My Dream House...sigh

So I mentioned in my last post that my husband and I are saving for our own home.  Now finding that ONE house that has everything you want can be difficult, and usually when you do it is out of your price range.  For us the task is a little more tricky.  I have lived in Jacksonville my entire life, so I'm familiar with most neighborhoods...and I know that I don't want to live anywhere else other than the riverside/avondale area where we currently are.  Riverside is just awesome....great people, great restaurants, and great atmosphere....having two breweries within walking distance is kind of awesome too!  The only down side to the house search is that since this is a historic area finding that 1960s dream house isn't happening...most of the homes are pre-1930.  So you can imagine my joy when I read an article about a Mid Century home a couple miles from our place.  YES YES YES...and then I saw the price tag.(Listing)  Well crap.  I can dream right!  Take a look a this place below and dream with me.

The Big "E" Eye Candy

So I'm on a sort of self enforced Ebay restriction since we are saving up for a house...but that doesn't mean I don't still look!  Here are some of the cool things that caught my eye this week...Several of these are a steal if they go for the opening bid.



Cheers!

Becca

Friday Cocktail Time...a trip back to the 30's

So as usual it is friday and I need a cocktail.  I thought I would switch it up a bit and make a cocktail from my "The Savoy Cocktail Book".  You may remember seeing this book in photos from my trip the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans (here).  This one is a facsimile created in the 80's, which is perfect for me.  An original 30's edition usually sells for around 300-500 bucks...no thank you I would rather spend my dollars on booze......this one is about 40-50 dollars on the big E.

The Savoy Cocktail Book

What is so cool about this version is it is suppose to be EXACTLY like the original, complete with all of the illustrations.

Just one of the many illustrations!

For today I decided on an American Beauty Cocktail...because well I'm an American Beauty!

Recipe....it doesn't mention ice...but I added some to the shaker!

After one quick trip to the liquor store for some brandy, I was all set. (Don't forget you will need port too...I didn't notice that before I left, but luckily we had a bottle on hand...and don't go without it, it really adds to the drink!)

The goods

This one is pretty easy!  Since the ratio was 1/4 of the main four ingredients, I used 1oz of each which worked well because two of the fours are mixers...so you basically end up with roughly a 2oz strong drink.  Also that makes it the perfect size drink to use in a iced hi-ball glass.

All shook up!

Now for the pour....

A nice orangey red color

Looks so delicious in my new bar glass....which I thrifted this very afternoon.  My new last name starts with an "L".  It was meant to be! Lets see another couple photos of that sexy glass with the port added on top.

Front

Back

VERDICT - This drink is seriously delicious.  It is rather sweet given the ounce of both grenadine and orange juice, plus the port on top....but the flavors work really well together.  Even the dash of Creme de Menthe is great...there is a touch of minty-ness in each sip.  Don't be scared to try it! My husband said it sounded like a hot mess......and it does have a lot going on...but it works!  Now I'm off to make another.

Cheers!

Becca

The ones that got away....

Ugh...have you ever had that item that slipped through you fingers and it still haunts you? It doesn't seem to matter if you missed out last week or last year...you still get worked up thinking about it.  Man...this is going to be one of those.  I have been searching for a pair of matching mid century lamps for our bedroom.  Ones that have a great look but also don't take up a lot of valuable real estate on the nightstands...and I found them!  Then lost them....Sadness.

I was feeling good about the big E auction and then in the last ten minutes the prices skyrocketed to a price tag out of my reach.  They ended at $816.00....Ouch.  I tried to seriously rationalize that price for like two second...then realized that all of the furniture in our bedroom (Broyhill Brasilia) plus my pair of Pearsall hangings didn't cost much more than that combined.  :::Sigh:::

I love you....you sexy things

This is some serious lamp porn

They even rotate up!

Sniff Sniff

Becca

Mid Century Drink Day! Let's spin that wheel...Bar Aid #43

That is right...it has been a while since I've had a mid century cocktail, sadly.  So I decided it was high time to make one from my Bar Aid cocktail spinner again (after seeing another Bar Aid over on a Thriftables thrift share post).  Let's pull a number shall we....

#43  Gunga Din

Here is the recipe in case it is hard to read in the photo:

GUNGA DIN

3/4 Dry Gin

1/4 Dry Vermouth

1 slice pineapple

Juice of 1/4 Orange

Shake well with ice & strain

I quickly gather my supplies....since I have everything on hand (YES!!)

The fruit

Muddle said fruit...take the frustration of the day out on it!

You have been muddled, sir

Measure out your liquor and add to your shaker along with ice

Shake, Shake, Shake

Strain into a chilled glass

#43 Gunga Din

VERDICT: Quite tasty! I was surprised! I usually like more sweeter drinks than dry, but this was very good.  While it was a little dry the fruit juice balance it perfectly.  It didn't taste like alcohol at all which can happen when there is gin involved.  This is definitely one to make again.

Ciao

Becca

The Big "E" Eye Candy

So lately I have been obsessed with mid century sculptures....I think it is my own artist in me speaking out!  I need to start drawing and sculpting again!

Anyway....here are some I have been watching on the big "E".  Enjoy!




Becca