//Stupid Spam

In an attempt to delete the crazy amount of spam I keep getting I accidentally deleted some recent comments. My apology, I didn't realize that when I moved the spam that was published to the spam file it wouldn't send me to the spam file automatically. Thinking I was in the spam file, and there being a lot of it, I had clicked "select all". It wasn't until I had clicked delete that I realized I wasn't on the spam page but my published comment page. Just letting you know this so if you had a comment I was not being rude and just deleting it.

//Pie and More Pie

I'm taking a much needed break from writing a paper (that is coming along so slowly) and showing you all what I have been up to this week. My vacation was over on Monday then I headed back to school and back to baking. This week I started Pies and Tarts class and have been making pies literally everyday since. Here are some pictures I took from my phone of all the wonderful pies :)

Made my first lattice pie top!

The finished apple homestyle pie

Mini coconut cream pies; I did the snail & love in chocolate

Close up of the chocolate snail on top the coconut cream pie

Squirrel! pie pop

Mini tart pop

//More to Come

I know the blog has been looking a little drab lately but I promise things will change soon. I have more time on the weekends now and even though this week is dedicated to getting a  paper written for class I will be scheduling more post during the week. Also I have been considering opening up a new shop and create jewelry again. This will take a little bit longer than just a weekend but I'm excited about having time to get stuff done! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Decor | Thrifting 101

With a new year comes new resolutions and one of the biggest I have seen is trying to save money. Thifting is a great option to keep your wallet on track but so many people give up after a few unsuccessful tries. This is something I wrote about for Amy's Thrifting 101 Series about how to thrift for the home with some additional tips to help you get around the thrift store and save you money!

Dress The Part: When you go thrifting don't forget to dress the part and be prepared to get dirty. Now some places are neater than others but most places are just old buildings with dust and dirt on the items. I honestly think they are the best but I always remember to wear my older and more comfortable attire. Also bring hand-sanitizer for when you leave.

Look At The Display: Half the time that golden piece is displaying a tacky lamp or other item. This is actually how I found my small credenza. Check out the item for a price tag and if you don’t see one simply ask how much. Most of the time if they do not want to sell the item there will be a sign letting you know it is display only.

Don’t Dismiss Ugly Things: If the piece has great bone structure but has an ugly paint job or fabric don’t dismiss it as junk. If you have the time and resources to fix it up then get it! This is great for D.I.Y projects and it helps to bring more of your personality into the room.

Smell It First: Sounds odd but just like buying thrifted clothing be sure the piece does not smell bad. This is real important for furniture made from solid wood. If there is any evidence of the item being in a smoker’s house chances are when the wood naturally expands that smell will be more potent.

Bring Measuring Tape: There are obvious items that you do not have to measure but if you are trying to fit things through doors or placing them in between spaces, it is important to measure before buying. Consider measuring the height and depth of the item too. A vintage side table might be too short to use as a nightstand or the depth of that retro credenza may not be big enough to hold your television or game system on top. Keeping a note pad with original measurements prevents you from getting height and width numbers mixed up.

Needle and Thread: Sometimes items such as clothing needs a little t.l.c and help with a thread and needle. I find thrift stores to be great options to buy fabric for cheap and reuse it for something else. I have seen many bloggers take an ugly long skirt and bring it more up to date with a simple sewing of the hem. If you are extremely handy with the sewing machine consider re-purposing the item and make a totally new 

style out of the old fabric.

Know When To Splurge: This is very important especially to keep you on your budget. Sometimes you are looking for a certain style and you haven't come across it, then sitting in the corner is the beautiful piece but they want way to much. When is it okay to walk away? It's very hard and there were pieces that were so close that I would have paid twice as much. However when you could use that money for something more beneficial (i.e rent & groceries) it's okay to let that one go.

Sit On It: Just like any furniture store, you want to make sure the chair or sofa will work for you. Something that you think looks great may sit way to low to the ground or is too big to sit in. Even if you plan to get it reupholstered, you do not want to spend that kind of money on a piece that is awkward to sit or get up in.

Know Your Thrift Stores: Certain thrift stores cater to certain types of items. Most stores do carry furniture and décor but some have more variety and greater prices compared to others. It is important to figure which ones do and do not carry the style you want so you can use it to your advantage. This makes searching for a certain piece of furniture a bit easier.

It’s Okay To Replace Things:When it comes to vintage decor and furniture sometimes the frames, knobs or buttons can be plain tacky. If it is worth the cost and the piece can easily be removed buy a new frame, knobs or buttons for it. You can always check out the dollar store for updated replacement items at a lower cost.

It’s Okay To Buy New: Thrift stores sometimes carry newer items (marked down from popular stores) but no need to feel guilty for buying new. When you find something with the sticker price still on it that just makes it more exciting that you found the item at such a great deal and condition. You are not turning your back on the thrifting world if you buy it unused.

Know How To Clean It: Either clothing or fabric on a chair you need to know the best ways to clean it. For clothing always check the tag to figure out what fabric it is, if there isn't one best way to go is hand wash. I recently bought a chair that I wanted to make sure got a good cleaning. I didn't have a fabric cleaner so I poured dry laundry detergent and let it set for a few hours then vacuum it up. Afterwards I gave it a generous spray of Fer-breeze to be extra sure!   

Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or haggle but do it nicely. Certain places encourage it where others may not, but think of it this way all they can say is no they can't deny you purchasing it after you asked for a lower price.

Come In The Right Vehicle: If you’re just looking for small home décor or clothing then driving in a small car is fine but when you are searching for bigger pieces make sure you have a vehicle that you can carry it home plus the proper straps to hold it down on its voyage to your house. We brought our turck with us when I was looking for items in the bedroom and we lucked out and found an antique dresser. Also see if they offer delivery, this came in handy when I underestimated the size of my small credenza and my tiny car.

Don’t Be Discouraged: Just like any shopping adventure don’t get discouraged if you don’t come home with your golden piece. Depending on what state you're from and the atmosphere of the store certain items are known to be popular than most. As far as I have noticed in the south not too many thrift stores know how popular Danish Modern is so you don’t stumble upon it too often and when you do it is at a steal. Keep looking and revisit your favorite thrift stores and you’ll eventually stumble upon your dream item.

//ALL THE PHOTOS!

I have been swamped with classes but have been learning a lot! Finally on Christmas break and so glad to be taking it easy for a while. Anyway here are some photos taken from the last class.

Making some bananas flambé 

 

Panna Cotta- my group was the short glasses in front with lemon custard with raspberry and Chantilly cream  

My practical with an "egg nog" parfait glace with cinnamon plus Chantilly cream. At the top I had mixed berry and white chocolate to resemble a candy cane. Then a star tuile and I pipped "For Santa" in chocolate.

My plates for Advance Dinning 

//Filigrees and Chocolate

So classes have started back and this first one I'm in is called Fundamentals where we learn basics such as knife skills,   poaching fruit, creams, writing and doing filigrees in chocolate. It's actually pretty easy going and I enjoy it. Today we worked more with writing and creating our own filigrees in chocolate. I tried to do a diamond and despite my bag being stupid a few turned out nicely. The teacher saw where I drew up the diamond as practice and said I should do a dollar sign so I whipped one up free style. Well I need to get a move on the paper I have to write for this class. We picked a random piece of paper that had a fruit on it and I got blackberries so I'm learning a lot about the fruit. Hope everyone's week is going well so far!

Vintage Find 11/24

Ignore the mess but here is my chair of awesomeness that I got just the other day. I have not done much thrifting since I hardly ever have time with work and school. However, when I did squeeze time in I couldn't find anything, not even just random cute things to purchase. I'd check out a few places but my go to was a little thrift shop near the apartment which is where I saw this chair. The first time I saw it I liked the shape but knew I couldn't afford reupholstering it and couldn't imagine keeping the dingy fabric. A few weeks later it was still back there and I considered buying it because the color was nice and I could do some heavy duty cleaning but alas I talked myself out of it because I knew it was too big for my car. Yesterday le boyfriend and I went out for lunch and on our way back I asked if we could stop by the thrift store. I told myself if it was there that I would get it and as soon as I walked in there it was waiting for me up front. I asked the price (and should have haggled a little more) and bought it. I have already vacuumed the heck out of it but I was also going to pick up something else at the store for fabrics. So aside from my ocd with cleaning the fabric it's in really great condition. Now I just need to make room for it and I'll be a happy camper. 

Also I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and got to spend some quality time with family and friends. Classes start up again this week so I might not be on here much but have a great week :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a great day with friends and family doing a lot of this :)

Your Right To Vote

I shy away from political issues on this blog and I'm not going to bring up anything that we haven't already learned in school so here it goes.

I've seen a bunch of helpful links going around and I thought I'd share it for those who were not planning to vote but are now inspired!

• Where to vote
• What time polling places close state by state
• The most important races aside from the Presidential election
• 23 ballot measures to keep an eye on
• Real time results, analysis and commentary

I know a lot of polling places have handouts or verbally tell you but just a reminder you have to vote for the President separately. So when you do a straight ticket it does not mean you voted for the President of that political party. 

Some states require photo ID so if someone is driving you remember to bring your license or some form of recognizable ID. 

It is too late for absentee ballots or to change your address so when looking for where you vote you must have the location you are registered under.

Also don't forget to look up facts about each candidate (don't rely on what the candidate says about their opponent alone) my best advice is to avoid .com (which is intended for commerical) and visit .org or .edu but still double check their sources as well :)

Make the change you want to see and ladies practice your right that so many women before you have fought for!!

Something is Brewing

Or baking to be specific! Everything is in the works and I'm 100% excited for it but I'm still going to be vague until we're on the ground running :) Hope you have a great weekend and don't forget to change back your clock tonight! Unless you're usually late than just leave it alone.