Vintage Girls Dresses, Upcycling and Shopping with aPurpose

Welcome to Hopefully Romantic, thanks for visiting.

 My vintage lace flower girls dresses were born

 out of more than an appreciation for Shabby Chic Style. 

They're much more.

Whether you are planning on purchasing one 

or just enjoying looking around, 

I hope you'll be inspired by the heart behind the work.

All the fabrics used for these upcycled dresses

 are finding a second chance to be useful.

I firmly believe in second chances, 

and would encourage every heart to be merciful

 and help someone out with a second chance. 

I wouldn't be where I am now

if it weren't for being given a second chance.

Many of the laces are hand crocheted, by someone who didn't sit idly, 

but chose to do something with their hands 

when there were a few spare moments in the day. 

It took time to learn to crochet, determination and patience to accomplish the work.

 I love including these priceless pieces in my dresses 

and hope that the girl who wears it will be  

encouraged and inspired to be both creative and industrious .

All my treasured fabric and lace finds are hand washed and cared for , with the hope that most of the work will be salvaged to be included in a beautiful new creation. I think it's a beautiful lesson to teach young ladies to see the potential of reusing and repurposing, and being thrifty with what they have.

                                       Valuing hand made clothing verses a factory made 

is like enjoying mom's home baked pie versus a frozen one. 

It can be rare now a days, 

but many people still know the value of hand made and heart made. 

There certainly is a place for the factory, however researching the clothing industry 

and where your dollar is actually going 

may turn your heart to considering hand made articles more often, 

and impart important truths 

about the value of honest work to the next generation of women.

Blessings friends!

Deliciously Home Made Granola

I've been wanting to share this fantastic granola recipe for some time.

My dear friend shared a similar recipe with me several years ago with the priceless advice, 

 to make it often for an easy healthy snack to always have available.

Between grandkids, and four growing kids in the house, 

two of them being teenage boys and their friends,  

available snacks are important.

12 cups of rolled oats
1 cup ground flax seed
1 cup ground chia
1 cup ground spelt or other flour
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup chopped almonds
2 cups pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup honey
1 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp salt

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Melt the butter and oil,  add the honey,  syrup and vanilla.

Pour over dry ingredients,  and toss until completely coated.

Let stand 1-4 hours depending on your schedule.

Spread on baking sheets and bake 225 degrees for 1-2 hours,  

depending on how thin your layers are and how crunchy you like it.

I keep it on the counter 

ready to serve 

over homemade or store bought yogurt, 

with milk,

 ice cream or 

by itself.

Enjoy!