Things That Followed Me Home...

Quite a few items have made their way to Our New Vista in the last month.  I have been upgrading some of my cookware and am thrilled with the Blue Diamond pans I found. 

This was my first Blue Diamond purchase at Kohl's.  My frying pans that came with my Analon set several years ago were those no longer as non-stick as I liked.  I decided to try this medium size frying pan because it was on sale and I had a coupon...win/win.

I brought it home and made scrambled eggs and NOTHING STUCK.  You really don't even need any butter or other substance...I used a little Smart Balance, but it was not necessary.  You are advised to NOT use any cooking spray. This pan is completely toxin gree, and has no PFOA, lead  of cadmium.  It is dishwasher, oven , broiler, and metal utensil safe. The pan cleaned up so easily that I never put it in the dishwasher...and I used a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. So, I was on a quest to find some others.  I did not want to buy the entire set as my saucepans are still fine.

My next purchase was this - 

5 qt. covered skillet with helper handle.  I had a similar pan that I used for stir fry and other recipes, but it was also getting old.  I found this one at a great price at Walmart...and after using it several times I can say I love it.  Nothing sticks - really!

So...then I was making pancakes and my old griddle ( that cam with my Analon set ) was not really great.  The pancakes kept sticking.  I checked Walmart and Kohl's for a griddle but they did not have them.  

I found this square griddle on Amazon and it is also fabulous.  Pancakes don't stick, it makes the best toasted cheese sandwiches.  I am so glad I found these pans.  You can find them at stores like Walmart, Kohl's, etc. - and also on Amazon.  Interestingly on the Blue Diamond website most of these items are SOLD OUT.    I am very happy with my purchases...and am thinking of now upgrading my muffin and loaf pans!

Next up...a new item for my kitchen sink - 

Full Circle Bubble Up Ceramic Soap Dispenser & Bamboo Dish Brush

Found on Amazon

This sits perfectly on the counter near my sink.  There is a spring loaded removable insert.  You just put some dishwashing liquid and a little water in the container and then pump it a few times to make some suds.  I love it for quick clean ups without getting my hands and nails immersed in water.  

Electric Candle Lighter Plasma Arc Lighters with USB Rechargeable Battery Windproof & Flameless Retractable Head ... also found on Amazon.

I don't use matches any longer and was tired of buying those disposable lighter wands.  This works great for candles and it is rechargeable!

Last week I got together for Friendsgiving with my college friends.  We met for lunch and shopping - and we usually exchanged gifts.  Chatting early in the month, we decided to NOT give each other gifts.  We are so blessed in our lives and we have everything we need.  A decision was made to give to a charity of our choice - and then we shared the charity we chose.  And...even though we said we don't need anything, we did manage to do a little shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Hershey, PA.

I found some great jewelry - first at Talbots.

I picked up a simply tee shirt and was waiting to check out when I spied these cute earrings.  I did not need them...but they were so sparkly and looked so good for the holidays that they ended up in my bag!  In my defense, they were on sale and I had a 20% off coupon!

Also found some deals at the Loft Outlet

Wandering around the store I spied these necklaces on the 50% off rack.  I loved the navy/teal one and knew I had a pair of teal slacks and a navy sweater that would work great with that one.  I loved the delicate look of the other...

These were the price tags....but when I got to the check out I was told they had been marked down even more...and the price for each was 

$4.12 !!!

We had a party to attend over the weekend and I wore the teal pants, navy sweater, and that necklace - and got tons of compliments!

Last of all is this  - Bose Soundwave IV

Our new car does not have a CD player...we love music and have lots and lots of CDs, so we needed something to be able to listen to them.  We were putting them in the DVD player and running them through the television, but it was not the best.   This was a Today's Special Value on one of the home shopping channels and it was an amazing price.  So, we ordered it and set it up - super easy - and we LOVE IT.  The sound is amazing, it takes up such little space, and we can now listen to all of our music.

How about you ?  What has "followed you home" this month?  Are you upgrading any of your pots and pans?  What kind do you like?  Please leave a comment below - I love hearing from you!  And to one and all - Happy Thanksgiving!  I feel so incredibly blessed and thankful for all the blessings in my life!  Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!