It's gettin kinda steamy in here!

AUGUST NEWS

We've been Flocked and Re-stocked!

Summer has been very good to us,  so we are bringing new things in every single day.  So on that note

I wanted to update you on the newness...

It's an adult sandbox!

Great retro furniture

A tribute to my grandma and Andy Warhole

port-a-bar

Vintage cameras

new glass sets

40's pottery

60's kitchen cart

pot racks

A real fish that doesn't sing "take me to the river".

The ever changing wall of art

mid-century dresser

Turquoise!

side tables

coffee tables

vintage cots

And a flock of flamino's.  If you live in the Michianna area, Tri'Kappa will flock your person of choice for $25.00 (sm. flock of 12) or $35.00 (lg. flock of 24).  The funds are then used to help other causes.  For more information on Flocking call Kathy at 574-243-9340 or Susan 574-514-2424.

Fun with Trash

I saw this idea made with wine bottles and couldn't wait to empty enough so I dug in our own recycling trash can and pulled out some Fat Tire beer bottles (I do love the labels)  and the beer is our favorite too.  Ed used to live in the town where it's made, so we took a tour last summer while visiting Ft. Collins, CO.  It's absolutely hands down one of the coolest, greenest places in the US and everyone was happy to be working there.  They have yoga night, volleyball night etc...  They give all the employee's a bike after 2 years of work, and a trip to Belgium after so many years. Even the artwork was fun and recycled.  So this is in honor of New Belgium Brewery!

my garden art, bottle star

Ed at New Belgium brewery 

What's in your trash can?

Organizing Fashion Accessories 101

I'm all about making it easy to get dressed, everything is in site and easy to access.  No fancy jewelry box for this gal~just give me a box of nails and a utility box meant for the work room.  

Granted I was blessed with amp el closet space and storage for an older home (2 of the bedrooms have 2 closets each).  This is the smallest closet, but it's all mine,  Ed refers to it as "Char's Boutique."  

Silver dishes for earrings and necklaces, boxes for pins and bracelets. 

A grappler hook for fishing makes a great place for belts.

A full length mirror is a must.

shoes and scarfs

If you don't have a space like this, create one above a dresser in your bedroom.  Junk evolution sells some unique items that look nice enough to create a display with.    Remember if it's hidden away, you probably won't use it~out of site out of mind.

Simple Abundance

Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend...when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.

—
Sarah Ban Breathnach

It was the week before First Friday when all chaos happens.  My son Jeramiah was leaving for Hawaii and I was about l mile from my exit to the South Bend airport when he pleading looked at me and asked if I would take him to Chicago O'Hare airport instead.  He was worried about making his connections.  He apologized for not planning better.

I have to tell you, I have this thing about driving in Chicago,   I just don't do it. Jeramiah is a wonderful navigator and traveling companion, with him I could get there but how in the world would I find my way back?  

I drove by the exit,  I needed the challenge but more importantly it gave me 2 more precious hours with my son. With his great directions I made it home without a hitch.   (So who's up for Chicago?!)

Sometimes the mundane can turn into something wonderful, that is... if we don't let fear, time etc get in the way.  I know my heart would have been full of regret if I had not done this simple favor.  

Enjoy the simple pleasures! 

my favorite flower this year  Bears Breech
It took 3 years to bloom, but was worth the wait.

The veggies

sunflowers as bean poles

tomatoes and basil

more beans

more tomatoes and peppers

Herbs

my simple pleasures ...what are yours?

It's just that kind of day

If you missed it, our theme for the month is "TAKE ME TO THE LAKE".   We've even done a little re decorating in the shop just for this occasion, so breeze on in to see what's new!

 

"A day can never be filled with too many beautiful thoughts."   Tracy Porter