It's all about the hunt...

On Sunday, my mom, sister, and my walking cast, braved 94 degrees to hit the Allegan Antique market.

It was worth the sweat and very swollen foot.
I didn't bring this child's tea cart home (but I wish I would have). 

These are the goodies that ended up in the back of my van...

Another children's party game book (I found a couple of cute ideas that I can use for Josie's upcoming birthday party) and a flower frog.  I can't have enough of those frogs for displaying photos and postcards.

I also couldn't resist these penny dolls.  Don't you just love the sweet little Asian girl and Indian princess?

I also got this child-size wooden ironing board for a song.  I'm planning on hanging it up in my laundry room.  It'll be perfect near my washboards and doll clothes.

I have a shelf that runs the width of our sunroom that I'm going to fill with summer decor and I thought all these pieces of miniature furniture would add a fun touch.



I also brought home a few more goodies that I'm going to use in an upcoming belated birthday give-away.   Be sure to keep checking back.  Happy thrifting!!

20 years ago today...

...I was fresh out of graduate school, we had relocated back across the state for new jobs, we were settling into our first apartment, and we were getting married!

 

 Happy Anniversary, Chris.

20 years later, you still make it so easy to love you.

Memorial weekend treats...

So, do you have any special plans for Memorial weekend? 
Never one to miss an opportunity for decorating, I was happy to
dig out one of my favorite Magpie Ethel purchases this morning. 

Aside from my big outing at the Allegan Antique market
on Sunday with my mom and sister, the rest of the weekend
is going to be spent outside (as much as the heat will allow us).  

The girls and I made a few special treats for the weekend.

A few years ago we made these patriotic cupcakes.

If you are looking for decorations,
don't forget Allsorts and her sweet
pinwheel and bunting printables.


Have a wonderful Memorial weekend.

XOXO

Happy Birthday to ME!

I had every intention of having a birthday give-away ready on my actual birthday, but life (and lots of party preparations for my girls mixed in with my ongoing foot surgery recovery and returning to work full time) has gotten in the way this year. 

Viv sent my girls these faux cupcakes last year. Love them!

My mom, sister (and my walking cast) are headed to the Allegan Antique outdoor market this Sunday.   These pictures are from one of my favorite vendors Rhubarb Reign.

My hope is to come back from the antique market with a few goodies to share with my blogging friends. In the mean time, you might want to check out Thoroughly Modern Me and her Hostess Basket Give-away!


The celebrations continue!!!

 

Daisies for Rednesday...

When we ventured up north a little over a week ago, I managed to hit a new antique store in the Traverse City area (Wilson Antiques East Bay). Thanks for the tip, Lee.  One of the treasures to come home with me was this cowgirl vest.  My mother is going to give it to Josie along with some other cowgirl items for her upcoming birthday (shhhh...our secret).    Don't you just love the fringe!!

Isn't this a charming display?  Never one to pass up children's books or storybook record albums, several items came home with me. 

 

Minus the brown eyes, this little girl reminds me of Emma. 

My favorite purchase from the outing were these four cloth napkins. 

After work Monday evening, I borrowed a few wild daisies from the side of the road. 


I think the daisies and bumble bees are so cheerful together. They'll be perfect for treehouse picnics.

Linking up with: 
It's A Very Cherry World Rednesday!

Mail call...

Over the last few weeks, several special packages have been delivered to our house. I'm so spoiled.

Renee (My Vintage Mending) sent me a birthday package filled with all my favorite kinds of goodies. Her signature wrapping (sewing patterns) always brings a smile to my face. 



A darling birthday apron, complete with a nosegay of tiny millinery flowers.

Sweet illustrated books to feed my obsession.   Love that Jack and Jill Halloween issue!

Another fabulous bead basket to add to my growing collection.  It's currently on my fireplace mantle and will eventually make it's way to my craft room. 

I can't wait to figure out some special crafting projects with these treasures. Thank you, Renee.
Elizabeth (Creative Breathing) sent my girls these darling fairies.  They have taken up residence in our yellow cottage.

Aren't they sweet?  I'm sure they will have lots of adventures this summer with Miss Josie's rabbit family and the occasional superhero that drops in for tea and cake.  Thank you, Elizabeth.
Pink Roses and teacups sent me these needlepoint Chinese outfits to frame for Josie's bedroom.  Her mother in law made them years ago.  Absolutely beautiful.

I'm hoping to do some crafting (and work on Josie's birthday decorations) over the Memorial weekend and want to get these framed and hung on the wall.  Thank you, Debbie.

Speaking of Josie's birthday, Viv (sent me this pom pom flamingo).  

Josie is having a flamingo themed birthday and he will have a special place of honor on Josie's cake.  As I said last week, blogging friends are the MOST generous kinds of friends.  PS.  I almost forgot.  Thank you for the beautiful owl necklace, Cindy.  I need to get Chris to snap a picture of me wearing it!   
  

Emma's Party Pics...

We couldn't have asked for better weather for Emma's birthday slumber party. We spent Saturday morning setting up the dining tables and decorations.

Chris helped with duties that required climbing and moving furniture.

We also kept him busy with grilling duties (amazing how much food 12 girls can go through in one evening). 

Emma wanted an ice cream sundae bar with lots of topping choices.

The girls also enjoyed playing volleyball and having a marshmallow roast around our fire pit.

There are lots of thank you notes to be written.

Happy 14th Birthday, Emma!  You have lovely girlfriends and we certainly had fun celebrating your birthday.