St. Patty's Day Crafting

This past weekend I took down my valentines decorations, which I had planned to blog about here, but then never got around to it.

After taking down my decorations, I felt the urge to replace them with new decorations, but for which holiday? Easter seemed a bit too far off, not to mention I haven’t finished the decorations I’m making; so I figured St. Patrick’s Day was it. I've never really celebrated this drinking themed holiday. I’m not much of a drinker, as in I haven’t had alcohol in close to two years, maybe more. The only time I ever celebrated was during my last year of university, I went to another universities pub for a few hours, and was home shortly after dark. Haha.

So I started from scratch, no decorations aside from a vintage card that just so happened to be amongst a large lot of vintage cards I picked up before Christmas. So I started searching for ideas online.

I came across a crochet pattern for a leprechaun here: http://www.sugarncream.com/pattern.php?PID=4798



NOTE: You do need a membership to access this pattern, but it is a free pattern, and joining is also free.

I also found this tutorial on Pinterest for these little felt clovers, original source:

http://bbpaperandink.blogspot.ca/2011/03/shamrock-barrette.html



 

 

 



The clovers (called shamrocks in the tutorial) are very easy to do, and I made three in less than 30 minutes. I used them purely for decoration on my mantel, and didn’t attach a hair clip to them as the site indicates to.

Lastly I found a crochet pattern for (actual) shamrocks, and I did turn one into a clover by doing a fourth repeat in the pattern: http://sayverysweetthings.com/2011/03/10/crochet-shamrock/

This pattern is also free. I originally found it and the leprechaun on Ravelry.

Hopefully you're inspired to do some St. Pattys day crafting and decorating too!

 

 

The most AMAZEBALLZ cookies!

A few weeks ago, while out thrifting, I came across a book that I’d wanted to read for a while. Funny enough, I could never remember the title, all I knew was it had something to do with recipes, and a biography; when I saw it at Value Village I recognized it immediately as the book Id been searching for well over a year.

The book is called "Baking as Biography" by: Diane Tye. She’s a resident of Newfoundland, but not a native. She’s originally from the Maritimes. And no, Newfoundland is NOT a Maritime province, just so you know :). The book is the story of the author’s mother through her baking recipes; it’s quite good, especially because it includes her mother’s signature recipes.

I'm a huge fan of baking, so of course I had to try some of these out. I started with the chocolate chip cookies. According to the author, her mother obtained the recipe from a food package, and apparently it is very close to Nestle tollhouse chocolate chip cookie recipe. Who cares, THEY ARE AMAZEBALLZ! Seriously, they are sooo good. This is my third time making them in the month of May. I doubled the batch the second and third time, because I find that I tend to make cookies a bit larger than recipes call for, so if it says "makes 36" I tend to end up with 24, etc. A double batch of this recipe yields me about 4 dozen cookies, give or take (Although I learned during the second batch that I am capable of eating practically the entire lot of cookies, this time I'll be giving some away).

Here’s the recipe so you can all try ‘em for yourself! (Seriously, you should, you WILL NOT be disappointed!)

(Amazeballz) Chocolate Chip Cookies (single batch)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening (I've used butter, turned out just as good)

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1tsp vanilla

(Cream shortening & sugar, add egg & vanilla)

Add:

1 cup sifted flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

Add:

1/2 to 3/4 cup chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)

Drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet

Bake @ 375 degrees F for 10 to 15 min.

(By: Diane Tye, from Baking as Biography)

Enjoy!

I can't think of a catchy "thrift" phrase...

More thirfting was done this week, but Im going to have to slow it way down, and set a weekly spending limit. Brad and I are scrimping and saving for a house to call our own, so we'll be on a budget. Not to mention, my house is bursting! Its so full, and theres no storage, probably because this house is close to a hundred years old, possibly older.

I have sooo much stuff to list online, and the more I bring home, the more work Im creating for myself, so thirting will have to be reined in (slightly)

So this week I got:

An Illco brand sesame street toy. You roll it across the floor, but big bird stays upright. Magic. 

Three books illustrated by Eloise Wilken - these are going to Jill of "A little bit of everything"

Some vintage sewing patterns. Loving the pillow pets one. The other one came in the same bag, so I was forced to buy it. Its from 1980. The Pillow pets one is from 1970/71?

Sesame Street books! And others.

This awesome cookie jar. The same one is listed on Ebay for up to 65 dollars. I paid 2.99! Im not sure what I'll do with it. I have a few cookie jars, all vintage. I really like them. Im thinking of displaying them on a shelf in my kitchen.

This was one of those items, where when I found it, the world stopped. I have wanted this record for a while. I love Rosevelt Franklin. The record looks to be in great shape, which is a nice bonus.

This is a tiny Pyrex. Im LOVING the tiny Pyrex bowls lately. I really like the design too!

The lovely (at least in my opinion) quilt that all these items are displayed on was thifted too. I got it for 7.99. Its quite worn in some areas, but to me that gives it charm. The Cats love it. I love it. Brad likes it. Haha Win!

How was your week? Thrifty?

Linking up with:

Cap Creations

Thriftity-do-da!

I'm BAAACCCCKKKK!

Actually I never went anywhere, seriously, I was here, where I always am ALL week long, and then some. I don't know what happened, I just stopped blogging, which sucks, cause man I was on a roll there!

Life got in the way, you know, like that time last week that I got dish soap in my eye (way worse then it sounds) and had to go to  the emergency room (don't worry, I'm OK now), I work EVERY single day (no joke), and I was dreaming about my future, and wanting time to SPEED THE FRIG UP (I know I'm totally gonna regret having wanted that one day), and applying to college (early childhood education) and of course, wait for it, THRIFTING!

Yes I went thriftng last week, and honestly its a blur. I need to run around and gather all my goodies (and at the same time try to remember what it is I bought...) so I can show you here, on this blog that I will NEVER abandon for so long again. Wait, I'm going to retract that statement, cause I'm sure one day this little puppy will have to take a back seat again when my life gets fluffy and full again!

So here we go!

 I found this 1973(!) Fisher Price Movie Viewer in the glass  case on my way to the check out. It was in a clear plastic bag, and mushed in with other things, but I recognised it right away. It was priced at 7.99, a little steep if you ask me, but I'm a big Fisher Price fan/collector so I had to get it. Oh yeah, and its in perfect working order, not to mention its soooo cool.

There's a thrift store in town here, that we rarely go to. Its a bit out of the way, and its never had much that interested us. So last week I just thought to myself, hey lets drop in and check it out, you never know... And look who I found! Isn't he cute? (I know its pink, and I found one on Ebay for 10 bucks! and it came with the name Cindy, the one I have, its tags are cut off) but I really feel that hes more masculine a character.

These were also found at the thrift store we never go to. A Tetley Tea mug (made in England) and a "Human Bean" Mug. 1981 Enoco brand? (I Think) 

Both of these are vintage shape sorters. When I was young I had the red and blue one of the right. Its made by Tupperware. Its missing only one shape. The one on the left is by Playskool, its missing two of its original shapes, but there are three extra Fisher Price brand shapes mixed in that make up for the ones that are lacking.

I've collected Wade figures for a long time now. Especially the ones found in Red Rose Tea boxes. This guy is larger, and wasn't distributed in the tea. He was at Value Village (in that darn glass case) for 1.99. No chips or cracks or anything.

Another little treasure from the thrift store we never go to (although we just might start frequenting that one now too).

This (although you cant tell in the picture) is a planter. It looks just like Dumbo, although there are no Disney markings. Its stamped Japan.

Another cutie stamped Japan. There were two identical ones, but this one was in better shape. We didn't need two, and for 1.99, we didn't feel like buying both. Not to mention, why would I want two of the exact same thing?

No use for these yet, Id like to put them on the counter and have them hold tea and sugar, but we already have a cute little sugar bowl...so they will live in a cupboard for now.

Salvation Army has been treating me well as of late. This cute tea set looks to be of great quality. Its made in Denmark. It looks like it was barely used.

I love books. I just wish I had more downtime to read em! Three books, I've started the middle one. Its quite good. The top one Ive wanted for a while now - but just never wanted to pay retail for, and I remember the last one being popular last year, or the year before. Anyway cant wait to read em all.

More Salvation Army goodness. Three children's blankets. The one in the top left is made by Esmond, and is practically brand new. I love the funky jungle animals. The one in the centre is a handmade quilt, there's a Rupert fabric panel on the front and random baby themed fabric on the back. I was never a Rupert fan as a kid, I remember thinking it was boring, and Id only watch it if nothing else was on. I do think hes rather cute though, and I'm drawn to him now as an adult. The blanket on the top right is also a quilt, but Id say its for sure factory made. It has a really cute bunny theme.

More linens. And I don't even have a linen closet! Agh! Seriously, this house is bursting! Precious Moments flat sheet and pillow case, what looks to be a Holly Hobbie pillow case, but its unmarked; and two random vintage pillow cases that I thought were pretty.

Vintage children's book overload! Care bears, Rainbow Brite, Victoria Plum, A golden super shape book (love these), Two sesame street golden books, and two Walt Disney book and record books (with records - that look to be in great shape! Bonus!).

A Richard Scarry book (filled with different stories), a "sunshine story book" three Alf books - that originally came with tapes (long gone I'm assuming), a nice copy of the little engine that could (my brother had a serious obsession with trains, and this book when he was small, so I have sentimental feelings for it). A lovely Lady Locks LGB, as well as a tiny LGB, and two Keypers books (anyone remember Keypers?)

This lovely piece of amazingness was 10 dollars at Salvation Army. Its old. Very old, and I LOVE IT. Its tail is made of real hair (horse hair I'm assuming, its very thick and coarse). It has some crayon marks, and could stand to be cleaned up a bit, but its just so amazing. Its heavy and study and man, toys just aren't made the way they used to be.

PS Little Ollie wouldn't get out of the way quick enough!

Hope you enjoyed my thirfty finds!

How was your latest thirfting adventure?

Thanks for stopping by!

Holy Thirfting Batman!

I've only been thrifting once so far this week. Its been a hectic few weeks. Between my now workaholic status, and Brads unpredictable, inconsistent work schedule, it's been hard to find the time. I did however purchase my first item of clothing. It was an interesting experience. It took a lot of time. But I saved money. So I guess I can't really complain. I didn't get a large volume of items, but I got some stuff Im happy about, and its useful! I'll showcase this weeks items, as well as a few from thrifts past (but stuff I've never shown you here). Enjoy!

So here we go:

As a child I had a friend whos family had bowls very similar to these. I have fond memories of eating Presidents Choice White Chedder Mac and Cheese out of them in front of the TV. I got this little set of four for 3.99 minus 30%, because there was a managers special on housewares. They're so freakin pretty.

Vintage Tupperware - literally tupperware brand. The larger items are vintage Thermos's. LOVE. I never check the "plastics" isle, because its usualy dollar store CRAP. Not this time. Im going to keep my eye out from now on. Not to mention the tupperware was 3 for .99 cents. (Is there not a cents symbol of the keyboard? Am I just noticing this now?)

My first thrifted clothing purchase. A pair of jeans, for work no less. The other pair that I used to wear EVERYDAY had huge holes in the knees. Hey what can I say? Im crawling on the floor with kids ALL DAY. They were 6.99, they're Bluenotes Brand, so they probably would of retailed for about 25 or 30 bux, not bad, but hey I didnt want to spend that much for jeans that in a few months time will look as bad as my old ones.

Umm I kind of love her. A lot. Im (mildly) obsessed with Wrkinles dogs - not the actual dogs, just the ones made by Ganz. I always wanted one as a kid, but sadly never recieved one. I have three now, all thrifted. I have a big one (with original hang tags!!!!) that I got last year in Toronto at a goodwill for $2. As well as a sitting one that I got the same day at the big one at a salvation army for $1.49. This pretty lady (who is wearing a superhero outfit!) was 1.99, shes small, and has a hole in the back of her head for your finger to go.

A little tiny Pyrex bowl (this piture makes her look huge). Im keeping her, shes cute and small. I think she'd look awful yummy with strawberries in her. Mmmmm. She was $1.99.

Im all set for my next potluck. Haha. Ive never, ever participated in a potluck. But Im sure these will come in handy one day. The one on the left is Rubbermaid, the one on the right is Tupperware. Im pretty sure the Tupperware one used to have a handle that attached, but it was nowhere to be found. Oh well.  

My Grandmother on my Fathers side adored Peter Rabbit. When I was small she gave me a stuffed Peter, but unfortunatly hes long gone now. When she passed away eleven years ago I got to take her Peter, the exact same one she'd given me. Whenever I see anything related to Beatrix Potter I think of her. When I saw a baggie filled with these (numbers 1 through 8) for $1.99 I had to have them. I had several as a child, as well as dishware, all gifted to me from her. One day I will put these in a nursery.

This little bit of happiness I found in a gameboard box after I bought it (thrifted obviously). Right away I recognized it, but Google had to help me figure out what it was actually called. They were made by Galoob in 1989 and were called "So Small Babies" there were animal ones like this little guy, and babies. As a young child I had a yellow and blue dog one of these. MIP they go for a lot of money. Id never sell this fella though, hes just too cute!

Hope you enjoyed checking out my thrifted goodness!

Thanks for stopping by!

 Cap Creations

Snail Mail v.2

I have a tendency to buy online - a lot. Usually from Ebay (I do find that Etsy is mildly overpriced - not to mention the prices are set), and only if I think its a deal. Im usually drawn to buy it now or best offer auctions, but I will bid if the price is low enough. I also love getting mail. Which makes this a totally win win situation. Good deals on stuff I want (usually vintage/collectables) and snail mail! Woot woot!

Another package arrived this week, and on Friday too! Theres nothing better than Fridays and mail - especially when combined. If you havn't already figured it out - Im a little obsessed with vintage Sesame Street. I was a die hard fan as a kid, and still have very vivid memories of many of Sesame Streets classic clips and songs ex. We all sing with the same voice, Everybody eats, Everybody sleeps, Somebody come and play, Two little girls and a little doll house...I could go on, but I'll spare you. You can find all these clips on Youtube. If your anything like me, you can spend hours on youtube searching for and watching old tv clips from your childhood years.

Ok, I'll stop rambling, on to the goods!

A 1977 Sesame Street "Light and Learn" game. Although its not really a game, but more of a learning tool. I guess it could be considered a game if your like 3, but to me its just vintage goodness! And...

IT STILL WORKS! Woohoo! Like my demo? As if you wouldn't just believe me. The graphics are super cute, and so many of the classic characters are on it - like one of my favs Rosevelt Franklin!

I paid less than five dollars for this awesomeness, and Im oh so pleased.

Thrift-a-polooza!

Hello! And welcome to another week of my thirfy finds. I didn't go thrifting as much as I have the past few weeks, because Brad and I are starting to get really serious about buying a house, because renting sucks; and also, housing prices are rising (which is totally lame - as theres no reason they should be especially in THIS province - but whatever thats just my opinion. But Im totally not bitter about it...) so yeah - houses cost money, and itd be great to get in when its not insanely crazy expensive. So Id like some money to buy a house with, which means maybe I should cut down on the excessive spending. I mean I know its only thirfting and the stuffs super cheap anyway, but it really starts to add up people!

My living room looks like Value Village jr. and If I dont get it all listed on etsy (correction - EBAY. Im not going to use Etsy for the time being) soon, Im going to end up on the next episode of hoarders. Not good. Not to mention, I want my living room back, please and thanks.

So heres what I got this week:

How cute! Little sheep dog figurine! Hes marked with a Gift Craft sticker, made in Taiwan. Despite his cuteness, I'll be selling him (on Ebay, because Im not doing Etsy anymore! - more on this later).

How cool is this. well ok its not that cool, its just a mug with the Robin Hood flower logo, but its old and I like old. Its made in England, and the freaking people at value village had this marked for 1.99 sometimes I get so mad when they price things that are older, higher. UGHHH!

I think Brad likes this more than me. Ha. I really like the pictures, the inside is pink, with a little mirror and a ballerina who still dances to the tune "love story".

Love vintage aprons, this one looks handmade. Its the second in my collection.

How odd that last week I found the Girl Talk game, and this week I find six Girl Talk books? Hmmm..These are for sale too.

I really like these, they both have a bit of what looks to be water damage, but I couldn't resist them. Not to mention they were only .99 cents each.

Mmmmm vintage stationary. Need I say more?

What Im assuming is the first sesame street record? I always passed by it - because it doesn't look anything like something sesame street would put out. But its sesame street all right!

Rody is an original 1984. YES! Hes living in my living room in the corner, hes going to live with me for a long time. Im going to let my future children love him.

Unfortunatly no "chunky" little people came with this, but I do remeber this well from my own childhood. I never did have one, but I played with it on several occasions elsewhere. Im debating whether or not I should sell it, or try to get the people that match and hold on to it. My future children will have many vintage toys.

Ahh an oldie, but a goodie. The Chatter phone. 1984. WITH its original pull string.

A STACK of vintage sheets and blankets. The Looney Toons are 1980 (two pillow cases), and the raggedy ann is a pillow case too (that I found in the valence section?). Two vintage blankets (I grabbed the hockey one for Brad, I doubt it was ever used its in such good shape), and a few more pillow cases and flat sheets (including the one Im using as the backdrop).

Overall a pretty decent week, if I don't say so myself!

Cap Creations

Her Library Adventures

Apron Thrift Girl