Try It Tuesday - Cake for Your Valentine.

Hey!

Do y'all read Craft Gossip?

Why not?

It's a daily collection of short blogs that encompasses almost every aspect of crafting.

I loves it! 

So many ideas, so little time.

The other day I stumbled across this entry:

 "I Heart My Pound Cake"

Well, I do love my pound cake. 

I think I make a mighty fine one indeed.

But look what Toni Dash of  Boulder Locavore did to her pound cake!

Isn't that pretty?

I just had to make this for BillHubby in honor of Yucky Mushy Stuff Day  

St Valentine's Day.

Neither of us ever make a fuss about this "Hallmark Cards Holiday."

But BillHubby has a sweet tooth.

I used two box cakes mixes.

One Red Velvet and one Devil's Food.

Toni's directions are clear and easy to follow.

I did stray on one aspect. 

I didn't cut the red cake into slices. 

I used my cookie cutter to cut one 

big ol hunk of heart shaped cake.

 It was awkward.

It worked but I think if I decide to bake this again -

and I probably will - I will invest in one of those heart shaped baking tubes.

BillHubby also thinks a cake isn't done until it is frosted.

I used canned Cream Cheese Frosting.

Happy St Valentine's Day!!

Thrifty Thursday and Fabulous Friday Combo Day

Sometimes

I love shopping.

When one has enough money to provide the essentials it is fun to shop for silly stuff.

I always love bargain shopping!

BillHubby and I keep a running list of things we need and things we want.

I am so glad that we think on similar wavelengths. 

Last week we went out and about on a few missions.

We stopped at a few places in search of the perfect thermos jug so he can take coffee to work. 

The two travel mugs he was using are leaky and 

the second cup was lukewarm by the time he wanted to drink it.

There were stops at Dick's Sporting Goods, Target (Targhet if ya wanna get all fancy) and Orvis.

Can you believe there were no large thermoses at Dick's!? 

I mean it's a Sporting Goods store for heaven's sake! 

C'mon now.

Targhet had good prices.

But I convinced BillHubby to stop at Orvis. 

Orvis has really top of the line quality products. 

The clothes are fantastic.

The gear is reliable.

The prices are OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!

Isn't this bowl the cutest? 

This is the best type of squirrel. 

Adorable and non-trouble making.

This bowl would look so at home on a shelf in our home amidst my Raleigh, 

The City of Oaks, acorns and pics, right?

 

(See how small it is next to my hand?)

Um, yeah, I don't think so. 

(I really can't take him anywhere.)

After we took this picture we were swarmed with attentive sales folk. 

Guess they don't allow playing with the merch.

Stuffed shirts.

The nice lady showed us a Stanley thermos that would meet BillHubby's needs.

It was sturdy.

It was big.

It had a nice cup.

It was $45!

(Yes, that IS my shopping notebook. It's where I keep our running lists)

A few days later.

Targhet.

Picture taken to send to BillHubby so he can choose.

That Stanley, yeah the green one.

Yeah, the exact same one that Orvis was selling for $45.

$25

SOLD

I still think Orvis merchandise rocks. 

20 years ago I worked in a catalog return store. 

We carried L.L. Bean, J Crew, Orvis, Victoria's Secret and other catalog over run and returned merchandise.

I still have a wonderful Orvis Barn Coat and several J Crew Sweaters and Corduroy shirts. 

Those products have held up to the test of time.

Shopping around either in person or online is the only way to compare prices, products and save money.

BillHubby is happy to report that his new Stanley Thermos is exceeding his expectations in the transport and the keeping hot of his coffee!
FABULOUS!!!! 

Next Week: Local thrift shops that support other organizations and causes.