Pretty in Purple

Whether you're going out for a night on the town or just looking for a way to spice up your daily wardrobe, this dress does it all and so much more. The reason I fell in love with this knock-out dress is because the shimmery material and summer look will add color to any attire.

If this dress seems too flashy, you can tone it down with a simple black shawl. Don't forget to add a cute clutch to complete the perfect outfit for any occasion. You'll be sure to turn heads where ever you are!

Really like this dress? Don't worry! There are plenty of these great finds at The Cottage Thrift Shop just waiting for you to come by and seek them out!

Sincerely, The Intern...

Decorating your own space is never an easy task, especially living with someone who has different taste than you. I am a summer intern at The Women's Home and often find myself wandering through the Cottage Thrift Shop on my lunch breaks. There are so many unique home decor items that would go perfectly in a college student's apartment or house. I found this assortment of posters and paintings in the back corner of the Shop and immediately thought of that blank space on our kitchen wall. I think the baby farmers picture is perfect because it is comical and children are so adorable. The items are all so reasonably priced, so why not take advantage of the wonderful things The Cottage Thrift Shop has to offer!

Mugs, Cups, and Martini Glasses... OH MY!!

From tall to small, and lemonade to hot coffee, the assortment at The Cottage Thrift Shop is anything but ordinary.

I really enjoy the variety of sizes and shapes that can be found on the shelf because this allows a customer to find just what they want. Plus the different style glasses could work for a cocktail party at your house or even ice cream sundaes on a hot afternoon. However you choose to use them, they will be sure to make a great addition to your glassware collection.

Besides their stylish and versatile charm, the assortment is reasonably priced too. So stop by and take a look at our colorful glass selection and other great buys.

Give these great sips a try, you might find something you love...

* Granola, Yogurt, Berry Parfait (from thefoodnetwork.com)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 2 cups your favorite granola
• 2 cups fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries (hulled and sliced), and/or
• other fruit such as bananas, peaches or mangos, peeled and sliced)
• 4 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Line up 4 parfait, white wine, or other tall glasses
2. Spoon 2 tablespoons of yogurt into each glass and smooth surface
3. Spoon 2 tablespoons of granola overtop and smooth surface
4. Spoon 2 tablespoons of fruit overtop and smooth surface
5. Repeat the process, adding a bit of honey here and there, to taste

* Strawberry Mango Smoothie (from cdkitchen.com)

Ingredients:

• 4 strawberries - stemmed
• 1/2 mango - peeled
• 1/4 plain or vanilla yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of milk - or water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place strawberries, mango, yogurt, milk and sugar in a blender.
2. Puree until smooth.
3. Add several cubes of ice and blend until smooth.
4. Continue adding ice until desired consistancy is reached.
5. Pour into glasses and garnish with additional strawberries if desired

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard in high,

Sweetly singing o'er Texas,

And the rain clouds in the sky,

Ruin all of our weekend plans.

When I saw these angelic figurines in The Cottage Thrift Shop, I couldn’t help but imagine them looking out for everyone traveling this Holiday weekend as the rain blows through Texas. Everyone be safe!