Vintage Tupperware

My latest garage sale find

Vintage Tupperware.

At the flea market near my house, one lady has a whole store of vintage tupperware and pyrex dishes. I could spend so much time there.

It seems every decade has beautiful items, except for the 70's. Lots of gold, brown, avacodo green and orange items that haven't quite come back into style. Maybe we learned a hard lesson that decade, lol. BUT there are starting to be adults now that remember these items as part of their childhood...and are willing to overlook their ugliness for that moment of nostalgia.

I, on the other hand, bought them to store powdered sugar and brown sugar ;o) Okay, maybe they do make me feel a little warm and fuzzy on the inside. But I do have my limits...no crocheted doll toilet paper cover, no owl wall hangings and no orange shag carpet.

Paid $1 each for these. There was a 3rd one but the lid wouldn't go on.

can be seen at debbiedoos and Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm! Go check them out :o)

Organic Food Clearance at Meijer's

If you have a Meijer's grocery store in your area, check out the frozen food section.





On a freezer end cap there was clearanced down organic food.


Amy's Steel Cut Oats (75% off) .50 cents
Chipolte Black Bean Burrito .97 cents
Poblano Chickpea Patties .97 cents

This post can be seen at the Grocery Cart Challenge

Cinnamon Sugar "Donut" Muffins

Cinnamon sugar donut muffin spice cake mix thingies?

I figured that wouldn't make a good name.

Great for back to school mornings. Check out how easy these things are.

1 box spice cake mix

3 eggs, beaten

1 jar of applesauce (at least 16 oz)

1 stick butter, melted

cinnamon sugar

Combine cake mix and applesauce. Add egg. Mix together and pour into muffin tins. Bake at 350 for around 20 minutes. Once they come out, dip in melted butter then dip in cinnamon sugar.

After I made these I realized I had wanted to add maybe some pumpkin pie spice to the mix and maple extract but I forgot. Hey I was watching Cops. You know, cook during the commercial breaks ;o)

After I make muffins, I usually freeze most of them. If I baked them in paper liners then I throw them in a freezer bag and they are good to go. If I didn't bake in liners, then I put them on a cookie sheet and sit them in the freezer for a little while. That way they don't stick together once frozen.

Breads, muffins, pancakes and waffles freeze so well. It's always a good idea to bake double batches of these things and put half in freezer.

This recipe can be seen at the grocery cart challenge :o)

and A Southern Fairytale and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, A Prairie Story!

Last Chance on these LOW Entry Giveaways

Yoplait Prize Pack ends 9/1

http://retrohousewiferemix.blogspot.com/2010/08/yoplait-prize-pack-giveaway.html


Easy Lunchboxes ends 9/14

http://retrohousewiferemix.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-to-school-lunch-boxes.html

Vintage Cookbooks

I love buying vintage cookbooks. I like to think about the woman who owned them before me. I love the way the photography looks, and if there are ads inside...even better.

I picked up these 2 cookbooks for .25 cents a piece. I haven't had time to look through them yet, but hopefully I will find some good recipes to share.

this can be seen at Apron Thrift Girl

Pineapple Banana Bread

I have this weird behavior where I cannot throw away bananas once they are too ripe to eat. I have to turn them into bread or muffins.

I had 3 bananas turning really dark, just staring at me...egging me on. So this is what I made and it was FABULOUS.

Pineapple Banana Bread

3 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

3 eggs

1 1/4 vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract (or coconut extract if you have any)

1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, drained

2 cups mashed bananas

In a large bowl combine flour, sugars, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. In another bowl beat together eggs, oil and vanilla. Add to flour mixture along with pineapple and mashed bananas. Mix until moistened. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Cook 50-60 mins.

Baked Mac and Cheese

1 cup macaroni

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp flour

1 cup milk

1/2 cup grated cheese

salt, pepper and paprika to taste

Boil macaroni. Drain and rinse.

Melt butter in saucepan and add flour. Add milk slowly and stir. Add cheese, stir until melted and add seasongings.

Combine cheese sauce with noodles and bake 350 until golden

Todays Funny

Why should just the baby have all the fun?

Garage Sale Finds

Vintage-y Toys



The lady was asking $2 for the Sesame Street toy. I got her down to $1. The baby's occupational therapist was wanting us to work with her on pulling things so this is the perfect toy. You pull the string and it turns into a band. My brother had it as a baby, awwww. And the Flintstone book was .10 cents but when I went to go get the money the man said, "Just take it". So FREE. It was published the year I was born!


I loved the Flintstones. I had the Pebbles baby doll. She was my lovey. I remember my mother
telling me that people jokingly called me Pebbles as a baby (my natural haircolor has a reddish tint which I haven't seen in years shhhhh).

The garage sale with the Flintstone book also had Gem and the H0lograms and Fraggle Rock books as well. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say they have kids around my age ;o)

I don't normally look for vintage toys items, but I couldn't resist these things.

I also stopped at one garage sale and bought alot of really nice, in great condition tops...all .25 cents a piece (mostly Old Navy) and a Justice t-shirt for my daughter for $1.

Reese's Chewy Chocolate Cookies

2 cups of flour

3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cup of butter

2 cups of sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 2/3 cup Reese's peanut butter chips



Heat oven to 350

Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Gradually add flour mixture beating well. Stir in peanut butter chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoons full onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 9 minutes. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.



These were a special treat for child #3 so she picked to have peanut butter chips, vanilla chips and chocolate chips. No harm in that ;o)






this is linked at grocery cart challenge

L'Oréal® Paris Collagen Micro-Pulse

I was sent the L'Oreal Paris Collagen Micro-Pulse to try from www.bzzagent.com. I was so excited to try this because being the perfectionist that I am, I hate seeing all the fine lines that are developing under my eye area (why, oh, why didn't I start applying anti aging cream when I was 15?)

I think it takes about 4 weeks to see results, but I do think my under eye area does look better. Now granted this isn't going to be the same as botox or surgery, but it can help fill in lines and prevent future ones from happening.

The thing that I liked about this product is it treats the eye area from two things; wrinkles and puffiness under the eyes. The wand vibrates! You use the wand to gently vibrate under the eye area after applying the hydrating moisturizer to reduce puffiness.

So it works in two ways

1. The eye cream has an ingredient called Erasyl and it helps minimize dark circles. It also has Collagen to help smooth away wrinkles.

2. Micro-Pulse massage to reduce puffiness and under eye bags.

Helps stimulate circulation and decongest puffiness

I checked the price on it at Meijer's and it was $18.99

Website www.lorealparisusa.com

I received this product free from www.bzzagent.com

Garage Sale Finds

Wilton silver plate $3

Anchor Hocking baking dish $5

Painting (to go above my fireplace) $5

The first two finds were at an estate sale. They wanted a little higher prices than I really wanted to pay but I paid it anyway.

This picture doesn't do the painting justice. It's so pretty. I thought it was a great deal. Made up for my crazy spending at the first place. As you can see right now my fireplace is red. Is that bad feng shui? I don't know but it feels like it. I want everything light and airy now. So I'm painting it bright white as soon as I find the time ;o) Hoping to get it done as soon as school starts.

At one garage sale I seen Cabbage Patch Kids Cookie Jars! I didn't take a pic because we didn't stop for the garage sale. That was a blast from the past.

Also went to the Goodwill. I bought the baby a pair of shoes for a $1.50. While there an older lady in a wheelchair was trying to strong arm me into bringing my baby closer so she could kiss her! I have noticed alot of older people aren't as germ scared as we are now, but ummm gross. She finally scooted her wheelchair closer and grabbed the baby's foot and kissed the bottom of it! So that was a little weird, strange older lady...even though you told me I looked too young to have so many kids. You slightly redeemed yourself, well played.

This is linked at Debbiedoos

Nature Valley Prize Pack

The winner is TheChattyMom from http://www.thechattymom.com/

Congrats :o)

Still haven't heard from winner. You have until the end of the day and then we will have to pick a new winner. Please email me at fridaymoon429@yahoo.com

Pineapple Upside Down French Toast

This is a great thing to make for Saturday night, put in fridge covered with saran wrap and bake on Sunday morning before you head off to Church.

1/2 stick of butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

10 oz well drain crushed pineapple, reserve 1/4 cup of the juice

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/4 cup half and half

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

8 1inch thick slices of bread

(I used a clearance down bread that instead of slicing I tore in pieces)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

In a saucepan melt butter, add brown sugar and pineapple. Heat and stir.

In a bowl whisk together the rest of the ingredients.

Lightly grease a 13x9 pan. Pour pineapple mixture in. Top with bread dipped in milk mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes.

To The Top Tuesdays

Come join the blog hop and www.onelittlemister.com

Hello, new followers. Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to enter my low comment giveaways

Click on Giveaways on my sidebar :o)

Back to School Lunch Boxes and GIVEAWAY

with the Easy Lunchbox System! http://www.easylunchboxes.com/

Last school year I had a newborn and so kind of got lazy with lunches. Not this year! I have already asked the kids to put together some HEALTHY lunch ideas. I made a goal to use less plastic bags. This system is so easy to use and great for the environment.

I think I will make sure this year that the kids pack their lunches the night before. They are in less of a hurry and I think will take more time thinking about healthy options. What I love about these containers is they are FDA approved, no BPA, phthalates, lead, vinyl or PVC. Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

The containers hold an entree or a sandwich and two sides. Once inside the cooler bag you still have room for a drink, a thermos and/or extra snacks. I am going to be so organized this school year!

The company offers videos on the website www.easylunchboxes.com/products/index.htm

Kelly was generous enough to send me what is pictured above, 4 containers and a lunch bag (I picked purple). YOU have the chance to WIN 4 containers and a lunch bag in your choice of color (black, dark red, olive, purple or aqua..love the colors I had hard time choosing).

Only open to Canadian and US residents. Please don't enter if you have won an easy lunch box system within the last 3 months.

How to enter
1. Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect and share a healthy lunch box snack idea. (mandatory) Also leave your EMAIL address so I can get in touch with you.

Extra Entries
2. Go to www.easylunchboxes.com click on "Neat Ideas" Click on "Lunch Recipe Ideas" and tell me your favorite.
3. Follow me on twitter at #housewiferemix
4. Follow Easy Lunchboxes on Twitter #easylunchboxes
5. Follow Easy Lunchboxes on Facebook www.facebook.com/EasyLunchboxes

Giveaway ends Sept. 14. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize by emailing me at fridaymoon429@yahoo.com

Garage Sale Finds

1. Black wrought iron wall hangings (votive holder) $1 a piece

2. Purple glass candle holder $1

3. Cross .50 cents

4. Dog treat canister .50 cents

5. Pfaltzgraff canister set $2 (I have seen just the cookie jar go for $30 on ebay)

6. Wooden box .50 cents

40 Minute Hamburger Buns

I tried a more difficult bun recipe today and I just knew the dough didn't look right.

So I frantically looked for a fast and easy bun recipe and I found this one!

40 minute Hamburger Bun (from Taste of Home)

2 Tbsp Active Dry Yeast

1 Cup + 2 Tbsp warm water

1/3 Cup vegetable oil

1/4 Cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp salt

3-3.5 Cups flour

In a small bowl dissolve yeast in water. Add oil and sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add egg, salt and flour to make a soft dough.

Knead until smooth and elastic.

Divide into 12 pieces and put on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise 10 minutes. Bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes.

Very easy and yummy.

Linked at grocery cart challenge.

Garage Sale Finds

Look at this item. I bought it for $2

And it folds up

I love finding stuff like this at garage sales. Have you found any unusual items?

Yoplait Prize Pack Giveaway

Here is your chance to win a prize pack from Yoplait.

Now you don't have to stop for ice cream, Yoplait Splitz is the new 90 calorie yogurt that taste like an ice cream sundae!
100% real yogurt with no artificial flavors or sweetners and no high fructose corn syrup.
Pop these in the freezer for frozen yogurt treat.
They come in 3 fantastic flavors; Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split and Rainbow Sherbet.

You can WIN
1. A coupon for FREE Yoplait yogurt
2. Insulated Carry Tote (this is awesome and very well made, I love it)
3. Roll Up Fleece Picnic Blanket

Here is how to WIN

1. Be a follower of my blog and leave me your email address
2. Follow me on twitter #housewiferemix
3. Follow Yoplait on Facebook www.facebook.com/Yoplait

4. Follow Yoplait on Twitter www.twitter.com/yoplaityogurt

Open only to US Residents. Contest ends Sept. 1, 2010.

I was provided this prize pack to review by Yoplait yogurt and Myblogspark.

Garage Sale Finds

Garage Sales have sure been slowing down around here. I don't know if it's from the hot weather or if it's always like this. We got out to a few though and I picked up odds and ends.

I got a photo album for .50 cents

Trivet .50 cents

Recipe books .50 cents

Cake knife and server .50 cents

and gold and white balls .10 cents a piece

The Pilsbury recipe book is from 1966. It is so cool to see the ads. They were having a cook off, where the grand prize winner won an avacado green stove. I loved seeing the official entry form. I love old cookbooks.

I found a home for the decorative balls. As you can see pictured above. Of course they went in milk glass! This is on my fireplace mantle right now.

Brownies with Cookie Dough Frosting

I first seen this recipe

http://cookingwithcarrie.blogspot.com/2010/04/cookie-dough-frosting.html

I had never seen chocolate chip cookie dough frosting before. I had to try it!

So I made these brownies

Chocolate Brownies

3/4 cups melted butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 350 degrees, grease a 13x9" pan. Beat butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla in a large bowl. Mix in cocoa, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine. Pour into pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes.

Topped with frosting and they were yummy! I was low on chocolate chips so I had to use some white chocolate chips. Sorry the picture isn't better but the family got into the pan before I had chance to take a picture! It was a big hit.

this post is linked at the grocery cart challenge

Nature Valley Giveaway!

Nature Valley and best selling author Patricia Schultz have teamed together to help support National Parks Project.This year, the National Parks Project will focus on restorative work at Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Biscayne National Parks. To get involved, simply purchase a box of specially marked Nature Valley Bars and mail in your wrappers to the address below:

National Parks Project

PO Box 450328

El Paso, TX 88545-0328

Nature Valley will not only recycle the wrappers, but will also contribute $0.10 to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for every wrapper received (up to $600,000 in total). To learn more about the National Parks Project and how you can make a difference, check out PreservetheParks.com today.

Now for the GIVEAWAY

You will receive what is pictured above

1. backpack

2. a military grade compass

3. solar powered flashlight keychain

4. reuseable water bottle

5. a copy of Patricia Shultz´s 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler´s Life List

Please check out NATURE VALLEY products!

To enter simply be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on what is your favorite Nature Valley product/flavor

Additional entries:

Like Nature Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/naturevalley

Follow Nature Valley on Twitter http://twitter.com/nature_valley

Follow me on Twitter #housewiferemix

Good luck :o) Giveaway ends Aug 17, 2010. Open to US residents only

I received this prize pack to review for free from Nature Valley and My Blog Spark.

The Art of the Apron

I love wearing aprons.

If I knew how to sew I would probably own 50 aprons.

My countertops are white, therefore I have to use a bleach cleaner to keep them clean and stain free. I have ruined so many shirts!

I started wearing aprons and noticed that not only did it preserve my clothing, but it put me in the cleaning "mood" if there is such a thing ;o)

Kind of like how the Fly Lady suggest getting dressed and wearing shoes will help you clean and not sit in front of the t.v.

I have the aprons that just cover your waist (all vintage). These are great when I cook. I can wash my hands frequently and just dry them on my apron.

The full aprons are good for when I clean, or when I'm cooking while wearing a nice outfit before we go someplace. I picked up the red and black apron at Target clearance down probably cheaper than I could have bought fabric for.

Do you wear aprons?

Vanishing Oatmeal Cookie Bars

This is probably one of my favorite cookie recipes. I made these into bars this time.

2 sticks of butter softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups quick or old fashioned oats

1 cup of raisins/chocolate chips/butterscotch chips etc

Heat oven to 350

Beat together butter and sugar

add eggs and vanilla

add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well

stir in oats and raisins/chips; mix well

drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet

bake 10 to 12 minutes or untl golden brown

cool one minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack

makes about 4 dozen

*bar cookies

bake 30 to 35 minutes in ungreased 13x9 inch metal baking pan