My Blog = My Life: favorite

The chemical aerosol fresheners you can purchase in the store may send off a pleasant odor, but they wreak havoc on our health! The highly condensed level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and artificial fragrances can cause headaches, earaches, diarrhea, vomiting - even wheezing in young children!

However, sometimes it take more than just an opened window to clear out an unpleasant odor from a room. This Herbal Mist Air Freshener is completely natural and the scent is as lovely as you choose to make it! Mist in the kitchen after frying onions and bacon, spray inside the diaper pail, and store a bottle in the bathroom.

To make your own herbal spray air freshener, all you need is a clean spritz bottle and 2 basic ingredients:

1. Distilled water
2. Essential oil (I've provided some blend suggestions below)

• Country Spice | cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, bay

• Spring Morning | lavender, rose, geranium, rosemary, sweet orange

• In the Woods | sage, thyme, cedar, patchouli, frankincense

• Lover's Lane | vanilla, sandalwood, ylang ylang, jasmine, neroli, rose

• Far East | patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, lime, coriander

• Energizing | basil, lavender, orange, nutmeg, mint

• Calm, Cool, & Collected | bergamot, geranium, clary sage, chamomile, yarrow

• Garden Glimpse | lemon, orange, basil, thyme

Linking to: Natural Living, The Prairie Homestead, Mind Body Sole

Hi everybody! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

Once again I'm linking up with my dear friend Laurie for a A Few Of My Favorite Things Saturday, and Cindy at Show and Tell Friday!

Some of you from wayyyyy back might remember a similar picture to this one in my blog header. It featured one of my favorite pieces, a beautiful french blue opaline urn with lid.
I found the urn many years ago and paid under $100 for it. I didn't know anything about opaline glass at the time I just loved the color and form.
Well... one day recently while searching ebay I came across an identical urn from a seller in Sweden. And I won it for not much more than I paid for my original piece! Yippeee!!! I just love when that happens!
So I'd like to share my very small (almost) collection and a couple of other pretties.

Do you see the small pale blue french opaline half egg watch display? That was another ebay find for cheaps. Inside I have a couple of special treasures...

Can you see? There's a small timeworn locket and a small brass ring.
I found the locket in the pocket of an old coat I'd purchased at the Goodwill. And the childs ring belonged to my Grandmother.

Here's a closeup of the locket.

And inside are two pictures of someone who must have been very special to her husband?... or children?... She's a wonderful mystery to me. It looks like one features her as a young woman and another as she got older? Don't you think?

Here is my Grandmothers childhood ring. When she died she had virtually nothing to her name. But she kept this small ring in a locked strong box along with a picture of her parents so I know it must have been very precious to her, and it's one of my most prized posessions.

And here's my new opaline urn! Just look at those cute little lion paw feeties!! Aren't they cute?!

Santa (aka my hubby) was very kind to me this year and bought me this beautiful (well at least it is to me *winks*) bronze french clock... And I had an AH HA!" moment. The blue of the clock was a pretty close match to the opaline urns and I thought they might make good clock garnitures?
Here's the clock... It doesn't function... It's just a beautiful shell but I don't care!

Of course it has a cutie cherub!

And some swag-o-liciousness!

What do you think? Do they work together? I've been trying them out in various areas of my home and haven't found quite the right place yet... (You can click to get the larger view)

I tried them in the livingroom.. but not quite working. I have WAYY to many collections! I know I need to edit. But what to get rid of?? It's so tough when you love EVERYTHING! Hopefully you won't see me on that hoarders show, but I make no promises! *winks*

Here is another sweet french blue and bronze piece (An inkwell maybe?) I just love that color! Can you see the little birdie on top?

I also have a couple of bristol glass vases in a similar blue.

And this lustre found for $28 on ebay. (Melanie are you listening? *winks*) I bring Melanie my new blogging friend from The Tiny Tudor into this because she's contemplating her first ebay purchase. And I'm so excited for her! And dying to see her first ebay treasure! Ebay is another one of my favorite things!!

I LOVE when this happens! I found this (nearly) identical urn below on the web here for $795!

And this very similar urn is on ebay for $1495 or best offer... Do you think they'd accept my offer for $90?... Probably not! I think I did pretty good! But it could also be that the sellers have been smoking some funny stuff (you know what I mean *winks*) It's amazing that there are such large discrepencies in pricing isn't it?!

If you're interested in learning about french opaline glass? Joni at the Cote De Texas did a wonderful story here. I learned a ton from her! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll come by again soon! Vanna

This dessert has got to be one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer fruit! Supposedly the recipe makes 6 servings, but our family finds it's never quite enough! Double the recipe for a 9X13.

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups sliced peaches, fresh or canned 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen 1/2 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup organic butter 1/2 cup oats (I use gluten-free) 1/4 tsp sea salt 3/4 cup raw cane sugar
Directions: Gently stir fruit together. Pour into the bottom of a square baking dish (8x8 or 9x9). In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients together until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of fruit. Bake at 375F until top is golden brown, about 40 minutes. Serve warm with shipped cream.
Makes 6 servings.

Alternatively, replace the peaches and berries with 4 cups of pears or sliced Granny Smith apples.

Hi peeps!! Just a few things to share this week because of my shopping extravaganza last week *winks*
I'll start as usual with my favorite find. It's a vintage HUGE rose covered fully lined curtain that I found at a local antique mall for $60! This one curtain is 8' tall and 15' long! I couldn't get the entire thing in a shot because it was just too big for my poor camera. It could easily be cut apart to make several individual curtains, which is what I'm hoping to do. Love the green color and all the roses!! Isn't it gorgy??*sighs*

Close up.

Then I found this Italian shadow box jewelry display case on craigslist for $15. Inside I have one new/old treasure and the other three are older finds but I haven't shared them here so I thought I'd take the opportunity now *winks*

The newest find is this cigarette case with a portrait of a woman. $12 at a local antique store. I will definitely be looking to collect more of these.

My next find is from a few years back. I paid $125 (which was actually half price) It's a micro petit point purse featuring a courting couple adorned with some stones and enamel flowers.

The back features a castle and swags with pink roses.

Lined with the palest pink ruched silk that is starting to tear and fray.

Next is this little silver mesh purse/compact that I purchased from an elderly neighbor for $15.

I would love it if these little blue stones were sapphires! *winks* But most likely pretty glass.

And finally this little beaded purse/compact was $10.

I found a new addition to my silver collection at the Goodwill. This silver glass caddy was on one isle for $1.99 and the dessert wine glasses were 50 cents each on another. So all told $4.99... Not bad I think!

And then I did discover something NEW to me... Maybe new to you also?
Let me start by saying I've been in love with antiques for most of my life and in all that time I've never known about this...
The Odd Fellows!
Who and what are they? Weeellll... here's a little vid about them

The Odd Fellows (it turns out) are the Father of all fraternal organizations. Formed in England in the 18th century. I discovered them when I was trying to find information about these antique red velvet collars that I'd found on craigslist. A set of four of them for $12. Sooo ornate and beautiful with their silver appliques, fringe and tassels. I thought originally they might have been priests vestments of some sort? But was quickly made aware that they were something else. I took a look on ebay and couldn't believe how cheaply these items were selling! Some at 99 cents plus shipping, and some of the beautiful velvet ceremonial robes were little more than $20. Also some beautiful ornate medals for a song! I couldn't help but think of all the custom bag/purse and pillow makers who could use these old pieces in their designs. Am I the last one to know about these? Let me know! I feel I've discovered textile nirvana! Lol! *winks*

Each less than the cost of a latte!

And last (and definitely least) some vintage aqua lace trim from the Value Village for $1.99 and an egg vase for my etsy.

That's it for the flea market finds this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more thrifting fun! And please leave me a comment and I'll do the same for you *winks* I'd LOVE to hear from you! Vanna

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And Jill at The French Cupboard for:

A few years ago I joined the site Rate My Space. There I shared many of the rooms in my home and met so many wonderful people! The other day I decided to take a trip down memory lane and read some of the lovely comments that had been left over the years, only to find that all my spaces had been deleted! I had the various spaces linked on my sidebar. Alas never to be found again. *sighs*
Soooo I'll be sharing my rooms here on my blog starting with my Shabby guestroom. It's encountered quite a few changes since the RMS days. Hopefully for the better?
This could take a wee while so you might want to get yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee... or even better wine *winks* and settle in for LOTS of pictures!
I'll be moving clockwise around the room so come on and follow me and I'll show ya around! *winks*
This is the room overview...

Large white antique mirror for pretty primping...

This is the newest addition to my shabby room, a chippy old wicker bed corona (found last week at a yard sale for $10) I wanted to use this as a shelf for displaying some rose paintings. However it just wasn't strong enough so I had to make do for this photo-op *winks* Whatcha think? fine or flop?

Close up.

This french floral sconce sits at the top of the mirror. I love its delicate beauty.

My lovely Marie dress form. One of my favorite things in the room!

French armoire...

Filled with all kinds of linens and treasures...

Come a little closer and take a peeky poo...

A favorite little french lamp.

The lady in green is the newest addition to my boudoir lady lamp collection.

Isn't she sweet?!

In the corner lies a victorian tete a tete chaise that I won at an auction. Fell in LOVE! Had to have it! Despite its shabby condition *winks*

A little pause for a spot of tea...

Italian stacking tables in cream with dreamy florals...

And above is a shelf filled with my small Norah Wellings doll collection.

The little brown pixie is one of my favorites!

Who can resist a smile like this???! Their little faces make me happy each and every time I see them!

A shabby chippy garden goddess adorned with rosaries and rhinestones...

A vanity found at the local Goodwill.

This little celluloid box featuring a courting couple still has its original interior brush set on a bed of blue silk.

Above hangs a bronze cherub lamp...

Frenchy bedside table.

Bed corona.

Darling ballet pointe shoes... One pair signed... Against a background of vintage roses... I want more!!

Can you tell I LOVE roses?! *winks* Naw... to subtle for ya? LOL!

I wish I could've gotten a better shot of this 19th century Vinea hand colored aquatint, but the glass was too reflective so hopefully you'll get the gist?

It has lots of cavorting cherubs which I adore!!

A little shelf filled with some more of my boudoir ladies.

And we've come all the way around. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my shabby bedroom. It's my one room for over the top femininity! Have to consider the poor hubby in the rest of the house! *winks* So if you're a girl who loves things French foofy and poofy? You're welcome to come stay for a visit. I'd love to have you! Sorry boys I just couldn't do this to you! *winks* You might come away with tassels on your ears! LOL!

And as you leave the room this pretty french couple is waving goodbye! And wishing you a wonderful day! Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. And come back for a visit anytime! Vanna

I'm joining over at French Country Cottage for:

And Sherry at The Charm Of Home for:

I came up with this recipe shortly after we started eating the Trim, Healthy Mama way. It combines a few of our favorite flavors into one mouth-watering, plan-approved, protein-packed, tender piece of chicken.

Servings: 4 Baking Time: 25 minutes. Gluten-free, sugar-free, nut free, soy-free
*For anyone else who's a THMer, this staple falls under the Satisfying category.
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp Truiva (or plan approved sweetener)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved length-wise
• 2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms
• 8 bacon strips
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• fresh chives, snipped

Fry bacon. Set aside on paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Discard all but 1 Tbsp of bacon fat. Saute mushrooms and cook chicken until lightly golden in bacon fat.

Arrange chicken in 8x8" baking pan. Wrap each breast with two strips of bacon to from an "X". Pour mushrooms over top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Garnish with chives.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Linked up at: Trim Healthy Tuesdays.

It's time once again for Flea Market Finds!!! YAYYYY! WHOO HOOO! YIPPEE!!
Seriously I really mean it this week because I had a fabulous tiquing extravaganza! So keep reading *winks*
This past week the hubbs and I went for a day trip to Centralia Washington. I didn't expect to find much (rarely do) But it just goes to show ya... you never know when serendipity will strike! It seemed everywhere I turned there were amazing finds! I don't even know where to begin with my favorites because I have so many!
So... I'll just start here with this beautiful small oil portrait of a girl on board. I can't stop looking at her. She's a little the worse for wear but I LOVEEEE HER!!

She was 49 well spent dollars *winks*

Then this 1920's twin bed was a MAJOR score at $45... Yes that's right 45 dollars! Can you believe someone would sell this bed for soooo little? It has paintings of nudes on both the head and footboard! I do NOT need another bed but I couldn't say no to this one.

Dancing nude ladies (The three muses?)... Love em!!

Do you see the little sheep in the background?... Perfect!!

Then... I found a fab Dresden-esque vanity mirror with cavorting (Don't you just love that word?Lol!) cherubs and had visions of it sitting on my vanity table. Problem was it only had a hook for hanging on the wall. Sooooo off to the Goodwill we ran, where we (And by "we" I mean my husband *winks*) found an old picture frame (99 cents) with the perfect sized back to convert the mirror to one that will stand on a dressing table. The hubby cut it to fit and applied some silicon glue so it could be removed if desired and...
After applying the back piece.

VOILA!!!... After!

Hazy old glass.

I'm loving it so much I might just have to keep it + the same mirror is on ebay for $1500 (crack smoker!) but just sayin' *winks*
What do you think? Doesn't it look good here? My hubby is the handiest darn guy!
So if you're needing an inexpensive solution for how to stand up an old mirror? This did the trick nicely!

Then I hit the silver blessings button when I found a Victorian bun warmer and a HUGE butter dish! It's so large it's almost a server. The tea cup and saucer set with legs ($6.99) was what I scored at the Goodwill run for the mirror back solution while the hubby was digging through about a gazillion frames! Divide and conquer! *winks*

Open

Another cute but slightly tattered doll ($28) for my boudoir doll collection HERE

An antique celluloid box with a pretty girl for $20.

A large shabby rose painting on tin for $20. I'll be doing an arrangement of some rose paintings in my shabby guestroom so I hope you'll come back for a peek.

A 1940's body double dress form that came with it's original box and pamphlet for a steal from my new friend Jenny! I want to give her a shout out because she's such a lovely person to deal with and has the most wonderful shabby chic items in her booth space in Centralia at the Northwest Tub Company (Don't let the name fool you, it's actually a small antique mall that carries old tubs in addition to lots of other wonderful goodies. *winks* So if you ever find yourself there please stop in and say "hi!" She's booth space #10... and she'll wheel and deal with you too!

This aqua vase was $4.99 at the Goodwill.

A couple of jewel caskets (Both for $20) to go with my collection HERE

And finally this set of frenchy doll furniture for $10 with its original box. I paid too much, but I love that the little piano and bureau are trinket boxes.

Well those are my treasures for this week. To quote my friend Dawn from Bohemian Valhalla I'll be "adding some water to the beans" for awhile to make up for this wonderful bender! Lol! I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds! Though they might be a bit piddlin' *winks* Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. I just love to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

My sweet friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

The French Cupboard for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Funky Junk Interiors for:

Lavender has got to be my all-time favorite herbal scent. I purposely brush my legs against the plants when I walk along my garden so I can catch a whiff of their glorious fragrance. With a little work, I can preserve and enjoy the smell and its healing properties long after the blooms have died off.

Although not as strong as a distilled essential oil, a lavender oil infusion produces the same fragrance and can serve the same purpose without the need for dilution. Here's how I made mine:

You'll need:

• a pale colored oil with a mild scent (olive, almond, or jojoba work well)
• fresh lavender blooms, not completely opened
• a plastic (Ziploc) bag and wooden spoon or mallet (or a mortar and pestle)
• a glass jar with lid
• a piece of cheesecloth or muslin, large enough to cover the mouth of your jar
• a smaller jar in which to pour the strained oil

1. Place the lavender heads in the Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Green leaves and stems can be added too, but keep anything woodsy or branch-like out.
2. Tap the flowers lightly with the wooden mallet or spoon to bruise them so they can release their fragrance.

3. Stuff the large glass jar full and pour in enough oil until they are covered. 4. Seal the jar and shake well. Set aside for 48 hours for the flowers to steep.

5. After 48 hours, strain the oil with a cheesecloth into a dark colored jar and discard the flowers and stems. Store in a cool, dark place.

You'll find the aroma to be quite subtle, but it will become more pronounced when it's warmed or rubbed into your skin. Stay tuned for a luxurious, all-natural hand cream recipe that uses the oil we've just created.

Like many of you, we are a single-income, larger-than-average, (1.8 or more children), homeschooling family.

And both my husband and I come from a rich, Dutch heritage.

In other words, whether or not we need to be, we enjoy frugal living. I'm also a lover of nutritious, from-scratch, whole-food cooking. Overtime, we've found that you can have one and the other! Here's how we can enjoy a mainlywhole-food diet on a budget (we still eat take-out more often than I'd like to admit!).

Cheap foods that are good for you

1. Whole grains. Oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are cheap! For ultimate nutritional value, choose any of these grains and soak them for a hearty breakfast that'll keep you energized all morning.

For a fabulously healthy, gluten-free, blueberry-muffin smelling breakfast, pour 1 cup of steel-cut oats, brown rice, OR quinoa in a crock-pot. Add 1 1/2 cups of almond milk, 1 1/2 cups water, 1-2 Tbsp of ground flax seed, 2-3 Tbsp butter or coconut oil, 1 cup fresh blueberries, cinnamon, sea salt, and sweetener (honey, maple syrup, stevia, or brown sugar) to taste. Stir. Cook on low overnight. Alternately, try using diced apple and a handful of walnut in place of blueberries.
2. Beans and legumes. Beans are one of the cheapest proteins available and can be used to replace meat in a meal. Given a good, over-night soak in purified water, they are a highly digestible form of fiber, complex carbohydrates, iron, and folate - ideal if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Our favorite way to enjoy beans are in chili, taco salad, and brownies (there's a Special Agent Brownie recipe in Trim Healthy Mama that's absolutely fabulous!).

3. Eggs. Eggs are one of the very few complete proteins available to us (they contain all 9 essential amino acids), contain only 70 calories, and are chock full of nutrition. Besides being excellent sources of protein and good cholesterol, they also contain iron, vitamins A, D, E, and B12, folate, selenium, and lutein.

Eggs can be cooked quickly in a variety of ways (hard or soft-boiled, fried, poached, scrambled) and provide great structure and texture when added to baked goods.

We enjoy them on their own and in omelettes, crepes, breakfasts bakes, and pizza crust.

Foods worth paying more for

No matter how tight our budget, there are certain foods I don't cheap out on as we feel the extra dollars are insignificant compared to the health benefits. We'd rather "pay the farmer than the pharmacy," as the saying goes.

1. Oil. It's a safe bet that anything you can get in a big plastic jug for $4 is not good for you. Vegetable oils and margarine derived from cheaply grown or genetically modified plants like sunflower, corn, soybean, canola, safflower have little nutrition to begin with and are chemically altered and deodorized in order to make them palatable. Our bodies were not meant to consume them.

Opt instead for healthy saturated fats that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. These include butter (preferably organic), coconut, olive, and red palm oil.
2. Fresh, local, organic produce. We can't afford to purchase all of our produce this way, but we try our best to grow or purchase the infamous "Dirty Dozen" organically as these fruits and vegetables contain the highest pesticide residue otherwise:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Celery
• Peppers
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Pears
• Cherries
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Grapes

• onions
• avocado
• sweet corn
• pineapples
• mango
• asparagus
• bananas
• cabbage
• broccoli
• papaya
• kiwi

Instead, we use coconut or almond milk. They contain high levels of vitamins A & D and are lactose free. They cost slightly more than pasteurized, hormone enhanced cow's milk, but since we rarely use it for more than our morning smoothie, we don't notice a difference in our grocery bill.

As our budget allows, we try to purchase higher quality dairy products like kefir, greek yogurt, cream and cottage cheese.
4. Meat. Cheaper cuts of meat are usually that way because they come from animals that are pumped full of genetically modified grain products, growth hormones, and antibiotics - the sole purpose of which is to fatten an animal up as quickly as possible for slaughter. Food Inc. is a fascinating documentary that explains how the food industry is making us sicker, fatter, and poorer through this process.

Although more expensive, grass-fed, locally raised, organic beef and chicken is a far more nutritious alternative and of much less consequence to your health.
5. Sweeteners. Sugar is cheap, appeals to our pallet, and is easy to come by. Consequently, diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart failure, and a host of other health concerns are also the norm. We stay away from refined sugar as much as possible and use raw honey, pure maple syrup, and stevia instead.

While they should still be used in small quantities, these sweeteners contain healthy enzymes and minerals which are difficult to get from other foods. They also have a healthier Glycemic Index which means they don't mess with your blood sugar levels in the same way refined sugar does.

Where to get healthy food for less

1. Garden. Anyone can grow their own produce, even a little bit. Be it a pot on the balcony of your apartment or a 3 acre market garden, all you need is some seed, soil, water, and sun and you're in business.

We put in a large raise bed last year for free - my husband made a tarp in exchange for a truckload of triple-mix and I used the gift cards I got for my birthday to purchase our seeds and plants.
2. Farmer's Market. Farmer's markets are great places to find local, seasonal produce, cure meats, eggs, honey and maple syrup at a fraction of the price you find in the store. Plus, farmers generally care about individual relationships with their customers and often offer a faithful buyer further discounts and "throw in a little extra."
3. Local Farmer. In the fall, we often purchase 1/4-1/2 a cow from a Christian farmer who grows his beef organically. We get to choose how we'd like it butchered and our freezer is well stocked for several months. We estimate purchasing our meat this way saves us 30% of the store price.

If we had the space for it, we'd love to keep our own chickens. We go through plenty of eggs around here! Thankfully, they are cheap to come by! We buy them from Brad's co-worker whose family keeps organically raised laying hens as a sideline business.

In the summer, we pick our own berries, freeze most of them, and turn some into sauce or jam. A relative of ours keeps a bountiful raspberry patch where we can come and go as we please.

It didn't work out last year because of pregnancy complications, but this summer, my mom, sisters, and I plan on putting up other produce from local farms that we don't grow ourselves: peaches, pears, carrots, pickles, etc.

4. Bulk Stores. I buy most of our grain from The Bulk Barn. We often receive coupons for $3.00 off a purchase of $10.00 or more (which I can easily spend in one visit!). I blend whole kernels with my Wondermill and the stuff I purchase pre-ground (flax), I purchase in small quantities as it goes rancid quickly. I purchase my organice herbs, teas, sea salt, and spices from The Bulk Herb Store.

I also purchase soap and other dried goods here like coconut, almonds, walnuts, and cranberries.
5. Grocery Store. You can save money at the grocery store by using coupons, ad-matching, checking the clearance shelf, and purchasing store-brand non-perishables like brown rice and tomato paste.

The clearance shelf where everything is ripe and ready, is a wonderful place to get greatly discounted produce. If you have a juicer, freeze your juice into Popsicles for a healthy summer treat or into ice cubes for slushies. Peppers and onions can be cut up and bagged for pizza toppings, apples turned into sauce, and mushrooms sauteed in butter for a fine steak topping.
6. Online. I must admit to rarely purchasing groceries online. I prefer to see the product myself. The exception to this is the extra virgin coconut oil I get from Tropical Traditions. The quality is truly remarkable. We use it a lot, especially in desserts like Chunky Cream Pops, Skinny Chocolate, and Peppermint Patties. I'm thankful it regularly goes on sale for 40-50% off.

In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Growing Home. I humbly thank you for your support! Linking to: Mind Body Sole, Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Frugally Sustainable, Natural Living Raising Arrows, Time Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies, Homestead Barn Hop, The Better Mom,

Hi y'all! It's that time of the week once again for Flea Market Finds!!! Bet you weren't holding your breath for that one huh? *winks*
just a few small things to share for this week. Try as I did to find an amazing garage sale, the weather just wasn't cooperating here in the Pacific Northwest. I hope the sun is gently shining on you wherever you are! And could you send a little my way? *winks*
I'm going to start with my favorite find... a vintage lavender straw hat loaded with flowers from a local antique mall for $24. Kind of a lot for me but it was justtttttt right! Hats seemed to be my theme for the week.

It has lots of my favorite flowsey blowsey flowers!

Then my second favorite find (s) were these pretty vintage red wine glasses adorned with various courting couples from the Value Village. I paid $5.99 for each stem, but I'd never seen any quite like them, so home with me they came *winks*

Aren't they sweet?

Another antique mall find was this vintage painting for $20 featuring some of my favorite subjects... Sheep!! It's very folk-artsy dont'cha think?

A couple of darling boudoir pillows for my etsy.

As well as this sweet Dresden reticulated compote.

Another little addition to my boudoir doll collection for $12. I'm big time hooked on these!

One vintage avon perfume from 1976 and three vintage compacts (The mesh is Whiting and Davis) The smallest is a coty rouge compact (never used) and the largest needs a little rehab. I'm thinking of adding a rose decal to it? Or perhaps some rhinestones? I just loves me some bling! All for $7!

This little blue silk doll hat was $1 and I've been having fun trying it on every doll and marble bust in the house!

I found a set of these paper mache hand painted trays for $2.50.

And lastly this set of angel plaques to paint and play with ($2) lying on a set of Ralph Lauren Allison ruffled pillow shams for $3.98.

That's all for this week. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you'll leave me a comment and I'll do the same *winks* And please come back next week for more flea market finds! Vanna

I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

My friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And French Cupboard for:

The amount of actual living space in our house is quite small, and since our kids prefer to play near Mommy (and I prefer to keep them within ear shot so I can break up squabbles), storing our toys in the main living area, adjacent to the kitchen, proved to be both wise and aesthetically pleasing! It's hard to tell at first glance, but between the baker's table and our bookshelf, 90% of the toys in our home are stored away.

My favorite feature of the baker's table (which doubles as an end table for the couch), is the swooping drawer. Designed to store large bags of flour and sugar, the deep sections are perfect for storing bulkier toys like trucks, teddies, and balls. Above the deep drawer is a smaller pull-out which we use to store puzzles and flat-laying games.

Inside our bookshelf cupboards are four bins I picked up from the Dollar Store. They keep the smaller, most used toys organized. One bin is for dolls and their accessories, the second is for toy food and play kitchen utensils, the third bin stores Mr. Potato Head parts, and the fourth stores Mega blocks.

The bin solution has been an excellent tool for teaching our two-year-old to clean up after herself. When she's tired of playing with dolls and wants to build a tower out of Mega Blocks instead, she first has to put away all of her dolly things and slide the bin back onto the shelf. She's learning that "When we take something out, we put it back."

The great thing about using small bins for storage is that it makes the cleaning-up process seem less daunting to a child. Even our 1 year-old can hold his attention long enough to finish putting all the Mega Blocks into a bin! A few of the bigger toys (a plastic shopping cart, doll carrier, and a ride-on toy) are stored in their bedroom closets and can be pulled out upon request.

Once in a while someone will comment on how few toys we have in our home. I like to think that we have enough. Space issues aside, our children really don't care for playing with "real" toys all that much. They prefer to play in the sandbox, or with everyday items like spoons, boxes, canning jar rings, blankets, and hats. Keeping toys to a minimum does several good things:

1. It increases our children's imagination and creativity. Do you know how many different ways you can use a box?!
2. It minimizes their entitlement mentality. We have never taken our children toy shopping or picked one up while they were with us. Hence, I can easily go shopping at Wal-mart without them begging for another teddy bear or a new ball. The more we have, the more we want.
3. It reduces the clutter in our home. Less cleaning, more room to play with the toys they already have.
4. Slim picking with toys creates many opportunities to teach sharing, as a wise Mom said on our Facebook page.
5. Fewer toys teaches our children that work can be fun! With less toys to distract them, we can spend more time doing constructive things together like making dinner, washing the car, or weeding the garden.

How's the toy situation in your home? Have you found a good method for keeping it all organized? I'd love to hear your solutions and advice!

Would you believe me if I told you these things help you lose weight? Seriously! Every time you reach for a cookie, grab a Peppermint Patty instead and the pounds will melt off.
They contain no sugar or dairy and are virtually carb-free. Yet, they're loaded with the kind of fat that's good for you (coconut oil) and helps burn off the bad stuff by improving your metabolism.
The best part? They're so decadent and flavorful, there's no way you'll feel deprived. I am addicted to them and keep a stash in the back of our freezer. But don't tell the rest of my family or they'll be gone!

Time: 15 min. plus cooling time Servings: 12 large patties or 24 small patties *For THMer's, this is a Satisfying dessert.
Ingredients: Chocolate:

• 1 cup virgin coconut oil (Tropical Traditions is my favorite)
• 1/2 cup pure cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp Truvia (or alternative sweetener)

• 1 cup finely shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 1 Tbsp Truvia (or alternative sweetener)
• 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/4-1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Enjoy!

Little Natural Cottage, Stacy Makes Cents

Hi ya peeps! It's time once again for Flea Market Finds!!!!
Actually I seriously wondered if I was going to have anything to share with ya this week. I wasn't in much of a shopping mood (Yes HE-double hockey sticks did possibly freeze over *winks*) but I did venture out to my local Goodwill and hit PAY DIRT!! Sometimes when it rains it pours... champagne! *winks*
Let me start with a story about my favorite find (and not a bargain) from ebay. A few years ago (2009) I spied this french mirrored plateau from the seller Nouveaurose and fell in love! Alas someone else was willing to spend more than I, and I missed out... *sniffle sniffle*

Weeeelll I was perusing ebay as I am wont to do occasionally *winks* when I ran across an almost identical plateau from the ebay seller flea hound who always has the most charming statuary for sale... but I digress...
I hit that "Buy It Now" button so fast my finger got whiplash lol! And now it's mine all mine!! Doing the Happy Dance!! La La La La La!!
What do you think? Doesn't it look almost identical to the white one from nouveaurose? Do you think I should paint mine too? I'm wondering if it would bring out more of the detail? A lovely thing to ponder...

Then (as if that wasn't fab enuff *winks*) there I was at the Goodwill scoping about, when across the room I spied out of the corner of my eye a large PAINTING, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price... wait for it... $8.99!!! I've seen mediocre prints there that were priced higher than that! I had three ladies stop to ask me if they could look at it before I made it to the check out lol!

The lady featured in the painting pushing the baby had a slice in her poor head so somebody gave this up. YAY!!

Isn't she pretty?

And a darling puppy too!

Then I found some rosy linens for $3.99 ea. Left to right is Rachel Ashwell, a vintage duvet cover and two different Ralph Lauren rose patterned sheets, as well as a funny handmade victorian style doll for my etsy store.

These cute lucite earrings in pastel colors were $2.99.

And lastly this book titled "Angels In The Air" by Ania Molchlinska for $3.99. The angels easily pushout to form mobiles. If you love angels and cherubs this book is full of some beautiful ones. You can pick it up on Amazon for almost the same price I paid HERE.

I HEART the Goodwill!!
That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. I'd love to hear from you! So please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. *winks* Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

The French Cupboard for:

My sweet friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

I have longed and searched for the elusive duchesse brisée (Or broken Duchess) a type of French chair/chaise combination for years! There's just something so romantic and well... French that grabbed my heart and won't let go. I'm Duchesse obsessed!
What is it about this chaise divided into two or three parts that makes it sooooo much more expensive then almost any other type of chaise? And why do I always fall in love with the durned most expensive things?!! *winks* I keep hoping I'll somehow run into one at an auction or estate sale and nobody else will want it (Yeah I'm realistic like that!) so I'll be able to pick one up without selling a kidney or body organ of some sort lol!
Won't you come join me for a tour of some of my beautiful favorites?
Translated from french:
'a duchesse brisée'
the 'duchesse' was at first in three parts,
two 'gondola type' chairs of different depth and height,
combined seats end to end, with a 'labouret' between them.
still detachable to be used at two seats, with a footstool.
the later rococo merged these into a single piece,
France, 1740 ca.

Hmmm I didn't know that center section was called a "labouret" Good to know huh?
OK lets start with one of my favorites. Isn't it gorgeous?! I don't even mind one bit that the silk is shredding on the end. It only adds to it's patina and charm.

This one is very Hollywood glam of the 1940's don'tcha think?

Or how about something in a two parter? I could curl up right there with a good book and visions (delusions) of french chateaux floating in my head. Couldn't you? *winks*

I adore this moth eaten looking green velvet!

Or perhaps something in Louis XVI cane? Just needs some pillows!

Or dreamy blue with squishy down cushions? *swoons*

Tattered from a chateaux?... Yes please!!

Or one that's cool in crewel? Perfect in this chinoiserie room.

Or how about one with a more closed back? And sooo pretty in pink too!

I adore them all!
But until I find that needle in a haystack duchesse... Dare to dream and *fingers crossed* I'll just have to be happy with my french chaise (here draped in tambour lace) And continue to buy the occasional lottery ticket. *winks*

And my fauteuil with ottoman from craigslist.

Do you have a dream piece that you obsess over? One that's almost impossible to obtain? I'd love to hear from you! Please leave me a comment and I'll visit you and do the same *winks* Or perhaps you have a duchesse just layin' around that you want to be rid of? I'm your gal! Thanks for dreaming with me for a minute or two! Vanna

Bonjour mes amis! It's that time of the week once again for Flea Market Finds! Yahoo!!
The pickin's were kind of sorry last week, but I managed to find a few good treasures. I'll start with my favorite, a vintage Louis XVI style bed with barbola swags. It needs to be tightened up a little (A job for the hubbs) and has some slight damage to the ribbon detailing at the top but at $90 it was too cute for me to pass up... I probably should have because I need another bed about as much as I need another hole in my head! LOL!

Isn't it sweet? I'm wondering about white washing it a little. What do you think?

Perfectly shabby!

And this large vintage tapestry/rug for my soon to be etsy shop featuring courting couples...

I love her pretty face. Is he puckering up? *winks*

Cavorting cherubs...

And a folly!

My theme for the week was "barbola" because in addition to the bed, I also found this wonderful antique barbola adorned jewelry box for $10.99 at the Value Village. I'm thinking about painting the flowers?

A folding screen in pink gingham for $4.99 at the Goodwill. A chippy framed frenchy picture and and a chippy plaster display bowl also for etsy.

And a couple of wonderful additions to my boudoir doll collection.

A vintage roll of wallpaper from Sears for $6.

With cute roses.

A pink gauzy blouse from the Goodwill for $3 at half price.

And lastly some sprays of faux roses for 50 cents.

Well that's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you! And I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

And my sweet friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And the French Cupboard for:

Ontario strawberries are almost in season! When they are, we'll eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's nothing quite like them! Strawberry Spinach (or Field Green) Salad is our favorite way to incorporate the sweet, red berries into an evening meal.

Serves: 4-6 people Ready in: 15 minutes * For THMer's, this recipe falls into the Satisfying category.
Ingredients:

• 6 oz. fresh spinach or organic field greens
• 2 cups, sliced strawberries
• 1/4 small, finely sliced red onion
• 2/3 cup slivered almonds or walnuts
• 1/4 cup goat cheese (chevre, or feta)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp plan-approved strawberry jam (Smuckers has a stevia-sweetened version)
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper.

Linking to: Stacy Makes Cents

This is the perfect bread recipe for a beginning baker. If you're kinda like me and get a little intimidated by terms like "proofing yeast," "kneading dough," and the like, than this recipe is for you. I'm not one to measure ingredients exactly, which isn't always the best policy when it comes to sensitive baking situations where yeast is involved. This recipe leaves a large margin for error (probably why it's one of my favorites!), and you'll be walking away from it like you've been baking bread for years!

You'll need: 1 envelope (1/4 oz) active dry yeast 2 cups warm milk 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( plus more for dusting ) 1/2 cup butter, room temperature, cut into pieces 1/2 cup sugar 2 large eggs, plus 1 large egg that's lighty beaten 2 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup raisins 1 tbsp cinnamon vegetable oil for bowl For filling: 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 tbsp cinnamon 2 tbsp water

In bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle yeast over the warm milk and whisk to combine. Add flour, butter, sugar, 2 eggs, and salt. Attach the dough hook to your mixer. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined (about 3 minutes). Increase speed to medium-low and mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (about 3 more minutes).

Your dough should look soft-like something above.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat dough into a 9-inch round (about 1 1/4 inches thick) and sprinkle with raisins and cinnamon. Knead dough until incorporated. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place (I use my oven-warmed slightly by heating to the lowest degree for 50 seconds) until doubled in volume, about an hour.

Return dough to lightly floured work surface, and pat into a round again. Fold the bottom third up, and then top third down, and the right and left sides over, tapping dough to release excess flour and pressing down to seal. Return dough to the bowl, seam side down and cover with plastic wrap, and let rise again until doubled, about 40 minutes.

To make filling : Mix sugar and cinnamon with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl.

Place dough on lightly floured surface and divide in half.

Roll out one half to a 12 x 10 inch rectangle. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with half the filling. Repeat with the other half of dough.

Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, set aside. Fold in both long sides of dough, about an inch. Then roll dough toward you with short side facing you, making a nice and tight log. Place in prepared pans with seam side down. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until dough is just above the rim of the pan, about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Brush tops of loaves with beaten egg and place loaf pans on a baking sheet to catch drips.

Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until loaves are golden brown, about 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before turning out to a wire rack.

Enjoy!

It's time once again for Flea Market Finds!! Yippee Ding Dong!

I didn't post any flea market finds last week because the "finds" were so piddlin' But this week I did manage to find something that I really love!
So I'm going to start with the favorite find... It's a 1920's boudoir doll lamp for $60.
I spotted her from across the room at a local antique mall and my heart skipped a beat! *winks*
Isn't she soooo Marie Antoinette playing peasant at Hameau De La Reine?! She's wearing the cutest little muslin dress in pale yellow with little french knots and a darling little nosegay for a hat! All I need are some sheep to finish the look, or perhaps a petit parapluie? *winks*

She has some bumps and bruises but isn't she sweet?! She's now living in my guestroom armoire with a couple of my other boudoir lamps.

Another lady in yellow.

I did a post about my other boudoir dolls HERE if you're interested.

I paid full retail ($125) for my next find(s) but I've wanted a set of these boot trees forever and they don't turn up often. I HEART equestrian style! I thought they'd be perfect for the hubbs man cave. Thankfully he loved them too. They were made by the English firm Peal & Co where they would've been created for a pair of bespoke (custom) boots.

The name of the owner is engraved on the tops and through the wonders of google I was able to look him up (Don'tcha just love that?). His name was Sir Anthony Hugh Mostyn Bowlby, 2nd Baronet... Born 13th January 1906. Hmmmm that's cool...
And I wondered what a "baronet" actually was? Wikipedia says:
A baronetcy is the only hereditary honour which is not a peerage; baronets are commoners. A baronet is styled "Sir" like a knight, but ranks above all knighthoods except for the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Thistle. A baronetcy is not a knighthood and the recipient does not receive an accolade.
Possibly good to know when playing trivial pursuit huh? *winks*

Movin' on I found this little rhinestone lipstick case at Rose Petals and Rust for $10.

The lipstick folds out from the back and there's a space for a little mirror (now missing) I found a small mirror at the thrift for 25 cents and I'm going to see if I can cut it to size. Wish me luck!

This rhinestone infinity sew on piece was $6...

I'll add them to my small collection here. I can't get enough of that sparkly stuff! *winks*

I found this cute little guy with a bird made of clay for $2.99 at the Value Village.

And these plates etc. were a Goodwill find. I thought they had a cool handmade look to them and at only 59 cents for the larger plates and bowls and 29 cents for the other pieces, they were too good to pass up!

They're marked El Palomar which turns out to be a pottery company in Mexico founded in the mid 1960's by an American, and is quite collectible... Yay Hooey! Each artist signs their work with an animal, insect or bird.

I also found a few things for my coming soon etsy shop. This lavender tablecloth/ bed coverlet.

A vintage aqua blue pressed glass footed bowl.

A cute floral basket weave planter.

And finally an art nouveau style mirror.

That's it for my finds this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds... I hope I'll actually be able to find some! *winks* We've had so much rain lately the sales have been scarce. I hope the sun is shining on you wherever you are! Vanna
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

And my friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Jill at The French Cupboard for:

Rhonda at Blue Creek Home for:

I could just cry. My newest post disappeared in all the blogger madness. Friday the 13th... go figure!! So for those that left me comments thank you! I really appreciated them. Did any of you lose posts also?
Well here goes again...
I wanted to share some of my dream sofas with you. There are LOTS of pictures because I have LOTS of favorite sofas and these barely scratch the surface. Won't you join me for a minute (or ten *winks*) and dream along with me?
Warning in advance... I don't like much that's shiny bright. I really prefer a time worn well loved patina. So if modern and sleek is your thing? This isn't for you... Just sayin'
OK let me start with this piece of deliciousness! Part chaise part sofa. Can't you imagine this with some large down aubusson pillows? I think I could lounge here all day! Maybe I could get my hubby to feed me some grapes? LOL!

This is my own living room sofa and I really do love it. It has its original silk upholstery from the 1920's and the cushions are pure down. It looks great until you sit on it and then it looks a flat mess.

I'd trade it in a red hot minute for this one from Rubylane (11k on sale HERE) *gulps and *drools*... Not a pretty sight! LOL! Me not the sofa!

Or this wonderful corbeille style. Corbeille translates to basket in French.

Isn't this one gorgeous?

This one has room for lots of friends!

I love the grand decay of this one

I really love high backed sofas and the enclosed safe feeling they provide. One of the sofa styles that lends itself to this wonderfully is the knole sofa or settee. The knole dates from 17th century England as is named for Knole House in Kent. It was originally used as a type of throne. Both the sides and back are equal in height and each end is tied on the top with ropes which fold down to create a lounge of sorts. Honestly I'm not sure what this is all about? But it is cool don'tcha think?

Many years ago I fell in love with the knole sofa in Rose Tarlow's living room. It had the perfect patina. Just the right amount of wear and tear and it didn't hurt that it was chinoiserie in style either *winks*

Weeeellll eventually Ms. Tarlow decided to let it go and it turned up on 1st dibbs. Alas it was not to be in my home because at 13k (If I remember correctly) it wasn't in my price point *sighs* Isn't it fab? Maybe a little too shabby for some, but I LOVE it!!

This one would make a nice alternative.

I love the antique 17th century tapestry on this one.

This is a set of knole sofas in Sidney Poitier's living room. Just gorgeous!

And this one in pink is adorable!

I finally managed after years of searching to find my own lil' pink knole sofa. It's from the 1920's and also has down filled cushions. I found it in a local antique store for $300. I'm thinking of adding some fringe to the bottom. Do you think I should? This one is a keeper!

Here's where it ties at the top.

And changing direction a little I'm also wild for french daybeds! Are you? I immediately fell in love with this smooshy wooshy perfect daybed that belongs to Joni's (Cote de Texas) sister in law's sister (Did you catch that? LOL!) I don't usually love blue but I'd redecorate my entire living room for this one!

Love this Louis XVI style.

And this one.Those little bolster pillows make me weak in the knees every time!

And I also love this Louis XV style...

This is my own antique Louis XV daybed. I purchased it without really thinking about where it might go in my house? I had visions of lounging upon it in front of a sunny window with a good book. Usually this devil may care strategy works for me but not this time *sighs* There just isn't room (Or enough sunny windows!) So off to etsy it will go. An expensive mistake.

Hand carved details.

I found this similar one in gray at the Paris Apartment Boutique that I love!

I'm also mad for the smaller corbeille settees! Each one wraps itself around you like a nice hug!

Tatty but darling.

Beautiful in aubusson.

Lovely in salmon.

Luscious in silk.

I'll just have to be happy for now with my little $60ish funky green velvet settee (in my home gym) from craigslist. At least until that money tree in my backyard starts to grow. *winks*

I'm also crazy for the English chesterfield. This one is my dream come true! Perfectly aged and worn leather from the 19th century.

And this one is mine. In this delusion *winks* I had an English library with a roaring fire and floor to ceiling leather books... But again in reality not the space *sighs* And the scale was all wrong for what I actually DO have. So off to craigslist it goes.

And yet another dream piece run amok. I love this french iron crib/daybed! Don't the textiles just make it in this shot?

And my own very similar iron daybed. I bought it as an outdoor sofa for my side deck but it really isn't sturdy enough for multiple people to sit on. Especially in my family where some people tend to be + sized *winks* So off to etsy it goes.

So some of the dream pieces I've managed to aquire turned out to be lifelong keepers and others not quite so dreamy after all. Have you experienced this? Longing for a certain piece for years and years only to find that the reality didn't meet your expectations? Or surpassed them? I'd love to hear your stories! Meanwhile I'm going to keep on dreaming... You never know what you'll find at the next garage sale *winks* Vanna
I'm joining my friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

Jill at The French Country Cupboard for:

And my dear friend Laurie at Bargain Hunting And Chatting With Laurie for:

These recipes are reprinted with permission from the authors.

Just Like Wheat Thins Crackers | Trim Healthy Mama,
I had my doubts about this recipe. "Just Like Wheat Thins?!" Yeah, right. You need refined flour and sugar to achieve that kind of deliciousness, don't you? Apparently not. These crackers are amazing and taste like the real thing I can't seem to keep our house stocked though - they disappear quickly!

• 3/4 cup flax meal
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 2 egg whites
• 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 Tbsp. parmeasan cheese
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• dash of black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Fooled Ya Pizza | Trim Healthy Mama,
I've always felt bad for Brad who used to eat cardboard-like gluten-free pizza crusts while we enjoyed the gluten packed version! I had heard rave reviews about this cauliflower crust from other mamas on the Trim Healthy Mama plan and decided to give it a try even though it sounded pretty gross. Boy, was I wrong! Our entire family enjoys it just as much as the real thing! You'd never know cauliflower was the magic ingredient!

• 1 bag (16 oz.) frozen cauliflower (I used fresh)
• 3/4 cup egg whites
• 2 cups skim mozzarella cheese
• sea salt and other seasonings (I used Epicure's Pizza seasoning blend)
• pizza sauce and other pizza toppings (I used pepperoni, green pepper, red onion, cheddar and mozzarella cheese)

Add egg whites and pulse again.
Add cheese and other seasonings (sea salt, Italian seasoning, onion and garlic powder). Mix ingredients together well with a spatula.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and grease well. Spread crust mixture evenly across cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes. Cool.
Add pizza sauce and toppings and broil until toppings are done (I baked it at 400 for 8-10 minutes).

Peanut Squares | Trim Healthy Mama,
These squares are so yummy! A combination of sweet and salty, we enjoy them as a snack and a dessert. They're gerat to give along with a meal to a new mom too.

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tsp Truvia
• 1 pkg cream cheese, softened
• 10 tsp Truvia
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup whipping cream

While crust is baking, beat cream cheese and second measurement of Truvia together until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter and beat some more.

In a separate bowl, beat whipped cream. Fold into cream cheese mixture and spread over cooled crust.

Place in refrigerator to chill until set.

Cheeseburger Pie | Trim Healthy Mama,
This is probably our #1 favorite supper on the plan. It's all the goodness of a cheeseburger without the bun. You would never miss it! This is so satisfying and delicious. I make once a week in place of burgers on the barbie.

• 2 lbs of ground beef
• 3 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 6 oz. grated cheddar cheese
• pickles, tomatoes, red onion
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• sea salt
• ground pepper
• 6 oz. grated cheddar cheese

Chunky Cream Pops | Trim Healthy Mama,
This frozen dessert reminds me of my favorite ice cream, President's Choice Chocolate Fudge Crackle... except it's waaaay healthier, made with good fats and no sugar. We love this treat. It's Brad's favorite of all the desserts I've made from Trim Healthy Mama so far.

• 1 batch of Skinny Chocolate
• 2 8oz. blocks of cream cheese
• 10 tsp. Truvia
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 heaped Tbsp. peanut butter

Spicy Chicken Wings, pg. 323

Taco Salad, pg. 347

Special Agent Brownies, pg. 383

Trim Healthy Pancakes, pg. 223

In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Growing Home. I humbly thank you for your support.