To Consign or Not Consign

Last spring, upon moving my household to the country, I thought it best to say goodbye to some of my shoes. I was an avid "shoe collector" for some time. I didn't want to just give them away. They were still in their original boxes and most of them were only worn once or twice and in fantastic shape and most definitely still in style. I sold a few pair on ebay and decided to take the rest to a local consignment shop to see how they would do there. It has turned out to be a pretty decent deal. I sold almost all of them and have relisted the remaining four out of twelve pair that I took. Even though I only got a cut of the profit it was still way more than putting them in my next yard sale!

Most of the time when I think of consignment sales or shops I think of kid's clothes or at least I did in the past. I just wanted to put the bug in your heads to think about with fall and winter just around the corner. My next (and second single girl obsession) thing to gather and take to consign will be coats. I have several that I truly do not need and don't really have the space for.

It's a thrifty and good idea for a little extra space and cash in your pockets!

For you local girls, here's the website to Second Chances Consignment if you are interested.
http://www.secondchances.ws/

Give~Away Reminder

Good afternoon everyone! Just a reminder about my give~away! A winner will be picked next Monday, August 17th! So if your name is not in the hat yet please send me an email with your name. www.peppysis1973@yahoo.com

This red burlap bag is very big and perfect for your recycling or whatever else you would like to use it for.

Sign up now before it's too late!

That's Amore

Last night for supper I made Talapia with lemon sauce, asparagus, italian tomatoes and lemon poppy seed muffins... all in under 30 minutes. Sometimes timing is everything. Of these recipes I want to share the Italian Tomato side dish that I made because tis the season for homegrown tomatoes which are the best and it's simple. So for you tomato lovers... here it is.

Italian Tomatoes (for 2... cause that's all there is at our house :)

2 large tomatoes
4 Tbsp italian breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice tomatoes in half. Squeeze ever-so gently to get some of the seeds out. You can cut a few out. Place tomatoes in a casserole dish flat side up. In a small bowl combine breadcrumbs and olive oil. I also had fresh basil on hand from my herb garden so I cut about a tablespoon of that up and added it. You can also use just breadcrumbs and add whatever spices you like. Spoon the mixture on top of the tomatoes. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.

I am a tomato lover especially this time of year when they are fresh from our garden. I'll try just about any recipe that includes them!!!

Fruit Fun Popsicles

Good morning all! It's finally stifling hot here in Tennessee. After a wonderfully mild summer (in my opinion) it's getting steamy out there. When you walk outside at 6:30 a.m. and the air is thick with humidity you know it's August. Well I have something to help cool you down and delight your taste buds... and your little ones may like it too!

Cantaloupe Popsicles

1/2 of a cantaloupe, sliced in half, de-seeded, sliced and crusts cut off
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar

Sweet and dreamy... I know! Anyway, after you prepare the cantaloupes you must puree it in a blender or food processor. Mine is one of those handy small ones and it does the trick nicely. Puree cantaloupe and set aside in a bowl. In the microwave, boil water (about 2 minutes) and add sugar stirring to dissolve. Let this cool to room temperature or put it in the refrigerator to cool faster. Mix in with cantaloupe and pour into popsicle molds or ice cube trays. Let freeze for an hour then insert popsicle sticks. Allow several hours to freeze or overnight.

These are fantastically good. I've gotten rave reviews so far!