Sunflower love...

Sunflowers are one of the few items in our garden that have remained untouched by deer or rabbits.

Chris planted two different varieties.
lemon queen - top pic
giant- bottom pic

Aren't they handsome?
Sunflowers always remind me that Autumn isn't too far off.

While the family was away over the weekend, I decided to construct a new fall wreath for the girl's treehouse door. I made sure to include a few silk sunflower blossoms in the wreath.

Even though the girls start school in a week, we still have plans to use the treehouse as much as possible. I've promised picnic lunches and sleepovers this labor day weekend.

Even the leaves in front of the treehouse fairy door are bringing a hint of Autumn, I guess I'm ready for fall. It was a lovely summer.

XOXO

♥

A very crafty weekend...

While Chris took the girls across the state over weekend to visit his parents, I was able to get my 10 Halloween ornaments completed for a swap I'm participating in.

I found the neatest wine bags at Michael's for $1 that I used to wrap each ornament. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but in addition to the sweet little witch graphic found here, lots of crepe paper, glue and glitter were involved.

As promised, I even made a few extra for give-aways!!
I've got lots of ideas and tutorials for Halloween crafts.
Be sure to look at my past entries
and be sure to check back often this fall.

PS. Several of you asked where I picked up the Martha Halloween special edition magazine.

I got my copy at Costco, but I've seen her at several chain grocery stores too. There are some new things in this issue, along with some recycled articles. My heart goes out to everyone that has suffered from hurricane Irene! Prayers to my east coast blogging friends.

XOXO

♥

She's Back!!

I need to work a few hours this afternoon at the University and when I'm home again, I'll be resting my foot and enjoying THIS!

Later this weekend, I'm going to be playing with THESE goodies.

The darling witch image is available on My Vintage Mending. Thanks, Renee!!! I'm participating in another Halloween ornament swap and I'm hoping to make a few extra's as give-aways on my blog later this fall. Be sure to check back often!

To my east coast friends, stay safe this weekend. I'm hoping hurricane Irene doesn't turn out to be as horrible as she sounds.

XOXO

♥

Superheros & Baseball...does it get any better?

Last Saturday, Josie got to watch a parade (filled with superheros) and then attend a special Whitecaps Baseball Superhero game with her sister & cousins.

The first 1,000 kids got free capes at the baseball game.
Josie is obsessed with all things superheros.

Life doesn't get much better.
Have a "super" weekend!

XOXO

♥

Corn Harvest & Corn Salad with Avocado

Although the deer and rabbits have really enjoyed our garden (we had funerals for our pumpkins last week...sigh), we were able to harvest a few ears of corn from our garden over the weekend.

I experimented with a few ingredients that I had in the refrigerator and came up with a corn and avocado salad recipe that turned out pretty darn good.

Corn salad with avocado

3 to 4 ears of cooked corn
1/2 small onion, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 medium tomato (or several cherry tomatoes) finely chopped
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped
Fresh squeezed lime juice to taste
Fresh chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Garlic salt & pepper to taste

Cook corn and slice kernels from ears of corn from top to bottom with knife. Add ingredients and chill for several hours before serving.

Nothing beats fresh sweet corn!!

Especially when it comes from your own garden!
We know the deer liked it too!!
XOXO

♥

New Thrifty Finds...Craft /Party Books

One of my favorite vendors at our local antique mall is fabulous at finding vintage craft/party books. When I visited her booth over the weekend, this little gem was waiting for me.

My home scanner refuses to work with my new laptop. Excuse the shadows caused by me standing over the book with my camera.

Some of my other craft/party books (found in my personal collection) include:

The graphics in the books are just as inspirational as the crafts inside. My books proudly take up residence in my craft room awaiting a rainy day.

Linking up with:
It's a Very Cherry World: Rednesday

Coloradolady: Vintage Thingie Thursday

XOXO

♥

How did this happen?

How did back-to-school shopping, kindergarten orientation and elementary school pictures sneak up on us?

Isn't it still July?

XOXO

♥

Thrifty Candlesticks & Halloween Projects

I realize it's still August, but for those of you that want to start collecting things for Halloween, you might want to pick up a few candlesticks when you're out thrifting and garage sale shopping.

I'll be showing you how to craft this later this fall.

I found some other great things while hunting yesterday.
I can't wait to share more.
XOXO

♥

It's never too early...

...to start plotting Halloween crafts!!

I found these picks at the Allegan Antique market last month.
The bingo cards I crafted last fall.

I've got BIG plans. Just you wait.
XOXO

♥

Zucchini Salad

We came home from our vacation to find that many naughty naughty rabbits had tunneled into our garden and helped themselves to all sorts of our lovely vegetables. We did have a few zucchini spared from the munch-fest and I made a yummy Greek-inspired salad.

Surfing the web, I found a couple of recipes for zucchini feta salad that looked intriguing. I've made a few adjustments. Enjoy.

Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic in large serving bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini and toss to coat. Cover and marinate overnight (I only waited 4 hours). Sprinkle with feta, green onions, mint and parsley just before serving.

• 3 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 medium zucchini, peeled into thin ribbons (about 4 cups)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (I used the Mediterranean version)
• 2 green onions, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

XOXO

♥