Random Fall Thoughts

I really adore this time of year. There is always so much going on.... football, Thanksgiving and Christmas which includes thoughts of gifts. It seems that cooking and recipe ideas are abundant. Estate sales and garage sales are everywhere. Sooooo - I went to an estate sale recently and didn't find a lot but I was looking through the books and the lady running the sale said .. for $10 you can have all the books. YES!!!! Then she said if I would take all the books on the carport I could have them for another $10. 

 This is why my car looked like this. Some great books for my Etsy shop, books for reference, and lots of books to use for junk journals. This is my new obsession - junk journals and paper bag albums. I will share this at another time. Please do not judge (LOL)

 I have posted several times about my collections and I thought I would throw this one in on this post. I love to collect mismatched dishes for serving lots of people. I have collected over several years - I am very picky. The pieces MUST be pristine - no grazing, chips, or cracks. I especially like salad and dessert plates. I usually pay $1-2 for each piece. I always have my eyes open for more pieces to add to the collection.

 I have acquired several dishes that are alike but I like the pattern and they are in great condition.

 I have collected several pieces of china which can not be put in the dishwasher. They must be hand washed but I love them and they give a vintage style to a table. Once again I can not believe how we discard and waste great items. 

 When I married Michael, I was a Blue Plate mayo girl. Michael insisted that Miracle Whip was the ONLY way to go so I got on board. However, the sweetness did not work in potato salad or deviled eggs. I was just not satisfied with the flavor but I continued to use the product in my recipes.

 My brother-in-law Brian visited in October and brought Duke's mayo which is all the rage in the Carolina's. I do love the taste and will use it in the recipes that do not need a sweet factor. Have you tried Duke's? Let me know what you think.

Brian also brought popcorn and corn nuts from the shop Harry and David. This is a shop for specialty foods and treats. It is some what pricey but if you are buying for folks who have everything this might be an option. Check out their website - just type Harry and David in Google.

I loved the Smores Moose Munch Popcorn - Brian also brought root beer popcorn that I loved but others were not so adventuresome. Let me know what is going on with you this Fall. Recipes, new products, collectibles, etc.