulder Dress

by iheartfink

Retro Thirties Pinup Gal Trapped In Spiderweb

Cigarette Case or ID Holder

by sweetheartsinner

Extra Long Black Skull and white tutu skirt

by SistersOfTheMoon

Pink Spider Webs Vintage-Inspired Net Lace Hostess Apron

by flappergirl

And these lovelies, which remind me so much of Melissa Marr's books (Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity). There is a part of me that would love to wear faery wings like this every day!

Moxie Fairy Wings - Goth - Cobweb Spider Wings

by OnGossamerWings

What are YOU going to be for Halloween? Drop me a line and share your fun ideas!

Hey there cupcake!

Seriously, after a long weekend of wine and treats, it's time to head back to the gym to see how much damage control I can muster. But even as I sweat and groan, my mind will be on my favorite delicacies, most specifically - CUPCAKES.

Is there anything more perfect than a cupcake? Not only is it a delicious treat, it's a miniature work of art. And what gelato did in the 80's, cupcakes are doing in the new millenium. Every day it seems that more and more cupcake cafes are popping up, making this guilty little pleasure, once only able to be savored at children's birthday parties, a mainstream delight.

Here are a few calorie free ways to satisfy your sweet tooth from our fellow Etsy vendors:

CUPCAKE Shabby mini cottage sign, SignsByDiane

Sterling Silver Stamped CUPCAKE Pink Brown Pendant, E. Ria Designs

The CHLOE Vintage Inspired Blue Cupcake Apron, Boojiboo

and this little delight, which nearly made me snort coffee through my nose:

Cute as a Cupcake----Custom Sizes 12 mo - 5T, sweetplume

If you live in the SF Bay area, there is a lovely little cupcakery in San Carlos that you must visit! Vanilla Moon Bakery at 872 Laurel Street, offers beautifully crafted cupcakes, whether you're looking for something special for a wedding or party, or just walking in off the street.

Enjoy your cupcakes - I'm off to the gym...