New Site of Thrifty Goodness - www.thegoodnessshop.com

You would be surprised how many Goodness related domain names are already taken. Finally we found:

www.thegoodnessshop.com

Please find me there now as well as my sister Mandi. We look forward to seeing you! Please pardon our appearance while we spruce up the new blog but we just couldn't wait to start blogging in the new space.

We're Moving!

Sorry for all the reviews lately and NO crafty or thrifty posts. I have been busy working on a whole new blog site and will reveal the address soon. It was time for a change of scenery and I lucked into a very nice partnership with a fabulous web designer. I'm going to start blogging with my sister AND we are kicking it off with a fun give away!

I'll be back soon with the new address. Ciao!

Panasonic FlashXpress™ Toaster Oven Review

Recently I've had another chance to review another fun product from Panasonic. This time it is the FlashXpress™ Toaster Oven model NB-G110P.

Here's the scoop:

The FlashXpress Toaster Oven is equipped with a unique quartz and ceramic heating system that allows for fast cook time and convenient, preset menu buttons which eliminates your need to calculate cook time. Double infrared heating system made up of both quartz and ceramic heating elements allows for food to be cooked more efficiently than conventional toaster ovens, which are heated with coils. The far-infrared heating element is used to cook the outside of the food while the near-infrared element penetrates food to cook from the inside out. Additionally, the FlashXpress Toaster Oven’s quartz heating element heats up instantly to the desired temperature, ranging from 250°F to 500°F, eliminating the need for preheating and allowing users to cook food fast when in a hurry.

I'll be honest, I don't have a toaster oven for a reason. They take up a lot of room and I just don't use them that much. We have a toaster to do bread and we don't eat a lot of convenience food or leftovers which are the sweet spots for toaster ovens.

The first thing I noticed about this product was the size. The dimensions are 13 x 12 x 10-1/4. That's it! So it fit nicely on my countertop between the toaster and the food processor. It seems small but the oven itself is a good size. This would be a great model for anyone with limited counter space.

We decided to test the oven on a Friday night with some frozen apps and a bottle of wine. (Note: the wine was not put into the toaster oven but rather into some thrifted stemless glasses and then my belly.) The apps in question were called "chicken bruschetta" and were a slice of French bread with chicken, cheese and spinach. The directions on the box said to preheat the oven to 400 degrees and cook for 20 minutes. The instructions for the toaster oven said no need to preheat and to use the frozen food button instead. It says not to pay attention to the directions on the food. Hmmm. I was a bit skeptical but this was a test so I went for it. Perfect! They were done in about 11 minutes and were toasted perfectly.

The next test was to reheat a bowl of cocktail weenies. (yes, I know, it was party food night.) The bowl I used was a plain glass Pyrex and I used the reheat button and increased it to "dark" which made the cook time 8 minutes. I will say that the bowl was blazing hot but the weenies in the center were only luke warm. I think it would have been better to stir them half way through for better results. (We ate them anyway.)

One more test on Saturday was to reheat some left over shoe strings fries. (I know, it was that kind of weekend. Don't judge.) I again used the reheat button and moved it to dark. The fries were heated evenly and were crisp. That's a win-win in my book. I was planning to also bake some Sculpey clay in there but didn't have the materials. That will come in another post.

So all in all I like the oven. I love the size and it certainly is fast and convenient. The only thing that was a bit odd is that the inside lamps flick on and off while cooking. According to the instruction booklet this is normal and they are heat lamps. I think I could get used to it after while though.

For more information and to purchase your own Panasonic FlashXpress™ Toaster Oven click HERE.

While I was given a product for review the opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by Panasonic.

Kitchen Makeover

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Moen, Incorporated. All opinions are 100% mine.

We were very lucky to only suffer a small amount of damage after Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. One issue we did have was major leaking in the porch roof and along the back kitchen wall. We had the roof repaired but still need to do the interior work. The porch ceiling is not too bad but that kitchen wall is really starting to bug me. I keep putting it off because I don't really enjoy spackle and paint jobs so I really need a motivator to get started.

How about a kitchen makeover? Yeah! My kitchen isn't that old. We renovated the house in 2005 and it still looks pretty good. I try to mix my style so that it has nice modern elements (such as sand colored Corian countertops) and unique French Country style (like my bright red mahogany floors.) One thing I definitely keep modern are my appliances. Everything is stainless steel and brushed nickel finishes. It just works for me.

We do most of our home improvement shopping at Lowe's. They tend to have more decorative elements than their competitors and I often find myself making a "dream home" list while wandering the aisles. Thinking of the dream kitchen makeover I'd really like to swap out our faucet for something with more of a modern flare.

I am loving the Kiran Spot Resist one-handle pulldown kitchen faucet. Sleek, modern and oh so fancy. It has a pull down spray hose that comes down easily and docks securly by way of the Relex system. That even SOUNDS fancy. I also like that is has a high arch, it makes it much easier to do the dishes and fill pots. And did you notice the name?

Oh yes. Spot and fingerprint resistant means LESS cleaning. Now that is the epitome of dream home, don’t you think? And low and behold, it's available at Lowe's. Can a faucet really make a kitchen seem fresher? Absolutely. Shopping for the makeover is clearly the best part. Now I need to tackle the spackle and paint. More on that to come. (Painting tips needed! Drop me a line with your tricks. I'm really a terrible house painter.)

If you'd like to know more about Moen you can follow them HERE on Facebook or on Twitter (@Moen).

Cheers - Rebecca

Softsoap Body Wash in Limited Edition Spring Fragrances

Softsoap is a staple in my house. The pump handsoaps are well priced and I've been known to stock up and have one at each sink in the house. My favorite fragrance by far is the Coconut and Warm Ginger. I'm particular about scent and this one works well for both bathroom and kitchen.

Did you know that Softsoap also makes body washes? I recently got a chance to sample some of the new limited edition spring fragrances. I tried the Forever Springtime and the Lemonade Berry Splash body washes. Both smell amazing! I think I may be more partical to the Forever Springtime which is odd because I thought for sure the more citrusy smell of the Lemonade Berry Splash would be my favorite.

 

 

The Forever Springtime is a creamy wash and makes a nice rich lather. It leaves your skin feeling smooth and moisterized.

 

The Lemonade Berry Blast has little moisterizing beads in it and makes for a more invigorating shower. I could wax on and on about products like these. I am a sucker for trying something new and fun. These scents are limited so grab some while you can! Softsoap is always reasonable priced. The suggested retail price is only $3.89! The bottle is 18 ounces and will last you for many many showers.
For more information on all the Softsoap products click HERE. You can sign up for an enewsletter and check for special offers and coupons. There is also a store finder but I get mine at Target. Easy peasy.

While I was given sample products to test and review the opinions stated above are my own and were in no way influenced by Colgate.

 

Folksy

I like trying to incorporate fabric into my crochet projects. One thing I have been trying to do is create a doll with a crocheted body and cloth clothing. We all now there is a lot of what not to crochet out there and I think most dolls go into that catagory. I started one back when I had my broken leg (and a lot of time on my hands) and have continuously put her to the side because I just didn't like the pattern. But I never could bring myself to ditch her completely.



So while I am not completely satisfied I do think she is starting to come together.



Her legs are my least favorite part so the next design will be different. Though making thin legs in crochet is kind of tough unless you use a very small yarn.



Her face is sweet though I wish I had placed it closer to her hairline. It appears as if her hair is in the wrong place. I suppose I could remove it and reposition it but I like her quirkiness. This one I am naming Wally Simpson, a name suggestion for my last doll from my friend Caroline. Hello, Wally!

Weekend Workbasket

Still on a pin cushion kick my weekend Workbasket has heirloom tomato cushions:

(Very) loosely based on this: http://www.marthastewart.com/268489/tomato-pincushion

Panasonic NI-L70SR Iron Review

It is rare that I am asked to do product reviews. I've done a few for tape (who doesn't love tape?) and one for scrapbook software a few years ago. Recently I was contacted about reviewing a new cordless steam iron from Panasonic for use as a crafting tool. I was very intrigued because one reason I don't sew often is because it almost always involves ironing.

I don't hate ironing, per se, I just actively avoid it. I have perfected the art of tossing things in the dryer with a damp towel and a dryer sheet and hoping for the best. Sadly, this doesn't work for pressing down seams or flatting out fabric doll limbs. When I sew I usually do it on the dining room table. I haul the iron up from the basement and then search for an extension cord because there are no plugs located near the table that work for the length of my iron's cord. So when I saw that the Panasonic NI-L70SR Iron was cordless well, that really peaked my interest.

So how about the facts first:

The Panasonic NI-L70SR Iron features…

 

- Cordless Ironing: Helping take the hassle out of ironing, the NI-L70SR is cordless, so it doesn’t get tangled or caught on the end of the ironing board. Placing the iron in the base will fully recharge the iron in just eight seconds.

- Heat-Resistant Carrying Case: The NI-L70SR cordless iron comes with a carrying case for extra portability and easy storage. The heat-resistant, transparent case can be attached immediately after use.

- Elliptical Soleplate: The iron’s elliptical soleplate is ergonomically designed to ensure smooth, natural movement in any direction. It quickly speeds up larger jobs like tablecloths or curtains and allows users to iron in any direction with precision, ease and speed.

- Auto Shut-Off: The iron’s electronic sensor automatically shuts off the iron after 10 minutes if it is left in the base.

- Choose Steam or Dry Ironing: With the push of a button, users can select to steam or dry iron clothing, and easily steam by directing just the right amount of steam to hanging garments.

- Cost-Effective: The NI-L70SR Iron is only $69.95; you can check it out at: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/NI-L70SR.

And the verdict:

I think I love this iron. No seriously. The fact that it is cordless might be the key to my getting over not wanting to drag the iron out for sewing. I can plug it in the kitchen and then carry the iron to the dining room table to do the ironing. The heat and steam last long enough to get through most of the work that needs to be done and then the iron recharges in 8 seconds (I tested it!) and is ready to go again. Not having to dodge the cord really makes a difference, too. I also love that it has a heat resistant carrying case. It makes it easy to transport and hey, it's cute.

Yeah, I am smitten. When I showed this shot to my mother she said she thought it looked small but it is your standard iron size. It is also not too heavy so carrying it around is very easy and since the case is heat resistant you can just snap it on there and store the iron right after use. You can also use it wet or dry. There are three settings for the level of steam or lack there of.

In conclusion, I like this iron. It really works for me and takes away my excuses for not sewing. You can look forward to more fabric projects coming from me for sure. Be sure to check out the iron HERE.

While I did receive an iron to review these opinions are completely my own and were in no way influenced by Panasonic.

Piecework

A lazy Sunday making pin cushions for an upcoming craft show. They look so pretty all together in my work basket.

Use it or lose it . . .

In effort to use up some of my ridiculous stash yarn I have started yet another crochet project. Apparently I feel better if this stashed yarn in question is made into something half done rather than piled up somewhere making me feel guilty.

So here is Elly. She will get another large purple ear and four purple limbs. Since she is a stash project and I ran out of the white I used for her body that is the way it will be, and it will make her quirky and lovable. Oh and she is totally a Francophile so she is also getting a beret, a wee sweater and a basket of flowers all to be made with a random variegated purple yarn from the stash. All the yarn used so far (plus the aforementioned variegated one) were thriftier together in one bag. It was the inspiration for Elly. Last weekend I scored another bag of random good quality yarn that is begging to be a bear. This could be the beginning of a good art challenge!

Knots

Just a quick peek at my latest project. A wee baby sweater in the most gorgeous yarn. It is Country by Caron in "Coral Lipstick." A lovely yarn blend of acrylic and merino. Just enough merino to make it super soft and give it the perfect drape. I have about 10 skeins found for a screaming deal last year.

The Infamous Glass Tile Pendants

Tile pendants are all over Pinterest these days. My sister made some a while back and was gracious enough to show me her source for supplies and give me quick instructions. Mandi has been making a lot of gorgeous jewelry lately. Check out her blog Handi Dandi and shop her creations at The Goodness Shop. Next I'll share the funky turquoise and gold beaded necklace she made me from new supplies and some fun vintage finds.

I knew I wanted to make some necklaces for Sarah's Heart to Heart Swap this year. I always want to join this swap but never seem to get it together in time to craft after Christmas. There are always some unique interpretations of the "Valentine" for this swap and I wanted to make sure to measure up and thought these pendants would be fun. To check out all of the swap Valentines click HERE to visit Shara for a roundup.



I used some paper from a Martha Stewart Valentine's Day paper pad I purchased last year because I couldn't resist the cuteness. The page I used had several 1 inch designs that looked like stamps. I think the Love pattern was my favorite but I used other images as well:



The bails I used were silver and shaped like hearts and I alternated between silver and hot pink ball chain depending on the design.



I packaged them up on some pretty Simply Shabby Chic tags I found in the two dollar section at Michaels and tucked them into plastic goody bags. I also had some Valentine stamp stickers from that same Martha line and I used those to seal up the back.

These pendants were fun to make and very affordable to make in bulk. All of the supplies (except for the paper and tools) are from Sun and Moon Craft Kits. Please check out my latest article on the Examiner for details on how to make your own pendants by clicking HERE.

Classy & Fabulous

"A girl shoud be two things, classy and fabulous." - Coco Chanel

I agree with Heidi that my new dolly should be named Coco if not only for her pearls but for being both classy and fabulous. So here again, is Coco:



Coco is made from scrap fabric I had in the stash and the same pattern as Charlotte Anne which I just drew up on graph paper and called it good.



One difference are the buttons are her knees. When I started the project I didn't expect Miss Coco to come out so prim and proper but to be a bit more funky and mysterious. Hence the polka dot legs. I am planning to rework my pattern to make thinner legs for a more demure doll type. To show you that Coco does have a fun side:



Check out her Rumba Panties. (thanks for that delightful term, Mom!)



Not the best of photos but you can see Coco's curls a little better here. I had fun making the hair though it is a little heavy for head. She looked like she was constantly nodding off so I gave her those sleepy eyes.



So meet Coco. I plan to make her a "mink" stole and a reticule bag. Because what classy fabulous girl wouldn't want those things?

Cheers
Rebecca

P.Y.T.

Wow, where does the time go? That is the clue that I need to slowdown and look around. :) I've been a little crafty! I love making toys with dolls being my favorite. Maybe. It's hard to choose. Elephants are cute, too. My Current project is indeed an elephant.

Here's a sneak peek at my latest creation. I'll post more tomorrow once I unearth the camera.

What should we name her?

Curious Finds

I hit up two different thrifts over the last few weekends and lucked into to honest to goodness vintage finds. The first being this:

When I saw it in a bag I just assumed it was a new egg made to look like a vintage one. What a pleasant surprise when I got home and looked inside to find "made in the Republic of Germany" and some grass:

The other side is cute, too.

A lucky vintage find! And the cost? 59 cents. In that same trip I came across a box of flash cards from 1963:

They are a good size and I love the graphics.

This weekend I went to a thrift that is further out that I don't visit too often. I noticed immediately that a woman had one of my coveted Ralph Lauren flowered/striped sheets in her basket. I hate seeing that! I followed her for a bit hoping she might ditch it but no luck. (yes I'm a thrift stalker. Sue me.) But then it was like the thrift gods took pity on me and I found this in the section of random bagged items:

An entire baggy of true velvety vintage millinery flowers. I snatched that bag and hid it in my cart. I honestly checked later to make sure it was still there. I pretty much got over that sheet. There were 8 bunches of flowers. I think those brown ones are my favorites.

I snagged the small cracker jar on the same trip knowing it would make a good home for my fanciful find. So what did I pay? 99 cents for the jar AND 99 cents for the entire bag of flowers.

On this same trip I also found a fun apron:

 

I love the red gingham and the smocking. I believe this was meant to be a pinafore but whomever made it put embroidery on the top part but on the wrong side:

However it is still sweet and I was happy to pay $2.99 for it and I think I'll just fold down that flap, what do you think?

So all in all a good couple of adventures. True vintage is nearly extinct in the thrift these days. I found a few more items on both trips but mostly utilitarian things like hangers and baskets for organizing. I went in search of an old Scrabble game to scavenge the tiles but no luck. Maybe next time.

Cheers

Winter Sips

While it isn't very winter like here in NYC this year yet we are still having some cold and damp weather this week. (Better than snow!) We are big coffee drinkers and the winter nights mean it's tea time as well. We picked up some spicy chai at Teavana and it is delish. Warms in more ways than one. Sometimes, though, one needs something more to get through the cold winter nights, no?

Our winter cocktail this year is the Negroni.

NEGRONI

1 part good gin (we prefer Bombay Sapphire)
1 part sweet vermouth
1 part Campari

I make it with a lot of ice and a lemon twist. Yum.

Bottoms up!

There's a Moose on the Loose

Even though I wasn' very productive in the hand made gifts arena this year, I had to make something special for my sweet nephew Gabriel. I won't bore you with the reason I picked a moose (MOOSE PAJAMAS @ Mandi Loranger) but I did and he came out pretty cute if I do say so myself.



I don't usually do stripes, they are a pain and I ended up with yarn spaghetti more often than not. But once I started I liked the look and it was nice to use up some yarn that's been hanging around way to long. The ears have green fabric inside that I found in my scrap pile and the antlers are wool felt. I like combining crochet and fabric, particularly felt. He's much cuter in person though I did forget to give him a tail.

I'll post some photos of him in action as soon I can locate them. I have yet to upload my pictures from Christmas.

Happy Friday!
RR

For the Love of Shoes & Socks (and tights!)

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

For the Love of Shoes & Socks (and tights!)

 

So, I'm guessing that most of you know I broke my ankle a few years back. (I've been known to over talk about it.) Well it was so swollen that I thought I'd never wear normal shoes again. Seriously, I wore wide flats (which were still painful) and Crocs like it was my job for more than a year and half. Then something magical happened. Shoes started to fit again AND not hurt so badly.

Needless to say I've been racking up some new pairs (including a pair of boots with heels!) but I do still have some issues. I love this time of year because it means I can wear tights with everything. They really help cut down on the friction from my new shoes (and my foot does still swell a bit after a full day of work) and also, they give you a nice silhouette, even under pants. I love them. LOVE them. And because they are oh so popular these days you can find them in so many colors and textures. My favorite brand is No nonsense. Aside from fitting the best and lasting the longest the No nonsense brand was launched in 1973. The same year I was launched. Well you know what I mean.

I love the Silky Opaque Control Top the best. But come spring I'll be sporting some of those but in the footless variety. At Nononsense.com you can even order them in gift boxes!


picture from www.nononsense.com

I know it's wrong to be this excited about tights but as a New Yorker I spend a lot of time hoofing it around the city in the cold and layers are your friend, believe me. Also, I have a very high waist and the No nonsense brand are long enough to not feel like I'm wearing a pair two sizes too small because they won't come up over my hip bones. In the summer I wear their knee highs and hose to the office since I'm supposed to be all professional-like. And being the thrifty girl that I am I wash them and wear them again and again and they last! I read that Jill Martin is partnering with No nonsense for a new line of tights of leggins. Hmmm, can't wait to see those! I also love that you can easily pick up a few pairs right at the Target along with your dog food and bananas. Much better than dropping $$ on other pairs at the big department stores especially when I wear them so often.

Want to find your own? Click here: No nonsense tights and leggings
 

You can also connect with No nonsense on Facebook here: No nonsense on Facebook

 

 

I'm getting off my shoe and sock pulpit now and will return you to your regularly crafty broadcasting . . . . tomorrow.

cheers!
RR

 

For the Love of Shoes & Socks (and tights!)

So, I'm guessing that most of you know I broke my ankle a few years back. (I've been known to over talk about it.) Well it was so swollen that I thought I'd never wear normal shoes again. Seriously, I wore wide flats (which were still painful) and Crocs like it was my job for more than a year and half. Then something magical happened. Shoes started to fit again AND not hurt so badly.

Needless to say I've been racking up some new pairs (including a pair of boots with heels!) but I do still have some issues. I love this time of year because it means I can wear tights with everything. They really help cut down on the friction from my new shoes (and my foot does still swell a bit after a full day of work) and also, they give you a nice silhouette, even under pants. I love them. LOVE them. And because they are oh so popular these days you can find them in so many colors and textures. My favorite brand is No Nonsense. Aside from fitting the best and lasting the longest the No Nonsense brand was launched in 1973. The same year I was launched. Well you know what I mean.

I love the Silky Opaque Control Top the best. But come spring I'll be sporting some of those but in the footless variety. At Nononsense.com you can even order them in gift boxes!


picture from www.nononsense.com

I know it's wrong to be this excited about tights but as a New Yorker I spend a lot of time hoofing it around the city in the cold and layers are your friend, believe me. Also, I have a very high waist and the No Nonsense brand are long enough to not feel like I'm wearing a pair two sizes too small because they won't come up over my hip bones. In the summer I wear their knee highs and hose to the office since I'm supposed to be all professional-like. And being the thrifty girl that I am I wash them and wear them again and again and they last!

I'm getting off my shoe and sock pulpit now and will return you to your regularly crafty broadcasting . . . . tomorrow.

cheers!
RR

It Takes a Village

Years ago I cut a picture from a magazine of a glittered witch hat with a tiny Christmas village on it. It was a display piece at Tinsel Trading and the picture is somewhere in my inspiration book (which is sadly ignored, thank you Pinterest.) Last year I found some small paper mâché witch hats at Michaels and quickly set to making a similar project. I used tiny houses I had on hand from a line of Martha Stewart for Macy's ornaments I bought for super cheap. Add some bottlebrush trees and some vintage plastic reindeer and voila! Hat village. Never mind that the reindeer are as big as the houses. I love them regardless. Silly craft? Perhaps but I think it's destined to become a favorite Christmas decoration. If not I'll add some ribbons and wear that sucker as a hat.

Sweet Bunny

I only made a few handmade gifts this year. My time was limited and my energy level was blah. One that I made early on is this sweet guy:



He came out so cute! I based him on a bunny I saw somewhere online and whipped up my own pattern. I used yarn I had on hand (Caron Simply Soft) and used a small hook to get a really tight weave. The black safety eyes and vintage pearl button are nice details.



Here he is all packed up to go to his new home with my friend Nina who has a sweet little grey bunny who this bunny was made to honor. 

Happy New Year :)

Yes I am a few days late. That seems to be how I roll these days. But one of my (many) New Year's Resolutions is to be more organized and thus, blog more with all my extra time. Ahem.

ANYway, my DH gifted me with an iPad mini and a cord to attach my camera to it so I can blog on the go. Let's give it a shot, shall we? Here's a quick "pinned it and did it" snippet:

Hmm okay so maybe I don't know how to put the photo in the right spot using the Blogger app yet. Let's carry on. I saved a few paper egg cartons for some small tree ornaments (as seen on Pinterest) and it worked like a charm. Hopefully you can see the photo.

Here's to a safe and prosperous New Year for us all.

Ciao ~ Rebecca

Would you like a quick tour of Queens House? (Ahem, that's my house. I want to name it something more exciting and am open to suggestions!)



The tree is lovely this year. Instead of doing my standard bead garland I went for a ribbon wrap style instead. I found the Noel music score ribbon at Michaels.



The mantle over the "fireplace" is a silver theme this year.

 

Check out Victor with his adorned antlers (which have seen better days thanks to a spectacular fall earlier this year).



Vintage ornament collection. Enough said.



Our festive libations. (Scotch tasting set made by my Dad!)



The hutch might be my favorite part this year. I hardly use my holiday china but I am loving it just stacked up on the side board. And way up there on top of the cake stand on the left . . .



A tiny Christmas village on a green glittered witch's hat. More on that later. ;)

Happy Holidays and a big thank you to my friend Nina for her help with the decor this year (and many others.)

Cheers - Rebecca