It's Coming Up Dandelions!

On the Monday of this past long-weekend, I visited a couple of local antique malls. The lilacs are finally in bloom and I'm sure you can imagine how heavenly the scent was at this pretty spot outside Rocky Mountain Antiques. We had beautiful weather over the weekend, and then thankfully received some much needed rain all day Tuesday and Wednesday - things are really going to green up here now :)

While in New Zealand, I met the sweetest, older Hungarian lady (somewhere in her early 80's) at a second-hand establishment. She was wearing a winter coat (it was +14C!) and remarked to me how chilly it was - they're just heading into their winter season and I actually noticed quite a number of people sporting jackets I'd wear here at -14C. Turned out she was the store owner and had emigrated to NZ some 38 years ago. When I mentioned I was from Canada, we both had a chuckle - Canadians and Hungarians know cold, but after 38 years she's understandably become accustomed to a much warmer climate.

Speaking of cold, I thought this was a real blast from the past. 

It initially looked very 70'ish to me, but turns out it's a product of the 50's.

I found an ad for it on the net, in the Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Washington) 1954.

Thanks to all that rain, the dandelions are now out in full force!

Have a great weekend - more trip pics next week.

A Terrific Tuesday

We're melting!! It's +2C and our roads and sidewalks are basically huge puddles :) I sure am thankful I didn't wash my car yesterday. Friday's forecast is for a high of +8 -- I hope this means spring is on it's way. The brave little plant above is actually a few leaves of a small evergreen plant in my backyard (I have a number of them interspersed amongst some of my trees) - I think he looks like Punxsutawney Phil poking his head out - and I don't see a shadow...!

These are my latest Goodwill acquisitions - I purchased the pair for $1. 

I've been looking for a pretty scoop for my bath salts for a while... and now I also have a spare.
Oh how I ♥ my local thrift stores :)

I don't expect that brussels sprouts are necessarily on everyone's list of favourite vegetables... at least they weren't on mine until I tried out this fantastic recipe last fall - - I've basically been eating them non-stop ever since! When Tracy shared a very yummy-looking roasted cauliflower recipe the week before last, (which I haven't had an opportunity to try out yet, but definitely have full plans of doing so very soon) I was reminded I've been meaning to share this jewel with you for months.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (I use my toaster oven for this one).

Line a sided roasting pan with parchment paper.

The important thing to know when purchasing brussels sprouts is to choose the tiny ones.

Rinse sprouts, cut off ends, put into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, until nicely coated.

Sprinkle with sea salt - personally, I generously sprinkle. 

Turn onto roasting pan and place in oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Stir again 1/2 way through cooking time. You'll know they are done when they are tender, browned and any leaves that have dropped off

are very crispy. These are even good cold - if there are any left over. Enjoy!

I've just noticed this post today is all-green! I hope you won't be green-with-envy (hehe) when I tell you that I just won this authentic Lenox candy dish over at Elisabeth's blog Food and Thrift Finds, which she found at her local Goodwill...! 

Thanks Elisabeth, I can't wait to receive it :)

Recent Discoveries

Well, believe it or not, I tried my very first pomegranate the other day!

I still remember being in grade school and watching kids eat these at recess and wondering 

what they tasted like... flash forward forty + years and I finally made it happen, yes siree, Bob :)

Thank goodness for the internet - I was so intimidated that I needed to watch a YouTube video 

on the proper way to cut into this most mysterious fruit. (ps: very messy, no matter how you slice it.)

Upon further research, I've since found out there are tons of pomegranate recipes out there,

and that they can be enjoyed in salads, desserts, appetizers, sauces, relishes,

drinks (as a garnish) and can be frozen.

  

Whooo Knew!

If you're a regular reader, you already know I'm a huge fan of all things second-hand;

be it VV (Value Village), Goodwill, antique malls, flea-markets, out-and-out junk stores... 

It's been a while since I've posted any finds; here are a few recent acquisitions :)

Over the course of this past summer & fall, I was able to pick up all the Harry Potter books 

for next to nothing at Goodwill. I'm very close to finishing 'The Order of the Phoenix' 

(fifth in the series of seven). All are in amazing condition.

These sit on a wooden 'lazy-susan', very retro and they go in my house perfectly.

I anticipate using this a lot throughout the Christmas season. 

I have Christmas oranges in them right now, but they'll soon be great for candies and nuts.

I see I need to dust!

Beautiful pottery & my new butter dish :)

I rescued this purse from a 'junk' store in Creston, BC on our trip to Nelson this fall.

It has an extra long strap; the leather is very thick, buttery soft and smells sweet.

One of my very best finds in a long time.

I love showcasing the great stuff you can get at these places and really encourage everyone 

to go once in a while (if you don't already) - who knows what you'll find?

Sentimental Journey

Thanksgiving Greetings!

This was Saturday night's sunset :) Closing the blinds at the back of our house, I was struck by it's beauty and ran out immediately, camera in-hand. A short while later, I poured a hot bath, lit a candle and was lost in my latest Harry Potter book. The days are noticeably shorter and colder temperatures will soon follow, but if there's one thing we readers are able to appreciate, it's the fact that we can now curl up under a blanket (or in the tub :) with a good book for the next few months: guilt-free! That nagging feeling that we should be outside going for a walk, weeding, watering etc. is silenced for the time-being. I've had a number of very interesting discussions lately while waiting in line at the grocery store and in the local shops, regarding this very subject. It seems I am not alone in welcoming the opportunity to slow down after a busy summer. If only winter wasn't waiting in the wings, we'd all enjoy it that much more..!

Seeing as it's Thanksgiving, I thought I'd take a moment to consider 

the numerous ways my life has been blessed in the past year.
There are of course others, but these are the biggies.

- After 4 grueling years, our daughter graduated from University this spring 

and is now employed as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit.

- Our son made some hard choices and has done a complete 180 in life, 

something we are enormously thankful for.

-We got a dog! Despite all my complaints and reservations lol,

she has brought a lot of joy and laughter into our lives.

Here is Emma, trying on her Halloween costume!

-We both lost weight this past year, my husband 30 pounds and I, 15.
As we age, it sure gets harder to take it off once you've put it on...

-I started a blog October 19 of last year. 

This has had it's good points and bad... but mostly good :)

As a result, I have become much more mindful of the moments in life;
our days do indeed slip by like "sands through the hourglass"...

It's also given me a creative outlet and served to hone my writing skills.

  

Here's a bit of the quick trip we took this past week.
We set off to Nelson on Tuesday, making a pit stop in Nanton,
which is approximately 4 hours south of Edmonton.

If you are ever in the area, Sentimental Journey is one antique store definitely worth visiting.

It's situated in what's known as the Keeley Building, circa 1909.
The main floor originally served as a hardware store, the upstairs was later converted
into apartments which housed officers assigned to the nearby aircrew training base.
Interestingly, Nanton's town motto is "Where History Lives"

These pictures were all taken in the upstairs suites.

Each is unique and surprisingly spacious, yet cosy.

It's like walking back in time.

Love this cute little working kitchen,
but can you imagine no doors on any of your cupboards...!

Cola for two?

A very unique use for an old crib...!

Fantastic place, but seeing as there were many miles yet to travel,

we had to bid Sentimental Journey a fond farewell sooner than we may have liked...

The next day, these treasures were purchased in Creston, BC,
at separate antique (junk lol) establishments:

I now have a second amber seal,

one more makes a collection lol!  

This is Frankoma pottery which is no longer in production.
Each piece is numbered. I've been collecting Prairie Green for about ten years,
but rarely come across it. This creamer makes twelve pieces so far.
I realize I could very easily purchase it through various sources on the net,
but that wouldn't be nearly as much fun as finding the occasional piece in my travels.

I also picked up this book for .50
Alice Munro is a Canadian author of much acclaim,
having won the Governor General's Award, the Giller and Man Booker Prizes,
(to name a few) however, I don't recall having ever read anything by her.
When looking for books, I often refer to lists I carry with me detailing authors & book titles
I want to read... I have a good memory, but it's short!
One list I've been carrying around for years is the Top 100 Books
"you should read before you die" lol

Last week I discovered a fantastic tool via Stumble Upon, whereby you
enter the name of a book you really enjoyed (or an author you love) and a database
of books of similar style, as voted on by readers, is produced. I have plugged in a number
of books and authors and printed off the lists - hopefully I will stumble upon a
few good books in the process!

Here's the link if you want to give it a try:

"What Should I Read Next?"


Enjoy your day!

In case you're wondering, we did eventually get to Nelson,
and I will share that with you next post :)

48 and holding...!

Yesterday I endured celebrated another birthday. Wouldn't it be fun to go back in time to the years when our birthdays were eagerly anticipated? I truly wonder what I'll be thinking two years from now after having passed the big 5-0... I have a number of friends already in their fifties and they seem to have survived the shock!

 Here's my little pity party!

Part of the afternoon was spent in my office drinking coffee, reading, contemplating life and eating chocolate (hehe - it was my birthday afterall). We've been enjoying gorgeous weather, although we are still in desperate need of rain. To answer those who are wondering: yes, rain or shine I wear my rubber boots when I am in the backyard - that way I don't have to worry about something crawling up my leg or biting an ankle lol! 

Last night we went to a Bachman-Turner/Paul Rodgers concert. These rockers are in their 60's - Randy and Fred are actually closer to 70 - so there's a bit of encouragement for us all. 

This pic was in the Edmonton Journal this morning -

they were fantastic - I don't see retirement in their near futures.

Are gifts important as we get older? They aren't to me, but they are appreciated :) Especially when they are the very thing you are drooling over. A dear friend surprised me with this trinket box from a local antique mall - she had been with me when I tore myself away from it a few weekends ago. 

 The fronts of each drawer are slate.

They're quite deep, wonder what I'll end up storing in them?

I'm currently reading through the Harry Potter series;

perhaps some Horehound, Lemon Balm & Hyssop...

one never knows when a spell might come in handy!

Some of my birthday money was spent on two of these, my tastes are simple: rustic and used lol! 

I plan to house seasonal displays in them. 

I don't know about you, but the outside of my place could use something

to help brighten it up during the long winter months.

Here's Emma eagerly inspecting ;)

I stumbled across this new release today in my travels.

Too funny! I happen to be one of the last people in North America who doesn't have a cell phone, so I am definitely not a "texting parent". Perhaps I should get one - how am I going to remain 'hip' as I get older? Realistically though, I recognize it's probably already too late! That's okay; different priorities are now in place. You know, getting older is actually a very liberating experience:

WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN I SHALL WEAR PURPLE

With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens

And learn to spit

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickles for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Cheers!

Autumn, Allergies and Affaires de Coeur

"I love the fall. I love it because of the smells that you speak of; and also because things are dying, things that you don't have to take care of anymore, and the grass stops growing."- Mark Van Doren

Greetings! I stumbled across this quote in my travels and had to laugh.

Two friends expressed this exact sentiment to me recently; that they are in fact relieved when fall arrives and they get a break from all the watering and yard work ... lol!

Today's post is a bit of this 'n that...

It's a glorious fall day here, 15C and scarcely a cloud in the sky. I can hear numerous lawnmowers rumbling throughout the neighborhood - we just did ours (well, hubby did that is :) and now I'm watering. Fall watering is something a lot of people overlook, but it's crucial to preparing your plants for the long, dry winter months ahead. We are particularly dry right now as we have not seen any real precipitation, save one day of light rain, in close to two months; hard to believe after our very wet spring.

The above pic was taken at the farmer's market this past Wednesday. I took a leisurely stroll through with my daughter, admiring all the lovely fall bounty and then we popped into a local coffee shop where I had a spiced pumpkin latte and she a chai tea. Something in the latte (perhaps an ingredient in the whipped topping?) did not  agree with me and I had a noticeably swollen top lip for the rest of that evening and half of the next day...! It was very tasty, but I think I will pass on the pumpkin next time.

On two separate occasions this week, I spent a number of hours in the local Goodwill. Here are a few of my treasures; one I will save for closer to Halloween...

These are Corningware (2.5 and 4 liters)

and are in mint condition.

First published in 1859,

I look forward to sharing selected (often amusing) tidbits

from this fascinating little book. 

This looks like it will be a very interesting read.

I've already tried (& loved) the following recipe:

Spicy Sardine Salad

(serves 1)

I know sardines are not on everyone's list of favorite foods - but they have been on mine for many 

years based on the simple fact that they are a powerhouse of a food: 

an excellent source of protein, calcium and essential fatty acids. 

Also, cheap and fast!

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (I used less)

1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced and cut into half-moon strips

pinch of salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

pinch of chili powder

1 can water-packed sardines, drained

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 bunch of arugula or watercress, coarsely chopped (I used mixed greens)

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute with a pinch of salt.

After 2 minutes, mix in the cumin, coriander and chili powder. Continue sauteing, stirring

frequently until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 more minutes. Transfer from the skillet to a serving bowl and let cool. Add the sardines and lemon juice (it says mix well here, but next time I plan

to dice the sardines and very lightly toss with the onions - makes for a more attractive presentation)

Serve over a bed of greens.

I threw a few pieces of lemon in as well.

It was very yummy.

3-volume boxed set, superb condition: $2.99.

I am finally going to read the Harry Potter series, lol!

(This is so typical of me: crazy about Seinfeld, but only watched it in reruns)

I'm already in chapter 4 of the first book and can hardly put the silly thing down, haha.

Anyone for a skiing holiday in the French Alps?

I freely admit to being a sucker for all things 'French'.

I leave you with this lovely painting by Emile Claus entitled, 
The Old Gardener (Le Vieux Jardinier, de Oude Tuinman)

Emile Claus was a Belgian painter, and although not French, (if you've ever read Agatha Christie
or watched a movie featuring her character Hercule Poirot, you will know why I am being so specific!) he was greatly influenced by the French impressionists, like Claude Monet whose works he got to know during his trips to Paris in the 1890's. Claus gradually shifted from naturalistic realism to a very personal style of impressionism called 'luminism', because of the luminous palette he used.

I would love to have this hanging in my home to warm me throughout the coming winter months.

All for now,

Cheers!

Fleamarket Fun

I love a fleamarket. You'll rarely, if ever, find me 'browsing' in a retail store, but I can spend many happy hours completely engrossed by the odd bits and miscellaneous collections you'll find in a 'secondhand-antique-fleamarket' establishment :)  These images were taken recently in Brantford Ontario. We visited 3 that were very large and then a number of smaller ones.

When I saw this I thought it would be perfect for today

Nut-meat chopper

I love amber :)

I thought this was very odd - perhaps they are
characters from a children's storybook...