7 Quick Takes Friday

1) My dog surprised us yesterday by de-stuffing a pillow my husband had given me a couple of years ago. The pillow said, "No outfit is complete without a little dog hair." I'm not sure why the dog didn't de-stuff the one that says "No outfit is complete without a little cat hair". Perhaps that will happen soon. She hasn't de-stuffed a pillow for quite a while. When we first got her, she decided that all my stuffed cats had to be killed, one by one. Perhaps she'll get coal in her stocking this year!

2) I bought a Febreze Flameless Luminary. They look so cool, with their flickering light that mimics candle light, and I figured our house could always use some scent. They are quite easy to use--just turn the switch to on, insert the square paper (which holds the scent). It goes off after four hours by itself, but i had to turn it off much sooner than that because the scent was very strong. Perhaps it is the fact that my house is so small, but I was disappointed because I love candle light and nice scents. I'll probably try it again, farther away from where I happen to be sitting.

3)  I have a new, fun link category on my sidebar:  Retro/Vintage.  (Scroll all the way down, almost to the end.) I've found some interesting blogs that focus on vintage hair and fashion.  I admit that I don't consider the 1980's to fall under that category, but I forgive them that.  I love the looks from the 1940's myself. Although I probably won't be setting my hair with that level of detail any time soon, I've always wondered exactly how it was done.  Now I know!  Lisa Freemont gives away all the secrets to beautiful 1940's looks on her YouTube channel.  She even tells us the specific hair cut many women got in the '40's to achieve those beautiful looks! The mystery is solved!

4)  Also in the Retro/Vintage category is The Gallery of Regrettable Foods.  This site had ds and I in stitches when I first discovered it years ago.  Perhaps some of you remember the odd jello concoctions made by mom or grandmom and brought to family gatherings in the 1950's or 60's.  Jello with various vegetables comes to mind.  This site has them all (and much more) and makes you feel like a top chef in comparison!

5)  Another site that is not technically retro is Mad Hattery which highlights royal head wear from around the world.  The British Royal family is one of the last to sport hats on a regular basis and I love stopping by the Hattery to see what they're wearing.  The Queen seems to rarely have a "bad hat day", IMO.  Her striking white hair is a perfect canvas for all sorts of hats, dresses and coats designed especially for her.  This beautiful teal green hat and coat ensemble is a good example.  She also looks like she's having a great time.  Very classy lady.  Also included in Mad Hattery are any crowns worn in the line of duty (and very occasionally, mantillas).  Fun stuff!!

6) Aux Belles-Choses is an internet friend of mine who makes beautiful retro-inspired aprons (the kind you that are so pretty you almost hate to use them) as well as Edwardian inspired dresses.  Her stuff is beautiful--check out her site!

7)  I've still got some Christmas preparation to do.  For me, this does not include baking 5 dozen cookies, but it does include addressing and sending Christmas cards and putting up Christmas decorations.  I normally do the latter on or near Gaudete Sunday, which is this Sunday, when the altar and celebrant are dressed in rose to symbolize the joy we feel because the Advent waiting period is nearing its end.