Fall Fun

Whew! What a weekend!  Ever get wiped out from looking for that perfect item?  That's how I feel after going to Junkstock on Saturday (and sneaked out there on Friday night, too).   It was my first time going to this event so I was pretty excited to check it out.
They had their first event this last summer but I was unable to go.  This time I made sure I put it on my calendar and asked my aunt to come along with me, too.  We started out having breakfast rounders from a local food truck called Localmotive then  met up with some of my other gals in my family to start our tour of the vendor booths.   My aunt and I were newbies to the food truck experience but I've heard a lot of good things from some foodie friends so I had to give it a try.  The rounders were good - with some aioli type dipping sauce.

                                                          Photo from Junkstock page

There were about 30 vendors - everything outdoors and on an old farm.  Lots of neat displays and
re-purposed items.   I was looking for old windows to alter and make into picture frames, chalkboards, etc.
I did find some but wasn't sure about the prices, the cost of buying the paint, boards, etc. I was also concerned over the weight of the larger ones that didn't have have panes.  Then I found this cute one already fixed up and I was sold!  The top is glass with vinyl bird stickers (I heard the crafter made it from a machine most likely a Silhouette but I'm just guessing) and the bottom is press board painted with chalk paint.   It made it light and the perfect weight for our old walls. The vendor is Simply Bungalow.

Photos rest of this post by Angela 

I still plan on altering an old window.  I have a high school friend who's going to give me a couple of them.  Her husband replaces windows for a living.  She was very nice to think of me!  

I also bought this cool twig wreath from A Little Rustic.  They had a lot of neat antiques and banners.  I could have left with a wagon load from their lot!  At least I know where to find their store if I ever want to take a road trip.  I also bought a few other things as well.   I didn't bring my camera because it was unpredictable weather all weekend.  One minute it was cold, windy and rainy and the next it was humid, warmer, then it rained later which took me by surprise after getting out of a movie that evening.  

Thought I'd share a few photos of my Fall decor sprinkled in the house.   All of my stuff is still in storage (sniff!) so I only bought a few new things for this year...

I just love that Kirklands came back to my town after being gone for a few years.  I scored this green ceramic pumpkin the week they opened and got it on sale, too!

Michael's already has their Fall items on clearance.  Found this cute lil wagon to put some faux pumpkins/gourds inside.  

And lastly my other find at either TJ Maxx or Marshall's ... sums up all my favorite parts of this season.  Only thing missing is mention of the leaves turning color.  Bright yellows, reds, oranges.   Sigh... it's such a short season but it's a favorite of mine.   I need to get out and take some pics soon.

What's your favorite season? 

  

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”

John Burroughs

Cabin Retreating Part II

Well I thought I'd better do my part two post on my little cabin retreat adventure before I share some more recent activities.  So technically we weren't in the cabin the whole time...  it was raining a lot the first couple of days so rather than sit inside the cabin staring at each other we ventured out.
The neighboring town close to our cabin is Louisville, NE.  It's a busy little town with a train going right through the center of it about every 13 minutes.  In their downtown area are quite a few fun girly shops.  One is called Cafe Poulet.   Here's a few pics of the cafe & shopping area

I just love all of the pretty pink in there and of course anything Marie Antoinette (and cupcakes!)

They have a lot of fun purses, jewelry and other accessories.  I left with a pretty necklace with lots of bling!

 What a fun place!  We had a little coffee and relaxed on these fun retro cafe tables.  I also checked out their other places Coop De Ville (everything has a "chick" theme) and Art Chicks.

Also on our weekend excursion we visited a local winery in Springfield, NE called Soaring Wings

All the grapevines were so pretty.  I've actually never been to a winery so it was a new experience for me

                                                       
                                                               The grapes were sweet

I made a little lunch for us and we bought a nice bottle of white wine  

Great fun with a friend dining alfresco with guitar music from the amphitheater in the background!

   

Cabin Retreating

Hi!  Happy Labor Day weekend!  I sure hope my U.S. friends are finding time to relax and not working.  This is actually my second long weekend as last weekend I went with my best gal pal Michele for a cabin retreat at her dad's "fishing" cabin.  My kind of roughing it (meaning it had A/C and satellite cable)!
It was so nice to just get away and do whatever.  We brought some of our art supplies, mags and books and possibly our entire homes.  I guess you'd call it "glamping" - haha!
I'm a big fan of artist Stephanie Ackerman of Homegrown Hospitality and she recently shared some lettering techniques that I thought I'd try on my little sketchpad.

                                                            All pictures this post by Angela 


The first couple days of our stay was rainy.   While we were in the cabin I noticed a bright yellow light being cast across the lake and through our windows.  I quickly grabbed my camera and ran out behind the camera with my friend and was able to capture the most beautiful sunset in the overcast sky!  We both felt like God was giving us a smile through the rain.

It was truly spectacular!  The colors of orange and blue cast across the Platte River ...

The black clouds look like huge mountains (um no mountains in Nebraska... they call it the great plains) 

I just couldn't stop snapping the camera....

Below is a daytime shot of the dock and pontoon (that we didn't get to take out).  This little fishing and pontoon lake was super peaceful and hardly anyone was out at any given time.   I actually saw a few cranes taking a dip in the beach and one actually flew over and snapped up a fish!  

The reflection on the placid lake looked like a mirror

I was super excited over two more things:

1) My first ride in a kayak (bucket list item) 

2) Seeing a bald eagle flying over the river 

Some people looked at me funny when I said that I saw an eagle and how excited I was.  They aren't in the city and I had no idea they were so close by along the river.  So this city gal was excited about it!  I am a bird lover, though.   I really should take up birding. 

I'll leave you with this silly glammed up deer as a "stay tuned" for the next post from my cabin adventure...  we ventured into the neighboring towns for a bit of girlie fun!  

Little Towns

Good day to ya!

                                                                All photos this post by Angela 



This weekend I hopped in the car with my buddy and we drove to Missouri Valley, IA for a little dinner at a diner.   I have been up for a road trip for awhile and even though this is about 40 mins away from the city I still love to get away and see something new.

We stopped at Wisecups Farm Museum and took some pics of old farm equipment

All I can say is that it must have been hard work even with these machines.  HOT!  

Guess a mama bird thought an old tractor was a perfect place to nest!  

Remember these?  I am craving a cold bottled pop at the moment... I had root beer at the diner!  

As you can see from the cracked dirt we have been in a major drought!  Only a little bit of sprinkles have touched the land and it's been hard on the farmers.
We've definitely been praying for rain!

In other news...   I recently celebrated my birthday!  It was a nice day off from work spent with my baby brother and my parents.   My BFF in Phoenix mailed me some pretty birthday cookies!  Mmmm!

... And the cute kiddos I babysit bought me multicolored roses and gift certs.  I loved my card from them.  Their mama is always so good about giving great gifts!  

Well it's time to gear up for the new work week!   Have a great one!  

Beauty Amongst the Parched Land

Hi! Thought I'd post a few beautiful shots I was able to capture after spending some time with family last week.  It has been scorching hot out and everything is turning crunchy and burnt.   You don't even want to see our front yard!
So I will show you some of these shots

                                                          All photos this post by Angela 


                            Flowers still holding their color and blooms ... I sure hope it rains soon!

 Look closely below - can you see the mama dove nervously covering her babies?   I couldn't see them but the neighbor friend I spoke to said he couldn't bear to water the plant now.  He didn't want to disturb the nest.  What a plush home she has made!  Right?

These grapes were a fun to surprise to see on my aunt's fence.   I didn't ask if they squish them to make wine!  A Lucille Ball TV episode is suddenly coming to mind and making me smile....

Speaking of smiling - I wanted to snuggle (kidnap, perhaps...) with my cousin's furry animals.  I surely miss having a lap dog. Someday soon...

I've been surrounded by lovable Yorkies lately and I love it!  Have a great week and stay cool!  Drop me a line - what fun things have you done this summer?  I can't believe July is coming to a close.  Well it's not over til I have my birthday then it's off to August already!

Top 5 Current Faves

#1  My Kapoosh wooden knife block.  Genius!  After being frustrated over the lack of drawer space in my teeny kitchen (only FOUR drawers to work with) and no room to put my fancy knives, I found this at Bed Bath and Beyond.  Actually, mine is the 1 tiered version.  I love that all of our combined knives fit in there.  No slots to worry about.

#2 Tarte SmolderEyes Eyeliner Pencil.  Made with Amazonian clay this stuff stays on and is waterproof!  I really like it and must say it puts my gel eyeliners to the test.   Tarte - if you want to send me more colors to try out I'm in!

#3 Tyler Candles Auto Glam car freshener.   I just bought a couple at a cute boutique in town and I'm loving the Beach Blond scent.  It reminds me of summer with the smell of suntan lotion and vanilla.  Yum!
Maybe I should consider stocking up some for when I'm driving my car in below zero temps and I can go to my happy summer place!

                                                                  via Country Living

#4 Flags and Americana ... tis the season I suppose but I was really into it this year.  I do love having a porch to decorate!

#5 Discerning the Voice of God - by Priscilla Shirer.  I'm in a book study with a group of women and really enjoying going through the workbook and writing out prayers.  This may be a good way to journal later, too.

Well that's just the short list!  I'm going to run out and get some chai tea or coffee for a little more energy for a birthday party/reunion I'm going to later.   I was up early taking some photos of lovely adult twins at the park.  I sure hope they turn out well!  God bless, Angela

Stars and Stripes Forever

Happy Independence Day to my American friends!

                                                        all photos this post by Angela 

Do you like my teensie Blythe doll I bought?  I've wanted a Neo Blythe doll for a long time but they are pricey and I couldn't justify buying one just because I think that they are cute.  I've always loved dolls.  I've had just about every kind you can think of.  Cher, Marie Osmond, Shirley Temple and Buffy from Family Affair.   I still have them all but they are well loved and worn.  I must've vegged in front of the TV forever as a kid!
So anyway, I came across this little cutie while shopping at TJ Maxx and she was on clearance for $5.  Apparently the Littlest Pet Shop series included Blythe which is made by Hasbro, I believe.  You know I'd love to find one in a brunet.  

Here's a shot of the banner I bought for the front porch (which still needs lots of work that involves painting and scraping ... just waiting for the 100 degree weather to subside)

Please have a wonderful holiday - be safe - God Bless America.  May He shed His grace on thee

God Bless America
Written by: Irving Berlin

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.