Cookbook Basket Organization

Does being Organized make you as Happy as it makes me? It Seriously Brings Me Joy. Seriously. 

I have not been too happy with an unorganized bookshelf we have in the living room. It has been overflowing and has just been looking a hot mess. So, I decided to tackle it by removing all of the Cookbooks. In doing so, it allowed for more space. 

This is actually the after shot. Don't even say it still looks a mess! When I initially started to tackle this project, I didn't think it would be blog worthy. However, I changed my mind. I'm a woman, we do that. 

Did you notice The Pregnancy Books? Unfortunately, my Husband and I have yet to have a Succesful Pregnancy. :0( 

Though, I shall save that story for another post. To be continued...

Okay, now for something a bit more upbeat. Like Cookbook Organization! Two of my favorite loves, Food and Organizing. 

This is what the top of our Refrigerator looked like before we had a Pantry. Be nice, it's not that bad. Okay, maybe it is...

This is what the top of the Refrigerator has looked like since. A vast improvement right? 

I hadn't decided what to use this basket for. So, it had remained empty. 

Here are all the Cookbooks I removed from the bookshelf. I don't want to part with any of them just yet. There are some Fantastic Recipes in there! 

Oh my gosh, I'm getting so hungry. Time for take out. I mean, time for me to use one of these books to whip up a Fantastic Entree! This is where my Husband laughs. He's actually the chef in our household. So, blame my big hips and thighs on him! 

Okay, back to the subject at hand. Now to see if the Cookbooks will fit. 

Works great, with even a little wiggle room. 

Though, I wasn't sure if this basket was too flimsy for these heavy books. 

So, I tried them in a another basket I was using for hangers. Baskets are great for hangers as well. Pretty much anything you would like to organize work well in baskets. 

Though, in the end I kept them in the flimsy basket. And now they are easily accessible in the kitchen where they belong. Believe it or not, they are in there. 

Once again, the early before. 

And now, the after. 

And you too can follow this Recipe for Organization! Till next time! It's time for dinner! :0)

     

Sweet Deals At The Swap Meet

Look at the Cutest Cupcake at the Swap Meet today! And no, it's not me. ;0) 

Large Cupcake Cookie Jar cost $1! I was so excited by this sweet deal. I have been wanting one of these. I plan on using it to store cupcake liners. Woot! Woot!

Heart Valentine Lights cost $0.25 and Heart Ornament cost $0.25. The lights work too. :0)

Here they are in all their glory at the Swap Meet. 

Key To Our Kingdom cost $0.25. Frosting   Decorating Bags cost $0.25. Lip Bag Clips cost $0.25 each. All from the same Seller. 

Hershey Tin Candy Truck cost $0.25. I might use it to store our frosting tips. 

It's already been washed and is now displayed nicely in the pantry with our new/used Cupcake Jar. :0)

Basket cost $1. It will be great for storing items in the pantry. It had an original price tag of $5.99. 

Santa Oven Mit and Santa Dish Towel cost 2 for $1. These were in never used condition. 

Peppermint Candle cost $0.50. Smells Yummy. 

Glass Christmas Tree cost $0.25. 

Basket cost $1. It will be great for pantry storage. 

Here's a picture of the two baskets purchased today. I have already put them to good use in the pantry. Not too shabby for $1 each. 

That's going to be it on my Sweet Deals! Till next time! Give Second Hand a try. You can have really nice things without much money spent. :0)

    

Flea Market Decorating House Tour

Hello Everyone. I thought I would invite you over for a short little house tour of our Living Room and Dining Room decorated on a Budget. 

Almost all of our decor is purchased at Flea Markets and Yard Sales. Hardly any money is ever spent. You really would be surprised at what you can buy for $0.50 or $1.00. 

Our style is a bit rustic and eclectic. All items on this coffee table/trunk were around $1 each. 

I just love this Vintage Lamp. It cost $2 at the Flea Market. 

I've been working on simplifying things. Not sure if you can tell from this

photo. 

I think this end table is Fantastic. It cost $4 at the Flea Market. The Mosaic Lantern cost $1. It looks just lovely with a candle lit.  

I'm going to have a glass of peach tea. Care for some? This Farm House Table was a Craigslist find for $100. 

These Ratan Placemats cost 4 for $2 at the Flea Market. 

Isn't that Hen Casserole Dish the cutest? It only cost $1 at the Flea Market. 

I haven't changed our Mantel much since Valentine's Day. Though, it is still the month of February. 

How adorable is Mrs. Moo Cow? It cost $1 at the Flea Market. 

The Fireplace was a $80 Craigslist Find. 

This Sunflower Mirror cost $4 at the Flea Market. 

Well, thanks for visiting. Second Hand really is a smart way to shop. It can save you lots of money. It allows you to have pretty surroundings you enjoy without much money spent.

I plan on doing a full House Tour of our Flea Market finds. So feel free to come on over again and visit. I would be oh so happy to have you. :0)

To be continued...

 

    

A Sweet Iced Tea Valentine's Day Treat

Up until last year I had never known how to make iced tea at home. I just figured it was a special treat I would have when my Husband and I would go out to lunch or dinner. 

(My facial expression is a bit serious. Iced Tea making is serious business!)

I had watched a few videos on making iced tea by sun brewing and boiling water, but that seemed like way too much work for this Southern Belle. 

Then, I came across a video on a iced tea maker. Say what? I have heard of coffee makers, but NEVER a iced tea maker! Your kidding right? Nope, I'm not. 

       

And Lucky me. On one of my Swap Meet Outings a lady was selling a Iced Tea Maker brand new in the box with two pitchers for $3. Good deal!

Just in case you might be as clueless as I was on homemade iced tea made the easy way. I thought I would make you a glass. 

All you need is 5 iced tea bags and water. If you are near a 99 Cent Only Store, they sell boxes of 100 tea bags for only 99 cents! 

This is where you place the tea bags and where the hot water will pour over. 

You will fill the pitcher with cold water to the marked water line. 

The top reservoir is where the water is then pored into. 

Do not turn the iced tea maker on until  the water is poured in and the pitcher is in place. 

Close top of reservoir and place mouth of pitcher lid next to machine where hot water will pour out of. 

Press the on button and the work will be done for you. No need to even watch it. It will shut off when done. I believe it will make about 4 large glasses. 

I like mine flavored with 3 sugar packets and squeezed lemon. Of course you can flavor to your preference. 

I'm sure there are lots of different types and models that work just as easy too. 

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! May you have a Sweet Tea of a Day!