Favorite Food Blogs and the Steamy Kitchen Winner!

Thanks to all of you who entered the contest to win my giveaway copy of the awesome STEAMY KITCHEN COOKBOOK by the equally awesome Jaden Hair. I will name the very lucky winner in a second, but we all get a really great runner-up prize, because this contest produced a fabulous list of food blogs that we can all try! I've assembled a clickable list below, which you should all try out, so long as you solemnly swear to come back to THIS food blog.

But first...the lucky winner, randomly selected by random.org because I cannot bear to pick out just one person myself, is Elaine, who suggested Dinner with Julie as her favorite blog. Congrats, Elaine -- you are the owner of this fabulous cookbook!!

Now for the list of blogs that we can all try!

1. Steamy Kitchen. Well, of course. When you get there, look up her pork dumplings (pictured above) -- they are out of this world.

2. Pioneer Woman. Natch. If there is anyone left on earth who hasn't visited her site...go now, and search the apple dumpling recipe. It involves Mountain Dew and is unbelievably good.

3. Joy The Baker. One of my very, very favorites, for the recipes, the photos and the smart, smart, smart writing.

4. Bakerella. A dessert paradise, especially all her bite-sized stuff.

5. Our Best Bites: Some great foodie holiday gifts on this one. Check out the peanut brittle. I adore peanut brittle. Hint, hint.

6. Chez Pim: Gorgeous blog, and all you fellow food bloggers, check out their Menu of Hope project going on right now, okay?

7. Wild Yeast Blog: Yep. All about bread. You can practically smell the bread baking from the beautiful pictures.

8. Orangette: I didn't know this one at all, but I'm glad I do now -- great writing and recipes.

9. Market Manila: Food in the Phillipines! Yum.

10. A Feast for the Eyes, celebrating their one year "blogaversary" - congrats, Debbie!

11. The Food Pornographer. A picture is worth a thousand words, right?

12. Foodgawker. One of my favorites - I love you guys! Thanks for taking all my pictures!!

13. A Hungry Girl's Guide to Taipei. If you are ever in Taipei looking for a good meal. Hey, it could happen!

14. Mark Bittman's Blog. The incomparable Mr. Bittman. I adore him from afar.

15. Dinner and Dessert. They have a rocky road fudge recipe up there that I think I may have to try Right Now.

16. Dinner with Julie. The adorable picture of the little boy with the camera on her homepage is worth the visit all by itself...but some delicious looking food on there, too.

17. Chickens in the Road. Recipes and crafts and gardening and lots of chickens.

18. Rasa Malaysia. Asian recipes, and drop dead gorgeous pictures. Jealous.

19. Cannelle at Vanille. Another site with incredible pictures. I'm getting an inferiority complex.

20. Eating Asia. Pictures and food from Southeast Asia -- beautiful and exotic.

21. Anne's Food. A Swedish food blogger, but her recipes are from everywhere.

22. Wives with Knives. Maybe my favorite blog name EVER???

23. Thought 4 Food. A collection of cooking posts. Hmmm....maybe I will send them something?

24. Culinary Concoctions By Peabody. Looks like mostly sweet stuff....Peabody, I think I like you!

25. Annie's Eats. Love this one, it's been on my blogroll for a while. Hi Annie!

26. Smitten Kitchen. One of the best...and she is now doing it all with a newborn baby!

27. Inuyaki. This means "grilled dog" in Japanese. Hmm. Some cool recipes though.

28. Hungry Cravings. Another one with beautiful, beautiful pictures.

29. La Fuji Mama. Fusion cooking, and she looks like SO much fun!

30. Culinary In The Desert. I would love this one just for the cute dogs on the home page...check it out!

31. 101 Cookbooks: I think this was the first recipe blog I ever visited, and it is still amazing. Very healthy stuff.

32. Chocolate and Zucchini. One of the first food blogs and still one of the best, written and photographed by the amazing Clotilde.

33. Kitchens Are Monkey Business: Don't know this one, but I agree with the general sentiment!

34. The Kitchen Sink: Didn't know this one either, and oh, those pictures! Yum yum.

35. Delicious Wisdom: Whole and healthy foods, and they look great.

37. Design Crush Blog: Not a food blog, although there are often great recipes on here, but a really, really fun site.

Thanks for all of these!! And because I can never leave well enough alone, here are just a few more from ME. Because I love them so much.


Tastespotting. Another place to swoon over amazing food pictures that all have links to the originating blogs. Mouthwatering. (You might find some of my shots there, too!)

Simply Recipes. Simply fabulous. She has maple cookies up there right this minute.

Chocolate Shavings. Another blog I visit for inspiration on both the recipes AND the photography, it's glorious.

The Locavore Way. A new one, all on locally grown food...and she has a brand new cookbook that looks amazing.

Okay, I'm ravenous now, and I know we have barely scratched the surface of all of the amazing food blogs out there, so we will do this again soon, okay? In the meantime, congrats to Elaine on winning the STEAMY KITCHEN COOKBOOK! And everybody check back with me tomorrow night, when I am starting up my next cookbook contest....

Treasure Box Wednesday: Online Treasures

Today, I thought we'd do a different kind of sharing today. We'd take a break from thrifted goodies, and instead I'd mention a few online bloggy folks doing some interesting things with romantic decorating, original vintage-influenced crafts, and food. Now, these are in no particular order. But I think each is a treasure in its own way!


Of Bluebirds and Roses
http://bluebirdroses.blogspot.com/
As soft as a cashmere sweater and as sweet as that cotton candy stuck to your upper lip, Of Bluebirds and Roses is a blog where you see the world through hazy pink lenses. Vintage ephemera, vignettes, and holiday decor, this site takes the pastels and whites of Shabby Chic and sets an outstanding example of the uber-feminine style.


Oak Rise Cottage
http://oakrisecottage.blogspot.com/
Vintage, practical, and with a flair for the sentimental, Carrie puts thought and an eye for thrifty collecting together along with discussions on literature, holidays and more.


Kitchen Retro
http://kitchenretro.blogspot.com/
If you enjoy the occasional kooky retro cookbook and decorating humor posts here on the Thrift Shop Romantic, you'll love Lidian's Kitchen Retro blog. There, every day is a look into the witty, the surprising and our gelatine-obsessed past.


Rose's Petite Maison
http://rosespetitemaison.blogspot.com/
All that glitters is, well... probably what Rosemary's up to her elbows in about now. Her papercrafts include a combination of vintage items, glitter and a romantic theme, creating unusual pieces of art for all occasions. Check out her latest craft projects, her day trips, and her flea marketing adventures. Plus, she's just a really nice lady.

White o'Morn Cottage
http://whitemorn.typepad.com/
Fly across to the Emerald Isle as blogger Pam shows us vintage decorating and photography from her home of Ireland. Learn a little about the local culture, and see vintage decor from a new perspective.


Cooking with Anne
http://cookingwithanne.blogspot.com/
And to tempt your tastebuds with some culinary treats, don't forget to stop by Anne's1 I mean, if you have an old Pyrex casserole dish that needs using, Anne can show you how to make just the right casserole for it! That and cakes, pies, breakfasts, snacks... pardon me, there's a little drool on the keyboard. Let me just get that.


Steampowered Rings
http://steampunkrings.blogspot.com/
A cool twist on the Victorian-influenced Steampunk trend can be found in Catherinette's jewelry blog. It's an unusual combination of vintage clock gears, Victorian beading and an industrial/technological feel to create these clever pieces. I have one of her rings, which is surprisingly comfortable for its striking shape.


Well, I think that's enough for this Treasure Box Wednesday-- don't want to keep you folks too glued to your computer as this Fourth of July holiday approaches!

• If you missed Sunday's post, Variety with Vignettes, you can check that out here.

Otherwise, I'll see you next on Monday of this coming week-- I myself have guests coming this holiday, so I won't have time to post until then.

Thanks muchly for visiting, folks! And for my U.S. readers, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Treasure Box Wednesday: Online Treasures

Today, I thought we'd do a different kind of sharing today. We'd take a break from thrifted goodies, and instead I'd mention a few online bloggy folks doing some interesting things with romantic decorating, original vintage-influenced crafts, and food. Now, these are in no particular order. But I think each is a treasure in its own way!


Of Bluebirds and Roses
http://bluebirdroses.blogspot.com/
As soft as a cashmere sweater and as sweet as that cotton candy stuck to your upper lip, Of Bluebirds and Roses is a blog where you see the world through hazy pink lenses. Vintage ephemera, vignettes, and holiday decor, this site takes the pastels and whites of Shabby Chic and sets an outstanding example of the uber-feminine style.


Oak Rise Cottage
http://oakrisecottage.blogspot.com/
Vintage, practical, and with a flair for the sentimental, Carrie puts thought and an eye for thrifty collecting together along with discussions on literature, holidays and more.


Kitchen Retro
http://kitchenretro.blogspot.com/
If you enjoy the occasional kooky retro cookbook and decorating humor posts here on the Thrift Shop Romantic, you'll love Lidian's Kitchen Retro blog. There, every day is a look into the witty, the surprising and our gelatine-obsessed past.


Rose's Petite Maison
http://rosespetitemaison.blogspot.com/
All that glitters is, well... probably what Rosemary's up to her elbows in about now. Her papercrafts include a combination of vintage items, glitter and a romantic theme, creating unusual pieces of art for all occasions. Check out her latest craft projects, her day trips, and her flea marketing adventures. Plus, she's just a really nice lady.

White o'Morn Cottage
http://whitemorn.typepad.com/
Fly across to the Emerald Isle as blogger Pam shows us vintage decorating and photography from her home of Ireland. Learn a little about the local culture, and see vintage decor from a new perspective.


Cooking with Anne
http://cookingwithanne.blogspot.com/
And to tempt your tastebuds with some culinary treats, don't forget to stop by Anne's1 I mean, if you have an old Pyrex casserole dish that needs using, Anne can show you how to make just the right casserole for it! That and cakes, pies, breakfasts, snacks... pardon me, there's a little drool on the keyboard. Let me just get that.


Steampowered Rings
http://steampunkrings.blogspot.com/
A cool twist on the Victorian-influenced Steampunk trend can be found in Catherinette's jewelry blog. It's an unusual combination of vintage clock gears, Victorian beading and an industrial/technological feel to create these clever pieces. I have one of her rings, which is surprisingly comfortable for its striking shape.


Well, I think that's enough for this Treasure Box Wednesday-- don't want to keep you folks too glued to your computer as this Fourth of July holiday approaches!

• If you missed Sunday's post, Variety with Vignettes, you can check that out here.

Otherwise, I'll see you next on Monday of this coming week-- I myself have guests coming this holiday, so I won't have time to post until then.

Thanks muchly for visiting, folks! And for my U.S. readers, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

A Visit to Long Island/Part Several Thousand

Up early. The sun chucking buckets full of gold* down 23rd Street.

Going to Long Island to visit an elderly relative infirm of mind and body.

Advice: bring cookies.

 
We stop off here.  Lori is starting a blog. I'm instructing her. Hmm......

The fern garden chairs too chilly to sit on.

Winter white. Chic.

Indoors the paperwhites sit next to the clivia in the cool hall.

I'm willing to take instruction anywhere. 

* Edna St.Vincent Millay. Recuerdo

Of Buds and Blogging Buddies

Long overdue is a post expressing my gratitude for the various blog awards recently passed along to me by a number of you, my fine "invisible friends" and fellow bloggers. So I thought today, as spring begins to show its fresh new colors, I would take a moment to share these awards with a few of you, as well as pass long a little of the beauty of season so far.

Thanks to SewDelish, for the "You Make My Day" award, and I apologize it's taken me this long to recognize it here. I figure if I've made anyone's day along the way, there's pretty much nothing better than that!


Thanks to Sindhoo of Under the Sun for conferring, wow, more blog awards at one time than I've ever seen. Makes a gal feel a bit like Kevin Costner when "Dances With Wolves" was up for the Oscars. :) Too many icons to even post here, but all very kind.

And thanks to Lidian of KitchenRetro for the "E for Excellence" award. She's a good egg, that Lidian-- and she can also tell you how that egg was used in about a million different retro cookbooks.


This leaves me to pass along the awards to some deserving bloggers myself. Following Lidian's example, I'm going to select ten folks who merit some attention. Of course, there are so many of you out there that deserve recognition for your blogging efforts and general camaraderie that frankly, I'd be here all day listing folks. So we're going with ten, and also, none of you need feel obligated to do anything regarding this-- just know you're appreciated.

• Greg of The Midnight Garden. For beautiful photos, general kindness, and a terrific sense of humor.

• Rosemary of Rose's Petite Maison. For adding sparkle (literally and metaphorically!) to vintage style crafting.

• Sher "Grinnin' Grandma" of OldTimeMeArtist. For approaching everything with a dash of humor and a grin.

• Ms. A over at LivingWithoutMoney. She works on a shoe-string budget, we cook with her, decorate with her and save money with her. And somehow she manages to have new posts daily.

• ChrisMiss at MacandChris.com. This lady rides around in a caravan and blogs about her travels. You'll find her posting on TheThriftshopper.com from where ever she roams. I've enjoyed her insights!

• Carrie at OakRiseCottage. She has such an eye for vintage needlework and art. It's always fun to see her most recent treasures.

• Sujatha at Fluff-n-Stuff. A bright, funny lady who has a lot of great stories to share.

• Lynn at the VintageNest for inspirational photography and great ideas.

• Pam at White o'Morn Cottage for sharing the beauty of Ireland with us all.

• Becca at Of Bluebirds and Roses for creating such an idyllic, almost storybook atmosphere with every photo.

Now-- as we move from the blogging buddies to plain old buds, I think we'll start here, with some recently-opened daffodils.



Here are a few of the grape hyacinth that have popped up. True to hyacinth fashion, there seem to be more each year and boss the daffodils around. :)


Here are just a few shots of the azaleas as they start to bloom. Another day or two, and these should be in full-force. The intense pinkish purple is an absolute joy to me.


Lastly, I noticed the bleeding heart seems to be leafing and happy. I can't wait until it starts putting out it's little pink garland of hearts. It's some much needed color in that part of the yard.


I hope spring is treating you all well, and I thank you all for being a part of this site, for the comments, the chuckles, the camaraderie-- everything. I love seeing what this spot has grown into-- it's a little bit like the spring garden, continually rewarding and so pleasing to see blossom.

• For those interested in last week's Treasure Box Wednesday on McCoy pottery, click here.
• Next Sunday, I may be a little late with my post-- I'm not sure how timing will be because I have a guest visiting. So just wanted to give you a heads-up. :)

Of Buds and Blogging Buddies

Long overdue is a post expressing my gratitude for the various blog awards recently passed along to me by a number of you, my fine "invisible friends" and fellow bloggers. So I thought today, as spring begins to show its fresh new colors, I would take a moment to share these awards with a few of you, as well as pass long a little of the beauty of season so far.

Thanks to SewDelish, for the "You Make My Day" award, and I apologize it's taken me this long to recognize it here. I figure if I've made anyone's day along the way, there's pretty much nothing better than that!


Thanks to Sindhoo of Under the Sun for conferring, wow, more blog awards at one time than I've ever seen. Makes a gal feel a bit like Kevin Costner when "Dances With Wolves" was up for the Oscars. :) Too many icons to even post here, but all very kind.

And thanks to Lidian of KitchenRetro for the "E for Excellence" award. She's a good egg, that Lidian-- and she can also tell you how that egg was used in about a million different retro cookbooks.


This leaves me to pass along the awards to some deserving bloggers myself. Following Lidian's example, I'm going to select ten folks who merit some attention. Of course, there are so many of you out there that deserve recognition for your blogging efforts and general camaraderie that frankly, I'd be here all day listing folks. So we're going with ten, and also, none of you need feel obligated to do anything regarding this-- just know you're appreciated.

• Greg of The Midnight Garden. For beautiful photos, general kindness, and a terrific sense of humor.

• Rosemary of Rose's Petite Maison. For adding sparkle (literally and metaphorically!) to vintage style crafting.

• Sher "Grinnin' Grandma" of OldTimeMeArtist. For approaching everything with a dash of humor and a grin.

• Ms. A over at LivingWithoutMoney. She works on a shoe-string budget, we cook with her, decorate with her and save money with her. And somehow she manages to have new posts daily.

• ChrisMiss at MacandChris.com. This lady rides around in a caravan and blogs about her travels. You'll find her posting on TheThriftshopper.com from where ever she roams. I've enjoyed her insights!

• Carrie at OakRiseCottage. She has such an eye for vintage needlework and art. It's always fun to see her most recent treasures.

• Sujatha at Fluff-n-Stuff. A bright, funny lady who has a lot of great stories to share.

• Lynn at the VintageNest for inspirational photography and great ideas.

• Pam at White o'Morn Cottage for sharing the beauty of Ireland with us all.

• Becca at Of Bluebirds and Roses for creating such an idyllic, almost storybook atmosphere with every photo.

Now-- as we move from the blogging buddies to plain old buds, I think we'll start here, with some recently-opened daffodils.



Here are a few of the grape hyacinth that have popped up. True to hyacinth fashion, there seem to be more each year and boss the daffodils around. :)


Here are just a few shots of the azaleas as they start to bloom. Another day or two, and these should be in full-force. The intense pinkish purple is an absolute joy to me.


Lastly, I noticed the bleeding heart seems to be leafing and happy. I can't wait until it starts putting out it's little pink garland of hearts. It's some much needed color in that part of the yard.


I hope spring is treating you all well, and I thank you all for being a part of this site, for the comments, the chuckles, the camaraderie-- everything. I love seeing what this spot has grown into-- it's a little bit like the spring garden, continually rewarding and so pleasing to see blossom.

• For those interested in last week's Treasure Box Wednesday on McCoy pottery, click here.
• Next Sunday, I may be a little late with my post-- I'm not sure how timing will be because I have a guest visiting. So just wanted to give you a heads-up. :)