Still Cold

Clear and bright.

Blue skies at last....

Elementary School on 21st Street.

Snowbanks obscure the children's dream of life under the sea.

 Time to get back to work.

How dull. Time to play games like: Find the camouflaged knife

What can this possibly be?

Way too easy to guess.

A very old chair.

Pure white flowers for the new year.

Triple Threat Cake

Where to start, where to start? Okay, first of all, this week was the teenager's 17th birthday. Which means she can now drive. Which means the keys to our little white pick-up truck used to look like this:



and now they look like this:



So this called for not your ordinary birthday cake for herself and the horde of hungry teenagers that were coming over to help celebrate her new ability to say "Mom, can I borrow the car?" Luckily it was also MY birthday last week, and my awesome friends showered me with treats they knew I would make great use of in the kitchen. For example, that gorgeous pink glass cake stand in the first picture on top is from my friends B&B. I love love love it. My friend S gave me not one but TWO of these gorgeous aprons from one of my favorite, favorite stores, Anthrolopogie...

So that went on right away, because Triple Threat Cake is full of opportunities to spill stuff on oneself. Then I got out this gorgeous pie plate from my guest-blogging, expert pie-making friend E -- isn't it just beautiful?

And with that I was all set to tackle this dessert. Now credit where credit is due: I found this recipe on CakeSpy, which is an awesome site for anything remotely related to cake. I bookmarked it ages ago waiting for the right event, because this is not something you can make for your casual weekday dessert. You'll see why in a minute. First, line your own beautiful deep dish pie plate with pie crust.

Now full disclosure, I did not make many of the components of this recipe from scratch, because if I HAD, I would still be in the kitchen making it. So that is a Pillsbury pie crust you see there, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I DID then make a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough from scratch (follow the recipe on the back of the Nestle chocolate chip package and you can't go wrong), and I pressed about half the cookie dough into the bottom of the pie crust, like so:

Pop the rest of the cookie dough in the fridge for use at another time. Next, mix up a batch of packaged cake mix. I went for broke and used Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix. Pour it on top of the cookie dough until your pie plate is almost full. You'll have leftover batter, which I made into little mini cupcakes. This recipe is the gift that keeps on giving.

The whole thing gets popped into a preheated 350 degree oven. Here's my oven, which I am showing you so that you can see ANOTHER of my awesome holiday gifts, this one from my friend K, who knows how much I truly do love my dog.

I mean, look at her. Look at the crossed paws. Look how patiently she is waiting by the oven, just in case it suddenly pops open and some bacon falls out on to the floor. Hey, it could happen.

So, about 50 minutes later, you will have a something that looks like this. The crust, the cookie dough and the cake mix will all have baked into this golden wonderment of sugar.

Let it cool until it is really totally cool, and then frost with the frosting of your choice. And since you have come this far, go to town with the sprinkles. When all is said and done, here's what it looks like.

Triple threat cake...just perfect for a million or so hungry teenagers! And what a great way to try out some of those great gifts from my peeps. And I haven't even GOTTEN to all of them...wait until you see my gorgeous olive oil carafe from my Italian friend, my La Crueset single serving crocks from my amazing assistant, and the adorable cookie cutters from my Friend/Photography Zen Master B....and my mom and dad actually gave me BACON. Yes they did. Don't you just love birthdays???

TRIPLE THREAT CAKE, adapted from CakeSpy

• One unbaked piecrust
• One batch of your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough
• One batch of your favorite prepared cake mix
• One batch of your favorite prepared frosting
• Sprinkles

1. Preheat oven to 350 and spray deep dish pie plate with cooking spray.

2. Lay unbaked pie crust in pie plate.

3. Press enough cookie dough into bottom of pie crust to fully cover bottom but not sides. It should be about 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep. You will have leftover cookie dough (hurray!)

4. Prepare cake mix according to box directions and pour over cookie dough until pie plate is almost full. You will have leftover cake mix (make cupcakes!)

5. Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

6. Cool completely and frost the top. Add sprinkles, candles, sparklers and/or whatever else the occasion calls for.

Click here for printable recipe

Treasure Box Wednesday: Second Bloggiversaries and Big Thanks

It's "Treasure Box Wednesday" and as we approach September 11-- The Thrift Shop Romantic's second bloggiversary-- I can't think of anything that's really been more of a treasure to me, than having you folks stop by and share your insights and wit these past two years.

It's been a speedy two years, really. Two years full of thrifting and antiquing road trips... And crazy craft projects... And meeting new friends online. We've shared ideas and humor. We've transformed furniture found at the side of the road. We've given orphaned items a home-- and made a bit of a home here, as well.

So I wanted to thank you today for stopping by and pulling up a chair in my virtual parlor... For having some e-tea with me every week, and just for being so kind over the years. I have appreciated each of you more than you probably know. So here's to another year of sharing, recycling, laughing and surrounding ourselves with the things-- and people-- we love!

In honor of the bloggiversary, I've pulled a few posts from the deep, deep archives you all may not have seen-- all the way back to 2006, which in Web years is pretty aged when you think about it. Maybe they'll put a smile on your face for the day ahead.

• Small but Mighty: A Look at Decorative Cherub Rights. Cherubs-- whether they lift lamps, soapdishes, or centerpiece bowls, they work hard to heft things many times their size. What would happen if they unionized? Get a chuckle from the very first ever Thrift Shop Romantic post, as we form the Freedom and Liberation Association for Putti (F.L.A.P). Click here.

• The Sunday Drivers of Thrift Store Art. Inspired by the Museum of Bad Art and other thrift store art galleries, I started decorating inexpensively by picking up Sunday paintings-- mostly landscapes and still-lifes-- during my various thrifting adventures. This post showcases a number of my favorites and talks about the fun of discovering just the right artwork for cheap. Click here.

• One Little, Two Little, Three Little Blue Boys. My friend Scoobie and I have this running joke about the painting Blue Boy. Over the years, it's turned into a practical joke involving Blue Boy themed gifts, from needlepoint Blue Boys to ceramic statuary and other items of questionable good taste. Read about all the silliness here.

• Sweet on Decorative Tins. For those of us who are terrible with wrapping paper, decorative tins-- found easily at thrift stores-- become a great way to wrap things up and give an extra little gift, too-- the tin itself. Check it out here!

• Hominidae Grabbitus. Hold on to your thrifted candlesticks, my friends, as we flashback into a funny, surprising moment where it's woman (me) against a serious thrift-pilferer! The competition can be fierce. Click here.

And if you missed last Sunday's post, where we take a humorous look at a 1940s Spry shortening cookbook, click here.

This coming Sunday, I'll take you along with me on my trip to Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA where we flea market, antique and explore.

Thanks for making these two years such a joy!

Treasure Box Wednesday: Second Bloggiversaries and Big Thanks

It's "Treasure Box Wednesday" and as we approach September 11-- The Thrift Shop Romantic's second bloggiversary-- I can't think of anything that's really been more of a treasure to me, than having you folks stop by and share your insights and wit these past two years.

It's been a speedy two years, really. Two years full of thrifting and antiquing road trips... And crazy craft projects... And meeting new friends online. We've shared ideas and humor. We've transformed furniture found at the side of the road. We've given orphaned items a home-- and made a bit of a home here, as well.

So I wanted to thank you today for stopping by and pulling up a chair in my virtual parlor... For having some e-tea with me every week, and just for being so kind over the years. I have appreciated each of you more than you probably know. So here's to another year of sharing, recycling, laughing and surrounding ourselves with the things-- and people-- we love!

In honor of the bloggiversary, I've pulled a few posts from the deep, deep archives you all may not have seen-- all the way back to 2006, which in Web years is pretty aged when you think about it. Maybe they'll put a smile on your face for the day ahead.

• Small but Mighty: A Look at Decorative Cherub Rights. Cherubs-- whether they lift lamps, soapdishes, or centerpiece bowls, they work hard to heft things many times their size. What would happen if they unionized? Get a chuckle from the very first ever Thrift Shop Romantic post, as we form the Freedom and Liberation Association for Putti (F.L.A.P). Click here.

• The Sunday Drivers of Thrift Store Art. Inspired by the Museum of Bad Art and other thrift store art galleries, I started decorating inexpensively by picking up Sunday paintings-- mostly landscapes and still-lifes-- during my various thrifting adventures. This post showcases a number of my favorites and talks about the fun of discovering just the right artwork for cheap. Click here.

• One Little, Two Little, Three Little Blue Boys. My friend Scoobie and I have this running joke about the painting Blue Boy. Over the years, it's turned into a practical joke involving Blue Boy themed gifts, from needlepoint Blue Boys to ceramic statuary and other items of questionable good taste. Read about all the silliness here.

• Sweet on Decorative Tins. For those of us who are terrible with wrapping paper, decorative tins-- found easily at thrift stores-- become a great way to wrap things up and give an extra little gift, too-- the tin itself. Check it out here!

• Hominidae Grabbitus. Hold on to your thrifted candlesticks, my friends, as we flashback into a funny, surprising moment where it's woman (me) against a serious thrift-pilferer! The competition can be fierce. Click here.

And if you missed last Sunday's post, where we take a humorous look at a 1940s Spry shortening cookbook, click here.

This coming Sunday, I'll take you along with me on my trip to Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA where we flea market, antique and explore.

Thanks for making these two years such a joy!

Creating Great Gift Baskets from Thrift Store Goodies

You might think gifts courtesy of your local thrift store sound like a poor-- and even tacky-- solution to gift-giving occasions. But in fact, with a bit of planning ahead, some well-chosen items, and knowing your recipient's interests, it's possible to pull together lovely, unique gifts that are as meaningful as they are economical.

Like this housewarming gift.


Shirley, a fellow blogger (you can visit her blog, Proof Positivity here), recently had the good news that Habitat for Humanity would be constructing her a home of her very own, removing her family from the challenging and unsafe conditions they're currently living in. Shirley has always managed to look on the bright side of things, in spite of the significant obstacles put in her path. And it's the overall good nature and stick-with-itness she displays every day that inspired me to send her a little token of support and encouragement.

It all started by knowing Shirley's favorite color was blue-- and this cheery bluebird plate, found at the Salvation Army thrift store.


I liked the idea of a blue-bird of happiness theme-- something to signify this being the start to better days ahead for Shirley and her children. And the rest of the items seemed to fall into line from there. Like these happy bluebird drinking glasses...

A glass "art" bluebird to catch the sun... Some new, incredibly-soft dishtowels and dishcloths... A teacup, printed with delicate blue flowers... And all of it, to fit in a large blue vintage-style mixing bowl.

The real trick of assembling the basket was in not expecting to find all the right items in one day of thrifting. But for regular thrifters, making this sort of time is not only easy, it's a joy!

I've spoken in the past about the pieces of grape-patterned milk glass I've been accumulating for a family friend who'd wanted to supplement her collection.


I started early this year, thrifting interesting and useful pieces as I spied them at appropriate prices. In the end, I'll likely place them in colorful tissue paper within a large Rubbermaid tub, so the packaging will be just as functional as the dishes inside.

I'm making a list of the pieces I've found, so by the time Christmas rolls around, there will be a full set for at least 4. You can see here, I'm well on the way-- with four goblets, four snack sets with cups, a platter, two centerpiece bowls, a vase, candlesticks, cream and sugar servers, several saucers and sundae dishes and a few other odd pieces.

Another little gift collection is being assembled following the theme of author Frances Hodgson Burnett. The recipient collects dolls, and this little porcelain lady from the Red White and Blue thrift store looked very much like the character Mary from The Secret Garden. Assembled with a copy of the films "The Secret Garden" and "A Little Princess" and a book featuring the same tales, this-- and with, perhaps, some seeds, garden gloves and a trowel, will make a nice basket.


Another friend has, for some reason, become enamored with the character Hello Kitty. And given Kitty's recent big resurgence, this has empowered some very good Kitty-related gifting.


These post-Christmas sale Christmas ornaments were snapped up and put away for future gifting...


And this whimsical Hello Kitty printed purse will not only act as great built-in packaging for the ornament gift, but will likely give my friend a laugh.


For baby showers, there are a number of clever containers you can find at thrift stores and fill with brand new baby items. For a friend who was planning a Peter Rabbit theme for her child's room, I had fun repurposing Easter items into funny bunny decor...


I filled a metal basket made of bright orange "carrots" with fresh new cotton swabs. And the little ceramic rabbit below is a clever cotton ball dispenser!


The items were delivered to my friend in a small pine toy chest, which I woodburnt and painted with the Peter Rabbit theme. (You can read all about how that was done here.)


Lastly, the thrift store is ideal for delicate, one-of-a-kind vintage items.


The two pretty rhinestone covered boxes below contain vintage clip earrings in pink and blue. The luster cup reads "To a Friend," And the blue Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic book is a photo album that came from Goodwill. Even the packing material is a pretty vintage sheet, washed and cut to line the box. (You can read about that basket here.)

So whether you have sports nuts on your list, friends who adore vintage, fans of a particular cartoon character, or just someone you want to send some well-wishes, thrift stores can be terrific ways of pulling together smart, useful and even stylish gift baskets.

The only limit, really, is your imagination and a little time.

• Missed last Wednesday's post on Crazy Hats, Cool Grapes and Crystal Settings? click here.

• Missed Sunday's post where we went antiquing north of Pittsburgh? Join us here!

Creating Great Gift Baskets from Thrift Store Goodies

You might think gifts courtesy of your local thrift store sound like a poor-- and even tacky-- solution to gift-giving occasions. But in fact, with a bit of planning ahead, some well-chosen items, and knowing your recipient's interests, it's possible to pull together lovely, unique gifts that are as meaningful as they are economical.

Like this housewarming gift.


Shirley, a fellow blogger (you can visit her blog, Proof Positivity here), recently had the good news that Habitat for Humanity would be constructing her a home of her very own, removing her family from the challenging and unsafe conditions they're currently living in. Shirley has always managed to look on the bright side of things, in spite of the significant obstacles put in her path. And it's the overall good nature and stick-with-itness she displays every day that inspired me to send her a little token of support and encouragement.

It all started by knowing Shirley's favorite color was blue-- and this cheery bluebird plate, found at the Salvation Army thrift store.


I liked the idea of a blue-bird of happiness theme-- something to signify this being the start to better days ahead for Shirley and her children. And the rest of the items seemed to fall into line from there. Like these happy bluebird drinking glasses...

A glass "art" bluebird to catch the sun... Some new, incredibly-soft dishtowels and dishcloths... A teacup, printed with delicate blue flowers... And all of it, to fit in a large blue vintage-style mixing bowl.

The real trick of assembling the basket was in not expecting to find all the right items in one day of thrifting. But for regular thrifters, making this sort of time is not only easy, it's a joy!

I've spoken in the past about the pieces of grape-patterned milk glass I've been accumulating for a family friend who'd wanted to supplement her collection.


I started early this year, thrifting interesting and useful pieces as I spied them at appropriate prices. In the end, I'll likely place them in colorful tissue paper within a large Rubbermaid tub, so the packaging will be just as functional as the dishes inside.

I'm making a list of the pieces I've found, so by the time Christmas rolls around, there will be a full set for at least 4. You can see here, I'm well on the way-- with four goblets, four snack sets with cups, a platter, two centerpiece bowls, a vase, candlesticks, cream and sugar servers, several saucers and sundae dishes and a few other odd pieces.

Another little gift collection is being assembled following the theme of author Frances Hodgson Burnett. The recipient collects dolls, and this little porcelain lady from the Red White and Blue thrift store looked very much like the character Mary from The Secret Garden. Assembled with a copy of the films "The Secret Garden" and "A Little Princess" and a book featuring the same tales, this-- and with, perhaps, some seeds, garden gloves and a trowel, will make a nice basket.


Another friend has, for some reason, become enamored with the character Hello Kitty. And given Kitty's recent big resurgence, this has empowered some very good Kitty-related gifting.


These post-Christmas sale Christmas ornaments were snapped up and put away for future gifting...


And this whimsical Hello Kitty printed purse will not only act as great built-in packaging for the ornament gift, but will likely give my friend a laugh.


For baby showers, there are a number of clever containers you can find at thrift stores and fill with brand new baby items. For a friend who was planning a Peter Rabbit theme for her child's room, I had fun repurposing Easter items into funny bunny decor...


I filled a metal basket made of bright orange "carrots" with fresh new cotton swabs. And the little ceramic rabbit below is a clever cotton ball dispenser!


The items were delivered to my friend in a small pine toy chest, which I woodburnt and painted with the Peter Rabbit theme. (You can read all about how that was done here.)


Lastly, the thrift store is ideal for delicate, one-of-a-kind vintage items.


The two pretty rhinestone covered boxes below contain vintage clip earrings in pink and blue. The luster cup reads "To a Friend," And the blue Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic book is a photo album that came from Goodwill. Even the packing material is a pretty vintage sheet, washed and cut to line the box. (You can read about that basket here.)

So whether you have sports nuts on your list, friends who adore vintage, fans of a particular cartoon character, or just someone you want to send some well-wishes, thrift stores can be terrific ways of pulling together smart, useful and even stylish gift baskets.

The only limit, really, is your imagination and a little time.

• Missed last Wednesday's post on Crazy Hats, Cool Grapes and Crystal Settings? click here.

• Missed Sunday's post where we went antiquing north of Pittsburgh? Join us here!

Bloggy Birthday Thanks

Well, The Thrift Shop Romantic is officially one year old. (Sniff! wiping a tear away). They grow up so fast, don’t they? Pretty soon it will want the keys to the car.


But this has been a truly AMAZING year, for which I owe you all my most sincere thanks. You’re undoubtedly aware by now I kid around a lot, but I also try to be up-front--

So I wanted to make sure I expressed how much I’ve appreciated your choosing to spend some of your valuable time here... For sharing your great stories and ideas... For your kind emails and encouragement... For your inside scoops on new thrifty adventures... And for putting up with my yammering once a week for a whole darned year.

Heck, I have family members who aren’t up to that! :-)

Because of this blog, I’ve experienced the fabulous, ornery sense of humor of the ladies who do trash-to-treasure projects. They’ve helped me realize that though pride and grace while curb-shopping might be an art, curb-shopping misadventures are their own masterpieces.


I’ve also gotten a chance to be a part of activities on the BlogCatalog forum, where my fellow bloggers have been insightful, inclusive, and have always been willing to share their online experiences. (Thanks so much, gang!)

I’ve been fortunate enough to break the third wall, so to speak, by exchanging goody packages in tangible decorating swaps with my lovely online Cottage Living forum friends. They’re some of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people you’d ever want to meet. It’s no wonder photos of their homes are so inviting.

I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie and creativity of so many of my fellow crafters who have unhesitatingly shared their expertise and wit, and who have welcomed me into their discussions... One kind lady had actually contacted me specifically to participate more regularly in a certain forum-- and to be honest, I’d thought for a while that surely she must have had me confused with someone else! (Finding out I was mistaken was just a little bit awe-inspiring.) The strong sense of community of these crafters is amazing. It’s definitely not gone unappreciated.

And I’ve learned so much from other thrifters on TheThriftShopper.com, who are as cheap and obsessive about thrifting as I am...

And I mean that in the best possible way!


In an age where the instant and semi-anonymous nature of the Web tends to make the Internet take on a Wild West “Anything Goes” mentality, I feel extremely fortunate to have had the enriching, positive experiences such as the ones mentioned above.

So in the coming year, I hope to bring the same to you.

Like new decorating ideas, and interesting collectibles...

We’ll share crafting successes-- and failures (if for nothing else but learning and a laugh!)...
I hope to take you on more “Field Trips” to new places for cheap ‘tiquing...

And I have a little CONTEST I’ll be unleashing next week with real-and-for true PRIZES, just to mix things up a bit. (I hope you’ll come back to join in on that!!)...

As always, I’d LOVE to hear any suggestions for features you’d like to see or ways to improve the site. Or if there are any shops or blogs you believe should be included in the Resources section that merit a look-see.

I would like to thank you again for making this such a marvelous, memorable year. There’s no real way to express what it’s meant to me, but I hope this week’s blog has given you some sense of it.

Now-- have a nice big piece of virtual birthday cake! It’s calorie-free!