Needlepoint Pillow Turned...

I adore needlepoint, always have - especially the beautiful pieces my grandma had. Oh, and if only her dining room chairs were still around... hmm be still my heart.

At an estate sale this summer, I picked up a few needlepoint pieces; a pillow, seat cover, and some framed pictures. Wow! Was that pillow dusty, I'm sneezing again, just thinking about it! Anyways, I took it apart, hand washed the needlepoint, and used it to make this tray.

Back in August, Cindy hosted a Tray you Made. I didn't participate at that time, but was inspired to make one for myself at some point. I finally took the time and put one together. I had all the pieces laying around - an old frame, glass knobs, paint, and handles which were upcycled from my recent bathroom cabinet redo.
I like to think about the lady whose hands created the beautiful needlepoint. I sure hope she'd approve of its reuse.

Today, hubby and I are celebrating 19 years of wedded bliss. Although so many years have passed, really, it just seems like yesterday that we said our vows before God and so many witnesses.

We are having another heat wave here in Seattle, and it sure feels hot like it did on our wedding day. Seattle set a record temperature of 92 degrees the day of our wedding - and whoa, was it hot! Not exactly the best temperature for long sleeve velvet dresses... aye yi yi

Le Bain

Recently, I crossed another "to do" off my list. I finally painted the cabinet in our main bathroom. Ridding the cabinet of its very 90's shiny brass hardware and painting the golden oak wood was long overdue.

Once the paint dried, it was time to re-accessorize the room. A few weeks ago, I found this cute shelf at an estate sale. Once I scrubbed off all the oil and grime, I discovered it was already painted the most perfect color for our main bath. I added the back piece to make it more of a cabinet since it sits on the countertop.

Here are a few close-ups around the room. Instead of purchasing all new brushed nickel accessories, I bought a can of spray paint and updated the towel bar, switchplates, etc... for only $3.00.
I love the metal locker room hanging basket my daddy found last summer at a garage sale, it makes a fun addition to the room. The cute little pink and white cabinet was found at a thrift store - perfect storage for all the girls hair accessories!

Summer Squash

LeAnn, who lives next door to us at the beach, puts out a basket near the road each summer, and keeps it filled with the abundance of summer squash that she has grown in her garden. Many people who live along the beach partake - me included!
Zucchini is one of my most favorite vegetable. The the way I love to eat it - sauteed with onion in a little butter and salt and pepper to taste - the way my mom has always made it. Mmmm
Usually I make zucchini bread, but this year I decided to make brownies instead. They sure turned out yummy! The recipe I used, didn't include eggs.... here's what I used 2 cups grated zucchini, 1/2 oil, 1 1/2 c sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, and 1 1/2 tsp baking soda. Oh, they are so moist and delicious!

Perfect after school snack for this first graders first day, wouldn't you say?