October 9, 2013 by gn0mel0ver

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.

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.

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

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

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

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! : )

September 21, 2013 by gn0mel0ver

A Trip To World Market

Let’s Go Shopping! I had two $25 gift cards to spend at World Market. I downloaded a 10% off total purchase coupon. And I was so ready to go. Here are some of the lovely things that I saw on my trip. Unfortunately, I could not afford them all.

But it was fun to wander the aisles! Come with me!

Toadstool Measuring Spoons $5! “Yes please!” Says the Gnome Lover.

It is a Peacock Spatula!

Oh no! Owl measuring spoons! Gulp! Again these were only $5 (plus a 10% off coupon).

Nonstick Owl Cakelet Pan. I cannot wait to bake some treats in this.

Um. I have no idea when or how I will wear this deer headband. But it is so adorable. And at $7.20 (after discount), I had to take it home.

Owl Dust Buddy. And he can be thrown in the washing machine. He is my new best friend! I love him!

I did not buy these hedgehogs, but it was tempting.

Oh my gosh! Their furniture selection is wonderful this season:

This fantastic school desk was calling my name. No room at my house for it, but still cute to look at.

Check out this chair. It is very small. Perfect for a child’s room or a dorm room. The colors are pretty.

But this chair has my heart. It had my pulse racing. The price is all ready fantastic, but I know that it will almost definitely go on sale. Therefore, it will end up being a magnificent price. I have absolutely no room for it. Too bad.

And this headboard is gorgeous. I am in love. Again, I have absolutely no place for this in my home, but it is great. I love the different color tufted buttons.

Have you been to World Market lately? Or have you purchased or seen any fun home items lately? Please share!

I shared this on Savvy Southern Style

And My Romantic Home

April 7, 2013 by gn0mel0ver

Chicken Quesadillas & Homemade Salsa

I love quesadillas. Cheesy ooey gooey goodness. Who can resist? I recently started making The Pioneer Woman’s restaurant style salsa. It is unbelievable. I did not change a thing. You must try it! It was a huge hit at our house. We ate all of it in three days. Hey, salsa is good for you, right? It took me less than five minutes to make.

Ingredients for chicken quesadillas:
Pioneer Woman’s salsa
Flour tortillas (preferably uncooked ones you can cook at home)
Shredded Mexican cheese
Rotisserie chicken breast diced

Optional ingredients:
Sour cream
Tortilla chips
Mexican rice (I use Rice a Roni)

Here is a picture of the salsa after I made it. The salsa will not keep very long, so eat it up!

I stored it in an owl container I purchased from World Market. I wash mine in the dishwasher on the top rack. These are not microwave or oven safe. The containers come in different sizes, colors and patterns.

These containers have owls:
Medium
Large

This one is paisley
They are very inexpensive and fun. They range from $2.99-$4.99. I
want them all! They are perfect to bring food to a friend in and
then they can keep the pretty bowl.
This one comes in a pattern with mermaids!

I buy my tortillas from Costco. I believe this giant bag was around $6.

I use a nonstick pan and quickly cook my tortillas according to the directions on the package. I cooked 8 tortillas for my family. My kids like to munch on plain tortillas. I only used 6 for the quesadillas. I also cook a batch of Mexican rice at the same time.

Simply fill half a tortilla with chicken and cheese, flip the other side over and cook it in the skillet. Press down with a spatula. This should be about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip when they are golden brown. Remove to a plate covered with a paper towel. Repeat until you have the necessary amount you desire.

Transfer to a plate, slice into quarters with a pizza cutter. Be careful of your fingers! This is how I served the quesadillas for my family (I bought the little plastic bowls in a set of four at Target last year).

Cost for meal: $11.25
1/4 package tortillas $1.50
Shredded cheese $2
Rotisserie chicken $5
Rice A Roni $1
1/4 of my Salsa (approximately $5) $1.25
Sour cream .50

Enjoy!