I Crack Myself Up Sometimes! A Soft-boiled egg story...

All That It's Cracked Up To Be!


Soft-boiled (soft whites, soft yolks):
Large size: 3 minutes 20 seconds.
Medium size: 3 minutes.
Small size: 2 minutes 40 seconds.
Medium


-boiled (hard whites, soft yolks):
Large size: 4 minutes 15 seconds.
Medium size: 3 minutes 50 seconds.
Small size: 3 minutes 20 seconds.
Hard-boiled (hard whites, hard yolks):
Large size: 10 minutes.
Medium size: 8 minutes.
Small size: 7 minutes.

Tips for those who want to know or care!

and here are a few vintage egg cups for you to enjoy...

hillarious!

A Bit Of Victorian Jewelry .... Seed Pearl Jewelry 1800's and More

Early Victorian Seed Pearl Jewelry

Early Victorian seed pearl jewelry first appeared in the second quarter of the 19th century at the beginning of what is known as the Romantic Period. Queen Victoria's reign in England was the height of the romantic period and lasted until the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861. Jewelry reflected romance during this period and seed pearl jewelry was the epitome of this sentiment. The most popular period of time was between 1840 and 1850 in England and the United States.

Tiffany

Elegant in appearance seed pearl jewelry was associated with pureness and innocence. A gift of seed pearl jewelry was often given to a girl on her 18th birthday as her first formal piece of jewelry or to a bride before her wedding. Seed pearl jewelry was worn for special occasions throughout her married life as well. Generally, seed pearl jewelry was sold in sets, which consisted of bracelets, earrings, brooches, a collar and a corsage ornament.

The design featured below is a full parure of seed pearl jewelry given to Mary Lucile Stevens by her mother in 1836. These pearls were passed down for several generations to succeeding daughters in the family on their 18th birthdays. In 1984 the sons of the last woman to inherit the pearls donated them to the Smithsonian where they are now on display in the Museum's Treasure House.

Seed pearl jewelry was first introduced in America during the Federal period. By the mid-nineteenth century, it was considered de rigueur in the ballroom as well. President Lincoln purchased a suite of seed-pearl jewelry from Tiffany & Company for his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, to wear at his inauguration. Made from tiny pearls imported from India or China, it was at once exotic and elegant, and the fashion was said to flatter any woman.

Imported from the Madras region of India or China seed pearl jewelry was made from hundreds of tiny seed pearls. Delicate and quite ornate with scrolled, flower and foliate motifs, ranging from 1.5 mm to 5 mm in size, the pearls were hand sewn onto a delicate pierced openwork mother-of-pearl frame using white horsehair thread. Silk backing was often used on the reverse of the mother-of-pearl frame. Seed pearl jewelry is seldom found in excellent condition today because of its delicate and fragile nature, and only rarely are entire sets found intact

ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU, c.1890 - 1900, OSTBY & BARTON TOPAZ SEED PEARL NECKLACE IN ROSE GOLD . Although the piece is not signed, the piece was made by Ostby & Barton, one of the most well-known jewelry manufacturers of the period.  firm Founded in 1879 they seem to have disappeared about 1950.  Engelhart Ostby, one of the principals, perished in 1912 aboard the Titanic, while his adult daughter survived.

Miriam Haskell used seed pearls (as well as baroque pearls) in her designs during the mid 2oth century, with great success, bringing back a short revival of the popularity of them in jewelry. However, most of her designs used artificial seed pearls, rather than genuine ones.

I hope you've enjoyed this bit of history.

Put This On Your Plate and Style It!

 Just My Style and Martha's Too!

CLASSIC CHEESE BALLS

Ingredients:

Base Recipe:

• 1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 package(s) (8 ounces each) cream cheese

• 2 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce

 5 dash(es) hot sauce (such as Tabasco)

• 1/2 teaspoon(s) coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground white pepper

Cheddar and Cranberry:

• 8 ounce(s) sharp orange cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 2 tablespoon(s) store-bought chutney
• 3/4 cup(s) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• Water crackers , for serving

Roquefort and Walnut:

• 6 ounce(s) Roquefort cheese

• 1 shallot, minced (1 tablespoon)

• 2 teaspoon(s) brandy (optional)
• 1 cup(s) toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
• Vegetable chips (such as Terra Chips Sweets & Beets), for serving

Goat Cheese and Scallions:
• 8 ounce(s) goat cheese
• 2 tablespoon(s) finely chopped scallions
• 1/3 cup(s) fresh curly-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1 English cucumber, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices, for serving

Directions:
1. Put butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until combined. Divide equally among 3 medium bowls.
2. Stir cheddar cheese and chutney with base mixture in the first bowl. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Roll cheese ball in cranberries to coat before serving. Serve with crackers.
3. Stir blue cheese and shallot with base mixture in second bowl; add brandy, if desired. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 1 month. Roll in walnuts to coat before serving. Serve with chips.
4. Stir goat cheese and scallions with base mixture in remaining bowl. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Roll in parsley to coat before serving. Serve with cucumber slices.

holy moley .... two things i love...
cheese and english transferware, lol!
oops, martha too!
(i collect the teal and the cranberry)



Monday Greetings! I just think they're cool message...

I don't know why - but I was thinking about these - thinking about keys,
carbons,
steno class,
Gregg Shorthand,
high school,

and I thought - what seemed normal - now looks cool - what was an every day item - now is vintage and interesting 

  oh and thanks for listening! Jennifer

Snow Bunnies - Shoppers of Vintage, Antique, Romantique, Unique

The Pink Poet

21414 Laytonsville Road

Laytonsville, MD

Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday

Wednesday - Sunday 11-6

• 
  
  estate jewelry
• 
  
  china
• 
  
  linens
• 
  
  pictures
• 
  
  garden items
• 
  
  shabby chic
• 
  
  fine jewelry
• 
  
  ephemera
• 
  
  designer jewelry
• 
  
  what nots
• 
  
  this and that

and much much more!!!

Owner Colleen Young

don't miss the building in the back for more treasures!

laughsit a spell

enjoybrowse

peek

tell some bunny!

and let me know you loved it, Jennifer

History lesson: Lava Jewelry classical, varied and beautiful

LAVA JEWELRY

Lava cameos are carved into a wide variety of subjects

 similar to those found in shell cameos:

Classical scenes including Roman and Greek gods and goddesses. You can find famous historical figures

and political figures from the Victorian era.

A lady could also commission a lava cameo to be carved

 in her own likeness if she wished.

The lava cameos are normally found mounted into

gold or silver to form the jewelery.

A Very Rare and Gorgeous Quality Antique Necklace with five Exquisite Carvings of Cherubs in Volcanic Lava, c. 1845.

Volcanic Lava Jewellery traditionally came from the lava of Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 A.D., destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. This type of Jewellery became popular during the ‘Grand Tour’ days of the English Aristocracy in the 19th century.

These playful cherubs or Cupids represent winged heavenly beings, signifying the message of love.

Each Cherub has been wonderfully and meticulously hand-Carved in high relief, with great Skill. Each is a work of Sculptural Art.

The colours of the Lava are varied with a Rare Blue-Grey one in the centre.

A Magnificent and Very Rare Fine Quality Antique substantial High Carat Gold Cameo Bracelet with Deities in Volcanic Lava.

Each Deity is Hand-Carved with consummate skill, in the mid-Victorian period, c.1860.

This Beautiful Quality suite of portrait busts of classical deities represent the days of the week. From left to right:- Luna (Monday); Marte (Tuesday); Mercoli (Wednesday); Jove (the ruler of them all, and the centre of the Bracelet- Thursday); Venete (Friday); Saturn (Saturday) and Diana (Sunday).

Luna or Selene – the Goddess of the Moon, pale with a half-moon over her head, and, as a cousin of Diana, carrying a quiver of arrows.

Marte or Mars – the God of War, with helmet and armour.

Mercoli or Mercury – the Messenger of the Gods, with wings in his helmet.

Jove or Jupiter – The ruler of the Gods, in control of everything.

Venete or Venus – the Goddess of Love.

Saturn – the father of Jupiter.

Diana – the Goddess of Hunting and Protector of all wild animals. Goddess of the Moon also. She carries a quiver of arrows, too.

These Gods and Goddesses are Hand-Carved out of subtly different coloured Volcanic Lava, probably from Vesuvius, with great craftsmanship, and meticulous detail.

The trend for lava cameo jewellery began in the early Victorian era, ladies undertaking the Grand Tour of Italy would call in at Pompei and purchase a piece of Lava Cameo Jewelery as a souvenir of their visit.

A little story about teeny Seed pearls

Antiques Roadshow...

believed to be once owned

by Marie Antoinette

A seed pearl is a natural pearl and weighs less than a quarter of a grain and is less than 2 mm in diameter in size. Can you imagine working with something so small to design a piece of fine jewelry? Once a cottage industry, pieces were often made by young men and women with small hands and good eyes.

Jewelers brought most seed pearls from India and China. They were strung on silk or white horsehair. In the mid 19th century, fashions became fuller and heavier. Because of the styles, seed pearl pieces became so large that that they were eventually made with metal supports.

By the 18th century and throughout the 19th century, pearls were very much in fashion. Victorians liked the delicate look, almost lace-like pieces against their skin and associated it with purity. They were often given as bridal gifts.

I hope you've enjoyed a bit of history on a style of jewelry I have always thought of as lovely. Jennifer

Found a funnel - found a treasure!

la la la la la la!!!!! de de de de! da da da da !

FOUND A $5 DOLLAR
FUNNEL FOR MY COLLECTION WHILE

VISITING MY FAMILY IN
NEW JERSEY - LA DE DA!

I ALSO BOUGHT A CUTE LITTLE

WOODEN FRAMED SIEVE THAT

HAD A CHILD'S RED METAL BEACH

SHOVEL FOR ANOTHER $5.

TOO COOL... HEE HEE!!!

and these voices were saying "what the heck are

you doing buying more crap?!?" "what do you need

another funnel for?" "what are you going to do with those?"

and it was my husband and two sons in my head going

on and on and on... and I didn't listen.

I think it's the stubborn only child Italian chick from New Jersy in me.

I'm a survivor.

Mad for Multiples!

I am MAAADDDDD for multiples! Yup! It really grows on you if you like to yard sales, flea market,

estate sales, decorating. You know how it goes... you know how it is.... you see this little sweet buy on this little sweet something and have to have it - it's yours! The next outing there's another one only cuter.... and suddenly Ooh La La! you have a collection of.... ah huh of ... MULTIPLES! And so it goes collectors... you should see mine... brass spray nozzles for garden hoses, all size funnels, glass spheres, shells, old painted chairs, opera glasses....la de da.

MAKE MINE WHITE - the great give away

MAKE MINE WHITE!
Ok- I'm a TJ Maxx, Home Goods,
Marshall's, thrift stores, yards sales,
auctions SHOPPER. GUILTY!
So I have 4 of this, 2 of that, service for 6 or 8 of this or that or 1. All neat to have friends or family over for a change. BUT.... I am going through a minimalist phase - and switching to all white - to simply simplify. Other ladies have had the brilliant idea - even Martha S. I've just been diagnosed with a mass in my left kidney - the kidney goes - I rest - and I'm having a GREAT GIVE AWAY. I've boxed up every doll ( just an expression) and dish for friends to choose because I'm a firm believer in the rippling effect of giving.

Vintage Hair Receivers

HAIR RECEIVERS

Hair collected from combs and brushes was saved in small jars of celluloid, glass, wood, or porcelain, with a hole in the lid through which the tufts were pushed. The hair saved in this manner was gathered up and formed into the pads (rather repulsively known as "rats" ewwww!) that were tucked under elaborate hair styles of the period to add fullness, especially if one was unlucky enough to have thin hair. I have quite a few of these hair receivers in my collection and have to try very hard not to add more ....that is NOT and easy task because they can be so beautiful . but I can enjoy them in someone Else's shop.

I'm In The Garden!!!

I can't help it! I just keep seeing photos of more and more wonderful garden ideas! I have a friend that has 5 garage buildings loaded with what she calls "junk" that she wants to take to auction so... I asked her if she by chance had any old windows or wash boards.....guess what I'm getting! Yup - both! Next is to purchase annuals for all my containers. I purchase perennials in the gently used areas of garden centers and Home Depot and Loews - my rose garden has perfect bushes I bought several years ago on the 80% sale rack simply because they didn't have a bloom on the bush. I stopped by a local garden center and they were throwing out bulbs because it was past the season - I inquired and they sold me 1500 tulip, crocus, daffodil and jonquil bulbs for $6. Killed my back planting them but the results the next year were marvelous! They're still popping up years later. Love that bargain!

Opening Weekend for Shupp's Grove Market - PA.

Shupp's Grove Flea Market opens the weekend of April 19th and 20th. If you like to stroll under the trees - go for it! I've purchased lots of garden items, vintage frames and china, do-dads, this and that! Everyone is friendly and helpful. You should arrive at around 8 am, if it's a nice day. Coffee is available and they have clean bathrooms. A lot of vendors pack up at 1 ish but you can then wander through the many antique shops. Lunch is wonderful at Stoudt's - they have the best bread and home-brewed beers. Adamstown, Ephrata, Denver, Pennsylvania...look it up!