Whales and summer vacations

What did you do last summer?

I went to Alaska and it was one great trip. Definitely on top of my favorite travel destinations now! I saw a lot of wildlife and one of a highlight was a happy jumping whale. I was taking shot after shot when I just saw the spray of water and when he actually jumped in the air my camera  said: card is full. 

I had to delete some photos (with a heavy heart) and got a great picture of him in the air.

Tell us about a highlight of your recent vacation!

My favorite whales on Etsy:

 Crochet whale from PetsLair

 Vintage whale brooch from vintageer

 Felted whale from FeltedTree

 

And lots of stuffed whales from CherryGardenDolls!

... and SUNandCo!

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By Tanya Socksandmittens

Handmade Chocolate Truffles

Look at this great home made chocolate truffles which Inessa from Vintageer is sharing today! Make them at home, put in a cute gift box, and Valentine's gift is ready :)

So... let's start! If you have never made truffles before, give it a try. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also is very affordable.

For this recipe you'll need:
• 100 gramm of best-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp of brandy, liquor or vanilla extract
• unsweetened cocoa powder for coating
• candy paper cups

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan bring the cream to a simmer (do not boil!). Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, than stir until completely melted and smooth. Add the brandy and stir again.

2. Pour the mix into a shallow bowl. Cover, and refrigerate the mixture until firm, for 1.5 - 2 hours.

3. Using a small spoon, scoop the mixture and roll into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder. You can also use other coatings - finely chopped nuts,  candy sprinkles or confectioners' sugar.

Place the chocolate truffles in paper candy cups and pack into a box for a gift or serve them immediately. 

Have a sweet Valentine's day!:)

Photography by IrinaPhotography

Interview with a Star - Inessa

As we all know there are so many different shops out there! Some are like a well trained platoon matching in front of its commander. All items in such a shop are alike. They are like cupper buttons on soldiers’ uniforms. Some stores are very cozy and welcoming. You want to stroll through them checking out every detail. You might even drink a cup of tea with a store’s owner and relax.

Some stores are like a cave with Ali Baba treasures. Every time you come in there you tremble. You never know what you are going to find in this treasure chest this time.
That’s exactly how I would describe Inessa’s shop called Vintageer


In her shop Inessa has gathered unique items: Home Decor and Linens, Kitchen and and Dinnerware items, Vintage Jewelry and even Christmas decorations. All these wonderful things date back to the last century. Every piece has a story behind it!

For example look at this set of salt and pepper shakers.

This rare set is approximately 100 years old. The pattern is a stunning gold gilt floral pattern with orange and blue flowers on a cream colored rim with a white background and gold trim.
The pattern is called #42200, but was referred to in the catalogs as "Raised Gold", and was made by Noritake (Japan). The pattern was discontinued Circa: 1918. Plates form this set were marked with a back stamp of the letter "M" encircled by a wreath, with the words "Hand painted".

Here is what Inessa tells us about her treasures:
“My fascination with vintage started from Christmas tree ornaments and decorations. I have a small personal collection of Christmas tree items made in Germany, Poland, Japan, USSR in 1920-1960. It’s amazing how such delicate and fragile pieces survived wars, relocations and cats’ curiosity!”


Apart from Christmas tree ornaments one can find adorable collectible plates in Inessa’s shop


Unique kitchen storage jars


and jewelry


All those exclusive and lovely items make our home cozy and our outfits unique and stylish. Thorough research into history behind every object in the shop makes our lives happier and richer.

Inessa was intervied by Lana at FineEmbroidery
Translated by TonyaUtkina