A few thrifty finds

Is it just me or is this summer going by at break neck speed? Maybe it's because my "to do" list keeps growing instead of shrinking. Honestly, I am working hard at completing those projects I saved until  summer but every time I set down to enjoy  a little blog surfing, I see all these wonderful things going on and I just have to add them to my list.

That being said, I decided to take a little break today and go north across the line into N.C. in search of cooler air. I not only found cooler air, I found. . .  you guessed it, some fun thrift shops.

There were so many wonderful things but I was good and only brought home a few. The little candle snuffer was just 50 cents. It should help with the wall candle sconces. It was either buy this or grow taller so I can blow them out.

I love these watermelon placemats. There were only 5 but they were just $2.50 and I'm going to use them to make more pillows for the front porch. 

The toile memo board is already up and ready for use. It seems I need memos and sticky notes more and more. Can you buy them by the truck load? With the aging of America, maybe that's something I should buy stock in.

Glad you dropped by and y'all come back! I'm linking to Thrifty Things Friday  Come join the fun!

Sailing on a schooner

The high temps today have me longing for Maine and sailing.I'm not complaining mind you. I promised I wouldn't complain about heat this past winter.

One of our adventures last month was to take the Margaret Todd Schooner out of Bar Harbor. It is a 151 foot schooner and cruises Frenchman's Bay.

Arriving early, I picked the best seat in the house . . . or so I thought.

See that humongous sail? I was right under it and there was a terrific rainstorm the night before.

You guessed it. . . When the sail was hoisted I got a free shower. I should have taken my soap.

Mr.Vintage, resting after helping to hoist the sails. Did I mention that it is a 

four man, four woman crew? And did I mention that Mr. Vintage really, really enjoyed his little boat ride?

The water and skies were crystal clear.

If you are going to be in the area or want more information you can go here.

No, I don't work for them but it was an inexpensive, fun, little adventure.

If the heat holds on  here I may become a stow away. I'm sure they could use a hard working Mema!

Linking to
Outdoor Wednesday
Watery Wednesday
Picture Story

Playing, junking, and decorating . . .

I hope everyone is enjoying their July! We had a wonderful few days at the beach with family and friends. Those hot temps just screamed  come get in the water!

The grand babies enjoyed the magic of the ocean.

I did manage to get in some thrifting. My favorite find was a little vintage dress and photo.

I'm sorry about the quality of the photo. I really should not have shot it on a white leather sofa. Guess I kept my brain out in the sun too long.

It has sweet little pink roses on the dress and bonnet and is from the 50's. Since I am too, I just had to have it. Guess that makes us both vintage. I think the little pink vintage photo frame will be cute displayed with it.

My best thrifting deal was free. Those of you that follow my blog regularly may remember that I replaced
this brass fixture last summer. I know I'm slow but I just admitted I'm vintage, anyway. . .
I decided to see how she would look painted so  I disassembled her and put a coat of primer on.

Then I applied two coats of white Rustoleum  and took her to her new home at the condo.

She blends right in with all of the white there and you just can't beat free!

I'm so glad you dropped by. Y'all come join me at

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Thrifty Things Friday

Show and Tell Friday

Pink Saturday

What happened to June?

Hope everyone is having a great week and gearing up for the 4th!  I'm not really sure where June has gone. It has been a busy time for us with lots of birthdays, several trips and just life in general. I looked out of my window this morning and was pleased to see that my canna's are flourishing on plain ole' neglect!

A walk to the front yard shows all is well, except for a few weeds that have taken up residence . I would like to introduce you to my ant, Andy. We grow em' big here in the south!

See him... on the bench?  No, they're not quite that big around here in real life but if you have ever been bit by a fire ant, you would swear he was that big. Those of you in the colder climates are lucky. . . they are really mean little rascals!

I have some great advice I will share about getting rid of them, stick with the professionals!  I did some research (on the net) and came up with several remedies. First I sprinkled instant grits onto the ant hill. Supposedly, it will make them blow up when they eat it and then drink water. It only makes them happy and fatter.

Then I tried boiling water and adding dish detergent. It does a great job of killing your sod. The ants . . . well, they just moved the queen and built a new hill about 3 feet from where they were.Just stick with the professionals, they know what they are doing.

I have not had a chance to decorate for the 4th and we will be out of town again but I have enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful decorations on your blogs. You are all so talented. 

I did manage to change one thing on the porch. I pulled out my watermelon pillows. These will have to do until I get more time.

 I think I will research time management. . .  hopefully I'll do better than I have with the ants.

I'm glad you dropped by and y'all come back!

I'm linking this post to: 

REDnesday and Outdoor Wednesday