My Newest Addition

Pretty sure, that you know all about, one of my favorite collections. My "Apron Collection." It's probably the most dear to my heart. It all started, with 4 aprons. That belonged to, 2 of my grandmas.

Over the last few years, my collection has grown quite a bit. With lots of handmade aprons. Did you say crochet apron? Why yes, I happened to make one for myself. I've also convinced my Momma, to sew me up a few. Say, one for every holiday! :)

Yes, I'm a bit spoiled. I even take to sewing my own. Searching out darling fabrics. Even vintage curtains. Heck, even this guy's family knows. His grandma sewed me up a "Birthday Apron." His momma is always picking me up a new one. From my favorite store Target.

But just the other day, I came home to this sweet thing. The Eiffel For You Apron. :) That my sweet man, happened to order. Just for me. In case you're interested, there are a few left. And as of this morning, they went on sale. Not sure how long that will last. But this beauty, is now $28. How can you resist those ruffles, that bow, and the cute print? I treasure my new girl. The newest addition, to my most dear collection. ♥

Be Mine Cherry Brownies

Yesterday was Valentine's Day! And around here, we enjoyed a nice and quiet holiday. Alone. It was heaven! Something we don't get to do often. But we cherished every single moment!

I did lots of cooking for My Guy. Something that I absolutely LOVE to do! And he spoiled me with lots of nice gifts. Which was incredibly sweet,and unexpected! But back to that cooking. Earlier this week, I had been looking for some good dessert recipes. My Guy likes him some dessert! And I baked for almost 2 days. :) One of the recipes that I used, was this week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week.



Be Mine Cherry Brownies

18.3-oz. pkg. fudge brownie mix
3 1-oz. sqs. white baking chocolate
1/3 c. whipping cream
1 c. cream cheese frosting
1/4 c. maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1-1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. butter
Garnish: candy sprinkles

Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Line a 13"x9" baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving several inches on sides for handles. Spray bottom of foil with non-stick vegetable spray; spread batter into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 24 to 26 minutes; let cool. Lift brownies from pan; remove foil. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut brownies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white baking chocolate and whipping cream for one to 2 minutes, stirring until chocolate is melted; refrigerate 30 minutes. Stir frosting and cherries into chilled chocolate mixture; spread over brownies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter for one to 2 minutes, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a plastic zipping bag, snip off a tip and drizzle over brownies. Garnish with sprinkles. Makes 14.


So I can't lie! I got this cookbook as a gift. From K. She knows that I collect cookbooks. And that Gooseberry Patch is my favorite! This is one, that I've had on my list, for a little while. K actually gave it to me, right before we left. And it has been such a treat to have! I've already made 3 different desserts!

The funny thing is, I had flagged this recipe. In the cookbook. It was one of my favorites. But when I saw it this week, as the Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week, I knew that I just had to make it! Even if we, had to make a midnight run to the grocery store. Luckily, not on Valentine's Day. I realized I was missing 2 ingredients, 2 days before. :)

My Guy also told me, that he enjoyed this little treat. Though we both agreed, one is more than enough. These brownies are pretty sweet. But a nice change. I'm pretty sure that I can find a friend, or two, that would like to finish off our little stash. After all, we should share! I'm telling you, there is nothing like chocolate and cherries. And these were well worth, the midnight run to the grocery store! ♥

Flirty Aprons

One thing, that I'm not sure you know yet is...I collect aprons. I LOVE aprons!!! Yes, I'll admit that here. :) It started, when I first moved out, of my parents' house. My Mom was giving me lots of stuff, to take with me. Odds and ends, that she was finding. Because my parents were also remodeling their house.

I ended up, "inheriting" 2 aprons. Made in the 40s? Out of sheer fabric, ric-rac, and lace. Beautiful! They are the type of aprons, that women wore, when they had company over. Totally "useless," but so pretty!

After that, I hunted out aprons. I bought them at Antique Stores, Craft Fairs, and even at my grandma's house. :) Then a few years ago, I got involved in an "Apron Swap." I sewed my first apron. And well, the rest is history!

Since then, I've made myself, 30+ aprons. Participated in many "Apron Swaps!" And added many aprons to my "Wishlist." I've received them as gifts. And every single day, I happily wear one.

The other day, "Little Sister," sent me this link. And I was so excited! The kind of excited, that keeps you up, for hours! Because you are drooling over all the beautiful aprons.



I may have hinted to this guy, that I'd love a couple of aprons. Especially, this one. For Christmas. Oh, that would make me so happy!

Is there anything, that you collect? Are you an "Apron Collector" too? Do you "Swap?" I'd like to know. Because these are things I enjoy. Collecting things that I enjoy. Finding fellow collectors, and swapping. And oh ya, sharing some of these wonderful things, with all of you! ♥