Sunday, February 26, 2012

You should make this...



....even though my picture may have you scrunching up your nose in disgust.

I am not a photographer.

But I can serve up a mean pork roast.

Who knew!?

I never buy pork roast.  However, Pinterest has inspired me to make and try things I never have attempted before.

And then there's the whole crock-pot obsession.  If a crock-pot is involved, I'm pretty much in.

Anyway.

This recipe is a keeper, as the mister loved it.  Leftovers were tasty too.  It took maybe ten minutes to prepare, then I walked away until it was time to serve it up.  And the house smelled great all day long.

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Slow Cooker Parmesan Honey Pork Roast
(copied straight from the original source)

Ingredients:

1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork roast
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup honey
3 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp dried basil
2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.  Place roast in slow cooker.  In a small bowl, combine the cheese, honey, soy sauce, basil, garlic, oil and salt; pour over pork.  Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160°.

Remove meat to a serving platter; keep warm.  To make the gravy, skim fat from cooking juices; transfer to a small saucepan.  Bring liquid to a boil.  Combine cornstarch and water until smooth.  Gradually stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Slice roast; serve with gravy.

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I served this with mashed potatoes (like the source suggested).  The next night, I heated up the leftovers alongside baked potatoes.  

I will admit to a mishap with the gravy.  I completely scorched the first batch.  Luckily, there were plenty of drippings to do a take two.  And it was worth it....


So go buy a pork roast.

Do it.

Then, because you'll have soy sauce and honey on hand, make Crock-pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Yeah, do that too.

But maybe on a different day.

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Linking up with....



Sunday, February 19, 2012

Thrifting Frenzy


This week, my thrifting adventures took a different turn.

I blame Pinterest....


I saw this pin and had to click on the link.  This dress is from Old Navy.  I put it in my cart as fast as my mouse could click.  It should be in my hands in 5 to 7 business days.

But then I went back to that blog and read further.  The dress pictured is actually vintage.  She found that beauty at a thrift store for $10, and it dates to the late 1930's.

I was stunned.  And a tad jealous.  What a find!

I never look at the dress section at any thrift store.

Think reading that changed my mind?

You bet.  So that inspired a new focus this week when I hit up my favorite shops.

And while my thrifted dresses are not as fabulous, I have a vision for these babies.....

$5.98
$4.98

After shoulder pad removal (bleeeecchhh) and new hemlines, my goal is to sport them on a "what I wore" post in the near future.

They both have pockets.

And can't you see them with great belts?

Speaking of belts......

$1.00

Everyone needs a random pop of gold once in a while.

Or vintage aprons (that I just can't resist)........

$2.98 each

For all your domestic escapades.

My first domestic escapade today?  A new pork roast recipe.

And then maybe I'll deal with those shoulder pads.  Who wants em?



Linking up with Her Library Adventures......


Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Mix-up. Take Two.


It happened again.

The mister used my toothbrush.

But not on purpose.

I'm not sure why, but we always end up with toothbrushes that are similar.


I'll blame our dentist.

Anyway....

One morning I went to brush my teeth.  My toothbrush was completely gone.  Vanished.

I texted the mister.

He'd taken it to work (because he has those invisalign thingys) thinking it was his. 

Sooooo. 

Time for a new, super different colored toothbrush..........again.......


Moral of the story?  Always have a hot pink toothbrush on hand.


Monday, February 13, 2012

Dear Winter,

Thank you.....


I knew you would come through.

Now to end this lovely, lazy snow day with some chili, a roaring fire, and quality television (in the form of The Bachelor...........don't judge me).

Oh, feel free to visit again.  And by that I mean bring snow.

Love,

Danavee

P.S.  Don't worry.  You won't see a "what I wore snow day".  Two words:  blue sweats.  Enough said.




Sunday, February 12, 2012

eeeekk, an update, and a recipe


The eeeekk....

The Vanilla Tulip is featuring my blog this weekend, since I'm a new sponsor!  She posted a short little bio that (I hope) sums up the essence of This Vintage Grove.  It's like seeing my name in big, shiny lights.  I'm sorta giddy.

*   *   *   *

The update.... 

Do you remember the ironing board cover giveaway?  Prepare yourself for the unveiling.....


After hitting up two stores for the perfect fabric, Schlager whipped it up yesterday!  Cathy, we hope you love it.  You will receive it this week!

If you wanna know how to d.i.y. head over to Spray Paint and a Staple Gun!!

*   *   *   *

The recipe....

And lastly, for all of you who are searching the world over for the perfect pumpkin muffin....

I've found it (via Pinterest).

After trying four different recipes, this one is IT. 

Maybe it's the streusel.

Could be the cream cheese filling.

Recipe!!!

Cute muffin liners never hurt either.

Pumpkin should be enjoyed year round people.






Saturday, February 4, 2012

Thrifting Frenzy


An embroidered pillowcase......$1.98..........


Who doesn't love a flamingo or two?

I shall be keeping the flamingo pillowcase.  I only wish there had been a pair.

*   *   *   *

A full set of foam numbers in their original box..........$1.98........


The teacher in me couldn't resist them.

*   *   *   *

Chevron afghan.......$3.98......love the color scheme....



To keep or to sell?  That is the question.  What say ye?

 *   *   *   *

Four vintage umbrellas........$9.92 in all.......


I may turn around if a black cat crosses my path.  But opening umbrellas inside?  Look who is unfazed.

I opened four.

In my kitchen.

What?



Linking up with Her Library Adventures!



And the winner is.....




I do believe number 8 is Cathy!!!! 

Yahooooooo!!!!!!!  

Cathy, tell us what colors you like and if solids or patterns are your thing!  We can't wait to shop for your fabric! 

Thank you to everyone who participated!!!