Shelf Shop by Mrs. Loves Life

Growing up, my Dad & I would go treasure hunting together. We had the best time. Maybe we would find something cool, maybe not, but it was spending time together that made it all worthwhile. Treasure hunting is something I still love to do today. I prefer to hunt & find unique, one-off treasures over most others any day. I love the history of vintage pieces, and the fact that there are stories behind them as to how they were enjoyed in another time.

With that being said, a house can only hold so many unique & fun finds. I can't pass up the good ones, so I've decided to share them!! I've done so by opening an etsy shop, Shelf Shop. This is where I'll be adding new finds and creations often. Here's my philosophy:

"There are beautiful treasures throughout this world waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. It's these little treasures, brought into your home, that make for a happier and more enjoyable space. I love to discover all that is unique, fun and timeless. Each piece in this shop has been excitedly picked or created to make your home happier. I hope each time you are here, you find a new treasure you love."

Welcome to my Shelf Shop, I hope you enjoy it: etsy.com/shop/mrsloveslife.

*It's the Shelf Shop because all of these finds are displayed on a bookshelf in our house - A little spot of real estate for these unique treasures to sit and stay for a bit.

"Con Amore" Italian for "With Love"

February is here, and I'm loving Siglinda Scarpa's "Con Amore" Heart-Shaped Dishes.

These handmade pottery pieces are wow, gorgeous & unique. With a price tag of $255 per place setting, I would say these are my dream dishes. In regards to this tablescape, it is so pretty for a romantic dinner for two. I think a similar look can be achieved at home with china, flatware, stemware & the addition of a white tablecloth (which is what really brings that classy & timeless restaurant feel). I also love the delicate touch of napkins tied with satin bows. A tablescape I came across at A Southern Season... Valentine's Day inspiration!

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

This recipe is perfect timing in regards to Super Bowl Sunday. First, I gathered my toppings of shredded lettuce, diced onions mixed with cilantro, avocado slices, thinly sliced green onions and blue cheese dressing - all very green. I used Mission's Yellow Corn Tortillas.

As far as preparation of the buffalo chicken, I cut one pound of skinless & boneless chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. I then seasoned these pieces of chicken with pepper. Separate in a bowl, I combined: 1/3 cup flour, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper & 1 teaspoon garlic powder. I then dredged the cut chicken in this flour mixture.

In a large & heated dutch oven* (medium-high heat), I added 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then added the dredged chicken. I mixed it around so each side had time to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the chicken was cooked, I tossed it in a bowl with 1/3 cup Frank's Red Hot.

*A dutch oven really means, dutch oven. A frying/saute pan = one smokey house!!

I assembled my tacos with the chicken, toppings and sprinkles of blue cheese & Red Hot.

Serving Size - 5 servings at 2 tacos each

Quick Fact: Did you know leaving the avocado nut in with your avocado slices or guacamole slows it down from turning brown? I've found this to be one amazing bit of knowledge.

This recipe was adapted from mrsregueiro.com via Pinterest.

Haute Diggity Dog!

I pretty much lost it today when I saw these parody dog toys:

Barkbury + Facebark, Puptron Silver, kate spayed, PUGGS, Pawda, Chewy Vuitton, Manolo Barknik, etc. A worker came to join in on the fun, because I could not stop laughing!!

Love Gifts

My go-to gift this past year for that hostess with the mostess was fun cocktail napkins. This year, I am trying to think outside of the box. Here's what I've been gifting lately:

Introduce your hostess to a new treat! I love Ciao Bella's 'Blood Orange' Sorbet. It even has a seal of approval from Oprah, as it made her favorite things one year. It's a delicious sorbet, fun-sized and a great little delight for your hostess to dish on after all of the guests have gone. Top it with a bow, and it's sure to be a hit. (Spoon under the lid = no more dishes!)

We have entertainingly great photos of friends from our wedding. I've had a blast printing some of my favorite ones as 3.5 x 5s and placing them in double frames. Tie with a bow!

Root Beer Floats are fun! I have fond memories of them from my childhood as they are a dessert my parents and I would often treat ourselves to. I still order one today at my favorite restaurant, Angus Barn. Pick up a glass bottle root beer, a baby vanilla Ben & Jerry's ice cream and add a straw! Add two straws if you think this float will be shared with a sweetie.

One of my favorite theme nights is Mexican night. Last week my friend Elle and I got together for our own little fiesta. I love the idea of a tequila tasting, so I played off of this for her hostess gift. I placed three mini-bottles of tequila in a set of two salsa dishes I scored at the Dollar Store. Then I used brown shredded paper to add a little pizzazz - The best place to find shredded paper is at the Dollar Store as well. I love how this turned out. Ariba!

Love gifts are the happiest of gifts.