Signs of Spring

Chris ordered me some daffodils through work to support the Cancer Society. They were delivered on Thursday and are doing a fine job brightening up our kitchen/dining room:) Daffodils, tulips and hyacinth all make me think of spring.

Happy Weekend!

Weekend Find: Polka Dot Cerve Bottle

This gem caught my eye on a quick trip into Value Village last weekend. I was literally only there for 10 minutes, but I knew this piece was special (especially with a $2.99 price tag)! 

Cerve comes from Italy, and these juice/milk bottles were very popular in the 70s and 80s. I think this would be cute as a vase or to bring on a picnic:)

Happy Birthday

Today is Chris's birthday, he's nearing a milestone and doesn't like to celebrate, so we're having a low key day with some close friends! 

Hoping this next year is the best yet for you hun- I love you:) 

Happy Friday!

I've recently gotten feedback that Boy-Cat is my favourite because he's been featured on my blog more than Missy...this is just not possible. The truth of the matter is that Missy is hyper and doesn't stay in one place long enough to be the subject of cute photos. That said, I tried extra hard last week to take some pictures for redemption

Now with all that said, I also have to include this shot of Boy-Cat from last weekend, everyone was enjoying the sunshine!

Have a great weekend!

Weekend Finds

We went to St. Jacob's last weekend, and I managed to find a few great finds at a couple significantly discounted booths at Market Road Antiques.

Platter: $2.50 (I'm officially starting a collection)
Rolling Pin: $2.50 (Matches my green handled one nicely)
Honey Tin: $3.00 (Wouldn't it be a lovely vase for fresh picked flowers)!!!

What great finds have you found lately?

DIY- Vintage Sack Pillows

This has been on my to-do list for almost one year! Since seeing a number of these all over etsy, I have wanted to create my own grain sack pillows for the spare bedroom. When I was at Christie last May (ps- if you don't know about Christie, you should...so check it out here), I was lucky enough to pick up a few grain sacks to convert. As luck had it, I grabbed a Lantic Sugar sack that had Saint John NB on it, which of course was very exciting!

Quick tutorial:

1. Once you wash and dry the sack, frame up the image/text you want to show on your pillow

2. Cut the excess ends that you will not use (leaving about an 1/2 inch from your seams.

3. Flip your sack inside out

4. Iron your pillow

5. Sew one end (if not using the pre-sewn end)

6. Sew other end leaving an approximate 4" opening

7. Carefully turn your pillow right side out and fill with stuffing (I used stuffing from two old pillows, but you can buy cotton batting).

8. Sew the 4 inch gap.

Ta Da!!!

Seeing Green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I made these cookies for Chris to take to work today. Apparently I have quite the fan base at Chris' office...so I don't like to disappoint around the holidays:) 

These were my sugar cookie recipe with an easy buttercream icing (2 tbsp butter, 1tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla and enough icing sugar to get a thick non-runny consistency- start with 1.5cups)

Hoping the Luck of the Irish finds you this weekend, or you at least see a rainbow!

Things I love: Vintage Cookie Jar

I bought this cookie jar at Value Village ages ago. It's a pyrex, and has had many uses over the years. I only put cookies in it when I know they'll be eaten right away (it doesn't have an air tight seal), but I love having fresh baked cookies on display. I'm sure when I open my bed and bakery one day; this guy will play a leading role!

These cookies are the best Cinnamon Raisin cookies I have ever made, the secret is soaking the raisins in the eggs and vanilla for at least an hour before you start making these cookies.

Best Ever Cinnamon Raisin Cookies:

Ingredients:
3 eggs well beaten
1 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
11/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups oatmeal

Combine eggs, raisins and vanilla and let stand for 1 hour covered with plastic wrap. Cream together butter and sugars. Add flour, salt, cinnamon and soda to sugar mixture. Mix well, blend in egg mixture and oatmeal (I use my fingers to combine as dough is quite stiff). Drop heaping tablespoons onto ungreased pans. Bake at 350 for 10 mins. Makes 36 large or 48 smaller cookies (I freeze two thirds of it)

Recent Picks

Here are a few of my latest finds:

Red watering can- came from value village $3.99

Carafe and Water Glass set for visitors to the Boat Room- $2.99. My friend Shaun has one of these for guests, and i've always loved the idea!

Two old books- Mary Poppins from Value Village $0.99, Changing Brides from Georgetown Antique store- $3.00. They're going to be used more for decor than anything.

Blue Ribbon Baking Powder tin- free from Georgetown Antique store. The owner said it was too cool to sell, so he'd have to give it to me with my other purchases...I love old tins. This guy is on display in my kitchen beside another old tin I picked up at a flea market!

Have you found anything interesting lately?

Lazy Weekend

Chris took this picture of us last night...we were all "watching" the hockey game 

(can you tell it was a 0-0 score for the entire game)

It's a nice day today, so hoping to get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Bathroom Inspiration

Happy Friday!

After reading Layla's latest post on her Lettered Cottage blog, I knew I had hit the jack pot! She featured a bathroom reno from Deborah of FairfieldHouseNJ.com.

For anyone that has ever dreamed of having a nautical themed bathroom, this post is for you! I've added a couple shots of my favourite elements, but plan on going pin-crazy tonight on this! I love all of the rustic elements, the beadboard and just the soothing element of this space!

I think i'll be adding Deborah's blog to my daily reads:)

Things I love: Boy-Cat

I put an old tray on the coffee table to house the remotes, magazines and other things that collect on the coffee table...yes that includes cats.

He just melts my heart!