Rings in Round

A couple of weeks ago, I ventured into making costume wire and bead rings.  I have forever seen these displayed at the open air markets or at couture boutiques here in Austin.  Normally, these sell for $12 to $20.  Almost to a point of obsession, I often admire the collections wishing I owned them all.

It's a good thing I began making these for myself.

Still looking for a way to adequately display and photograph them, I have made about 20 rings so far and intend to make even more.

Promotion...........Shabby 'Round the Corner

It's Fall.............finally, glorious and amazing Fall here in Central Texas, and in complete happiness, I have been working on some repurposing projects.  I would love to truly get the online store operating and realize a dream I've had for over 20 years.  I keep posting:  pictures, ideas and concepts.  It will happen.

My shopping site is on FB...............I also have an etsy store.

https://www.facebook.com/ShabbyRoundTheCorner?ref=hl

http://www.etsy.com/shop/staccihhamilton


I heard Snow Patrol's song "Crack the Shutters" this morning, and it whispered to me.  I have been listening to it since I got home and began promoting my vintage sites.

Cinnamon Vanilla - Bread Pudding

As I thought about the "bread pudding" this morning baking in the oven, I wanted to share this easy recipe with some practical tips on how to make it even more of an affordable idea.  My recipe came from my BHG Cookbook, and the only modification I would make to the recipe would be more sugar.  I had actually thought about sprinkling sugar over the bread crumbs before and after the liquid mixture.  Now I know I should have.

The ease of this recipe comes from its ingredients.  If you are not into the history of food, you may be less impressed, but I think the history of food adds to its appeal.  In this tough economy, not wasting food is very important for tight budgets.  I am always trying to find ways to use every bit of our food.  I had a couple of biscuits and 1 pancake left, so I decided to use them for the bread pudding.

Practical tips:  3 cups is about half a gallon.  Keep putting old bread in a gallon bag in the freezer until you have enough for your recipe.  Also, old cinnamon-raisin bread or the blueberry/cream cheese bread would add a very interesting flavor.  Also, the milk portion could be yogurt or buttermilk watered down if needed.  In a pinch, you could use canned or powdered milk.  There is no right/wrong with the ingredients as long as you use them in the right portions.

I have linked the recipe from the BHG webpage.

Bread Pudding

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 30 mins(includes time to dry bread) Bake: 350°F 40 mins

Ingredients

• 4 beaten eggs
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups dry  bread cubes
• 1/3 cup dried cherries or cranberries, or raisins (or nuts)

Directions

1. In a large bowl beat together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, orange peel (if desired), and cinnamon. In an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish toss together bread cubes and dried fruit;**(sprinkle about 1/4 cup sugar over dried portion); pour egg mixture evenly over bread mixture**(sprinkle about 1/4 cup sugar over dried portion). Press lightly with back of large spoon to moisten all bread.

2. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly. If desired, serve warm.

3. Makes 8 servings

Katie's Nesting Spot: Papa's Treats: Upcycled Hot Chocolate Tin

Katie's Nesting Spot: Papa's Treats: Upcycled Hot Chocolate Tin

Project Promotion - Ellie's cute Menu Idea

I actually found this post as I was trolling, and Ellie had been promoted by another blog I follow. Called "blog trade-off" Holly promotes another blogger she likes. In a way, I guess I am trading off both these very special bloggers. I am so glad to have found this, so I am posting an idea I hope to try.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

In case you missed it

In case you missed my 10min. Fridge Board, go check it out.  its a VERY easy project that I promise will revolutionize (ok may that's a little extreme) your kitchen.  Maybe it just makes your fridge look a little less...BLEH. I'm just IN LOVE with our's and it makes me WANT to menu plan for the week.

Today, I had 3 free minutes...yeah that's pretty much it, and decided to add a little pizzazz.

andVoila...

nothing a little rosette and feather won't fix...

Posted by Ellie at 11:14 AM

Sweater Repurpose - Beanie and Scarf

While doing some "trolling", I stumbled across this adorable sweater re-purposing, so I found the perfect sweater vest to try out the project.

I did not have enough fabric to make the scarf portion, but here is a pix of what I did make.

Aprons - NYE Retro

I had to pause my "re-viewing" of Grey's Anatomy to begin my APRON posting.  I have loved aprons most of my life.........I know, I know........I can hear the feminists now screaming how aprons are a symbol of submissiveness or maybe even repression.  All political debates aside, the apron is truly an essential.  In the beginning of my early adult life, aprons had moved from decorative pieces to a basic white.  If you walk into some kitchen stores today, the basic white maybe the only apron you find.  Of course, there are those "manly man" aprons, you know "Kiss the Cook" and "BBQ King" kinds of aprons.

I decided a few months ago I wanted some retro I Love Lucy types of aprons to wear with my heels and pearls!!  LOL

My true inspiration came when I found a current pattern for vintage aprons at a Goodwill store for only $0.59.  I bought it and have wanted to begin work on a collection of decorative kitchen aprons.  Then, I stumbled on a slightly worn apron at a garage sale for a quarter that only needed a little mending and a good washing.  It soon became my pride and joy.

I have since made 2 aprons from re-purposing other items:  one was a child's size 6 sundress and the other a junior's halter top in a fashionable black/white print.  I actually wear an apron anytime I am in the kitchen cooking.

Today's project is the re-purposing of three items into aprons.  I have used the excess fabric from the original pieces for other projects.