Free Stuff.... It's the Best Kind of Stuff!!!

My passion for finding a good deal has reached a new level. You can now find me hauling roadside finds home. Yes, that's right... I have become a picker. Now, I am definitely not picking through people's trash (ewww!!), but I did find this cute record stand on the side of the road. There was a ton of old furniture that the owner had put to the curb and I couldn't resist slowing down while I drove past. When I spotted this table, I knew I had to take the leap and grab it before some other frugal lady did. It was in near perfect shape, plus I was in need of some place to store all my records that I have started to collect. I am so smitten with my free find, probably too much so. :)

I also found a super old mirror that is currently undergoing some lovin' and once I'm done fixing it, I will for sure show you all -- since I am really taken with that find as well.

This 50s formica table was also a curbside find. After hitting an estate sale, I was driving through the subdivision looking for a way out and I spotted this guy. A van had already pulled up and was thinking about it, but I knew that they were gonna pass on it. They did and their loss is now my new potting table on my back porch. The table is a bit wobbly and the top isn't in the best shape, so it works great outside. Plus, my patterned concrete is grey and red, so the table matches!! I plan on reinforcing the legs so I can set food and drinks on it when/if I have a party out back.

How far are you willing to go to get a good deal? I am known to dig in attics and basements; and now apparently the curb as well. A little dirt never hurt anybody...at least in my book anyway.

Emily

What's for Lunch?

So now that I am living on my own, I am finally getting a chance to use my vintage dishes, glasses, and silverware on a daily basis. And, I gotta say it's been super fun thus far. Since I love cooking and I would like to share my vintage dishes collection with you all, I thought I would start featuring some of my meals on the blog.

Yesterday I made one of my favorite hearty dishes -- curried cauliflower. I used to use a recipe, however, I have made this dish so many times that I don't use it anymore. I tried to find it online, but had no luck. So here's how I made it with approximate measurements.

Curried Cauliflower

You will need:

1 head of cauliflower

1 onion, diced

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 can of chickpeas

1-2 sweet potatoes, steamed and cubed

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1-2 tsp paprika

1 tsp basil leaves

1 tbsp ground ginger

1 tbsp curry powder

1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes

salt and pepper

olive oil

In a large frying pan, line the bottom with olive oil and heat your onions and garlic. While that is cooking, cut up your cauliflower into little florets. Place in the pan and cover. While the cauliflower is cooking, peel and dice the sweet potato. If you have a large one, just use one, otherwise, use two smaller ones. I place mine in the microwave until soft enough to mash. You can steam them too. I have done both and both work well. At this point, you are ready to add your spices. I just sprinkle mine on, so these measurements are an estimate. However, the main thing is to include more of the curry and the ginger then the rest of the spices. The yeast flakes will help to thicken up the sauce that will form once you add the can of diced tomatoes. Now add the chickpeas and cover for a minute or two. Once they have soften, add in the can of diced tomatoes. Cover and bring it to a boil. If needed, add a half cup of water. You want a little bit of a soupy sauce in the bottom of the pan. At this point, I test to see how its flavored and add more spices as needed. The last thing to do is fold in your mashed sweet potatoes.

It sounds like a lot of steps, but it really is an easy meal to make. And it's cheap too! What else is nice about this dish is you can use it as a chunky dip too. I tend to snack on the leftovers the next day with some pita chips.

I also have been on a huge ice tea kick lately. Right now, I have iced Passion tea by Tazo in the fridge.

Now for details on the dishes! The tablecloth, glass, napkin, and the Homer Laughlin Eggshell Georgian plate all come from different estate sales. The bakelite fork was found on eBay. I was so excited to find a huge lot of vintage butterscotch bakelite silverware on eBay for a real steal. I think I got such a good deal because there was not a complete set of any of the patterns. I don't mind one bit and think it's fun to mix and match the patterns.

What have you been snacking on?

Emily

Patio Dress

Lately, I have had an obsession with patio dresses. I found this one off eBay for a steal and have been wearing it all summer long. I don't know why it has taken so long for it to appear on the blog. It is so comfy, as are the rest of my patio/squaw dresses I have managed to collect. I love that they have elastic waists and necklines as well as the tiered skirts.

Do you have a favorite style of dress?

Emily

40s Patio Dress: eBay

Sandals: Kohls

Take a Peek into my Room....

Things are slowly starting to come together over at Retroville. For the most part, I have my bedroom set up and even though I am still tweaking things, I am pretty pleased with it. Plus, I am in love with my new closet! I am sure some of you would love to take a peek, so......

I love being so organized! And I love having a big closet; it's something that I have always wished for! Moving all my stuff to one defined location made me realize how much "stuff" I really had and gave me a chance to really get rid of a lot of things. And while this photo may not prove that statement, I don't do seasonal closet, so that is pretty much all of my clothing, minus sweaters and jeans. I also realized how many wicker purses I had and made the beau promise to not let me buy another. I mean, how many wicker bags does one girl need?

Emily

50s Carol Brent "Swirl:" eBay

Nine West Sandals: Plato's Closet

Heat Wave

I don't know if you all have heard, but the Midwest is experiencing a serious heat wave. We have been under a "heat advisory" for at least a week now, as if we need the weather man to tell us how hot it is. ;)

Last weekend, my beau and I went to a nearby city's annual antique/garage sale, which is held in a parking structure. It was super hot, but at least the coverage from the parking garage provided some shade. The pickings this year were pretty slim, but I did come away with a few finds and a couple deals. I found a Hawaiian print DeWeese swimdress for $5!! Pictures to come soon. I also found this early 60s tent dress, which has great patch pockets on the hips. I just love pockets on a dress.

Emily

60s Homemade Tent Dress: Royal Oak Antique/Garage Sale

Nine West Sandals: Plato's Closet

Vintage Ekco Pans and Strawberry Banana Muffins

I'm back!! And I have a sweet treat to share with you all. Years ago, when I first started shopping estate sales, I picked up a few of these cool Ekco muffin pans. Since then, I have tried several different recipes and different pan greasing techniques to try to avoid the muffins from sticking to the pan. And, while these pans are so cute, I had to shelve them because I was tired of my efforts sticking to the pan.

Yesterday, I felt the urge to bake and I needed to use up some fruit that was starting to turn. So with limited supplies in the pantry, I chose to try this recipe with the Ekco pans, since I could not find my regular pans. (The kitchen at Retroville isn't quite set up yet).

I swapped out the blueberries for strawberries and the result was delicious! And the best part....the muffins didn't stick to the pan!!! I sprayed a little bit of veggie cooking spray in the bottoms, but what I think really helped was that the main bonding agent in these muffins is veg oil, which helped make the muffins slide right out of the baking pan. I am so excited to finally find a recipe that works with these unique pans! Does anyone else have one of these Ekco pans?

Oh! and that lovely pink Depression glass plate that the muffins are resting on was a recent thrift score for only $3.50!

Emily