Neighborhood

This past weekend was the 41st Inman Park Festival here in Atlanta. We didn't make our way down until close to the end of the day so many vendors were closing up. We decided to take this opportunity to explore our neighborhood and finally take some pictures of the magnificent homes. My favorite is the red mansion (fourth one down) - the covered circular patio on the third floor is so awesome.

Honey Mask

Becoming a vegetarian over a decade ago has really encouraged me to learn about my food and what works for my body. Over the years, I have sought out more natural, plant based skin products as well. Here's one of my favorites- honey face masks. Honey has natural antibacterial and humectant properties, perfect for my sensitive, combination skin.

Moisturizing Honey Mask
1 tsp organic honey
1/2 tsp olive oil
1 vitamin E capsule

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Pop open the vitamin E capsule and combine with the honey and olive oil in a small glass bowl. Heat in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Use a brush or your fingers to apply, making sure to avoid the eye area. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with a warm washcloth. Splash your face with cool water to close pores and tone skin. Dry you face with a towel and apply your favorite mild moisturizer.

I like to apply this a few times a week but see what works for you.

**Obvious note: if you're allergic to any of these ingredients, don't use 'em.

Betty Crocker

I used to pour over the pages of Betty Crocker's New Boys and Girls Cook Book as a child. Published in 1965, there were recipes for such tasty treats as pigs in a blanket and brownie slowpokes. There was one particular recipe that I completely obsessed over. Behold, the Enchanted Castle Cake!

I remember thinking this was the most impressive piece of architecture, culinary or otherwise, my 8 year old self had ever seen. I'm sure if I flipped through the pages today I would be pretty disgusted with how unhealthy most of the recipes are but the photography and artwork is still amazing. There are few books today that hold a candle to the design and packaging of the 50s & 60s. 

Here are a few more pages from this kitschy cookbook. I'm so glad my mom hung on to this gem. I might have to pick up a copy for myself.

Western Valentines

Here are a few beautiful vintage cowboy and cowgirl valentines just in time for Feb 14th:

(via Etsy)

(via Weekend Cowgirl)

(via Flickr)

(via Etsy)

(via Flickr)

(via Petticoats & Pistols)

And the not-so-PC Native American Valentines:

(via Flickr)

(The Society Pages)

(via Manataka)

Disneyland

Unseen footage of Disneyland from 1957, just two years after the park opened:

Pickling

I don't know if it's coincides with living in the South but I am in love with pickling veggies! It all started with a great jar of spicy pickled green beans I bought at my local fancy grocery store. At $8 a jar, I decided to try my hand at making my own for a fraction of the price.

I did a quick search and decided to combine recipes to make the pickled beans how I wanted them to taste: tart and spicy. If you don't care for green beans, feel free to use any combination of crunchy vegetable like carrots, cauliflower, radishes, etc.

Refrigerator Pickled Beans
1.5 cup water
1.5 cup vinegar
1 lb fresh green beans
3-4 cloves of garlic
sprigs of fresh dill
sprigs of fresh rosemary (or whatever fresh herb or mix of herbs you'd prefer)
2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 jalapeno, sliced in half

1) Add the water and vinegar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2) While your waiting for the water & vinegar to boil, rinse and cut off the ends of the string beans.
3) Place the beans, spices/herbs & jalapeno into a large mason jar making sure nothing sticks out.
4) Pour the water/vinegar mixture over the beans and allow to cool to room temperature.
5) Screw the lid on and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
6) Enjoy!

**Since these vegetables aren't canned in the traditional way they will keep for a much shorter period (no more than a week or two), but I never have a problem finishing them off!

Shopping in Athens

Last weekend, my fiance and I drove to Athens to go secondhand shopping and see our favorite band, Future Islands. I absolutely love downtown Athens and always leave with a few vintage purchases. I highly recommend checking out Agora located at 260 W. Clayton St.

Agora houses 50 vintage vendors with a mix of clothes, jewelry, luggage, LPs and more. The owner even employees an on-site seamstress so you can have your clothing tailored on the spot! How awesome is that?

Here are the two dresses I purchased, both under $30. I wanted to snatch up a couple more but I was trying to be good.

I don't even think I need to wait until spring to wear them. It's a sunny 70 degrees here in Atlanta! I'm sitting on my patio while I type this post trying to enjoy the last bit of sunlight.

What's a Double R?

Greetings!

After starting my Etsy shop last year I've decided to branch out and create a blog as well.

The name Double R is taken from the diner in one of my favorite television shows, Twin Peaks. Mixing just the right about kitsch and small town charm, the Double R was where the locals and out-of-towners gathered to rehash the latest gossip.

In this vein, I'd like to see people far and wide enjoy what I share, whether it's an exciting vintage find, a new album or an inspiring DIY project. I'm hoping to have my crafty friends join in on the fun. Thanks for reading!