Second Time Around

One of my favorite pastimes is shopping second-hand stores. I love the act of looking for something unique, it's like my own little treasure hunt. I recently visited one of my favorite second-hand stores, where I came up on a cute green cake stand and a pretty glass platter. I have decided to pair them together in my presentations, mainly because I think they compliment each other so well. Later, I shopped another one of my favorite places, my Grandmother's house. A woman with a knack for shopping second-hand stores, her house is full of fun trinkets she has picked up over the years. I discovered a lovely two-tier tray, which would be perfect for holding tiny cakes or scones. I cannot wait to put these pieces to use, maybe at a springtime luncheon.

Two-tier tray from my Grandmother's house.

Perfect for serving finger foods and teacakes.

A pretty pattern in the glass.

Cake stand with the serving plate displayed on top.

Antique Adventures

Recently, I decided to take a drive over to the Claremont Village, cute little part of Claremont filled with antique shops, pretty boutiques and yummy cafes. The Village sits next to the Claremont Colleges, one of the most beautiful college campuses I have ever seen. A must-see in The Village is Barbara Cheatley Antiques & Fine Things, a store filled to the brim with unique items for the home, bath and lifestyle. Each room has its' own theme and there is so much to see, I could spend an entire afternoon looking at every trinket and treasure. From the moment I step inside, I always want to bring the entire store home with me; it is quite literally that cute.

Glass canisters filled with fortune cookies and taffy

A perfect handbook

Dreaming of a tree filled with ribbons and bows

Pretty handkerchiefs

Love these Marie Antoinette notecards

A sweetheart-themed kitchen

Cute Valentine's stationary

A touch of Claremont

215 Yale Avenue, Claremont, Ca. 91711

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Over the past weekend, my sister and ventured to the Rose Bowl Flea Market & Swap Meet on a mini-treasure hunt amongst antique heaven. I absolutely adore flea markets of this type because you never know what kind of unexpected hidden treasures can be found. The weather was slightly cool and perfect for casual browsing. The Rose Bowl Swap Meet is quickly becoming one of my favorite haunts simply because of the beautiful and interesting array of goodies. I was on a mission for a bookshelf for a future room re-design project. Although, I didn't find the right bookshelf, I came back with the cutest vintage dress and a small vintage jewelry box made of glass. I literally felt like a kid in a candy store and am still on the hunt for the perfect vintage bookshelf.

 

Cooking Cuteness

With 2011 already in full swing, I am so excited to get back into my routine and start making things happen. Yesterday I decided to make a shopping trip and stumbled upon the sweetest little set of heart-shaped measuring cups and spoons. I believe these cuties are the perfect addition to creating kitchen bliss because they simply make me smile every time I look at them. This got me thinking of other pretty tools I would like to add to my cooking repertoire and below are a few I came up with. Enjoy!

Cooking Cuteness by Mollie Rose on Polyvore.com

Homemade Pita Chips

In an effort to stick to my New Years' resolution of eating better, I thought it would be a good idea to replace one of my favorite indulgences with a healthier option. I absolutely adore potato chips and their everlasting crunchy flavor. The idea of eating potato chips with a sandwich is ultimately classic and reminds me of being back in elementary school at the lunch table; not to mention potato chips can also be incredibly tasty. For a healthier spin in 2011, I decided to supplement my usual bag with some homemade pita chips. Once I tried this, I cannot fathom going back to my basic bag of potatoes. 

These pita chips are packed with flavor since I used herbs and sea salt. The fun part is the ability to mix and match to create your own personal pita cocktail. I used basil with some sesame seeds added for texture. A pinch of sea salt gave the right amount of bite to my chips. My favorite part, these chips are so easy to make, cook fairly quick and keep for a good three to four days. I can promise you, these crunchy treats will most likely be gone in a day. They are that addicting and the possibilities are endless.

Baked Pita Chips

1 package of white or whole wheat pita bread
a variety of dried or fresh herbs, nuts, etc. (Here is where you can get creative!)
a pinch of sea salt
oil oil

Pre-heat oven at 325 degrees. Stack pita breads two at a time and slice into triangles. Spread pita pieces onto baking sheet and give them a a quick drizzle of olive oil. Next, take herb mix (I used basil and sesame seed) and drizzle onto pita chips. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Once golden brown, remove from oven and add a pinch of sea salt to chips. Let cool and serve. Enjoy.

Pita bread cut into triangles

Basil sesame mix

Finished pita chips, healthy and ohhhh so yummy!

Apron Appeal

Since the New Year is here, I have already started to think about the little changes I look forward to in 2011. I am haooy to start a fresh new year and am completely excited about what 2011 has in store. Today I went shopping and found a cute apron on sale at Anthropologie, which caused me to walk out of the store with a happy smile on my face. I can think of nothing better than feeling cute and pretty, especially when I am cooking. My new apron will most definitely brighten up the time I spend in the kitchen, which already brings me so much happiness. Here are some more of my favorite aprons to spread the cooking joy.

Aprons by Mollie Rose on Polyvore.com

Inspiration Board: January 2011

Navy blue and neutral nude are two of my favorite color combinations right now. I love the idea of two basic neutrals, working together to create a simply chic look. My January inspiration board is filled with some of my favorite navy and nude looks, set these colors off with a hint of gold and, viola, instant glam.

Jan. 2011 Inspiration by Mollie Rose featuring an oval pendant

Happy New Year 2011

It's time for 2010 to say farewell and to welcome the new year! I look forward to a wonderful year full of blog posts on cooking, fashion, thrifting, crafting and much more. I hope this site will bring you joy and happiness all year long. Here's to a wonderful 2011!