Postcards from Paris

So this week I don't think I have bought a single thing, been to busy getting my pretimed ebay items ready to list, packing and continuing to perfect my baking skills so nothing to show you. However a week on Monday will be heading off for a month back home in Oxford and have trips to Paris and Amsterdam planned so if you would like a postcard from my travels send your address to:

JeTaimeVintage@hotmail.com

and in the meantime my latest cookies.

Blue Rabbit Cookies

I always thought I was a bit rubbish at this sort of thing, and I am still pretty messy with it all but didn't expect to master cookie icing so quickly, but have ordered some really interesting cookie cutters and lots of techy decorating stuff so when back from my holidays (if I can wait that long to play with them) will be going all out!

Hope you all had a great week and found lots of goodies and wont be giving up blogging while on holiday, I have been getting all my internet finds sent back home over the last 6 months so have a huge stash of goodies, plus will be blogging about my travels so keep in touch and thanks for everyone who reads/follows/writes on my blog, been so much fun over the past year getting to meet some fantastic people-may it continue!

$2 Tuesday (or Saturday)

So someone knew I needed cheering up this week and exactly what it would take to do that, a huge pile or vintage clothes for $2 a piece! I also have washed and cleaned everything from all my clothes, to every room in the house, got my post table sorted so will take my fella less time to send off my ebay items when away, and in a rather OCD way have folded my best vintage clothes and packed into individual zip lock bags for my trip so with that bonus this morning, a nice tidy organised house and a tray full of yummy cookies to nibble on, today has been good!

Top Finds of the Week!

Some of my favourite finds tihs week are my leopard coat, the 60s label is so cute and it has a rabbit fur trim really nicely dyed to look like leopard, plus groovy paisley lining! Really pretty smocked maxi dress and a boutiqish dress from some Australian designer who I dont know about because im not that up of anything post 1989

Vintage 80s Jackets

Seemed to be finding lots of groovy jackets today, I love the denim one, tempted to keep that on, and really like the floral one too.

Cardigans

Totally scored with my stripy Alice MaCall cardigan, such a bargain! The ebay crew seem to love AM stuff so for $2, I am very chuffed! Cute little retro cardi too which is in my favourite colour!

Vintage 80s Leather Paris High Waist Trousers

These were just to groovy and odd to say no to, 2-tone leather and suede trousers made in France. They are really well tailored and so quirky!

More Jackets

The first on is the 1940s Leather swing coat I restored after had been living under the house. Looking fantastic now and ready for an ebay outing I think if it stops being stupidly quite soon. Quietest time I have ever had on ebay which sucks as I go on holiday in 2 weeks! I am sure that has not been making me very cheery! Next coat I could get on as my arms are too butch but it has a really pretty fit around bust and made of a floral brocade.

Salt and Pepper Sets

Retro sets of salt and pepper shakers always catch my eye, even though I probably will never use them as like the grinder jobbys but they look so pretty!

Spiced Honey Iced Bunny Biscuits

So these are my new experiment, needing a break from the chocolate chips. I know its not Easter but they are for Holly at work and we have rabbits at work so its themed. Had a little gingerbread man one but kept decapitating them when cutting out the dough.

Hope you all had a lovely week, and thank for all your kind comments on my last post, really cheered me up! Thank you so much!

For more thrifty finds check out the weekly blogs of:

Sophie @ Her Library Adventures on Flea Market Sunday
Erica @ Fashion Recycled on Thrifty Friday
MissieLizzie @ Me and My Shadow on Magpie Monday
See you there and thanks for stopping by!

Cookie Therapy

I'm a pretty quiet person, I don't know many people over here in Australia- some might call it anti social, but when I have a problem it means I don't have many people to whinge to about it, which sucks when aspects of your life are going down the pan when others are going so well. Its pretty easy to slide into a bit of a depressive state however have found a much more creative way of dealing with feeling crap. Cookie therapy-sounds a bit like an excuse to stuff my face, and your not totally wrong, but its more my search to understand baking the perfect cookie. Although my partner could not give 2 hoots, my work colleagues have been gobbling them up and loving them -I miss people who appreciate my baking! Its always fun to have a project but one that you get to eat cookies (and more importantly the dough) is even better.

This is what I look like now.

So I started my search, and first off I tried the classic Nestle Tollhouse recipe which has been tweaked out in various ways to produce slightly different versions. Some recipes used melted butter to help them 'caramalise' when baking. Others chill dough for 24-36 hours but the effect is more or less the same. Check out this blog for a good review of this classic cookie and various twists on it from Cooks Illustrated, New York Times and Alton Browns

They were nice,but much better out the oven, than when had cooled as a bit cakey and dry. The perfect cookie is very dependent on your taste but I was after more of a buttery crunch. I tried a totally different recipe from Nigella which are the ones pictured below. They were quite nice and more crumbly but still cakey. More flour than other Tollhouse based recipes

Nigella Lawsons Cookies

I knew I needed to do something very different. That is when I came across some perfect light airy textured biscuits at the Sunday Markets made from peanut butter and NO EGG. So I took a leap of faith and despite my very un vegan diet researched some egg-less recipes. Now I am getting somewhere.

First batch using oil and no egg came out okay but a tad dry (although can always thin out to taste with a little milk) so the next night tried the same recipe with about 20% more butter and about 50g of melted chocolate. which turned out much better-and lasted well too.

By changing the amount of butter-cookies more moist and greasy, sugar-sweeter, flour-more dry and crumbly, so I will put the recipe I used for this below but can alter the main 3 ingredients to you hearts content as long as final texture not too dry or too soggy.

Egg-less Chocolate Cookies

Heat oven to 180C and line 1-2 trays with grease proof paper-wax side up.

If want to use melted chocolate (optional) put 50g (roughly) of Dark chocolate buttons in a large ceramic bowl on low heat over a small saucepan of water to melt.

190g Plain Flour

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda

Mix these together and set aside

95g Butter 

(softened and suggest whipping first to stop sugar spraying everywhere!)

60g Soft Brown Sugar

30g of Caster Sugar

Whisk in bowl on high until pale and less grainy, then add wet ingredients  (below) whisking after each one.

1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

50g (roughly) of  Melted Dark Chocolate (optional)

1 1/2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil (or egg if prefer instead)

Fold in flour mixture with a spoon- if becomes too dry and crumbly you wont have very flat cookies so add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until a softer texture and can easily roll into balls then flatten into a round cookie shape-but this is down to personal preferences.

Add Chocolate chips to taste-I use about 70g of white chips plus milk to decorate as already had some melted dark chocolate in dough. You can add as much or little as you like, can also add fruit, nuts or whatever you fancy! You can add extra bits on top once on the trays before you bake them to make them look more interesting

Bake for about 10-14 mins (depending on size of cookies) at 180C . I made about 12 cookies from this but can make more can keep dough in balls in the freezer ready to bake fresh.

Allow to cool for a few mins before transferring to a wire rack.

Amounts of things don't matter too much with cookies as long as the final unbaked dough is not too runny or dry-either way they are always better eaten fresh out the oven. I might be trying a little more butter next time but I like my food packed full of calories. I also may try using an egg yolk but not the white.

This has been way more fun than crying on the sofa and feeling sorry for myself- and my cookie baking skills are vastly improved!

Another Addition to Australian Vintage Collection!

This week have been getting more and more excited about my trip back home. Its only 3 weeks away and am already starting to pack my bag. I have all my little trips to Paris with mum and Amsterdam with my mates booked and honestly don't think I have ever done anything so exciting in my life which is weird as I am going home to do what I always used to do. There is something weird about moving across to the other side of the world. It sounds terribly 'cliche' but you do start to know yourself more. However much I love the nice weather and the beaches, I start to know what is important to me, much of which is back home. I have been trying to cut back a little due to holiday but my tactic of offering half of what ever the price was today seemed to pay off for once so could still pick up a few fantastic goodies.

Vintage 80s PRUE ACTON Pure Silk Crochet Dress

This is just gorgeous dress by the legendary Prue Acton. Very pale pink silk with crochet panels and matching belt. I have got so many amazing Australian vintage pieces I was thinking of selling at the same time before I move back-not sure how to go about this one so any ideas appreciated, I am so bad at marketing.

60s Dollyrockers by Sambo Maxi & Cream Velvet Suit

I am not sure if the suit is very me, I quite like the jacket but the velvet is so amazingly soft and its very nicely tailored. Comes with matching skinny trousers that are a little too tiny for my 'well built' (chunky) legs which is a shame else may have tried to jazz it up a little. This Dollyrockers dress was one of my top finds of the day though! 

40s Tweed Wool Wasp Waist Blazer

I like this, may be a bit 'clay pigeon shooting' but I like how English it makes me feel. Love the tailoring too with flare at the back and nice finishing to buttons.

80s Purple Plaid Mini Dress

Getting to the point where if I twist too much I put my back out so its a pain taking these back photos but somethings have such nice little details I have to try and do them justice! I like it when they use patterned fabrics like checks and stripes and have them running in different directions. 

80s Sun Dress and Gym Bag

Having a Miami circa 1988 moment, you either love it or hate it, and if you love it (and not just for a themed party) chances are you were either not born or too young to remember the actual decade.

70s Mexican Felt Embroidered Poncho Cape

Another addition to my Wardrobe-Not far off being able to outfit everyone for my own 'Ugly Betty Party'. I should have cropped this more though, the edge of the camera lens looks like a really creepy set of teeth. Whoops.

For more thrifty finds check out the weekly blogs of:

Sophie @ Her Library Adventures on Flea Market Sunday
Erica @ Fashion Recycled on Thrifty Friday
MissieLizzie @ Me and My Shadow on Magpie Monday
See you there and thanks for stopping by!

Finds BEFORE My Blog Days!

So I had a shit week. Everything was going well, all on top of my work, looking forward to joining in the new listy thing on Mondays but then....my hard drive dies. Beware those of you with automatic updates as I am not alone-it over loaded hard drive and ended up costing a fortune. I hate Microsoft so much right now. I know hating is not a good word to use but feel its very justified here. So I didn't manage to get much time to go out hunting, I found a few treasures but thought I would also share with you 5 of my best finds before my blogging days.

Vintage 80s Chanel Dress

I was so close to really crapping myself when I saw this dress. It does not fit me, I am far too broad for something so pretty and dainty but tried to photograph all the little features on it! It just feel nice to own one, for now!

30s Navy Crepe Lace Trim Maxi Dress

I don't like using the word Maxi to describe such a nice old piece, it feels too trendy. At the same time what are you supposed to say? Full Length? I don't feel that does this justice either, sounds too stuffy. I love this dress and apart from the tiniest tear on the lace collar its in perfect condition!

Fabric has a nice heaviness to it so drapes very well, a really beautiful fit with all the gathers!

Vintage 40s Stud Smocked Novelty Print Dress

Check out all the stunning details on this beauty! Very unusual little round studs allover bodice, with quirkiest print and really nice original knotted belt...

The wide shaped waistband again fits like only 40s dresses do and these photos do not do it justice!

Vintage 40s 50s? Miami Robes Dress

This piece is a real stunner. I have never got around to repairing the zipper but at some point I will as frozen up and so cant try it on-which is VERY annoying but this one cant be a rush job-its worth much more time invested to try and save current zipper or find a perfect replacement!

Vintage 50s Hawaiian Playsuit

This was and insane bargain and looks unworn, totally mint condition. I wish I could tell you how much these cost but its at the risk of you all hating me and you wont come and visit my blog anymore which would suck.

Now onto my bargains for the week...

60s Floral Embroidered Pink Dress

How cute is this! Love the bright psychedelic flower embroidery, very 60s! The perfect party dress I think!

70s Sheepskin Coat

This is my best find in a while and its all mine. I hate the cold so this thick fully lined coat will keep me warm all winter long and will probably be so conditioned to Australian temperatures that will end up wearing it in Summer back home in England.

Vintage 80s Neon Garden Jumper

Just couldn't say no to this because its just super loud and colourful and warm. I like colourful things!

50s Roulette Bag

Okay so its a little bit tatty, but its so darn cool. It has little pearl counters and rhinestone studs as counters and the fabric looks quite old-must be 40s or 50s. I always appreciate if anyone else knowledge about these things or can correct my dating skills!

Vintage 70s Green Leather Bag

Well its just so disco, I love bright green too! If I happen to go to a 70s disco BBQ I can also take these along....

Vintage 1976 Meat Tenderiser and Seasoner Set

Not sure how much meat will be left after giving it pound with this one but they look cool don't they!

Old Sewing Needles

I say needles like I have more than one in there, I don't-which is a bummer but the packet is still aesthetically pleasing.
And next the reason why I don't like to model clothes over winter??

Vintage 80s Vivian Chan Shaw Jumper

Its just so warm and I cant take it off! I love oversized jumpers, especially in cold weather!

As I enjoy the wonders of not having lost my entire years worth of computer stuff I can now get to see everyone else finds (touch wood) at the weekly blogs of:

Sophie @ Her Library Adventures on Flea Market Sunday
Erica @ Fashion Recycled on Thrifty Friday
MissieLizzie @ Me and My Shadow on Magpie Monday
See you there and thanks for stopping by!

Vintage Designer Bargains

Its when you see a combination like this that your heart stops. I had a huge pile of luck behind me when I went vintage hunting this week, and everything was such a bargain! So this might not be my personal style, way too conservative and Queenish (the monarch not the band or lifestyle). I seem to have particular luck with this brand, as score 3 pairs of the bow shoes for under $5 about 2 years ago. 

Salvatore Ferragamo Metallic Knit Skirt

 I had to leave the evidence on there and onto my next designer bargain...

Vintage 70s Merivale Jacket

 Its 'Australian Biba' (but minus one of the 0's on the price tag) for the bargain price of $2! Spotted the label a mile off even though flipped round the other way-was so proud of that one.

60s Maxi Dress & Velvet Smocked Dress

Quite fond of the label on the maxi! It has really nice bright colours in the skirt too! This cute little smocked velvet dress was too good to leave behind.

70s 80s Stephan Galloway Full Skirt Party Dress

Simple but so gorgeous this 50s style chocolate brown party dress was apparently by a famous 80s designer but not got chance too look it up yet in my books!

Mint Psychedelic Tunic & Aussie Hand Knit Sweater

Now the tunic was all colourful and glittery and new looking- I'm like some magpie, there is a reason Hoarders is band from my television. The jumper however is mine to keep forever, and is extra special as was from a local couple who I know well. She knitted it for her daughter but was never worn as allergic to wool so I got it, hooray! I love the little echidnas on the arms!

80s Vintage Flowery Trousers

Im not sure if these are good or bad, but I like them. Yes they are pretty cheesy but would probably look fantastic on one of those chic French or California boho type girls. My style is either joggers and a random t-shirt when just doing house stuff, or I look like I got dressed in a fancy dress store, I never look very vintage-more comical.

Heaps of Vintage 80s Knits

Lots of wool and angora knits, the rainbow vest is my top pick. Cute little crochet knit dress too.

Groovy Tops & More Eccentric Trousers

 I love the trousers, $2 from some Japanese girls selling all their gear at the youth hostel. They look so comfy, and perfect for Spring. Retro 70s tops and a bright neon shawl-cant believe how much I found today!

Vintage Dresses

80s party dress,and from the 60s a metal zip spotty dress, and a psychedelic halter dress.

Lots of Vintage 80s Tops

Sparkly gold cardi, ruffle collar shirt, bird curtain print t-shirt and a beautiful rose print delicate sheer blouse!

Now I am exhausted and broke so I am tucking into my favourite Yalla Vanilla yogurt and watching a film while I clean iron and hem some of my finds, I love Saturday afternoons!

Cant wait to see everyone elses finds at the weekly blogs of:
Sophie @ Her Library Adventures on Flea Market Sunday
Erica @ Fashion Recycled on Thrifty Friday
MissieLizzie @ Me and My Shadow on Magpie Monday
See you there and thanks for stopping by!

50s Fete & Cupcake Competition

Okay so this really happened about 2 weeks ago but been to busy to remember blogging about it, very slack I know. Anyway turns out that the little country 50s fete with cupcake competition at a little village hall has rather high standards when it comes to bashing out some sweet treats to raise money for the school playground. I have to admit here that this is probably the fanciest place in the area, hence Zumbo quality offerings, however I think my favourites- the little sushi cakes with chocolate dipping sauce (nice) - was probably the hard work of a Japanese Au Pair for sure, they are so detailed, rolled in sprinkles to look like sushi rice-WOW!

 So after the excitement of this it quickly turned into my worst nightmare. Competition means I cant go and buy them and eat them NOW. They should have seriously had a greater range of cupcakes to keep me satisfied as was trying to convince my partner to get the getaway car ready so could thieve some. This is my heaven, I could have happily eaten half the table So what other goodies...

 Just loved the little retro apple on this one, and the fact that has huge sugar decorations. I buy packets of those to eat like sweets, same with jars of caramel sauce and cookie dough- I probably shouldn't admit that.

 Well these are just so pretty! Nice pastel roses making you think of vintage tea shops. Why are not half of the Byron mothers starting up cake shops-or at least producing more regular bake sales with skills like these. You would have a good customer in me!

 Now this was unique, love that they used the little plant pots too. However bigger cakes people, I could have downed all 3 in one mouthful. Cakes on the right are very pretty and sparkley too.

 Now how about these for a sugar hit, lots of yummy looking frosting and a flake too-bonus, I think I might be giving these ones ago, look fancy but nice and simple for me. Now some VERY creative cupcakes....

....yes please, I would love a naked doll bathing in my cupcake! There is just something very uninviting about these ones, certainly went all out with the colour. Just the likely hood of finding a pube like hair wrapped around your marshmallow would be very high.

Well I certainly learned something that day. After being proud of my baking skills since I was tiny, mine are for pure enjoyment with no frills, and 'speed' is not a quality most people will care about in a cupcake unless your a student with the munchies looking to eat half a tray, but I'm looking forward to getting as creative as these guys. Shame I havn't got any children to blame it on if it cocks up.