Flea Market Finds

February 5, 2014January 21, 2014 CarrieLeave a comment

I am constantly seeking out our local thrift shops and church flea markets for some deals on vintage items. I usually am always able to scoop up some great finds. You would be surprised that someone’s junk can be someone else’s treasure. From experience, I know that many elderly people are often cleaning out their closets or their entire houses in order to downsize. In fact, that is exactly what my parents have been doing this winter to prepare for their yard sale in the spring. Their reasoning is that they don’t need so much stuff anymore and that someone else can use it. Of course, their treasures have to pass through me before it makes it to the yard sale box. Check out what I have recently acquired at a local church flea market at Our Lady of Sorrows in Linwood, NJ.

This beaded purse was a steal at $10. I talked to the dealer and she said that she now went around to different flea markets selling items as a result of cleaning out her mother's house after she had passed away. — This beaded purse was a steal at $10. I talked to the dealer and she said that she now went around to different flea markets selling items as a result of cleaning out her mother’s house after she had passed away.

This grated cheese man matches a utensil holder I found last year. I got him for $12. This is a hard piece to acquire.

I got this children’s play set for $15. This is only a part of a complete set but it was well worth it as it made a great addition to the decor above my kitchen cabinets.

Pecan Sandras

January 29, 2014January 21, 2014 CarrieLeave a comment

As any great baker will know, it is always exciting to try a new recipe. Though they might not turn out correctly the first time or taste the way you thought it would, experimentation is the key to finding those great “go-to” recipes. Over the holiday, I tried a few new cookie recipes, two of which were from The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook by Cheryl and Griffith Day. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the treats that I made and that the recipes were easy to follow. I will go as far to suggest that you pick this book up ASAP. Don’t forget that our favorite QVC host, David Venable, endorses this book on ITKWD as well. I made some minor adjustments to the size of the cookie but other than that, the recipes were fantastic. Pecan Sandras are to die for and lucky for you I’m sharing the recipe (FYI Sadie enjoyed these as well).

Ingredients

2 sticks butter unsalted, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Line two cookies sheets with parchment or use a Silpat.

In a stand mixer, beat the butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt on medium speed. If you are using salted butter, simply omit the salt or just add a smaller amount. You can taste the batter after you add the flour to see if you need to make any adjustment. Turn the speed to low and add the flour slowly. Add the pecans and mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix as the batter will get tough.

Finish mixing by hand to make sure all the bits of flour and butter are combined. Use a small scoop to form the cookies. I prefer about a one inch ball. Place it on the prepared cookie sheet and then flatten the cookie slightly with the palm of your hand.

Bake the cookie for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The cookies should be lightly golden when done. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, smother them in confectioners’ sugar. They are simply delectable and ready for tasting! Who knows?…they might be perfect for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!

Be Mine This Valentine’s

January 21, 2014January 16, 2014 Carrie1 Comment

The heart garland is available at Pier 1 Imports. At $5.95, it is not worth taking the time to make it yourself.

In an effort to get my beau in the mood for Valentine’s Day, I decided I would decorate the house for when he comes to visit this week. I know it’s a little early to celebrate, but let’s be honest…shouldn’t everyday be Valentine’s Day. We should appreciate our other half everyday of the year. In the past, I have not been quite as eager to give in to the Hallmark holiday but this year I must say I put it in gear. As I got out my decorations, I was sadly disappointed with the two owl tea towels on which say “Who loves you?” (which was a sad reminder of my singledom last year and I remember wanting to burn it) and a coordinating owl serving platter. This year I decided I needed to up my Valentine’s game. I said to myself “Never fear for Pinterest is here!” in my superhero voice. I’m sure you all find yourself saying that at times. Anyway this is what I came up with. I hope you have as much fun playing Cupid as I have!