Jan. 6, 2013
Yesterday I went to Williams Sonoma in Los Gatos. It was quite a trip. There was so much on sale, and at a great price, I needed to share it with you. I went there specifically to buy a special sugar called Demerara Sugar. This sugar is from Mauritius, just outside of Madagascar, Africa. The reason I purchased it was, it was in a recipe from Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.
The more you read my blog, the more you'll understand that Barefoot is the best. Her recipes are easy and fantastic. I have tried several of them. I'll get into more detail in Menu's & Recipes. But for now here's some of the bargains I found.
As you know Williams Sonoma is an upscale store. The merchandise is fabulous. The best part about it is when it goes on sale, it's worth it. Listed below are some of the items I found to be a good deal.
- Table Runners, 16x108, Reg $59.95, sale $20.99
- Place mats, Reg $12.95 ea., sale $3.95
- White dinner plates etc., 30% off regular price
- Selected box candies, 12 oz., Reg $28.95, sale $13.99
Then in the back of the store where all dinnerware is located, is a table with selected jars & bottles of sauces, marinades at fantastic prices. Now I don't know how long the sale will last, but it's worth the trip.
When I was there Saturday, there were outside merchants that came in and set up their own table to introduce and sell their products. I was interested in one merchants jams. He was from San Francisco and had some delicious homemade jams that were his grandma's recipes. The most popular jam was his Fig jam with walnuts. It truly is to die for. But like anything, if you don't like figs, you may not like this. But he has other varieties to choose from. He dosen't have a website yet, but if you go on the Internet and look up "Grandma's Homemade Jams, you'll find him. His name is Freddie and his son is Nicholas. Very nice peolpe. Well that's it as far as Williams Sonoma's. Call and see how long the sale is going to last.
I also went to Banana Republic. They had a couple of racks for women that was 40% off. Also womens shoes were on sale for 40% off. It's really a good sale, considering how expensive their clothes are. I do confess, I bought a pair of womens lined trousers for 40% off. What a deal. They felt so good on. Next on my list is a new pair of shoes. Mostly flats, and some heels. Go check it out!!
Last but not least, Pier 1 in Cupertino. They're having sales on all Christmas items. Probably not much left but the last time I was there a lot of candles were 50% off, Christmas candles that is. But all in all it's worth the trip for the other clearance items. You really can save a lot of money. Isn't that the point? Well stay tuned for my next shopping trips, tips and bargins.
Menu's & Recipes
I thought I'd stay in the kitchen this weekend and cook. The menu was Pot Roast in the crock pot. So easy and makes the house smell devine. This is how I cooked it.
2 1/2 lb chuck roast (get the frying pan real hot and sear both sides)
1 pkg of McCorrmicks slow cooking pot roast mix (I cheat, who cares?)
The mix is really good. Don't knock it till you try it.
So mix 1 cup water & dry mix, put it in the crock pot. Add the roast.
It'll seem like there isn't enough juice at first, but don't worry it will be.
Add: Potato's, carrots or whatever you like
I used only 2 red skin potato's since I'm cooking for 1. Anyway, cut up the potato's with the skins on. I like the skins. I'm not a fan of cooked carrots but if you like them add them. Really with a pot roast you can add what you like. I'm just a meat and potato's person. Now this dish is good for more than one meal. If your cooking for a family serve extra veggies and of course garlic french bread to soak up the gravy. Yum!! This dish will give me 3 more meals. Total cost $10. Not bad for meat and potato's.
In the future, I'll be talking about desserts. See you soon.
Phyl's Thots
