I'm Outa Contro!!

Glittery Trees!

Just give a girl some glue, bottle trees, and glitter, and watch out!

Jenny's Crappy Craft!

 Just buy inexpensive green Christmas trees at the craft store, colorful glitter, and some modge podge (or any glue really)!  I then soaked the trees in bleach, let them air dry, used a paint brush to spread the modge podge on, and went crazy with pretty glitter (I used Martha Stewart glitter).

Just add vintage!

 So fun!! Now I'm going to try to embellish some with tiny bows, pearls, birds, and more!!

Happy Crafting!
Jen

It's Time For Another Segment of "Jenny's Crappy Craft"!

It's been awhile since I created a crappy craft, but here it is, and I think it's kind of cute!

Sweet little bird house

 So I bought this cute little wooden bird house at Pat Catan's and painted it with acrylic paint, sprinkled glitter, and glued some flowers and a little birdie on it!

I love this idea!

And this one isn't really a craft, but I bought this cute ruffled board at Pat
Catan's (it's for cakes), and thought it would be pretty as a charger!

Wilton ruffle board

 It's called a "ruffle board" from Wilton.

It's definitely time for a tea party!

 So there you go!! Jenny's crappy crafty!!

Recipe for Yvette/Potato Leek Soup

My sister-in-law (aka little sis), Yvette, saw my picture of the beginning steps of my potato leek soup on instagram and wanted the recipe.  I don't have a picture posted here, but you can see it if you follow me on instagram, at "jenscloset", of course!

Most of my soup recipes basically start the same way; I  saute the vegetables in oil oil, butter, or coconut oil.  These days I am cutting way back on butter, so here's how I made this soup:

Chop up whatever potatoes you have in pretty small pieces (they cook quicker).  I used two leeks for this, and I cut them lengthwise and then cut them into about quarter inch pieces, and soak them in a bowl of whatever to get any grit out of them.  Then drain them.

Saute the potatoes, leeks, onions, and celery in a bit of coconut oil and oil  for 10 or so minutes.  I then added one clove of garlic, salt, and pepper, and saute another 5 minutes or so on a lower temp, so as not to burn the garlic.  

To thicken the soup I add a tablespoon of flour, and stir on low for a minute.  Then add 1-2 cans of chicken broth (you can use vegetable broth to keep it vegan).  At this time I add some sprigs of thyme, hot pepper flakes (just a pinch unless you want it really spicy), a 1/4 tsp of italian seasoning, and since I use low sodium chicken broth, I add more salt.  Always taste as you're going along to "tweak" the recipe.

You can either use a blender or one of those hand blenders, and blend about 1/2 of the soup to make it more creamy.  Don't do this step until the potatoes have softened (you don't want them to the point of mushy though!).

It's too early in the morning, so I may have missed something! I'll check back later to see!

I always make a lot of soup, and freeze containers for my Dad and also for my Mother-in-Law, Grace!

Happy soup making!
Jen

I'm pretty happy with these "vegan meatballs" I just made!  Not bad for my first attempt!! I wish Katherine was here to try them!

Here's what I did:

Sauteed onion, yellow pepper, and orange pepper in a tiny bit of coconut oil.  I added finely chopped tempeh, and cooked a little longer.  I also added cooked lentils. In the meantime I made my "fake egg" with some chia seeds and water, let it soak a bit, and you have a texture similar to eggs!!

Add the "fake egg" to your other cooked items, mix well, so you can roll them without them falling apart.  I did mash the mixture up a bit with a pastry blender. 

Roll them in a tiny bit of plain bread crumbs.  I baked mine in a 350 degree oven for about 10 or so minutes. They would also be good fried.

Add your favorite sauce, and you have a wonderful meal!

Some things that I would change next time are:

1. not add the peppers
2. mash the mixture more
3. add a tiny bit more of the "fake egg" mixture.
4. be sure to season with salt, pepper, maybe some italian seasoning.

All in all, not bad for a first try!!

Jen

Soup's On!

I love making soup!  I made this vegan vegetarian soup in anticipation of my daughter, Katherine, finally coming home for a day!!

served in a vintage bowl, of course!

 Easy and fun to make!  I start with about a tablespoon of coconut oil and olive oil, add my cut up veggies (except the squash and zucchini I add after about 10 minutes), saute until somewhat soft, but I like a bit of crunch to my veggie soup.  I then add about 2 cups or so of veggie broth, some water, and whatever beans you like (for protein); I added black beans and navy beans.  Cook for a bit longer, add seasonings that you like.  I added salt, pepper, pepper flakes, garlic salt, and italian seasoning.  

Then add maybe a 1/2 cup or so of pasta, and cook another 8 minutes or so.  At this point I sample a small bowl of the soup to see what it still needs.  Oh, almost forgot, I added a can of diced tomatoes too, and because of the tartness from them, I did add a tablespoon or so of sugar.  

Serve in your favorite vintage bowl (I sell them if you need some)!  Add a hint of milk glass (yes, I sell milk glass too!) and you have the perfect pretty and healthy lunch or dinner!

Enjoy!!
Jen

What's in "Jenscloset"!?

Lacy Westmoreland Milk Glass Bowl

Well, summer is almost over, sad to say!  It's my favorite season!  No coats, sleeveless, sandals!

We had our usual fun vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida.  Me, Bob, Katherine, Mark, and Katherine's boyfriend Jon.  Long walks on the beach with Katherine, that was the highlight for me!

Bob and I had a quick overnight trip to Savannah on our way back to Ohio from Florida.  Love that place!

I've also been very busy buying and selling in my three vintage Etsy shops.  So I'll show off a few items.  Be sure to check out my shops if you get a chance.  Why not start shopping for Christmas early.

Oh, speaking of that!! I'm going to be a first time Grandma!! Due date (my daughter Lindsey and her cute hubby Thomas) is December 14th, and they're expecting a boy!! I can't wait!

Gorgeous Royal White and Gold Dinner Plates

 

These vintage blue birds remind me of my Mom!

Enjoy what's left of summer!  I will admit, the changing of the leaves on the trees is beautiful in Autumn!

Jen

Instagram

My latest obsession is Instagram!!  Feel free to follow me!  Instagram name "Jenscloset", of course!  I have fun mixing it up with stuff I'm doing, my Etsy shop items, food I'm making, and more!

Jenscloset

I thought I'd show off some pretty vintage from my "Jenscloset" shop on Etsy!  This is a tea/garden party them!  I'm starting with these gorgeous pink depression glass plates.  Perfect for serving petit fours!

Add this pretty vintage milk glass basket (from MyMilkGlassShop on Etsy!) to your tablescape!  Perfect for fresh flowers!

And what's a tea party without a tea/coffee pot!  I love the classic rose pattern!

And don't forget these pretty vintage ecru lacy coasters!  The pink partfait glass is perfect as a vase!

Keep your tea towels in order in this gorgeous vintage Fenton milk glass hobnail planter!

Well, that's a start! I hope I've inspired you!

Jen

Happy Summer!

Summer! Summer! Summer!!

I love summer!  Pretty flowers!  Birds chirping! Playing tennis!  Running hills!  So many fun things to do in the summer!

My daughter Katherine is in Philadelphia for an internship and she loves it!  I can't wait to see her again!! I miss my sweet baby daughter!  Okay, she's not a baby, she's 22!

My son Mark is now 23 and hopefully will finish college by next year (it's about time)!!

And...I saved the best news for last!  I am going to be a Grandma!!  I know, I know, I am way too young to be a Grandma (haha)!  My daughter Lindsey, and her husband Thomas, are expecting a baby December 14th!! I cannot wait!  My first grandchild!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic summer!!

Jen


 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! 

It's amazing that being a Mom is the most challenging job you will ever have, but at the same time the best job you will ever have.  Yes, I call it a job.  You have to work hard at it.  Everyday there is something new.  There are plenty of tears and plenty of laughter.  

Enjoy your day!!

Jen

Vintage Milk Glass

Happy Sunday!  I thought I would feature some of my vintage milk glass today.  I obviously love milk glass!

Westmoreland English Hobnail Vase

 

Charming Milk Glass Basket

Fenton Ribbed Silver Crest Banana Bowl

Challinor & Taylor Open Lattice Pedestal Bowl

This is a fraction of my beautiful vintage milk glass available at http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com .

Happy shopping! Enjoy your day!
Jen

My Creative Customer

One of my favorite Etsy customers, Dawn, was sweet enough to share some of her photos of the very cool bird feeders she made with vintage items she purchased from me!

I'm not sure why this one is showing up small, but it's so cute~! Made with a vintage vase and a pretty pink dish!
Thanks Dawn!

Dawn's beautiful creation

 Another view:

So cute!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

Lucky number 5,000!  Today I hit 5,000 sales in my first Etsy shop, "Jenscloset"!  I also have 1,831 sales in MyMilkGlassShop and 1,276 in TheChinaGirl shop!

I'm up early and I work hard.  The best part is, I love it!

JENSCLOSET 

Please check out my shop if you get a chance!  I try to have a nice variety of vintage and antiques so I appeal to a larger "audience".  

I also pride myself in excellent customer service.  If there's a problem, I tackle it and make sure my customers are very happy with their purchase.

THECHINAGIRL 

I love my china shop!  Full of gorgeous vintage/antique china!!  From mod and retro to pieces that are over 100 years old!

Promoting your Etsy shops should be another top priority.  Take advantage of all the free ways to promote.  Every little bit helps.  My favorite right now is Instagram.  I use the same name for most of my promotions under "jenscloset", sort of my way of branding.  You'll find me busy on pinterest, facebook, twitter, and tumblr, to name a few.

MyMilkGlassShop 

I even love packing my orders!  My packages are always wrapped in pretty colored tissue paper and ribbon.  The actually packing of fragile vintage items can be a challenge, but I can proudly say, almost all of my orders have arrived safe and sound.  Yes, there have been a few mishaps, but I've worked those out.  Keep in mind the cost of your packing materials.  Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are a must (yes, I know packing peanuts are annoying!).  We watch for sales on the bubble wrap, and we've been buying our packing peanuts from our local UPS store (they come in gigantic bags at a pretty good price).  I also buy most of my boxes from Uline and my garage now looks like a box warehouse!   My family also saves their boxes for me (thanks!).

I will blog more about my Etsy shops soon, and if you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me!

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I'll be off to the post office later this morning!

Jen

New Listings

I thought I'd show you some of my latest Etsy listings!

Fenton Candy Dish

 This pretty vintage Pink Fenton Candy Dish just sold, and I will be shipping it off to California tomorrow (maybe I can tag along!).

Fenton Milk Glass Hobnail Egg Cup

 Apparently this Fenton milk glass hobnail egg cup is pretty rare, as it was only made for a couple of years in the 1970s.  I love this classic style!

Vintage Brass Mirror Vanity Tray

 I just love these shabby brass and mirror vanity trays!  They are great on a bedroom dresser, or as a serving platter at your next tea party!  I am obsessed with my fake cakes and cupcakes!!  My facebook friend makes them, feel free to message me if you would like more information on them!

Stop by my Etsy shops here jenscloset Milk Glass TheChinaGirl

Happy browsing!
Jen

Happy New Year!

Happy 2015 everyone!

As always, I have new year's resolutions!  One is to blog more often!  If you have any ideas of what you would like me to blog about, let me know!

I love cooking and I love thrifting, so I will definitely be blogging about those more often!

Cheers to a fantastic 2015!!

Jen