This Weekend

This weekend I was planning on hanging out around the house, crocheting a bit, and making lists.

Instead we took advantage of the warm November weather, and headed out to a few local antique shops. The kids went along too. At first they wern’t too interested in shopping for antiques, but after a bit, they were having fun looking for finds.

We visited two antique shops, and then we made a run to the used bookstore. The kids loved the bookstore. There are many rooms to explore, and so many shelves of great books.

I came home with a few goodies too.

I picked up a few vintage cookbooks at the bookstore. I can’t resist cookbooks from the 1960’s. I think I really missed my calling as a 60’s housewife.

I picked up a Fire King casserole dish, and an Orange coffee cup. I’ve started collecting a few Fire King pieces. I love this little star-burst pattern.

I also found a few pieces of Pyrex for the kitchen collection.

I had to look high and low for these gems. They were all well hidden in the shops. I spotted a few more pieces that I really wanted to bring home, how I hate leaving Pyrex behind.

It was a nice way to spend the day, and the kids did well too. I hope to get back out to the antique stores for small business Saturday. Hopefully I’ll find some more treasures for the kitchen.

Nov 15

Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving seems like it is just around the corner, and I haven’t started shopping for it just yet. We’ve been cleaning the house, and getting ready for guests, so at least we have a good start so far.

I have to admit, that Thanksgiving has quickly become my very favorite holiday. I love to cook, and I love spending some time with all of the family. Oh yeah, and there is usually a pie or two.

I’m hosting this year, and I’m planning on serving food all day. I’ll keep the lunch menu easy, and filled with Football-watching food. I’m also going to try and cook ahead what I can, so I don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.

I’m getting a little help from the guests too. I’m asking for sides and extra desserts. You can never have too many desserts.

Here is the plan for dinner so far…

Turkey (this year I’m making two)
Ham
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Green Bean Casserole
Dinner Rolls
Stuffing
Noodles

Now for the desserts:

Apple Pie with fresh Whipped Cream
Chocolate Cream Pie
Cherry Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Coconut Cream Pie with fresh Whipped Cream

I’m sure I’ve forgotten something that I need to add before the big day. What are your favorite Thanksgiving dishes? Do you host, or do you travel for the holiday?

Nov 14

Holiday Housekeeping

My hubby is home on vacation this week, and we are working on the house. I have a few items that I would like to have completed before we host Thanksgiving.

We have worked on cleaning out the utility room storage shelves. We also de-cluttered the dining room, so there is plenty of room for Thanksgiving. We’ve made several trips out with contractor bags, and many out of use items are living in the garage.

We have also been getting the house ready for Winter. Today we took the window air-conditioning units out of the upstairs windows. We’ll be caulking the windows, and putting up window kits this year too. Hopefully this will keep the upstairs a bit warmer, and help out with energy costs too.

I hope to sneak in a trip to the Antique stores while James is home… I’d love to find some more vintage Pyrex to add to the collection.

Better get back to it. The big kids will be home soon, and I’ve got another load of laundry to fold.

Nov 13

Granny-square Blanket in the Works

This is the project that I hope to finish before Christmas arrives. I actually hope to give this one as a house-warming gift on Thanksgiving, but we’ll see what happens.

I have around eighty granny-squares left to crochet. That will put my count up to four hundred. Better get back to it, and crochet a bit while the boys are at school.

Nov 12

Finished Project: The Hexagon Throw

I started this project way back in July. I crocheted my first hexagon, and decided to keep going from there. I’ve wanted to make a few handmade gifts this year. I decided to make a colorful hexagon throw for my mom.