Vintage Cool
We have been searching for a solution to our overflowing silverware drawer lately. A jar or canister seemed like the perfect solution to hold some of the larger utensils. But, finding the perfect one was the difficult part. We tried to be open minded, but wanted to stick with something vintage and fun. Then, it hit me. We were at our favorite little retro shop in Moline, IL, Fred And Ethel’s. We saw the cutest little solution. A retro ice bucket! It is a little short and wide, but so adorable. So, we took it, and here it is in it’s new home!
The colors don't really match our black and white and red theme, but it was too funky to pass up!
Check out Fred And Ethel’s website here: http://www.fredandethels.com
eHow To The Rescue
My grandmother gave me a tiny cast iron skillet the other day. I know that these pans are much sought after, but have never owned one. Although this one is just a baby she said you could use it for an egg or just to hang on the wall. So, I was going to do both. But, the skillet has some rust problems. I know that you can removed rust from other metals using steel wool, but how to remove it from cast iron? I looked it up on eHow. I haven’t tried it yet, but they do have instrucitons for rust removal:
A Stumper
We have a question for any of you creative minds out there. Our dog bowl and food situation is currently in need of fixing. I am one of those hiders. Everything should have a place and be kept out of site. So, this is, of course, driving me nuts.
Currently, there is a gap between our refrigerator and our stove. The landlord would like to someday add another cupboard in between, which I can’t argue with because it would also give us more counter space (always good). But, for the time being, we are using the gap as a space for a mat and the dog’s food and water bowls. This I don’t mind too much; the bowls are out of the way and accessible. The real problem is what to do with the food bag. We have a little drawer specifically for the dog, which holds his bones, treats, and brushes, etc. We were buying small bags of food that would fit in the drawer, but they are a waste of money. Now that we have upgraded to the large bag, we do not know where to keep it.
Not so funny story: I thought I would smartly store it behind the door to the basement steps. Then last night it came crashing down, and what sounded like loud rain was the entire giant bag of dog food pouring down the stairs!
Here is the current situation:
Does anyone out there have a better looking solution? I can’t wait to get the ugliness hidden! 🙂
Romeo says hi and thanks for any help!
The Little Red Stool
Being cooped up in the warm house yesterday as the snow blew outside, I had time to finish up a few projects. One was the stool that I posted about yesterday. It started out green and dirty, but now is a beautiful red. I’m not sure where I’m going to use it yet. I thought it would look cute in the kitchen, but when Tony brought it up the stairs for me, it struck me that it might make the perfect odd edition in our bedroom. Hmmm…
It looks perfect in red.
Here it sits in the kitchen, but might not stay there for long...
One Little Project At A Time
When I get excited about something I lose all patience. Tony tells me constantly, “Calm down Jess, one thing at a time.” I’m trying, but just can’t control myself. Here is one small project we have completed. Just before we moved in here we went to an auction. We found this old little kitchen cupboard and scored in for $10. It’s back was burned and the sides were wrinkled, and paint was falling off. People probably thought we were crazy for even taking it home. But, a new back, a few dollars, and a lot of work later, we have a cute vintage kitchen island. The kitchen was too big not to have a table for more counter space, and this little guy solved our problem. Take a look! (I need to get better at remembering to take before photos of our projects! oops!)
I love those old tin tops! It does have one chip we would like to fix, but overall... Cute! What do you think?
The Kitchen Comes Together
- The little window to the dining room. Enless possibilities. The clock happens to have faces on both sides!
Close up of the window and beautiful bottles we have collected.
View heading out kitchen door. The artsy rolling pin was an auction find. The curatins have to go, but that will be an upcoming project.
Some of the DIY the landlord tried above the microwave. He had it hidden by a mass of leaves wound in lattice. It was so dusty and ugly. So far I spruced it up with a vintage lunc box of recipies. I love the little vintage tea pot Tony found for me.
The other corner of the kitchen. Same old ugly curtain. I was also thinking about painting the cabinets. We are renters, so this might be a project for after we have been here a while. But, they are old, shabby cupboards, so maybe, just maybe...
Where To Begin
So, as I said, my boyfriend and I have just recently moved into a new house. The place is cute and cozy, but it will take some work for us to arrange, decorate, remodel, and combine all of our belongings. We have been there for a couple of weeks now. But, to backtrack, here are a few photos of the house as we were moving in, and the empty rooms just asa we are starting to arrange.
Tony is making dinner in the new house with our pup Romeo.
Make Mine Eclectic 