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It’s The Little Things: Measuring Spoons

Well, it doesn’t get much smaller than measuring spoons, does it? I have to admit, I have a ton of measuring spoons. I cook a lot, so this comes in handy. Over the years, I have purchased my spoons as soon as they hit sale.

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My favorites are still my handy dandy plain ones. It’s funny how that works out. This is because I know the measurements are right on them.

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I recently purchased some owl ones from World Market for $4.50 with a coupon.

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And some Toadstool measuring spoons also from World Market for the same price as above.

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But how did they “measure up”? I decided to test their functionality.*

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It turns out they all measured slightly differently. The biggest difference was in the owl tablespoon purchased from Anthropologie. It was much larger than a regular Tablespoon. The closest measurement was the toadstool tablespoon. Although the teaspoon version of it ran short. As did the owl tablespoon from World Market. So, what is a girl to do?

Well, now that I know this, I am going to be more careful in my measurements with my cooking. The Anthropologie tablespoon will be used for insignificant items such as coffee, where an exact measurement is not necessary.

I am also considering these Color Tab Measuring Spoons currently on sale at Anthropologie. But I would want to see them in person.

Do you have any fun measuring spoons? How do they perform in terms of accurate measuring?

It’s the little things: fun functionality.

* This experiment was done for fun. I tried to be very accurate, but I am only human. Please take my experiment with a grain of salt…Or flour, if you will. Your measurements may vary.

* My monthly giveaway will start at 12:01 a.m. on October 11th. I pushed it back a day so “It’s The Little Things” could run on its regular day. Don’t forget to enter! : )

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It’s The Little Things: Le Creuset

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About seven years ago, my husband purchased my first Le Creuset piece for me for a Christmas present. It was bright green. I was in love. I use it about three times a week. It conducts heat so beautifully. I think cooking in something pretty makes cooking more fun. It also helps that Le Creuset is a functioning dream.

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Le Creuset is expensive. You can find seconds at Home Goods and on eBay. I was content with my one piece. But then at Christmastime last year, Rue La La had an amazing sale.

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The sale was on Le Creuset. If I can remember right, the pieces were around 45% off. And in the beautiful blue color that I adore. Free shipping was also part of the offer. When the boxes arrived (I ordered three pieces for my husband to give me for Christmas), the box said it cost $75 to ship! Wow! We saved a ton of money! I purchased a larger dutch oven.

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This is perfect for large roasts, pots of soup, and when I double my beef stroganoff. I use it all of the time.

I also purchased a skillet. This is the item I am not impressed with. All of my food sticks to it. Do you have a skillet like this? What am I doing wrong? I really need help with this one.

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Amazon carries Le Creuset, but you have to wait for a great price. I am watching this yellow Le Creuset pot, but I doubt it will ever reach the discount I received on my last pot.

Do you own any Le Creuset? What is your favorite recipe to cook in it?

It’s the little things: beautiful products to cook in. It truly makes cooking more fun!

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P.S. An update: last week I did a post on crushed garlic. Brynne asked me if this was was carried at Trader Joe’s. I was told in the comments by Alissa that they do carry it. I was there two days ago and snapped this picture in the frozen vegetable aisle. I was so excited to see it and also ecstatic to try the frozen chopped basil in the future. I bought some of that to try in recipes later! So, thank you Brynne for the question. And thank you Alissa for the answer. I love learning something new! : )

I shared this on Savvy Southern Style

And My Romantic Home

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It’s The Little Things: Getting Your Hair Done

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I feel like the biggest dork doing a post on this, but I am bursting with excitement! I have been really depressed this week. The kids going back to school is looming. I spent three days in a row in pajamas. The same pajamas. I knew I needed something to snap me out of my funk.

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I got my hair done! This may not seem like a big deal. But, believe me, it is. First, I am cheap about my hair. I only get it done every three months. It had been five months since I had had my hair colored and cut. I had been putting it off. I have had the same hair dresser for ten years. I loved her, but some things changed. I will not write about the circumstances. It is not my story to tell. But it was an agonizing decision for me.

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So, two days ago, I went to a new hair dresser recommended to me by my good friend ( thank you forever, Bridgette!). I love her! It is a huge relief to have finally made a decision. And have the outcome be good. At least, to me. I left happy. It just felt better to get my split ends cut off.

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I feel refreshed. Reenergized. Like myself again. I just wanted to share.

It’s the little things: A haircut. Who knew?

P.S. Just in case you wanted to know: the outfit is mostly Free People. It is Free People’s Trapeze slip in seafoam (I believe that is the color. I purchased it a long time ago. That color is now gone, but there are a lot of different colors still available). The top is called Golden Age Top. The jeans are ten years old from The Gap. The lace shoes are from H & M last year. The necklace is my daughter’s. And I totally copied the layering look from the Free People Me stylist pictures. ; )