Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Lonely Road - Feng Shui
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Dowdle Puzzle Haul 2026
I like doing puzzles and the Dowdle brand is a favorite. I prefer the 500 piece puzzles because I can get them done in one day. It's something I take when I dog sit. Can't take them when I cats sit as the cats like to "help". Once I've done the puzzles I sell it off at CCB. It's not a money spinners but I at least get my money back. This was another cross town pick up I did on Sunday. I no sooner got home when these got posted. I hopped back into my car and made the drive. Paid about $3.25 for 36 puzzles. 12 are new in the box, which doesn't really mean anything to me as I'll be opening them but I did pay more for them. I now have a nice back stock when I babysit the Frenchies.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Claw Machine Found
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| $15.00 |
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Estate Sale
One of perks of helping out is that we can pick before the doors open. Most of the nice stuff was way over my price range to resell so I went for the basic household stuff like dish soap. I would normally not pick up bags of dirt but I've been thinking about getting some perlite for my violets. I'm boycotting HomeDepot so I would have to make a special trip so a local nursery. That also means I would be paying top dollar for something I really don't need. I did pick up this pan rack for my son's condo. He's kitchen is tiny and doesn't have a lot of storage space. We had talked about getting one of these so it's perfect. Hand foraged with a narrow profile. Took a lot of running up and down the stairs with a ladder to get it down. Now the challenge is getting up to Tahoe!
Monday, May 18, 2026
ATC cards in the making
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| Messy Desk Is A Happy Desk |
I decided I would make ATC cards for Craftcation 2027.
I think I'm the last person to still use twinkling H2O watercolors! After many, many years I'm finally use up some of my favorite colors. It's still my go to watercolors when I'm in a creative rut. The plan is I'll add my contact information on the back. Sort of an over the top business card. The other design I plan to do is a mini iris folding circle. Still working on how to get the pattern that small and still be able to see the folds.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Blue Cheese Guacamole 2026
I've never been one to toss out food just because. With food prices going through the roof, I'm even more mindful what I buy at the store. I go in with a list and I now rarely impulse buy anything. Having a Costco size bag of avocados and having them getting ripe at the same time requires planning.
Seeing recipes for guacamole where you don't smash them up but keep them in chunks. I thought why not? I added salsa sauce and blue cheese to go with the corn chips I picked up. I know adding blue cheese to the guacamole is weird but it worked! :)
Friday, May 15, 2026
Most Important Man in My Life
Earlier this week my car AC was making my whole car shake. Which was scary. It was way passed needing an oil change too. So I made the call to Marco to set up an appointment. He knew it was the AC fan that was the problem when I dropped off my car. I get a call later in the afternoon and Marco said to replace the fan box unit, the part alone was $3,000! He knew I wouldn't be happy about that so he took the whole thing apart. He found what he thinks was a lizard stuck on the fan blades causing an imbalance, which was causing the whole car to shake. I'm sure if I had taken it anywhere else I would have gotten huge repair bill. I'm still without a car today as one more part is still on order but it's not mission critical. I elected to keep my car there and hopefully it will get replaced today.
While stuck at home I made a very long to do list. One thing I wanted to do was trim back the lemon grass and rosemary plants I planted last year. Also to make cuttings as I slowly turn the old lawn area (Posey potty area) into a more drought tolerant landscape. Took some mint cuttings just because I could, they don't really need help spreading. :)
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Last of my death pile.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Craftcation 2027 Anyone?
When you're practicing sun printing or watercoloring you should use the best paper you have. It's really important in sun printing because everything gets dunked in water multiple times. I have all these samples stacked up on my table. I just hate throwing them out so there they sit.
After watching "The Stitchery" you tube about her review on "Craftcation" in Ventura, I checked it out. Sounded interesting and her positive reviews made me sign up. Well after another friend said she would go with me sealed the deal. Right after that Sandy Allnock (another online artist I follow) talked about handing out mini zine books with her business cards at a watercolor conference she attended in Italy for Daniel Smith watercolors. I thought why don't I try and make those little books with my watercolor papers. I knew it would be too thick but I gave it a try anyways. It didn't work but the folded pages are the size of business cards. So maybe I'll cut them up and embellish them a little more for ATC / business cards.
Anyone else interesting in going to Craftcation in 2027? We can plan an informal get together and trade ATC cards!
Monday, May 11, 2026
Fig Tree 2026
My potato plants are doing great. A few months ago they started to sprout so I planted them. I just like having green things in my garden so even if the potatoes don't turn out well, they look lushy green!
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Amazing Gold Cigarette Case
These guys pay 85% of whatever spot price is that day. That is the highest amount of anyone who's willing to come to you will pay. I set up an appointment because there are a few other volunteers who want to sell off silver and feel safer doing it at the store. That morning the guys got a call from an estate clean out person that they had a lot of gold. This vintage cigarette case (it was tested via a scanning machine) is gold. About $18k worth of gold! Best guess it's Russian. It's was pandemonium at the store. The guys wanting to keep our appointment but also having to go to the bank to make the wire transfer and dealing with all the random questions the ladies kept asking them. A lot of wheels spinning for everyone involved! Still very cool find for the guys!
Saturday, May 9, 2026
To sell or not to sell - cast iron 101
I sold the #8 pan (10" surface) for $40, which is at the low end for a Wagner. I debated for awhile if I should hold out or just take the offer. It was marked as the other ones in the lot aren't but I know are Wagner. The pan didn't pass the spin test so it wasn't perfect. I should have tested it at the auction house but I was more interested in the pepper grinder.
Spin Test - A cast iron pan should not spin, wiggle or move when on a flat surface. If it does, it's warped and will cause hot spots. Even the smallest movement it would get rejected to those serious about their pans.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Tea Leaf Salad
It is something you have to plan ahead as the dressing has to ferment for two days. I know that sounds weird but it does mellow out all the strong tasting ingredients.
I didn't have any tomatoes this time but I did add some chicken just because. The tomatoes do add to the salad but vine ripe is the only way to go.
I'll be eating this salad for the next few days which is fine with me!
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Mod Podge Fail
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Tomat Sauce with Butter & Onion by Marcella Hazan
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Staffordshire Spill Holders
I picked up these Staffordshire "spill holder" on MaxSold this weekend. Back in the day these would be on your fireplace mantel holding scraps of rolled up paper to help start your fire. I thought they were interesting enough to place a low bid. Was a little surprised I got them for $7.00. Getting tagged today and boxed up to go to the Cottage Crafts.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Santa in May 2026
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Mochi Pancakes for Posey
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| Gluten Free Pancake Mix |
This mix is from Costco and I've had it for awhile now. It calls for milk which I don't normally have in the house. In my failed attempt to use almond milk in my coffee, I still have a whole carton in my refrigerator. Not wanting to waste it and thinking Posey wouldn't really care, I gave it a try. Turned out pretty good and so much better than the breadfruit one. Posey beelined it to my door when she came home from her morning walk. Didn't even say good-bye to her dog walker. :)
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Booth Make Over 2026
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Upcycle Display Piece
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| Before |
I'm sure this cabinet was used for CDs back in the day as those fit it as well. I've had cabinets like this before and they do make nice storage displays. I paid up for it, $100 so I won't ever get my money back. Those extra auction fees really add up! Going to use it in my booth.
At the end of the auction I started chatting with another reseller. She and I were both looking for display pieces. She is getting ready for a street fair in Watsonville. I could tell we had the same taste in the "look" we wanted for a booths. It was very nice that we could chat and not get upset that we out bid each other. Now that I know her, I'll go over my list with her before the next auction. We can sort out what really is important to us. This is a big no no at auctions and I've only done it one other time many years ago for something I personally wanted.
Update: Spent five hours redoing my booth and after trying three different ways, it just wasn't working. So it was used in another part of the store. Tami (store owner) was a good sport handling all the auction stuff I dragged in and finding places for everything. 
After
Monday, April 27, 2026
Howard Kron - MCM Siamese Cat Lamp
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Another Auction Score - Wooden Jewelry Box
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| Handmade Jewelry Box $31.50 |
As always the art has to speak to me and of course be in my price range. :) There were three piece of sterling silver in the box but still not worth a whole lot.
Inside the box
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Another Auction Day
I'll do better photos once I get everything home. The check out line was too long so I'll go back on Sunday to pick up everything.
The cats are TV lamps. Back in the day they sat on your TV for backing lighting. I went a little over my budget (well a lot over my budget) but they are super cool. I won't make a lot on them and I know that. $180.00
The little cubby shelf, I plan to use as a display piece in my booth. I would use it to display coffee mugs, but I don't own that many. :) $80.00
The wooden jewelry box was what I really wanted and it went under budget. It is filled with junk and I mean toss it in the trash stuff. The box is cool and handmade. $25.00
After getting a short lesson on cast iron pans from someone who refinishes them, I know what to look for. One of the pans is a Wagner #8. I use a 10" cast iron pan everyday and my daughter wanted one. Smaller cast iron pans are much easier to use. There really isn't a big cooking difference in old cast iron pans so long as you take care of them. Your just paying for the name. In the lot was a metal pepper/coffee grinder that Alton Brown (big fan) uses. Can't see in the photo. I want to give that a try before selling it off. $45.00
I'm planning a doing a display of "heavy metal" items and was just talking about it with Tami (CCB store owner) the day before. Then I saw this lot and it just was meant to be. Can't wait to put this display together. $60.00
Friday, April 24, 2026
Union Antiques - New Kid In Town
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Banana Pudding Cookies
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| Banana Cookies In The Making |
When I babysit the frenchies, they ask (the owners not the dogs) what snacks I would like in the house. Normally I don't ask for anything because the kids have the best snack drawer. This time I asked for some banana pudding cookies from Magnolia bakery. I didn't know that the ones I scarfed down last time came from New York and are pretty pricey! The reason I wanted one was to have M try it and see if she could duplicate the recipe. Well M loved them, looked up the recipe and made a batch dough that same day. It's waiting to be baked up fresh for Saturday. Happy dance! Hopefully I will be able to get M to make a batch when the boys come out this summer. Banana bread is their favorite so I know they will love these!
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Breadfruit Pancake Mix - Pass
I'm cat sitting for the next 3 weeks but I go home every morning to shower and make breakfast. It's much easier and faster. I drive by a Trader Joes on my way home. My daughter is asking for me to stock up on the small trader joe bags. It's still a hot item in Europe so reselling them is her side hustle. I've had the best luck in finding them when the store opens at 8:00 am. I really didn't need anything today but I didn't want to waste a visit when there was no bags. So I picked up some real whole milk and bananas. TJ bananas are better than Costco for ripening.
This mix wasn't all that good but Posey really liked it. She's a chocolate lab and she just likes eating so she can't give an honest review. :) Next up is the Costco mochi pancake mix which also calls for milk.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Harry Potter Audio Book Score
Thinking I was going to get out bid on MaxSold, as the last ones went for big bucks. I bid $4 and then totally forgot about it. Well got the notice my $4.00 bid won! Happy to add to my collection and someday I'll get all of them. :)
It's rose season
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
I haven't been able to actually see a super bloom but it's on my list. This is the closest I'll get for now. :)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Wool Roving Score at Savers
One of the project on my list of things to do is felting. I have everything but the wool roving. It's a little to $$$ to buy new so I've been searching for it at the thrift stores. I popped into Savers today (senior discount day) to pick up a few puzzles. I'm dog sitting this week so I do puzzles to make sure they have all the pieces before I sell them off. I normally don't buy things at Savers if the box has been torn open. Not sure why people do this. Since all I really wanted was the roving, it didn't matter if everything else was in the box. Turns out the only thing missing was the needle. So for $2.50 I have a nice selection of earthy colors to practice with.
Monday, April 13, 2026
When you have nothing to wear moment
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Carol Kennedy Artwork
As I pulled out the big halloween bin that is next to jewelry, right on top was this primitive artwork. I flipped it over to see if it was handmade. To my surprise it was made by a dear friend Carol Kennedy! She made amazing primitive artwork and was also an antique dealer. I have a few of her Santa dolls so I will add this to my collection. Carol passed away a few years ago and sadly her inventory was tossed away. Long sad story about that but I won't go into it. Will focus on the positive and how lucky I was to find this.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Tomatoe Sauce with Butter and Onion - Food 52
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| Recipe by Marcella Hazan on the cover |
I was asked if I found everything I wanted. I said yes and that I don't impulse buy anymore. The checker was a little surprised by that. With the high cost of food and all the recalls happening with prepared foods, I'm much more selective. I did check out the gluten free cupcakes but I was just window shopping. :) I do pick up one thing when I'm at Costco that's not on my shopping list. In my area they carry a lot of Asian foods I haven't every tried. I only go there maybe once a month for gas so it's never over the top.
Recipe:
Can of Italy tomatoes (that's important)
Butter (a lot of it)
Half an onion (not chopped up)
That's it. Then whatever pasta you want and grated cheese.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Waffle Potatoes?
Monday, April 6, 2026
Cyanotype and watercolor experiment
What does work are watercolors that stain the paper - reds and oranges. They don't easily wash away. You also have to towel dry the paper quickly after the final rinse. Water can't drip or puddle on the paper at all or you'll have a hot mess.
I also experimented splattering on some paint over the prints and that worked out very well.
Now I just have to decide what to do with it all. :)
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Another Surprise!
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Can't be in two place type of day
I really want to see if I could get this vintage (glows green) crystal ink well stand. Super cool piece but a limited resale market. All the junk lots have high opening bids so I would have to be there to see just how high. There was also this small folding table that would have been cool to get if I could have attended. I think I'll stop by on Sunday and see if these lots sold and if they haven't, I'll make an offer.
"Fabulous Felt" Project First Round
I first tried just doing a single layer of felt but it wasn't turning out too well. I finally did what the author said to do and doubled everything. Yes, it worked out much better.
My blanket stitch is still wonky and it shows but I got pretty good at making french knots.
Now I have to decide if I want to make a whole big banner of these. Thinking maybe I'll use my sewing machine but I sort of like the rustic handmade look. :)















































