Lots of basil this summer! Pesto.
Fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan cheese.
Throw everything together in the food processor.
And...it's done!
It could not be easier. (This is an estate sale find, art deco glass dish with silverplate lid).
This is a table set for an outdoor cupcake dessert - yum!
I used some mini silver cakeplate pedestals.
Pastry forks - although I'm not certain anyone would need a fork to eat a cupcake, even if they are huge! With vintage linen napkins.
Monogram espresso glasses, silver coasters.
Hydrangea in a sugar scuttle for the centerpiece.
And of course, the cupcake. A chocolate cherry cupcake with vanilla frosting.
Basil has done really well this summer.
Some purple basil is peaking through the green. Maybe it's time to make some pesto!
Flowers are overtaking the head!
This cute planter is the thrift store find from last weekend, with a pot of mint.
And a pretty black eyed Susan.
The last of gerbera daisies.
My sister has an overabundance of raspberry bushes. I've picked several buckets full this summer, and made a few pies.
Since I was making a fairly small batch, I am not canning. I assumed it would all be consumed within a day or two (it was).
I added sugar (approximately 1/4 cup) to the raspberries in a pot, and put on medium-high heat.
Stir occasionally and cook until the berries have broken down and become syrupy. Add the zest of one lemon. And it's done!
You can serve it while hot, or keep in the fridge (for a few days).
I found this adorable antique crystal jelly jar with spoon at an estate sale. Perfect to serve jam for breakfast or a snack!
Serve with biscuits, on toast, over ice cream, on sandwiches...
Here are a few more finds from weekend estate sales. They did not make it into the earlier post due to laundering. Above are a set of pretty little cocktail napkins.
A bread basket linen liner - it has 4 "arms" that lay over the basket.
Or fold over the bread neatly to keep it warm (in this case, balls of twine).
This one has darling little floral details.
And a set of pillow cases with pretty pink and white embroidery detail along the openings. I think I will try to make these into pillowcase dresses.
I found some great thrifty finds at estate sales this week. I had one big purchase. This harp leg sewing table was $145 - too much for my budget. It was really beautiful, and I had been looking for something like this with drawers to keep silver flatware. I ended up putting a bid on the table for $50, and I got it!
Though still expensive, I think I got a really good deal, and I am very happy with it.
The details are beautiful and the shape of the legs is so unique. (You might notice the mirror over the table as my mirror metamorphosis project from a few weeks ago).
I went to Joann Fabric and bought some silver cloth (specially treated fabric to prevent tarnishing) to line the drawers.
I found a few serving pieces. This great ladle, and meat fork, same pattern. And a beautiful berry serving spoon by Wm A. Rogers, La Concorde pattern, 1910.
I also found this charming cake server. After I cleaned it up, I saw it had a sterling handle!
And I love the monogram - Bob and Kitty Oct. 28 1944. It was probably a wedding gift.
This napkin ring is also sterling, and the monogram reads, Louise.
And I found yet another wine box, and a cute little wire plant stand.
It has lots of great ideas and tips, on a budget!
DIY ideas, such as making a frame out of PVC piping.
Many ideas for flea market finds, such as turning a mirror into a stylish shelf.
Fixing up a chair with a missing back.
Turning an old lighting fixture into a vase.