A Thrifted Mirror

A couple of weeks ago, I finally popped in to a local thrift store I'd been meaning to visit.  Not much really struck me, until I got to the back of the store where I spotted an old mirror resting on the ground.  

I was really digging that cool greek key pattern, but for some strange reason, in a very uncharacteristic move, I left the store without even so much as asking the price on the mirror (there was no tag).  (I think I was telling myself I didn't really need the mirror, and with us getting ready to move, I should just pass by.  Who am I, thinking such practical thoughts as these?!)

I continued to think about the mirror though, so I thought I should at least go and see how much they wanted for it.  I didn't actually know the name of the place, so I couldn't call, I had to go back and see for myself.  So, I hauled my little people into the car and off we went.  Fortunately for all of us, this shop has the perfect little kid's section that delighted my children to no end.  While there, I learn that the price has recently been lowered to $30 for the mirror.  I think that sounds kind of high for a thrift store mirror, so I say no thanks and we return home.

Fast forward a couple of days, and I continue to think about this mirror.  It was really unique, old, heavy.  Sure, the finish could use a little work, but that's part of the fun, right?  $30 is not that much.   I decide I need to go back for the mirror.  <Replay the scene of schlepping the kids to the store.>  I purchase the mirror and the nice lady working there even sends my kids home with a complimentary book and toy each!  Now who can't say the mirror wasn't meant to be?

Currently, it can be found in our garage, surrounded by all kinds of chaos that must get organized prior to August when the movers will be knocking on our door! 

I can't wait to find a spot for it in whatever house we end up living in, ha!  I love a good gold mirror, and I'll be sure to share some of my inspiration as I start to think about what I plan to do with it.  

Our Weekend

Our weekend was what I would call a jam-packed family weekend.  At the risk of jinxing myself, I'll say that we are starting to feel like our kids are at an age where we can venture out and do a variety of activities with our kids without it feeling completely like an act of self-inflicted torture :)  Don't get me wrong; it can be pretty exhausting still, but I'm happy to say we are having more fun these days too.

Friday the kids wished both of their grandmothers (who share a birthday) happy birthday--over the phone, of course :(  They are so lucky to have these special ladies in their lives!  How we miss being able to visit them more regularly!  There aren't many days when the children don't ask when they can go and visit them both.

Saturday we all headed to the YMCA where Holland and I had a mommy-and-me swim class, Philip worked out, and Wade had a ball in the amazing child care area, in which my kids would happily play every day if I offered (and trust me: the two hours of FREE childcare each day with your membership are pretty amazing!)

Saturday afternoon we went to the pool as a family, where the kids were rather excited to show daddy all the fun things they like to do there.  

Saturday evening we had the best time at an outdoor concert at Eckert's Farm!  The music was amazing, the weather was perfect, and the frozen custard was even better :)  

Sunday we celebrated Father's Day with a family bike ride and dinner at a fantastic pizza restaurant (pizza being one of Philip's favorites, it only seemed fitting).  My kids are pretty darn blessed to call this guy their daddy.  You should see the celebrating that occurs each day when he arrives home.

We capped off the night with some of these bad boys for my peanut butter and pretzel-loving husband. Let's just say they did not disappoint and are currently tempting me from the next room!

Of course I also got to wish my own dad Happy Father's Day.  I think he's pretty great too, and I so wish I could have hugged him in person!

You know I must love the guy when I choose to post a picture of this nature for all the internet to see-- what with me sporting my dad's old running clothes for a Christmas run this past year, not to mention the VT hat on my dad's head (we're Wahoos around here in case you've forgotten :)

Fun Frame Source

Last week, I received a fun little treat in the mail.  {side note:  I was particularly happy for this little pick-me-up because of the morning I had just had.  Trying to be the fun, adventurous mom I want to be, I packed my kids up with lunches for a "hike" that was about a 30 minute drive from our house.  No sooner had we started out on our little walk did my four-year old begin to break down in inconsolable tears over the heavy load of monster trucks that was strapped to his back.  Of course I suggested the rational plan of action--let's take your backpack back to the car and unload the dozens of trucks just so he could walk a little easier.  He refused, and so we promptly returned to our car for the 30 minute drive back to our house, having "hiked" all of 20 yards!  Serenity now!}

Moving on.  This beauty is small--very small--but I loved her from the moment I saw her while perusing one of my favorite etsy shops--Painting Well (I wrote about the shop here too.)

"The Way," 5x7, $30

"Slow Edge," 5x7, $30

"Pale Noon Rising," 11x14, $135

What also caught my eye this time was a photo the shop owner included with her listings for some really interesting frames.  You know I am all about some inexpensive framing options!

These frames are sold by the shop Signed and Numbered and are each hand built.  I love all the colors and the weathered look of the frames!  Don't they beautifully complement the art?!

10"x10" frame for $31.50

8"x10" for $22.25

8"x10" for $33.50

8"x10"s for $20.25

There are literally hundreds of options and sizes available, including custom orders.  What's great is you could totally use one of these frames for a high quality oil painting by simply removing the glass.  Of course you could leave the glass in place depending on the type of art you were framing.  They also sell frames with matting, should your piece need it.  As long as your painting is done on a standard size canvas, you are good to go!

Of course gold frames are always a safe bet when framing oils, but for a different, more casual look, I am definitely going to file away this shop for future use!  You can't beat these prices either!

Little Patio Peeks

Our patio still has a long way to go, and to be honest, I feel like I'm kind of losing steam (what with our move in about two months!)  I did plant some flowers, and it's pretty amazing what a difference a little green and some color can make.

I snapped these pics a couple days after I planted them and they've already grown considerably since then.  Fortunately, one of my children's favorite things to do is use our hose to water any and every possible thing in the yard, so my plants are receiving no shortage of water!

I have to confess that we still don't have an outdoor dining table.  It's been hard to pull the trigger on something since we don't know how the patio space at our next house will be configured.  I'm inclined to go pick up a card table and cover it in a pretty tablecloth just so we have somewhere to sit and eat!  We've been having some amazing weather for June, and it's such a shame to miss out on eating outside :(

Here are a couple pieces of outdoor furniture that are on my radar...

Source: worldmarket.com via Anne on Pinterest

How pretty would this table be surrounded by these chairs?

Source: worldmarket.com via Anne on Pinterest

And I can't imagine a space where a couple strings of these lights wouldn't be such a fun touch!

Source: target.com via Anne on Pinterest

I also really love teak furniture, so if anyone knows of a good, reasonably priced source, I'm all ears! (I heard that Costco once sold it, but it doesn't look like they carry it currently)

Source: southernliving.com via Anne on Pinterest

And if space allows, a nice grouping of chairs around a fire pit sounds just about right.

Source: worldmarket.com via Anne on Pinterest

Our California Trip

Philip and I just returned from a long weekend visiting northern CA in preparation for our move in August.  When we left for our trip, I was feeling rather anxious about the move and frankly, I was wishing we could get a quick switch of our flights and head to the Bahamas while we had grandparents watching the babies!  (still, a pretty nice thought...) I'm not sure I've ever been more happy to be wrong because we ended up having such a wonderful trip!  We spent some time in San Francisco, exploring the Sutro Baths (such a cool, under the radar spot!) and a bit of Golden Gate Park.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the ocean!  I had my first In-n-Out experience.  We loved all the local flora and fruit trees (and even grabbed a couple Meyer lemons from the tree of a vacant house we toured :) We were especially enamored with Davis, CA, as we had anticipated.  Their Saturday morning farmer's market did not disappoint, and my wheels started turning about the chickens I intend to adopt once we get settled there :)  We ate yummy food, enjoyed leisurely breakfasts, and could not get enough of the amazing weather.  Seriously, it was perfection!  Sunny and warm but with a nice breeze that made for cool mornings and evenings with NO HUMIDITY.  We even made some new friends and generally felt very welcomed.  We did visit the Air Force base in Travis, CA but Davis really felt like "us."  The only question remaining is how we will figure out a plan for living there, as it is rather pricey.  Monday came before we knew it and we found ourselves heading back to St. Louis, thankful for such an encouraging trip and excited to see our little people!  My parents were so gracious to come and stay with them, and can I just say, for the record, how justified I felt when my parents (who have raised four children and are still raising a special needs son!) told me they thought I should hire someone to help me with the kids!  Those little rascals are no joke!! :)