Vintage Find- What is it?

I am in possession of the this cool looking antique gadget. I know it had to be used in baking but I just can’t find the connection.

The tag that was hand written on a sticker said “biscuit cutter”  but I'm just not buying the idea that this thing is a biscuit cutter. I have never seen biscuits shaped like this. Maybe in France or something but not here in the South.

So, What is it?

I searched the Internet for such a tool and found something newer but similar, called a “Hex Roller Cutter”... Ok but I want to know what exactly does it cuts???? 

I could not find anything else about it.

It consist of twelve hexagon shaped cutters and rolls like a rolling pin. 

My father in-laws parents were from Italy, so maybe it's a Ravioli cutter?

I’m thinking its some sort of pastry cutter.

Maybe its some kind of cookie cutter?

Could it be something that was used to make brick or cut shapes into concrete?

What’s your idea?

UPDATE: since posting this, I did some more research and it seems to be a “Moline Stainless Steel commercial Hexagon roller bisquit cutter” 

My New iPhone Gadget

I’ll admit. I take lots of selfies. No one else can take a selfie of me, like me. Is that weird? Yes I think it's very weird that people snap pictures of themselves. I can’t believe that I actually will do this.
I will even take a selfie in front of people! I remember the days where I would hide from any camera much less take a photo of myself! I will take a dozen before I decide one looks ok enough to make a profile photo for social media. Until recently, I hid from cameras. I'm learning to have a better self esteem and not be so critical on how I look.

My daughter was always my photographer but now she no longer lives in the house. Now I have no one to take any pictures of me. My husband is not qualified.

You might wonder why this is important to me. Well I promise I do not think I look good on camera nor do I think I half way qualify as a model. 

You see, I get asked sometimes to take promotional photos of myself. Once I had to do a video for social media. For the video, I literally tied my phone to a pole with a hair band. It was awkward and the video was not so good.

Recently, I have been asked to do more social media promoting so I figured I may need more to work with. I went online and started looking around for ideas. 

I came across this flexible “Octopus Tri-Pod” for my iPhone.
I even have a cool little blue tooth remote to snap the photos with. How cool is that?

This cute little tripod only cost me four bucks and I’m already loving it and haven't even used it yet. It can bend and rotate in many different angles and I can use it anywhere.
I do own a digital camera, but my iPhone seems to take better pictures than my little Cannon.

Being only 6 inches tall, It's portable, so can throw my personal photographer in my tote and take it with me on the road if I need too. I'm actually thinking of making a few fashion post soon. I just have to get the courage up first.

This little doohickey will be perfect for those fashion bloggers or those who just want to take a fun selfie or still video. 

(I’m laughing now because spell check just corrected my spelling of "doohickey". It must be from the South too. Haha.)

Octopus tripod- EBAY

Wireless blue tooth camera remote-EBAY

Broken Wings

It’s that time of year where the butterflies are nearly everywhere you go. They are very plentiful around here. You can see all sizes and colors. They are absolutely beautiful. I like to watch them feed off my butterfly bush that was given to me years ago by my neighbor Mr. H. 

On the way home from shopping on Saturday, a beautiful Canadian Tiger Swallowtail flew into our path and we unavoidably hit it with the grill of the car. I was not aware of this. When we parked the car in the carport the butterfly fell to the ground and wobbled into the grass as his wings would sway back and forth hitting the pavement from side to side. I immediately called for Nick to come see the hurt butterfly. That’s when he admitted hitting it but did not want to tell me. He did not think the butterfly had stuck to the grill and survived the ride home. 

I did not want to touch him causing him to loose anymore flying dust but I did reach down with some water on my finger. He grabbed hold around my finger for a sip but never gained trust. When I would try to lift my hand up to get a closer look, he bounced off. It never would walk onto my hand to be carried to safety. 
The butterfly would rather sit on my shoe. As you can see, he had a broken right wing and a torn edge. 

So with it sitting on my shoe, I carefully walked out to my butterfly bush and lifted him up to a floral, sweet smelling stem to rest on. I do not know if he eventually gained flight or fell to the ground and wobbled away.

I can’t help but wonder if butterfly wings heal themselves. If not, I guess this guy is a goner . 

Yellow Gingham

I finally finished the crochet blanket I started back in March. I fell in love with the gingham print over the Winter and was inspired to create this yellow Gingham check baby blanket.

I could have gotten this blanket finished in about three weeks if I would have put more effort into it. Spring came. The warmer it got, the less interest I had in making it. This was an easy crochet as it only consist of a single stitch and double stitch throughout, rotating the colors every ten stitches. I worked on it a little each week and sometimes I would let two or three weeks go by before I would pick it up again. I get bored and often loose my patience with long projects.

This blanket was crocheted using the griddle stitch. It turned out to be 38 x 38 inches. I really started making this blanket for myself just to see if I could do it. It came out smaller than I expected so I added it to my Etsy shop. I do not know what I was thinking. 

My daughter called it a popcorn blanket as is had all the colors of hot buttery popcorn. I thought it looked like a sunny day.

I'm pleased with how well it turned out. It is soft and warm and would be perfect for a baby. Though I think it has the perfect Spring look, It would be great for any season.

This Pattern can be found at: daisy farm crafts.

Completed Blanket can be found at: lilidi on Etsy

Pinky's

My daughter and her boyfriend (I'll call them A&A) invited us to the farmers market in their town of Charlotte, which is about 45 minutes from our house. Nick was not feeling well enough to get going that early in the morning so we suggest that we all could just meet for lunch.

The two agreed. So after several minutes of trying to decide where to eat, A&A mentioned a little place in Charlotte called Pinky's Westside Grill. I remember Pinky's from when I was a little kid. It used to be an automotive garage. I distinctly remember this place because it always had a Volkswagon bug on the roof. We would pass this place when the family would go eat at the Gondola Italian Restaurant. It was always a big deal to us. When we would see the car on the roof, we knew we were almost at the restaurant.

Well now that garage has been transformed into a grill with a wonderful selection of just about any kind of grill foods you would want. I really wanted the fried pickles but I opted for the "Pinky Dog".

The pinky dog was a Nathan's hot dog on a french bun loaded with chili and Pinky's famous spicy pimento cheese.

Nick had the Bologna and I cant remember what A&A had but both looked delicious and I saw cream cheese on that dog! oh my! 

Incase your wondering, Yes, it still has the Volkswagon on the top of the building. It even has the original sign at the road but due to traffic, I was not able to get a shot of it.

This would be a place we would go back to. It was an easy drive there and had fast friendly service. There was a covered seating area outside that we enjoyed too. We love to go any place with outdoor dining.

I give Pinky's WestSide Grill an A plus.

Vintage Find- What is it?

The other day while at my late father in laws estate, I seen this large pin laying around. I picked it up and smiled. The first thing that came to mind was how in the 60's,70's or 80's the girls would wear plaid wool wrap skirts. The fad was to wear a large safety pin on the skirts, not only to make a fashion statement, but to also hold the wrap together so we didn't show our draaawls.
This pin reminded me of those days.

Not doing the math, but I actually wore one. However, I come to find out, this is not the same kind of pin. "Yea, I thought it looked pretty old".

So, What is it?

I posted the photo on Facebook to get peoples response to if they remember what this pin was used for and here are a few of the responses I got.

My daddy guessed: 

It was an "Apron Pin"

One facebook friend said: 

It was a "Locker Pin". 

"They used wire baskets at the public pools to put your personal belongings in. 

The pin had a number that identified your locker basket".

Another Facebook friend suggested: 

It was a "Coal Miner's Pay Pin". 

"Miners would shovel coal into a coal car. When it was full, he would attach his pin to the car. 

When the ponies pulled out the cars, the miner, who's pin was attached, was paid by the car. 

Each miner had his own number".

I found all these answer very interesting but the locker pin sounds more like it to me as it was suggested more than once. But they all could be wrong or they all could be right...

Do you have any other ideas what this pin was used for?

Pineapple Earrings

I’m feeling a little fruity after noticing fruit designs and styles in the stores this summer. I’m starting to actually like it. I see a lot of lemons and pineapples on everything from dishes and decorations to hats and underwear. I have even seen men suits printed in crazy fruity prints (that's where I draw the line).

Well I have joined in and made some fruity fashion to share.

I had this bright idea to make a pair of pineapple earrings so I hopped on Pinterest and began searching for ideas. Then suddenly I came across some adorable little crochet earrings so I had to make a pair. You can find this free pattern at  Winding Road Crochet. Be sure to pop over to her blog and check out some of her other crochet creations and patterns. 

Mine are just a little different though. I didn’t add as many layers and went different on the beads. (Didn't my husband do a great job getting this close-up photo?). I plan to keep this pair and made another pair for my shop.

I didn’t stop there! I had so much fun making these earrings that I decide to come up with my own little version. 

I didn't use a pattern, I only used my imagination. I really like how these turned out too, as they are a bit smaller and seem more boutique.  What do you think?

I think these pineapple earrings will go great with shorts and tshirt or a sundress. 

If you would like a pair of these, be sure to head over to LiLiDi’s before they get away. While your there, be sure to check out some of my other items.

(picture source)

Thrift Store Find

I like to shop around thrift stores sometimes on my spare time. I love finding things other people toss out. For the record, I am not a junk collector. Ha. I only buy things I know I will use and if I don’t use it (or sell it) I will give it away. I do not like clutter.

The other day while shopping at the Goodwill, I found a set of adorable little tea towels. I call them all tea towels. I don’t know. I think there is a difference in tea towels, pastry towels and just kitchen towels. I’m a sucker for vintage linens and my husband will often have to pull me away. though these are not vintage but I love them as if. 

Any way....

I had no intentions of buy more towels! I was actually looking for a used potato peeler for my daughter. These little towels were just hanging on the linen rack of the store, waving at me and yelling....”yooo hooo, we have never been used and we have cupcakes!” 

Douughhhh! I had to have them. They are made of cotton and have the cutest little cupcake designs. These towels even have a cute little loop on the top so I can hang them if I wish. 

I tossed them in the washing machine ( I always wash anything I bring home for a second hand store not matter if it has the tags on it or not, you never know if a person is really clean, has pets, or smoke). They washed up wonderfully. 

You might wonder what I do with towels I find. I fold them and place them in my towel drawer of course! 

I also use them under a hot dish I might take to a dinner or cookout. 

Line a box to take goodies on the road or a picnic basket.

Wipe up messes

Dry dishes

Wrap ice packs

I’ve even use them for place mats when we eat on the patio.

But my favorite way to use them is place them on my coffee bar area to keep it clean where we lay our stirrers and spoons and other coffee messes. 

Oh wait, here is another view of that coffee scoop! Isn’t it adorable too? My daughter got it for me and I love love love it.

Coffee scoop by Mud Pie

Speaking of ways to use kitchen towels....Who remembers when bread was put in a bread basket then wrapped in a towel ? My mom and grandma used to do it and so do I.

Nothing

It’s almost that time of year again. A couple people in the family have birthdays coming up. I will ask them what they want for their birthday and the response is always the same.

“Oh NOTHING”. “There is NOTHING I really want” or “I need NOTHING’. 

They know they will get something. I’m just wired that way. I love to give. So why can’t they just give me an idea?  If I think of something myself, It is usually the wrong thing, they do not need it or it doesn’t fit. I wish for once they would give me a small hint of some things they would like to have. 

Feelings will be hurt if I literally do not get a gift. My own heart would even be broken. 

Neither one has a hobby or collects anything (not that I can afford to supply for anyways).
Honestly, they really do have enough and really dont want anything. But still........

I know they mean well and really do not want anyone spending money on unnecessary things. I get it. But surely there is something. But NOTHING. 

My sister feels the same way.
She sent me these photos of the perfect gift for those that want NOTHING.

We both had a good giggle over this. 

Wait, I think she actually bought this since the photo was taken in her car. 

Now I wonder if she really is going to give someone NOTHING. 

Exercise

People often ask me what I do for exercise. My answer is “Not much”.

I do not belong to any gym, dance teams or boot camps. I used to do zumba classes twice a week but that did not work for me. It kept me energized but I never lost any weight in several years of doing Zumba.

I do not do yoga. I am not against people doing yoga and know that it has a lot of balance and strengthening benefits, but as a Christian, I choose to stay away from it.

So, What do I do?

I WALK. I do a lot of walking. For example: I do not try to park close to the door when I go shopping. We will park at the top of the parking lot and walk. If there are other stores around, we walk to those instead of driving the short distance. I mean, if you walk there, you got to walk back. Right?  Unless of course I'm alone, Then I will park as close to the door as I can for security.
In the afternoons, my husband and I will take a fast pace walk around the neighborhood. We do almost 3 miles in about 45 minutes. I try do do this every day. We enjoy this time together. We love to walk and talk about our day, greet neighbors and pet dogs along the way. It’s not only healthy for our heart, its healthy for our togetherness.

I Hula Hoop- I love to hula hoop on my fitness hoop. When I thought I would never be able to hoop, I purchased an adult size hula hoop. It’s weighted and padded and I was able to work it! Ha. It’s crazy how with the right size and weighted hoop I was able to bring back that childhood fun again. The hula hoop works great for toning abs and legs. I put music in my ears and hula hoop for about 20-30 minutes. On top of that, I have been doing a 30 day challenge using an app called FXP Fitness for strength and stretch.

 Fitness hoop - Walmart  (I actually got mine here at TJMaxx)

When I want to play, I grab a regular hula hoop. This is more like the toy. It’s light weight and thin. It’s so much harder to keep going but since I’ve done a lot of practice on my fitness hoop, I can now keep this light one up and going. I have even learned some new moves and trick by watching YouTube videos. 

Hula hoop -Santana Hoops.  Exercise ball- Walmart 

Exercise Ball- I recently purchased the exercise ball. (AKA stability ball, yoga ball, or Swiss ball). I was going to use it for an office chair. It suppose to help with core strength, balance and posture when used as a chair. However, after getting the thing pumped up, It’s way to big to big to just toss in my car and take to work. I decided to use it at home instead. I found a great stability ball workout app that takes me through a routine of moves to either loose weight or tone up. You can pick a workout to target the areas you want to work on. 

There ya have it. So far, all of these activities work to help me keep active and toned.

For those that are able to workout, what are some of your workout choices? Do you go to the gym or workout at home? What are some ways you keep moving? 

Smores Dip with Nutrisystem

This is another post for all those on the Nutrisystem diet.

I’ve been on the Nutrisystem diet for over 3 years now. I no longer order monthly meals. I have lost the pounds I wanted. I am currently on the maintenance plan in which I just order from the A la carte menu and eat a lot of meals on my own which I admit, is dangerous for me sometimes because things like this happen.....

SMORES DIP

For the record, It is made with Nutrisystem’s NutriChocolates found on the snack menu. 

It’s delicious milk chocolate wafers and it’s OKAY!!!! They are perfectly portioned and protein packed to keep you losing the weight. 

I just had to put a twist to it. Because that’s WHAT I DO! Ha. I play around with my foods to make more varieties. Besides, since Nutrisystem meals are ready to heat or eat, I actually miss experimenting and cooking in the kitchen. 

If you are not on Nutrisystem, you can do the same thing with a Hershey bar but don't go crying if you gain a few pounds.

“It doesn’t get any SMORE easier than this”

First add the chocolates to a small dish such as a ramekin or soup mug. 

I just so happened to have this adorable little corning-ware dish from the thrift store.

Add marshmallows. I was able to find a little single pack of marshmallows. 

It was just the right amount to keep me from over doing it. 

Because I WILL over do it at times. 

Place in toaster oven until marshmallows are toasty. 

The chocolates will be melted by this time too. 

You can try it in the microwave but I would not suggest it 

because it will NOT make the marshmallows brown and toasty and may only make a mess. 

Carefully remove from oven and dip your favorite graham crackers. 

Its ok, you can eat it all! Just take it easy on the crackers. 

Two sleeves is a serving suggestion. 

You do not have to share which I ended up doing. 

My husband gave it two thumbs up. 

This dessert counts as:

1 snack (Nutrichocolates)

1 smart carb (crackers)

1 extra (marshmallows) 

Be sure to visit the tabs at the top of my page to see other food ideas using Nutrisystem and read about my Nutrisystem journey and how it has worked for me. 

Cactus Rocks

Well what do ya know? I found a plant that I can’t kill. That's right. I do not need to water it or feed it. It’s cactus rocks!

I saw this cute little idea of painting rocks on Pinterest the other day and since I like to paint and do crafty stuff, I thought I’d give it shot.

Francilina stole three rocks from the Wendy’s parking lot and the fun began. 

(Name has been changed to protect the guilty).

I took these rocks outside one 98 degree day and painted away. I never even broke a sweat. (I ran a 5k a few weeks ago and didn’t break a sweat then either, but that's beside the point). Our large dogwood now hangs over the patio enough to give it a nice afternoon shade. I enjoyed my time alone painting rocks. However, it was not easy! 

The base color was easy but trying to paint the tiny prickly hairs that cactus have was ridiculously hard. Oh and by the way, don’t use paint brushes from the dollar store. The bristles kept coming off in my paint making them look hairyeeeee....Wait, I just had an idea. I should have just glued the tiny brush bristles onto the rock to really give a prickly look. Oh well, it’s too late now.

.

I know, I know, they look terrible, but from a distance I think they are ok. Sort of adorable actually. I think I will take them to work and put them up on a shelf in my office.

This would be a great idea for moms, teachers or babysitters. You can create many cactus rocks of different sizes and shapes. Purchase some small planters or cups along with some pebbles from the dollar store. The kids can have fun creating their own little cactus gardens over and over. I mean, it’s not like they will break. They are rocks! Just make sure little Johnny doesn’t stuff the pebbles up his nose. 

Red Tassels

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July.

I’m just glad I got the day off! However, my day did not start off as planned. I woke up with a terrible eye infection. It was itching and burning so bad, I was ready to gouge it out! It was red, filled with green puss and swollen. I literally looked like I had been in a fight. The doctors office was closed so my husband skipped his morning walk to take me to the nearest “minute clinic” so I could get started on some medicine. I was diagnosed with pink eye. I was pretty miserable all day.

Later we attended a cookout at my brother in laws. I really hated that I could not pick up my little nephew and get sweet hugs from him. I did not want to chance spreading my eye infection. I was told I would be contagious for 24 hours after I start the medicine. It did not keep me from over eating on banana pudding and fruit cobbler though! 

Before we left the house, I wanted a pair of red earrings to match my outfit. I wore khaki shorts, white eyelet top, a red bandanna in my hair and of course, my new red sandals (mentioned in previous post). I thought for a minute on how I can accomplish making a pair of earrings. That's when it donged on me that I have some red embroidery thread and some earring pieces in my craft closet.

I wrapped the red thread around three fingers twenty times. Then cut the loop to make straight strands. Then I added a little hoop to the earring hooks and put the clump of thread through the hoop then folded and tied it closed. I added an extra little hoop around the tassels to add some glam and also help hold it all together. 

It took me all of fifteen minutes to complete and I was ready to go. 

I took a goofy side view to hide my monster eye on the right side. I’m pretty excited how the earrings turned out. No beads or fancy stuff were added to them. I just wanted some accessories and you can’t go wrong with tassels. 

We never went to see fireworks. Our neighbors were texting for us to hurry home so we could all meet up and watch them shoot some off. They said they had enough to make the cops come! I was all in because who doesn't want to be a rebel sometimes, right? We got home as soon as we could but unfortunately we missed the fun so we sat in the yard and watched over the trees at other fireworks from around the block. It ended up being a nice evening and no laws were broken.  

Independence Day Outfit

Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone has the day off and enjoying some fun and relaxing time with friends and family. Nick and I will be heading out to a family cookout today. It is also my brother in laws birthday and we will be saying goodbye to my oldest nephew as he will be moving to London for three years, work related.

Today I want to show you my favorite Independence Day dress. 

My mom made me this dress over 20 years ago. I'm not sure if you would call that vintage or not, but It’s definitely retro. The print consist of American flags, soldiers, Liberty bells, cannons, and more.

This style seems to never go out of fashion. I could never part from this one. It’s my favorite. I wear it a couple times a year on those patriotic holidays. 

There was about a 10 year time span that I was not able to wear this dress due to being over weight. After I lost 50 lbs I was finally able to get back into it. It’s just little bit too big. I never thought I’d say that. It has a zipper in the back and tapered on the sides to give it a fitted look. I like how I can dress it up with heels or dress it down with flip flops, sandals or dainty sneakers. 

I normally wear my nude heels with this dress but not this time. I found these cute little red bow foot bed sandals at the mall and had to have them. 

They were on sale half price. I couldn't turn them down. My husband says I could have turned them down and wishes I would have. He is not a fan of the bow slides. He said they are the ugliest things he has ever seen. haha. I’ll just make sure not to get him a pair. 

My sweet sister brought me a watermelon to church Sunday. I could not wait to cut into it. This is a seedless watermelon and it’s as sweet as candy. It's called a "Sugar Baby" and are only sold about two weeks out of the season.

What can be better than a watermelon and a hot dog on the Fourth of July? 

Dress- Handmade by: Mom

Bow Slides: Indigo Rd. (Belks)

Sugar Baby Watermelon: Strawberry Hill, Gaffney SC

Photographers: My Husband & Sister (Jojisart )

Linkin up at summer style TBB

TBB Asks- Vacation

OH my! July is already here! That means half the year is over! Yikes! But hey, Summer just started right?

Speaking of Summer, The first Monday of each month, the ladies of "The Blended Blog" host a linkup with fun themed questions and answers to write about and share. This is month it's all about Summer! So, I have decided to join in on the fun. 

The theme for July is "Vacation".

This will be my first "TBB Ask post". Enjoy.

1. Will you go on Summer vacation this year?
You betcha! Unfortunately, My job does not allow me but ten days a year in which I can only take one whole week at a time. I spread out five of the days and make long weekends. Then I take a whole week later in the summer.

2. Do nothing but relax or pack it all in vacation?
I'd say we do noting but relax. We will set up our chairs and umbrella on the beach and sit from sun up to sun down, relaxing, talking and making new friends. The only thing I pack in is the snacks!

3. What month do you like to vacation?
August is the month we take or week long vacation. We like this month because there are no crowds from the holidays. Also it gives us something to look forward to all summer.

4. Cruise: Yes or No?
No. I would love to go on a cruise one day but the husband is not a fan of being out on the waters. Hopefully, one day he will change is mind.

5. Favorite vacation tradition?
Our vacation tradition is heading out to this hamburger joint that we love so much. We have to make a visit every trip. (I mean unless you call setting up camp a tradition?).

6. Most memorable vacation?
I will say the most memorable vacation was our first time taking our daughter to the beach. It was so fun dressing her in those little cute swim suits and watching my husband play with her in the water. This is also when she took her first steps.

7. Pack light or pack it all?
I try to pack light. I can put a whole week in a small 22 inch suitcase. Even then, I rarely wear everything I take (but then there are shoes).

8. Hotel, Condo, House?
We own a Camper. We like having our own bed. 

9. Favorite thing to eat on vacation?
I love to eat some good crab legs or grill out. But nothing beats a good tomato sandwich on the beach.

10. Warm or cold destination?
A. Warm of course! I am miserable in the cold.

Happy Monday!

Linking up with The Blended Blog and Andrea at Living on Cloud Nine