From the Vault || Free Halloween Printable

As I'm sure you've noticed I've been MIA from the blog lately. I am feverishly working on rebranding and moving to a NEW WORDPRESS blog! I cannot tell you how excited I am for this new adventure. 

I will be Gingerbread no longer.

I'm scared, nervous, excited, and happy about this change.

Change is good.

You have to keep moving forward toward your dreams.

For now I thought it would be fun to drum up a free Halloween printable from last year that's still one of my favorites.

Enjoy!

april

Vintage Gingerbread Sale // Milkglass and Pyrex

I had a few epic thrift store visits this past weekend just time for my latest instagram sale! I don't think I've found more milk glass mixing bowls or Pyrex.
Swoon.

There are still so many items for sale in the shop, you can take a look @vintage_gingerbread.
xoxo

My August \\Beauty\\ Must-Haves

There are few cosmetic products that I truly feel I can't live without. I'm not a real girly girl, although I do like to get dressed up once in a while. My make-up routine doesn't take more than 10 minutes, and it mainly consists of me covering up my breakouts and Melasma (skin pigmentation that occurred after I gave birth to my 5 year old). 

Those few products I do love I REALLY love, and thought I would share them with you today! 

1. I have really dark circles under my eyes that I inherited from both my mom and dad. I use Dermablend concealer that I believe is for covering scars. You can purchase it at Sephora or Macy's. I won't leave the house without this stuff, it's that good.

2. These products aren't exactly cosmetics, but I felt I had to include them. My sister in law bought me this pillow mist and body moisturizer for Mothers Day and I can't imagine my sleep routine without it! I They smell dreamy and I am immediately calmed. Since I started using these products I don't wake up in the middle of the night, aside from a certain boy calling for me. This duo is from The Body Shop.

3. I have used Estee Lauder "Double Wear" foundation for the past 5-6 years. The older I get the more "heavy-duty" my foundation becomes. My mom dropped some knowledge about this product and I love it's coverage and ability to stay on all day.

4. Everyone loves a good red lipstick. I'm currently swooning over M.A.C. (matte) Russian Red #AB2.

5. Let's break this down. Mascara is my love language, I want thick, black lashes every.day.

For some reason when I use a lash curler my eyelashes fall out and stick to the curler. It's tragic.

I've tried so many mascaras it's not even funny. Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara is amazing. It doesn't clump or wipe off during the day.

Try it.

A few of these products are pricey, but worth it, and that's coming from a girl so cheap I shop at garage sales. 

Do you have a "must-have" product in your make-up drawer? I'd love to know what it is!

How to Oil Cleanse Your Skin

A few months ago my face was in the midst of a major breakout. My skin had blemishes, was super oily and riddled with blackheads. Being a 34 year old with pimples makes me wanna scream, but I had no idea what to do!

At the time I was using sensitive skin makeup removers, acne wash, a toner and moisturizer every day. All products were for my skin type, so I felt like they should be working.

I took my frustration to Facebook one day pleading with my readers to suggest what they use for their skin. 

One amazing follower suggested I try the oil cleanse method. 

I was like "What is THAT"

I spent the next hour reading other blogs and websites educating myself on the topic and what it could do for me.

To be honest I was leery of the method and didn't think it would work. I mean, how could you use oil to get rid of oil, that must be impossible.

I figured since I already had one of the two ingredients I would try it. I really wanted clear skin. 

After the first use I saw a HUGE difference in my skin. I originally thought that after I used the oil my skin would "be oily", but it wasn't. My face was smooth and when I applied my liquid foundation it absorbed evenly into my skin.  Before my foundation looked sort of snake-like because my forehead is very dry. That issue immediately went away. I was shocked, and continued oil cleansing my face for 2 months before other people started noticing a difference in my skin. I actually a neighbor stop me and ask me what I was doing, because it looked so much clearer.
At that moment I knew I was in for the long haul.
I have now been oil cleansing my skin for about 6 months with no regrets.
It's cheap, easy and works!

All you need is:
> Extra virgin olive oil
> Castor oil
> Washcloths

The ratio of your oil mixture depends on your skin type.
- Oily skin: three parts castor oil and one part EVOO
-Normal skin: one to one ratio of oils
-Dry skin: one part castor oil to three parts EVOO

1.  Pour a small amount (nickel size) of your oil mixture on a few squares of folded toilet paper. You can use cotton balls but they would always break apart for me. I would be left with a face covered in cotton.  Side note: this method is great for removing make up!
2. Run your washcloth under hot water, as hot as you feel comfortable with. Drape the washcloth on your face for about 2 minutes to steam your skin.
3. Wipe off the oil with the same washcloth. This step is great for exfoliating.
4. Let dry and you're done.

My face still has the occasional breakout (completely hormonal) and I'm OK with that. I was looking for a natural way to improve my skin without harsh products or medication. I whole heartily endorse this method. I hope you try it out!
xoxo

**Original recipe and can be found HERE.

Reduce Skin Redness with a Turmeric Mask

This recipe is my all time favorite tool to reduce redness for pre\post skin breakouts. You know, when you can feel a huge painful bump under your skin and you can actually see where the blemish is surfacing? 

I get really deep blemishes that are both painful and annoying. I have a really hard time covering them up with makeup when they are super red and swollen. This mask helps reduce both problems.

You may even have the ingredients in your kitchen already!

Have I convinced you to try it out yet?

If so, go grab:

> 2 tsp turmeric

> 1-2 tsp milk (or until a watery consistency)

Mix and apply a thin layer to your face.
After a few minutes it will begin to harden and shrink down until you have a super tight face.

That means it's done and you can rinse it off.
I recommend using a wash cloth to scrub the mask off with warm water. Don't freak out if you have to rinse your face a few times. I thought I had dyed my face yellow the first time I used it, but no worries, it comes off.

Your skin will feel super smooth and have a more even tone.
Enjoy!

Thrifting at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

This trip to the Rose Bowl flea market was unique in the fact that I went with my husband, who has no knowledge of vintage or thrifting. To say I was a bit nervous was an understatement. I wasn't sure how he would react, or if he would be a bored mess after only half an hour of walking up and down aisles of vendors. 

When we pulled up to the parking lot he receive his first lesson in thrifting vintage, it's popular.

Everyone and their mother thrifts now, especially at the Rose Bowl. This specific venue is held only once a month, so you can bet it was crowded. Aaron's mouth dropped open when we pulled up and had to wait in line to be directed to an open grass field to park, you know, because the parking lot was full. 

Walking to the venue was a bit of an ordeal because my Fibro can creep up on me at any time, and was paranoid my hip would start hurting. 

Thankfully it didn't and I walked a large part of the venue like a boss.

The Rose Bowl has EVERY genre for vintage lovers. You can shop clothes, furniture, housewares and home decor. All of the vendors are very well organized into sections, so if you're only looking for one specific genre you can look at a map and shop what you re looking for.

Here are a few of my favorite things to shop for:

Colorful books to read or decorate with.

Small kitchy items to create a vignette.

Hard to find holiday decor like vintage Santas.

Any kind of specialty item with a specific name on it. (State, city or town)

Vintage costume jewelry.

Furniture and display items.

Anything colorful and happy.

People watching is also a great past time at the flea.
Hey man, nice stache.

To tell you the truth I don't really spend a lot of money at the flea market. I tend to walk the aisles and look for inspiration. I love to take pictures, sip on a cuppa joe and enjoy all of the love and work others put into their space.

If you're thinking about heading to the flea market here are a few tips.
1. Wear comfy shoes.
2. Bring sunblock. (I didn't and was very toasty when I got home)
3. Bring cash, and then add another $20. You never know, and the ATM the venue provides charge a big fee.
4. Bring a large tote or cart to carry your purchases.
5. Wear sunglasses
6. Dress in layers

I enjoyed sharing my passion for vintage with the hubs.
We will definitely being going back soon.

Pet Adoption Diary // Shit Just Got Real

Remember that one time I rescued a dog from the animal shelter and felt all good about myself?

I was like "April, you're an upstanding citizen in your community and an all around great human being."

And then shit got real.

Literally, the shit.

When we took Bella to her first check up a few days after she had her stitches out we were advised to have her checked for parasites and worms, you know, since we had no idea where she had come from. I patiently waited for the test results and I'm sure you can correctly guess how that phone conversation went. We were told she had been exposed to giardia and needed 5 days of medication. I was freaking out, and my husband thought maybe a parasite could crawl in his ear.

Great.

I was the lucky lady who had the job of giving Bella her white chalky awful medicine. She hated it, I hated it, my bank account hated it.

Why that medicine had to be liquid I'll never know. It spilled everywhere and made a huge mess of my kitchen floor.

During my time cleaning I had a lot of time to contemplate my relationship with this dog.

 I made up this story in my head that she ran with the wrong crowd before she ended up in the shelter. Maybe she was in a gang, hopefully she didn't have to be jumped in.

I've considered the past few weeks detox for Bella. Putting the past behind her and giving her loving memories with our family. We have been training her to behave, shocked her system with meds and basically changed her entire life.

I've had many moments over the past few weeks where I've thought

"maybe I made a mistake."

Isn't it normal to second guess a decision that causes you so much grief? 

But then I'll look over and see her cuddling with Dylan or playing with her toys and remember why I wanted to rescue a dog in the first place.

I wanted to help.

I wanted to set a good example for my boys.

And we all deserve to be loved.

Dogs are like people, they have baggage and issues that need to be work through.

and really, shit happens.

What I Found Thrifting // My Style Doppelganger

I've basically been thrifting my entire life. I can remember shopping at thrift stores as a kid (like 4 years old) and buying baby clothes for my cabbage patch doll. 

She always looked great.

With that being said I can honestly say I've never rolled up to a garage sale and thought "Wow, I could literally buy EVERY single thing here". 

This past weekend I did.

I found my style doppelganger.

A doppelganger is someone who looks exactly like you in every way. 

My style doppelganger was selling crafts supplies, items from Ikea, vintage clothes, furniture and colorful beaded jewelry.

Of course I had to tell her I had walked into a parallel universe, and fortunately for me she didn't think I was crazy. She even let me take photos of her driveway full of vintage goodness. If I had only brought more than $20 and had a larger house to justify buying more stuff.

Sigh.

After talking to my style doppelganger for a while I loaded my car to continue hunting. I love meeting new people and making idle chit chat. 

It's my favorite.

This is what I actually came home with.

I'm going to spray paint the chair and recover the cushion. You can't really see the back of the chair because of the pillows, but it has the most amazing lines.

And it was only $3!

I'm not sure if I'll ever find another style doppelganger, but I'm sure going to try, and next time I'll carry more money, and bring a truck.

xoxo

You Look Damn Good.

As I was scrolling down my Facebook feed I had a thought.

I realized how much I enjoy, I mean LOVE seeing my blogging "friends" on my computer screen. I love seeing your "what I wore" and "home tour" updates.

Whether it's your Pyrex filled kitchens or DIY hand made necklace tutorial.

I just love YOU!

I find inspiration in every post.

You don't need to buy a magazine to find great fashion, style and art.

Blogs are amazing.

I can easily hop onto bloglovin or Facebook and view posts made by REAL people.

Mothers, daughters and sisters.

Just like me.

They aren't photoshopped to make themselves look skinny.

They don't have staff styling their outfits or people doing their hair.

Just real women taking photos of themselves as they journey out into the world.

And you know what?
You look damn good.

Thank you to those of you who open your homes, lives and heart to the rest of the world.

You make it beautiful.

Just thought I would give all the bloggers props today.
Because blogging is hard work, and sometimes you can feel like it doesn't serve a purpose.
But it does.
You bring beauty, bravery and inspiration to so many lives.
Me being one of them.

**If you feel the same way leave a sweet comment for someone who inspires you.

It will surely make their day.**

xoxo

Quinoa Energy Bar Recipe // Gluten Free

I don't work out, but I always need energy.

Having an autoimmune disease leaves you tired alllll the time. I wake up tired, make the kids lunch tired, and of course go to bed tired.

I've entered a new journey and brave adventure to live gluten free.

After much prayer and research online I hope that treating my digestive system well will lead to more energy, less pain and a clear mind.

Enter this snack recipe.

I found a non gluten free quinoa recipe on youtube that I decided to change up a bit for my own needs.

*Side note: YouTube is a wealth of knowledge for a visual learner like myself. You can find recipes, medical information and general first hand accounts of other people living with specific medical conditions.

I modified the recipe to be gluton free, which meant taking the oats out of it. If you can eat gluten I recommend adding them to add a bit more "fluffy" texture to the bars.

Pure oats are thought to be gluten free, but doctors advise not eating more than a cup a day because they contain a protein that can aggravate the digestive system. 

You will need:

// 2 cups cooked quinoa

// 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, I add them to all my meals)

// 1 tbsp honey

// 1\2 tsp cinnamon

// 1 cup dried fruit

// 1\3 cup milk (you can use coconut or almond milk)

**optional- 1 cup oats

1. In a blender mix quinoa, chia seeds, milk and oats (if you choose to use them) until it's a dough like texture.

2. In a large bowl gently fold in your fruit, honey and cinnamon.

Bake at 350 in a greased small casserole dish for 20 minutes. 

Let cool and enjoy!

These bars left oat free are dense and very filing. 

I like to eat one in between meals when I get hungry and am super tired.

They give me a little pep in my step.

Happy baking!

xoxo

Life Lately // It's Really All About Me

My life lately has looked a lot like this: 

Thrifting.

Coffee drinking.

Researching.

Swimming lessons.

Guitar lessons.

Succulent planting.

Learning to needlepoint.

Gluten free diet recipe cooking.

This summer is flying by so quickly I can hardly catch a breath.

I have so many photos to blog about but not enough time to actually blog.

Life is just moving so fast.

I have been struggling with my diet these past few weeks. Attempting to eat clean and gluten free is not only expensive but also time consuming. And wouldn't you know that time and money aren't things I have laying around.

The nerve.

So I struggle to not eat my kids' yummy chips, sandwiches with regular bread, or super thirst quenching beer.

The beer is the kicker, I can't always say I'm successful with that one.

I am definitely a quick fix gal. I like indulging in food and drink when I get stressed or emotional. This includes both happiness and sadness...basically all high level feelings.

Sitting in a pool of those emotions is my own personal hell.

You can expect more health related recipes on the blog soon, and more about our sweet rescue dog Bella.

She pooped upstairs AGAIN.

Lord help me.

I'm also working on a new creative business adventure and blog redesign. 

I vow to never work on the design myself ever again.

Ever.

I'll leave that to the experts.

I've been reading this book.

Mind.Blown.

I recommend this for anyone looking to fight the demons in your head.

You know the ones, that keep you from becoming your awesome self.

At least that's how I look at it.

This book is giving me clarity and courage.

All the "c's". 

In general this years' summer is all about me.

Making me healthy.

Happy.

And demon free.

xoxo

Pet Adoption Diary // Keeping Your Dog From Chewing Your Shoes

Well this is fantastic right?

Our last fur baby never graced us with the need to handle a dog who chewed all things shoes and stuffed animals. 

Which is exactly what Bella does. 

If she doesn't have a dog toy or bully stick to chew on she takes it upon herself to find whatever has been left on the floor.

Case in point, my favorite Reef flip flops that I've had for probably 3 year.

Did I mention they were my favorite shoes?

Awesome.

If you aren't familiar with Bella's story, you can read about it here.

When you have a new pet you have be flexible to their personality and roll with the punches.

This meant I had to adjust Bella's surrounding to prevent any more chewing, destroying and general mayhem.

Over the past few weeks I've learned a few things that have prevented any further shoe chewing, I thought these tips might help you if you're having the same problem.

Dogs are like kids, you should provide distractions.

I usually leave 2 or 3 dog toys laying around the house so at any point if she feels the need to chew she can grab a toy instead of my shoes. She DOES go for these toys and it helps a lot!

Have a routine and include bully sticks.

I give Bella one bully stick or raw hide a day to chew on. If we are going to run errands I give it to her before we leave, so it cuts down on her separation anxiety.

Bully sticks can get to be expensive, so if those aren't an option you can put a small amount of peanut butter in a kong to occupy your dog when you're gone.

Exercise is key.

You know how you purposely tire your kids out so they will have a deep nights' sleep?

You take your kids to the park and let them run a muck in the afternoon?

The same rule applies to dogs.

If you give them lots of physical activity they will have less unwanted energy to chew and make poor choices.

Yes, poor choices.

We take Bella on a short walk in the morning and at night, and I take her out to go potty several times a day.

This varies every day, but I try to let her run her short little legs off as much as I can.

I've had this new routine for a few weeks and Bella hasn't chewed up anything, although last night she crapped all over Dylan's room. So that will be a whole other post.

Wish me luck!

xoxo

New Vintage Gingerbread and a Coupon Code!

I've been slaving away filling up my Etsy shop with new vintage treasures I've found in the past few weeks, and I can't wait to share them with YOU!

Get excited!

I'm loving the lucky streak I've had finding owls and colorful coffee mugs. 

I also have a ton of adult and kids clothes for purchase as well.

 

I'm also offering a 

25% OFF

discount code to use today only at Vintage Gingerbread!

Use the code "summerlovin" at checkout.

Feel free to post this for your vintage loving friends, and if you have a vintage inspired blog or shop please leave your blog address in the comments section so I can check you out!

You can also find me here:

Shop | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

Happy Shopping.

xoxo

Popsicle Stick Series // Pina Colada Recipe

For Christmas we received a Zoku popsicle maker, it freezes a popsicle in 3 minutes. I stowed it away in the kitchen cubbard with the hopes of inspiring an entire summer of popsicle recipes.
I love this recipe because it not only has juice in it but yummy chunks of pineapple and coconut.
Healthy and delish!

This recipe can be "adult" or "kid" friendly, if you want a tequila infused popsicle just add 1\4 cup alcohol to your mix.

You will need:

> 3 cups of pina colada or pineapple juice
> 1\4 cup coconut milk
> 1\4 cup pineapple, diced
> 2 tablespoons coconut flakes

Stir your ingredients and pour into your popsicle mold.

Freeze and enjoy!

xoxo