Real Women- real role models

Let's teach our daughters to admire real women instead of Barbie dolls and Disney Princesses. Then they tell them to shoot for the stars! This mother did just that. This is very inspiring and speaks to one of the reasons Hometown Victory Girls was created.
Not Just a Girl
Have a beautiful day!

It's official! The Girls are Glamping!!

Invitations are out and the Hometown Victory Girls will be partaking 

in the first annual International Glamping Weekend!

This is the brain-child of MaryJane Butters, of the MaryJane's Farm empire.  She really has a rich history if you read up on it.  Raised in Utah, MaryJane worked as a wilderness ranger, carpenter and the first woman station guard in Moose Creek Station in Idaho.  In the years following marriage and children, she formed a non-profit group, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, to focus on water quality and agricultural issues in the Pacific Northwest.  Resigning as their president, MaryJane decided to build up her own organic farm specializing in ready-to-eat meals for backpackers, kayakers and all outdoor enthusiasts.  Today, along with her farm, she runs a bed and breakfast, a retail store, a magazine and is the author of four books. 

It is that fourth book of hers that has sparked a movement across the country.  'Glamping with MaryJane' is the essential handbook for anyone looking to spend a luxurious weekend in the woods.  And that's just what we're planning to do.

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Now if 'glamorous camping' seems a bit foreign to you, don't worry.  The rules haven't changed from your childhood camping days.  Pack all your gear and tents, but think on a grander scale.  Add real beds, not air mattresses.  Add throw pillows (who doesn't love more throw pillows?).  Add rugs, not AstroTurf.  Add chandeliers, not Coleman lanterns.  Get the idea?

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You'll still need pots and pans, but opt for pretty ones that can be used as much as for decoration as for service.  Ditch the plastic and paper.  Add tablecloths and frilly aprons. The idea here is to make the tent seem more like a home.

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But if tent-camping really isn't your thing, hook up the trailer.  Vintage trailers are making a huge comeback these days, and they can be completely customized to fit your personal taste.  From the romantic, shabby chic Airstream (above)...

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...to the canned ham in full-retro regalia!  The possibilities are endless!  

Your site can be as simple or as extravagant as you want.  

Now try not to lose heart when thinking, "How am I going to haul all this?"  I agree, we do need to be reasonable.  Although some glamping guides show lovely photos of clawfoot bathtubs, that's a bit of a stretch for most of us.  I still suggest packing easy meals such as trail mix, fruit, cheese and sausage.  But take a good look at all the disposable things you pack and replace them with the real thing.  Bring real dishes (one setting for each person) and real silverware.  Cloth napkins, towels and tablecloths.  Winnow your supplies down to one of everything (one wooden spoon, one fry pan, one medium kettle).  A little dish soap at the end of the day, and clean-up is a breeze. 

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Now add just a few frou-frou touches.  A potted plant to use as a centerpiece.  A tea-light in a mason jar for ambiance.  And don't forget those throw pillows.  These things aren't cumbersome to haul, but add a softer touch that makes your whole weekend just a bit more lux. 

So I think you get the idea.  The Hometown Victory Girls will be at Wildcat Mountain State Park on the first weekend in June.  Follow us on facebook for updates and event coverage.  If you happen to be in the area that weekend, let us know!  And next time we'll talk about what to wear when you're glamping.  Because, honestly, that's a whole blog post in and of itself!

Miss Marple Collar

A few months back I was shopping and found an adorable knit collar.  Of course my first thought was, "You want what for that?!  I can make it." And I did.

But then one of my readers mentioned that she had seen this same collar called a "Miss Marple Scarf."  So after a bit of hunting, I found this great free pattern off ravelry.  Armed with an official pattern this time, I had to make another one! 

I found a nice, medium blue yarn with tiny sequins scattered throughout.  The pattern directions were very easy to follow, utilizing mostly knit stitches except for the short ribbed sections.  If I were to make yet another one, I'd knit it just a bit longer in length and narrower in width.  But as it stands, it's very cozy.

This was the perfect project to pick up in the evenings while I was watching tv or sitting by the woodstove.  Next up on the Handwork To Do List are a few knitted can coozies.  I love knitting in winter, but I'm starting to dream about summer!

Bring out your hats!!

Now quick, bang on something with a wooden spoon and repeat,
"Bring out your hats!"

For fellow Monty Python fans out there, doesn't this sort of ring true?  Hats are such a great accessory, but unless their sole purpose is to keep the snow out of our ears, they sort of get left for dead.  Rarely does anyone wear a hat just for adornment purposes anymore.  And all these beautiful vintage creations of felt, rhinestones and netting are slowly deteriorating in their boxes. 

Well, honestly, I'm not any better at wearing my vintage hats.  Several of these are perfect matches to outfits that I've worn on more than one occasion, but do I ever grab the hat?  Nope.  So this past Sunday afternoon, I dumped them all on the dining room table and played dress-up.  I had a good time reminding myself just exactly what a hat can do for one's attitude, and my nine year old daughter enjoyed the entertainment, laughing at all my faces.

One of my easiest hats to wear is a 1950s low-profile, black felt with rhinestones.  Comfortable and unpretentious, this one is a no-brainer. 

Another 1950s vintage hat that fits both my hair style and several outfits in my closet is this white buckram hat. I love the wrap around detail in the front (which eliminates the need for pins!).

This black velvet number is a creation of mine dating back to when I first got hooked on peacocks.  I still adore peacocks, but sadly have never worn this one.

Continuing with my apparent love of tiny, back-of-the-head-perching hats, is this silly red one I picked up at the Hunnert Car PileUp car show in Illinois several years ago.  The top decoration is actually repeating rows of skinny ribbon stitched down to the base.  And I think the maker decided against the propeller in favor of the "wings" on either side.  Super silly, but it makes me laugh.

Another hat I purchased at a car show is this classic, faux fur leopard hat.  It's my single, bonafide designer hat, labeled "Saks Fifth Avenue."  And while I do use a leopard purse all winter, do I ever break this out of it's tissue paper?  (hanging my head in shame)

Ironically, the one hat that does get used is my mother's nurses cap.  This, of course, has made for the perfect Halloween costume more than one year.  I have even inherited the white bobby pins (still on the card).  But somehow, you just can't beat the original...

...my mother in 1962 training as an x-ray technician.

One of my most recent purchases (see, the lack of wearing does not deter the need for buying) is this 1960s beauty.  Wire9Vintage advertised a sale over at her etsy shop, and as this was already on my favorites list, I jumped on the chance!  The front is trimmed with white mink and the back has a large satin bow.  Now should I get all my sewing done in the next month, this will look smashing with my Easter dress.  Because Easter bonnets are one tradition that hopefully will never die!

This navy blue creation is still under construction.  A while back Wild Kat gave me this gorgeous birdcage netting topped with a spidery swirl and scattering of dots.  I found a hat at the thrift store, discarded the raggedy flowers and put the two together.  I still want to add a large grosgrain bow to the back, similar to the white fur hat above. 

So hopefully I've inspired you to search the back of your closet for all your lost hats.  Whether you're in the mood for sultry netting or Little Rascal-esque beanies (see left), this simple accessory can put an extra spring in your step!

Cheese Snobs

Okay, so it was only a matter of time before we talked about our guilty pleasure...cheese.  Today Wild Kat and BoPeep are discussing the finer points of the historic Wisconsin cheese industry.  Let's have a listen...

BoPeep  Up until a few months ago, I've always been happy to just buy whatever cheese is on sale at the grocery store.  We do have some cheesemakers in the area and as long as the label said "Made in Wisconsin," I was happy.  But actually...I think I'm turning into a cheese snob!  Over the summer, my husband and I bought some really good artisan cheese at local farmer's markets, and holy smokes, can you tell the difference!

Wild Kat   When I was young my grandfather always had some good sharp cheddar in the icebox. I remember he told me once that he never cared for processed cheese and that he didn't "trust" it. Perhaps this was from the rationing of newly processed cheese to troops when he was in WWII.

BoPeep  Exactly! I grew up on the three pound box of American cheese.  Now my kids call that "flat cheese."

Wild Kat  Growing up I didn't give much thought to cheese in general, but moving to another state made me appreciate Wisconsin cheese. My developing love of Italian food led me to Parmesan. Parmesan...if you buy a wedge and shred it over your pasta, it is hard to go back to the stuff in the green can!

BoPeep  So you live in a perpetual Olive Garden?   Yum!  Being from Wisconsin, we should take pride in our dairy heritage.  Buying local is always important, but especially when you come from a place that is known for a particular product.  A while back I bought some Kraft string cheese for the lunchboxes.  It was like eating an eraser!  No...more like eating a spatula.  Absolutely no flavor at all, and the most horrible texture.  And that's a nationally revered brand?!  Again, I think I'm a cheese snob. 

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FYI ~ we Wisconsinites have improved our cheeseheads these days.

Wild Kat  Once you taste quality cheese, it's hard to go back. I am a cheese snob and will soon turn you into a food snob, too! Olive Garden is not real Italian food! The local Kraft factory decided to shut it's doors leaving the employees jobless. Those employees decided to change their misfortune into fortune. They invested all their own 401Ks and started the Antigo Cheese Co.  Later they were bought out by Sartori Foods, and they continue to craft award-winning cheeses. Their success started with the parmesan! I love to support local people who chose to keep business here for themselves and the farmers.

BoPeep  It warms the insides to buy local!  There are sooo many good cheese houses in this state.  And I would be remiss if I didn't mention (fun fact!) that Wisconsin is the leading state in dairy sheep, hence sheep's cheese.  Check out a great blog post about both the history and the modern face of the Wisconsin cheese industry over at Kitchen Rap.

Wild Kat  We often put cheese on or in food, but have you ever had a cheese tasting party? Divine! A little wine never hurts, but then you can get the full flavor and distinctions of each cheese. Sartori's Bellavitano, one of my favorites, is buttery with a little bite. Be sure to bring your cheese to room temp for full flavor. Mmmm, I'm getting hungry.

BoPeep  'Nuff said...cheese-stuffed cheese for dinner!  And afterwards, when we pop the button on our pants, let's start planning that cheese tasting party.

Wild Kat Start with your favorite milk - cow, sheep, goat - and select your cheese from there. Be sure to have a selection of hard, soft, and semi-soft cheese for tasting. Then you can pick your wine. 

Handmade Jewelry

It seems the craft stores are now well stocked with beads and jewelry accessories of every design. This trend piques my interest, and I love jewelry that reuses materials!
I originally met Anna about 2010 at a craft fair. Her stunning jewelry intrigued me, she had beautiful designs, and upon closer inspection I discovered they were made of vintage stamps and papers.

Anna has much better photos of her jewelry.

Beautiful.
I took her card and kept up with her website. I finally decided to commission some custom jewelry from her with my art on it. They turned out great! I treasure them and wear them regularly.

The backs are equally beautiful in case your necklace flips over.

 I started researching some stamps that I had found on a pick last summer, and decided to donate them to Anna. I knew she would treasure these pieces of history as much as I did and put them to great use. And she did and offered to make me some jewelry out of one of my stamps!

Wearing my Johnny Appleseed 1966.

 Here are some examples of Anna's work, and I recommend you check out her website. You can pick up some great stamps for reasonable prices and have Anna make you some custom jewelry.

An HVG Talent Swap

Remember a while back when Wild Kat and I decided to trade talents?  I'm pretty sure I got the better end of this deal.  A few weeks back, Wild Kat delivered my new and improved sewing machine.  Here's my traveling Singer decked out in gold metallic pinstriping!

I bought the machine for $12 because the mechanics underneath were completed rusted and seized.  No guarantees that it would ever sew another stitch.  The flywheel didn't move one iota.  But my fabulous grease monkey of a husband *tapped* it lovingly a few times with a hammer, loosened the crud, oiled the bageebees out of it, and viola! 

 

I figured out how to thread it, wound a bobbin (thank God it actually came with one!) and ran a few yards through her.  After a search on the serial number, I discovered this 99k was made in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania in 1957. 

Once we got everything freed up and sewing again, my husband stripped down the wooden case.  It had been covered with a vinyl fabric and was in bad shape.  He resurfaced the outside with some fiberglass resin to firm it up and sanded it down smooth.  He sprayed it with a coat of gloss black paint and replaced the handle with one from a copper wash boiler.  A metal latch on either side, and she's good to go.

Enter, Wild Kat.  She claims that she's still learning how to pinstripe, but I don't buy it. She added just the right amount.  Not too fancy, not too West Coast surf.  If Isaac Singer had known about pinstriping back in 1851, he would have done it this way.  It looks factory!

We're proof that the time honored barter system is still an effective tool today!  I'll knit your scarf; you stripe my sewing machine.  What could be better?