The Summer Kitchen Girls

Hello Sunshine....& Shadows!

2012-01-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

It was a dark & dreary week....

but yesterday the sunshine came out

and blessed us with a few rays of cheer!

We quickly looked at each other & said

"Shadow Shot"

Grabbed the camera and took some shots!

Join us

for Shadow Shot Sunday Today!

A Project For Your Boot-y

2012-01-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Words

2012-01-25T11:24:00.000-05:00

You know....

you'd better be laughing at this ~ or pay the price!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Gone to the Birds

2012-01-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

A new flock of accessories

has landed in the store this week!

Birds on crackled balls with plenty of

moss & chippy detail

Velvet birds

yes....Velvet!

forget Velvet Elvis....we've got birds

wella wella wella....

there's no sideburns on our Velvet birds,

only a sweet little velvet flower

(They are chirp-free too, by the way...

very polite & quiet birds are only sold here!)

Then we have these pretty bird cloches

We love the patina on these!

That will give you something

to chirp about

today!!

It's Friday & We're in LOVE.....

2012-01-20T11:07:00.002-05:00

Sweet little boy

ready to give his heart away

Sweet little girl

minding her own business....

Isn't it sweet?

It's Friday...

and we're in love
with new Valentine decor in the store!

What are you in love with today?

Comfort Food

2012-01-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

If you could only smell this....

Having a little 80th celebration

with three customers today

and Turkey Pot Pie was on the menu!

Make this yourself....it's so easy

just hop on over to Ree's

and put one together today

it's easy peasy pie!!

Tuesday's Dishy Treasures

2012-01-17T12:42:00.001-05:00

So far, our New Year's Resolution is going well!

We've been trying to make time for Estate Sales to get some lovely

Vintage Treasures for the store.....

Karrie found the prettiest plates...

just perfect for brightening up your table!

Sweet little patterns to make you smile!

Can you really have too many plates?

We don't think so....

just don't ask your husband ~ lol!

To see more of our treasures from this past weekend

head on over to our facebook page :)

Charming Charms

2012-01-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

New Charms arrived last week....

Charms for the season

Charms for the Java lover

Charming Charms

for the chocolate lover!

Oh, how I need this one for my children!

And, who doesn't need this one

to remind them just how fabulous they are!

Have a Charming Day!!

Je t'aime

2012-01-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

What an adorable surprise we found

when we opened our new

porcelain heart "Limoges" boxes!

Sweet!

Tuesday Treasures Turned Thursdays

2012-01-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

Well, we didn't get this up for Tuesday, and here it is Thursday already!

Boy, did we have a great time on Monday

traveling around antiquing,

it was a beautiful day and we had such good company :)

We thought you'd like to see some of the treasures we found....

A little Cherub Statue

A pretty Brown Needlepoint Pillow

A gorgeous Floral Tray

A sweet Green Floral Dish

A neat Picture of a girl pondering that letter to her love....

Another Floral Plate

Singing for Silver :)

A Green Vase ready for some flowers

Silver Tongs that are so pretty serving salads!

Then...

the vintage "Miss America" purse

(Love it!!)

Howdy Hey!

2012-01-09T08:18:00.001-05:00

We love this little guy

plus

he holds those pens

that are always so hard to find!

Unfortunatly he looks lonely...

So...Howdy Hey!

We're in a grand mood today, as we are

grabbing mom & our good buddy

as we travel to our favorite antique shops

and search for as many things as we can find

or fit in the trunk ~ lol!

and yes, maybe we'll find our little guy a gal to give those flowers to!

Winter Garden

2012-01-04T13:01:00.001-05:00

We finally got a bit of snow here in Ohio

and I couldn't wait to show you

what Karrie got me for Christmas....

a chippy garden statue...

don't you love it to pieces???

I had good intentions

on nestling it in with the boxwood in my yard,

but it quickly went on top of the urn

by my back door.

Here's the story...

I put a fresh wreath on it

with good intentions to do this...

Photo from Martha Stewart online

Alas!

It didn't get done

(I think I will work on it this summer so it will be done for Christmas!)

Well, that angel thought it needed to be

plopped down into that urn,

so, I did it

and LOVED it!

What a joy it is

to walk up to the back door...

and with that bit of snow that fell

it just makes it all the better!

Who needs a fancy plinth

to sit a garden sculpture on...

Ahhhh.....

you know we're

Lovin' it!

Time to Tango in the New Year!

2011-12-31T16:57:00.002-05:00

With 2012's Color of the Year

Tangerine Tango!

We took a walk around the store

and found some inspiring

2012 colors for you....

You can Tango in a hand-dyed silk scarf

Tango with a fun vintage tray

Tango with a vintage cookie jar

Tango with a great vintage tablecloth

Tango with a pretty floral picture

Tango with another vintage tray

...and yet another!

Tango with a vintage stool

Tango with a gorgeous peacock scarf

Tango with some pretty desert plates

Tango with some fruit piled in a bowl

Tango with a picture on your wall

Tango with a pretty tea towel

Tango with a pot holder

and Tango with a vintage plate

I think we'll Tango all through 2012...

what about you?

Happy New Year everyone

wishing you Peace & Blessings the whole year through!

Bulbs in the Snow

2011-12-27T14:50:00.004-05:00

Ahhhh.....Christmas is over

Time to think of just what you'll decorate with,

once the festive holiday decorations are down!

We came up with an idea....

you'll just need:

A package of Snowonder

(we have a few packets left....)

Water

& a Container

(we just so happen to sell these wonderful bulb vases....

but you don't necessarily need one for this project!)

Mix the snow adding a little water at a time

Put "snow" into jar

Add a bulb

(we've been starting some, that's why you see so much root!)

Tuck in a little more snow around the bulb,

filling in and around those roots too!

You'll have yourself your own

Bulb in the Snow!

Of course

there was some snow left over and had another idea.

We had some crocus bulbs that we started as well

We just planted them in another planter

Can you get enough of this?

What a fun idea to get us through those winter months!!

Wednesday Words

2011-12-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

We hope you do!

Wrapping It All Up!

2011-12-19T08:58:00.001-05:00

Wrapping the present is almost as fun as picking out the gift!

We love these initials we have in the store.

They can help personalize a package....

but you can also use other fun embellishments!

Use ornaments, vintage pins, bits of nature, like sprigs of greenery or pinecones.

We like to save all of those Christmas cards from the previous year & cut them. Then we add a little glitter, buttons, or little jingle bells onto them. Punch a hole in the top & they are ready to sign!

. Don't for get to think "Out of the Box" while your wrapping the box this year!

Ina Wisdom

2011-12-15T12:18:00.001-05:00

We love Ina Garten

We want to be her neighbor actually...

she is always cooking for her neighbors!

The best part about Ina, is that she always has great kitchen tips.

This is the 1 tip that we think is brilliant:

Keep serving spoons out of your drawer.
Instead, put them on your counter
in a cute jar.

This way, when company comes -
they don't have to dig through your drawers...
the spoons are right there!

Perfect Ina Wisdom
if you ask us!

Now...tackling that neighbor issue.......

Wednesday Words

2011-12-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

You bet ya!!

I want to be a Ray Conniff singer....

2011-12-12T08:13:00.001-05:00

That's right...

Whenever we hear the Ray Conniff Christmas album

we think just how wonderful it had to have been

to be a Ray Conniff singer!

When we were little girls listening to the record

we'd imagine what it would have been like

to be a part of such an amazing group of singers

Harmonizing with your best friends

{at least that's what it looks like!}

Let's not forget the

oooooohhhh-ing and ahhhhh-ing

you get to do in the background!

Then there's the warm sweaters

& perhaps some Beehive hair

{with pigtails like the blond girl in the green sweater}

Yep....

I want to be a Ray Conniff singer!

Enjoy your Monday!

Nutcrackin' Shadows

2011-12-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

Making our rounds around the store to straighten & fluff displays

we saw our bowl of nutcrackers

with shadows all around!

So, get crackin'....& Join us for

Shadow Shot Sunday

over at Hey Harriet's

Wednesday Words & A Winner!

2011-12-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

New signs arrived at the store yesterday...

wed

Funny!

But not the case here...we get

pretty Merry here!

In fact...we made it a point

to write out everyone name that entered our

Christmas Cookie Cookbook Contest!

Congratulations Joan!

How fitting....more recipes for your recipe box!

Thanks to all who entered :)

Cup of Holiday Cheer....

2011-12-05T12:21:00.000-05:00

We love sticking little gifts into vintage Santa mugs!

Tea & a Tea Ball

Hand Lotion

Jewelry

A Packet of Snow

Glitter Pens

Peppermint Lip Gloss....

The list could go on & on!

Sending a Cup

of Holiday Cheer your way today!!

The Shadow of St. Nick

2011-12-03T11:23:00.001-05:00

He may know if you've been sleeping

He might know if you're awake

But, does he know he's casting a shadow

{for goodness sake!}

Travel around the world

in your sleigh...or on your computer

and visit Hey Harriet for Shadow Shot Sunday!

It's Friday....and We're in Love!

2011-12-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

With Silver

Silverware to be exact!

We've just went through & priced all of the silverware

that we have been collecting....

Our favorite part about vintage Silverware

is all of the gorgeous patterns!

Well.....we'd have to say researching

these beautiful pieces of history

is pretty fun as well!

Yourex Silver Seal "Lady Francis" 1925

Rogers & Bro "Garland" 1937

Holmes & Edwards "Century" 1923

Old Company 1950

Oxford Oneida "Garland" 1910

These are just some of the patterns that we found....

and these dates make us think

"Just how many Christmas dinners

have these been through?"

Wow....

{keep counting!}

It's Friday...

What are you in love with today?

Welcome December!

2011-12-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

Every Mother is Laughing right now...we know!

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-29T12:43:00.000-05:00

He's Back!

We just got another shipment

of everyone's favorite snowman

So....why "Happy Birthday?"

Can you guess?

He reminds us of someone....

So....hurry in to get your own

Frosty the Snowman

before he melts away....

Cookie Cookbook Class & Contest.....

2011-11-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago we held our Christmas Cookbook Class

where we complied all of our Christmas Open House Cookie Recipes

& had guests make their own cookbook.....

With delicious cookies like these:

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Revel Bars

Crust:

Nonstick cooking spray ½ teaspoon salt

1cup butter, softened 2 cups peanut butter
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with heavy foil, extending the foil over edges of pan. Coat foil with cooking spray; set pan aside.

In an extra-large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in the 2 cups peanut butter, the eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Set dough aside.

Filling:
2 teaspoons vanilla 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or butter
3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate pieces ½ cups chopped salted peanuts (optional)
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

For filling, in a medium saucepan combine chocolate pieces, sweetened condensed milk, and the 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Cook over low heat until chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla

Remove 2 cups of the dough; set aside. Press the remaining dough evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread filling evenly over dough in pan. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the filling.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until top is light brown. If desired, sprinkle with peanuts. Cool in pan on wire rack. Using the edges of the foil, lift block of cookies out of pan. Place on a cutting board; cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars

As you can see the store was in a buzzzzz....

We all had such a good time

Everyone got to take home two cookbooks, one for them and one for a gift! Cutting, pasting, stamping & coloring....It was loads of fun!

Lots of laughter & friendships!

Not to mention Creativity Galore!

Wouldn't it be great to receive a little handmade cookbook??

(A great gift idea for the holidays!)

We'd love to make your day....

If you are interested in winning a cookbook,

Leave a comment....here or on our Facebook page

& tell us you'd like to enter....then at the end of the week

we'll pick someone's name & pass one on to you!

Have a yummy Monday!

christmas tea set shadows

2011-11-26T11:03:00.000-05:00

Time for Tea & Shadows!

Join us for Shadow Shot Sunday

over @ Hey Harriet's

to see more shadows from all over the world!

Wrap It Up!

2011-11-25T16:15:00.000-05:00

Watch in amazement

as we take the cupboard that we painted this fall,

then take some left over Christmas wrapping paper...

And...

(here's where the magic begins!)

attach it to the back of the cupboard

(because puprple background just wasn't working with our Christmas theme...

plus we'd like to go back to the purple again...)

A perfect backdrop for little $$

Got to love it!

What can you "wrap up" this weekend?!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of you a lovely

Thanksgiving Day

with family & friends!

Enjoy a clip from one of our favorite

"Thanksgiving themed" movies

"By the Light of the Silvery Moon"

In this clip, Wesley comes up with a solution to save his pet Turkey!

Santa & Venus

2011-11-21T07:54:00.000-05:00

Why oh why

are Santa's cheeks so rosy?

When we were getting all of our

Christmas decorations out,

Santa took a back seat by the window

until we found a place for him.

Somehow a statue of Venus got stuck back by him....

and once we realized what had happened,

we had to chuckle!

Happy Monday all!!

Shop Ohio....Shop Local!

2011-11-17T12:01:00.001-05:00

Do you realize

how many awesome products

are made right here in Ohio?

Why not give Ohio for the holidays?

This week we are joining Beeker's General Store

for our

3nd annual Shop Ohio,

Saturday, November 12th - Saturday, November 19th.

Both Beekers & ourselves

will be featuring exclusive

Ohio made products

and showcase these artists throughout the week.

Purchase any Ohio made item from each store

and you will be entered to win

a $50 gift certificate to shop with!

The Summer Kitchen's

Featured OHIO Artists & Companies:

Swan Creek Candles, Swanton

The best smelling candles in the states ~ honestly!

Jill Otermat Wall Art, Fremont

Great Christmas wall art available now!

Stephanie Dawn Purses, Van Wert

Super cute quilted purses and accessories!

Extras.....by Mamms - Ruth Neal, Haskins

Fused glass pendants for that one-of-a-kind gift!

Tea Sil Vous Plait - The Summer Kitchen, Helena

Hand blended tea made right here @ The Summer Kitchen!

Vintage Button Flower Pins, Cora Mercer, Fremont

Vintage buttons adorn these fun floral pins!

Healthy Bakes by Catherine -

Catherine Reiter, Fremont

Scones mixes in so many delicious flavors!

Porch Threads and Patio Creations -

Mary Hetrick, Port Clinton

Hand-dyed scarves in rich colors make a unique gift!

Not in the area?

Please be sure to support your own local stores!!

We love

The 3/50 Project -

you can find small businesses that support this cause on their link!

This is also the second year for

Small Business Saturday

The Saturday after Thanksgiving please

Celebrate Shopping Local!

What's so great about shopping local?
There is personal interaction and a smaller shopping environment
SMall businesses know their business,
their customers,
and they personally order
each and every item they sell!

It's almost like going back to our grandparents' days...
service,
personal attention
and excellent quality

Your Small Business knows you

Locally made items

& Lovely gifts that are hand picked for you

What's not to love?!!

Go ahead.....
get on out there
and support your local businesses!
You'll thank yourself....and they'll thank you!

Regrets

2011-11-14T08:35:00.000-05:00

Just Look

at this adorable vintage cookie jar....

As soon as I put it out....I knew I'd regret the day that it would leave the store!

It isn't gone yet....it''s not too late....

but I have no place for it!

I know, as soon as someone snaps it up,

I will have found the perfect place!

Guess I'll just put it in that "regret pile" of delicious vintage pieces

that, after they were gone, I thought

"awwww....I should have taken it home!"

How about you?

What's the biggest "regret" piece

you've given up?

Moooove Over for Shadows!

2011-11-12T17:33:00.000-05:00

Taking time out from our Christmas Open House

to play with friends all around the world!

Last week we found a perfect shadow from a "new"

vintage cow creamer...

we're sad to say that he no longer is with us....

he's found a new home with a lovely customer!

Find more Moooooving Shadows

@ Hey Harriet!

It"s Friday....and We're in Love!

2011-11-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhh......

Today we are in love with the fact that our

Christmas Open House is here....

It's Friday!

What are you in love with today?

Blurbs

2011-11-11T01:02:00.000-05:00

It's past 11pm and we are still putting finishing touches on the store.....

well, Karrie's making more of our Thanksgiving Blend tea so we won't sell out tomorrow for our Christmas Open House!

We've been busy doing those extras....

and since I can't show you the final look...

got to save that for tomorrow!!

I thought I'd tempt you with the BLURBS

that we have made & placed around the store!

Wednesday Words

2011-11-09T10:34:00.000-05:00

New Christmas signs have arrived at the store!

A perfect reminder

for the busy holiday events ahead...

don't you think?

Get Your Bella On!

2011-11-07T08:22:00.001-05:00

New in the store...

lots of gorgeous bling!

One of the styles caused a little excitement this past weekend....

As Karrie was trying to find the most perfect place for these rings,

she held it up and said...

"What does this ring remind you of..."

{me} "ahhhh......{thinking hard}....I give.....what?"

{Karrie, in her best Twilight Edward}

"I've been waiting a century to marry you Miss Swan"

{me} "Of course.....Bella's Ring!!"

So, we'd like to introduce

Bella's "Inspiration" Wedding Ring

{Summer Kitchen Style of course!}

What you waiting for?

Come on over to get your Bella!

Wednesday Words

2011-11-02T09:39:00.000-04:00

It's the return of

Wednesday Words

where we share our love of vintage photos!

We don't know about you...

but we could go for some

seriously silly

girlfriend time right now!

Happy Dance!

2011-11-01T08:18:00.001-04:00

Today we're doing the Happy Dance!

The store is starting to come together for

Christmas Open House....

just one corner left

& then we can get down to the finishing touches

- can't wait to show ya!!

By the way....
Don't you just love our two figurines we found last weekend?
Too Cute!

Singing Shadows

2011-10-29T09:11:00.001-04:00

The old Singer sewing machine

was giving us some wonderful shadows

out on the porch yesterday!

Join us for a chorus of shadows this weekend

for Shadow Shot Sunday

on Hey Harriet!

A Sweet Story.....

2011-10-27T09:09:00.000-04:00

The unique French charm
of these pretty oval tins depict each chapter
of a beautiful love story!

"It all started one spring morning in the secret garden of a young maiden. Surrounded by the scent of roses, she dreamed of being loved. Outside the village, a light shining in a window kindled something deep in the heart of the solitary shepherd as he sat and chewed his liquorice stick. And then they met amonsgst the mint leaves by the cool water of the spring...Together at last, they sat under the orange blossoms and looked peacefully towards the future. Finally on day by the fountain the shepherd offered a tiny delicious Anis de Flavigny to his beloved. Will she accept? ....And what comes next belongs only to them discreetly hidden behind a screen of violets."

Let us introduce you to our Anis de Flavigny mints! Everyone loves them...but many do not know the story behind these delilcious confections!

This photo shows the stages of the confits (taken from the Anis de Flavigny website)

Since 1591, the ancient Abbey of Flavigny has been dedicated to the creation of Anis de Flavigny mints. At the heart of each mint is a tiny aniseed, coated over 15 days with fine layers of sugar and smooth, all-natural flavors. Always faithful to the original recipe, since the departure of the monks, a team of 25 people has lovingly continued the production of these refereshing drops form the hillsides of Burgundy.

In the 17th century, the recipe consisted of coating an aniseed with sugar, then flavoring it with orange blossom water. Back then, it took six months to make one candy because of the hand coating and drying. Today only 15 days are required to produce the same candy.

These candies are a wonderful delicacy to have on hand throughout the day.

These comfits are also a great addition to a hot cup of tea.

Just swirl a pastille into the hot brew for a distinctive treat!

Does the town Flavigny seem familiar to you?

The movie Chocolat
was shot on location there....

These little seeds, may not contain chocolat...but these

Anis de Flavigny mints

are famous!

We've found the recipe for the candies them, so you can give it a try at home....

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutesIngredients:

•1/3 cup anise seeds
•1/4 cup water

•1 tablespoon orange flower essence

•1 cup granulated sugar

Preparation:

Place the anise seeds in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Bring the water, orange flower water, and sugar to a simmer in a medium saucepan until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage at 235-240F. Transfer the saucepan to a hot plate or warmer to keep the syrup warm.

Drizzle one tablespoon of the sugar syrup over the anise seeds and stir for 3 to 4 minutes, until the syrup evenly coats and sets on each seed and the seeds separate again. Continue this process, stirring constantly, 1 tablespoon of syrup at a time, until all the syrup is used and the anise seeds have separated into individual pastilles. This process can take up to 30 minutes to complete. Alternately, use an automatic candy-coating drum to speed up the process.

Spread the anis pastilles in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Allow them to cure, uncovered, for 5 days. Store the finished candy in an airtight container and enjoy!

This anis de Flavigny recipe makes approximately 1 1/4 cups finished pastilles.

Of course....
you can just come to the store and purchase a tin :)

More recipes using Anis de Flavigny mints can be found here.

Hey! Who You Calling Turkey?

2011-10-25T08:33:00.002-04:00

Our charming Retro Turkey Candles,

will be a welcome guest at your favorite feast of the year!

pssssst...they make a great Hostess Gift as well!!

Pachyderm Shadows

2011-10-22T09:22:00.000-04:00

This week the kiddos had a day off...

so we spent a perfect fall day at the Toledo Zoo

On our way to see the baby elephant

we spotted this elephant sculpture

that sported some fantastic shadows!

Here's Lucas who was really quite darling romping around!

with Tracy @ Hey Harriet

for Shadow Shot Sunday

Creating a Mantelpiece

2011-10-20T11:54:00.001-04:00

The Mantel

When we were reading Debra's post last week about
Tweeting & Tucking,
we knew that was us -
Tweeters & Tuckers...
except when it comes to the Fireplace

The mantel area gets changed every season....
Starring.....
The Pumpkins

{that I got several years ago at the Country Living Show}

are the only things that seem to show up year after year by the fireplace for fall.

The Boo Sign

travels around every year...

why is it that I can't put the same thing out in the same place every year?
It would sure make decorating more simple!!

The Crows

Last year these crows were out on the porch.

They were on big branches that were in an urn.

{Again, it looked adorable...but....they are pretty fun in here as well....ahhh...I must like a challenge!!}

Their friend is up on the mantel - can't have enough crow I guess!

So.... I found this old book at a book sale this summer

called The Spanish Cape Mystery

I took some of it's pages out and printed this crow

from The Graphics Fairy & added "Nevermore!" onto it.

The Glitz
Then it is time for the Sparkle!

This year we got in these Glitter Pumpkins at the store...

How can you not fall in love with them?

Well, you'll love them so much,

you'll want to put them up on a pedestal...

or vintage silver candlestick holders - paired with a couple of mercury glass candle holders.

We love using candlesticks to adjust the height of things!

The Spooky

Next we took two mercury glass Halloween hurricanes from the store

and we tucked them into the display on top of an old doily

{old laces & crochet work are some of our favorite things to add to fall decor!}

To vary the height, we used a vintage glass candlewick cakeplate

The Color

The only thing we added next was these great branches of coxcomb....

a little color...POP

on the mantle!

Pumpkins {check}

Boo Sign {check}

Crows {check}

Glitz {check}

Varying Heights {check}

Spooky {check}

Color {check}

Halloween Mantle

- done!

What's inYour Hutch?

2011-10-17T08:39:00.001-04:00

Grandma's Blue Onion China

with a continuing collection of white ironstone & silver

What's in your hutch?

Welcoming Fall!

2011-10-12T08:50:00.000-04:00

The leaves are starting to turn those beautiful, brilliant hues

this week in Northwest Ohio!

It makes us want to use those colors everywhere in our homes....
so step inside the store to see some
color inspiration!

Happy Fall!!

And then, there was three...

2011-10-10T10:09:00.012-04:00

This little teapot is one of my favorite junkin' finds.

Not only did I immediately fall for it's cute floral print, but I loved the narrow shape of it.

Then after checking out the bottom

(like any good junker would do;0)

I realized that this teapot once supported a war.

A short while latter I was out junkin' again I spotted this plate.

Such a pretty plate... and it reminded me of a certain teapot.... (not to mention I am a plate addict), so it came home with me.

Although different... these two make a great pair!

Then shortly there after while junkin' once again, this pretty bowl begs to be adopted as well.

I can be a bowl addict as well,

not to mention that those flowers

that reminded me of a plate...

which reminded me of a teapot...

A great trio, Id' say!

Jack-O Shadow

2011-10-08T10:07:00.001-04:00

Jack knows his Shadows!

We couldn't help snapping this shot

of these little change purses

in the store last night!

Get to know shadows from all around the world

with all of our friends at Hey Harriet!

Making White Dark.....

2011-10-05T20:39:00.000-04:00

Creepy Cool

can be neutral....

This year we took
Uncle August and hung him from the door
in one of our displays up front.
Using the colors of his picture and frame,
we created
a neutral
Halloween Pallet

Using glass, shells and Mercury glass we started the theme....

Coral does a nice job mimicking bones

plus we love the texture of it!

creepy cool textures!

Glass apothecary jars to fill with

fake spiders, or candy....

One of our customer's sons collects cicada shells

and they used those to fill the jars

for a specimen look....

ewwwww!!

Cool!

These frames hold pictures on both sides...

and with a little help from the Graphics Fairy,

we had instant creepy prints!

Vintage urns (our favorite!) are filled with

distressed white pumpkins...and shredded newspaper.

Silver skulls, glittered pumpkins and black and white Halloween prints

add to the ambiance of the display!

The Darkside of White...

got to love it!

Falling for Vintage Linens!

2011-10-03T21:47:00.002-04:00

It's October!

We're really looking forward a cool, crisp fall

so, we thought we'd go around the store and take pictures
of some of our newest linens....

perfect for fall!

Love the colors & the wheat on this!

Not only do we love using crochet runners for fall...

they kind of have that "creepy feel" for Halloween

when mixed in with other spooky things!

Love this dish towel....the colors of fall - so pretty!

You can see how easily you can get swept away

with vintage linens!

Creepy Crawly Shadow

2011-10-01T10:34:00.000-04:00

ooooohhhh ahhh ahh ahhh ahhhhhhh!!

Thank heavens it is not real!

{The spider,that is....the shadow is the real deal!}

Join us on a shadow crawl

all around the world with

Hey Harriet

for Shadow Shot Sunday!

Diggin' Our Front Porch!

2011-09-28T13:27:00.001-04:00

We were busy Planting for fall....

Digging up some dirt

in our pots so we could plant

Some gorgeous

DEAD

tree branches!!

We pulled out some of our flowers

In one pot we placed rocks around the branches

to keep it stable...

Sure is pretty...

isn't it???

OK....maybe "pretty"

by Halloween standards!

In this planter we left our Russian Sage in this pot

and added the rocks, the vintage shovel

& one of our Solar Garden Lights in the pot.

A perfect planting!!

And what, you ask, is this?

Why, it's one of our fabulous fall topiaries

we created to flank our entrance!

If you'd like to know how we did this...

come visit us on our facebook page for our

Topiary Tutorial!!

Boo Bling

2011-09-26T07:55:00.001-04:00

It's not SCARY

It's just....

some very

BIG

Bling!

New gianormous Bling Rings

and some fantastic

sparkling necklaces....

{time to think holiday dressing!}

We guarantee every

bone

in your body

will love them!

Texting Towels

2011-09-21T14:13:00.003-04:00

We love embroidered

tea towels!

It wasn't until we saw this one that we thought of something...

can you guess??

BTW

By The Way....

Wouldn't it be great to find initials

of some fun texting lingo

to put in your bathroom or kitchen?

Do you think this would be

SEP

Somebody Elses Problem

do you like this idea or...

NTM

Not that much

or do these have...

AML

All my Love

do...

KMP

Keep Me Posted

as to what you think!

Would you give one to your

RLF

Real Life Friend

will there be

MTF

More to Follow

or is it just a

LDR

Long Distance Relationship

so, do...

LMK

Let me know

IMJ

I'm Just

{Saying}

Glam It UP!

2011-09-20T22:02:00.000-04:00

Bronze & Gold Votive Cups

A delicate touch of glam

for your holiday decorating!

Batty Shadows

2011-09-17T01:14:00.002-04:00

EEK!

While getting ready for our

Spooktacular Fall Open House

We found all sorts of

BATTY

shadows!

We had all of our batty bats flying from our spider infested tree

over to the display on the other side of the store

so they could perch for the night!
~~~~~~~~~~

In case you'd like to make your own bats

visit Martha Stewart

and Country living
for the templates!

Print out & cut your pattern

& trace onto construction papaer

Then start cutting...

We used glue dots to attatch the bats to our ceiling.

You'll make so many you might get carried away!

and if you're getting carried away...

you might as well head over to

Hey Harriet...

where Everyone is BATTY for Shadows!

Sparkle & Shine

2011-09-14T08:25:00.001-04:00

We've been saving up silverplated silverware for two years now

dingy, dirty, silverware

The time has come

Polishing Day

{I should say Polishing MONTH!}

With polishing cream & our trusty gloves

The silverware went from dingy

to delightful!

The fun part

{if there is a fun part!}

about polishing silver

is that you really get to notice every crevice...

I mean pattern

that every piece has

So many different types of patterns

So many PATTERNS

{and here, I really mean crevices!}

Like any other vintage item you pick up from Estate Sales,

you start to wonder

who owned such lovely silver & what food it served

and what conversations it was a part of!

We love this engraved "R" spoon....

made us wish our last name

{or first name}

started with "R"

How many times were the tables set with this silverware?

Did the kids secretly

{or openly!}

complain while having to set it?!!

We wonder, why did they choose a particular pattern?

Did the family who ate off of them really notice it ?

It's amazing...

all of the different types of patterns there are in silverware...

from simple to very involved!

Ahhhh....a satisfying job!

Now we're off to package them up to sell so they have new stories!

Got Junk?

2011-09-12T08:42:00.000-04:00

We got junk, yes we do! We got junk, how 'bout you?

(Can you tell High School Football has started?)

This week we got a HUGE load of some fabulous "junk" so we thought we'd share some of our finds with you.

Isn't this checker board table the cutest?

How 'bout this chippy red stand?

Then there is this library table and desk.

An old stool that would look great with a pumpkin on it for fall;0)

We love the side detail on this table!

All that and we still have more in the back to find perfect spots for!

and more......

So....what about you...

Got Junk?

No Bones About It!

2011-09-07T07:42:00.001-04:00

We were at an Estate Sale a few weeks ago

and we are starting to unpack the goodies.

On this trip, we found a lot

of Bone dishes

Great for putting your jewelry in

by your sink while you do the dishes

on your dresser to put some change in

& they'd be perfect with some chocolate on them,

or bones.....yep, you certainly could put bones on them!!

Shadows of Time Gone By....

2011-09-03T09:41:00.000-04:00

Oh how we love this shadow!

Around the store we have bits of antiques in the landscaping...and with a late summer sunset we saw this beautiful show of shadows on this old grain dryer.

Once again nature puts on a show!

Join us for more shadows over at Hey Harriet today

Little Things

2011-09-01T14:09:00.001-04:00

We recently got in this adorable azalea print. Just a small little picture, but everytime we look at it, it makes us happy.

Funny how little things can do that to you.

Hope your day is filled with happy little things!

Hot Skwash!

2011-08-29T08:02:00.000-04:00

Last week we eagerly unpacked three boxes of.....

Hot Skwash

and boy, is it ever!

The cutest pumpkins...velvet

made with real stems

Rich, vibrant colors attracted us to these pumpkins,

but we love that they

1. are made in the USA

2. The owner employs stay at home moms to sew her pumpkins up

Don't you just love hearing stories like this?

Hooray for small business owners!

{& small business owners supporting small business owners!}

Hot Sqwash

Now available at The Summer Kitchen

Bowling for Shadows

2011-08-27T08:31:00.003-04:00

An Oh-So Adorable

Vintage Bowling Pin

gave us a

STRIKE

for Shadow Shots @ Hey Harriet!

Join us for a good time

(and you don't even need bowling shoes...that is, unless you want to!)

Wednesday Words

2011-08-24T10:34:00.000-04:00

Yep....

We knew you'd like this one!!

We cracked up when we unpacked it :)

Happy Wednesday All!

Out of Our Gourds

2011-08-23T09:53:00.001-04:00

We're going out of our gourds

just waiting for the rest of our fall to come in!

We're trying to be patient....

we really are!

We can't wait to share all of the goodies!

Hydrangea Love

2011-08-22T08:48:00.000-04:00

We really don't need to say much....

these pictures do all of the talking....

The Hydrangeas are in their glory right now....

this is the best part about the end of summer!!

{Not to mention, it's a great way to start Monday off!!}

A Plate Full of Shadows

2011-08-20T11:37:00.009-04:00

We spotted this lovely shadow in our urns in front of the store this week just before closing time.

Our cup runneth over with shadows!

Join Hey Harriet for Shadow Shot Sunday

for the dish on shadows all over the world.

Vintage & Veggie Inspiration!

2011-08-18T11:00:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love summer?

But what do you do with all of that produce before you eat it?

Decorate with it!!

Cherry Tomatoes look adorable in Vintage Salts

& yummy Cuban Oregano thrives in Vintage Planters...

{We knew we could find something to do with all of those planters we've been collecting!!}

Yet another Vintage Planter holds those peppers for us while some of our favorite Vintage Fruit Plates provide the perfect backdrop!

Vintage Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers watch over zucchini & tomatoes by the stove

Tell us,

how can you resist NOT decorating with your Vintage & Veggies ?

You'd expect Veggies in the kitchen....

but what about the dining room?

Eggplant & more Tomatoes

get the special treatment on the Vintage Glass Cake Stand....

instead of flowers we used some Lime Mint...

mmmmmm....smells so good - might just have to make a minted tomato salad!

The only problem we have decorating with our Veggies....

It doesn't last long!

Join us for Vintage Inspiration Friday

@ Common Ground today

for more Vintage-y goodness!!

But Mom, I Can't Shut My Dresser Drawers!

2011-08-16T07:38:00.002-04:00

We don't know about you,
but
dresser drawers
left hanging open by the
kids or husband drive us nuts.

But this dresser

makes us want to let it all

hang out!

Shadows Straight from the Garden

2011-08-13T09:09:00.001-04:00

You hate to even cook with it

because that shadow looks so darn good!!

Join us for some delicious shadows

@ Hey Harriet today!

Wednesday Word... awesome

2011-08-10T23:15:00.000-04:00

You've really got to love this one!

We're a little late on Wednesday Words -

so we thought we'd share one of our new shelf sitters :)

We've been super busy with some secret going-ons at the store...

not to mention a huge order of Christmas came in

that we needed to price & pack back up again for the end of October!!

This week we could almost say

"Owning a store is not Perfect....but parts of it are!!"

Whooooo Knew?

2011-08-04T16:03:00.000-04:00

That owls would make such a big comeback?!!

...of course you did!!

Our new Owl Bookends will make you look all the wiser....

of course, you knew that too, didn't you?!

Wednesday Words

2011-08-03T08:13:00.004-04:00

Ok...

we should have had this quote out a couple of weeks ago...

but it's still hot - so we thought we'd share!

We picked up this great photo at an estate sale

up by the Jersey Shore one year

LOOK

at all of those people

trying to find relief from the heat!

So...would you?

Would you wave back.....

Mafia Chair

2011-08-01T15:32:00.000-04:00

While "Picking"

you'll hear all sorts of fun stories.....

In our store last month

sat a lovely green chair

that we picked up from an estate sale.

While we were at this sale,

we heard all about this house

and how the owners

had connections with the

Mafia

during prohibition!

So, you can imagine

it made treasure hunting all that more fun.

Our minds went wild, thinking up crazy events that might have taken place.

We hunted for secret trap doors...but didn't find them :(

We did, however find the furs....

Lots & Lots of furs -

this room was PACKED

to the ceiling in furs!

Oh - only if walls could talk!

...or chairs!

It's Friday...and We're in Love

2011-07-29T09:50:00.000-04:00

We're in love with....

Lovely little silver vases in all shapes and sizes.

Like little trumpets standing guard.

Waiting to hold fresh blooms from the garden.

It's Friday....

What are you in love with today?

Wednesday Words

2011-07-27T11:08:00.000-04:00

Meet Uncle Don & Aunt Louise...

They were a hoot!

We've had this picture for quite a while...

and when we came across this quote

BINGO

We found the perfect words for this picture!

Enjoy your Wednesday!