Consignment Sales

Hooray!  'Tis the Season!  Most people love the Fall because it is Football season or their children go back to school.  I love the Fall because with it comes Flyers Hockey and cheap shopping at consignment sales! 

I did my homework and checked out playgroundbuzz.com for the current list of sales.  I had to narrow down my travel because of my injury, but was still able to easily find one in the area.  I was really bummed since I had my surgery that I thought I would not be able to get out and enjoy the next few weekends.  But, realizing how much I love going to these sales and that I am housebound with out him, my darling husband offered to drive me around today so I could check things out. Today I went to the first consignment sale of the season - - Bucks Mont MOMS. 

I wasn't looking for anything specific.  This is a change from last year when there was so much I wanted or thought I needed for Mason.  I have decided that I would begin to stock up on size 3T and 4T clothes, since I have none in reserve.  I hate paying full price for clothes, especially when babies are first born and they grow out of them so fast.  However, I will buy a brand new holiday outfit or birthday outfit.  But really, who doesn't? 

We decided to get a bit of a later start since I am on crutches.  I figured fighting the crowds and going through racks of clothes would be too difficult.  I have been to these sales before and know that there is always no shortage of clothes or toys.  We headed out about 11:00am and arrived in plenty of time to shop.  I checked out the large variety of toys, books, tapes, DVDs, accessories and shoes before heading over to the clothes.  I was VERY pleased to find a nice black pair of size 8 shoes for $2.50.

I then checked out the size 3T and 4T clothes.  There were so many to choose from that I decided to stick with 3T and pants in 2T size.  In the end, I bought 2 pairs of 2T pants for Mason for the fall for $1.00 and $1.50 each.  I bought 2 complete outfits at $1.50 and $2.50, an Elmo shirt (which is his fav) for $2.00, and a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, and track pants for $1.00 each.  Oh, and a bonus for Mason... Daddy found 2 Elmo VHS tapes for $2.00 each.  The grand total for the day: $18.00!  SCORE!!!!

Until the next sale, I leave you wondering where I will shop next!

Dublin Coddle One-Dish Dinner

When it comes to dinner, I love to 'experiment' on my family once a week or so.  This experiment usually entails trying a new receipe with the waiver that we can get take-out if the meal is not edible in any way.  Last year around St. Patty's Day, appropriately enough, I found this receipe on SimplyPotatoes.com.  I cooked it up with a few minor changes (that you will see below) and was surprised at how tasty it was!

This year, I was supposed to head on down to Irish Weekend in North Wildwood, New Jersey.  I was really excited to take Mason down the shore for the day and just get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we have been having.  That was until I broke my foot and I have to wear a cast!  So, in honor of Irish Weekend, running Friday, September 24, 2010 through Sunday, September 26, 2010, I decided this was the next best thing!

Dublin Coddle One-Dish Dinner

"Coddle" is the Irish name for this traditional comfort food - a favorite of Dubliners young and old. A hearty helping of sausage and potatoes with bacon and carrots creates a simple, satisfying meal.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Time-To-Table: 50 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 3 slices uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces*
• 6 frozen pork sausage links, cut in half crosswise (or Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage)* *
• 1 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 cup 1/4-inch thick sliced carrots
• 6-7 medium sized Russet potatoes cut up in cubes or sliced round.  (You could also try red potatoes.)
• 1 cup apple juice***
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In 4 quart Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook bacon and sausage until
    browned.  Drain on paper towels; set aside.

2. In same saucepan, cook onions, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly
    golden.  Add carrots, potatoes, apple juice, parsley, salt and cooked bacon
    and sausage.

3. Reduce heat to low.  Cover; cook 30-35 minutes or until potatoes and
    vegetables are soft, adding more apple juice if the mixture gets too dry.






TIPS:*I cooked and added all the bacon as directed. The flavor was amazing, but I like my bacon to be on the crispier side. So, next time I make this, I will add the bacon as directed, but will make a couple of more slices to crumble on top just before serving.

**If sausages are too frozen to cut; thaw slightly. Add some spice and heat to this entree up by using spicy pork sausage links. Also, I used Jimmy Dean Sage Flavored Sausage. The added sage stepped up the flavor of this dish.

***I definitely used more than 1 cup of apple juice. I added it throughout the cooking process so it created a little broth, which was perfect to have with some crusty bread.