Our Summer Style

It's sad that thrift stores can't sell many of the vintage things we so love.

Vintage children's book because of possible lead poisoning is one such example.

I hate to even ponder for too very long on what treasures are deemed "unsafe"

and chucked into the recycle pile each and every day.

I'm certainly not saying I let me babes teeth on vintage books and toys,

but I do so very much love to read them together

 and use them in my decorating and crafting.

One thrift store in our area has a free "scrap" wood area where you can rummage

through for items deemed unsafe or unsellable.

Boy was I thrilled when I came across two crib ends a few weeks ago.

I now have 5 crib ends in my possession!

I use them in the yard, as chalkboards,

and this one I just finished painting 

for my summer mantle.

This arrangement really brings together a lot of my favorite things 

Milk glass, swirly tapered candles, and this fab

1970s plastic wreath. 

But of all the vintage items I own

I really love my collection of vintage kids clothes the most.

I've been collecting for over 10 years!

That's way way way before I was blessed with my two babes!

This handmade romper just barely fit today. 

I can't believe how fast my little pickle is growing.

I'll probably cut this one up and use in my crafting,

It's got stains on top of stains but still isn't it just the sweetest!?

Petey is wearing a handmade romper as well.

Yeah, it was probably made for a girl,

but who cares.

He looks boyishly handsome to me!

Cowboys Like Us

After a long day of being cooped up in the house with these two all-day,

I decided that we needed a change of scenery

and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than to play dress up

and take some pictures.

Well I'm sure they would have perhaps had more fun 

playing at the park or even going on a walk, 

but they were good sports and were such great camera hams. 

I can't believe this little man is going to be 2 soon! 

He really is a "little man", working so hard to be just like his daddy.

I love watching him explore the world around him,

learning new ways to drive me bananas 

and making it near impossible to

 get anything done without his "most helpful"assistance. 

Oh my gosh, then I have this little pickle!

Trouble, Trouble, Trouble!!!

She has daddy wrapped around her finger,

and momma pulling her hair out.

She is so us it's darn near scary!

p.s. this is her first time sporting piggy tails!

~

Thanks "Great" Aunt Kym for loving us

and for the sweet dress baby girl is wearing.

Oh and for letting me barrow your amazing backyard today

(even though you weren't home to even know it). 

A Pretty Mantle, A Messy Home

Who has time for laundry and chores when there is much more fun

to be had crafting, thrifting, and decorating.

Yes, my home is a disaster,

but if you can get past the piles, and the obstacle course

of toys on the ground

then you are very welcome to our happy chaos - our home! 

We tend to showcase our life through a tiny pinhole.

We direct the attention only to that what makes us happy and feel safe.

But I'm hear to say - "Bull****!"

Is your home sparkly clean? Probably not,

well either is mine.

Much like the world of fashion,

bloggers tend to "crop" out the true reality

of what our lives are really like.

This is my life!

These two kiddos are my 24 hour, 7 day a week reality.

Yes they are super cute, and yes I love them to pieces,

but boy howdy are they exhausting.

I'm tired! All the time!

But mostly I'm tired of being upset with myself

for the things I don't get done in a day.

I want need to stop worrying so much about what others think

and start enjoying my life in a fashion that is true to myself.

I know this post is a bit off topic...

but these are the ideas that are rolling around in my silly noggin today.

Tomorrow is the 4th, family will be coming into town, 

and despite my best efforts the house is not nearly ready

WELL SO WHAT!

If you love me - you love my mess!

At least my mantle is pretty, right?