Eco~Friendly Cleaner Recipes & Tricks

Let’s be clear here, I am not a trendy, hipster hippie.  I can’t claim to that my household practices are entirely green, eco~conscious and save~the~whale friendly, but I am aiming to slowly reduce the amount of chemicals I use in cleaning and maintaining the house.  I mostly want to do this because not only is it better for the environment, but also because I feel it’s healthier for my family and I. 

I have no idea how many chemicals are absorbed through my skin every day, what with all the hair products, cleansers, perfume, deodorant, moisturizers, and that’s not even including the days I wear makeup!   However, it’s not only health factor that I am considering; let’s also remember that eco~friendly cleaners have been around for a lot longer than today’s trend.  I personally believe it’s a major element of the “Make do and Mend” mentality, just upcycled under a different slogan of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. 

I don’t know about you, but for me, wearing vintage is more than just clothes, it’s also part of a deliberate effort on my side to get back to basics.   You could argue that stockings, garters, gloves, hats and all those necessary accessories for a authentic 1940s or 50s look is far from basic but that’s another post entirely! 

Anyway, the whole ‘getting back to basics’ motto I am running with means that I am going to get all eco~vintage on my cleaning routine.  Here are some awesome recipes from Pinterest that I plan on using, and I thought maybe you might find them useful as well.  

DIY Laundry Detergent

  

DIY Window cleaner ~ Mix together 2/3 parts white vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and 1/3 part water in a spray bottle.

 

DIY Dishwashing Liquid & Bath Fizzer

 

DIY Air Freshener

xox,

bonita

My Fur Confession ~ Outfit Forty Three

Twiggy Bird Faux Bakelite Broach  ~  Acorn & Will     Knit Top  ~  Thrifted    Bow Belt  ~  New Look{UK}   Pearl Bracelet  ~  made by me  Dotted Skirt  ~  Thrifted  Eyelet Lace Petticoat  ~  Thrifted   Shoes  ~  Payless  Vintage Fur  ~  Thrifted

~ * ♥ * ~

I might as well just jump straight in and address the massive elephant in the room….  Yes, that is a fur stole I am wearing in the last picture.  No, I didn’t inherit it.  I have a confession to make. 

*deepbreath* 

I am one of those sort~of~kind~of~really~doesn’t~mind~wearing~vintage~fur~please~don’t~shoot~me people.  Can I also say that I have been terrified of admitting this for months now?  I have been so reluctant to say anything because A. I know this is a hugely controversial topic and B. I really didn’t want to offend any of my lovely readers out there. 

But then I was thinking about the unique beauty of blogging communities ~ we don’t have the same ideas!  I mean that’s the whole point of blogging isn’t it?  To submit your own individual take on fashion, life, you name it, into the melting pot; to share ideas and create discussion.  So I want to share my take on fur and I hope that my blog can be a place where ideas and conversation can flow freely and respectfully. 

The nuts and bolts of it is that I do not have a problem with wearing vintage fur.  But I want to stress the word “vintage” because that is my criteria for this discussion.

Firstly, let’s be clear about this.  No, I don’t support modern fur trade. I don’t think that it’s necessary or, in most cases, humane.  

Why do I wear vintage fur then?  I have a few reasons.  One is that I think it’s wasteful not to use these items of clothing that have already been made.  Fur maybe distasteful to many, but there is no denying that it does the job of keeping you warm. In my mind that begs the question ~ why use more resources to create a warm coat or scarf when there are already pieces available for use?

Another reason is that personally I don’t have a problem with using animal by-products if done carefully and humanely.  I eat meat, wear leather shoes, and therefore, wear fur.  For me, this is a practical thing.  There is no point boycotting vintage fur in my mind unless I go the whole hog and boycott all animal by-products. 

Lastly, I find vintage furs beautiful.  This is the least important reason, and unless I had the stronger reasons like those I just went through, I wouldn’t use the fur regardless of how I feel about it’s aesthetic value.  But however small and insignificant, this reason is still an aspect as to why I wear vintage fur.  I  like how the furs help to give a sense of authenticity to my vintage look. 

And so, these reasons are why I wear vintage fur.  There.  I have done it.  I am ‘out of the closet’ as it were. 

Am I hesitating over publishing this post?  Yes.  Am I worried about backlash?  Trolls?  Losing followers?  Yes, yes, and yes.   Am I still going to put this post up?  Yes. {Well obviously or you wouldn’t be reading it!}  Am I hoping for responses?  Yes.  I want to facilitate respectful conversation ~ so please share your views; I want to hear them. 

xox,

bonita

P.S.  ~ Because I really want to see my blog remain a place of positive, friendly, and respectful conversation any flaming or nasty comments will be deleted.  : )  Share the love, not the hate. 

What my camera shows me

       

Some photographic adventures with the iPhone.  Instagram is seriously awesome sauce ~ it makes everything ten times prettier and I feel like I don’t have to stress about not having my DSLR on me all the time because this app is doing a fairly good job as a substitute! 

Mind you, there is definitely a slightly different technique required when you are using your phone camera.  Yes, you can still do your fine art photographic style, but framing, focus, lighting, and all that jazz is pretty iffy.  I tend to think of my phone like a polaroid camera; you have your limitations but you can still get some really good snaps with a bit of creative juggling!

In the mean time here are some more ‘serious’ pieces I’ve put in the Studio recently. 

You can click through on the photos to go to my studio and check out all the other pictures I have also put up.  Apparently I’ve been a real busy little beaver!  I didn’t even realize how many I had done until I started looking at which ones I wanted to share.  It’s good though; maybe one of these days I will get out of 2010 and start editing the photos I have taken this year….  -____-‘  Hopefully I can get fully caught up soon!! 

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ National Thrift Shop Day

So apparently there is a National Thrift Shop Day and I totally missed out on it!  *sadface*   Because of the epic fail on my part I bring you Kaylah from The Dainty Squid’s lovely thrifting finds that she posted in honour of N.T.S.D. {hmm, I like the sound of that ~ *sings* “NTSD, NTSD, NTSDDDDDD.”  > . >}.  Check it out ~

National Thrift Shop Day 

August 17th (today!!) is National Thrift Shop day! To celebrate I'm going to share my top thrift purchases! I've found lots of fantastic things over the years but these seem to stand out in my head the most….

xox,

bonita

*clickclick* ~ Knitting Resources

  

~ * ♥ * ~ Teaching the Mr. to knit.  So funny!  > <  ~ * ♥ * ~

Recently I have been super inspired by some knitting resources that have popped up in my feed reader.  It makes me so eager to be done with the never~ending~baby~blanket~of~doomed!* and to be moving onto some lovely vintage/vintage inspired sweaters. So eager in fact that I wanted to share some of the amazing free patterns I’ve found! 

~ * ♥ * ~ I am going to knit the jacket on the left for my first ever jumper!  ~ * ♥ * ~

~ * ♥ * ~ I really like the cardigan on the right.  It’s a nice pattern without being too boring or too hard.  I definitely want to try it next. ~ * ♥ * ~

These bulky knit patterns from 1956 are super adorable!  Sarah from Vintage Bobbin posted them up, and even better, made a pdf with all the patterns available here.  How awesome is she?!! 

I love how the cardigans would be so nice and warm with the thick yarn, and there is the added bonus of being able to complete the project quicker.  Yay for chunky knits!  I know I am going to love them because my favourite red cardigan {featured here and here} is a bulky knit and so far I can’t seem to stop wearing it. 

I have to say that I would shorten the cardigans though ~ they are not quite at that ‘hit the waist’ length that I prefer.  I think that would be easy though, and another advantage ~ less knitting!  Bonus!

~ * ♥ * ~ Miette by Andi Satterlund~ isn’t it pretty?  ~ * ♥ * ~

Another free pattern is this gorgeous vintage style cardigan by Andi from Untangling Knots.  She made the pattern up herself {!! Isn’t she clever!} and has made it available here to download as a pdf.  The thing I really like about this design is that it is seamless so you don’t have to sew any pieces up and it’s designed from the top down so you can: A. fit as you go and B. stop where ever you like and get the perfect length you desire!  It’s a winner in my books. 

Oh, so much to do and so little time to do it in….  It’s okay though because Andi also has some awesome tips on how to read and knit at the same time here!  And before you go “That’s all well and good but I am mostly reading blogs on my computer and can’t do that.” check out her post for a moment because she shows you how to set your Google Reader to scroll automatically!  

In case you couldn’t tell, I am totally a fan of that!  O happy knitting days!!   > ω <

xox,

bonita 

*It’s 330 stitches across and measures approx. 50 inches when complete.  I have been working nonstop on this blanket since March and I have got 33 inches finished, and multiple mistakes. I am sooooo over it, but as this is a special present for Theodore I will keep my nose to the grindstone {or my fingers perhaps?} and slog on.  Here’s the blanket terror in person ~

  

Violet Victory ~ Outfit Forty Two

Necklace  ~  Dotti      Broach  ~  Thrifted    Top  ~  Factorie   Skirt  ~  Thrifted  Stockings  ~  Equip  Shoes  ~  New Look{UK}

~ * ♥ * ~

I haven’t done proper victory rolls in ages ~ in fact, the last time I did them was in Perth for this outfit shoot.  I like how these ones turned out; for my second go at this hair style I think I did okay! 

Erm….  

And now I seem to be suffering from a random case of writer’s block.  This doesn’t happen to me very often, but I don’t have anything else to say!  > o <  I suppose I could ramble on about violets and how they are one of my favourite flowers. 

Actually, the masses of violets around my garden are one of the things that instantly attracted me to our house ~ I love the violets, moss and cherry tree.  Add some roses, lavender, snowdrops and hydrangeas, and what more could you ask for in a garden?   Not much in my mind anyhow.  ^ u ^

Okay, enough rambling.  Bye then! 

xox,

bonita

The Butterfly Blog Award ~ Yay!

So the lovely Nicole from Craft My Soul awarded me with this cool blog award and now I want to share it around!  ^ u ^

~ * ♥ * ~

Name your favourite colour ~ White and anything pastel!

Name your favourite song ~  I don’t really mention my world view very often on my blog, but I am a Christian and my favourite song for many years has been “In Christ Alone” because I feel that it sums up my faith and my life perfectly. 

Name your favourite dessert ~  Hmm, that’s hard.  I never used to have much of a sweet tooth, but after 8 months of pregnancy I suddenly developed a fierce taste for sugar and now I quite enjoy cake, cookies, ice cream, crumpets, chocolate{well, I always liked that one!}; the list goes on!

What wizzes you off ~ Slow drivers, being late, and having a messy house!  I can’t stand being disorganized.  It really gets my goat.

When you’re upset you ~ generally run to Husband for a big hug!!  He’s the only one who makes me feel instantly better, no matter what is going on.  I often joke that I am addicted to him, and his love is my drug.  I certainly can’t get enough of it, that’s for sure!  ; )

Your favourite pet ~  My horse Copper. He’s a 15.3hh, bay Standardbred off the track, about ten years old.  He is a real sweetheart and loves to go fast, jump and generally muck about on the trail.  I love how he has a great work ethic; he really tries to please you, although it takes him a while to pick on things sometimes, if you reassure him he will get it and do well!

Black or white ~ White... Although if you had have asked me that a year ago I would have said black for sure! 

Your biggest fear ~ Being left alone….  Yeah.  Not fun. 

Best feature ~  My creativity.  I like the fact that I can pull random bits and pieces together to make something pretty, or draw a picture that captures what I feel.  I love creating and I love ideas!  It’s so much fun. 

Everyday attitude ~  Live life to the fullest; being thankful for every precious moment. 

What is perfection ~  I could go all deep & meaningful on you, but how about simple pleasures; like hugs and warm nights and baby smiles. : )

Guilty pleasure ~ Trashy t.v. shows….  > . <  Can you say America’s Next Top Model anyone?

~ * ♥ * ~

Here are the 10 fabulous blogs I am awarding{in no particular order}:

1. Just Add Glitter and Stir ~ Maggi’s awesome vintage blog with crochet, crafting and babies. 
2. Forever Amber ~ Two words. Shoes + Funny = Awesome sauce.  Love Amber.
3. Katiefoolery  ~  A fellow writer and photographer, Katie is a girl after my own heart.
4. Scathingly Brilliant  ~  Pink hair & pretty frocks; Kate Gabrielle has a pretty, romantic style.
5.You've Got Nail  ~  Jacie has the low down on nail polishes, beauty, product reviews.
6. Esme and The Lane Way  ~  Esme has amazing style & is simply gorgeous; great vintage inspiration.
7. Va-Voom Vintage ~  Brittany has sweet vintage clothes and she always look fabulous.
8. Diary of a Vintage Girl  ~  Fleur is so friendly and lovely and she is such an inspiration to me.
9. Land Girl 1980  ~  I really enjoy Land Girl’s style and vintage vibe. We share a love for the 1940s era.
10. Clothes, Cameras & Coffee  ~  Rosalind is a darling, an amazing writer and fashionista.  So fab.

~ * ♥ * ~

If you received an award from me, here's what you have to do if you would like to play along and award a few of your favourite blogs ~

~  Link to the person who awarded you
~  Answer the questions above
~  Award 10 other bloggers the Butterfly Award

Cheers to all you lovely ladies and gents out there in internet land.   > ω <

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ DIY Vinyl Record Purse

For all you handy dandy vintage aficionados out there I have a fantastic tutorial from Charlotte of Tuppence Ha’penny Vintage on how to make your very own vinyl record purse.  It’s such a cute handbag and she even did a vinyl record hat tutorial as well, so if you want a matching hat and purse skedaddle over to her blog and take a look!

How to Make a Vinyl Record Purse

So you've got your record hat, what do you need to complete your outfit? A record handbag, of course!…

xox,

bonita

Put on your dancing shoes ~ Outfit Forty One

Rose Bracelet {around my bun} ~  Equip   Hair Bow  ~  Best&Less   Mushroom Earrings  ~ Diva  
Sunglasses  ~  Dotti   Jade Pendant  ~  The Ladies Market, Hong Kong   Cardigan  ~  Thrifted   
Black Top  ~  SES  Belt  ~  New Look, UK   Skirt  ~  Thrifted   Tights  ~  Thrifted   Socks  ~  Dotti   Shoes  ~  Thrifted 

~ * ♥ * ~

Oops, I just realized I did an accidental repeat with the cardigan in this outfit.  Oh well, I guess that just proves what I was saying in my last post about how much I love this cardi!   I feel like this outfit is a bit of an unusual mix for me and now that I look it over, it does seem rather eclectic; what with all the odd elements and all.

Sunglasses ~ I don’t normal wear them, socks & sandals ~ I love this look, but it is a bit different, and combine that with my 40s style cardigan….  Well!  What do you guys think?  On the money or slightly too… artsy… 

Eh.  I don’t know.  To be perfectly honest, I don’t mind it anyway ~ it sort of reminds me of Japanese street style actually!  I also really like how my sunglasses match my skirt.  I have been wanting floral sunglasses for a while and these ones not only fit the bill, but also fit over the top of my glasses so I can just pop them on in the car and still see to drive.   Yes, it’s weird, but I can’t see without my glasses and I hate clip on sunnies, so here I am ~ a sunglasses over the top of glasses wearing weirdo.  : P 

In other news, after being stuck like a pin cushion during my stay in hospital {yes, I was admitted for a few days after the surgery} I am finally getting better again.  I won’t go into detail, because it’s actually pretty gross {there were nappy pins involved!! O . o}, but thankfully it’s basically all over now.  As long as it doesn’t happen again.  

….  -___-‘ ….  Yeah.  Fingers crossed!  x  ^ . ^  x

I want to thank everyone for their well wishes ~ I really appreciate your care and support.  It’s one of the great things about blogging; the fantastic community we can build together!   I’ll stop before I get too sappy on you all, but really, thank you.  You are simply peachy.  ^ ω ^  ~ ♥  

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ 5 Minute Beach Pinup Hair

I found a lovely new blog called The Pink Retro Powder Room by Miss Amethyst.  There are great vintage inspired hair styling tutorials, some fabulous outfit posts and more fun vintage inspiration and tips.  I particularly love this tutorial for a simple but lovely Beach Pin up Hair style. 

Do not forget to check out the rest of her blog after reading this post!

 

5 Minute Beach Pinup Hair : Floral/ Reverse Victory Roll /Side Updo

Hello There Vintage Lovers!!  Today we will be doing a Beach 5 minute do. ( Side Bun with a Reverse Victory Roll)  Inspired by this photo {above}!!

xox,

bonita