Attention Target Shoppers...Winter Hats On Clearance!

Attention Target shoppers!  The markdown on winter accessories has begun!  On a recent shopping trip to one of our local Target stores, I found some winter items marked down.  I picked up this cute Merona felt cloche hat for just $5.08 :)  The gloves were 50% in our store, but I'm going to wait for those to go 75% off or more.  That's when I typically replenish my supply of gloves, mittens and hats for the kids.  In our house, gloves seem to get lost or lose their mate, so I stock up when they're cheap!

Merona Pink Oversized Flower Felt Cloche

Mary Ellen

Disclosure

Garden Ridge 90% Off Christmas!

A big thank you to Manuela, who encouraged me to visit our local Garden Ridge store after I commented on a clock she purchased there.  Garden Ridge is new to our area, and just opened up in the space of a closed Target store.  I actually thought it was a farm supply store at first!  I was blown away my first visit.  So much for the eye to see and the store seemed to go on forever!  Dave and I took particular interest in their Christmas tree selection.  You know how we feel about Christmas trees around here!  When the Christmas items went to 75% off, Dave surprised me with a 7ft pink Christmas tree - so adorable!  And then, the wait was on.  Would they go to 90% off?  

My sweet husband diligently checked in every day after work.  For the past two weeks, they stayed at 75% off.  Finally, yesterday 90% OFF!  Dave picked up a few Christmas trees after work before coming home.

Including this 12 foot pre-lit tree!  Yes, 12 feet of Christmas tree awesomeness! 



 We went back to the store together to get discounted ornaments (most boxes were .99 or less) and one more Christmas tree.  My cart was filled to the brim with ornaments.  I looked like I was auditioning for TLC's Extreme Couponing!  Don't worry local folks, we didn't clear the shelves :)  We filled the back of our minivan.  Hey, when my husband says spend what you want, I listen!  This morning, I totaled our haul and figured we came away with just over 1500 ornaments!

Who's ready for Christmas!  This girl is!

Mary Ellen    

Country Living Classic Vintage Table Linens

A random stop into K-Mart turned into an early Christmas present for yours truly!  While browsing with Dave, we came across these Country Living Classic Vintage table linens on clearance!  Dave agreed to buy me a table cloth and the last remaining placemat as an early Christmas gift.  The store only had one matching seat cushion left and none of the coordinating red ticking stripe window valances.  A search of other K-Mart stores for the remaining pieces of this collection turned up zilch.  But, I'm happy to have found this table cloth for such a great price as I've been admiring it for a long time!  And, I may even return to buy an extra one (you know as insurance against the little people and furry kitties!).   

The table cloth has a lovely red rose pattern with a decorative ruffle around the edge.  Please excuse the wrinkles, I didn't bother to iron it in my excitement!

Inspired by the colors in the table cloth, I decided to change dining room's Christmas tree and decorations.  Instead of blue and gold, we're going with warm reds and golds this year and natural elements.  I'll share more of those details later!

Mary Ellen

Preserving the Season - Canning Pear Honey

Preserving the season - locally grown pears

Godwin's Orchards, Johnston County, NC

With the change in season, pears have made an appearance at our farmer's market.  Last year, I bought pears from my pastured egg lady.  But this year, her trees didn't produce.  Fortunately, the gentleman I buy apples from also has pear trees.  He offered me a great price on the pears, so I bought the entire basket right then and there!

Interestingly enough, I don't really like pears!  But, I do love pear honey - which is like applesauce (but with pears, of course!) and crushed pineapple.  And despite the name, there's no honey involved.  The finished product just has a golden, honey color - hence pear "honey".  

Pear Honey

original recipe can be found here

3lbs fresh pears, peeled, cored and chopped {you'll need about 7 lbs of whole pears}

3 cups sugar

1-8 oz. can of crushed pineapple in juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1.  Combine all ingredients in a large stainless steel saucepan.

2.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

3.  Simmer for 40 minutes.

4.  Drain some of the cooking liquid and using an immersion blender (or masher), grind pears to a thick, applesauce like consistency.

My new canner - an anniversary present!

This girl loves practical gifts for the home :)

5.  Spoon into prepared canning jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. 

6.  Process in boiling water for 10 minutes.

I was able to make 7 half pint jars of pear honey - one of which was gifted to the gentleman from the orchid.  He's going to bring more pears to the market next weekend, so I'll be back in the kitchen canning very soon!

Attention Target shoppers...On my last Target trip, I found this box of 12 regular mouth canning lids with bands on clearance for $2.78.  That's the cheapest I've seen for this in our area.  Might be worth a look-see if you're in Target.  Also, tis' the season for discounted school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes at Target.  Get a start on next year's school supply shopping or stock up for the rest of this school year!

Mary Ellen