A Vintage Junkie

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:51:00.000-05:00

2011-06-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

I hope that all is well with you. It's too hot to play outside. Hard to believe that we haven't even made it to the first day of summer yet! We have already hit the 100 degree mark. Butterflies in the garden - they love it!

Vintage Vanity Savoir Faire

2010-08-03T09:30:00.001-05:00

I like bath products that are relaxing and smell good .......

but I love bath products that are pretty too!

I was cleaning under the vanity cabinet and found a couple things that gave me an idea....I decided to mix my own stuff. It smells good and it's soothes tired muscles too! I just poured some of both in a bowl and mixed them together.

Then, I used a funnel and poured my bath soaking solution into a bottle.

This one has a shaker lid. But, I prefer the cup with the sugar spoon. You can put it in any dispenser you choose. A vintage salt or pepper shaker, a pretty tea cup or you could use an apothocary jar.

This is a great gift idea; you can make extra to share with girlfriends too. Have fun!

~Shelly

Cha Cha Cherries!

2010-08-02T07:29:00.000-05:00

Do you love cherries too? I found the most juicy, sweet cherries at TWF grocery store. What do you do with yours? I ate half of them just as they were - so yummy. Then I found a recipe for Cherries Jubilee in this vintage 1960's Julia Child cookbook - she cooked it in the Seventy-fifth Show! Its menu featured Ham Dinner for Four in Half an Hour. (Egg-Stuffed Tomatoes; Pureed Peas and Watercress; Braised Leeks; and Cherries Jubilee). Although, I believe the only part that I would be interested in consuming is the ham and the cherries!

This cookbook is arranged by episode of The French Chef Cooking Show. I highly recommend it for it's entertainment value as well as the cooking techniques included. The show was a half hour - you can make a gourmet french meal in 30 minutes!

My son requested another apple pie......this time I let the pie bird do all the work.

And he did a great job; no drippings of lost filling!

Have a great week!

~Shelly

Pie Birds...so cute!

2010-07-26T07:48:00.000-05:00

Browsing in a favorite antique shop I spotted a pie bird - he just made me smile; doesn't he look like he's singing a happy song?!

I decided that he needed a pie! So I baked him one. I made the filling with fresh apples - they smelled so good when I was peeling them. That's when you know the pie was going to be sweet.

It turned out sooo yummy - now I know his reason for singing!

Like the weekend the pie is all gone now. Hope yours was good too!

~Shelly

Happy Red White and Blue Day

2010-07-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

I had strawberries and blueberries; so I made a red white and blue dessert to celebrate! Hope you enjoy your day.

~Shelly

Thrifting...

2010-06-20T17:39:00.008-05:00

I found these vintage light globes in a Habitat Re-Store a while back. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them; but I had to have them - all 3! Perfect size and shape! Too bad they didn't have more! haha

Do you ever get that feeling? The one where you just know if you don't bring the ____ (whatever it is) home with you; that you will wish you had later and then it will drive you crazy because you know it will be gone when you go back.......well I brought them home and I've just been looking at them and thinking.....until now.

I cleaned them up a little bit; not too much though! Yes, I did knock out the wasp nests. Then, I added some wire and a little charm.

I decided to put a candle in this one. Can you see the glow? I've decided to add a few more charms.....it started raining though, so I wasn't able to get a picture when the sun went down some. Now, I need a citronella candle cuz the mosquito's are out like crazy. We have been having rain frequently.

I brought this one into the kitchen - I put a jam jar inside and filled it with water. Then I cut some fresh herbs from my garden. They smell fantastic in the kitchen! I love to walk by and smell them: rosemary, basil, lemon thyme - and I added a little mint too, for tea!

I hung a little plant on the fence in this one. So much fun; I think I could use 3 more!!!

I think it's time to re-visit the Re-Store.

What have you brought home lately?

~Shelly

Hydrangea Heaven

2010-06-15T06:01:00.007-05:00

When words escape, flowers speak. ~Bruce W. Currie

Hope you have a great day!

~Shelly

June

2010-06-07T07:11:00.007-05:00

I know well that the June rains... Just fall. ~Onitsura

Every time I see the weather forecast it shows rain, rain, rain. Its hard to get any gardening done...perfect time to find something to do inside!

Strawberries...

Mixed with a little milk, flour, sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla .... and put into individual baking dishes;

yields yummy Strawberry Bread!

Paired with a cup of coffee and a book are a great way to spend a rainy afternoon!

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T05:54:00.003-05:00

Honoring those who gave all...

Going Places?!

2010-04-27T07:59:00.013-05:00

Where are you going? What do you want to do with your life?

I came across Kelly Corrigan's video last week and it has stayed on my mind. How many times a day do you daydream about the life that you want to live?

After all...

"Happiness is not something that you postpone for the future; it is something that you design for the present." ~Jim Rohn

YouTube - Kelly Corrigan - Dare You

This Little Piggy...

2010-04-21T08:52:00.005-05:00

Is oh so cute!!!

Her name is Claira. You can see her companion Clancy here. They make such a cute pair. Wish I had someone to sew them for....maybe me! lol

I may have to make a couple of these, instead.

Have a great day!

~Shelly

It's 5 o'clock Somewhere.......

2010-04-18T19:55:00.004-05:00

........weekends never last long enough!

Waiting on Spring....

2010-03-03T19:02:00.003-06:00

As long as we are persistent...

we will continue to grow.

We cannot choose the day or time

when we will fully bloom

it will happen in it's own time.

~Dennis Waitley

Be persistent!
Happy March ~Shelly

Had I but one penny...

2010-02-23T16:52:00.005-06:00

I would buy coffee and chocolate! Especially this coffee, it's great. And isn't this the cutest chocolate bar; I found it in the grocery store today and fell in love with the vintage images - it's made in Germany.

Here is a close-up of the bunny.....

It was William Shakespeare who said "Had I but one penny in the world, thou shouldst have it for gingerbread." What would you buy with your penny?

Pure Happiness......

2010-02-21T14:19:00.009-06:00

A few signs of spring are appearing in the mostly brown landscape!

Out of moderation a pure happiness springs. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Sneaux Day

2010-02-18T18:14:00.007-06:00

Baby it's cold outside!!! We had snow one day recently...South Louisiana; the SuperBowl and now Snow! The birds were singing - I think they were confused! But it was really pretty. I believe that I'll make some bird feeders this weekend; though. I saw a bird in the cat food bowl. Do you think they really enjoy it? fish and chicken!

What is within the artist?

2010-02-17T20:11:00.005-06:00

The key is what is within the artist. The artist can only paint what she or he is about.
~ Lee Krasner

Been wanting to paint a little....so I thought I'd paint some flourishes and scrolls; turned out not so much scroll as flourish...I guess that the quote is true. It's all freehand so I painted what was within.

I think I might wear it to work tomorrow. What do you think? What's within you?...

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:20:00.002-06:00

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence. ~Sidney Smith

Go Go.....

2010-01-01T21:42:00.006-06:00

Oh, the places we'll go.....

How fun to ride around in a pink VW with the top down all day! I just think that I would have to smile every time I went out to get into this cute little thing; it makes me happy when I look at it! My first car was a VW bug and I loved it so much!

Where would you like to go this year? ....did you make any resolutions? I'm still thinking....I'm most happy at home these days.

I took this pic when I was on vacation in Cancun...a fun place to go.

Happy New Year where ever you go!

~Shelly

Enchanter

2009-12-13T19:41:00.005-06:00

Enchanting European doors ...aren't they beautiful; where do they lead?

Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-10T07:35:00.003-06:00

I love fall festivals .....

Lots to see...

Counting Blessings

2009-11-23T06:21:00.004-06:00

The Pilgrims made
seven times more graves than houses.
No Americans have been more impoverished
than these who, nevertheless,
set aside a day of thanksgiving.
- H.U. Westermayer

Wonderful...

2009-10-29T07:03:00.004-05:00

Anything looked at closely becomes wonderful.

~ A.R. Ammons

Hanging out with my nephews.....always a treat and unpredictable. Yes, this a Haunted Castle -are you scared?

Love my end of the season bouquet picked and carefully arranged by one of the castle designers! So sweet! Oh, and by the way; goldfish do not eat olives!

Have a great day!
Shelly

Wishing you the best ...

2009-05-10T09:47:00.002-05:00

2009-05-04T06:18:00.002-05:00

Let all thy joys be as the month of May.
~Francis Quarles

Flowers are popping up everywhere....tons of things on the "to-do" list. A list of projects, including spring cleaning, and gardening. Lots of yard sale signs this weekend....it's distracting! Weather changed yesterday; now were socked into a terrible storm of lightening and rain, rain, rain! Hope you have a happy Monday!

~Shelly

In Season.....

2009-03-25T18:34:00.003-05:00

Louisiana Strawberries; Love them.....so sweet and yummy!

Everything is good in its season.
- Italian saying

The Strawberry Festival is this weekend ~ just imagine all the strawberry goodness: pies, milkshakes, jam and preserves, hand dipped in chocolate, Strawberry Daiquiri's, Strawberry cakes and icecream too! Oh, and don't forget about the Royalty; how cool to be the Strawberry Queen and wear a crown all the time!

This year I've decided that I am going to make my own preserves.....I'll let you know how it goes. If I don't make them fast; I'm going to have to buy more berries they are starting to disappear quickly!

In the meantime, I'd love to share these with you; enjoy!

~Shelly

Songs of Spring

2009-03-24T17:20:00.003-05:00

A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. ~Chinese Proverb

Happy Spring!

~Shelly

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T06:06:00.002-05:00

The Day.....

2009-03-13T17:59:00.002-05:00

The day I see a leaf is a marvel of a day. -Kenneth Patton

The Dahlia's are growing....we're going to have lots of flowers!

Sunflowers too!!! I did plant some stuff to eat too; tomato's, squash, zucchini and bellpeppers. I am so looking forward to watching them grow.

I found this statue here last weekend. I think she's beautiful....gotta name her; what do you think? Maybe I should plant some lettuce for her to watch over!

~Shelly

For the Birds

2009-03-02T18:37:00.003-06:00

I enjoy watching the birds in my yard. And last year, I decided to make petite bird feeders to hang in my yard. I found the recipe in one of Sandra Lee's cookbooks. They were very easy to make. I used my vintage jell-o molds for the forms.

The recipe is really simple, you beat a couple eggs and stir in the bird seed. Pack it in a mold and bake.

While the birdfeeder is still warm, use a dowel rod or a skewer to poke a hole about an inch from the top. When your birdfeeder cools you can put a wire or a piece of raffia thru the hole to hang your feeder.

I've decided to make some more this weekend.

~Shelly

Let the Good Times Roll......

2009-02-24T05:14:00.004-06:00

Do you have time to take in a parade or two? For some; this is serious business! teehee The small town parades are great for little ones....Happy Mardi Gras!

~Shelly

New Items Added

2009-02-16T19:45:00.003-06:00

I've added some new items...

Don't you love this chef set?!

....more to come, check back soon!

~Shelly

Never forget....

2009-02-16T18:30:00.005-06:00

Never forget that the most powerful force on earth is love.

~Nelson Rockefeller

When words escape...

2009-02-11T20:11:00.004-06:00

When words escape, flowers speak. ~ Bruce W. Currie

Talk to me! This weekend was just beautiful in South Louisiana; 77 degrees on Saturday! I had so much fun playing in the dirt! I have ambitious plans for the garden and started some seeds. I planted them in pots that can be transplanted when the ground warms up a little more. I'll let you know how it goes!

The fruit stand had the most beautiful strawberries! Had to snap a few shots. I had planned to make strawberry bread, but the berries never last long enough! Gotta buy more next time.

I won this pretty milk glass bowl at an estate auction recently! Love it. We're planning to attend another this weekend ~ looking forward to the excitement! I wonder what we'll find....

Take care,

Shelly

Be My Valentine

2009-02-05T19:06:00.009-06:00

Chic and Shabby Home and Make Mine Pink is the place to find a fantastic Pink Friday shopping experience ~ Each week Chic and Shabby Home and the participating boutiques at Make Mine Pink will feature theme coordinated items ~ Shop from the comfort of home ~ Each Friday items to fit this week's theme will be added. This week's theme is Be My Valentine.

I have a special place in my heart for dresser boxes......they are beautiful and oh so girly! I especially love this porcelain box it has such a beautiful bouquet of roses.

Same box different vignette!

This silver dresser box was in the window of an antique shop - I had to have it!

I love the red velvet lining and especially the claw feet.
I found this 1940's dresser box at a flea market out of state on a trip! The portrait on the top is perfect for Valentines Day!

Hope you have a great weekend!

~Shelly

Wonderful Magical Winter White

2009-01-29T19:39:00.013-06:00

Visit my shop for these items and so much more!

This papertowel holder is here. How many things can you think of to put on top of the shelf?

In case you need more, you can check out this publication of Victoria Magazine online until you can get to the bookstore!

Hope you have a great friday!

~Shelly

Romantic Roses

2009-01-22T20:15:00.008-06:00

Have fun, you can find the rest of our new items, here at Chic and Shabby Home!

~Shelly

Romantic Roses

2009-01-22T12:28:00.003-06:00

I have some beautiful new items to show you; join me to celebrate Romantic Roses for this Make Mine Pink Friday!

~Shelly

Happy Day!

2009-01-20T19:51:00.006-06:00

This sweet face turned 23 today!

Where does the time go??? Wish I'd taken more pictures!

We invited a clown to entertain for his first birthday ~ and oooooooohhh she did a fantastic job; balloon animals and lots of magic tricks. He was such a handsome boy in his blue velvet bow-tie suit! What was I thinking?! (It is January!)

Make a wish...he had his own clown cake; so cute! Gotta help blow out his 1st. birthday candle...I wonder what he was thinking?

I'm so proud of the young man that he has become; my wish is that all of his wishes come true!

Love ...

2009-01-19T19:55:00.012-06:00

Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.

~ Jean Anouilh

A beautiful red dish is the base to which I have added a bar of luxurious european soap; a gift that I would love to receive myself!

Getting ready to give Valentines?

~Shelly

New for You...and me, too!

2009-01-15T18:55:00.005-06:00

Happy Make Mine Pink Friday! I have been shopping in my jewelry box and wearing some things that have been tucked away. You know how the favorites get put on top and you pull them out over and over? Time for something new!

I love this set, look at all the colors!

Pearls, always a favorite of mine! This bracelet will end up on the top of the pile in the jewelry box!

This beautiful Sea Treasures Necklace will complement any outfit!

I love these bold earrings; they are fun and funky, too!

Dozens of "gems" on this bracelet! This year I have added a jewelry category to my store! I am so excited about the new items.

Only the heart knows how to find what is precious.

~Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Happy Friday,

~Shelly

Here fishy, fishy

2009-01-13T17:21:00.008-06:00

The love of a family is life's greatest blessing.
~Anonymous

Had a great weekend with my nephews.....we saw a movie Saturday afternoon. Then, Sunday morning we took a trip to the Big Easy . It was the perfect day to spend hanaging out exploring!

Caught in the act...picking a flower for his nan-nan! Mischevious and so loving! I pressed my sweet flower into a journal.

Polka dotted sting rays! How cool is that?!

This exhibit was the most fun. We arrived in time to feed the sting rays! They suck the food right out of your hand; a vacuum that smacks and splashes, too!

Can't you hurry, we've got things to touch!?!?!

Macaws in the rainforrest. These guys came with a warning not to touch!!! Thankfully, we came home with all of our fingers.

Hope your new year is filled with blessings.

~Shelly

Welcome to Pink Friday

2009-01-08T19:23:00.004-06:00

I hope that you are having a Happy New Year. I have been straightening closets and moving things around. I am making room for new items that are coming soon! I found some things that I had forgotten about; don't you love when that happens? I gave this ceramic dish to a friend for her birthday. She loves it. Another friend enjoys these adorable candles. They smell great, too.

These tray's are so chic and shabby.

Don't you think these frames will look great on any wall? They're on sale too! I can't possibly list all of the things that are on sale. You may want to check out a couple of the categories on the website: like Chic and Shabby and Home Decor to start. If you are ready for some pampering after the busy holidays, you should look at the great deals in the Spa Collections!

Visit often for great deals. Thanks to all of my great customers and many friends for a fantastic year! I am looking forward to a great 2009 with you!

~Shelly

Making Way for the New

2009-01-08T14:12:00.003-06:00

Join us for PINK Friday at Make Mine Pink, your invitation to

“Shopping With a Twist” as the boutiques continue

"Making Way for the New"
on January 9th.

Riches......

2009-01-01T19:37:00.008-06:00

To be content with what we possess is the greatest and most secure of riches.

~Cicero

Happy New Year to you and yours,
Shelly

Cajun Christmas

2008-12-18T18:53:00.015-06:00

This is White Oak Plantation; all dressed up for Christmas. 22 acres of southern grandeur; owned by a famous chef, inspired by Houmas House Plantation that was built in the 1800's.

The main entrance opens to a grand staircase and beautiful parlor.

The main parlor with it's 26 foot ceiling and antique crystal chandelier are a impressive sight. The tree is decorated with fleur de lis and poinsettia's. I love how you can see the second story balcony from this room.

Papa Noel vignette...simple and elegant.

More poinsettia's; this fireplace mantle is so pretty.

LeBaron crystal chandeliers are stunning.

These fantastic lead glass doors lead to a court yard. The private dining area was decorated for an event tonight. The elegant Grand French Ballroom features a black and white simulated (insert faux!) marble floor and three chandeliers with matching wall sconces. Fantastique!

I'd love to attend one of the Culinary Garden Seminars that are offered. I'm going to have to keep checking the calendar for upcoming events.

I'll post pictures of the grounds another time.

~Shelly

Weekend Road Trip

2008-12-14T18:03:00.003-06:00

I took a road trip this weekend...and spent some time with my family.

I passed this sno-cone stand. Couldn't help myself.....its so cute!

This was growing in my grandfather's backyard - he has a couple things planted. I'm really not sure what it is....

When I stopped at a favorite antique shop I spotted this bike.....how fun for a little one! Too bad it wasn't for sale.

I have a couple projects for this week. Come back when you have a minute!

~Shelly

Christmas Party Pics

2008-12-13T08:07:00.007-06:00

Last night was my work Christmas Paty. I snapped some pics during setup last night. Our caterer did a wonderful job with our food and table scape. I really like the way she incorporated fresh fruit, it's so pretty. We have a great arts museum downtown, it's a fantastic place to have a party.

It's a work in progress.....

Yummy eclairs ~ desserts are always a favorite!

Beef Tenderloin anyone???

How about this bowl of buns! Carbo heaven!!!

Ambrosia torte is the best! Forget the crackers, I like it with everything. Gotta find a recipe when I have some time.

This serving piece cover was so pretty, I just love it!

One view from the third floor.

The skyline of the Mississippi River Bridge......It was a beautiful night for a party.

I'm going to spend some time with my family this weekend.

Hope you have a great one too!

Shelly

Snow Day

2008-12-11T19:22:00.007-06:00

It snowed like crazy today! We are so not used to this......roads and schools had to be closed. I have never seen such huge snowflakes I found this poem by Julie Gudger, and love it!

Oh To Be A Snowflake
Oh to be a snowflake, gently falling down. It falls ever so gently, down to the ground. Its little white edges twirl with the wind. Ever so quickly does it twist and bend. Falling from the sky to greet the world below. Its almost as if its trying to stop and say hello. And when we see a single flake it doesnt mean that much. But if we stretch our arms out wide we feel its gentle touch. But when the flake has reached its end and is a flake no more. We sadly mourn its short lived life and it we did adore.

Molly did adore the snowflakes! She was running and having a blast! I got lots of pic's of her backside because I am not quick enough!!!

The sweet girl birdfeeder was full of snow......

Love this little train in our antique district.

My little gator was full of snow! It was fun until the snow became too heavy for a branch and broke a power line across the street. I was without power for a lot of the day.

Not a total waste though because the snow filled me with Christmas spirit. When I couldn't get to work because roads were closed and bridges iced over; I came home and went into the attic to get my Christmas decorations down! I had to use a lantern to see the boxes but I was successful!

I ended up having a great Snow Day!

I'll show you my progress soon.....

Are you in the spirit? Maybe you need a little snow, too?

~Shelly

Snow Makes Everything Pretty!

2008-12-11T06:11:00.002-06:00

We are waking up to snow in South Louisiana this morning! It's a very big deal, since we don't see it for years, sometimes. I snapped a couple shots with my camera on the night setting - like I said snow makes everything pretty!
Molly is trying to figure out what the wet stuff is - it's new to her!

The wood pile has a little accumulated.

Now, we are getting a white carpet. We'll see how thick it gets. We had lots of rain yesterday, I'm surprised that we have this much now.

This is an iron gator in the flower bed. Now, he's a rare white alligator!

Looking forward to a wonderful winter white Thursday,

Shelly

December Citrus

2008-12-09T19:36:00.003-06:00

I usually go to the fruit stand on the weekend, these were fresh picked and displayed on the counter.....I just couldn't resist picking up a few. When I was a kid we had a huge kumquat tree by the back door; sweet ones. I loved them then and I love them now! I was in for a surprise though..... there was a crate of sour kumquats next to the sweet ones - one ended up in the sweet bin and ultimately in my bag! I still don't like the sour ones! I guess that some things never change. Oh well.

Along with sweets and treats, Santa would put fresh fruit and nuts in our Christmas stocking. Can you imagine what a child would think if they received fruit in their christmas stocking, today? Hmmm......I thought about Jo in Little Women, when she walked around with her Christmas orange for days, rolling it in her hands and smelling it. Those were the good ole days!

Maybe if I'm extra good, Santa will leave some fruit in my stocking!

~Shelly

Christmas Decorating

2008-12-07T18:59:00.004-06:00

I had a decorating idea; so I made a trip to a dollar store and picked up a table runner.

I gathered a few supplies......

I cut my table runner in half so that I'd have two equal pieces of fabric with tassels.

Then, I hemmed both halves with Heat n Bond (in the sewing section of your craft store). Love this stuff, it's so quick and easy to use!

I hung them on a spring rod to create instant holiday home decor!

A grapevine wreath added a little texture. How about a some sparkle? I added a vintage pin to the ribbon, a glitter snowflake and chandelier bobbles too. Last, I tied some old german keys on a ribbon and slipped them onto the wreath.

Happy Holiday to you!

~Shelly

Are You Ready for Christmas?

2008-11-20T18:21:00.003-06:00

This adorable Snowman figure is ready for fun! He is such a cheerful addition to your Christmas decor. He will be the center of attention anywhere you put him.

This snowglobe is the perfect gift for the collector on your list!

Let it snow! This trio of snowmen with their silver accents are so versatile, you can use them as the center of a vignette. Possibilities are endless.

This Snowman family will make the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy person on your list!

Join me at Make Mine Pink for Christmas. It's time to start checking people off of your shopping list. You'll find lots of great gift ideas.

Visit my website for more Christmas ideas!

~Shelly

Holiday Decorating

2008-11-16T19:53:00.009-06:00

Are you getting holiday catalogs in the mail, too? Browsing through them is so much fun! I found some inspiration .....I started with a table runner and a throw pillow.
I simply wrapped the table runner around the pillow and tied to add some holiday color.

Then I decided to add some ribbon and vintage millinery for add a little romance! What do you think?

Finally, I decided to add another table runner tied in a bow. I attached at the knot and then found some old lace and a little vintage bling. I love all of them. Now, I have four dining room chairs, maybe I'll do something a little different for each! What inspires you?

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is... more beautiful.-Norman Vincent Peale

Brocante

2008-11-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

French translation: flea market

Brocante Antiques ~ I just loved the look of this place.....but was terribly disappointed not to be able to browse. The shop was closed! I couldn't resist a pic, thou. I'll have to go back so that "we" can see what's inside.

I'll keep you posted!

~Shelly

Sweet Simple Things

2008-11-14T06:04:00.007-06:00

It looks like the Zinnia's are just about finished. I picked the last of them and made a small bouquet. I tied a fall ribbon around the vase. (I cut off the wire edges and scrunched the ribbon, so that it looks a little tattered) Sweet and Simple don't you think?

“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Dangerous Chocolate Cake

2008-11-10T06:03:00.004-06:00

Sunday night, home alone who wants cake? I do, I do! But just a little bit of cake.....so what to do? Make a cake in a mug! hugh?

This recipe came to me via email a while back and I hadn't had a chance to try it yet....so here's what you do (the recipe follows). Mix ingredients and microwave.

I used a big mug because I wasn't sure how much space the ingredients would take.It did reach the top of this mug, but went back down after cooking!

Transfer to a plate for dining!

Yummy! I have to tell you it wasn't bad at all. All of my chocolate chips ended up in the center for some reason, though. It was very sweet and didn't need icing! This fall when it's too cold to get out I'll probably experiment with a few different versions. It's a pretty good emergency gotta have cake recipe! All the mixing was in the mug ~ I used the measuring spoons and a fork to stir. The kids will love this, it's pretty fun, too!!

Dangerous Chocolate Cake-in-a-Mug

* 1 coffee mug
* 4 Tbsp. cake flour (plain, not self-rising)

* 4 Tbsp. sugar
* 2 Tbsp. cocoa
* 1 egg (used a jumbo egg - all I had on hand)
* 3 Tbsp. milk
* 3 Tbsp. oil (used Enova oil)
* Small splash of vanilla
* 3 Tbsp. chocolate chips, optional (you can add a few chopped walnuts)

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well with a fork.
Add egg then mix thoroughly.
Pour in milk and oil and vanilla, mix well.
Add chips, if using.
Put mug in microwave and cook for three minutes on 1000 watts.
(Really fun to watch) I stopped at 2 1/2)
Cake will rise over top of mug--do not be alarmed!
Allow to cool slightly; tip onto a plate if desired. (Comes out great
and cut into four long pieces)
Add some drizzles of chocolate syrup and some Cool Whip, or you could add canned frosting, too.

I was told that the batter does rise up 'way over the top of the mug, but doesn't run down the side. Fun to watch!
Note: Be careful not to overcook-some microwaves are higher than 1000 watts, and three minutes was a dab too long--dried the cakes out a little bit.
Be sure to watch it the whole time it's baking in the microwave, although
they say it's not good to stand near the microwave!!!

Q. Why is this cake the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
A. Because now we are all only five minutes away from chocolate cake any time of the day or night!!!

It's in the Details!

2008-11-05T06:42:00.002-06:00

In need of a quick gift? It's getting to be that time of year. I am going to make up a few to have on hand so that I'm not rushed to find something later.

If you love vintage dishes too, you will have these things lying around! This particular soap is from England and has the most fantastic fragrance. I'll share some soon.
All you need is a small vintage dish (sorry you can't see mine better, it has sweet pink roses), and some decorative excelsior (found at your local craft store) your treasure (you could use your own favorite fragrance) and some pretty old ribbon.

After the bow was tied, I thought it needed something else.......so I put a vintage key in the ribbon! Now it's perfect. You could use a chandelier drop or a vintage tag. This is where you can add your own personal touch ~ It's in the details!

Do you have any quick gift ideas?
~Shelly

Our Daily Bread

2008-11-03T06:54:00.006-06:00

Isn't it amazing what can happen when you combine ingredients that include sundried tomatos, basil, rosemary, love and care? I didn't make this fantastic bread, but the ingredients were attached and love was on the list! I think that it makes all the difference. A local whole food baker makes and delivers to my favorite fruit stand. It's such a treat. Especially dipped in specialty olive oils. You really can make a meal of bread and wine!

This dried flower blew into the yard. I thought it was pretty here!

There are only two ways to live your life. One is a as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

Wonder what miracles November will bring.......

~Shelly

Hope you get Lots of Treats!

2008-10-31T05:50:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-29T06:52:00.003-05:00

This month has gone by so fast! I've still got to go get my trick-or-treat candy. At least no one says anything about all the bags of candy in your grocery cart! Gotta love that! Oh yes, all of it's for the trick-or-treaters. wink, wink....

Fall Fun

2008-10-28T06:08:00.004-05:00

Have you seen these cute pumpkins in your craft store? I just love them! It only took a few minutes to create this cute fall accent for my table!

I am enjoying the unseasonably cold weather. Now it's beginning to feel like Fall!

Hope you are having fun, too.

Shelly

2008-10-27T05:28:00.008-05:00

It's never too late to be what you might have been.

- Henry David Thoreau

Things Are Changing Around Here; new name to start...

Like this vintage chandelier; this blog is a work in progress. You may notice a name change. I think it's a little more appropriate! Blending old and new is how I spend my life.

Not sure where these chandelier pieces will end up; like life, you just never know what opportunitiese will present themselves!

You only live once - but if you do it right, once is enough.

-Joe E. Lewis

Have a great day!

~Shelly