Archive for December, 2009

Introduced to the world of antiques at any early age, Becky horrified her parents by referring to their priceless antiques as “dead people’s things.”  From that less-than-auspicous beginning, she not only ended up collecting, but selling.
A Fort Pierce native, Becky found herself running one of the first antique malls in the area, while doing craft shows with her dad.  When he passed away, she felt a bit lost and faded from the scene.  Slowly she discovered primitive decor with a blending of antiques, and then it was full steam ahead.  In addition to Laura’s Emporium, Becky is active online with her own eBay store – Becky’s Country Cottage.

Originally from New Jersey, husband Steve is a Major with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s office.  After years of teasing Becky about her ‘junking,’ Steve discovered he had a knack for it. Now when on vacation he and Becky can be found in old barns and at true northern auctions.
Son Matthew, 20, was just accepted into the Paramedic program at IRSC and plans to become a firefighter.  A Port St. Lucie Police Officer, Steve, 23, is engaged to Julia (finally – a daughter!).

An American tradition, especially in the South, Hopping John is served on New Year’s Day to bring good luck for the coming year.

4 slices bacon, diced
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspooon hot pepper sauce
1 can (about 15 ounces) pinto or kidney beans or black-eyed peas, drained

Pan-fry bacon and onion in heavy saucepan until onion is tender but not brown. Stir in rice, water, salt, and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, or until done. Stir in beans or peas, cover and heat thoroughly.
Note:  If you prefer to use dry beans, cook according to package directions.  Hard water can affect cooking time for dry beans.  If you have hard water, it’s best to use purified bottled water (not distilled) for soaking and cooking.

And, in case you’ve forgotten the words to this old Scottish tune. . .

We’ve all seen a piece – that rich brown color, little flowers, wavy lines, dots.  Western Stoneware produced this old fashioned stoneware with a Pennsylvania Dutch design known as Daisy and Dot in the 50s and 60s.

A few years ago, while browsing in an antique shop, Rita Pence spotted a cookie jar identical to the one she remembered from her childhood.  That cookie jar turned into a collection which resulted in www.mar-crest.com – her website devoted to this vintage stoneware. 

A herculean gathering of photos from her personal collection and contributors, combined with history, vintage ads, photos, reminiscences, an index of pieces, photos, original boxes, marks, and more.  Did I mention photos?  Very good ones.  And you can enlarge them, which my aging eyesight really appreciates.

An absolute must for the newbie, while the seasoned collector is sure to find unexpected surprises.  “Was there ever a ‘covered Marcrest butter dish?  Can I use it in the microwave?  Where can I get a grease pot to match my salt and pepper shakers?”  A separate section has six different style cookie jars with detailed descriptions.  The index (once again – with photos), the result of a great deal of time and effort, is the answer to the Mar-crest collector’s prayer.

Visit Rita’s website at www.mar-crest.com, leave a message, ask a question, contribute a photo.

Tell ‘em I sent ‘ya ~ Victoria

From White City Pleasures . . .

2 (29-oz.) cans sweet potatoes
1/3 c. good quality bourbon
1 c. packed dark brown sugar, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
6-8 lg. marshmallows, cut into 1/4ths
1 c. pecan halves
1-1/2 T. melted butter
        Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix drained potatotes, bourbon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, vanilla, salt and half of the marshmallows. Spoon into 13×9-inch baking pan. Combine remaining brown sugar, pecans and butter. Sprinkle evenly over potatotes. Top with remaining marshmallows. Bake for 25 minutes or until top is nicely browned. Serves 8.

The year has flown by and we’ve met so many wonderful people, made new friends, and had a great time

We look forward to seeing you at our Birthday Party on January 1, 2010.

I admit it – I’m a computer junkie. I can go online for a quick answer to a simple question and end up exploring for hours. “Wow, I didn’t know that” is my mantra. In Wandering the Web I’ll be sharing some of my discoveries with you.
Remember taking an easy class in school and referring to it as ‘Basket Weaving I’? Little did we know that in Japan, learning the art of weaving bamboo takes decades. And the results are astounding.

The TAI Gallery in New Mexico represents contemporary Japanese bamboo artists. Their website at www.textilearts.com is a visual feast of bamboo art. Not content to be just another pretty face, TAI offers a wealth of information – history, artist biographies, artist signatures, an appendix, etc.

Image courtesy of TAI Gallery Copyright 2009

“Historically, bamboo was used in every aspect of daily Japanese life. Applications for bamboo included its utility as a construction material, in fencing, fish and animal traps, bows and arrows, fly-fishing rods, farm and garden tools, furniture, various kitchen implements, musical instruments, religious articles and, of course, baskets. At one time there were thousands of bamboo artisans throughout Japan who supplied all these necessary articles. From that pool of talent, a few nineteenth century Japanese bamboo basket makers emerged to create original, indigenous works of art. The first known Japanese bamboo artist who started to sign his work was a son of samurai Hayakawa Keigoro, Hayakawa Shokosai I (1815-1897). Shokosai’s groundbreaking stance as an artist led other bamboo artists to begin to value their own creativity.”

Instead of gas – use your keyboard – and visit the TAI Gallery in New Mexico at www.textilearts.com.

Or, as luck may have it – Miami. TAI Gallery is an exhibitor (Booth #B54) at the 20th Anniversary Art Miami (art-miami.com) December 2nd thru 6th.

Tell ‘em I sent ya’ ~ Victoria

“Sue, can you …?”         “Helmut, will you…?”

You hear that a lot here and, luckily for us, they can and will and do. Always ready to fill in, fix and contribute, we’re very happy they’re part of our Laura’s family.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Sue arrived here in 1983 to be near family. Introduced to the world of antiques by a friend, she now incorporates her enjoyment of decorating by concentrating on collectibles and decor she likes for her own home. A friendly greeting and helpful attitude have made Sue one of our customers’ favorite people.

A chef from Germany, Helmut worked in Europe and New York and owned his own restaurant for many years. (This might be one reason why our buffets are so popular!) He retired to St. Lucie County in 1992. Helmut’s carpentry skills are revealed in the wonderful reproduction primitive furniture they offer at very affordable prices.

Together they have a son, two daughters, and a grandson. Their 7-year-old Maltese Molly is the boss of potbelly pig Timmy who’s 11. Working in the yard, gambling and cruising are some of the activities they enjoy. Next time you visit Laura’s, say hello to Sue and Helmut, chat a while, find out if Timmy’s gotten the upper hand yet.

Jimmy and Gail’s Plants can be found outside of Laura’s Emporium under two big canopies on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

They offer a large variety of plants, for both indoor and outdoor use. A majority of their plants are flowering – year-round or seasonally. They offer plants that can be planted in full sunlight, some that need shade, and some that can be kept indoors. Jimmy and Gail will do whatever they can to meet your particular needs, and are always happy to fill special orders.

Although only selling Nursery stock for a little over a year, they’re proud of the knowledge they’ve accumulated and eager to share. When you take your choice home, you’ll have instructions on placement, planting, and maintaining a healthy, happy plant.

Stop by, chat, and browse their large selection of plants on Friday and Saturday, and in the afternoon on Sunday.

Eco-friendly and reminiscent of childhood holidays, making your own garland can be a rewarding experience – with or without the kids to help. Short on patience or time? A garland doesn’t have to go round and round and round the tree. Shorter ones can be used over doors and windows, around lampshades, on the mantel, along shelves, etc. Here’s a list of just a few (some otherwise destined for the trash) of the many items that can be used.

• Fruit – apples, cranberries, citrus, apricots
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pinecones or bundled pine needles
• Popcorn
• Tree leaves, bay leaves or rosemary
• Nuts – chestnuts, acorns
• Thread spools
• Large beads
• Buttons
• Wine corks

 Use a large needle to thread onto wire. A rotary tool or regular drill with a small bit can drill holes in nuts. Small fruits can be threaded whole; slice and dry larger fruits like apples or citrus. Thread buttons in one hole and out the other so they show better and take up more space. Finish off the ends with a bow or ornament.

Limit each garland to perishable or non-perishable items. Non-perishable garland, save and use again. Write a date on it and who made it, and you can add a new garland each year. Perishable garland can be draped on trees and bushes for winter food for our snowbirds (the feathered kind).