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

Grape Cake Recipe

Our team members are not only talented crafters. They are great in many other fields. :) One of our favorite activities is cooking. And we like to share recipes. :)

Today, Tanya (SocksAndMittens) is sharing a recipe of her great Grape Cake. It's really to die for! And easy to cook all year around. :) So surprise your family!

Grape cake


Ingredients:

4 cups seedless stemless grapes
5 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
butter flavored cooking spray
flat rectangular baking dish (mine is 9 1/2 by 13 1/2 and 2" deep)
powdered sugar (optional)


How to make it:

Preheat oven to 385'F.

Blend together eggs & sugar, add vanilla & baking powder.


Add flower and blend the butter.


Add grapes to a bowl, mix well to cover grapes with liquid dough.


Pour mix to a prepared baking dish (sides & bottom should be sprayed with cooking spray).


Bake at 385'F for 35 to 40 minutes (time can vary depending on oven but you can always check readiness with a toothpick).


Let it cool and slice it with a pizza slicer or a sharp knife.
Sprinkle each slice with a powdered sugar right before serving (optional)

Enjoy and please let us know how do you like it!