Archive of ‘Leisure’ category

Antiquing

Morning is my favorite time at the cabin, as it is generally calm, quiet and sunny. On this particular day it was gray and cloudy, with intermittent sprinkling that seemed likely until the afternoon, so my mom and I decided to make a quick trip to the antique shop in the neighboring town.  She wanted me to see a farm table she thought would work well for outdoor eating at the lake.  The table was great – it was big and sturdy, and best of all, it had folding legs (key for being able to store after use and away from the elements).  I found a few other fun things, some of which I treated myself to – a vintage bracelet and some fun compacts – some I didn’t, although I’m still regretting not purchasing the cool yellow John Deere cultivator wheels.
DSC_0850_edited-1I didn’t get any of these lures, but when I returned later in the afternoon with Trevor to get the table, he let me know that he has some of his grandfather’s old lures in storage. Stay tuned for a future DIY post with those fun keepsakes.
DSC_0832_edited-1DSC_0855_edited-1Trevor, spotting some Star Wars figures. Nerd alert.
DSC_0854_edited-1DSC_0853_edited-1DSC_0009_edited-1A few small purchases. Usually the pressed powder is out of these old compacts, and you are left with a cool, vintage compact mirror. Insert a picture on the opposite side of the mirror (where the powder used to be) for a funky way to carry around a picture of a loved one. I’m not sure how often I will wear the bracelet, as it has quite an orange tone to it, but I love the buckle detail.
DSC_1138_edited-2Pretty sure these aren’t antiques, but they certainly were the kids’ favorite finds when we came back to get the table.
DSC_0856_edited-1This look, in case it isn’t clear, is the “please stop taking pictures and help me with this” look.
DSC_0550_edited-1Taylor and his cousin late this summer, helping to set the table.

Reality Check. My mom was distraught when she heard that I wouldn’t let Trevor get the $90 case of Star Wars figures. She delivered them within a week.

 

 

 

Hello Kitty. Hello 3!

Ella hit the three years old milestone last week – otherwise known as one year closer to the age when as a mother I will love her independent attitude, feisty spirit, and won’t-take-no-as-an-answer approach to everything in life. I peg that date for right around age 27 or so. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of those things now too, just not every single moment of it. She keeps us on our toes all day every day, watching in wonder and confusion and love as she exhibits her passion and tenacity for all things. “Exhibits passion and tenacity” – pretty creative, huh? Parents of a feisty toddler know what I’m really saying. But enough about me, Ella, and the epic mother-daughter relationship we are sure to have for the next decade and a half. On to the party. Ella recently moved schools and is still in the process of making new friends (although if you ask her, “my looooooves everybody!”) so it was just going to be the four of us and my parents for the “party.” Not having to worry about take home bags or party games, I took the opportunity to try a whole bunch of things to honor her love of Hello Kitty, sweets, and the color pink.

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Ella as she walks through the polka dot party streamers she helped me create (stay tuned for Friday’s DIY post for more on this project, perfect for little hands). We hung these from her door frame so she saw them first thing in the morning on her big day. Note the polka dots on her PJs. Not in a MILLION years could I have convinced her to wear these if that was indeed a plan for pictures. Just a happy, sweet coincidence.

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Have Money, Will Travel (for Pizza)

On a couple of recent occasions (a suggestion from my girlfriend, a recent blog post) I have heard about the “pizza barn” trend. A night out with the kids; a charming, scenic farm setting; and great wood-fired pizza? Sign me up. Toss in a trip down memory lane as we drive by our alma mater and the place where Trevor and I met? Give me a break. Important to know – the pizza barn season is quickly drawing to a close. Our lovely evening was at Red Barn Farm, which is in Northfield, MN and is open just through the end of October and only on Wednesday evenings (and one remaining Sunday, the 19th). Clear your calendar. Skip out of work early. Make the drive. Love the experience. There are plenty of other alternatives to Red Barn Farm (although I highly recommend it!), so check out the link here or do a little online research to find out if there is a pizza farm near you!
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Kerry: Gap tunic | Victoria’s Secret tee shirt | AG jeans | Hunter boots | Tory Burch purse | J Crew earrings (extra 40% off with code SOSWEET) | Banana Republic sunglasses
Taylor: Gap jeans and shirt (other colors here)
Ella: Boden dress (now 20% off) and tights (now 10% off)

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