Feet Tea feature & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have such a fun shop for you today!  I first saw Feet Tea at one of last year's Patchwork shows, and I was immediately intrigued!  First of all, the entire area around their booth had the most tempting aroma, so as I approached Josie to say hello, I was already loving their "Feet Tea."  Then, I saw their adorable packaging (so will you in the pictures below) and the cute shop name.  Since all of the foot soak tea bags smell so delicious, they had to add a little tag that says "Don't Drink Me."  How funny!

I took home a sampler pack to try out four of their varieties – all amazing!  Now, one lucky reader will get the chance to take home a burlap sampler with eight Feet Tea foot soak tea bags.  Wow!  That's eight luscious, relaxing soaks to make you feel like you are at the spa... Aahhhhhh...

But first, let's hear from Josie and find out a few tidbits like her favorite product (which is made just for men) and see some pretty items from Feet Tea!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Josie and I am the creator and owner of Feet Tea. I make foot soak tea bags that contain Epsom and mineral salts, essential oils, and dried herbs or flowers. This is all contained in a tea bag that is perfect for softening dry feet in need of moisture and pampering.

Even at a young age, I had always preferred handmade goods over store-bought. I liked the fact that someone used the creative side of their brain to create something unique and original. I also loved visiting craft shows to get inspired and to chat with the makers about their creative process.


Where did the name of your store come from?

I did a lot of brainstorming as to what would be a fun and memorable name for my product, and also wanted to be really clear as to what Feet Tea was used for – soaking and steeping your feet, not for drinking. I also researched similar products on the market and the name Feet Tea was unique to the other foot soak products out there.


Why did you start making goods for Feet Tea?

I have always enjoyed drinking and mixing loose leaf tea and learning the benefits of using various herbs and dried botanicals. I have suffered from eczema since I was young which made my toes very itchy and I used soaking salts on a regular basis. I decided to add the salts and some of the herbs to one of the teabags made for loose leaf tea. Adding essential oils really brought out the aromatic qualities in the blend. The Feet Tea concept is about taking the spa experience home and also relieving your feet from soreness and muscle aches.

What is your favorite item?

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Favorite Projects to Make, Try & Wear + Do Tell Tuesday #75!

Welcome to Do Tell Tuesday!  Do Tell Tuesday is the time where WE get to see what YOU are up to! Share your projects and recipes, then take time to look around at your fellow creatives.  Not a blogger?  That's ok!  You can still take a look around and discover some new ideas and inspiration!

Each week a featured host will be bringing you a set of features.  Before we get to this week, let's meet the hosts!

Keep up with us at:

Mabey She Made It : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus
Vintage Zest : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Little Red Window : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Lil Mrs. Tori : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Now for the features courtesy of Tori!

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Making Good - DIY Repurposed Succulent Planter

This week, I am bringing you an unexpected crafty post on a Monday!  Why?  I was invited by Agatha Lee of Green Issues by Agy to join the Making Good Repair Blog Train.  Since May 1st, a bunch of talented bloggers have been sharing their repairs and fixes for items, because we believe that  we can use our creativity to find a solution to a problem instead of just throwing it away.  Definitely check it out!

For my project, I originally had something else in mind... and I'm wondering if I bent the rules a little, now that I'm sharing my post.  That's me, always a rebel, even if by accident!

The item that I decided to use is the lasagna dish that had a hairline crack in it, after I made my fantastic Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach, Mushrooms & Soy Crumbles.  It just was not safe for the oven anymore, so I decided to repurpose it into something completely different!

Here's a view of that crack.  So sad.  :(

So now that I think about it, I completely broke the rules and did not repair my project.  However, I did prolong the life of it, in a second career!  Instead of the kitchen, it now hangs out in the garden!

When my mom plants succulents in her fabulous garden, she likes to nurture them from little tiny cuttings in separate small containers (check out the applesauce containers on the left), then group them together in larger planters, before releasing them into the garden!

Voila, I had a new item for her to use!

Now here's what I did to transform something broken into something good!

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Silicate Studio feature & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I am happy to showcase the fantastic creations of Kevin Anderson from Silicate Studio!  At last year's Unique L.A., I was immediately drawn to the rustic and clean designs, and I absolutely loved the combination of wood and metal of the Turnbuckle shelves.  Then, I saw all of the different designs and knew I just had to feature the shop and share with all of you.  Just check out the fantastic headboard below, and you'll know what I mean!

Lastly, the giveaway today is extra special because we will not have just one winner... but three!  That's right, three of my lucky readers will have their choice of one of Silicate Studio's beautiful geometric mirrors.  There are a few pictures in the interview below, so keep an eye out for which one you'll pick if you are a lucky winner.  :)  Now, let's learn all about Silicate Studio from Kevin, shall we?

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I come from an interior design background and I also come from a cabinetmaking design/construction background. I decided to start my own business after realizing that I loved furniture and the creation of it more than designing white rooms.


Where did the name of your store come from?

It sounded like the beach to me, and I am a full-blooded beach boy. But it also sounded unique and related to mirrors and glass.


Why did you start making goods for Silicate Studio?

I have an insatiable need to create things with my hands. I can't control it.

What is your favorite item?

Don't have one, how can you say which child is your favorite?  If I had to pick it would be our turnbuckle shelves. They started as a uber-quick solution. I needed a nightstand to put into a photoshoot and I had turnbuckles, a few slabs of old wood and soem random pieces of harwdare. They just sort of fell together and I realized after gettign TONS of questions about them instead of the bed in the picture, that these had some cool potential.



What is your most popular item?

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Korean Bean Sprouts Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)

This week, I am bringing you another healthy side dish, perfect for summer time!  I don't know about you, but when I eat Korean BBQ, I am all about the side dishes.  I already shared this pickled radish recipe, and this one is another favorite!

I searched everywhere for a good bean sprout (AKA mung bean sprout) salad recipe that did not use too many specialty ingredients, which would require a trip to the grocery store.  Initially, I wanted to make a Japanese bean sprout salad to accompany my sushi, but each one had an unusual ingredient.  Instead, I ended up with Sukju Namul Muchim (숙주나물 무침), which is pretty similar and uses only the most basic ingredients.

As I said before, I didn't need an extra trip to the grocery store because I already bought the bean sprouts on sale earlier that week.  It is possible to find them in a regular grocery store, but they will most likely be a little pricy.

My suggestion is to either grab them when they go on sale, or visit your local Korean/Asian market.  They sell huge bags there for an insanely cheap price.  Believe me, once you try the recipe, you will want more than a few sprouts for your second go around.

Now, let's get cooking!

Korean Bean Sprouts Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)
Adapted from My Korean Kitchen

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What My Future Dream Home Looks Like – and How I’ll Get There

As you may remember, about a year ago I made an announcement that there was a new home in the works... but due to some unforeseen circumstances, my living situation is still the same.  It's certainly disappointing that I don't have more home DIYs to share, but it ended up being the right move overall.  So while I tackle the realities of the home buying process and how I'll win next time, I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of my "dream home" as well!


Speaking of the home buying process, it is certainly not simple (especially for first-time home buyers), but the Capital One Home Loans Online Neighborhood site breaks it down with easy-to-understand articles and helpful videos.  It's a completely free online resource for potential home buyers to learn all about home buying.  All the stages of the home buying process are covered, such as deciding if it's the right time to buy, how much you can afford, and the documents you need for a mortgage once it's time to buy.  Take a peek!

Source

Question:  How much can I afford?

One rule of thumb is to look at houses that are 2.5 times your annual salary.  For example, to afford that $2.5 million dollar beachfront dream home, I better be making a million dollars a year.  Hm...

Ideally, your monthly housing payment should be less than 28 percent of your gross household monthly income.  For example, if you take home $5,000 a month, your monthly housing payment should be less than $1,400.  For help with your budget, use an online mortgage calculator!

Source

Question:  How much should I budget for a down payment?

The traditional estimate is 20% of the purchase price of the house.  A larger down payment will lower your monthly payments, which is always preferred!

Bonus Tip:  In the model home I toured below, the kitchen below had tons of upgrades, which were all gorgeous.  However, that meant the purchase price increased dramatically and that would increase the down payment and monthly mortgage payments.  Think carefully about upgrades that you have to make vs. want to make, if you go the new home route.

Question:  What information do lenders want?

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Summery Project Round-Up & Do Tell Tuesday #74!

Welcome to Do Tell Tuesday!  Do Tell Tuesday is the time where WE get to see what YOU are up to! Share your projects and recipes, then take time to look around at your fellow creatives.  Not a blogger?  That's ok!  You can still take a look around and discover some new ideas and inspiration!

Each week a featured host will be bringing you a set of features.  This week is Lisa's turn!  Before we get to this week, let's meet the hosts!

Keep up with us at:

Mabey She Made It : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus
Vintage Zest : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Little Red Window : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Lil Mrs. Tori : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Now for the features courtesy of Lisa!

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SOAP FARM feature & promo!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a long overdue shop to share with you!  As you know, I prefer using natural products whenever possible.  When I spotted SOAP FARM's beautiful products at one of my favorite craft shows, I knew they had to be a part of my series!

Vanessa has been making soap since 2001 and really knows how to make a beautiful bar of soap.  She also makes other natural bath and body products and puts together baskets of her items, which make perfect gifts.  Also, she is offering a promo to my readers to receive 15% off of her items.  Lucky you!  Make sure to check that out after the interview, and now let's get to it!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am an art school and film school grad who spent my entire adolescence figuring out a way to get to New York City. I am adopted from Korea, grew up in Minnesota with the Mississippi river in my backyard, and, yes, did get myself to New York at twenty after transferring from more than one college. I hated school so much I was truant and graduated high school a year early (just to get the heck out) and finally finished college summa cum, to my father's relief and disbelief.  I am a broadcast news and documentary producer/editor by profession with eighteen years working for the majors in television. I can make a bar of soap and produce your marketing video; a rare occurrence. I have had no professional training or background in soap making or business but I like to do things the hard way.


Where did the name of your store come from?

My father's side of the family are all commercial agricultural farmers from his generation in the American heartland. They grow soybeans and corn on thousands of acres of land. Their kids have gone off into other fields (pardon the pun) and careers. I've always lived in major cities (I'm a city mouse) but always wanted the purity that doesn't exist there. I've always wanted  to create businesses around delivering the essence of nature to the urban masses. Hence, SOAP FARM.


Why did you start making goods for SOAP FARM?

Everything comes from experimentation for me and I was attracted to all natural soap making because it's rather dangerous. Customers came next-and that's what changes why you make what you make.


What is your favorite item?

My first and coveted item, my SUPERFAT SOAP; an all natural, giant, fat bar of soap made with pure essential oils and ingredients that help and heal sensitive skin.

What is your most popular item?

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Spring Cleaning: Creating an Organized Bathroom Drawer!

Remember last year when I showed you my organized drawer of toiletries galore?  Tons of you totally related to my mess of a "before" picture and loved my "after" as well!  Although that drawer holds the majority of my stuff, I have a single tiny drawer in the bathroom itself where I can store a few things.

It got totally overrun with items, so I did a bit of spring cleaning.  It turned out fabulous and I'm ready to share it with you today!

Here is the before.  Ugh.  As I mentioned in that previous post, I had about three times the amount of stuff that any one person should have.  All the items from my parents' house from before I moved to Nashville, my stash from Nashville (which was in storage temporarily), and the new stuff I bought when I moved back to California.

I had enough of the craziness when I realized I had no room for the charger of my new skin care brush.  Nooo!  As you can see, I labeled everything so you can see the dirty little secrets living in my drawer.  I had really old glasses and contacts supplies, empty packaging from some of my favorite products, and even some retainers from way back when.

So I took everything out of the drawers and started the purging and organizing process.  Empty containers and old products were chucked in the trash.  An extra pair of glasses made it into my travel bag, since it makes more sense there anyways.

Then, I organized everything into categories.  The four I ended up choosing were eye care, skin care, dental care, and miscellaneous.  I didn't realize how many kinds of floss I had!!!

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Bananacue recipe (Sweet Asian Plantain Skewers)

Remember last month when I shared two recipes for both savory and sweet plantains?  Initially, I had this dish in mind for my sweet recipe, but when I went to look at the recipe, I was shocked to find out that Bananacue used a completely different fruit!  But let's back up for a second.

Bananacue is a sweet dish found in the Philippines, and it's also sometimes known as banana cue or banana q.  The banana is fried, covered in brown sugar, skewered, then enjoyed as a tasty snack or dessert!  Personally, I love having this in the summer time along with some grilled kabobs for a complete meal on a stick!

The fruit is sweet and almost slightly creamy after frying, but the outside sugar hardens into a sweet, crunchy shell.  So delicious!

The surprising thing is that even though it is called bananacue, you probably shouldn't use a regular banana.  Then what should you buy at the grocery store?

The banana that they use in the Philippines is called saging na saba, Cardaba banana, or Asian plantain.  After working with them, I can safely say that they are somewhere between a soft regular banana and the harder plantain.  You can use a regular plantain for this recipe if you can't find this at your international store.  However, as you know from my plantain tips post, make sure that they are ripe!

Bananacue (Sweet Asian Plantain Skewers)
Adapted from here

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Pretty Spring Sewing Projects + Do Tell Tuesday #73!

Welcome to Do Tell Tuesday!  Do Tell Tuesday is the time where WE get to see what YOU are up to! Share your projects and recipes, then take time to look around at your fellow creatives.  Not a blogger?  That's ok!  You can still take a look around and discover some new ideas and inspiration!

Each week a featured host will be bringing you a set of features.  This week Cassie picked some pretty sewing projects for the spring season and beyond!  Before we get to this week, let's meet the hosts!

Keep up with us at:

Mabey She Made It : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus
Vintage Zest : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Little Red Window : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Lil Mrs. Tori : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Now for the features courtesy of Cassie!

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Massey Honey feature & GIVEAWAY!

For this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a tasty feature to share with you!  When my friend and I visited last year's Unique L.A., we couldn't help but notice the crowd forming around Massey Honey to sample their delicious honey!  I adored their pretty packaging as well, and after tasting a few of the varieties, we were hooked.

For all you Southern California locals, they will be at Unique L.A. today and tomorrow, so head there to check them out!  For you non-locals, check out their lovely feature below and enter to win this week's giveaway.  You get to choose between their orange blossom or wildflower honeys, and Ryan and Jessica told me that each variety has been just recently extracted this spring and very tasty!  Yum!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am a veterinarian with a background in public health and food safety. I came across beekeeping while in college (an entomology class in snuck into) and fell in love with the complexities of bees. Once I finished veterinary school, I got my first bee hive and it grew from there.


Where did the name of your store come from?

We are a family-owned company and Massey is a family name. We are related to the gourmet vanilla company with a similar name- "Nielson-Massey" Vanilla.

Why did you start making goods for Massey Honey?

I originally did not plan on beekeeping with the dream of starting a company. I got one beehive  as a hobby. Word spread that I was an amateur beekeeping and people would call me to try to rescue their hives. I eventually began to rescue and relocate the hives and now have close to 100 located throughout Southern California. With time, I was able to responsibly manage the hives and produce a quality honey. The rest is history.


What is your favorite item?

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Jackalope Arts Wrap-up!

Remember that crazy calendar of spring and summer events that I shared with you last month?  Well, I have been out and about every weekend, and I really wanted to let you take a peek at the Jackalope Arts fair that I went to in Pasadena.  It was a wonderful venue and even though it rained on Saturday, the talent really shone through!  I found tons of amazing new shops that I will definitely be featuring on Shop Small Saturday Showcase.  There was so much to see that I couldn't share it all here, so I hope you saw for yourself!


No fear if you missed it because they will be coming back to Pasadena on November 7th & 8th!  Also, if you live in Denver or Phoenix, they will be in your town soon!  Click here for more details:

• Denver dates:  July 25th & 26th  +  November 28th & 29th
• Phoenix dates:  December 12th & 13th

Now, to the pictures of what I saw at Jackalope!

Robert Kramer Woodworking  +  Twenty One Glass

Of course, I ran into a few shop owners (Clay and Fabric, Foxboxes, Woodbrain, and Squshies) that I previously featured at Shop Small Saturday Showcase.  Hello, friends!

I also found some friendly new faces that I hope to feature soon!

Kenna

Chachi Loves Design!

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Açaí Bowl Recipe & Tips

Have you heard of an açaí bowl?  Maybe you haven't, so if you are not familiar, açai bowls use the superfood açaí berries to make something truly nutritious and delicious!  Besides the health benefits (seriously look them up!) they are a gorgeous breakfast or snack.  In fact, you may have seen some beautiful versions on Instagram.

The best part of these bowls are that they are completely customizable!  I made my bowl using Silk soymilk, in honor of last month's National Soyfoods month, when I shared a savory lasagna recipe.    Of course, I topped mine with some gorgeous fresh fruit for some color, flavor, and nutrition!

Lastly, I always use a few sprinklings of chia seeds, granola, and whatever strikes my fancy!  For this bowl, I used the Vanilla Pecan Granola from Boulder Granola because it is just the right amount of sweet with a super low sugar content.  It's the perfect sweet crunch to complement the creamy, tangy açaí bowl.  Yum!

Just a couple things before digging in.  The recipe itself is super easy and anyone can make this.  Probably the hardest part will be finding the açaí berry pulp.  The easy option in my area was in the freezer section of Whole Foods.  I have also heard that the açaí powder is a great option when buying online, but I have not tried it yet myself.  I'll give it a try next time!

Now, are you ready to dig in!

Açaí Bowl Recipe & Tips
Adapted from here

Ingredients

• 100g (3.5 oz) pack frozen unsweetened açaí berry pulp
• 1/2 banana
• 1 cup frozen fruit  (I used a three berry blend and dark cherries)
• 1/2 cup milk  (I used Silk unsweetened soymilk)
• Fruity Toppings!  (I used strawberries, blueberries, banana & kiwi)
• Crunchy Toppings!  (I used chia seeds & Boulder granola.  Sometimes I use the roasted coconut chips picture too)
• Honey for sweetness, to taste  (optional)

Directions

1.  Thaw your açaí puree by running under water for a few seconds.

2.  In a blender, add the banana, açaí pulp, frozen fruit, and a splash of milk.

3.  Blend on low until larger chunks are broken down, then gradually increase speed.

4.  Adding the milk a little at a time, stopping to scrape down sides of blender if needed.

5.  Stop when the mixture is the desired consistency of a thick smoothie, then blend on high for an additional 15 to 20 seconds.

6.  Add toppings! Arrange the fruit and crunchy toppings any way you would like!

7.  Enjoy your gorgeous açaí bowl!

I absolutely love the deep purple of the açaí bowl, and it always feels like I'm having a luscious sweet treat in the morning... even though it is super healthy!  Give it a try since it is super easy and it's fun to see how everyone decorates their individual bowls.  A little bit of craftiness is a good way to start every day, right?

What will you top your açaí bowl with?

You might also like...

Favorite Breakfast #5: Easy Green Smoothie!

Grilled Tilapia with Spicy Mango Pineapple Salsa

Homemade Kale Chips

This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase using one of the links, a small commission will go to support Vintage Zest.  I will only recommend sites with products that I think you will love and enjoy!

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Cinco de Mayo Recipes + Do Tell Tuesday #72!

Welcome to Do Tell Tuesday!  Do Tell Tuesday is the time where WE get to see what YOU are up to! Share your projects and recipes, then take time to look around at your fellow creatives.  Not a blogger?  That's ok!  You can still take a look around and discover some new ideas and inspiration!

Each week a featured host will be bringing you a set of features.  This week I got to choose!  Before we get to this week, let's meet the hosts!

Keep up with us at:

Mabey She Made It : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus
Vintage Zest : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Little Red Window : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Lil Mrs. Tori : Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Twitter // Google Plus

Now for the features courtesy of me!

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Nora Floral Studio feature, promo & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase feature, I have a shop to feature that everyone will want to take note of... because it's perfect for Mother's Day!  I first met the lovely Nora from Nora Floral Studio at Artisanal L.A. and fell in love with her ceramic, geometric designs.  The shapes and colors that she uses are so interesting, and I absolutely love how both floral arrangements and succulents look like in her creations.

Definitely take note of any gifts that you would like to purchase for mom, yourself, or someone special because Nora is generously giving a 10% discount to all of my readers!  Not only that, she is also giving one of my lucky readers a matte white Double Triangle planters in the giveaway!  Enter to win at the end of the post and as always, enjoy all of the beautiful pictures and enjoy learning more about Nora Floral Studio!

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am originally from East Texas. I have a BFA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from Art Center College of Design, I have been a practicing sculptor for over 10 years and have exhibited in the United States and Europe. I began Nora Floral Studio 2 years ago. My favorite colors are pink and grey, my favorite flowers are the ranunculus and anemone, my favorite succulent variety is the Echeveria.


Where did the name of your store come from?

When I started doing this all my friends told me that since my name rhymes with flora that the name of my business should be "Nora Flora" but that to me seemed to rhyme too much so I made it "Nora Floral Studio" the studio part reflects the studio practice that is involved with the slip cast ceramic production.

Why did you start making goods for Nora Floral Studio?

My studio practice was always very labor intensive, and after the downturn in the economy and the birth of my son I needed to find a way to enhance my income. It was a process to figure out how to combine my love and aptitude for making objects and something that the world needs. I had learned slip casting years ago in a sculpture class, slip casting is a process where you pour liquid porcelain into plaster molds to get your clay form.  I started taking floral design classes and in the meantime cut up some of my old sculptures in progress and made molds of the pieces. It seemed obvious to use this process to make planters and vases for the succulent and floral designs I was into.


What is your favorite item?

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