Thrifted - 7/26/11

Someone must have had a rather large milk glass collection that she fell out of love with (can't imagine that) and donated it to my local Savers. The shelves were overflowing with beautiful new pieces and the most expensive item was under $3!!!

 Now I have a pair of these vases and passed one along to my mom who recently broke something similar.

My favorite piece is this one:

I have no idea what it's supposed to be, but the ideas are spinning: a dahlia flower peeking out, glittering Christmas ornaments (less than 5 months away!!), or a large pillar candle.

Flashback Friday - Wells

As little ones, we spent weeks of the summer up in the little town of Wells in the Adirondack mountains.

Usually there would be several families heading up at the same time to stay with my Godparents to relax, ski in the winter and swim in the summer.

When I was young, this was an annual/semi-annual trip, but once 'big-girl life' started, excuses came in the way (work, work, oh right, work) and in the past ten years I've only made it upstate twice.

Every time I am there, I am amazed by the beauty of the peaceful mornings when the clouds just sit on the mountaintops. Or evenings as the sun sets behind them.

My first swimming lesson was here nearly 28 years ago, July 24, 1983.

 I think I'm the only child who ever swam in a sweatshirt...

And when my brother would join us, it meant a trip to the trading post was needed.

And five years ago, Freddy visited for the first time (it's a big deal if a significant other crashes the trip. This was super serious).

This year's trip was simple and lovely. My cousins and their awesome children were there and we all just sat by the side of the lake reading and chatting. We even took a dip in the lake, which marks the second time in nine years that I've seen my husband in water.

I didn't really take any photos this year (as mentioned Wednesday, the trip was cut short due to my fainting spell) except for this one:

It's the glass-like lake, the one constant in Wells. The one thing that's been unchanged in the 28 years I've been visiting. 

And that's so very comforting.

Thrifted - 7/19/11

This week was loaded with clothing finds. I filled up a Savers 30% off card, so I wanted to make the most out of my thrifting for the week. The prices are before the discount.

The tops were gorgeous! All fit beautifully and I just loved that they were fun colors.

 Sage top: Halogen (Nordstrom's brand) - $5

Paisley red top: Chaps, $6

Yellow and Navy top: Ann Taylor, $10 (yeah, it was pricier than I usually go for, but the fit is better than expected)

 Gap Long and Lean Trouser jeans: $7

Talbots capris: $7

We headed off on a little getaway this weekend so my hubby needed some shorts and I picked up a few random items.

Banana Republic sweater: $8

Gap long sleeve top (I love the stitched top and modal blend): $5

Jones NY khakis: $10

I'm linking up here:

Thrifted - 7/12/11

I'm linking up with others who have found great thrifted items over at Meet Virginia Design.

I really feared that my two thrifting adventures were a bust. Few things seemed to be in my size and those that were just didn't look so great when I tried them on. I decided not to get too discouraged and tried on some items that looked 'eh' on the hanger and was pleasantly surprised.

My clothing loot:

Cashmere Lord and Taylor sweater (NWT) $9.99

Blue Loft top $5.99

Patterned Loft top $4.99

Ann Taylor Factory Denim skirt (legitimately needed) $8.99

Silk Banana Republic skirt $4.99

Rust Loft capris $8.99

The silk skirt was definitely 'the find' of the week. It's navy (bonus) and makes me feel like a ballerina.

In home/accessories, I fell in love with these serious steals:

The vase was $3

The daisy pin was .99 and the jeweled flower was $2.

I'm trying to have vintagey milk-glass like vases around our apartment and I just adore the shape of this one. The pins were crazy affordable and will be cute with some of my jackets.

Did you find any treasures this week?

The Big 3-0

But for me, but for my husband.

At the end of June we celebrated his 30th. 

He's cool about it, embracing it as a milestone and moving along.

We had a lovely celebration with friends and family.

And Freddy received the gift he'd been hoping for...

skydiving.

He wasted no time setting up his adventure

 and one week later he did this:

He said skydiving was the second most memorable day of his life after his wedding day. 

He kept looking up at the clouds that day saying "I was up there!"

I admire my husband's fearlessness and the way he fulfills his dreams. 

It's inspirational for sure and are evidence of the incredible man he is.

Here's to an awesome year!

Introducing Rarebits

A few weeks ago I hinted that I was working on a little project and a couple of new buttons popped up on the side of the page. 

 I'm so excited to share this fun new adventure with you.

Let's start with some history. 

My parents have a group of friends who have been close since the 1970s. They met at church and spent years teaching religious education and coordinating high school and adult retreats. And friendships grew. These couples don't gossip or hold grudges. 

Instead they come together to support one another, celebrate family milestones

 and truly share life together. 

Enter Patty. 

She's known me since the day I was born.

She's a bright star in this world adoring creativity, music, films, and books.

I can remember being a little one and admiring everything she did. Beyond classy, 

Patty has that amazing trait of being able to make you feel like the most important person in the room. 

She delights in other people and exudes joy.

A few years ago (four, I just found out) she and her equally fab daughter, Kirsten (who could be another blog post. I named my teddy bear after her) bravely embarked on a creative endeavor and launched Rarebits. 

I only endorse companies I love and I love everything Rarebits is. It's family owned and features beautiful handmade items with that 'something special' woven into each piece. Every item is of the finest quality and they are uniquely stunning.

It all started with a monogrammed dress and now has blossomed to be a place to buy precious treasures for little ones and mama too.

Oh, and did I mention the awesomeness that is monogramming??? Right. I did. But it bears repeating. What person doesn't love seeing their name???

Well, what's my role? It's not sewing (although I wish I could do that), but is instead helping out with some techie support and blog setup. Another Patty trait is her magic storytelling. She has this ability to write stories that are personal and insightful and she was just itching to share them online.

She's found a home for her stories over at bits 'n pieces. 

This blog is delightful and again, the stories shared are engaging and a little peek into Patty's passions and the creative process. 

In honor of their 4th anniversary, Rarebits is offering free shipping through July 10th. Have fun using the code FOURTH and get some cute goodies. 

Or just browse. 

I just love gushing over the cuteness.

So welcome to blogland, Patty. We've been waiting for ya and are so glad you're here!