Iowa





This is just to stinking cute!

vintage linens



Click on any photo to enlarge

I have a real thing for vintage linens!  I pick them up when ever and where ever I can!  So many possibilities for decorating with them!  Here are some lovely eye candy pics to inspire....happy decorating!

Today the Shopping Bug struck with no Warning!!!

Goodwill Goodness!

Looky, Looky at my deals!  Man I love resale!  I spent $40 today at my favorite Goodwill on deals I just couldn't pass up!

                                                                                                   

              From far left:                              

A cool green insulated bag for the farmer's market = $3.38

2 uplights in great condition = $3.38 a piece

Black dress pants from Dress Barn = .25

4 floral dishes, the blue design I think my grandmother had = $1.38 a piece

Old meat grinder ( I remember mom making ham a.k.a. bologna salad with one like this) = $3.38

All books = .88

Cake pedestal =$1.38

Blue cups (love that color)! = $1.38 a piece

From far Right:

 A heart shape make of pinecones and twigs = $1.88

Pampered Chef food chopper = $3.88

A funky lil boot shaped glass = .88

Burlap book bag with red trim = $3.88

I know my pictures suck ya'll........I promise someday I'll be able to afford

A Big Girl Camera!

Chicken Empanada Pie

This is what's for dinner tonight!

I made a lil' mistake when I made this.  The recipe calls for 2 9" refrigerated pie crusts and I bought 2 frozen crusts.  This was supposed to make 1 pie with a top pie crust.

Soooooo....

I just doubled the recipe and omitted the top crust! It was wonderful topped with a little salsa.  Here's the recipe; make it their way or mine!  I highly recomend my way although I haven't tasted it "their" way yet!  My way has fewer carbs though!

Chicken Empanada Pie

• 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken
• 1 8oz package shredded colby and monterey jack cheese
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. chopped red bell pepper
•  1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1 T ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2  9" refrigerated pie crusts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken and remaining 7 ingredients.  Place chicken mixture in one of the pie crusts.  Top with the other crust.  Pierce crust top to vent.  Bake in the middle of oven for 15 minutes or until brown.

(Up to this point, the recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month).

My version is to double the recipe and use two frozen instead of refrigerated crusts. Omit top crust, Make two pies instead of one.  Freeze one for later. Top with some more cheese before baking.

Pea Coats and Pets -- OH MY!

Ewwwwww! Disgusting! 

Oh soooo sad!  Yes friends, that is my daughters brand new pea coat.   Covered in Pet fur. 

Our pooch
                  Felix's
           fur I presume...  Yes, he's the one to blame.

                   
                                                       Or perhaps our new kitty,
                                                         Sushi
                                                                           had a paw in it...
                                                                                    maybe she is
                                                                                              to blame?

OR.....maybe Miss Sophie needs to learn to use a hanger?!!!

and perhaps I could vacuum a bit more often too! Perhaps.

Doin' the Farm Crawl!

Today Scott County hosted a "Farm Crawl"!!!  I was only able to attend my favorite farm, Miss Effies Country Flowers and Garden Stuff.  There were guest vendor's at each farm too!  It was a chance for the community to tour farms, see demonstrations, buy locally made products and talk to vendors.  Isn't this such a great idea?!  I hope to make to all of the farms next year!

Here are a few pics of our lovely day!

chicks and ducklings to love!






and you know I loved them up...



My favorite goat Chamille!





She needs me I think.

Goats are from Zen Goaties!

artisan lemonade was refreshing! From Slow Food USA

Spinning! I forgot to get this gal's name :(

My favorite mode of transportation - A hayrack ride to the farm from the gravel road.




Cathy's (Miss Effie) special touches are all over her farm!
Wouldn't you just love to nap under this willow tree?
In this bed?
Eye Candy everywhere




My daughter, Sophie, Rockin' her new hair color and lovin' up a fat cat!





Miss Effie's teacup tree!

 

More to come from this Wonderful Rural Route place! I've met many like minded women here and I hope to see much more of all of them. Hopefully, as my blogging skills grow, I will be able to link all of you, to all of them!

 


 










SWEET WAY TO CREATIVELY WRAP A WEDDING GIFT

 Weddings can be so much fun!!

Guess who caught the bouquet?!

That's right gentlemen!  I caught the bouquet!  Is my

farmer prince charming

out there?

Somewhere....

Anyhoo...on to the subject of this post!  I attended a wedding yesterday and thought I would share how I wrapped the gift.  The groom is a photographer, so I bought them a special frame for a picture of their special day.  I first wrapped with the plain tissue paper that the store wrapped it in to protect it.  Next, I affixed a pretty little floral piece of scrapbook paper.  Then I tied it up in a pretty little lace remnant. Topped it off with a glittery wired bow and a few floral stems and Presto! 

 An elegant gift wrapped like no other!