Dining finds under $25

These are just some basics that I have been eyeballing, and hey, they're all under $25!

World Market Mason Jar Dispenser $14.99 ( best price I've seen )

Privet House for Target Server $19.99 ( not just for serving guests, think centerpiece, or hang it up! )

Privet House for Target Large Serving Bowl $24 ( fruit salad? cold pasta salad for summer? )

Pier One Cork Cookie Jar $24 ..i love this one. ( no cookies for you? storage for rice or baking or crafts or...? )

Crate and Barrel Brunswick Soup Pot $19 ( $5 ships it! )

Crate and Barrel Refrigerator Jug $10.95 ( $5 ships it! ) Nice and basic.

And are you like me, you like the idea of these tasting serveware items but realistically, they'll just gather dust in your cabinet? They look neat though!

West Elm Appetizer Spoons w/Tray $11.99 ( free ship )

Pier One Bamboo Tray with Tasting Spoons $11

And while we're in the kitchen, I just happened to discover that my beloved Martha Stewart  Dutch Oven, was in fact recalled. I blogged about it here and here, I know a few of you bought them as well. Macy's will give you a full refund. I'm so sad. The color was perfect too, and the price was awesome, and my rosemary lemon chicken never tasted better.  Hmmph.

*EDIT*

I have not TRIED to return this yet. HERE is the link for the recall. Many people have said you'll get the lowest price for the return. I should note, there were only TWO incidents reported, where the finish cracked/melted, and there was no injury. So it's up to you. Personally, I'm gonna keep it. I'm still lookin at braisers too!

While we are on the subject of dutch ovens...does anyone own a braiser? Which brand did you go with?

Anthropologie Sale

These super awesome luggage tag drawer pulls are on clearance ONLINE for $2.95...I was at Anthropologie a couple days ago and they were not on sale in store. I'd love to see these on a dresser, or even attached to wood boxes for organization.

Chicken Talk

I havent talked about my hens in a while, so I'll update you, and answer questions I've been emailed.

We added a gate that I made from a window that's been layin around the yard that I got for free. I still have to paint the posts and put the finishing pieces on to complete it. But because we used recycled wood and wire I already had, it only cost $6 for hardware.

During the winter, it got incredibly wet back in the coop, despite putting an enormous tarp over everything. Mud and Poop combined made for a frustrating mess. So we bought some straw, and it's been so nice. Not only does it soak up whatever, it keeps the flies down and makes for very easy cleanup. The girls love tossing it around.

Now that it's less muddy, we'll be putting sand back inside the back of the cage. It's cool on their feet and they need the little pebbles to help digest food. This is a pic from last summer, I have to note, we do NOT use the red plastic feeders anymore. They are a joke. I opted for an antique galvanized feeder that clips to the side and doesnt touch the ground.

This is Pepper Pots. She is my lead hen and definitely rules the roost. She's curious and doesnt leave my side when I'm out in the yard.

My 4 year old is a farmer at heart. She wakes up at the crack of dawn, lets the girls out of their coop, gathers the eggs from the nest and feeds them. I think it's safe to say this is her first chore, and she chose to do it.

Quick Q&A:

1. Do chickens poop a lot?.....Oh yes. There is a LOT of chicken ish. If they ish in the lawn, I spray it down with water so it breaks up. There's a lot of ish.

2. What do they eat?.....We are lucky to live within walking distance from a feed store that has quality grain feed. That's their staple. On colder days we'll throw in "scratch" which is just corn pieces to warm up their bodies. It's just a treat. I also started mealworms since they are high in protein, again, in moderation. Otherwise they roam the yard looking for bugs, grass, scratching the ground. If you ever find crane fly larvae, it's like a delicatessen to them.  And of course, table scraps. ( cooked rice, oats, bread, watermelon, lettuce, spinach, blackberries etc)

3. How many eggs do you get?....We have 3 hens and are getting 3 per day. Browns and Pinks and Cream colored eggs and they're big!

Nate Berkus for Target...fall 2012.

Did you hear? Nate Berkus will have an exclusive line for Target, October 21st. Prices from $5.99 to $149.