Fabulous Five Dollar Find

As I was driving home from work on Friday, I noticed a bunch of yard sale sale signs for this weekend...hmmmmm. 

I managed to convince the hubs to spare 1 hour on Saturday morning to be my navigator around our surrounding neighborhoods while I try and scope out any fabulous finds.

I am not a regular yard sale junkie. But the thrill of the hunt is absolutely euphoric. After several blah yard sale drive-by's we were ready to head home when we saw yet another sign. The hubs decided to follow the signs one last time. Good thing he did, because I found this chair....

For only $5!!!!

I did a double-take at the price tag. Maybe it was missing a 1 in front of the 5? I looked closer....nope. This thing was only $5. I couldn't resist this purchase. It's in great shape. It seems to even have the original springs and horse-hair cushioning. The woman I bought it from said she had plans to refinish it herself but never got around to it. Can't wait to tackle this project! Stay tuned....

A Battle in the 'Burbs Has Begun!

Dear Ms. Ivy,

It appears that you did not get my last letter.  Once again I am outraged at your need to give me yet ANOTHER gross rash on my arm. Like I said before, your unruly behavior simply will not be tolerated by me or the hubs. In fact, this battle has now escalated to a full-fledged war that I plan on WINNING. Laugh you may, but I WILL NOT stand for your rash-giving ways and stealthy tactics. It is in your best interest make a prompt exit from our yard.


Sincerely,
Ms. I-Have-A-Gross-Rash-On-My-Arm-AGAIN

My Snugglebug

I would give anything to be in the 'burbs snuggling with this little bugger on this rainy afternoon. Instead I am stuck in the city, in my cube workin' away. Blah.

Featured Favorite - Part 2

It's time for another featured favorite (click here to view Part 1). Today I am featuring my very first antique purchase, this vintage fireplace mantle. I saw the idea to use an old fireplace mantle as a headboard in a magazine and from that moment on I was in search of MY mantle.

Sorry for the not-so-great photos, but I took them at night..eek! -  with unnatural light...double eek! - a photographers worst nightmare and a major photo faux pas. But that's what you get when there is not enough time in the day.

I spotted my mantle in an antique shop several years ago in Somewhereville, Pennsylvania, and knew I just had to have it. Not only was this my first antique purchase, but it was also my first attempt EVER at price negotiating - and I think the shop owner knew it and had fun watching me sweat while I haggled the price down by $50. Score!

The mantle came with an authentic distressed finish...it's not a DIY job done by me. It was just perfect to be used as a headboard. And since our 2nd floor bedroom ceilings are angled, which can pose major challenges with decorating, I was limited with what I could put on the mantle/headboard. I spotted the DREAM sign in TJ Maxx which was just perfect.

This mantle made the move from our condo to the 'burbs. As much as I would like "real" headboard for our bed, part of me doesn't want to give up my mantle version.

Oh-and check out the beautiful blue pillow shams made by my mom. She is an incredibly talented sewer but would never admit to it. I really REALLY need to learn how to sew. I am adding it to my endless "to-do" list.

Crab Feast

The hubs and I hosted our closest family, friends and neighbors for our annual crab feast/BBQ in the 'burbs last weekend. What's this Jersey girl doing eating crabs?!

I will never forget the first time I saw someone eating crabs - I was utterly grossed out. Credit goes to the hubs (and my in-laws) for formally introducing me to the art of "picking" crabs. I will admit that I was not fan of picking crabs at first - it was so messy! Yuckeroonies! But after about a dozen attempts at picking crabs, I began to see the appeal and enjoy it.

We couldn't have pulled off this party without the help of family and friends (you know who you are - THANK YOU - and hopefully you are reading my blog!?). I wasn't able to take any pictures at the party, but thanks to my sis for snapping a few pics in between running after her energetic 2 year old. Oh, and don't forget to check out her blog post about the crabby t-shirt she made her little one for the event. So cute!

The Adventures of Emmit Continue...

 (Laptop power cord)

This is what happens on a lazy Sunday night when you have a puppy and you turn your head for 30 seconds while writing a blog entry. How did I spend my Monday morning? At the Apple store of course. $80 later...

 Guilty.

Fried Green Tomatos

Not the movie...the real thing. I saw some green tomatoes at a farm stand and thought I would attempt to fry 'em up. I have tried this once before which resulted in a mushy icky mess. I accepted the fact that maybe fried green tomatoes just would not be in my recipe rotation ever again. I am, after all, a Jersey girl and have no business cooking "southern food".

Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law (who is a great cook but would never admit to it) for giving me some pointers and her "easy" recipe for fried green tomatoes. Turns out I made the mistake of breading the slices of tomato with breadcrumbs on my first attempt which actually isn't necessary.

Attempt #2 of fried green tomatoes was successful!

They turned out pretty good!

I didn't deep fry them, just pan fried them. I basically need to wear a hazmat suit to deep fry anything because I freak out any time something splatters. I need to get over my fear of deep frying, seriously.

Here is my interpretation of my mother-in-law's recipe:

Joyce's Fried Green Tomatoes

Green Tomatoes
Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying)
Egg (whisked with a little water)
Flour
Salt
Pepper

1. Place about 1/4 inch of oil in frying pan. Turn on to medium heat. 
2. Slice the tomatoes (I did about 1/4 inch or smaller on slices).
3. Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk with a little bit of water. In separate bowl, put a generous amount of flower with some salt and pepper to season. 
4. Take each slice of tomato and dip in egg and them dip in flower mixture to coat. Tap off excess flower.
5. Place slices in hot oil and fry for several minutes, until golden brown. Flip each slice and cook other side until golden brown.

The hubs thought attempt #2 was a success. In my opinion, they needed some type of dipping sauce or remoulade. Anyone have any suggestions?