Sunday, March 21, 2010

Goodies…the Eating and Non-Eating Kind

I needed a break from all the house-related stress so Mr. Painted Quilt and I took to the roads again on Friday to check out a ‘new-to-me’ country/prim shop.  Some people buy a new hat or go to the beauty shop  to relieve stress but what works for me is a good old shopping spree.   My friend Pat told me about Gunns Country Corner (no website) located near Watertown, NY, telephone number (315)658-2828.

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What a shop! 

I’m sorry that I never thought to bring my camera because for any of you who are into this type of decorating and are within a reasonable distance, it’s worth the drive.     The shop is located in the ‘middle of nowhere’ but only 9 miles from Watertown.  If you intend on making the trip, I would call the shop for directions and to check on their hours because they are currently on a winter schedule.

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I spent about 45 minutes browsing through the shop while Mr. PQ took Mac for a walk.  I could have bought one of everything but here’s what I took home with me.

A woolen Easter table runner, marked down at 25% off. 

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A closer look…

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An antique  reproduction hanging scale, something I’ve wanted for eons.

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A closer look…

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A new shower curtain…

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And a closer look at the pieced blocks along the bottom edge…

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I just ♥ the way it ties in with everything else in our bathroom.

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After my mini shopping spree, we decided to drive the 9 miles to Watertown and do some grocery shopping at the Walmart Super Center.  I specifically wanted to pick up some King Arthur flour after reading about a recipe for soda bread on Candace’s blog.  A few days ago she wrote about a recipe for Irish American soda bread that she found on the King Arthur website and it looked so good that I knew I just had to make some.

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So, while watching/listening to the Montreal vs Toronto hockey game last night, I decided to give it a whirl.

The aroma that wafted through the house while it was baking was devine.

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Much to his chagrin, I told Mr. PQ that we’d have to wait until morning for it to cool and set before we could do the taste test.

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And this morning…

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Toasted…with butter and a cup of tea…heaven!

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

42 comments:

Patty said...

I love Irish soda bread, the few times I attempted it was a bust but maybe I'll try again. Enjoy what's left of the weekend seems like it will be another gorgeous day here.

Darlene said...

OK, I've got my bags packed - I'm coming to visit you. Is a week too long? teehee

I love the bunny tablerunner - oh so cute. A wonderful way to spend the day destressing.

Bet your bread was yummilicious!

paulette said...

Kaaren,
I love your house and all that green glass!! Gorgeous!! I love shops like that. I was looking at a couple of antique scales at a GS yesterday but they wanted way too much, plus they had an old baby carriage that I have always wanted...the woven wicker kind with the old spoke wheels...so cute. I always spend a few minutes looking (savouring) your pictures on your header...lovely!! Thanks for sharing!
Paulette

Abby and Stephanie said...

Yum...I bookmarked the recipe too. Your new treasures all look so homey.

Anonymous said...

I'll meet Darlene at the airport! Hee!
Hey...I love that scale and would love one so now I will be watchful for that. But I do have to comment on the curtain....I have that same fabric in my living area valances!!

Karen said...

The wool mat is my favorite of your purchases.
I have never tasted Irish Soda bread. Save me a piece!

Stina Blomgren said...

Love everything..the rabbit runner..and the SCALE... wow.. loved it..:o)And baking bread can sometimes be such a bliss.. wish I could join you!! :o)

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

What a fun trip! Love your scale and table runner~ and what a cool shower curtain! :-) I can almost smell the bread~yum! Have a happy day!

Monica said...

Sounds like you had a good time in Watertown. That's where my son lives. He's in the Army stationed at Fort Drum...but not for much longer. He's transferring to Texas soon.

BTW...I love the shower curtain!

Susannah said...

Thank you so much for imforming us about Gunns Country Corner. Sounds like a visit is in order this summer when we are "up north". We are looking forward to it.

Kaaren, Your house is just divine ...so neat and pretty with all of your nice antique pieces.

Homemade bread toasted is The BEST!

Susannah

Sheila said...

Kaaren ,
I love your style of decorating and the treasures you picked up yesterday are perfect and fit in so well with everything you have .I sure would like to be closer to visit that shop ;-)The Irish soda bread looks interesting too, will have to check out that blog and give it a whirl.

Linda said...

Hmmm.... Irish soda bread.Must have been a day for baking. Me cheese biscuits to have with a mushroom omlette. Love all your finds. Too bad we don't live closer, me and dh are always out antiquing.

Rosa said...

Mmmm, I can smellyour bread, looks delicious!!
I love your new table runner,the rabbits are cute.

By Hoki Quilts said...

Oooooo, the temptaion is so great, I can smell the bread from here - yummmm!
How I wish we had such shops like your stress relief shop here in NZ. Sadly we don't and apart from importing all I can do is dream of owning such beautiful things.
hugs, Miche'le

Robin said...

Love your purchases and love your display of Hoosier glass. I am a collector too but not of the green. I sure hope you don't use that door where the scale is hanging...lol

Robin

Shelley said...

Sometimes the simplest things are the most fun! I'm sure there must have been room in your car for me!LOL

Sue-Anne said...

Fantastic purchases! I love those scales! I can smell your bread from here in Australia!

SheilaC said...

You sure did make out like a bandit! I love that table runner!!

And you will have to share pics when you hang up that scale. Looks like it is in excellent condition.

SheilaC

Cathy B said...

Hmmm, that bread looks delicious! What delightful finds from your shopping spree too!

Maggey and Jim said...

I love how you displayed it on the rabbit runner. Looks so inviting..I love a day going to prim shops and fabric shops. My kind of day..The shower curtain looks so nice too.
Maggey

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh what finds! Everything is perfect in your house! I especially love that scale!

Cathi said...

You had wonderful luck with all your fabulous finds! Love the scale. And the bunny runner. The bread looks absolutely fabulous!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What adorable purchases Kaaren!

Allie said...

Oh I want that scale - I love everything you got [and your home!] but I'm seriously coveting that scale!

Judy C said...

What a lucky girl, out shopping in my kind of store. The Irish soda bread looks yummy, I love it but have not tried to make it yet, guess I will have to check out the recipe.
All your treasures are wonderful, I especially love the wool runner and shower curtain.

ferne said...

That Candace, she got me baking with King Arthur flour too only I ordered mine online with a bunch of other stuff. Love their catalog, too.

You got some great loot so you must be feeling all refreshed now!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh gosh, I just love the scale. and the shower curtain, you are right it does go in your bathroom. You have such a warm inviting home. Looks like you had a super fun day and a wonderful breakfast!

fabricartist21 said...

Calling all quilters. The Quilting Corner Group from e-bay is having a red tag sale this week. To find us click on QCG.

Siobhán said...

WOW!!!! I went so far as to look up where Watertown is on the map. Dag nabbit... I don't think I could swing it. It looks like a fabulous shop and you picked out some incredible items!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What wonderful goodies - especially the penny rug. So cute and so spring! The shower curtain is perfect in your bathroom and fits you so well!

I think I can smell that bread all the way down here. Sure would love to stop by - I'll bring the chai tea, you butter the bread!!

Have a great week - will be thinking about you with crossed fingers and toes.

Anonymous said...

What great shopping! Irish soda bread is one of our favourites, only he makes it not me - which, in theory, leaves me more time for quilting! So enjoying your blog.

Francien said...

You have made some lovely purchases Kaaren...love them..that scale is so beautiful..well..everything excually...and that bread...
coffee..baking...and fresh flowers are what helps a house smell good and feel cosy...and what a very cosy house you have..lovely pictures...thanks for sharing...greetings ♥ Francien.

Micki said...

I would have loved tagging along.
Great items that you got!
Micki

Candace said...

Wow, Kaaren - your bread turned out fantastic! Is it gone already? Mr. Squash put good work to ours in no time at all. Now if I could just trade you for the antique scale! What wonderful goodies "escaped" into your cart as I like to say!
Cheers!

Connie said...

AH! bet the bread was good. You had a wonderful day, your things was so neat, thanks for showing us your neat thing. your home look so cozy. HAPPY SEWING!

Janet said...

My mouth is watering over the soda bread and all the goodies you picked up. Now that's my kind of shopping. They all fit in your house like they belong.

Nanette Merrill said...

What fun! Love the hanging scale the most.

Behind My Picket Fence said...

You have some great finds - every single one would be welcome in my home!! LOL. I especially love the bunny runner. Wish I had access to some stores like you just visited. Maybe in my next life?

Donna said...

Your bread looks delicious, and your finds on your shopping trip are wonderful! I especially love that scale. What a treasure!

Pieced Pastimes said...

The table runner is just darling and the bread looks very tempting! The scale is wonderful and I love how you have it displayed.

Carrie P. said...

Oh, you bought some great stuff.
I bet the smell of bread kept you up all night. Love your depression glass on the table.

pinsandneedles said...

Kaaren,

My husband and I just got back from a similar trip. I just love to visit quilt shops and antique shops for treasures. Love all your finds, the scale the most!