When you run out of time....or maybe just too lazy.....

I bought this cute black stand at the thrift shop, hoping that these small bowls would fit - SCORE!

My thought was to use this for a "taco station" or to hold BBQ condiments in the summer...

...BUT...

....when my husband invited friends over at the last minute...

...I turned it into a "dessert decorating station"....

....I quickly baked up some cupcakes, put some frosting and "sprinkles" in the bowls...

...lit a "buttercream" scented candle....

...pulled out a few pretty dishes....

...and let our guests decorate their own cupcakes...

 ...everything was on my large tray...

...all they had to do was frost and sprinkle and enjoy!!

This made us feel like kids again....

...who doesn't like to pretty-up a cupcake?....

I am looking forward to using my thrift store find more often....

...OH, and the best part...

..the black stand cost only $1.59 !!

Sharing with BNOTP

Sweethearts VS Conversation Hearts......

I have always been a fan of candy from the New England Confectionery Company, or Necco,  probably because they were made in Massachusetts, not far from where I lived in my younger years. 

 Necco wafers were always one of my favorite candies, and as a child, we played "communion" with them, traded each other for our favorite colors and always waited for Necco to come out with Sweethearts for Valentine's day!

 

Sweethearts were first made in 1901.  Sadly, Necco filed for bankruptcy and the rights to the candy was acquired by the Spangler Candy Company last fall.  Necco made about 8 billion Sweathearts per year and because of the company change, Spangler was not able to produce them this year and they will not be available until 2020.

Is there a difference between Sweethearts and Brachs Conversation Hearts? 

 I am not sure, but one thing I do know.....The "sayings" on Brach's are sloppier and harder to read, and some appear blank.

What's the point if you can't read the sentiments?

I can't wait for 2020 for Sweethearts to be back on the store shelves!

(pink checked table runner made from fabric purchased at Joanne Fabrics - simply cut 2 rectangles, sew them together, turn right-side out and press and sew small opening closed)

Where in the world is.....Contest and GIVEAWAY!

Not only does my tote travel with me, but sometimes my dishes do, too!

A few years ago they traveled to Cape Cod.....

...they have also been to the apple orchard for some fresh cider....

....they've been to the winter festival to warm up my insides....

...and they have been to the North Pole....

So, here's the contest:

GUESS where they are!

Fall 2018:

Winter 2018:

You will be entered for a chance with each correct answer...Good Luck!  Winner of this luggage tag will be notified on Wednesday Feb 7th!

Visit the other Tales of the Traveling Tote Bloggers to see where their dish ware traveled:

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 

Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch

 Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box

Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron

Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader

Cherry Kay and Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women  

JOIN us on March 1st for our quarterly 

Tales of the Traveling Tote series!

UPDATE: 

Contest closed.  

Congrats to KIKI winner of luggage tag with the correct answer of Niagara Falls, Canada.  The other photo was taken behind the Aurora Inn in Aurora, NY

Easy 1,2,3,4 Mac and Cheese....

This has to be the easiest dish I have made in a long time!

Two days of storm Harper.....

Storm Harper kept us in NY, unable to go to Ohio for our grandson's first birthday.  We had plenty of warning and I knew we would be spending the weekend at home - I love to be snowed in if there is nowhere to go! 

So, what did I do?

I read this book and planned our next vacation....

 I made a little pico de gallo....

...and tossed it onto a Naan bread with some cheese....

...I baked The Sketchy Reader's pound cake....

...with almond extract....

...I made a few little quiches with leftovers I had in the fridge...

...adding my "secret" ingredient....

...and I tried to be creative...

....for the fun of it....

...and baked it in an enamel bowl....

...but it looked so much prettier served on a pretty dish...

...I washed a bunch of scarves by hand and organized them...

 ...and I painted a table:

I could use one more storm to get a few more things done around here!!  

And then I will be ready for SPRING!