Quick Change- White Out

If you have a few extra minutes this weekend, I challenge you to make a quick change.  Pick an area of your home, like the mantle or entry table, and mix it up.  It shouldn't cost  much money or take more than 30 minutes.  Are you ready for a quick change?

Quick change target: TV cabinet

I don't love it because: It looks disjointed and cluttered.  

I shopped my house to find any and all things white.  This was my color of choice, because it provides nice contrast to the dark wood and looks fresh and summery.  

Each item is unique, but because they are all white it looks much more cohesive. This quick change didn't cost me any money, I already owned each of these accessories.  The majority of these things were originally bought at the flea market or thrift store.  And it only took about 15 minutes to collect and curate this quick change.

1. Vintage globes
2. Small plant and starfish
3. Books and stuffed dog
4. Ceramic cow 
5. Mortar and pestle
6. Vintage scale
7. Shell
8. Large bowl
9. Storage boxes from Ikea
10. Storage boxes from Ikea
11. Vintage dog bookend, books, wire basket
12. Buddha cup
13. Cow creamer
14. Wooden pineapple sprayed white

So how about you...are you making any quick changes lately?  Do share!

In Hot Water

There have been a few dramatic before and afters featured on House Vintage, but this is not one of them! A flooded garage last week, told me that the water heater was leaking.  I'm quick like that!  The first order of business was to turn off the water to the heater to stop the leak.  Unfortunately, the valve was broken.  I later learned from my plumber that those values typically give out at about the same time as the unit.  How convenient!  Instead the water to the entire house had to be turned off.

However, the plumber was able to come the next day.  He said most water heaters last about 15-20 years.  My water heater was 22 years old.  So I suppose I can't complain.  And look at this beauty, brand new and rust free.  My plumber also put in a new valve, so next time I can turn off water to the heater, and still have water in the house.  While I am certainly happy to have hot water again, I also realize I am lucky to have access to clean water on a daily basis.  And I try not to take it for granted.

Featured on The Red Accent

A special thanks to Heather and Erin at The Red Accent for featuring House Vintage on their fabulous blog.  Click here to check it out!

Inspire: Sleeping in Montauk

Today's Inspiration:  Vintage Yellow Cherry Applique Pillow on Etsy

Inspiration Board

Note:  These ideas are just that...ideas.  They are meant to inspire you and are not an endorsement of the product or the store.

1.  Andalusia Rug 5x8- West Elm $237.00 

2.  Framed Vintage Sailboat Print- Pottery Barn $349.00

3.  Aluminum Shark's Jaw- zGallerie $29.95

4.  Hastveda Chair- IKEA $49.99

5.  French Nautical Sconce- Restoration Hardware $199.00 each

6.  Steppe Bed- Crate and Barrel $1299.00

7.  Vintage Yellow Cherry Applique Pillow- House Vintage on Etsy $25.00

8.  Wire Storage Basket- Urban Outfitters $39.00 each

9.  Petite Side Table- Urban Outfitters $39.00

Preparing for an Outdoor Market

I spent last Saturday selling pillows at my first Outdoor Market.  I have set up before at a little flea market, but this is the first time I sold all my own designs.  It was a lot of work, but totally worth the time and effort.  It is a little nerve wracking putting yourself out there, but everyone was very positive and encouraging.  So in case you are thinking about doing the same, here are a few tips that you might find useful.

Display 
Every item needs to be easy to see, and easy to pick up.  People will want to hold, touch, and examine any item before they hand over their hard earned cash.  Try to evoke a feeling or emotion with your display.   Offer ideas of how your items should be worn or used.

Variety 
The more variety you can offer, the more appeal you will have to buyers.  Everybody has different tastes so a little something for every style is the way to make the most money.

Quantity
As much as it is possible, try to bring a lot of inventory.  And by a lot, I mean more than you would ever sell.  Even if you can't put it all out at once, have a stash to replace items that sold.  Customers may also be looking for specific items, and if you have multiples of everything you make, you can often meet any need.

Think of Your Comfort 
Often sales are outside, where you have to deal with the elements.  Wear layers of clothes to address the changing weather.  Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.  You may also want to bring something to occupy the time when you aren't helping customers.  Many people bring their craft, especially if it is portable like knitting or jewelry.  Customers who appreciate handmade, will like to see your design process.

And finally,  have fun and go for it!

Steady as It Grows

Just wanted to give ya'll a little update on the garden.  It is growing like crazy! Here is a record of what is growing well, and the areas for improvement.

The Good:

• The fence- It has worked perfectly for keeping the neighborhood cats from using the garden as their luxury litter box!
• Herbs- Growing like gangbusters, pesto and mojitos for days.
• Radishes and Beans- Doing well and almost ready for harvest.
• Location- Great location in the yard, good access to irrigation and nice sun exposure.

The Bad:

• Corn- I don't think there will be a corn crop this year.  The garden is probably too small for corn.
• Cucumber- It is a vining plant, and it was positioned in the back of the garden to accommodate that.  However, it still is taking over a bit.
• Size- It is a little small for all that was planted.

So there you have it.  The House Vintage crop is well underway!  Here is where it started....

And here it is now!

Now does anyone have any recipes to use up all this basil and mint?

Color Inspiration- Global Vintage