Homemade Crushed Pepper Flakes

Everytime I am in the herbs and spices section at the grocery store, I always wanted to buy pepper flakes. However, it seems a little bit pricey, as most of the dried herbs and spices here in our country. I am trying to cut my grocery shopping and I thought of making my own pepper flakes since I just throw away the seeds from the peppers I use. So, I searched the net for ideas on how to make them and for my first try, I decided to use two whole peppers. I sun dried them and after two days, they were ready to be crushed and grinded. Good thing, hubby bought me a mini coffee bean grinder. It was the first time I used it too!

I am just so happy that my first homemade pepper flakes is successful and I was able to save money! I'm pretty sure I would be making it again in the future.

Too bad I always forget to take the before and after pictures of the things I make. But here is the final product.

Thrift Store Shopping!

There was an art frame that I have been eyeing in a thrift store that I always pass by whenever I go to the city. But finances has been really hard after my surgery and I cannot afford to buy unessential things. So, to avoid the frame, I did not go into that store. But then, I still happened to pass by a new thrift store and well, the very curious me went inside. I have seen a lot of things I really wanted to buy but I was able to say NO to them (kinda proud of myself there!). However, these cute little dessert plates just seems so hard to resist! I could use them right?!... and they are really cheap... and if I did not get them, I might always think of them and regret not getting them. It always happen to me, I am not usually into impulse buying so when I see something that I like, I don't buy it right away. I go home and if I think of it and if I really want it, I will get it the next time I go to that store, but when I get there, the item is gone already. For only 74 pesos, I got these plates! I so love the Pink one! I always love things with kitschy images!

This is a Gisela Graham plate. Pretty isn't it?!


And this one is Baskin Robbins and it featured Snoopy! I also love the color!


Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter design!


This one I like for the Pepper prints and I need a serving plate in this shape and size. Why do I feel like I sound so defensive?! hahaha...




Linking to blog parties:

Magnetized by Magnets!

It seems that I am being magnetized by magnets these past couple of months! How did it started?! My golly, right at this point, I can't seem to recall! I think it's true what they say, that a person gets to be forgetful after having a surgery with general anesthesia. Hmmmmm...still thinking...wait...think...focus...recall...

Yes! Finally, I recalled! I read somebody's profile in Swap-bot and she is offering privates swaps for wooden clog magnets from Holland. In exchange, she would like a touristy magnet that look or is shaped like postage stamp. I happened to have one and the wooden clog magnet sounds very interesting.


Around the same time, another Swap-bot swapper from Lithuania messaged me and expressed an interest to swap touristy magnets. She is a collector and she wanted one from the Philippines. So, I said why not. It would be nice to add new magnets in our fridge. Anyway, I like them too!

Wow, who wouldn't fall in love with these magnets I got from Lithuania? I wasn't able to take a picture of the magnet I sent but it was a typical Philippine Jeepney (Jeep) in 3D form.


A while back (even before I saw that post from Holland), somebody from Portugal has also proposed an interest for a private swap. I haven't confirmed the swap because at that time, I just got out from the hospital for my gallbladder surgery and that time, I still cannot decide what I want for the swap. But after my new sudden interest with magnets, we agreed to have the swap. She sent me a typical touristy souvenir from Portugal which is the Galo de Barcelo, of course in magnet form. Oh, and she sent me a lot of other items too! Actually, a lot lot more! She is such a very generous lady! For my part, I sent her decotapes and flavored teas.


And then the search goes on. I really love magnets with kitchen/food themes. I particularly requested for these magnets and I'm so happy to have them! The olive oil jar is from Greece and the one that looks like pancakes in a frying pan is from Belarus. It is a typical pancake from Belarus and it's made of potatoes. The words said "Bon Apetite" in Belarus.


A lot more has arrived after then. It seems like it was raining magnets in my mailbox the last couple of months!


This is the first magnet I bought because I really like it. It's my favorite!


I also bought this magnets, but I don't put them in the fridge. I use them in my desk since they have an office/school theme.


I am glad they are growing! I hope you enjoyed reading and looking at my magnets. :)