Oreo Truffles

Have you ever made these?

They're super easy, and really yummy!

Oreo Truffles

1 (16 ounce) package OREO'S
1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

Directions:
Crush cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; Add cream cheese; mix until well blended.

Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Chill.
Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet.

Decorate as desired.

Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Twenty-Ten Basement Remodel Catch Up

Most of you know, that since April, we've been in the midst of remodeling our basement.
My hubby has been doing all the work himself, which has been a labor of love.
Each time we thought we had an idea when we might finish this project, another wrench has been thrown in the mix. It has been interesting, to say the least!
Just to recap where we left off in July, my hubby had just finished framing in a wall and putting up sheetrock - here's what it looked like.

In August, he built us a custom bar, tiled the floor behind the bar, added a sink, and put up bead board paneling.

Now, fast forward a few months..... and here is where we're at today!

You might remember awhile back, when I mentioned we purchased a collection of vintage license plates.
Well, now you can see from the above pic what we did with most of 'em!
My hubby reworked our stairs too - I didn't want carpet covering them again.

So he patched them the best he could, painted them black, and used some of the leftover license plates and some other signs on the risers.
The nezperc plate is extra special since it was my hubby's late grandparent's personalized plate.

Here is a view of the other side of the room opposite the new wall.

And this view shows part of the area behind our couches...

It feels good to finally be this far along. We still have a bunch of work to do though. The back bedroom down here that I store all my fabric in, still hasn't been touched. So, that's what's next on the list! My studio area has been painted, new floor installed, so after the back bedroom is finished, I think I'll get to move in - yay!

What I Do In My Spare Time

Thanks to all my fabulous customers who keep me busy.

I have been truly blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!

Thought I'd share a couple verses from my favorite Thanksgiving hymn - enjoy.

Come, Ye Thankful People - Henry Alford

Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest home:

All is safely gathered in. Ere the winter storm begin;

God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied:

Come to God's own temple come, Raise the song of harvest home.

Even so, Lord, quickly come To Thy final harvest home;

Gather Thou Thy people in, Free from sorrow, free from sin;

There, forever purified, In Thy presence to abide:

Come, with all Thine angels, come, Raise the glorious harvest home.

Ruffles and Rust 2010 = AMAZING!!

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've posted...
Last weekend was a whirlwind.
My first show ever, and well,....? It was a complete success!
A wonderful time was had by all!

I didn't get a chance to take any pictures myself, so I'm thankful for Elise Marie Photography and Tres Birds Photography. They did an amazing job capturing the show. Be sure to click on their names, to see more photos from the show.
So much eye candy!
Thanks ladies, for all the beautiful pictures of my space.

My flower pins sold out right away. Wish I would have had more ...

The two drawers in this old chest were filled with my scarves.

I sold vintage found goods as well.

My rings made from vintage buttons and old costume jewelry, were a hit!

This pair of vintage dance costumes were a definite conversation piece,

as was my vintage prom dress.
Stella (my manny) quite possibly, might have been the most photographed lady at the ball. Ha!

Timi and her Come Junk With Us posse, rocked!
She promoted and ran the most amazing show. Nothing was spared.
It was an honor to be included.

I also want to thank all my customers for the support.
It means so much to me, I appreciate you all!
Thank you, Thank you!

One Week 'Til Ruffles & Rust

It's getting close.

Excitement is buzzing all around town!

Check out all of the incredible vendors that will be at Ruffles & Rust October 22 and 23.

A limited number of tickets for Friday night are still available. Information is available here.

Coming to the show on Saturday? Don't forget to print the above coupon for $3's off your entry.

Now, it's back to work for me.

See you soon!

The Most Excellent Chocolate Chip Cookie

If you're looking for the most excellent chocolate chip cookie recipe, you've come to the right place.

If you want a perfectly crisp outside with a stay soft center, look no further.

Oh, and don't forget the milk.

Karoline's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 Sticks Salted Butter
1/2 C granulated sugar
1 C brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 C flour
1 tsp soda
chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°
Whip butter, stir in both sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add chocolate chips. Stir in flour and soda. Mix all together. Drop dough by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 min.

Coming Soon - Ruffles & Rust

Hey Ladies!
It's time to mark your calendars - 'cause this is one show, ya don't want to miss!!
October 22 and 23
Evergreen State Fair Grounds (Display Hall)
Monroe, Washington

I'm busily preparing all sorts of goodies to fill my space.
Hopefully, I can get some sneak peeks posted soon...

The show festivities start Friday night, Oct. 22 for early shopping and a Blogger/Facebook fan ball. Tickets are limited, and on sale for $25.

Check out where you can purchase tickets for Friday's event, here.


For Saturday only, print out this flyer and save $3 off your entry!

Can't wait to see you at the show!

Salty and Sweet Perfection

When those bags of candy corn hit the shelves, I can't help myself.
I grab a bag, some cocktail peanuts and mix up my favorite snack of the season.

Yay! It's Fall

This past weekend we headed east of the mountains, to my brother and sister-in-law's cabin. Now, is one of the prettiest times of the year.
The leaves have begun to the change. The mornings are chilly, and the days still warm.

Our main objective, was to do some of this...

...and this...
(The girls never miss a chance to ride on that quad!)

...for this.
Aahh, winter warmth!

Dexter loved hanging out in the woods with us too.

While the boys (and my SIL) cut and loaded firewood, I walked around the property enjoying all of the fall beauty - like this vine maple. Gorgeous!

I don't want you to think I do nothing but play and take pictures, while everyone else sweats. Ha!
My job for the weekend - designated cook. I love feeding the hungry workers!

We're so thankful they share their place (and firewood) with us.
The entire weekend creates good times and great memories - we love it!

Barbola Roses

Yay! I finally found something affordable with barbola roses.
What better, then a sweet Victorian funeral basket to add to my collection!
I have been searching years, for something, anything, adorned with barbola that wouldn't break the bank.
Today, I'm loving the basket filled with my end of the season hydrangeas.

Hope you all are having a great week!

The Best Kinds Of Cookbooks

Reading through cookbooks has gotta be one of my favorite pastimes.
I especially love church cookbooks. I have found so many great recipes within these books - particularly cookies!
Pictured above, are the ones I use often. Most, were taken, passed down from my mom's collection, so a few are from the 70's and 80's.

A while ago, a friend of mine from church brought me boxes and boxes full of cookbooks. She was sorting through her personal collection, and I was lucky enough to get to go through her castaways. I still have a big box of church cookbooks to read - one of these days...

Do You Make Homemade Pickles?

I made 12 quarts of homemade pickles the other day.

I don't have any experience canning. However, I do know, that the best canned peaches, and cherries I ever had, were canned by my hubby's Grandpa Percy.
Oh, and he could make the best homemade grape jelly in the world!

My mom never canned anything when I was growing up... "why can when you can buy it", she always says. I just shake my head.

Making homemade pickles was easy. I didn't even have to do that hot water bath thing - which was very cool!
I wish I could tell you how fabulous they taste, but I have to wait until Thanksgiving to try 'em.
Hmmmm patience...

A One Woman Sweatshop...

... and hey that's me! HA!
I've been MIA 'cause I've been busy sewing every spare second I find.

I need lots of merchandise to fill my booth at the Come Junk With Us "Ruffles and Rust" show in October.
I'm so excited to be in the show, but a tad overwhelmed at the same time - it'll be my first show ever! Whoa!

Collecting

Sometimes it's much simpler to buy a collection, then it is to start collecting, right?
The other day, we were pretty excited to find a fabulous collection of vintage license plates on Craigslist. We scored over 75 plates for such a fantastic price! We would have paid at least 3 x's as much if we would have bought them individually.
Can't wait to show you what we'll be doing with them.

The Best Chicken Salad

Since I had some leftover chicken from the other night, I made my favorite chicken salad this morning. I had to share the recipe, it's that good!
The recipe is from a Longaberger cookbook. I'm not sure which one because I only have this photocopy.

Don't you love the food stains on my copy? A sure sign the recipe is good. Ha!
When I make it, I never measure out the ingredients. I eyeball the portions and wing it.
Enjoy!

Scarves and Bracelets

I've been working like crazy.
Trying to get things made for my Etsy shop and also for a show I'm doing in October.
Here are a few new things...

Barn Sale on Whidbey

On Saturday, Ray and Jackie hosted their annual barn sale. I try to never to miss this sale because I always find great stuff for great prices!
It's a fun, flea market style, old fashion clear out your barn type sale.

There are usually 6 to 8 vendors.
I forgot to take a picture of the cute barn - I guess I was too busy shopping!
I did take this picture of Jackie's garden, though. Isn't it pretty?

Here is what I came home with...
the old drying rack was my favorite purchase of the day. It'll be put to good use in October - same goes for the rake.

Actually, the hat box is pretty awesome too...

On our way back down to the beach, we stopped at another sale.
There, I found this pretty motto. It's a nice addition to my collection hanging by our front door.

Summertime Estate Sale Finds

While I was going through pictures on my computer, I came across these I had forgotten about.

Here's a sampling of some fun things I've picked up at estate sales this summer.
Lately, there seems to be a plethora of estate sales around here each week. I've been so tempted to hit each one, but I've shown much restraint - like limiting myself to one or two a month.
Oh boy, is that hard!