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Welcome to my blog! Here is where you'll finding me rambling about a variety of subjects, including my family, vintage, thrifting, Etsy shops I love, and more!





Saturday, March 22, 2014

I Can't Stop Eating This Pasta Salad

My latest culinary creation, and I can't stop eating it!! That is why I've decided to name this "I Can't Stop Eating This Pasta Salad"!

I do not like using recipes; mainly because I am so bad at following directions!  I do love the prep work!  I love chopping veggies!

This is a pasta salad you can make your very own, add what you love, leave out the stuff you cannot stand!

I am a bit partial to using vintage bowls, like this cute Pyrex Spring Blossom mixing bowl!  If you need a vintage Pyrex bowl, head to http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com for a huge selection of retro bowls!  All of your salads will taste better!

Here's what I did:

Boil elbow noodles (make sure to salt the water!).

Chop up veggies into tiny pieces (so you don't get a big chunk of just one flavor).  I used cucumber, radishes, red onion, green onions (scallions), red and yellow pepper, celery, green and black olives, and I think that's it.  I also cut up tomatoes but did not add them directly to the salad, since they would get kind of "mushy", so just add that to the separate bowls of pasta salad.  I added olive oil, red wine vinegar, italian seasoning, dijon mustard, salt & pepper, garlic salad, lemon zest, dried dill weed, dried parsley flakes (only because I didn't have fresh).

I let my pasta cool a bit and then added olive oil, red wine vinegar, a tiny dash of sugar, salt & pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.  After it's completely cooled you can add the veggie mix.

It's all about making it pretty! Beautiful color and textures, since we eat with our eyes (which would be really weird if we really ate with our eyes).

Make it your own!  It's a refreshing salad, and since we're having seafood for dinner tonight, I thought this would be the perfect accompaniment to the meal!

Have fun in the kitchen!!

Jen



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Jenscloset

What's in Jenscloset!?

Milk Glass
 Well, this pretty milk glass vase is in my milk glass shop!

Vintage Dinner Plates
 and these awesome vintage dinner plates are from my china shop!

Awesome Pyrex!
Jenscloset on Etsy is full of a wonderful mix of vintage, perfect for your retro home!

Mad Men Style Glasses
 I love just about anything pink!

Vintage Sandwich Server 
 And vintage teacups make the perfect gift!

Pink Pink Pink!
And yes, Jenscloset has more than pink!! Check it out!

Jen

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Featured Etsy Shop

I love Etsy and the awesome talented artists there (not to mention fantastic vintage shops!!).  Today's featured Etsy shop is "VallonDesTresors".   So many gorgeous handmade items by Aisha!  I love lace and I love pearls, so this Beaded Lace Peter Pan Necklace with Faux Pearls is the perfect way to add a little something extra to your favorite black dress!  I also think it would be great with jeans and a t-shirt!


I love aprons, and have quite a large collection of my own!  This half apron with red cherries and the cute heart pocket, is just what you need to feel like a fancy chef!  I swear I cook better when I'm wearing an apron!


I would grow my hair long just to wear this lovely blue hairstick with an artisan bead!  Aisha has a great selection of this wonderful hairsticks!

Pretty pillow


And, for a special treat- a 10% discount for everyone using the code JENSBLOG2014, good until April 30th!  Be sure to check out
Vallon DesTresors on Etsy (link above) for more handmade items, perfect for gifts, or a little something for yourself!

Happy weekend!

Jen


Monday, March 3, 2014

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Sweet Katherine

Sweet Katherine is my favorite youngest child!  My baby will turn 21 tomorrow.  There was a crazy snow storm the day we brought her home from the hospital.

fun bike rides together
 That should have been a sign that Katherine would always bring a bit of excitement to everything!

so silly!
 Katherine is silly, fun, intelligent, insightful, thought
provoking (it takes a lot to provoke my thoughts!), inspirational, fashionable, athletic, funny, and so much more!

My awesome kids! Katherine, Lindsey & Mark
I see a theme here with the legs!
 
I wonder where she got her silliness from!?

Yes, I do have a favorite child!  I have three, actually!  I have a favorite son, Mark, a favorite older daughter, Lindsey, and a favorite baby, Katherine!


I am a lucky girl!!  Happy 21st birthday Katherine! 

Love, Mom