My New Favorite Blog!

Ladies, this weekend I found a blogger that I am loving right now. I bet most of you have heard of her, but for some reason I have never come across her before. Her name is not Lisa Freemont, but her blog is called Lisa Freemont Pages and her YouTube channel is called Lisa Freemont Street.


What I like about Ashley's (the author) blog and YouTube channel is the vast amount of useful information regarding vintage and vintage inspired hair, makeup and clothing. I am also loving her series on Viva Las Vegas and I am dying to go next year because she makes it look so fun!

Unfortunatley she has most of her pictures and YouTube videos disabled for sharing, so I wasn't able to post them. You should spend a couple of hours going through her videos and blog. You will love it!

My Martha Fail

So I decided to organize my pantry the other day- you know, January organization and all- and I found this on Martha Stewart:

Aren't those glass jars just adorable? I thought they were a little slice of perfection, so I decided to go ahead and make them. After reading through some of the comments, I learned I could get the jars at Target, so off I went.

Sure enough, Target had them in 3 different sizes so I literally bought every single one on the shelf. Then it was off to Michael's to get the stickers and etching cream.

Here is where things took a turn for the worse.

They were completely sold out of etching cream at Michael's, and I couldn't find any vinyl stickers. So I just bought some 'normal' stickers and decided to try JoAnne's for the etching cream.

Guess what? JoAnne's was also out of etching cream. So my mother mentioned SHE was going to the Michael's by her, and would look out for the cream. Sure enough, she found some. But it was the tiniest bottle you ever saw. However, I was on a mission and by goodness I was going to make those wonderful jars.

Now, as you may recall, I didn't have any vinyl stickers- just the regular ones. I thought the project would work with those. So I stuck them down and proceeded to glop the etching cream on top. Then, after waiting a minute or two, I washed it off. Here was the result:

Um, it doesn't exactly look like Martha's. But I figured it looked horrible because I didn't exactly follow the directions. So off I went to find vinyl stickers. Turns out they are also known as 'rub off' letters, so I went back to Michael's and sure enough- there they were! And on sale!

So I started again. I made sure each letter was on perfectly (took almost half of an hour) and then made sure the etching cream was laid on thick. Here is the result:

So not cute.

So I decided to scratch the entire plan and just use some stamps to create labels. And to be honest, I think they came out pretty good. Wanna see?

Isn't that cute?

Here is how I did it

First, I got out my materials:

letter stamps

stamp ink

tags

twine

scissors

Then I just picked a color (turquoise of course) and then stamped whatever was going into the jar onto the label:

Then I tied the tag onto the jar with some twine:

and voila! Adorableness!

Isn't that cute? And soooo easy. It isn't as sophisticated as Martha's, but it sure was easier.

The Day Of The Party

So, your menu has been picked, your guests have RSVP'd, your table is set, your flowers are arranged, and you probably have at least one dish done (preferably dessert).

So now what?



First of all, you should make a list of everything you have left to do. This should include: kids food prep, finishing each course and what exactly must be done, setting out drinks including water and wine, and getting dressed/putting makeup on.

Then rewrite you list in the order you would like to accomplish it. Here are a few suggestions:



Get the kids food out of the way. I usually have a veggie with a dip platter, some pasta, and maybe some boiled eggs. Frankly, the kids don't each much because they are too busy playing. Also, do yourself a favor and use paper plates/cups/napkins/silverware here. I like to use my leftover paper from other dinners and/or birthday parties. Also, I like box drinks because that way you don't have to help the kids pour all night long.



Get dressed and put your makeup on 2 hours before dinner. I know most people want to finish everything and then get dressed, but I have found work tends to pile up at the end and I am often caught with stringy hair and sweatpants. Better yet, do your hair and makeup at the beginning of the day so all you have to do is throw a fresh frock on and touch up your makeup.



Have something for your guests (especially the women) to do in the kitchen. Everyone, and I mean everyone asks if there is anything they can do, and you probably tell them, "no, I have everything under control". Well dont. Save something easy like chopping lettuce, peeling eggs, or some other menial chore for them to do. It breaks the ice, gives your guest a feeling of empowerment because they are helping, and takes one more thing off your list.

One hour before you are supposed to eat, be sure your soup is DONE and just keep it warm on the stove top. Take anything out of the fridge that needs to come to room temperature, and put any casserole in the oven to bake. Your salad should be done by now, but if not, now is the time to do it. Just don't put the dressing on (unless it is a coleslaw) until it is time to serve. Oh, and if you are having whipped cream with dessert, whip it now and save it in the fridge. I have often found myself in the kitchen whipping cream when I should have been with my guests.



By now your guests are starting to arrive. Get your husband or partner to serve drinks. We just serve beer and wine. However, if you like hard alcohol, it is nice to mix up a pitcher of your 'signature' drink and have it on a table with some glasses for your guests to help themselves.



And finally, remember not to let them see you sweat. Souffle fall? Don't tell them. Meat overcooked? Don't say anything. Mashed potatoes gummy? Mums the word. Never tell your guests how hard you worked or how something didn't work. I find this to be very difficult, and I don't always succeed, but do your best NOT to point out the imperfections in your meal.

So, good luck! Please, let me know if any of you take any of this week's advice in throwing a dinner party. It would really make my day to know that my experience has helped someone.

Setting A Table 202

For those of you kittens who are looking for a little bit more on table settings, here is what I would purchase if I was starting out as a hostess (or getting married and needed to register for gifts).

First, I would start with 12 glass dinnerware sets.



Why glass and not white? I just prefer the look of glass. I think it is timeless, classic, and sparkly. It has no season and it is usually inexpensive. Plus, it looks amazing mixed with other place settings.

Next, I would get some table linens. I would start with a plain white cotton tablecloth and 13 plain white cotton napkins. Don't spend too much on these because they WILL get stained. But don't get cheep polyester. It feels gross and looks worse.



Remember these glass vases from flower arranging 101? Well go get two of them. I tried to find them online at Target, but they dont sell them. However, I have seen them in the stores for under $10. If you must, just go get two fishbowls. Or look in the floral section of your grocery store. I have seen them there as well.

Here are just a few of the things you can do with your round glass vases:






As for silverware, I say just use your everyday set. You don't really need a fancy set to start with.

For glasses, you probably already have a set of wine glasses and table glasses. Just use those! Or buy a nice set from Macys, Target, or Crate and Barrel. Don't do what I did and get a colored rim. I really regret getting silver on the rim of my wine glasses, because I feel it almost makes them too fancy.

And that my dears, is all you need to really get started! Just be careful, because once you start to entertain, it becomes addicting! You will start to drool over gorgeous china, and stunning serving dishes, and fine linens.

Setting A Table 101

I always try to set my table the day before my party. It makes the day of the party flow so much smoother. It also helps me get into the party spirit. And lastly, I like the way a fully set table looks, so I get to enjoy it for an extra day!

For this meal I knew I was going to start with a soup and then serve the salad and main course together, and then follow with dessert.

Here is a picture of the place setting:



I purchased these lovely dishes on EBay right before I moved, and then just kept them in their boxes for the past two years, so this was the first time I have ever used them! I placed the soup bowl on top of the plate, and then set the table.

The napkins are just plain white cotton napkins that I got for my wedding a hundred years ago, and the silverware is our everyday silver. I have a really nice set of silver that has been passed down in my husband's family for generations, but the meal was a fairly casual one and therefore I didn't want to break out the silver- or the silver polish!

The wine glasses and cut crystal glasses were also wedding gifts. I use the crystal as water glasses, but they are supposed to be low ball cocktail glasses. My next big purchase will be these or these. I just can't decide. Any opinions?

For those of you who are really just starting out, I would suggest using some paper plates. What?! Paper!! The horror! Except there are some really beautiful paper plates out there, especially at Target. I have been using paper for two years now because I never unpacked my fancy dishes when I was living in the rental home- plus I didn't want to do the dishes. And guess what? They looked great! So if you don't want to invest in a set of fine china, go ahead and use paper.

**Glamorous Housewife Time Tip**
You can always set the table days in advance of your party, just cover the table with a sheet after you have it set to keep the dust (and kids) out of your plates.

Flower Arranging 101

**Crap. This was supposed to be Wednesday's post but I accidentally posted it early. Sorry!**

Have you ever seen those mixed flower bouquets at the grocery store and wondered how anyone could make them look pretty in a vase? Well, I have a wonderful post today to teach you exactly how to make a generic bouquet look like something you bought at a florist!

First of all you need some flowers. I got mine at Trader Joes, but any grocery store will have them.

And from above:



Aren't those lovely?

Next we need a vase. I use a circle 'fishbowl' vase I got at Target for under 10 bucks. You can also use this method with a square vase. Make sure you have a bit of water in it, but not too full, because if you need to rearrange, things could get really messy very quickly.



Next take off the plastic wrappings from the bouquet and snip off any ribbon or rubber bands. If the flowers come with a package of flower food, add it to the vase water now.



Next, separate your bouquet by flowers:



Now, find the flowers in your bouquet that have many flowers on one stem such as daises, carnations, or mums. I used this funny chartreuse flower. Then cut them down so they are sticking out of the vase about 2 inches and place them around the inside of the rim of the vase as so:



From the top:


From the side:


The reason I start with these flowers is to create a natural base that will help support the other flowers. If you started with the roses, they would just fall to the sides of the vase- you could never get them to point up. But with a base of other flowers, you can weave the stem of larger flowers in the web created by these flowers to help give the arrangement structure.

Next I went with the hydrangea:



The hydrangea has a large head of flowers on it and should just rise above the top of the vase.

Next the roses:



To give the arrangement more of a casual feel, I placed all three roses together in a bunch. It looked odd, but I knew when I added the other flowers, it would all come together.

Next I added the fuchsia colored flowers- also in a bunch:



Then, to tie everything together, I added the carnations, in bunches, all over the rest of the arrangement:



As for the rest of the flowers that came with the bouquet, I just tossed the ones I didn't want to use, and put the others in their own vases grouped by flower.

Once you are satisfied with your arrangement, be sure to add more water. You can use the greens provided by the bouquet to hide the stems by stuffing them inside the vase, but it will dirty the water fairly quickly.

Here is the finished product on the table:



So the key is to cut the stems short, use one type of flower as the base to create a web on which the other flowers will use to help support them, and cluster your flowers within the arrangement. Oh, and remember, you DONT have to use the entire bouquet.

Good luck!

Be sure to send me pictures of your arrangements to : TheGlamorousHousewife@gmail.com

Day 2 Party Planning

On Tuesday I make my grocery list, and I try to do my grocery shopping- at least for stuff that wont perish, or for ingredients I need for the food I make on Wednesday and Thursday. I often have to go back to the store on Thursday or Friday for fresh ingredients, but that is a quick trip- 20 minutes max.

Here is a picture of my grocery list:



As you can see I list by recipe. Not sure why I do it that way, it would probably be easier to do it by produce, baked goods, canned goods, etc. But this works for me.

I also make a quick list of what I want to accomplish each day:



This is my list for this week, and I am busy volunteering on Friday afternoon, which really cuts into my cooking time, so I picked dishes (especially dessert)that can be made ahead of time. The lemon mousse is chilled and will still taste fine if I make it on Wednesday. I can also make the soup stock on Wednesday.

I was discussing this list with my friend who is making a lunch for 20 adults this Saturday (did I mention she has a 4 week old? She is the ultimate glamorous housewife!) and she was surprised I did my flowers on Wednesday. I told her it is just easier for me to get them out of the way, and it gives the roses a few days to open up. But you can always do them 1-2 days before the party instead of 3 if that is easier for you.

Of course you can always do your grocery shopping as late as Thursday, but I like to string it out over the week and do a little bit at a time.

Wednesday: Flowers, Thursday: tablesetting, Friday: cooking and last minute tips

How To Plan A Dinner Party 101

Here at Chez Glamour, I tend to throw a dinner party about once a week, usually on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. After throwing so many parties, I thought I would show you how I can put together a fun dinner for 10 adults and 6 kids in 5 days. Each day this week I will post on what I do every day to prepare for the Friday night dinner.




On Mondays I go through my cookbooks and decide on a menu. Usually I cook seasonally, and I noticed some amazing mushrooms last week at the farmer's market, so I decided that I would feature them as a main course. I found a mushroom lasagna in my Greens cookbook that looked amazing so I started with that.

Then I decided I needed a salad to go with it. I found a wonderful looking winter salad(in the same cookbook)that had all of my favorite vegetables such as carrots, celery root, beets, and potatoes. It was then smothered in a tarragon mustard dressing. Because I was 2 for 2 with the this cookbook, I decided to find a soup to go with the salad and lasagna. I decided on a fennel and celeriac (celery root) soup.

Now, I just had to figure out what I wanted to make for dessert. I have been obsessed with fruit crisps and felt I have pretty much become an 'expert' with them and wanted to try something more challenging. So I thought a chocolate molten cake would be a delicious way to end the meal. I found the recipe in my Everyday Food Cookbook.

Here is a photo of the notebook I carry around with me that has all my menu notes and grocery lists with the decided menu and notes:



Once I knew what the menu would be, I started the invitations. I usually spend a long time preparing the perfect invite. NOT! I just text:



Or I call. I try to get the information out on Monday, but I have been known to put together a menu and invitations as late as Wednesday!

And that, kittens, is how I start my week! Tomorrow: pre-grocery shopping. Wednesday: Flower arranging 101. Thursday: Setting the table and starting to cook. Friday: Cooking and getting ready to PARTY!

Quick Vintage Ideas For Your Hair

(via here)

Let's start off with the easiest way to wear your hair: in a chignon.

Start with your hair in a smooth ponytail:



Then twist your hair around the base, pinning as you go along:



You can leave the bun as is, or decorate it with a flower, comb, or pretty hair clip:



I wear my hair like this a lot.

Next, I am going to show you a complicated do, but the basics will show you how to make your ponytail prettier.

For an quick pony, pull your hair back into a ponytail as seen in the first picture. For the complicated do, split your hair into two ponytails, one right on top of the other:



For the quick pony, separate your tail into sections, spray, and roll in hot curlers. I can get all my tail into curlers in less then 5 minutes.

For the more complicated do, split your first ponytail in half, and then take the top half and split that into three sections. Roll each section towards your head. I used small rollers, but I would suggest using medium.

Then roll the rest of both ponytails in curlers away from your head. When finished it should look something like this:



After the rollers cool down, take them out:



Now here is where it gets tricky. Take the rolls that you had on the top of the first ponytail and reroll them (without the curlers) and pin the roll to your head. Create a sort of donut shape going around the base of the ponytail. Then brush out the rest of the curls so they are soft and pretty. Then you can add a flower. Here is the finished product:




And here is what your hair would look like if you didn't do the 'complicated' method and just brushed out the curls in the ponytail:




If you scroll back up to the first picture of the plain ponytail with no curl, you will see how much better it looks if you just take 5 minutes to throw some curlers in your hair.

As you can see, it is easy to create a quick vintage look for everyday. There are more quick styles then the ones I presented this week such as the french twist and the scarf around the chignon. You just have to practice and see what works best for you and your hair.