Stash Studios

Raw Country Alternative

Raw by choice - Country by definition - Alternative by design
REFUELED
Changing the way we see



The first issue of REFUELED drops Monday, May 12th.
Stay tuned for more updates and outtakes.

Hands-Down

Of all the books on my studio shelves, Alabama Stitch: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style has turned out to be my favorite sewing-related book, hands-down. From the philosophy to the no nonsense tool information, this is more than a book, it is nourishment. Natalie works largely in knits and specializes in breaking the boundaries of traditional appliqué.

If you are going to add this one to your library, then I must recommend that you order a personally signed copy straight from Natalie Chanin via her online store - Alabama Chanin.

Triple Sec, Double Take

Sit down, we need to talk.
I may have been wrong about something and I need to let you know.
I realize it is Monday morning, far far away from the hallowed halls of happy hour but I need to tell you that my Jalapeño Margarita may be breaking things off permanently with Grand Marnier.

I know, I know.
You are all soooo tired of hearing about those Jalapeño Margaritas.
How good could they be?
Seriously.

But this weekend I shared them with several new friends (always a fun prospect). We were all in the kitchen juicing limes and testing infused Patron when the host came in and declared that he had no Grand Marnier.
What?
No Grand Marnier.
We were going to have to settle for Cointreau.
Seriously?
Hmmmph.
Stash doesn't settle.
But no one cared to trek back to the liquor store.
So we had to take on a pioneer spirit and simply make do.
Make do.

When all was said and done - and I can't believe I am saying this - but I really think these might have been better. I am so serious about this that I am considering hosting a tasting this weekend just to settle the matter once and for all.

As it turns out, chikapedia did a little research and here is what makes the difference. Turns out that Grand Marnier and Cointreau are both types of Triple Sec, made essentially by steeping sun-dried orange skins in alcohol for a period of time then distilling.

Hello? Wake up. This is like Food Network drama!
Only I guess it technically must be considered the Drink Network.
Now there's a thought....

Anyway, here is the important difference that I think changes the margarita completely. Grand Marnier has a brandy base and Cointreau has a neutral spirit base, think vodka.  This new discovery made the margaritas taste much more crisp and clean.

Sooooo, plan to stage your own comparison.
Or go back to your nap.
Whatever.
I care about you and I just felt you should know the truth.

Sassafras

If you like your vintage inspiration delivered with a little sassafras, then you will love  Colleen at freshvintage. Every week she chronicles her thrifting escapades and  adventures in selling.
If the thought of discovering values and marks causes your eyelids to droop and your mind to go numb, you might hang on long enough to learn something here because this gal shoots it straight and punches it up with what she is really thinking.
No holds barred.


Thanks to one of my road-tested, hard core Junk Posse members,
Sue with Vintage Rescue for leading me to this find.
Junk on girls, junk on.
C

Blogshop is Back

Okay guys, your wish is my command. The blogshop response was overwhelming my email so I've updated my inventory and decided to repost the shop as this will help me process orders more efficiently. Find it in the lower right side of your screen. Thanks a million for your interest and support!

Cheers,
Cheryl

Blogshop Update

 

Thanks to everyone who has continued to express an interest in our Tattoo Tee Kits and Junk Posse Tees. Due to low inventory and my hectic schedule, I've taken the shop down momentarily to regroup and meet other deadlines. If you are still interested in any of our products, just shoot me an email and I will put you on the first ship list.

Take good care,
Cheryl

Have a seat

Vintage kid-sized card table + European maps = a clever recovery delivered by Garden Antiques Vintage.
Found at Warrenton.

You look thirsty

Because I care deeply for you, I've created a badge to link you directly to those Jalapeño Margaritas. Find it to the left. I have also done a bit of homework and found an interesting Blood Orange version by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger- the border girls. It looks delish but rather labor intensive. I'll let you know how it goes once I've tried them.

I've been told that my margaritas are difficult to duplicate and I'm going to confess that even I, the queen of the Jalapeño Margarita, have on occasion made a questionable batch. So here is my seasoned advice for you...

• don't infuse too long (I test periodically every 30 minutes or so - I know it is a rough job but someone has to)
• don't use habaneros in place of jalapeños (if you value your taste buds)
• don't use cheap tequila (they call it "ta-kill-ya" for a reason)
• don't use margarita mix, I REPEAT, do NOT use margarita mix (focus on the word NOT)
• don't use bottled lime juice either (yes, there is a difference)
• don't be a wimp

The bottom line to success is FRESH LIMES and QUALITY TEQUILA. I use Patron Silver and the other recipe calls for Herradura Silver tequila.

If your tequila gets too spicy, cut the margarita with club soda or sparkling water and you can add more sugar for those with a sweet tooth but I still say, take it easy on the sugar. These are not meant to taste like high fructose concoctions found in Tex-Mex chain restaurants.

Ice is fine, in fact I like the fire and ice aspect of the drink. Good luck!

Cheers,
Cheryl

Hey, who turned out the lights?

I'm sure I could regurgitate long lists of eco - ideas in honor of earth day but I decided to turn off the lights instead. Today our big adventure is to live with as little as possible. No computers, no television, no iPods....does the iPhone count as a computer? I can feel the withdrawal sweats coming on even as I prepare to set an auto-post in my absence. Wish me luck!

Cool Scrap

Reclaimed stairs made from the floor of an old castle. Now that is some cool scrap. This comes from Jan Korbes of Garbage Architecture.