Some Vintage Goodies...

My goal was to visit at least one flea market a month - I am far, far behind as I just visited my first of the summer. I had a great time perusing all sorts of treasures, junk, and antiques at this well-known flea market and came away with some amazing goodies for my boutique. It was a perfect summer day, but I still sweat through my shirt as I awkwardly carried my purchases all over the place. (I really need one of those granny grocery carts!)

I recently added them to Revamp so if you haven't seen them yet, go on over and check them out! I have a couple others I am fixing up and hope to have them up for sale shortly.

maps, anyone?

I salvaged as many of these great antique maps as I could. They are from a 1903 geography book that was tattered and falling apart. I had to do something with them - they are too beautiful and old to discard. So, I've decided to showcase them in these simple gallery frames with archival matting. I currently have all the continents and several of the US territories. I can see them displayed as a grouping or on their own in an office, studio, or library - perhaps one of your's??? I've just posted many of them to my boutique and more are on the way...

My new tool...

is this fabulous antique industrial 'nail holder'. I found this up in WI a few weeks ago at a great salvage shop. It was covered in dust and sitting on the ground, being neglected. I have been looking for an organizational tool for storing my small odds and ends for work. It seemed to fit all the criteria I was looking for! It weighs about 3 lbs. and the top portion turns like a lazy susan - it is perfect for my work station. I am happy it's mine :) We are getting along great...

A Picnik...

Awhile ago, Kasey over at Lola B's encouraged us to take some photos and play around with the wonderful tool, Picnik. After seeing her amazing photos, as well as many of your's, I decided to download this program. I've played around with it many times and have created some super fun photos. I decided to capture my yard and flowers in early summer - this is what I came up with :)

A slight addiction...

well, perhaps it is a bit more than "slight". I've been having an inner struggle for the past 8 years with carbonated beverages :) (Just as I wrote that I felt incredibly pathetic, but I must face it full on.) It is true, I could drink two cans of coke a day. Fortunately, I stopped that after my senior year in college. (It was a necessary part of my diet to staying alert in studio & combating headaches). But, after graduation I felt it was time to set some boundaries. So, I have since been trying to do a "one coke" per week diet. yeah. it has been rough. I have failed numerous times, but it is nothing like the college days.

I know this stuff is horrible for you, it eats away at rust, and has like no nutritional benefits...so why do I struggle so? That darn bubbly taste!!! I've realized it is more so the carbonation that I love. So I have been drinking what the Italians call 'aqua con gas'. La Croix is a personal favorite. I was feeling great about it and myself, but I recently learned that carbonation can be bad for you too!? Apparently it can deplete your calcium levels?! argh. Have you heard this?

So, I feel 'stuck' when it comes to my beverage selection. I am finding it hard to give up carbonation. I know plain water is the best, but I need that zing sometimes! Do any of you struggle with this problem? I know it is so minor in the grand scheme of things, but with this hot summer weather I find myself wanting to reach for that icy cold coke, la croix, dr. pepper, perrier, barq's...


Any suggestions or input on this matter?

Faux bois anyone??

I really the dig this french style of craft. In simple terms, it is an imitation of wood grain typically made from mortar and cement. You can often find it in gardens as bird baths and 'fake' logs/rocks/toad stools, etc. Granted, if you have too much of it then I think it looks a bit odd, but in small doses it makes a pretty accent to any room. Here are some great examples of this art form (including my very own candle holder which I adore - thanks Pete):


Chairs

Lighting

Garden

Decor

Soaps

Planters

rain & sand...

We are back from our travels to the north country. Even though the weather was more like autumn with wind and rain, we felt relaxed upon our return home. I think small getaways like these are the perfect medicine for decluttering the mind. We spent a long weekend in Door County with our great friends and did a little hiking, napping, and s'mores making :) And, a fish boil.


Do you have any quick getaways planned this summer?