'Tis the season for merriment and good wishes!  Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  We're hosting at our home.  How about you? 

pre-holiday turkey

A traditional meal is planned...my kids want it, so that's what we'll do. I actually enjoy changing it up a bit.  I'd be happy with tacos or pasta.  But, turkey will reign and ham, too.  Potatoes, and gravy and stuffing taboot!  Pumpkin and pecan will be the desserts, we'll be so stuffed, we'll be untucking our shirts.

I made a turkey last week.  I just loved how it browned up. Here's what I did:  Removed the inside packets, washed with cold water, placed in a roaster and covered with olive oil.  I packed the interior with onion, carrots and seasoning mixture. I then sprinkled the seasoning mixture for poultry all over.  Covered with aluminum foil, baked at 350 for two hours, then removed foil, baked another 45 minutes allowing the bird to brown.  The turkey weighed 13 lbs. and took exactly three hours to bake.  Of course, you'd need to alter baking/browning time according to weight.

The thing I really like about baking turkey up, is that it gives us about five meals.  Later in the week I made turkey and noodles.  The rest went into the freezer for later.

Here's wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

My inspired life: Homemade Margaretta pizza on the grill.

My inspired life: Homemade Margaretta pizza on the grill.: Wow, with all the great fresh produce coming out of the garden and available at area farmer's markets, this light and delicious pizza ...

Homemade Margaretta pizza on the grill.

Wow, with all the great fresh produce coming out of the garden and available at area farmer's markets, this light and delicious pizza is so easy to make...

I've been wanting to make a pizza on the grill, so one evening, I just tried it out.  Couldn't be too difficult, I thought to myself, and I was correct.  It was E-Z.

I purchased ready made thin crusts and then added veggies from our garden.  I really, really like pizza Margaretta and had all the makings for one.  I spread thin layer of pizza sauce all over the crust, out to the edge.  Then, I used pear tomatoes and red grape tomatoes, by cutting them into small pieces.  "Pearl" mozzarella was added and fresh basil.  For the basil, I place the leaves one on top of each other, roll them up, then chiffonade them.  Then I spread them out all over, too. 

I had the grill going for about 15 minutes, so it was hot and ready to go.  Just put the pizza on the rack, close the lid and let it cook.  The top will not get bubbly, but the cheese will melt down and spread a bit.  Turn the crust periodically so the bottom does not burn.  Adjust the fire accordingly.  Approx. 30 minutes cooking time.

Vintage linens...they speak to me, you?

Vintage linens just have a way about them that brings me fully into the moment.  Holding, washing, folding, decorating and even using them in my repurposing.  

The photo to the left shows several pieces of linen layered, providing an opaque window treatment. 

They call out to me of an earlier time.  A time when Mondays were wash days, Tuesdays folding and Wednesday ironing.  Some were used for utilitarian purposes, others merely for an elegant splash of sophistication.  From checked, to bright and vivid colors and design. to creamy cotton linen, each have a past and today, a future to those who love them...their look, their pedigree, their provenance.  

I just finished making my bed with fresh bedding for spring.  I went with a neutral palette with hints of cream, yellow, peach and green.  I want a room of rest and freshness, light and airy.  I accomplished what I was after. 

I had all of these items in my collection; used at different times in different combos.  Today they come together for this look.


For vintage linen care, here are my tips for making old look their best and brightest.

To remove stains, pour lemon juice over the stain, sprinkle with salt and let it sit in the sun for several hours.  Rinse through a couple of times then hang on a clothesline or, if possible, lay the linen in the grass, where the chlorophyll in the grass is a natural brightener.  If the stains are really stubborn, soak in luke warm water and mild detergent.  DON'T ever bleach.  Rinse many times.

When the cloth is damp and chilled, press with a very hot iron on the wrong side.  Work at it until they are completely dry.  Creasing the fabric can break fibers; so it is preferred that you don't iron them in.  In addition, folding fabric can weaken at the fold. It is best if you roll them, using cardboard wrapping paper rolls or mailing tubes.  Keep them stored in a well-ventilated place, out of light.

 
To finish my light and airy spring into summer look, I will use these items on my walls.  A vintage picture of sheep grazing, an old, chippy mirror and a vintage paint by number picture.  These items reflect the same colors and hues in the bedding.

Websters Chalk Paint Powder Workshop 101

WEBSTERS Chalk Paint Powder 101

Saturday, May 17th 1:00-4:00

Sunday, May 18th 1:00-4:00

min/max 4 participants

McCoy True Value Hardware~Indianola, Iowa

Howard and Boston

 You'll learn the basics and benefits of using W.C.P.P. for your painting projects. We'll have fun and you'll go home with a finished project. Two times being offered.
 

You must PRE-REGISTER with PAYMENT to Beth Cort-Voltmer @515-238-7720. FEE $40.00

Roosters Call TAG Sale

Rooster's Call TAG and ESTATE Sales

May SALES

508 West Street
New Virginia, Iowa 
Saturday, May 3rd
10:00-3:00
No early sales.
Vintage and new home decor
'project' pieces, junk and more.

Rooster's Call Tag Sale

Saturday, March 29th

10:00-3:00

101 E. Salem Ave.

Indianola, Iowa

Burlap & Roses has closed it's doors on the SE Corner of The Square in Indianola.  Lots of stuff has to go and at reduced prices.  No EARLY SALES!

You can find Burlap & Roses at the Brass Armadillo in Des Moines.  Booth 53-54, ROW Nebraska and at various shows in and around Iowa.  Watch here or to be included in our newsletter, email Beth at vintagegalbeth@gmail.com.

Services offered

The music moved me...I swayed.

A few years ago...quite a few years ago, now that I think about it, I served as the youth leader at the church we attended.  In some way we were introduced to Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and were invited up to a church service during Black History Month...which is February, every year.  The congregation was predominately black.  We were the minority.

We were so excited to go and experience not only a different denomination, but a cultural difference, too.  We.were.blown.away!  The music...the music was tremendous.  Joyful.  We had not heard anything like it.  We had not ever seen anything like it.  They clapped. They swayed. They raised their hands in worship.  It was amazing.  

I've often thought of that church and how they really, really worshiped and did not have any inhibitions in doing so.  They were happy, proud, beautifully in the moment.  

Last week, my husband and I visited a new church after many years of not going to church at all.  We've missed it.  We've missed being part of a church family.  We've been participating in a weekly LIFE group at the home of friends. We were introduced to their church through these weekly group sessions.  

So, we went.  I felt at home immediately!  Greeted in the parking lot with special parking for visitors, greeted at the door, introduced to different areas of the church and handed the bulletin...all while hearing worship music wafting through the doors.  I was eager to go in.

A pretty simple layout; contemporary in design without all the typical emblems and markings of a traditional church.  On the stage was something I was not expecting to see.  Guess what it was?  A mostly black choir.  I don't know what I was expecting or if I had even given it any thought.  I was so happy!  I was so elated.  The music moved me; I felt like I was back at Corinthian Baptist Church where there was an energy and excitement and wholehearted longing to be there and worship and praise His name.  

Now, this is what is so interesting to me.  A difference between the black culture and the white culture that I am accustomed to.  What I know. One not better than the other...but, an observance.  Something I've noticed.  Something I wondered about then, many, many years ago and was reminded of it this past Sunday.  Black people move and express themselves without abandon.  White people seem to hold back.  Why is that?  I have to tell you...I was swaying right along with the best of them.  Back and forth, swaying to the music.  The white people that I saw, stood there, hands clenching the seat back in front of them; no movement.  No joyous abandon.  Why is that?

The music moved me...I swayed...the music moved me!

 

What is your style?

It came across my Facebook page and I couldn't resist.  What's that you're wondering?  Well, it's a little questionnaire; you answer a few questions or, in this case, pick out five photos that "speak to you" and you'll find out, "who you are" "what you like" and in this instance, what my "decorating style is". 

It's quick and was actually "right on".  Have some fun, leave your comment on my blog, and share this with your friends. 

Here's the link:  http://www.homegoods.com/stylescope/

p.s. I'm Classic/Boho. 

http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/small-businesses-prepare-for-heavy-traffic-saturday/-/9357080/23221872/-/cxlvlez/-/index.html

This impending wedding thing...how am I feeling?

Mackenzy and her daddy, I wonder what he's feeling?

The countdown is on.  Finally getting a bit of time to think about this impending event.  Our youngest daughter gets married this Saturday.  What am I feeling? 

Firstly, we couldn't be happier with her choice in a lifelong mate.  She and Eric, her fiance, have been great friends all through jr. high and high school.  They have a group of friends that just hung out together.  A few dated, but these two did not.  I remember asking Mackenzy if she thought she'd like to date Eric.  She always said, "no", they were just great friends.  When I asked Eric the same question, he said, "yes, he would have liked to have dated her, but didn't want anything to hurt their friendship".

So, when it happened, over Eric's 21st birthday get together, it came as no surprise to me.  And, it would seem like it was a natural thing for the two of them.  It just took them awhile...or, "good things come to those who wait".

I've been so caught up in the "need to get done", shopping lists, creating and planning, that I have not allowed myself time to really think about how I'm feeling about this whole thing.  My baby girl is getting married. As I sit here and write this, tears come to my eyes.  I don't know why?  But they do.

She's a beautiful girl, daughter.  She loves life and lives it to the fullest.  Loyal, compassionate, loving, kind, respectful...all these things and more.  I'm proud of her.  I'm proud of who she's chosen to love and live her life with.  I anticipate what the future holds for her...them.

The countdown is on, she is my baby girl...a tear comes to my eye.

My inspired life: Sharing...the love...the kisses...the $$$

My inspired life: Sharing...the love...the kisses...the $$$: Makenna, our granddaughter, spent the night one evening recently and, as always, she found the change that I leave out on the counter for th...

Sharing...the love...the kisses...the $$$

Makenna, our granddaughter, spent the night one evening recently and, as always, she found the change that I leave out on the counter for the grands to find for their piggy banks at Grammie and Grampie's.  

She squealed with delight and asked if she could put it in her piggy bank.  I said sure and was not concerned about Lincoln, our grandson, not getting any.  He's gotten to put money in when Makenna was not at our house.

She went to the piggy banks and started putting the money in.  I was just busying around the kitchen, but overheard her say, "I'm going to put some in Lincoln's too".  How sweet and thoughtful.  I didn't say anything and let her do what she felt was right for her.  

We are blessed with some pretty awesome grandchildren.  Not a sentiment exclusive to us.  It's the moments in life like these that are what life is all about.  The photo above was taken when both got to go camping with us earlier this summer.  I come from a family of lots of aunts, uncles and cousins...1st, 2nd, 3rd...just doesn't matter.  I've always treasured this part of my life and look forward to my grandchildren being close and having each other through life's twists and turns, ups and downs, happy and sad times.  Such joy to my heart!

Impromptu get-togethers can be the best get-togethers.

It started with a phone call on the eve of the 4th of July and within minutes, a gathering was coming together.  "Pack the kids, bring some food, and head on down" for an impromptu overnight stay and celebration...country style. 

Sometimes, things just come together, and for me, that's when I know "it's just meant to be".  No fussing, deliberating, second-guessing.  That's how it was for this plan.

Our youngest, Mackenzy, and her fiance, Eric, had already reserved their room and were coming down for a pre-4th party in town.  And so it goes.
Since I've been doing a lot of deep cleaning, not all rooms were available in the "inn" so my three nephews took to the camper to sleep.  Sutton, after hearing a coyote, was somewhat concerned about his safety, but he quickly put it aside and got a good night's sleep.  

The guys, my hubs and brother-in-law, left early to go fishing.  I thought I'd have a bit of quiet time before everyone was up and going.  That was not to be.

Bright and early, I found the cutest little guy coming in the door for a visit.  "Hello Mimaw"  What???  Courtney, my oldest, was out of bed and maneuvering on a day off?  Sure enough and there was my precious Lincoln.  Could the day get any better?

We missed our annual parade watching, choosing to stay home and relax.  A hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs got us started.  The guys came back just in time, and one by one, the boys made their way in from the camper.  It wasn't

long and we were headed out the door for some fun and sun at the pond.  The day was filled with swimming, boating, 4-wheeling and more.  A bonfire closed the night down...and of course, smores.  A perfect 4th.

This past weekend was more of the same...a call here and another there turned out a sweet little gathering of friends and family.  It was New Virginia's annual Old Settler's Celebration and they always have a nice display of fireworks on Saturday night. 

We have a perfect view from our farm and the pond was just the place to be. The coming together was "just meant to be".  Only a few people weren't able to make it.  As the sun set, we chatted over food and drinks.  Jokes and stories, questions and "getting to know each other" for those who were just meeting made for a wonderful evening.  This is the view over the horizon.  Picture perfect don't you think?

Granddaughter, Makenna front left, grandson, Lincoln, back left and Minna Lickiss on the right enjoy getting to know each other.  They sure had fun together.

 

The group gathers for a final photo.  Son, Tanner's classmate, Scott and his family joined us just in time for fireworks.  All was well with my world.  

Back left:  Dan and Uly Gift, hubs, Steve, Maria and Steve.

Front:  Scott, Ashley and Morgan, Tanner, Abbie and Makenna.  Left to early:  Chad and grandson, Lincoln; Kurt, Denette and Minna Lickiss. 

Father's Day

Well, I've decided one of the best parts of being a parent comes way after the kids are grown and they start families of their own...making me and my hubs, of course, grandparents. 

Father's Day left us full to overflowing with happiness.  Our exchange student, from 20 years ago, Helena, and her fiance, Mikko, are visiting.  Courtney, our oldest came over to visit, bringing her almost two year old in tow. 

I can not express how it moves me almost to tears to see him smile ear to ear when he sees Grammie and Grampie...a.k.a. Pipaw and Mimaw to him.  He can't get to us fast enough; his short little legs in the tall grass does not help.  And, we can't wait to have him in our arms.  Precious in every way.

Then, over the hill we see Abbie and Makenna making their way down the lane to come and visit for a bit, too. We are as excited to see our sweet little Makenna as she is to see us.  We have to be her favorites for sure ; ).  Does not get much better than this...oh, but it did!

It was a beautiful day to enjoy the sights and sounds of live music at Summerset Winery.  Blue skies with powder puff clouds, a gentle breeze, a pitcher of their yummy sangria and our daughter, Mackenzy and her fiance, Eric, joined us for the afternoon. 

It was a lovely Father's Day.

Who doesn't love Red.White.Blue.

Summer is here and so is the color scheme of Red.White.Blue.  What screams summer more than this?

From ripe tomatoes to proud daisies to flag bearers carrying them, the colors of summer are here? 

It starts with the beginning-of-summer Memorial Day Holiday thru the end-of-summer Labor Day Holiday.  We wear it, magazine covers feature it and our tables are set with it...red.white.blue.                                      

What conjurs up more reminders and reminiscing than the colors of summer?  Firstly, our flag.  What a beauty it is.  We carry it, drape it, fly it on homes, our businesses and vehicles.                                                      

                                     

I think of camping and boating, fishing and fun.  Family and friend time, picnics and ice cream.  Bike rides, parades and celebrations galore.                                                     

Summer is here and so is the color scheme.

Happier Bride...

I had the opportunity to review this book, Happier Bride, and since my youngest is in the throngs of planning her wedding, I thought it was very timely. 

Delightful...the colors, the font, photos and simple format.  Easy to read and follow.  Great ideas and gentle reminders; with the intention of having a Happier Bride and a beautiful wedding. 

Shop online with Burlap & Roses at our Oddity Store

Of course, we hope you shop 'locally' first and foremost, but if you can't find it at your local favorite shop, then try Burlap & Roses Oddity shop.  We carry this line, but not all of it...or we may be out.  Just order, pay for it all online and it'll be shipped to you directly.  

 

Click HERE and you'll be directed to our catalog.

Inauguration Day 2013

Got in the house just in time for the Inauguration.  So glad I was able to see it.  James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson's songs were beautifully done.  Proud to be an American...to stand beside those who see things the way I do, to be challenged and awakened by those who view things a bit differently.  All for the greater good...all so we can be and do and want and have.  We are a very fortunate people.  Blessed so that we may be a blessing to the world...my world, your world, their world...OUR world.  Beth Cort-Voltmer 2013

The end always starts with a beginning.

The end always starts with a beginning, and January 1, 2013 was the day for I, and my hubs, to get back on track with sensible eating.  A lifestyle update.  Not a diet really, just eating the right things for more energy, strong bones, and overall better health. 

In the end, as in the beginning, I hope to take off the pounds that have crept on over the years.  They didn't sneak up on me...no, I kept a keen eye on the scale, but lacked the motivation and determination to do anything about it.

Last spring, though, something different happened to me.  My outlook, my desire, my mindset.  I felt 'ready' to make the changes that were required, to commit and move forward with this lifestyle change. I give allot of credit to one of my best friends, Jeanne, who has lost over 140 pounds, in just a little over a year.  It is her success and determination, as well as, her informative guidance that has help me start and stay in the game. 

I must admit, my determination fell off after just a few short months, and after I lost 20 pounds.  I've kept those 20 off until just recently, when I could feel my energy waning, my midriff thickening and my overall feeling was one of dread and disappointment.  I let myself down.  And, when I looked back, I realized I could have had another 20-30 pounds off, had I just stuck with it.  Darn it, Beth! 

I have put four pounds back on.  I knew I had.  I could sense it...both in how I looked and my energy.  It's just that quick!  It's just that obvious!  One thing for sure, having changed my eating habits, being cognizant of how I looked and felt, and being more in-tune with what my mind and body were telling me, I was able to recognize these things before they got out of hand.

Most of the junk food is out of the house.  It really is not a temptation for me on a regular basis, anyway. My mind is ready to mentally plan and make healthy food choices.  I know I have to add more activity into my daily schedule.  I have a better handle on what I like and WILL DO, will make time for.  I know that I have a tendency to get on a roll with just a few dishes, eat it over and over again...then, I get bored.  So, maybe this is just how I'm going to operate.  Rather than beat myself up over it, I recognize how I am and can deal with it.  

So, back to the end, which allows for a new beginning.  In this case, the new year.  In 2012, I lost 20 pounds, started eating better, maintained the weight loss, learned allot about myself, my eating patterns and habits.  I journal and keep track of my calorie intake online with My Fitness Pal.  I have also found that taking a daily vitamin and Vitamin D with calcium do wonders.  I will also do a 'natural' cleanse with a vinegar and honey tea one week a month.  

I recognize when I've eaten too much of the wrong thing...I get sluggish.  I know that I feel best with a low carb high protein diet.  I know that if I prepare my food so that it is 'grab and go' I do better.  I know that I have to make myself eat earlier in the day and make those food choices ones that give me energy right away.  Pasta, bread and other carbs are not my friends, although I LOVE them.  I know I enjoy coffee with cream and sugar too much to let it go, so I've altered how much of the cream and sugar I use.  I've dramatically reduced those additions.  The other thing I found out is...if I don't make my coffee strong, I need less of the cream and sugar to make it just right.
 
So, January 1, 2013, I made my hubs and I a delicious high protein, low carb brunch of scrambled eggs and ham in tortilla's, topped with cheese, baked in the oven and served with a glass of orange juice.  

Later in the day, we hiked our farm, up and down hills, through the snow.  It was exhilarating.  It was fun.  I need to do this more!   

So, as 2012 came to an end, I want 2013 to be the beginning of this journey.  My continued journey to me. More energy, strong bones and overall better health...with some weight loss along the way.  

Have fun with packaging

While at the shop yesterday, I had a bit of fun with packaging.  It's all in the presentation sometimes.  And, oft times, the recipient will get two gifts in one.

Metal boxes are all the rage for the vintage~repurposing follower.  Once used as cash boxes, for tools, fishing paraphernalia, and more, they are now found stacked, as art, holding supplies: paint brushes, glitter, buttons, and more.  Here is a red, a bit rusty and crusty metal box that I tied an animal print sash on.  I had some filler in the back room, filled the box, then added some 'gifty' items for a nice gift that keeps on giving.

 I gathered up all the vintage coffee tins and jars, put together the dry ingredients for coffee cake and put it inside the container.  I then tied the directions to complete the cake on and walla...another great gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for the coffee cconnoisseur in your life.  These are ready made and available at Burlap & Roses.
 
Vintage gift boxes make sweet packaging for anyone.  We offer many nice things at Burlap & Roses that will fit perfectly in these colorful and fun boxes.  

Our wine selection from Summerset Winery is a huge hit.  Paired with our Monk's Meadow dip and dessert mixes, any hostess or person on your gift list will be delighted when they open their package.

Lastly, the paperwhite bulbs have been planted in various containers and make lovely, lovely gifts.  They are sprouting and should bloom at the end of December.  They will last for a couple of weeks and will rebloom year after year.  The containers can be used throughout the year for other things.  Another great gift.

We look forward to assisting you with your holiday gift giving.
 

OPEN BLACK FRIDAY...SMALL BIZ SATURDAY

and~SUNDAYS 1-4 Thru Dec. 16th

Living your life...your way.

Today, Jane Pauley did a segment on the Today show about 'reinventing' your life after 50.  

Yesterday, at Burlap & Roses, a customer came in, a very attractive woman, I'd say in her upper 50's to low 60's.  She has the kind of silver/white hair that is silky, thick and gorgeous...the color and style that is in vogue these days.  She was telling me that her dream is to have a museum show-casing vintage hats.  They just purchased an acreage with a building that her husband told her she could now have her 'dream' museum.  She walked out the door saying, "it's just 25 years too late; I hope I live long enough".  A hint of bitterness in her voice.  I say, GET ON WITH IT AND DO IT!  She's most definitely not too old and a true picture of health.

Her final comment to me, paired with Jane Pauley's segment today, brings me to this blog post today.  Don't let it become too late to follow your dream...make your own path, live your life...your way.

Later today I will head to a show, Junk Jubilee Jingles, where I will be a vendor.  I will be joined by other 'like-minded' souls who I've come to know through this venue and other similar ones.  As I've been pondering this subject, I've come to realize that most of us are in our mid to late 40's to mid 50's.  Most, I imagine started living their life~their way, after the kids were raised and on their own.  If I questioned them, they'd most likely tell me, "wish I would have done it sooner".  Me, being one of them, totally agree!!!

We go through life getting done what needs to be done for everyone around us.  Most of us happily raised our family, worked at a career that paid the bills, had some benefits, and paid vacation.  It's what we do, it's what we did.  However, the first chance I had to try this gig...with nothing else to get in the way...I took it and have not looked back.  

Had I done it back then it might not have worked so well.  Family obligations came first, as they should.  But, I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance at living a life that is inspiring and creative and fulfills me...my person.  

Here's to my Junking friends.  Those who's hearts sing and burst with love for all things old, chippy, scrappy, shabby and glittered.  To those of us determined to bring life and beauty back to something most would throw away.  We're the ones that keep the past alive, we're keepers of memories, we're living our dream!  Living our life...our way!

Closing early

Burlap & Roses will be closing early Thursday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m.  We will be open regular hours Friday and Saturday, the 16th and 17th.  Sunday, November 18th, will be the start of our 

Sunday Holiday Hours  1:00-4:00 thru December 15th.  

Book Signing with Karen Weir-Jimerson, 

Sunday, November 18th from 1:00-4:00.

You have two opportunities to shop with Burlap & Roses this weekend.

at our Indianola location and at

Junk Jubilee Jingles

at the 4-H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds