Vintage Monday: Fire king teardrop bowls

I cannot confirm or deny that I have an addiction to nesting bowls.  These Fire King ones are a particular favorite, not only because they are a gorgeous turquoise blue but also for the unique tear drop shape that makes for a handy spout.  I believe there are four bowls total to this set so I've got my eye out on acquiring the last one.  Until then, I am happy to enjoy these three lovelies.

A Thanksgiving Poem

Inspired by Kirby

'Twas the day of Thanksgiving and all was in place,
For a day of good eating and stuffing our face.
The turkey was roasted and pie left to bake,
Fresh yeast rolls were ready for us to partake.
It only took once for our backs to be turned,
Swift, haste and speed our puppy Kirby has learned.
"No Kirby!", "Stop Kirby!", we cried in dismay,
But it was too late to keep this pup away.
Half the pan of rolls were quickly devoured,
Before this swift pup could be overpowered.
He sat in his crate to contemplate his deed,
But soon we caved and he now sits at my knee
As I take to this blog to share and to write
Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good night!

 

Wishlist Wednesday: Clare Vivier leather goods

I think I may have just found my birthday present this year.  Clare Vivier bags are locally made in LA and the simple styles and minimal embellishments only serve to highlight the classic lines and quality of the leather used.

Grechen and I were at Spartan today (which may be my favorite boutique in Austin, hands down) and were able to take a look at their selection of Clare Vivier goods.  The leather is super soft and lightweight--a huge plus in my book as I have no inclination for heavy bags (I already stuff my bags full of snacks as is). 

 

Now I'm torn between the gorgeous La Tropézienne (the leather is just amazing)

Or the ever practical Messenger Tote with a zip closure and long strap

Her clutches are gorgeous as well!

Vintage Monday: Primary colors Pyrex refrigerator set

I love these little Pyrex refrigerator sets with the solid color stack-able bottoms and clear glass lids.  On our last trip to the antique mall, I happened upon this set and was instantly smitten.  I also loved the 40% off everything sign in the little shop!  This set actually came with a small yellow #501 which was not part of the original set.  Thankfully I just so happened to have a small red #501 at home, waiting to be reunited with its set!  I plan on baking little cobblers and treats in these and love the ease of being able to put the glass lids on for quick and easy storage!

I just realized that this post contains a lot of exclamation points and the use of the word "love"--can you tell I'm Pyrex-obsessed?

Favorite Friday Snack: Utz cheeseballs

It's been a low energy couple of weeks and so the quality of food has nosedived in our household.  Basically B and I have been fighting over this barrel of cheeseballs all week now. 

In our defense, they're really really tasty.  Even if you have a cold.

I've got a few days off next week for Thanksgiving break so hopefully I'll be in the baking mood again! 

Wishlist Wednesday: remedies for a cold

I'm down for the count with my first cold of the season.  Taking it easy today and spending my day in bed with:

Vitamin C: Airborne has the best grapefruit flavor

Chicken and Stars: the same good chicken noodle soup but with fun pasta stars

A good book: Mockingjay is the final book in the Hunger Games series--I can't wait!

What are some things that help you feel better when you're sick?

Vintage Monday: Cobalt blue bottles

 I love the rich cobalt blue of these bottles and am always picking them up at thrift stores or estate sales.  They remind me of old Vicks bottles.  Here they are sitting on my kitchen windowsill...

 And what are the little figures to the right of them?  An adorable whale and penguin we found at a cute little store in Fredericksburg in matching cobalt glass as well.  The details on them are so awesome for such miniature figurines!

Sorry for the absence of posts lately.  I've been rather blue since daylight savings time.  I must hail from the bear family as all I want to do is get out of the cold and hibernate!  It also doesn't help that it gets dark after 5:30pm so by the time I get home, all the light is gone to take any good pictures of recent recipes or vintage finds.  We hit the Pyrex jackpost this past weekend so I will try to get pictures as soon as I can!

Remembrance Day

I remember wearing these poppy pins as a child.  To me they serve as a reminder to commemorate those who have served their country and sacrificed in times of peace and of war.

From Wikipedia:  Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day or Veteran's Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries.

Wishlist Wednesday: Rings and things

A roundup of some of my favorite wishlist rings

By Elisa Solomon

 

A multicolored version

 A sweet little heart ring

 I adore signet rings and this tiny one is just perfect

 And I love this modern day version

 And this vintage-y diamond ring takes the cake, 

along with its matching earrings

 
Now if you'll excuse me, I have some lottery tickets to purchase...

Vintage Monday: Better Homes & Gardens Cook Book

I have always wanted an older edition of the Better Homes and Gardens cook book and happened upon this one at an estate sale.  It was published in the 1970s and is in fine condition.

 

I got to researching a bit more and this is one popular cookbook!  

It is currently in its15th edition in 2010

Here is a great special anniversary edition from 2000 that features 70 years of best-loved recipes from all 10 previous editions of the popular "Red Plaid" cookbook

I have a soft spot for the older versions...

1972

1965

1937-1946

Favorite Friday Puppies

Since I already posted this week's recipe early due to the recipe exchange, I thought I'd leave you this Friday with a cute Link and Kirby picture.  Have a great weekend!  I'm counting down the hours till I get to go home to these little guys...

Wishlist Wednesday: Clogs

List of things I previously thought were awful but now love:

• Country music
• South Park
• Black olives
• Gangsta rap
• Clogs

As I am highly suggestible, I find that if I am exposed enough to something, I'll eventually cave (this hasn't worked for exercising or football though).  So thanks to Grechen, my love for comfort shoes, and my vanity for just wanting to be a wee bit taller, clogs are on the top of my wishlist.  Hurray!

No.6 makes the most wonderful clogs

I am loving these for fall/winter

And saving my pennies for these for the spring/summer

These Swedish Hasbeens are high on the list as well!

Favorite Fall Recipe: Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting

 Fall is my favorite season and I love it when the air turns cool and crisp and the leaves flame yellow and red and crunch loudly when you step on them.  I also love fall because it's a great time to bake!  These pumpkin bars are quickly becoming a fall and Thanksgiving tradition as I am not a fan of pumpkin pie for some reason (blasphemy I know) but will gladly eat my weight in pumpkin bars.  Perhaps it's because it's a nice dense cake, more so because of the cream cheese frosting.

I used Paula Deen's recipe and just tweaked it a little (I mean, I love butter too but you have to save it for where it counts)

Ingredients for the pumpkin bars:

• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup applesauce (this was my substitute for more oil, I keep little individual serving cups around to use for baking)
• one 15 ounce can pumpkin
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Ingredients for the icing:

• 8oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick butter (bingo!)
• 1 lb sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until light and fluffy
• Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda after sifting 
• Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth
• Spread the batter in an ungreased nonstick 13 by 10 inch baking pan (I'm paranoid so I always spray with olive oil and I used a glass pan that was a bit smaller so my bars came out taller) 
• Bake for 30 minutes (this is about right on target) 
• Let cool completely before frosting. (this is hard to do!  I find putting it in the fridge helps some) 
• To make the icing: Combine the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth
• Add the sugar (slowly or it'll create a sugary cloud) and mix at low speed until smooth
• Stir in the vanilla and mix again
• Spread on cooled pumpkin bars and enjoy!

Here they are right out of the oven

Topped with a cloud of cream cheese icing

The cake is really moist from the pumpkin and applesauce and I really like the light flavor that the cinnamon brings.  If you like a more spiced cake, you can use more spices (cloves, nutmeg, etc.)

This recipe is part of Prettymommy's brilliant fall recipe exchange!

This week's schedule:
Monday: Jennifer posted an amazing hot chocolate recipe
Tuesday: Yours truly with a pumpkin bar recipe
Wednesday: Danielle at Domestic Dish will be whipping something up
Thursday: Miya at You Plus Me Equals is up next
Friday: Rhonda will finish out the week with Sweet Potato Delights