MY NEW GOODWILL ACQUISITIONS

I decided to make a quick run in to the Goodwill the other day. Let me tell you, it was quick. I think I stood in line longer to pay than it took me to grab up the bargains I found.

Sometimes it really amazes me what people decide to part with. Like this lamp, for instance. This is a beautiful, heavy lamp. It's not even dusty! The harp is missing, but that's super-minor. I didn't really need a lamp mind you . . . but for $4.50, how could I pass it up?

Then this little etagere thingy. I'm loving it!!! Another bargain at $3.50. It will definitely get a new coat of paint. I'm thinking heirloom white. If I could find square little plates to fit, I'd be ecstatic. But, I could settle for having some glass cut to fit, or maybe even tiles . . . hmmm, may have to investigate that.

This huge glass jar was a must have, especially at $3.50.

I have this almost horrible attachment to glass jars. My collection of vintage Ball and Atlas jars is overflowing. And I've never met a big pickle jar I couldn't live without! LOL!!! I'm planning on using this vessel as a little plant terrarium. Can't wait to purchase some delicate little ferns to plant inside.

Finally, I thought this cute silver-like urnish container would make a nice topiary, maybe. I'm pretty sure it's plated, but I really like the lines. And how could I pass it up at just $1.50!

Our Goodwill's had some decent pickin's the last few times I visited. I have been hitting it on Monday or Tuesday which is a good day. All the weekend drop-offs are usually out on the floor by then.

Can you all believe Easter weekend is here? Wow! Where has the time gone? Seems like just a few weeks ago most of us were knee deep in snow.

We have a pretty busy weekend planned. Tomorrow I'm spending the day in the

Big Apple, NYC,

with Son No. 2, his girlfriend and her mother. Should be a super-fun day trip. I'm hoping to hit

Tinsel Trading Company

this time since it closed when were up last in December.

On Saturday morning me and Hubby are heading to Atlantic City. We're going to spend the 80 degree afternoon playing nine holes of golf. Oh, you didn't realize I play golf? Well, I don't really. I have cute purple gripped clubs, and cute pink and white golf shoes, and a matching pink glove, and just the cutest golf skirts, but I really can't play. Not yet. I'm still learning.

Anyway, after golf is dinner and then a concert. We're seeing Nickleback and Shinedown. Oh, something else you probably didn't know about me. I LOVE rock music. Well I like all sorts of music, but I love going to rock concerts of the bands I like. The loud music, the crazy people. We usually look like we're there chaperoning our kids . . . you know . . . the old people! Nope.

Then who knows what mischief we'll get into after the concert! ;o) We'll be heading home Sunday morning. AC's only a two-hour drive, so I'll be home in plenty of time to get Easter dinner on the table. Speaking of Easter dinner, I want to share with you my perennial Easter dinner desert. I wish I could make it and snap pics along the way and show you my finished cake, but I'll have to just show you the pic in my recipe book and share the recipe that I found online. so I wouldn't have to type the whole thing out. Thank goodness!

Believe me when I tell you this cake is

de-lish-issssss!!!

And, here's the best part, it is a light recipe. The recipe is from my 1999 Cooking Light Annual Recipes book. If you're looking for something new, and yummy, and easy, I urge you to try this cake.

BLUEBERRY POUND CAKE

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light butter
• 1/2 (8-ounce) block 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 large egg white
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8-ounce) carton lemon low-fat yogurt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 5 minutes). Add eggs and egg white, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 2 tablespoons flour and blueberries in a small bowl, and toss well. Combine remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with yogurt, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in blueberry mixture and vanilla; pour cake batter into a 10-inch tube pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool cake in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan. Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl; drizzle over warm cake. Cut with a serrated knife.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

287 (19% from fat)

Fat:

6.1g (sat 3.4g,mono 1.8g,poly 0.4g)

Protein:

5.7g

Carbohydrate:

53.9g

Fiber:

1.5g

Cholesterol:

57mg

Iron:

1.3mg

Sodium:

227mg

Calcium:

50mg

(above recipe was copied from My Recipes site)

This cake comes out perfect every single time. It's always a huge hit. And you'd never know it was a "light" recipe.

Have a peaceful Easter everyone. Hope you all get to share the day with family and loved ones. I'll be sure to share and post lots of fun pics from our antics this weekend on Monday.

Thanks for visiting!

Leave a comment so I can get to know you.