A Cute Hat and Another Treasure!

I bought Ellie this way cute new hat this week at Ross (I'm discovering I like that store more and more---it's one of my mom's favorite stores, but I've never cared much for it because the ones I've been to are always so chaotic and messy---but the one closest to us now is smaller and really clean and organized).

Well today, we were at McD's having lunch (as we were out running errands, and she convinced me she would "be good" the whole time if I would take her there:o)) and as we were sitting there I was thinking how cute she looked with her new hat on (I wish I could pull off hats, but I look so weird in them!!!) and so I took my camera out of my purse ('cause I always carry it with me!!:o)) and took her picture. I know, I know...a super lovely place to take a photo of my cutie girl, huh?! Oh well...doesn't she look adorable in her snazzy new hat?!

During our time out running errands I decided to stop by this new shop I saw this week, and even though it was one of the most eclectic, strange (and not an entirely "good" strange) little shops I've ever been to, I did SCORE on this find...

It's not the best photo...but it is an awesome 1940's vintage metal cooler!! It was marked at $40, but I dickered and got it for $30. It's a large cooler and in great shape. We'll use it for backyard parties (or in our vintage Airstream trailer that both Pete and I are currently thinking would be a fabulous thing to have--he's been looking on craigslist for a super deal--I'm thinking it's not gonna happen for awhile, but who knows? Find the right price and maybe! I would love to have something other than a tent to camp in! Not that we've gone camping as a family yet:o), but it could happen if I had an Airstream to sleep in instead of the bumpy ground) Ok...that was sorta random info...sorry! But the cooler's way COOL, huh?

Power Tools and a New Old Desk

Yesterday I spent quite a few hours (and the same the day before) sanding down our kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts with...get this, a power tool! Yes, an orbital sander. I've never used a power tool before, but it was actually kinda fun! So...our kitchen is finally on it's way to having doors and drawer fronts again (we've lived like this for almost a year now...talk about craziness! But hey, you can sure see where everything in my kitchen is:o)) I am so ready for this to be done. 

Here's a picture of me using arghhh, arghhhh, arghhhhh (my best impression of Tim "the Tool Man" Taylor)...my "power tool"!!!

I was over at our neighbor Rene's house borrowing the tool and his nice covered set-up (much better than doing it in a stuffy garage or out in the blazing sun). I had Ellie take the photo...

Ellie played in their backyard playhouse...taking a break for swimming lessons in between.

We also took a little afternoon break and went to a couple thrift stores, and LOOK at what I found. 

I've been looking for a little antique school desk for Ellie to use while I'm in my craft room...and I finally found one (it's not exactly what I wanted, but I was not going to pass it up for only $16!). Ellie's lovin' it too!!

Some Shabby Chic Antique Inspiration

A couple days ago I went and checked out Forget-Me-Not Antiques. It's a newer antique store in the Hyde Park area of Boise (they've only been open since October). And although I didn't really need anything, I just wanted to go see what they had. And...I loved the things they had! And even though all I ended up buying was a few big, wooden dominoes, I felt inspired! The store was a bit different in that there wasn't a lot of color...almost everything they had was neutral in color, and it made for a really unique look! (sorta reminded me of Rayette's "White Out" Challenge from the Craft Warehouse Blog Party this past weekend) Anyway...here are a few examples of  why I love "shabby chic" antiques...(check out the cool newspaper dress on the wire dress form and the paper wreath in the 3rd photo)...