Summer At Our Beach In Pictures

Sheds - and I'm Not Talking Little Buildings

I like to bring something from nature in to my home decor, do you?

Most of the time, I'm only adding flowers, leaves and such.

But....a couple weekends ago, I picked up something so cool - a deer antler shed.
It's my new favorite thing!

And no, I'm not talking about a deer head antler trophy thingy to hang on a wall. 
Those things kinda freak me out!
Deer sheds are different, especially since I know Bambi was not harmed in any way for it.

I love its look, perfect naturally aged shabby sun-bleached white.

Just a fun way to add texture to a display.  

While researching deer sheds, I discovered that shed hunting is quite popular.

What a fun thing to search for late winter, when it's most common for deer to shed their antlers.

There are so many unique ways to use sheds.

Like in a beautiful floral arrangement. 

(source)

Or, just simply piled in a console bowl.

(source)

Now, how crazy awesome is this tree?

  

(source)

Or this wreath?

(source) 
Beautiful, aren't they?
So, would you bring a deer shed into your home?

Crafting Fun - Clothespin Trivet

 Crafting with kids is so much fun!

 Crafting with friends is even better!
I've had a project just waiting to be made, so when Daphne had a friend over, they got their crafting on.

  I had them create a wood trivet using clothespins.

The project was inspired by one my brother made for my mom
 when he was in the 1st grade (some 44 years ago).
My mom still uses it today!

 

The girls trivets turned out really cute.  

Wonder if theirs will last some 40 years?

Vintage Ribbon and Lace Paper Doll

 I have admired these beautiful works of art for many years.

Maybe it's the charm of rustling petticoats and the long flowing skirts that I love.

Probably, the romance of ribbon and lace.

Whatever it is, they're just beautiful.

 Sometimes, these lovelies can be pretty pricey.  

I was happy to find this one for less than twenty dollars, which I thought that was a steal!

 While going through an old Needlecraft magazine from 1920, I found this advertisement.

 I totally would have ordered one to make - especially for a buck!

Vignette Decorating

I've been switching things around here recently.

So I thought I'd share some close-ups of a few vignettes in our living room.

I'm trying to let my vignettes "breathe" by not over crowding the space with too much stuff.

Boy, is that hard for me.

'Cause I like stuff.

A lot!

The Next Best Thing to In-N-Out

We are burger connoisseurs.

My husband is PICKY when it comes to burgers.  He won't say one is great unless it is!

Like my Daddy, he too would eat one everyday if I'd let him...

 Sometimes I get fancy with the meat, and add all kinds of stuff.

But lately... all I've been doing is making a special sauce.

The other night I made sliders since all I had were Costco rolls in the house.

The sauce made the tiny burgers so good.

Ya gotta try this sauce on your next burger.

You'll be so glad you did.

Burger Sauce 

(all measurements approximate) 

1/2 C mayonnaise

Couple tablespoons of ketchup

Tablespoon of white vinegar

Couple tablespoons of sugar

Couple tablespoons of sweet relish

Tablespoon of grated onion plus 2 tablespoons of minced onion

*I don't measure the ingredients - I just eyeball it to the color/texture I like.

 

Vintage Canning Jars Make Drinks Taste Better. . .

. . . don't ya think?

We're so excited 'cause summer has officially arrived here in the Pacific NW.

Time to enjoy icy cold drinks on lazy summer afternoons!

One of my favorites - Sweet Sun Tea.

Here is how I make mine:

I use a super cool large old glass jar w/ lid that holds approximately 9-10 cups of water.

To the water, I add 11 tea bags any flavor (I use the good ol' standard Rose Tea).

Place filled jar in a sunny location for a few hours to steep. 

Once tea is the desired color, I add about 1 and 1/3-1/2 cups of sugar and stir 'til dissolved.

Chill in refrigerator and serve over ice.

On a side note, some people freak out about sun tea since it never boils (something about bacteria, I  think).  I have made and drank it this way it for years.  Never have had a problem or gotten sick from it.