June Shopping Allowance: Part 1

Summer weather is in full swing and I couldn't be happier. Getting dressed for the day is so much more fun in the summer. Although I feel like I say that at the beginning of winter when I get to layer again. Maybe I just like change? Anyways I picked up this tank at Target for $9.98 and paired it with some white pants I've waiting for like 8 months to wear!

And I realize I just blabbed about loving summer weather and here I am in my leather jacket..I took these pictures in the morning and it was breezy at the time. So not the most summery look, but color wise, blue & white--that speaks summer right?

Flats: Urban Outfitters // Pants: Old Navy // Tank: Target // Jacket: Heritage // Jewelry: Lia Sophia

American Woman on Etsy!

I want to make little announcement that I've begun listing some vintage items on Etsy under the shop name TheAmericanWoman!! So far most of the items for sale are of Cody's grandmother's collection. I'm hoping to a) make enough to give her a fun weekend vacation and b) get some experience with selling items online. We will see how this goes! I have been wanting to do this for some time, and have gathered a few of my own items out of storage to try selling. So Grandma needing to clean out her items pushed me into giving an Etsy shop a go! You can check out a preview of my shop on the right menu.

6 Vintage Fondue Forks for $10

So how many of you shop/sell on Etsy? Or do you have another site (Ebay, etc.) that you prefer to use? And what sort of items do you shop for on those sites?

Clearance Couture in Action

Snapped these pics on my phone while browsing boutiques in downtown Los Gatos on my lunch break last Friday. I am really loving this tunic I bought a while back during one of my 'giftcard saved the shopping challenge' moments. The colors make it easy to accessorize with lots of options, although I typically grab my turquoise loves. But that shouldn't surprise you!!

Tunic: Rue 21 // Purse: clothes swap // Belt: Goodwill // Jeans: Ross (?) // Wedges: Target // Turquoise Jewelry: same stuff you've seen all over here before! 

Better Late than Never!

Realized I forgot to share my other May purchase! Picked up this lovely, chunky, beaded necklace from World Market for $14.99. I wore it with my black maxi dress and last fall's clearance wedges. Not sure how I feel about myself in these serious photos. Something to play around with I guess!

Dress: TJ Maxx (I think? I've had it for a few years)//Earrings (also old, can't remember)//Necklace: World Market//Wedges: Target

So with $14.99 on the necklace and $1.50 on my Goodwill belt I have $3.51 left over to carry into June! Woohoo! Never thought I would have left over funds--guess its all this house shopping, it's got me all distracted.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Personally, I'm not a fan of mushrooms. But Cody and my father-in-law are, so I tried out a recipe for them. I do, however, like to make an appetizer that I don't care for when going to a party or potluck event because then it's one less temptation to over-stuff myself with. Environmental control. I 'followed' this recipe, mainly just to get an idea of flavors to go into the stuffing. You will need cream cheese (softened), garlic, onion, cayenne, parmesan cheese and mushrooms.

After cutting and chopping the stems off the mushrooms, I browned them with garlic, onion, black pepper and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper. This photo shows 1/2 onion, several tablespoons of garlic and chopped stems of 24ish mushrooms.

This mixture was added to the cream cheese (16 oz) and about a cup of shredded parmesan. This mush went into the mushroom caps and were baked for 20 minutes.

I'm not sure if they needed more baking time (didn't want the tops to burn!) but the bottoms of the caps were a bit moist, so I layered a paper towel between them and the serving platter. I went a little over board with my filling and the mushroom caps were quite lopsided and overflowing. Luckily, they guys still loved them, so I guess it's a recipe safe for you to try! Oh, I also had leftover stuffing, which turned out to be a good chip dip. 

Two-in-One!

Anyone else make appetizer's they don't like for the sake of eating less at a gathering? And what would those appetizers be?

Goodtime at the Goodwill

To say I've been busy & distracted lately would be a major understatement. I did however, manage to squeeze in a visit to Goodwill on my lunch break. Major mood lifter! I found a wide navy belt for myself. I noticed my belts are all skinnies and brown leather. So a little variety would be useful! This one set me back $1.50. I also bought a natural colored sweater for Cody. He recently requested some more clothes--YEESSS! Love having people to shop for. This one was in great condition, in his size and a color he would be comfortable wearing for $7.25.

I'm finding that the Goodwill is a great place to pick up belts. I think I have at least 4 all from the Goodwill and all under $2! What's your go-to Goodwill item?

Backyard Dreams

Our house hunt has narrowed, and nothing's official but I can't help dreaming of ideas for our (almost) backyard. Two things in particular.

(found here)

Well, this one is more Cody's plan. He's the one with the plant skills. But we both love the idea of raised planter beds, especially since our dog thinks he is a cow. He likes to graze, and we'd prefer he doesn't do so with our cilantro (or whatever else we plant).

(found here)

And the chickens are definitely my  plan....or dream? Cody's not all that thrilled. But I've assured him he will be convinced with an omelet? He did have a slightly traumatizing job of tearing out a huge, rat-infested chicken coop. In the rain. So I can understand the aversion! I will just continue to gaze longingly at my cousin & friends chicken coops and lovely colored eggs...