Weekend Fun

Last Week was my hubby's birthday so when we got a long needed break on Saturday we decided to take the day and have some fun. First thing we did was attend a flea market in Manhattan...Hubby wasn't too enthused with this idea but it is the first flea market that I have seen in Manhattan for a loooong time!  I found some really fun vintage items, including tons of jewelry for only a quarter each! After the flea market we decided to go to the capital city, Topeka. But on the way there I spotted an Estate Sale so... of course we had to stop! Everything was 1/2 price and we ended up leaving with the back seat of my car packed to the brim! Just a few of my finds...

Cannister Set, tablecloths, twin sheet set, kitty picture, picture frames, old games & game pieces, jewelry box, sewing box, a "Frankoma" Bowl, bangle bracelets and so many pairs of earrings!

I purchased these fun heart earrings for myself since Valentine's Day is coming up :) The rest is for the store.

We spent the rest of the day in Topeka, enjoying what the city has to offer. 

The Capital Building in downtown Topeka is really a beautiful building.

Housewife's Guide

I have a love for old books. I love the tattered covers and the yellowed pages. I love the word choice, the characters and how they show how far people have come with the knowledge we have now. I came across this book at our thrift store yesterday when I was cleaning.

"The Standard Book of Recipes and Housewife's Guide," from 1901.

"Cookery, Family Medicine, Home Decorations, Domestic Plants and Animals."

The pictures are amazing and this book has everything you needed to know as a housewife at the beginning of the 20th century! The first part of the book has recipe after recipe for meals such as, Ox-Tail Soup, Steamed Plum Pudding, Rolled Rib Roast with Riced Potatoes and Medallions of Mutton with Green Pea Salad. Then it has ideas for party decorating, table settings, how to clean furs and lace. Home decor such as sofa pillows, embroidery and china painting.



The most interesting section of this book is the Medical section. It has information on how to apply leeches, how to use a croupe-kettle and meeting sick-room standards.  There were pictures of how to wrap a bandage and instructions on performing artificial respiration by moving the person's arms up and down...totally different from today's CPR. There was even a photo of 'Removing the Irons from the Insane.' This has to be one of the most interesting books I have ever looked through, I had to share it. Oh how things have changed...

My "Repurpose" Project

Yesterday, I brought a few of my clocks in to the store that I had made for a Repurpose/Reuse Project. I had to make something out of an "old-school" projector slide carousel. I used spray paint to brighten up the carousels then I used a CD for the clock face. I purchased the clock mechanism, numbers and hands at Hobby Lobby and tah-dah! Retro Style Clock! I love the style of them and they are now for sale at my thrift store.

That's Bananas!

Mondays, are what I call my "housewife" day. This is the day I play catch-up. I cook, clean and do laundry all day long.

So, yesterday, I had some bananas that needed to be used so I looked through my recipes and found one for Banana Oatmeal Muffins. Perfect for a quick breakfast!

I used my new large muffin pan and they turned out moist and delicious!

Try these!
Banana Oatmeal Muffins
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. Rolled Oats
1/2 c. Granulated Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt

2 Eggs
1/4 c. Cooking Oil
1/4 c. Milk
1 c. (3 medium) Mashed Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, measure first 6 ingredients. Stir to mix, make a well in the center. In a small bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Mix in cooking oil, milk and mashed bananas. Pour into well. Stir mixture just to moisten. Batter will be lumpy. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake in 400 degree oven for 20-25 min. Makes 12-18 regular muffins or 8 large muffins.

The Shop

About 8 years ago, my father, opened a Thrift Store. At first, it was like a garage full of hardware, pipe, steel, iron, barrels, etc. "Guy Stuff." He named it the Bargain Barrel. A few years later I began running the shop full-time... Now it is full of fun Vintage furniture, Home decor, Collectibles, Music Albums, Antiques and crafty handmade items. We still have the "guy stuff," but this way it is fun for everyone. I really enjoy working at the store, it's fun to sift through the interesting items that come our way and to be honest, I have pretty much furnished my entire house with thrifty goods! I thought I would share some pics from around the store.



Store Kitty, "Chicken," taking a nap in the window.

Let the Fun Begin...

So this is the beginning... I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kelsey, I am a shy but creative 26 year old country girl from Kansas. I have long been interested in sharing my creativity and imagination with others but I have to admit I have confidence issues. So here goes, my goal for 2012 is to get on the ball and create more, begin an Etsy Shop and also introduce handmade items to my family's thrift store, where I work full-time.

My sister and I visited one of our favorite Chinese Restaurants the other night and my fortune seemed to sum things up and give me the push that I needed.