12/31/10

The princess and the pillows...

Though many of us have spent the week deciding what sparkles and jewels we will wear to bring in the new year, some of us have also wondered how we might add something extra to freshen up our home in the new year.  Chances are you already have something lying around your house or at your favorite home store that can freshen up your look....P-I-L-L-O-W-S!
Scarf Pillows
Pillows are an obvious answer for most of us as accents.  Sometimes though the wild colors and patterns can be a little intimidating, especially when mixing and matching for a unique and eclectic  look.  But the great thing about pillows is that they don't require a lot of commitment.  You can find them reasonably priced at many home goods stores, markets, and online sights.  Below are a few examples of the unique style you can bring to your home sweet home to brighten things up for the new year.  
Here several different prints with a common shade of chocolate brown bring some life to this room*
Here a sweet little pillow ties the two larger prints together to make a cozy work space*
Here two bright textile pillows accent a vintage end table*
These pillows turn a simple day bed in to a perfect reading nook*
These rustic pillows add extra comfort to the army green couch making it the perfect room to soak in the California sunshine.
You can see that the pillow possibilities are endless.  We recommend setting a budget, going to your favorite shops, and then purchasing pillows with colors and patterns that speak to you.  Worry about placing your new lovelies in their home sweet home when you get home.  Happy hunting and happy new year...vT*

Nothing like a little confetti and bubbles*

12/30/10

Capes and other shapes...

Capes. Just take a moment to think about the word. Visions of superheros pop into our imagination and we are reminded of the time we made a cape out of our mother's red robe and dove down the stairs...or maybe thats just us. Any-who, capes, capelets, ponchos and stoles have made an enormous comeback this year!

There are several styles and ways to wear this garment. But first, let us define the difference for you.

CAPES open to the front and drape over the shoulders with slits where the arms can come through for comfort and ease.  While, their sibling, the CAPLET, are the same, but short and sweet.
SHAWLS, WRAPS and STOLES tend to be a bit more demure, if you will. These usually are worn only around the shoulders, and made from luxurious fabrics such as silk or fur. Most of the time wraps, shawls and stoles are paired with evening wearing.
vT loves the furry ones*
PONCHOS drape over body in a square shape with one hole made for the head. Ponchos tend to be worn more casually.
Simple poncho, simple fringe, amazing jewels*
This trend is here to stay... we hope, because VintageTeal has already jumped on the bandwagon and found some lovely capes to wear for the remainder of the season!  Check in tomorrow for some house decor ideas! vT*

12/29/10

b. is for "better than your nana's spaghetti" spaghetti...

As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices:  take it or leave it.  ~Buddy Hackett
This is one of VintageTeal's all time favorite (and most requested) recipes, especially when the weather is cold. Although the recipe has changed over the years, the core ingredients still remain the same, making this dish a crowd pleaser, not to mention it can feed a small army! You want to taste this recipe all along the way to make sure it turns out perfect! Oh, and have a glass of vino. We find that helps while cooking this recipe for some reason...

Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients

1.0-1.5 lbs ground beef (ground turkey also works if you prefer)
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 white onion, diced
1 c chopped baby portobello mushrooms
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp italian seasoning
1 c red wine (whatever you have lying around is fine)
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1/4 c granulated sugar
1 small can tomato paste
2 large cans tomato sauce
1 lb Spaghetti noodles
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

|1.| Start boiling a pot of salted water for the spaghetti noodles. Add noodles when water is to a rolling boil and cook until al dente.
|2.| Brown the ground beef (or ground turkey) and season with salt, pepper and italian seasoning in a saute pan. Drain all fat before adding to sauce.
|2.| While the meat is browning, drizzle olive oil (2 turns around boiling pot) with olive oil. Add garlic, bell pepper, onion and mushrooms. Cook on medium high until the onions are somewhat translucent, but still have crunch. 
|3.| Season the pot with salt and pepper, add balsamic vinegar and red wine, let simmer 2 minutes.
|4.| Pour in both cans of tomato sauce, tomato paste, browned meat, rosemary and thyme. Stir.
|5.| Add granulated sugar (this helps cut the tomato taste) and let simmer.
|6.| Salt and pepper to taste. Let the pot simmer as look as you would like until you are ready to serve. Serve over noodles and bon appetite!





12/28/10

Besotted for bow ties...

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We hope you all are staring to get settled back into the normalcy of life as another holiday has passed, but we would bet you have already started to think about what you will be doing, and more importantly what you will be wearing for the New Year.  Might we share a suggestion?  Bow ties for the ladies...
Is it a yes or a hell no?
We do realize that this might be the point, when you respectfully decide to file us in with the crazies and never visit us again.  But hear us out because after all you can decide to either throw caution to the wind or sit this one out.  We can sympathize because at first the bow tie trend made us a tiny bit nervous.  Until we started to see a variety of ways to wear them.  As always, for example...   
Simple, Sweet, & Sexy!
Throw on a sequin jacket or swap the pants for a sequin skirt and tights...Hello New Year!
Mini bow ties for the curious but nervous
Large and in Charge*

Left untied for a different look*
As you can see, these sweet little or big ties can add a special touch to any look. We hope you enjoyed the pics...visit us tomorrow for our yummy recipe of the week...vT*

12/27/10

Cold as ICE...

Good Monday Morning!
Our Monday Morning Menu brings the usual sneak peak at one of Vintage Teal's latest pieces.  Though we have unfortunately sold out of this eye catching piece, we could not keep it to ourselves.  
"Ice" from the Isis Collection $120.00

Chrome iridescent beads, wrapped up in multi-colored stones, complete with ice gemstones, made the "Ice" from our Isis Collection one of the popular girls at our Holiday Shows.  Her fraternal twin the "Jasper" gave the same impression with a smokey, chocolate brown color scheme.  Though at first glance "Ice" is a statement in herself, we have found she can be paired with many outfits.  Imagine her as the cherry on top to any of the looks below.
Can you imagine "Ice" resting under this removable fur waiting to make an appearance?
"Ice" could easily serve as the pop of color to this sweet look.
vT felt something was missing from this Canadian tuxedo...the "Ice."
Hopefully, we have given you plenty of ideas to pair your own ice with...vT*   

12/24/10

Warm wishes...

We hope that your Christmas weekend is filled with warmth and wishes that come true.  Below you will find some of our favorite bits of holiday home decor that are easy for anyone to do, and during the chaos of holidays there is nothing like slowing down and crafting some last minute treasures with loved ones.  Happy Holidays...vT*
New Ideas for Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags


A Vintage Teal Themed Christmas


A Vintage Ladder for those Hard to Reach Branches
  

12/23/10

breaking the break...

Hello Lovelies...we do feel a little bad about the little break we took on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not very...

Kicking Back
One might think we were kicking our feet up, sipping coco, and taking full advantage of holiday happy hours, but we were busy at work for our second Holiday Show.  We write today to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful support at our shows.  Seeing so many of you enjoying your new pieces reminds us why VintageTeal loves creating one of a kind pieces for every personal style.....vT*

love always...vT*


12/20/10

Are we there yet...

This week VintageTeal will be on the road.  We are packing our lovelies and heading to Arkansas for some family and fun....
Who doesn't love traveling in Vintage Trunks?
For those of you that are new to VintageTeal, we wanted to share a pic of one of our older pieces.  One of our sweet clients wore this necklace to some holiday parties last night and will be having anything but a Blue Christmas...
Sweet Jenny we are so glad you love your Isis Collection Piece!

Safe Travles...vT*

12/17/10

Holiday Party Tonight...

Happy almost Weekend!
Vintage Teal is so very excited about our first Holiday Party Tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 434 Village at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37203.  We can't wait to share some bubbly, sweets, and our new treats with you.  Making an appearance tonight, our new "Harlow" and "Sparrow" bracelets from our Isis Collection are the perfect pair for those of you who like to mix and match a stack of eye catching bracelets.  At $10 a piece or 3 for $25, the iridescent "Harlow" pieces are sure to add some affordable sparkle to any outfit, and at $8 a piece or 3 for $20, the "Sparrow" bracelets will add a fun pop of color to any look.  Below you will also get to take a peak at some of our amazing new earrings from the Found Collection perfect for any holiday party look.    
Also for those of you visiting our blog today, we will be giving 25% off any regular priced item for the first guest at the party.  This is one time you won't want to be fashionably late...vT*

12/16/10

Specs. Check...

Thursday! The work week is winding down and Christmas is almost only a week away!

Sexy. Stylish. Classic. Nerdy. Academic. Spectacles have often been thought of as functional, but why not think of them as fashionable as well? Now your unique and individual style can be showcased where it can be best seen, right on the bridge of your nose! Chosen correctly, a great pair of eyeglasses can make anyone look smart AND stylish. There are more options today than ever, and people are getting more and more bold with their choices. We love it. This girl is totally showing her sexy "inner nerd."

Nerd Look
Go bold or go home, we say!  Every girl likes a man in glasses. Just sayin'. There is something so attractive about a man who rounds out his outfit with a nice pair frames.


There are soo many styles to choose from. Cat eye glasses, Owl eye style glasses, rimless, or bold colored plastic frames. Let your personality shine through your frames.

Most importantly! Do not limit yourself to only one pair. Stay warm! *vT

12/15/10

m. is for mocha bundt cake...

"Your good friend has just taken a piece of cake out of the garbage and eaten it.  You will probably need this information when you check me into the Betty Crocker Clinic." - Miranda, Sex and The City.


Instead of our traditional Tuesday night dinner this week, we picked up a couple boxes of our favorite take-out and baked a cake to celebrate a friend's birthday.  This mocha bundt cake is an absolutely delicious (& easy) way to dress up a traditional Betty Crocker boxed cake mix.  In our previous experience, everyone assumes this cake is made from scratch & there aren't any extra slices left after a birthday celebration.


mocha bundt cake

bundt cake ingredients:

1 box Betty Crocker super moist chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
2 cups chocolate chips (any kind you like)


icing ingredients:

1/2 cup salted butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup skim milk
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1 pound confectioner's sugar

bundt cake directions:

|1.|  pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
|2.|  mix all cake ingredients in large mixing bowl.
|3.|  pour into greased bundt pan.
|4.|  bake 30-45 minutes, occasionally insert knife until knife exits cake with no batter present.
|5.|  set aside and let cool to a warm temperature.

icing directions:
|1.|  cream butter in mixing bowl.
|2.|  combine remaining icing ingredients with butter & mix well.
|3.|  add extra skim milk for a smoother icing.
|4.|  ice cake while warm to create glazed effect.   icing will run over cake and will harden as cake cools.


bon appetite!...vT*

12/14/10

Trick or Tribal...

Happy Tuesday Vintage Teal Readers!  On Sunday, most of us in Nashville could be found inside cuddled up by the fire watching the beautiful snowflakes fall and fall and fall.  It was so lovely, until Monday when we were all forced out of our hiding places to face the real world.  Not to mention the daunting task of dressing fashionably without freezing your buns off.  Enter the tribal trend (which doesn't have to be reserved for the warmer weather), complete with an exotic, bohemian vibe comprised of vibrant colors, amazing jewelry, and many things warm...
Gucci Fringe! Courtesy of A Sweet Perspective
Something to keep your tootsies warm courtesy of ZoomZoom
Sweet Little Fringe Moccasins Courtesy of FabSuger
Tribal Print Accessories Courtesy of All Things Marie
Tribal Looks for Everyone Courtesy of Smitten & Hazel

So pile on the beads, sweaters, suede, and fringe, grab your travel size mug of hot coco, and get on with your life...hope to see you tomorrow vT*

12/13/10

Something old something new...

Happy Monday!  We have a couple of things to share today.  First, we would like to remind everyone of our VintageTeal Holiday Shows coming up.  We do have a bit of a change for the Nashville Show with the same time, same place, but different day...

Nashville Show, Friday, December 17th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 434 Village at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37212

Fort Smith Show, Wednesday, December 22nd, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 6904 Duncan Circle, Fort Smith, AR 72903
*Cupcakes, champagne, and jewels, RSVP to VintageTeal@gmail.com.

Second, as it is Monday we have two sneak peaks of our VintageTeal Winter line.  Our first piece is the perfect blend of a new favorite, the tribal trend, and an old favorite, geodes.  A new twist on the classic bib this VintageTeal piece includes turquoise, chocolate brown, cream, and iridescent copper beads in an antique metal setting with beautiful garnet colored geode accents. The "Faylinn" from our Isis Collection at $120.00 offers a unique bohemian statement that looks great with a LBD or bundled up with your cuddliest sweater.
VintageTeal "Faylinn" Featured on StyleBy.Me

Our second sneak peak, showcases the old world luster of pyrite, a vintage rhinestone broach, and clusters of rose gold chain.  Though of a more modest size of the still new and popular bib necklace, this piece definitely catches the eye.  At $120.00 the "Jagger" from our Benatar Collection will rapidly become one of your go to gals when in a style rut. 
VintageTeal "Jagger" Featured on StyleBy.Me
We hope that you like what you see both new and old....until tomorrow..vT*

12/10/10

Relinquish to the rustic...

Happy Friday VintageTeal Readers!
As you will soon see from today's piece, we have four things usually on our minds, VintageTeal Jewelry, fashion, cooking, and home design.  We hope that you have enjoyed our first week of sharing because each week we will be sticking to the same menu...
Monday "VintageTeal Jewelry Sneak Peak"
Tuesday "What's on VintageTeal's Fashion Mind"
Wednesday "What's Making VintageTeal Hungry"
Thursday "What's on VintageTeal's Fashion Mind"
Friday "VintageTeal Home for the Weekend"

We found it only fitting that we share VintageTeal's of the moment favorites for home design on Fridays, as so many of us spend our weekends recharging at home.  Whether it is a dinner party with many friends or curling up on the couch with your loved ones to watch a favorite movie, home should be a place of both retreat and refuge.  Therefore home should be just as YOU like it, but we look forward to sharing some ideas that might be inspiration for you. Which brings me to....
Elle Decor's Latest Magazine Cover

We found this dining room to be rustic, breathtaking, academic, inviting, cozy, and vintage all at the same time.  This feature look came from a barn house that a team of three designers, mother and daughters, so eloquently styled.  Their ability to mix pure elegance with the rustic, old-world feel of a barn is so inspiring.  We started to look for more spaces with a similar feel and below you will see what we found....hope your weekend is filled with warmth...xo*vT*
Rustic Dining Room Courtesy of The Independent
Elle Decor Courtesy of D'Amore Interiors
Rustic Kitchen Courtesy of Elle Decor
Rustic Bathroom Courtesy of Reynolds Still
Rustic Living Room Courtesy of House Beautiful