Works For Me Wednesday Summer Recipe

Well, I have read this for about six months now, and I finally decided to participate :) If you haven't already... you need to go to We Are That Family! 

One of my favorite things in the summer is to make a few dips, and have that, chips, and bbq chicken & veggies.  Decided to share two of my favorite dips today (couldn't pick just one).  They are even better if you make them a day, or even a couple hours ahead.  But, if you are like me, they are good after they chill in the refrigerator.  Hope you enjoy!

Bean Dip Like the One You Can Buy at the Store that NEVER Goes On Sale :)

• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans (I have used whole canned pinto beans and pureed them myself- as long as they are unseasoned 
• 5 slices bottled jalapenos (nacho slices)
• 1 tablespoon brine, from bottled jalapeno slices
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Combine refried beans with the other ingredients in a food processor.
2. Puree ingredients on high speed until smooth.
3. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.

Easy Peasy Ole Dip

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix (more or less to taste)

1. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
2. Beat till smooth and creamy.
3. Cover and refrigerate several hours, till flavors are blended.
4. Serve with assorted raw veggies or tortilla chips.

Ohhh Lamp, how do I love the?

Okay,

So, I have been a bit obsessed with decorating lately.  I blame spending the past 10 months working on my masters, and spending every spare minute working on schoolwork (one hour a week my tush... when they presented the program that is what they said)- more about that later).  Only 10 more months to go

Anyway, I was surfing a local craigslist-copy cat site and saw someone offering a set of lamps with the shades for $10.  I thought she meant each, and asked her if she would take less.  She emailed me back that she would take $7 for the pair.  Score!  When I got them, I was a bit taken aback, because the gold was a lot more shiny in person, and the shades had seen better days.  I put them beside the bed, and waited (figured I would strip the shade & recover).  A few days later, I saw a girl had the CUTEST shades that matched my bed set for $10.  That was a bit more than I usually spend, so I asked her if we could work out a deal.  By the time all was said and done, I got both of them, and a plant rack for $8!

Took the shades, swapped them out, and gave the lamps a shot of copper spray paint.  

What the lamps originally looked like:

Original gold lamp with new shade:

Lamps painted:

Lamp turned on at night beside bed:

  Here is what they look like beside my bed.  The basket holds all my school books & was .99 at Goodwill, as was the iron basket.  I found the smaller one (that I am using as a candle holder) at a Goodwill clearance center in "the big city" (where like I posted below, they charge by the pound. This added a bit of weight).  Everything is sitting on one of the end tables I scored for $20 off of the same site. I filled in the 80's wood carvings and painted it a chocolate brown.  The paint is still a bit tacky though.  Everything I paint turns out that way (with real paint- spray paint is fine).  Anyone know why?

So, I figure I spent about $15 for both lamps.  More than I wanted to spend originally, but I love them!   

Tasty Tuesday: My Favorite Smoothie!

Today I am joining in with Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

There are some great recipes!  Check them out! 

Since it has been so hot out, I decided to share a smoothie recipe that is rather thrifty (IMO).  It is a bit different than your usual smoothie.  

Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie

• 1 cup fresh blueberries (I use frozen)
• 1 (6 ounce) container vanilla yogurt (I use Yoplait Custard Vanilla)
• 1/3 cup canned pineapple chunk (reserve juice) (I use frozen)
• 1/3 cup pineapple juice (saved from can or from a can of pineapple juice)

1. Put all ingredients in blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Serves 1.

I usually add in some crushed ice (if it isn't icy/cold enough).  I have also subbed apple juice for the yogurt, and added in ice.  

Hope you try it and like it! 

Looking For Opinions...

I found these 2 great pieces at (you guessed it) Goodwill yesterday.

The first is a planter (or a junk holder :) )  I originally picked it up because of the lion heads on the sides.  Then I noticed the design on the sides (which is what I am redoing my living room in).  Here is the problem... I am not sure about it now.  Thinking about spray painting it or something.  Any opinions?  Was thinking about putting some type of plant inside (I have NO plants inside of my house now, would like to try and have some).  If I paint it, then I could probably use it for something else.   It is rather large (10 in by 10 in or so).  

Also, I spotted this and loved it (the top comes off and you can put four pictures inside).  It was marked .99, but today green tags were 1/2 off!!!  .50- who can beat that?  I am not sure about the green/gold/brown on it though.  Thinking about doing dark brown with some copper accents, or maybe creme with dark brown smudged on the edges, but I am afraid I will paint it, and then I will have painters remorse...  So, should I leave it alone or paint? 

So, what would you do with these two pieces... Thanks for the ideas! 

So Many Treasures!

I have loved following around all of the posts on Southern Hospitality.  You have to check it out!  

Well, I have been on a treasure finding mission lately.  One of the joys of summertime! 

I have found ton of good deals, but here are a few that I found at Goodwill while on vacation :) Will share more throughout the week! 

I am apologizing now for the junky photos :)  My cameral is old, and I waited until tonight to take pictures. 

This is a candle holder- was marked 2.25, and had a price tag for $15 on the bottom. 

I thought this would be cute with something else... don't know what yet.  Was marked $1.25 and had a Target 5.99 price tag on the bottom.  

This candle holder was marked .75 :)  Think it needs some paint of some kind.

Also wanted to share 2 projects I did recently: 

The cup was .99 at Goodwill, the bird was .25 on 1/2 off day (spray painted it creme), and I made the "nest" out of a long boa type cloth I found at the Goodwill clearance center.  They sell things by the pound- if you have never been you have to find one and go!  Tons of treasures to be had!

I bought this for .99 also (bet you can guess where!) It was sad looking, but love it with the spray paint.  Not sure where I am going to put it, or what I will put in it.  

Welcome

Hello,

This is my first foray into blogging.  Guess I could say longtime watcher, first time poster.  Like my title says, I am a thrifty teacher lady.  I love to coupon, craft, read, and spend time relaxing.  Welcome to my blog!