How to Craft a Cottagecore Christmas

Cottagecore Christmas
Cottagecore Christmas

As the festive season draws near, I find myself enchanted by the idea of a cottagecore Christmas, wondering how the fusion of vintage Christmas decorations with a woodland theme could weave warmth and nostalgia in our homes. This style, with its rustic allure and comforting embrace, promises to transform into something truly magical when adorned with time-honored Christmas ornaments and decorations. The charm of a cottagecore Christmas lies in its ability to blend the simplicity of country living with the festive spirit, creating a space that feels both heartwarmingly familiar and enchantingly unique.

The Vintage Charm of Cottagecore Christmas

Cottagecore Woodland Christmas
Cottagecore Woodland Christmas

Cottagecore Christmas décor is all about bringing the simplicity and coziness of country life into your home. This style focuses on natural materials, soft textures, and a harmonious palette of earthy tones. Incorporating vintage decorations adds a layer of history and character, making each piece a unique treasure with its own story.

The Merry Mushroom: A Nod to the 1970s

Isn’t this Merry Mushroom themed tree just marvelous!! Picture is from @mustloveherbs on Instagram and it’s a take on 1970s retro cottagecore Christmas.

Vintage Merry Mushroom Christmas Tree
Vintage Merry Mushroom Christmas Tree
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Vintage Christmas in Antique Booths: Holiday Success Tips

Vintage NOEL Sets - Christmas
Vintage NOEL Sets – Picture from The Golden Glow of Christmas from Pinterest

Experiencing “Vintage Christmas in Antique Booths” is truly a journey back in time. As the festive season looms, it’s the perfect moment to give your booth that nostalgic Christmas makeover. This transition doesn’t just resonate with the charm of bygone eras but also magnetizes holiday shoppers. Dive into our guide, brimming with “Holiday Success Tips” for your booth. Uncover which classic items are holiday hits and the best ways to display them, creating an ambiance that recalls cherished memories and kindles the Christmas spirit!

Picture is from my collection

Vintage Christmas Noel Angels
Vintage Christmas Noel Angels – My Personal Collection

Knowing What Customers Crave

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Mid-Century Magic: Portland’s Antique Mall Adventure

Oh, the joy of antiquing! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt for that perfect piece of the past to bring into the present. My recent antiquing spree in the charming city of Portland, Oregon was nothing short of magical. The city, with its quirky and retro vibe, is a treasure trove for lovers of mid-century modern, atomic, and retro vintage treasures.

My first stop was the famed Stars Antique Mall, a place where the past comes alive. The aisles were brimming with delightful finds from vintage furniture to quaint knick-knacks. I left with some amazing vintage pieces!! Each booth told a story of a bygone era waiting to be rediscovered. I enjoy shopping at Stars for a couple of reasons:

Stars Antique Mall
Stars Antique Mall

The Stars Antique Mall in Portland is a captivating blend of variety, space, and convenience, making it a must-visit hub for antique enthusiasts. Housing a lively community of 200 dealers, the mall offers a rich tapestry of merchandise ranging from Mid-Century Modern pieces of the 1950s-1960s, retro delights from the 1970s-1980s, vinyl records, whimsical kitchen kitsch, ephemeral items, charming figurines, novelties, and seasonal collectibles, among others.

This diverse array of merchandise not only creates a vibrant and dynamic shopping environment but also invites visitors into a nostalgic journey through time. Adding to its allure is the mall’s spacious and expansive layout, spread across two storefronts on the same block. The generous space provides a comfortable ambiance for shoppers to meander through the huge showrooms, making the exploration of antique and vintage treasures an exciting adventure.

Located in the quaint Westmoreland neighborhood of southeast Portland, the mall is easily accessible to both locals and visitors. To top off the delightful shopping experience, the vicinity boasts a range of refreshment options. Just a short stroll away, one can find a welcoming array of food and beverage outlets, from the comforting brews of Starbucks to the savory delights of Pizzicato, catering to every palate and making the antiquing adventure not just a feast for the eyes, but also a satisfying treat for the taste buds.

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Antique Booth Magic: Restock, Refresh, and Rejoice!

Antique Society Yasmina Greco finding Pyrex
Pyrex T-shirt https://crazy4mestyle.com/collections/tees/products/amazing-bluebird-pyrex-holt-howard-flea-market-t-shirt-regular-relaxed-fit

Ah, the world of antiques! Discover the joy of restocking your antique booth with our insightful guide! Learn the ideal restocking frequency and tips for a vibrant, enticing display. So, how often should you restock your antique booth, and how can you manage this task efficiently? Let’s dive in!

How Often Should You Restock?

The rhythm of restocking largely depends on foot traffic and sales. However, a general rule of thumb is to restock your booth at least once a week. This regular influx of new treasures not only keeps your display enticing but also gives regular visitors a reason to keep coming back. Oh, and let’s not forget the excitement that comes with unearthing new antique finds to fill your booth!

Tips on Efficient Restocking

1. Keep a Calendar:

Having a restocking schedule will be your lifesaver. Mark down the days dedicated to sourcing new antiques, and the days for restocking your booth. This way, you can plan your week around these crucial activities.

2. Inventory Management:

Invest in a simple inventory management system to keep track of what’s sold and what’s still available. This will help you identify the types of antiques that are flying off the shelves, so you can source similar items.

3. Theme Your Booth:

Every now and then, theme your booth around a certain era or style. This not only makes shopping a unique experience for your customers but also makes restocking a thrilling challenge for you.

4. Engage with Your Customers:

Talk to your customers and learn about their preferences. Their input can be invaluable in deciding what antiques to stock next.

5. Maintain a Wish List:

Sometimes you come across items that would be perfect for your booth but maybe it’s not the right time to purchase. Keep a wish list to jot down these finds; it’ll come in handy when you’re out sourcing new stock.

6. Network with Other Antique Dealers:

Building relationships with other dealers can lead to beneficial partnerships. Maybe they have excess stock in an area you’re lacking, and a trade or purchase could be beneficial for both.

Restocking your antique booth is an ongoing journey filled with discovery and delight. By staying organized and engaging with the antique community, you ensure that your booth remains a vibrant, ever-changing attraction for antique aficionados. So, embrace the adventure that comes with restocking, and watch as your booth continues to enchant and captivate the hearts of many!

If you savored this read, you’ll likely adore “Mastering the Antique Mall Business: A Dealer’s Perspective” for a deeper dive into the enchanting realm of selling antiques and collectibles.

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Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco may be one of the most iconic places to visit when in California. The wharf is full of amazing eateries and shops, but Cioppino’s Restaurant in particular will leave you completely satisfied with their delicious Italian food. This restaurant has a warm atmosphere that is perfect for families or couples looking for an enjoyable meal. The restaurant has been featured on TV shows such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Today, Gary and I were at Cioppino’s to try their pizza.

Approaching Cioppino’s you can smell the delicious garlic and tomato sauce. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and breeze though indoor is available with proof of Covid vaccination card.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

The waitstaff are super friendly and efficient and took really good care of us. At one point the sunshine was rather bright and hot, and they moved umbrellas around for us, so we’d be more comfortable sitting outside. The Cesar salad came out first and we ordered a small, but it was easily enough for two people to share. Nice tangy dressing and crispy lettuce. The people watching outside is fantastic as there are tourists from all over the world walking by.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

I had a direct view of the pizza ovens, and it didn’t take long at all for our hot and fresh pizza to be ready. This is one good-looking pizza, and it was now time to taste it. Pizza time!! The first thing we notice is the golden crust and how crispy it is. By far, Cioppino’s pizza crust is one of our favorites we’ve had thus far on the great San Francisco Pizza Tour. If you like a solid and crispy crust then this pizza is for you. The pepperoni and Italian sausage toppings were high-quality but had a subtle flavor so not too overpowering like you can get with some Italian sausage. The cheese was light but full-flavored and tasted like a mozzarella Parmesan combo and the sauce was not garlicky at all also very subtle. There was a good amount of toppings on this pizza, and it was very delicious. And this was certainly not a greasy pizza at all and a very high-quality pie.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

The location of Cioppino’s being on Fisherman’s Wharf right in downtown San Francisco just steps away from the Bay with views of Alcatraz and proximity to all the attractions of the wharf simply can’t be beat and, you add delicious high-quality food onto that (not cheap touristy food) it is a wonderful experience and should not be missed.

Let’s rate Cioppino’s Restaurant on a scale of 1 (being lowest) to 5 (being highest): 

Style/Crust : Oven baked pizza – 4.8

Sauce: Basic red sauce –  3.8

Toppings: 4

Taste: 4.5

Presentation: 4.5

Experience: Location/Staff: 4.8

The location of Cioppino’s being on Fisherman’s Wharf right in downtown San Francisco just steps away from the Bay with views of Alcatraz and proximity to all the attractions of the wharf simply can’t be beat. You add delicious high-quality food onto that (not cheap touristy food) it makes for a wonderful experience and should not be missed. Their menu has something for everyone – from pizza to cioppino (their signature dish)! If you are looking for an amazing restaurant in San Francisco for a delicious and enjoyable meal, then you’ll want to visit Cioppino’s.

Was it that good? Or am I just that full? Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Was it that good? Or am I just that full? Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

Comment on this post on Instagram or Facebook and share your favorite pizza!!

Let us know if you try any of the places we are reviewing, we’d love to hear what you ordered and your experience. Tag us on social media @crazy4thepizza

All pics by my sweet hubby Gary Greco

Keep up with our San Francisco Pizza Tour of 2021 where we are regularly visiting pizza restaurants in San Francisco to find the best and tastiest pies – www.crazy4pizza.com  Instagram @crazy4thepizza and https://www.facebook.com/crazy4thepizza 

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Santa’s Sippin’ Secrets: The Joy of Collecting Santa Mugs

Collecting Santa Mugs
Collecting Santa Mugs

Ever been sippin’ on some holiday hot cocoa and thought to yourself, “Gee, I wish I had a mug that truly captures the festive spirit of this drink”? Well, hold onto your mistletoes, because the world of Santa mugs is about to give your Christmas a caffeine kick!

1. The Nostalgic Nirvana:

Hand-Painted Stoneware Santa Mug

Vintage Santa mugs whisk us away on a retro reindeer ride back to a simpler time. Maybe it’s memories of Grandma’s house, the smell of cookies baking, or perhaps the pure kitsch appeal. These iconic crimson-cheeked, twinkly-eyed Santa’s are the perfect homage to Christmases past. Each mug carries a story, an era, and oodles of charm.

2. Spotting the Real (Santa) Deal:

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