bracelets!

For the past year or so I've been wanting to start making jewelry. In the spring I bought all of these pretty spring and summer-like colored beads but like everything else, never got around to it. This week I finally did and I'm having so much fun with it!

I still have lots to learn but didn't think these came out too bad.

Would you wear one? Be honest now because I'm thinking of just maybe giving one away...stay tuned!

If anyone has any neat tips or a resource they would like to share, I would love to know!

and the decision is.....

...the bench stays!

After leaving the wicker seat for a day, I missed the bench {even though the cats preferred that comfy cushion!!!}. Maybe it was because I was just used to it but the majority of you did vote for the bench to stay....thanks for your help everyone!!!!

opinions needed...ASAP!!!!

I haven't posted in long time and planned on my newest post being about how great my summer was or a "welcome fall" post, but what I really need here ladies is an opinion! I've had this bench in my mudroom for years. I absolutely love it! It was the first new purchase I made for this house right before we moved in. It's made from an old door and I found it on EBAY. I am able to stash the cat food underneath it and some baskets for my boys cleats (this is football season you know!)

Last night I had a thought! I love, love, love black wicker and have it outside. I thought, why not bring it in for the winter, put the bench in my bedroom and then put things back in the spring when it's warm out again.

What do you think? I'm not sure but need to decide before everyone gets home because I have the other bench sitting in the middle of my kitchen and if you saw the size of my kitchen you would know that it pretty much takes up the entire room.
So I would love to hear what any of you think!

playing with seashells

During the summer we love to go to Jones Beach at sunset. Jones Beach State Park was created during the 1920's and runs about 10 miles along the Atlantic Ocean on the south shore of Long Island. There is a boardwalk that runs the length of the beaches as well. What I love about it is the style and architecture of the bathhouses, pool, shops, etc are still in their original Deco style.

One night last summer we collected these teeny-tiny shells...

This year the boys collected huge shells...see the difference?

How can anyone not love seashells!!??

Awesome Giveaway!!!!

One of my favorite blogs is having an awesome giveaway...A gift certificate to one of my favorite stores!

Check it out!

Shop Update

Finally, finally started a shop update! Only a few items for now but will hopefully list more this week!

What is it about these old doll heads that we love so much!?

handmade gifts

Hello there! Well, now it's just a fact...I can not keep up with this blog! I did manage to change the background last night. Like I've said before, I know NOTHING about computers so that was a big deal for me! Anyway...I am lovin' summer right now and just wanted to share some little gifts I recently made for some birthdays.

A little personalized notebook....

...and a sweet little card.
I made some extras and plan on a shop update soon!

Other than that, hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as I am!