Folksy Floral Loretta Apron {Product Review}

So, remember that Apron that I really, really, really, really loved?....."Oh, Loretta?"
Yeah, that's the one.

 Well, my awesome friend, Susan, wrote the company (ASD Living) to see where she could get one and they ended up sending one to me for free in the Folksy Floral Fabric that I loved!!

Now, how awesome is that?!

It just gives me warm fuzzies that people are so nice and giving. :) smile.

There you are.

Upon receiving this fabulous gift, I admired how it was packaged. That stuff doesn't really matter but it makes me happy when things are packaged in a cute way.

Two thumbs up. Simple but thoughtful.

And I open her up to find....

Really cute buuuut I will say I was a bit disappointed in the coloring of the material.  That's almost 90% of the reason why I wanted it and it's not the color that it looked like on the internet (maybe it was just my computer). It's kind of like expecting a sip of cranberry juice (which I like) but getting black cherry (which I also like). I thought it would be more blue and white than teal and cream. But still! It is really cute and I love it! I probably would have bought it anyway so 2 thumbs up!

Functionality

I had to give 'er a test run of course to make sure the pockets were in the right places for my monkey arms and that it did in fact look cute as well as keep the mess offa me.

No better way to test drive it than to make some Christmas cookies for the neighbors, eh?!
Well, I got lazy so I didn't make the cookies but I did try it on. ;)
Review: The pockets are in the perfect spot to rest my weary cookie making arms, {I don't know why I love pockets} The apron itself does cover a lot of square footage so it is definitely functional! For the fit, it is pretty good for an apron. I am definitely not as small as that mannequin is so it fits quite different. The bottom is super cute and frilly (love), but for me the top just doesn't fit like the picture looks. I think my torso is a bit too long (and wide) plus I'm not a mannequin. ;) This Loretta halter style would look best on a thin frame. If you have the shape of this mannequin then it will look stunning on you! Otherwise, it is still a nice apron but other styles would likely be more flattering.
I also really love the material. It is sturdy but flowy and very comfy. It's perfect for an apron.
So, overall I give it a 2 thumbs up rating! Check out ASD Living for other cute apron styles as well.

And just for fun I am showing you these ridiculously awesome spatulas I received as a gift for Christmas last year.

Happy Baking!

Apron Love

So I have posted about my love of cute aprons before, but I apparently didn't know what love was..... until now.

However, like two star-crossed lovers, I will never be able to end up with my love in the end.

You see, I received this Groupon deal in my inbox and it was love at first sight.

I had never seen such a site before in my life.

Oh, Loretta.... how I love thee.

Not just any Loretta would do of course.

It had to be my one true love.... Folksy Floral.

There you are.

Ok. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic but my love was made sure when I found that they had sold out. Alas, it is sold nowhere else. Oh the anguish upon my being!

So if any of you out there that bought this apron want to take mercy on this heart-broken soul, you would make my year if you but allow me to pay more than a pittance for it. {Let me know!}

Salt Pigs

I have yet another confession to make. 

I want a salt pig.

I have for a while now.

I actually don't really want the traditional cloak and dagger hooded salt pig. The only reason being it looks less functional.... I need to fit my whole hand in there and I'm not sure I could unless the thing is huge.

I like this one.

Of course you do, Sara, it's expensive.

Here are some more cute ones for you to peruse. You can click on any of these if you want more info from Amazon (Love them. Yep, I'm Prime).

Salt and Pepper Pigs. :)  Sounds delicious.



An acacia wood pig.

This one is from Paula Dean. You can separate different types of salts.

A marble pig.

Cloak and dagger hooded salt pigs

 So, why is the salt pig?

This is what Dr. Google said.

Theory #1: The unglazed interior absorbs moisture keeping the salt fresh and dry

Theory #2: Ceramic interiors keep the salt from clumping in a humid climate or kitchen

Theory #3: The top/hood keeps the soot and dust out of your salt

All very logical and probable.

My Theory: It's a lot easier than trying to open that dang salt container aluminum spout, dumping it into your hand, having to use two hands to decorate your steak with salt and then wasting the remainder every time you need to salt something. {Yes, I refuse to use a salt shaker.}

So... why is it a "pig"?

Well, a long time ago in a land far far away (Scotland) John McSmith got fed up with the little aluminum spout and put his salt in a little jar. According to the Scottish, a "pig" is a jar or container made from "earthenware" like clay or ceramic, and thus it was named.

Yep, proud to be Scottish. :)

Anyway, these little salt pigs are super cute and would make a fabulous hostess gift. Put some fancy Himalayan pink crystal salts in it and finish it off with a cutesy bow or some twine and a gift tag.

So, there you have it. Salt pigs. I want one.
But, wait, we haven't addressed the most important question of all.

"Is it ok to put kosher salt in a salt pig?"

The Best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

When it comes to mint ice cream, I'm pretty picky.

I'm not a fan of the vanilla ice creams with mint chocolate pieces or the neon green ice cream that barely has a handful of chocolate chips in the whole container.

I actually don't prefer the mint ice creams that have "chocolate chips" or chunks at all.

The best mint ice cream is Farr... by far (hehe, I had to do it).

Please meet Farr.

Doesn't this look amazing?

See how the chocolate is actually shaved? That's how you do it.

Not to mention, it is the perfect texture and makes amazing ice cream cones that build high!!

Yes, it is slightly more expensive, BUT this is the best out there and

it really isn't that much more considering how much better it is.

Don't waste money on mediocre mint ice cream when you can have 

amazing ice cream for a dollar more. Try it.

I Scream. You Scream. We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Addendum:
I forgot to mention the coolest part about ice cream for me right now....
I got an awesome ice cream scoop for Christmas and I am hooked (Thanks Peggy!).
I will never be going back to the traditional scoop again.

Exhibit A:

WILTON ICE CREAM SCOOP

See the weirdo looking scoop on it. Well, my friends, it is geniusly designed to smoothly glide through your ice cream as if it had been sitting in steaming water for hours!

The contour just works. Someone got smart with this one. ;D

Go get one. You won't be dissappointed.

Meet Candy Thermometer

I want to introduce you to a friend of mine.

Candy thermometer, meet foodie. Foodie, meet candy thermometer.

Great. Now that formalities are out of the way....

Christmas (and the season surrounding it) is a great time to pull out your thermometer (or go buy one).

So get ready because I will be posting a few recipes that require a candy thermometer (or at least it makes things a lot easier).

I really love this model (shown above) because you can just set it in the pan or pot without worrying that the bottom of the thermometer is touching the pan. I love it. I think I am going to get a few to have on hand just in case. This is one of those life changing tools you come across that just put your mind at ease and make cooking fun! It's only around $12 and well worth the investment.

Don't forget to share all those treats that you make with your neighbors and family!
They will LOVE you for it!

Just so y'all know, I have a slight obsession with cute aprons.

Exhibit A.

Doesn't it just make you want to bake a cute cupcake and take a picture?

I added a bunch of aprons to my product list that I think deserve getting flour on.

Exhibit B: Product List

You are all welcome to get me some for Christmas. ;D