Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summertime Estate Sale Finds

While I was going through pictures on my computer, I came across these I had forgotten about.

Here's a sampling of some fun things I've picked up at estate sales this summer.
Lately, there seems to be a plethora of estate sales around here each week. I've been so tempted to hit each one, but I've shown much restraint - like limiting myself to one or two a month.
Oh boy, is that hard!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

10 A.M. Break

We love to visit daddy and bring treats to his work at break time.
This morning we took doughnuts from FROST.

If you live in the Seattle area, you must visit. The doughnuts are that fantastic!
FROST is located in Mill Creek approx. 20 miles north of Seattle.

Some of our favs - Aztec chocolate, red velvet, salted carmel, and smoky bacon maple bars.

I think we made his day.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sewing Studio in the Making

It all started back in April...
We purchased wood laminate to replace the icky carpeting in our basement.
Then, one day, my hubby said, "hey, why don't we make you a sewing studio?" Huh? Whaa?
Um, okay, you didn't have to ask me twice!
So began the process.
Here is a pic of where my studio will be.

After pulling up the icky carpet, we found even ickier carpet underneath.
Ewww, I guess there wasn't much to choose from in 1975? Makes me seasick just standing on it. Oh, and it's glued down too! Aye yai yai

In this pic, you can see a bit of the new floor. Hubby has been working in sections across the room. Here, he has also laid out where the new wall will stand.

Besides building a wall, he removed part of the false ceiling that would have been on the other side of the wall in our rec room area.

Yay! The wall is up.
Complete with a built-in for our stereo theater system.
Plus the ceiling is sheetrocked. Yay

Since hubby made himself a built-in for the stereo, I had only one request.
A laundry shoot!
He designed a space to perfectly fit my laundry cart and catch our dirty clothes.
He's the best!!

Oh, and remember, I promised I'd share my bestest find from Farm Chick's?
Well, this is it!! Isn't it amazing? One day, it'll have a darling liner...
I bought it from Lisa (A Thing For Roses). She made me a screamin' offer I couldn't refuse.
Thanks so much, Lisa!!

We're still plugging along with the remodel. I get to paint the studio soon! We have beadboard stained and ready to go up. The ceiling is textured, just need to paint it. The bar is designed, just needs to be built. And so the list goes on....

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Vintage Bedspring

Is this the coolest find, or what?
Soon, it'll be repurposed into lots of fun and cool stuff.

Seriously? People slept on these things? Hmph, I can't even imagine. Yikes!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

One of the Many Perks of Summer

Freshly picked raspberries.
Oh how I love summer!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fair Scones

Chances are, if you live in the Northwest, you've had Fisher scones.
If not, they are a "must have" especially when you're at one of our local fairs.

I much prefer making baked goods from scratch, but when something is better from the box, I'm all about semi-homemade. Ha!
Locally, Costco sells this big box of Fisher Scone mix which is so nice to have on hand.
They're so quick and easy to make.

Perfect for breakfast or anytime, they are
so delicious smothered in butter and fresh homemade strawberry jam!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

An Old Fashion Hometown Parade

The little community of Maxwelton on Whidbey Island hosts a cute little 4th of July parade.
It was a fun way to start our celebration of Independence Day.
The Maxwelton Parade rolls down two blocks from the Maxwelton Farm to the Mackie baseball field. It may be the shortest parade in the world, but it's full of spirit!

It was fun to watch and share this experience with the girls. Since my hubby grew up on the Island, he spent many years celebrating the 4th in the same way.
2010 marked the parade's 95th year!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Patriotic Garb

The girls really love to dress in Red, White, and Blue when celebrating Independence Day.
I've made many patriotic outfits in the past, but some years, I just don't have the time...
The other day when I told the girls I was thinking of making them something to wear on the 4th, Sydney immediately blurted out, "Yay! I love it when you make me clothes." With that response, I wasted no time, I figured I'd better take advantage of that while it lasts, I know the days of actually liking what mom makes are numbered. Ha!

I kept it simple, just a patchwork twirly skirt and a t-shirt I embellished. Nothing fancy, but festive nonetheless.

My country tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Land of the
Pilgrim's pride. From every mountain side Let freedom ring!
-Samuel F. Smith

Have a wonderful and safe 4th!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Strawberry Fields

Last Friday, we made our annual trek to the u-pick strawberry patch.
Even though the weather we've been having around here doesn't make it feel like summer, heading out to pick vine ripened berries sure does.
I love sharing this tradition with the girls. It's our official kick off to summer.
We picked almost 10 pounds, enough for a couple batches of jam and a few containers of slicers.

To start our day, this is one of our favorites when we have fresh berries.

Mmmm, I love ice cream for breakfast!