Monday, January 25, 2016

This is All I Bought

My husband was on a business trip last week, I tagged along, I like when that happens!!!  I poke around  wherever I want - I checked out a few antique markets and a few thrift stores.   I know I don't buy much any more, but really, I expected at least a couple more little things!  I nearly had two Vera scarves, one scarf seemed familiar and it was priced at $5 so I wasn't taking the chance, the other scarf I had lined up to pay, there were about ten people ahead of me and one cashier open - not worth it for one scarf which wasn't even an exceptional one!


My purchases were both made at antique markets, not a thrift store purchase to be had, which is sad.  The vintage merchandise in these stores is just not there now, I am so glad I have what I do and found a lot of it for great prices.   And, there was one less store to shop at as all Ontario Goodwill shops closed last week.    


I am always on the lookout for one of these Prince Edward Island pennants, finally, I have one..



I love vintage Valentines, the copyright on this Valentine book is 1980 so I guess we'll say it's vintage, as you can't buy these books now.    Some pages are punch out, some are to be cut out - it's so cute!  I plan to use some in my Pocket Letters.



I think the days of me having many thrifty find posts are coming to a screeching halt - but like I've said, I really need nothing.  I still like to look though!!

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

I love it when I find a new recipe that's easy to make and tastes delicious.  I found this "Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta" today when I was browsing - the original recipewas found on NatashasKitchen.com I thank her for posting this tasty recipe!!




Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta


Fettucine or Penne Pasta

Shrimp - I used 10 large shrimp for the two of us

1 tbsp. oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp. butter

1 garlic clove

1/3 cup white wine

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Sprinkle of Paprika

Parsley or basil for garnish


Lightly season shrimp with salt, pepper and paprika.  Preheat large skillet to med/high and add 1 tbsp. oil.  Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side, do not overcook.  Remove shrimp to a bowl.


I started cooking the fettucine after the first step.  Drain when cooked, do not rinse.


In your same frying pan, over medium/high heat, add 2 tbsp. butter, cook onion, stir in garlic and cook together.  Stir in 1/3 cup white wine and reduce to 25%, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan.


Stir in cream and simmer for 2 minutes.  Sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup parmesan and stir until creamy and smooth.  Add 1/4 tsp. paprika and season with salt and pepper.


Turn off heat and add cooked shrimp and pasta to the frying pan.  Garnish with parsley or basil.


This is a definite winner, I've pinned it for future use!










Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Pocket Letters

My first post for 2016 and it's going to be about "Pocket Letters" because I love making them, swapping and receiving them in the mail.   I started this craze back in the spring, I haven't made as many as some people, but I still feel like I'm addicted to them!!!  I've met some great ladies through these swaps, some of which I continue to swap with.  Honesty is a big part of it, 95% of the time everything goes smoothly, but there are always those people out there who commit to a swap and then come up with excuse after excuse why you haven't received their letter.  I don't swap with them again!  

























That's all the letters that have arrived at my house - I really need to get bigger binders.  I received 21 Christmas letters, which I placed all in the bulging binder at the top.   In total there are 62 pocket letters in those binders.


After being away over Christmas, I made my first letter yesterday, to replace one that didn't reach it's destination, mine didn't make it to her either, that's so strange!   She requested a winter one.   Today, all the Christmas and winter things will be packed away, next up - Valentine Pocket Letters or just what ever I want!    



Here's a couple of Christmas letters I made...





And a couple of regular ones that I made a while back...




 I look forward to lots more fun swaps this year!!