Gone So Long...

As I logged into my blog today I was actually a little shocked to see how long it has been since I posted here last. I knew it had been awhile, but geez, I've been gone way too long (so long in fact that when I edited photos for today's post I couldn't remember what size I usually format them to!). 

The last sunset of our vacation a few weeks ago. 
It's been a busy few months, which, in part, explains my absence. I actually have quite a bit of photos saved up that I've been meaning to share with you- maybe we'll do a little catch up on all those soon. Busyness aside, I've also used these past few months to try and sort out how I want to be directing my creative energy, what I really want to do in the long term, and how I can start working towards all this. I feel like I'm in a place where I'm ready to share a bit of this with all of you, and I'm truly excited to do so. I value the relationship I have with all of you, even if I've never met you in person, and I appreciate the insight and encouragement you give me through your comments, likes, and shares.

There are a few passions (for lack of a more fitting word) I've had throughout most of my life: vintage, decorating (yes, even as a kid I was always rearranging my room, re-styling my shelves, etc), cooking, crafting, and photography. For awhile I've been trying to indulge all of these passions, hoping to create a sustainable living through combining them all- this blog being one of the ways I had hoped to do that. Starting a few months ago though, I started to feel more tired than usual, uninspired, and frustrated. It took time to sort out what the source was, and while I still have some things to sort out, I've realized that it may be time for me to focus a bit. 


Those of you with many interests and passions can probably relate to how difficult it can be to hone in on just one (or two, or three). Though I will always make room for all of things I love to do, I've decided that of all of them, photography is what I find most satisfying. Choosing to focus on interior and lifestyle photography offers me the perfect opportunity to connect with many of my other interests as well, through photographing homes, food, and objects, as well as working with stylists. 

As I've sat with this decision over the past week, I've found that my inspiration is returning- a good sign right? I'm eager to start building my portfolio, finding ways to get more experience with interior photography, and even to start posting here again (though you may find more photos and less DIY's or even writing here in the future). 


Of course, with a new door opening, other doors must close. I will be phasing out the online store in the next few months, and am currently trying to decide if I will create a new brand for my photography work. I'll always love vintage and will always be drawn to working with others who do too, but I do hope to branch out into other 'niches'.


Would you like to be a part of my new adventure? I'm looking for people who would be interested in having their homes photographed, whether it be for a blog post here, to submit to another site, or even just for your own use. I don't currently have the budget to travel, but if you're in the SoCal area and would be interested in having me do a shoot in your home- please email me. I'll also be traveling to Laramie, WY this month, and New York City next month, so if you're in either of those areas and are interested, please email me as well. I only ask your permission to use the photos in my portfolio. 

I'd love to hear your feedback about all of this. Have you gone through something similar? Thinking about shifting your own focus? I'd also love to hear from any photographers who might have advice. 

Thank you as always, for taking time to stop by here. I hope you'll get back in the habit. 



In the Kitchen: Bee Sting Cocktails



About a month ago, while making BBQ ribs and collard greens for dinner, I wanted a cocktail that would complement our summery, southern meal. We happened to have lemonade on hand, and there's always rosemary growing out in the yard, so the Bee Sting was born. It's now my favorite summer drink- refreshing, not too sweet, and a good match for most any meal. As an added perk, for parties with folks who may not drink, you can make a pitcher of the rosemary lemonade, leaving the rye on the side for people to add in themselves.


Bee Sting Cocktail
(makes one 16 oz drink, just multiply for a pitcher)

2 Tbsp honey
1 cup lemonade (I prefer Simply Lemonade or Newman's Own)
1/4 cup sparkling water
1-2 oz rye whiskey (to taste)
Lemon slices
Fresh rosemary sprigs

Pour honey into bottom of glass and mix with a splash of very hot tap water so it'll mix in better.
Add lemonade, whiskey and ice.
Top with sparkling water and garnish with lemon and rosemary.

For a stronger rosemary flavor, place 3-4 rosemary sprigs in the lemonade and leave overnight.



I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have been!

P.S. A special welcome to those of you who found Gather and Hunt today via Folk Magazine's Instagram takeover. I've really been enjoying all your comments and likes today- thank you!

Original recipe, styling, and photographs by Danae Horst for Gather and Hunt. 

Out and About: Lake Arrowhead

I have a confession- I don't really like living in southern California. I know it's paradise to many, but I'm having a really hard time getting used to the heat and the traffic and the overall culture here. I still kind of want to cry (and sometimes do) several times a week- it's been that difficult of a transition.

That said, I am trying to find things to love about it and to that end, the mister and I have been making more of an effort to get out and explore, not just LA, but the whole region. A few weeks ago we took a day trip to Lake Arrowhead- up in the mountains about an hour away from our house.





We brought along a cold fried chicken picnic (my favorite picnic food!), and I, of course, could not resist turning it into a little practice 'styled shoot' with some fun vintage props. The mister even took a turn behind the camera- that last photo of me is one of his- not too shabby right?









After lunch we went on a little nature walk on a trail along some stands of Sequoias. We spotted a few creatures, and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the forest. In the morning as we drove up the mountain I thought about how I would love to have a feather to add to a little photo display, and I actually found one- a little extra dose of joy.

It may not be the Pacific Northwest, but I did enjoy our time around Lake Arrowhead. Next weekend, for my birthday, we're heading on a camping trip near Santa Barbara and 'm looking forward to finding more things to love about SoCal.

What do you love about where you live? Is it easy to love your city or a challenge? I'd enjoy hearing your stories!

At Our Table: Fourth of July BBQ

I thought I'd get a jump on my goal to get back to regular blog posts with a little Saturday post. Though I'm not sure why, I just haven't been motivated or inspired to blog lately. Hopefully July will bring a change though- I already have a few posts worked out!


Did you have a nice fourth (at least, for those of you from the US)? We threw a little BBQ in our shared yard, and had a great time with a few friends.



Although it was a bit of a last minute event, I still wanted to make things special. Taking cues from some supplies we had on hand, plus some things I found while out shopping in the morning, the party felt festive, but still casual.




A favorite element of party planning for me is creating a special cocktail. For our BBQ I introduced the 'Bee Sting', a drink I created a while back. A perfect summery combination of lemon, honey, rosemary and bourbon, this drink even works well without the alcohol, so all your guests can enjoy it. I'll be sharing the full recipe next week!


A highlight of the day for my mister (that blur up there) was definitely playing 'ladder ball' (or 'hillbilly golf' as one of our guests told me). A game we were introduced to by our friends in Seattle, it's fun and easy- just what a casual BBQ needs. (I found our set on sale in the summer section at Target).


While we ended up missing the fireworks that the Rose Bowl sets off (which are supposed to be amazing), we did have fun playing with mini sparklers out in the yard- a great way to finish the day.

Happy weekend everyone! I'm looking forward to being around here more often- I've missed you.




Finds to Fancy (And some winners!)

This week was a whirlwind- I honestly don't know where all the days between Monday and Friday went! I want to thank all of you for your support of the new online shop in this first week-especially those of you who placed orders. I've been overwhelmed with your kind words and all the mentions you've made out in social media land- thank you!

For this week's Finds to Fancy, I thought I'd highlight some other great shops who also use the Big Cartel platform (which I highly recommend to anyone looking to start an online shop). I think you'll find lots of things you'll love in these shops.

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Junkaholique. Based in London, this shop has a great range of vintage products from clothing to home goods- all fairly well priced (even with the exchange rate).


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Lawrence. With beautiful photos and some seriously amazing vintage clothing, this is definitely a shop you won't mind spending time in.


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Herriott Grace. One of the most stunning shops I found on Big Cartel, Herriott Grace is a father-daughter team who make nearly everything they sell in their shop. I'm convinced I need the entire collection- it's all amazingly lovely, crafted by hand, and photographed so well.


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Old Brand New. The online shop of one of my recent favorite blog discoveries by the same name, Old Brand New offers carefully curated vintage home goods- that sell out quite quickly (I'm kicking myself for not ordering this wall hanging as soon as I noticed it. It sold within a few days).

And now, since I know the suspense is killing you- the winners of the Grand Opening Giveaway (drum roll please)...


Tammy, Kate, and Bethany, you have all won a $15 credit to spend in the Gather and Hunt shop! Please email me at shop@gatherandhuntvintage.com so I can give you your discount codes. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to everyone who entered. I wish I could give you all a prize!

On a final note before I sign out today- if you're in the Seattle area, my friends (plus several more) are having an amazing vintage yard sale happening this Saturday that you will not want to miss! Seriously- some of my favorite things in our house, used to be in their house. Find photos of all their goods, and a link to their ad here.

Happy weekend everyone!

It's a Grand Opening! (And a giveaway).


Today is the day. The new Gather and Hunt online shop is finally open! There you will find vintage goods for your home, office, or shop that I hope you'll love.


To celebrate the grand opening, I'm giving three readers the opportunity to win $15 to spend in the shop! Here's how to enter:

1. Visit the Gather and Hunt shop, find something you fancy, then leave a comment on this post about it.

2. For extra entries:
                              Like G&H on Facebook
                              Follow G&H on Twitter
                              Follow G&H on Instagram.
                             
3. If you already 'like' and follow G&H, you can earn extra entries by sharing the shop link on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram- just be sure to tag G&H in your post.

You have until 11:59PM Thursday, June 6th to enter. I'll announce all three winners in Friday's post! Good luck!
                             
 

Farm Chicks Time!

Though I won't be there this year- vending or attending- I had to take a moment to give Serena, one of my favorites in the vintage world, and her amazing Farm Chicks Show, a shout out.


Beginning Saturday, June 1st at 9am, the fairgrounds in Spokane, WA will be transformed into an amazing wonderland of vintage goodness. A curated show, Farm Chicks is one booth after another just full of some of the best vintage in the country. If you're anywhere near Spokane this weekend- I highly recommend a trip to the show- you won't regret it!

{Wild Whimsy booth via Heather Bullard}
It's been a sad and strange feeling the last few days, knowing that I won't be a part of the fun this year. Though I'm grateful to not be loading a trailer up right now- I do wish I was headed to Spokane for a weekend of vintage shopping. If you attend, you'll have to tell me all about it- I might be jealous, but I'd love to hear what you found!






Weekend Plans

For many of you, there's a 3 day weekend ahead- do you have exciting plans? Well, here are a few things you might want to check out...


For those in the Seattle area, Jenn from Scout is having a pop-up shop! She's retiring her vintage rental company to focus on styling projects, so this Saturday and Sunday you have the chance to shop from her lovely collection! Plus, it's at Trophy Cupcakes, so it'll be a tasty adventure to boot.


For all you folks on the other side of the country, Three Potato Four, one of my favorite vintage/vintage inspired shops, is having a moving sale in their Philly studio all weekend long! If only they could wait a few more weeks- I'll be out that way in mid-June! You'll all have to show me what you bring home, so I can shop vicariously through you.


Last, but definitely not least, my best friend Melissa officially opened her new Etsy shop, Restock Vintage, this week! There you'll find her handmade paper goods (like this cute notebook)- all created from vintage supplies. I'm so excited for her, and hope you'll check her shop out!

Happy weekend everyone! I'll be working on the upcoming online shop (it's looking like we'll be open by June 1st!) and watching the long awaited new season of Arrested Development!

Out and About

If I could be anywhere in the world today, it be here:

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The stuff of dreams for vintage lovers, the Brimfield Antique Show happens 3 times a year and is chock-full of amazing finds. Every year I pine to attend, but so far it hasn't been feasible- hopefully next year.

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Have you been to Brimfield? Are you there right now? I'd love to hear about your visit (and see what you found)!

Language of Flowers


Mother's Day seemed the perfect occasion for the next Language of Flowers post. While many mothers will receive flowers this Sunday, you can send your mother (or the mother of your children) a specific message, using floriography- the practice of selecting flowers for their meaning.


For Mother's Day, pink carnations are a popular choice as they signify 'motherly love'. Although carnations can be boring, and sometimes downright ugly (dyed blue flowers anyone?), used in the right arrangement, or even in a bouquet all by themselves, carnations can be lovely- plus they last a long time. To add in a little more meaning, peonies mean 'happy life', and some rosemary indicates 'remembrance'. For texture, but not meaning, I rounded the bouquet out with some lambs ear, and a unusual filler that the folks at the flower market called 'dogs eye', though I can't find any information about such a plant.


If my mom lived nearby, I'd bring her this bouquet to say that I love her, am thinking of her, and am thankful for the happy life she gave me. What would you like to say to your mom (or mother-figure) with flowers?

Something Old/Something New

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Colored mason jars have certainly been making the blog rounds lately, and I know that whenever I had vintage ones in stock, they sold in a flash. Such a perfect shade of turquoise, the vintage jars are also really useful- serving as a flower vase, a kitchen canister, or even office supply storage- and can usually be found at estate sales or on Etsy for less than $10 a jar.

{Via}
However, if you're looking to decorate your home with them, or use them at an event, and you need more than just a few, the vintage ones can get expensive. That's where our something new comes in- did you know that you can make your own colored mason jars?

{Via}
Freutcake, a fellow Pasadena based blog, recently featured a how-to for your very own colored jars- in any shade you can dream up! Mix some of these DIY jars in with some vintage jars to stretch your budget, and your color palette, further.

Out and About

It's a very exciting week around here- some of our very best friends are coming to visit! As I've been exploring options for what we should see and do while they're in town, I've realized that I really need to get out more. We've been in LA for 8 months now and my list of places to visit just keeps getting longer, with nothing ever checked off. Since I'm determined to change this fact, I'm sharing some of the places on my list with you- maybe you can all keep me accountable to making it happen? Even if you're not up for that task, you can at least enjoy a peek at some fun spots around my new city. 

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I'll admit it- working in good coffee for years turned me into a coffee snob. While I've mostly quit my coffee habit- I do like checking out the best local places whenever I'm in a new city. At the top of my list for LA? Handsome Coffee Roasters. I've had their coffee, which is lovely, at a few carts, but haven't been to their headquarters yet.

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I follow Platform on Instagram and pine over nearly everything they post. Can't wait to see it all in person. Added bonus? They just returned from a buying trip in Mexico.

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Mohawk General Store has been described as a living room- based on the photos I've seen, I'd say the coolest living room ever. In the heart of the Silverlake neighborhood- which always makes me feel like I'm back in my old neighborhood in Seattle thanks to the abundance of hipsters- it's even within walking distance of other great shops- a rarity in this city of drivers.  

{Via}
One of those shops within walking distance is Reform School. Carrying an amazing array of handmade and unique items, I actually tried to visit here once before- but timed it to coincide with their lunch hour so they were closed. Next time I'll give myself enough time to stick around for awhile, just in case.

{Via}
Shareen Vintage is the kind of store people make a pilgrimage to- it's that amazing. An entire warehouse of beautiful vintage clothing, this ladies only shop could occupy me for a whole day, or so I've heard.

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Nearly every time I see a blogger in the LA area posting about a cool vintage find, it came from Shopclass. I honestly don't know how I haven't been here yet- their masterfully curated collection is matched so well with my own tastes. 

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A shop that everyone I know here raves about, Urbanic is a paper goods lover's dream. I may actually cross this one off my list this week- the Venice neighborhood is on my idea list for our adventures. 

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Since shopping and coffee alone do not a well rounded day make, Bar Ama, a restaurant I've been craving ever since reading about it in Los Angeles magazine, seems the ideal place to end this adventure. With a menu of creative Tex-Mex dishes, and a wall of tequila choices- I'm certain to be a happy camper here. 

Do you have a list of places you want to check out in your town? Why don't you cross some of them off this week? We'll get out and about together! 

DIY: Solid Perfume


I first encountered solid perfume in a vintage Avon locket- it didn't smell very good at all, but it did seem like a great idea. Turns out, solid perfume has been around since ancient Egyptian times- so apparently people throughout history thought so too. A few years back I started making my own solid perfume lockets, as part of my jewelry line. Simple to make, using all natural ingredients, solid perfume can double as aroma-therapy, and makes a great gift- Mother's Day is coming up after all (hint hint). 


To make your own solid perfume you'll need:

2 Tbsp. beeswax, grated
2 Tbsp. almond oil
40-45 drops of essential oils (starter scent recipes below)
{All the above supplies can be found at natural foods stores. For a complete selection of essential oils, Mountain Rose Herbs is a great, affordable online source}.
Containers for your solid perfume- I used a vintage stock locket like this, and these little tins, but even an empty chap stick tube or lip balm pot will work.


Start by bringing about an inch of water to boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to low. Measure beeswax into a heatproof glass measuring cup and place in the hot water. Wax will begin to melt. Once it is completely melted, add the almond oil and stir until combined (I like to use a wooden skewer, since some essential oils can affect plastic or metal). Remove from heat.


Let oil/wax mixture cool for about a minute, then add essential oils, stirring to incorporate.


Once oils are added, quickly pour the mixture into the containers you've chosen. If you're using a locket, pour very slowly to avoid spilling. 


Once the perfume has cooled completely, it's ready to be used- just rub your finger over the solid perfume and apply to your pulse points, or anywhere you normally apply perfume. 

Essential oils come in a variety of 'scents', so you can really create a perfume that is uniquely yours- just spend some time at a store that carries the oils, smelling the tester bottles to decide which you like best. To create a scent with layers, mix several oils together. Essential oils are also used for aroma therapy, so you can create a perfume that also serves a purpose- the scent I made today (recipe below) is great for headaches, which I'm sure many moms out there could use some relief from. 

Though the combinations are nearly endless, here are a few recipes to get you started:

Headache Relief: 25 drops peppermint + 15 drops lavender
Smells Like Summer: 15 drops sweet orange + 15 drops lemon + 5 drops mint + 5 drops bergamont
Sweet and Spicy: 20 drops sweet orange + 10 drops ginger + 10 drops clove
Woodsy: 20 drops sweet orange + 10 drops ylang ylang + 10 drops sandalwood


If you'll be making this as a gift- try to think about the recipients favorite scents, taking hints from the perfume they wear or what candle scents they enjoy. 

Do you have a great essential oil recipe? I'd love to hear about it- leave a comment below so we can all try it! 

In the Kitchen: Perfect Party Margarita


Margaritas are always popular in our house- we make them often and have come to like them better at home- mostly because we are now margarita snobs and to get a good one out can cost a pretty penny. As you probably know by now, I love throwing a good party, and my favorite party food is any simple Mexican dish, so we often also have margaritas at our parties. Over the years, I've developed this Perfect Party Margarita- perfect because a) it's not quite as strong as a really high quality margarita you'd get from a good bar so people can have several without incidence, b) it's a little sweeter, thus appealing to folks who are used to margaritas made with syrupy sour mixes, and c) it uses simple, high quality ingredients so I still feel proud of what I'm serving my guests. It also gets rave reviews, which is always a bonus.


You'll Need:

6 cups good limeade- I like Simply Limeade, it's just water, lime juice and sugar.
1 1/2 cups 100% agave tequila- I use Sauza gold, it has nice vanilla notes and is quality, but not so nice you feel like you're wasting it by mixing it with other flavors.
2/3 c triple sec- for this recipe I use the cheapest I can find.
1 orange
Lime wedges
Flake sea salt, or the margarita salt they sell in the mixer section
Ice


Start by mixing the limeade, tequila, and triple sec together in a pitcher. Squeeze the juice from the orange in, and mix again. I like to also float a few small slices of orange in the pitcher for color, and a little more flavor.


Prepare the lime wedges by slicing a small slit near one end of each wedge.



Prepare the glasses:

-Using the slit, place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass and slide all the way around a few times to wet the rim with the juice.
-Remove the lime and dip the rim of the glass into a saucer or small bowl of salt. You may need to press it into the salt a few times to get good coverage.
-Fill about 2/3 full with ice and place a lime wedge on the rim.


Now just add the margarita mixture to each glass and serve! This recipe will make enough for about 4-6 drinks, depending on the size of the glass and how much ice you use.

I hope these Perfect Party Margaritas will serve you well at your next shindig- I know we'll be enjoying some this Sunday at our Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

Enjoy the weekend everyone! ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

P.S. I'm trying to think of a name for a cocktail column, rather than lumping them in with the recipe column. If you have an idea for a name, I'd love to hear it!


At Our Table: Cinco de Mayo


Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite excuses to have a party. Though I am as caucasian as can be, I've always had a love for Mexican culture(s), especially after visiting Quintana Roo and the Yucatan peninsula in college. One of my dreams is to spend time living there someday, finally becoming fluent in Spanish, learning to cook authentic dishes, buying up loads of textiles and pottery, and experiencing Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, the site of the Battle of Puebla- the moment in history that Cinco de Mayo celebrates. Until then, I'll enjoy putting together little fiestas whenever I can.


Having a patio for the first time in many years, it seemed the perfect setting for this inspiration shoot. When we have our real Cinco de Mayo party this coming Sunday we'll probably spread out between the house and the patio, since the patio is a bit small.


Not feeling talented enough to make papel picado, I opted for an easier fringed tissue paper banner. Easily made in an evening by folding cut sheets of tissue paper and creating fringe with scissors, simply hang the sections of tissue paper over twine and staple each section in a few spots. You can then hang the banners either by attaching them to walls, or long wooden dowels staked into the ground if your outdoor space doesn't have walls.











I focused on simple, but colorful details- festive cloth napkins, a cacti centerpiece, a Mexican serape used as a runner, and striped straws turned place cards. Serving low key, but delicious, dishes like chips and guacamole (recipe here), carnitas with warm tortillas, and fresh margaritas (recipe here), allows the cook to spend more time celebrating with everyone and keeps the fiesta going into the night.



Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year? I hope this has given you inspiration for your own fiesta!

In the Kitchen: My Favorite Guacamole


With Cinco de Mayo coming up, there are probably hundreds of guacamole recipes floating around the blog world right now- all claiming to be the best, the most amazing, the guac that will change your life. Well I don't know about those guacamole recipes, but what I do know is that this recipe- my favorite guacamole- is the dish I'm asked to bring to nearly every party and potluck. It's a simple dish, using simple ingredients and you can whip it up in about 10 minutes. I've never really given the recipe out before, so today is kind of a big deal- go ahead and feel special, you probably should.


For my favorite guacamole you'll need:

2 perfectly ripe large avocados (or 3-4 small ones)
1/2 a white or yellow onion (sweet or red onions don't have the right flavor)
1-2 roma tomatoes (other varieties work, i just prefer the texture and less seedy nature of romas)
1 bunch cilantro
1 lime
Salt


Start by chopping the tomato, onion and cilantro- the size is up to you. I like the tomato to be diced, the onion to be a bit finer (but still diced- not minced), and the cilantro to be roughly minced. 



Next, mix it all up in a small bowl, and add a little bit of lime juice (about 1/4-1/2 a lime worth) and salt to taste. You now have pico de gallo. For parties I usually make a double batch of pico and put it out to accompany the guacamole (plus, I have discovered there are actually people who don't like avocado- so they appreciate having something to enjoy with chips). 


Let the pico sit while you prep the avocados. Once I've sliced them in half lengthwise and removed the pits, I like to make about 4 cuts, without cutting through the skin, essentially scoring each half. This makes it easy to remove the flesh with a spoon. 



Once you've scored all your avo, scoop the flesh out with a spoon into a large bowl. With a pastry blender (a potato masher also works, but I like the texture you get with a pastry blender best), mash the avocado slightly- it should become a bit paste-like, but you still want chunks of avocado- try not to over-mash. 

Side note: if you have a mortar and pestle large enough, use it instead of this method. That's how I would do it if I had room for one.


Now, using a slotted spoon, to drain out the liquid that's formed at the bottom of the bowl, add the pico de gallo, folding it in until combined. Taste it (preferably with a tortilla chip), and add more lime juice or salt, until it's the way you like it. If you've prepared it ahead of time, add one, or all, of the pits back into the bowl- this will prevent the guacamole from browning (this trick also works well for leftovers).


Serve your guacamole with good quality tortilla chips (I prefer either chips made at local Mexican grocery stores, or a thinner, crispier style of chip known as Totopos, which can be found at Whole Foods, Cost Plus, and other specialty grocery stores), or enjoy it with a Mexican dish like carne asada or carnitas. 

I hope you'll try your guacamole this way- I don't think you'll be disappointed. Either way- let me know what you think! 

Recipe, photography and styling by Danae Horst for Gather and Hunt. 

DIY: May Day Treats

 

Did any of you celebrate May Day as a child? I don't remember doing it regularly, but I know there were several years where we made little baskets out of construction paper, filled them with treats, left them on the neighbors doorsteps, rang the bell, and ran away before they could detect who left the little surprise on the first day of May. May Day has a long established history, which I won't go into (if you'd like to learn more, Wikipedia has a great deal of information on the holiday), and though it's roots are in pagan festivals, I've always loved this tradition of surprising your neighbors with a little anonymous treat!

For this DIY, I kept things simple. Though you may not have the exact supplies I'm using- the basic concept can be adapted for pretty much anything you have on hand. This is also an easy project, so it's a good one to get the kids involved with! Let's get started.


For the paper cone (or Tussy Mussy, to use the fancier, vintage term) you'll need:

Heavier 8.5"x11" paper (use whatever you like or have on hand. I used this paper in 'paper bag').
Washi tape (again, use what you like- I picked summery colors/patterns).
Twine, cord, yarn, ribbon, or wire (any of these will work).
Hole punch in a small diameter
Scissors


With the sheet of paper oriented with the long side facing you, work the bottom right corner to curl it slightly.


Starting with the bottom left corner, gently curl the left side of the paper towards the upper right corner.


Roll until you have a cone the shape and size you like. For small treats you'll want a tighter, more narrow cone. For larger items, it's best to keep the top opening as wide as possible.


Once your cone is shaped, tape the loose edge down with the washi tape- pressing firmly to make a good seam. Since I did larger sized treats, I made my opening wide, which left that hole at the bottom- no need to fix it- the large items won't fit through there.


To ensure your cone doesn't come apart, tape a 'seam' at the spot where the inside corner meets the back of the cone. You can do this with either washi tape, or Scotch tape- if you'd prefer the seam be less visible.


Now that your cone is assembled, punch two holes near the top and towards the back, about 1/2 an inch down. You don't have to be exact, just pick a spot where the hole is far enough from the edge to not rip the paper, and far enough back to keep the cone balanced once it's full.


Feed one end of your twine (or other material for hanging the cone) through one of the holes and tie a small knot to secure it. Repeat with the other side. You now have a complete cone, ready to be filled! Repeat until you have the number of cones you plan to deliver.


To fill the cones you'll need:

Fresh flowers
I used ranunculi, but if you plan to do multiple flower filled cones and want a less expensive flower, mini carnations in a single color are a great choice- they smell nice, are actually quite pretty when arranged well, and last a very long time).

Fruit, candies, small cookies, or any other treat you can think of.
I used strawberries because they're in season here in Cali, but small tangerines, kumquats, or other small fruits would be cute too. I didn't have time to bake anything so I picked out some all-natural fruit jellies from Trader Joe's. If you'd like to bake something any small cookies would work- I think Mexican Wedding Cakes or Macaroons would be charming and are the right size for the cone.

Disposable pastry bags cut to the size of your cones.
I used these for several purposes. With the flowers, I put water in the bag so the flowers stay fresh while they're waiting to be discovered. I put the berries inside one to keep them from bleeding through the paper. With the candies, I used a bag to keep the sugar coating from getting all over and attracting ants to the neighbors door. Depending on what you fill your cones with you may not need the bags.


A quick tip- while you're arranging your flowers in the pastry bag, set it inside a glass to keep your hands free.


The last part is easy- fill your cones with the treats you've selected, make a little tag out of whatever you have on hand (just don't put your name on it- the fun is leaving these anonymously), and deliver them on May 1st! Ringing the doorbell is optional, but it's best to leave these for people you know will be home within a few hours of leaving it- that way everything will be fresh and tasty.

My favorite thing about this project is how easily customizable it is- I made a few variations, but you are only limited by the supplies you have on hand. Be as creative as you like.




Do you have any May Day traditions? I'd love to hear about them!

All styling and photos by Danae Horst for Gather and Hunt

Finds to Fancy

Since I haven't been at the thrifts or estate sales much lately, I thought I'd try something new with Finds to Fancy- a little round up of things I'm fancying (that I think you might too) from around the world wide web.

{Via Non Perishable Goods}
We recently decided to use cloth napkins every day and not just for special occasions (my best friend, who has been doing this for years, will be proud). Of course, I'm now a bit obsessed with finding awesome napkins and have a serious crush on these from Non Perishable Goods. They come in a wide variety of great colors- I'm not even sure how I would choose.

{Via Heather Bullard}
A few years back I was introduced to Heather Bullard through Serena of The Farm Chicks. Last summer I had the pleasure of meeting her in person when she stopped by my booth at The Farm Chicks Show. Beyond being a lovely person, she's one of my favorite stylists (you can see her work in Country Living most months), has great taste in vintage, and is a very talented photographer. Her site is one you'll love to follow- even the simplest posts are stunningly beautiful and I'm loving seeing the progress as she designs a new home here in SoCal.

{Via Three Potato Four}
I don't remember how I found Three Potato Four, but I always enjoy browsing their online shop. In addition to a well curated selection of vintage goods, they have a wonderful line of original, new goods- like these arrows.

{Via Andie Powers}
I've saved the best for last. Andie Powers, of Assemble Shop & Studio has teamed up with Go Mighty to offer a very cool online class all about starting a creative small business. The class will equip you to develop a comprehensive plan for your own small business, and one lucky student will win a $500 grant plus a business consultation from Andie! Even better? Andie has graciously offered Gather and Hunt readers a 25% discount! Just enter the code VINTAGE at check out. If you're thinking of starting a creative business this class will get you started out right.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead of you. I'll be working on a few posts for next week- including a few Cinco de Mayo posts and a little May Day DIY. See you then!

Something Old/Something New


As you may remember from the Easter At Our Table post, I've been gathering up vintage enamelware dishes. The simplicity of the design, the clean black and white colors (my preference, though they also come in a variety of other colors), and the durability of an unbreakable dish is what continues to draw me to enamelware.

{Vintage plate set via The Wild Plum}
Vintage sets can be a little hard to find, especially in good enough shape to eat off of. Etsy is a great source, as are local flea markets and antique stores, though the pieces can be a little pricey- I have yet to find tumblers affordable enough for my budget. 

{Via West Elm}
Thankfully, when West Elm introduced their Market collection, a range of enamelware, in black and white, were included. They carry dinnerware, as well as serving pieces and the prices are quite affordable for new dishes. All the pieces can be ordered online with free shipping, or are available in store. I think some tumblers and the serving bowls will be on my birthday wish list this year.

Do you like enamelware? Do you go for the colorful pieces or the simple black and white I prefer? As always, I'd love to see photos of your collections! Tag me in your IG or Twitter photo and I'll share it here as well!

Work In Progress: Office

Remember this Curated Life post? Well I liked the idea of sharing areas in our home that are a work in progress so much that I decided to try it as a regular feature.

Today's space is my office, which is really just a desk and some drawers facing the back of the mister's desk and tucked into one side of our living room. While I don't have any before photos for this one, it's definitely not in a completed state, so we'll return to see the progress in the coming months.


Pink &: c/o Dots & Stripes
Courage decal: Oh Hello Friend
WA laser cutout: c/o Squirrel Loves Nut (website not functioning)
Plaster D: gift from Paper N Stitch- DIY here 
Today print: c/o Oh Hello Friend
Triangle photo holder: Dots & Stripes

Be Brave print: Sophie Blackhall-Cain

Any item without a source listed is vintage
I still have a few projects on my list to complete this space- covering the back of the mister's desk with something pretty, making and hanging a pin board, finding a real plant to hang in the corner (to try out having a plant there I cut some branches from this invasive fern that grows in our backyard for these photos), and reorganizing all those drawers. It's coming together though- and hopefully soon I'll like it enough to actually work there instead of at the kitchen table!

What are you working on in your home? I'd love to share reader submissions for this new feature- send me an email if you'd like to contribute (danae{at}gatherandhuntvintage{dot}com).

All photography and styling by Danae Horst for Gather and Hunt