giggleface studios

Cuckoo For Cuckoo Clocks

While I was out and about gathering up a few Christmas "necessities", I decided to stop at an antique store that just opened a week ago. It is a very small store in a very odd location, but thought it couldn't hurt to pop inside and take a peek!

Boy, am I glad I did...it is a real gem! Within minutes of walking through the door I spied about three things I wanted to take home with me....

1. A six-piece Pyrex Butter Print set

2. A darling wicker sewing basket/table (with a hefty price tag)

3. The sweetest tick-tock sound I've ever heard!

That's right...I bought the cuckoo clock! Nothing at that moment was more important than having that clock.

About a year ago I found a large painted cuckoo clock at an antique store that was sitting on the shelf all tangled up. I passed it up because it looked like it might be damaged and I didn't know if I could or would take the time to try and figure it out. Well, days passed and it was still on my mind, so I hopped in the car and headed back to the store to get it...it was gone! *sniff*

I have kicked myself repeatedly for not getting it right then and there! I have searched high and low since that very sad day, and finding a cuckoo clock has always been #1 on my treasure hunting list...until now! *squeal with delight*

I never thought I could love a clock so much, and find myself checking the time frequently to see if "it's time". But, rest assured that I am not the only one who loves the little cuckoo...my dogs go nuts when he pops his head out to tell the time!

Thrifting

It has been awhile since I have gone a-thrifting! Yesterday was a little slow, so I decided to spend my morning at the thrift store...and I was not disappointed. I came home with about 3-4 yards of red plaid wool, a curtain panel perfect for my craft closet and this little gem of a quilt pattern! It was in a plastic sleeve with the pattern pieces, handwritten directions, and two color pictures. There wasn't a price tag, and sometimes at thrift stores they WILL NOT let you purchase it, no matter how much you beg, plead or stamp your feet...but I was in luck (maybe it's because I'm a familiar face there) and she rang it up for...ready...99 cents! WHoo-Hoo!

It's a 20's style quilt with hand applique and embroidery! Doesn't this look like fun to put together? You could get so creative with this! Here are two examples of the blocks:

Aren't these dames all dolled-up? The 20's are my absolute favorite time period, the music and fashions are the Bee's Knees!

Here is a picture of what the finished quilt looks like. I'm not sure about all those flowers, but I do know there are so many ideas and possibilities already buzzing around in my head!

Happy Halloween!

Wacky Weather and Chilly Chili

There was some crazy weather this morning on the way to taking the kids to school! On the East side of the street the sky was blue and clear with the sun just coming up. On the West side there were dark gray clouds, gusty winds and rain! It definitely made for a most impressive and interesting drive! In the middle of all this chaos, there was the most bright and vivid FULL rainbow! You could see from end to end. I snapped a quick picture of the rainbow out the car window, but this picture doesn't do it justice in any way. It was totally awesome and incredible!

This week is supposed to quite cold and blustery (only the 50's) and to help keep toasty and warm I thought for dinner I would serve...Chili for a chilly night! This is one of my most favorite quick chili recipes. I found it on the back of the shredded cheese package and it has been made many times.

There are only a few ingredients to make this chili, but don't let that scare you! It is hearty and totally satisfying...and...my kids snarfed it up (that counts for something.)

Cheese-Topped Turkey Chili

1 Lb. Turkey

1 (1.25oz.) Package Taco Seasoning Mix  

* OR If you have leftover taco meat and not sure you can stomach one more taco...put it in the chili!

2 (14.5 oz.) Cans Chicken Broth

15 oz. Southwest Corn & Peppers, Drained

15 oz. Great Northern Beans, Drained

1 Cup Broken Tortilla Chips (or leftover taco shells)

1 1/2 Cups Colby Jack, Shredded

Brown turkey in a large saucepan over med-high until thourghly cooked. Stir in seasoning mix, broth, corn, beans, and chips. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 5-10 minutes. Top with shredded cheese.

There is nothing more perfect than eating a warm bowl of chili and a hot baked potato, while the wind is blowing and the leaves are swirling around outside the window!