Thursday, March 31, 2011

"We'll Eat You Up. We Love You So!"

Has anyone else out there discovered the treasure trove of $1 Wild Things goodies currently at Target?!? Good grief. Just when I've vowed to cut back on the amount of stuff we accumulate, Target draws be back into the consumer fray. But how could I resist? You know how we love the Wild Things around here.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Ferry Tales

We spent the weekend with good friends up on Whidbey Island. Exploring the woods, charming waterfront towns and saltwater driftwood beaches. Perfect. So perfect that I largely forgot to take pictures. Except on the ferry. It always feels extra vacation-y when there's a ferry involved.The view from the back of the boat was lovely
but the front decks were a touch windy.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Rain Checks and Silver Linings

Today I had plans for an adventure into new antiquing territory with a good friend, but the baby woke up this morning with a runny nose and a foul temperament. So disappointing. And typical. I was really looking forward to this trip and, as tomorrow is my birthday, I was hoping to treat myself to some new wonders and curiosities.

In an attempt to salvage the day, I took a half an hour while B was in school, left the little sicky with my dad and hit up the local thrift store. I swear the birthday fairy stopped in just ahead of me. Amazing vintage Dexter boots in my size! An antique Underwood typewriter that I've been been longing (and casing Craigslist) for and a lovely and unique armchair that is perfect for my living room. It's exactly what I've been looking for. There was also a darling side table included in my haul - not pictured due to its current horrible day-glo orange paint job. Oh! and a sweater. It was a pretty epic 30 minutes.
So now, even though the baby has been inconsolable all afternoon, and I'm largely covered in mucus, I feel a touch stylish nursing in my antique chair. Thanks retail... er... thrift therapy!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

"I Feel Like There's Glass Between Us!"

It's a rough life, Little Brother.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Co-op Crowns

Whoever said that glitter is the herpes of the craft world was a genius. And quite possibly a co-op parent. My first official out of class assignment for Beckett's new co-op preschool was to make and decorate 10 birthday crowns. B helped or, more accurately, did most of the work. But the result, apart from the obvious whimsical masterpieces, is that there's glitter everywhere. Tiny bits of sparkle on my hands, my couch, my floor, my dog?!? Ridiculous.

But apart from the raging glitter outbreak in our home, I'm absolutely loving being a part of a co-op preschool. I love the community and sense of responsibility. I love having a hands on role in my child's education, and I love that the parent education side of it is slanted toward the very latest research into brain development etc. It's all around a very positive experience. So while I still very much miss Teacher Tina and our friends up North, I'm happy with our choice.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Fresh Cuts

I know I haven't been a "gardener" for very long, but it never really feels like March til I've cut my first ranunculus. This year they're sharing a container with these lovely purple anemones. I only have a small deck now, a fraction of the size of my old rooftop, but even just a few containers go a long way to making this place feel like home.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Saddle Up! Saddle Shoes with Ribbon Shoelaces

Remember last year Spring when I happily got some saltwater sandals straight out of my childhood? Well, enter thrift score #1 - saddle shoes - also straight out of my childhood. I'm generally not one to buy second hand shoes, but I couldn't walk away without these.However, as much as I immediately fell for these, there was something missing. Without the over the top patent leather detailing of other, fancier wingtips they lack the proper whimsy to make them seem fashionable. You know? So I added these ribbon shoelaces and it seemed to do the trick.Pretty obvious, I know, but it made a big difference. These are darling with my jeans or leggings - though I do have visions of poodle skirts in my future. Must... resist... the poodle...

Monday, March 7, 2011

Thrift Therapy

Before the move, Beckett was going to school 3 times a week, 3 hours a day, less than a mile from our house. His new school, fantastic as it is, is only twice a week, 2 hours a day, and it's 15 miles from home. It's been tough. I don't even bother to trek home, let alone delve into any projects. Instead I've been spending my time at the local (excellent) thrift store. Dangerous and awesome. I'm hoping to do some alterations/ refashions to share with you all while I set up the new apartment for full blown sewing. I just have to carve out the time!