{something organized} vintage red kitchen storage

 I found a new thrift store in April. The deals there are incredible--vintage sheets are all a dollar, vintage photo albums are all less than two dollars, and these incredible containers cost $4 for the set. And I saw them on etsy a few weeks ago for $67. They sold. I didn't get the sugar container, but for a $63 savings, we're ok with that.

I decided to use them to clean up and organize the top of our fridge. I'm always trying to find better ways to organize and find space in our kitchen. These containers make it functional and pretty. I'm using them now to mostly store Vito's treats. In fact, one of them is empty.

I spotted this enamel bowl that same day for $4. It's the perfect shape and size to keep a bag of chips or other snacks.

It's pretty, don't you think?!

xo, katie

{something photography} fireplace photo garland

 One of my goals this year is to print and display more photos. Back in high school, I think I printed a roll a week. And those shots weren't even that good. But as the world turned digital, we stopped printing our memories. Now that I have my newer iPhone and Persnickety Prints, there is no excuse. These photos are always pretty.

Back in February, I made a Valentine Date Garland. I didn't want to take it down. But Valentines just seemed silly in April. And then I realized that photos would look great there. We can change them as the years go by. We already need to add some of Miss Belle.

xo
katie scarlett

{something herbs} coffee mug herb window

Summertime means herbs. They are simply the best. Each year, I make sure I buy my herb must-haves: basil, sage, cilantro, and mint. One year, I went all out at the farmer's market and had over ten herbs on the deck to water every day. These fabulous four sit inside, so I don't forget to water them.

The mint and basil came in great pots that allow the water to drain without spilling out onto the windowsill. However, the sage and cilantro do not. I didn't have any soil on hand to replant them, but I did have a few coffee mugs {I wish I had some cute vintage ones, but I am still searching!}.

I simply put the herbs in the mug. They've been going  strong for a month now. I just have to remember to dump out the water that collects in the mug once or twice week. My they are beautiful plants in the morning sun.

I might find some time to share some quick summer recipes for ways to use these fab four. My mint goes in my tea. That one is simple. I boil a pot of water at the start of each day. Then I pour it over a few tea bags with a few sprigs of mint. Yum.

xo.

{something vintage} persnickety prints

As soon as I discovered Persnickety Prints, when I was creating our Wedding Albums, I knew I needed to order more everyday moments. But I needed an album first.

My local Value Village held out for me, and it was worth the wait. I found three--and there were even two more, but the binding was weak--vintage Polaroid albums for 80-cents each. Part of me wishes I'd bought the broken ones, too. I am on the search for more albums for the years to come.

I measured the size of the photo sleeve, and decided that the 3-by-3 Instagram print would be the best fit. I adore square photos. I also went with the linen paper finish since these memories will be protected from direct sunlight.

I can't wait to place our next order, which is sure to be full of images of Penelope Belle. My how things change so quickly.

xo
katie scarlett

{something horses} flea market escape

My first week home, my charming husband said, "Aren't you going to the flea market?" when Saturday rolled around. I replied that I thought I was too exhausted. Then he said something I never thought my dear love would ever say, "You need to get out. Go to the flea market."

What was this? Johnny is encouraging me to buy vintage goods? The opportunity may never come again. So I headed out to the May Flea Market at Kenrick Plaza. It was refreshing. And I found some of my favorite things: girl scout patches, vintage diaper pins, a horse screen print with embroidery {I'm thinking of making a pillow case for Penelope with it}, a sweet flower tin I thought I could save for jewelry I would give to Penelope one day, and some vintage mint lace. It was a horse kind of day.

I even stopped at McDonald's on the way home for a fountain drink. It was blissful. I love my husband.
xo
katie

{something bunny} finally, a photo shoot with miss belle

I've been snapping baby photos for my friends for a couple of years now. And before Miss Penelope Belle was born, I planned out a number of shoots with all sorts of props and backgrounds.

I am so grateful for the hospital photo shoots that Cheryl and Baby Bella did for us because it took me three weeks to snap these ones. I think the only way I was able to pull it off was that Johnny was at home, and he helped with the backdrop {our beloved Granny blanket}

Penelope was happy, the morning light was perfect, and I think the shots speak for themselves. I was hoping to get a few with her eyes closed. But this baby doesn't pose like that.

xo
mama katie

{something one hundred miles} the southeast missouri yard sale

Every Memorial Day weekend, southeast Missouri hosts a hundred-mile yard sale along Highway 25. I've missed it the past few years since I was working as a scientist-writer-teacher in Wyoming. But since there was no Wyoming this summer, there was time for the yard sale.  One year, I hope to go the full 100-miles.

Since Johnny's birthday is always right around Memorial Day, we are usually around. I will never forget the first time he took me. I was overwhelmed. I found the best picnic blanket for $3.

This year, I was able to escape for an hour with my friend Maddie. I had a list of items to search for, and though I didn't find much on the list--except some robin's egg blue Pyrex--I did come away with some awesome finds: a beach blanket towel with flowers for picnics at the beach with Penelope {25-cents!}, some floral containers for Penelope's treasures, awesome vintage trim for headband making {it was the score of the day--I got all three bolts for $6!}, a view master for Penelope, a pink comb and brush, two yellow gingham pillowcases, robin's egg blue Pyrex, and vintage office stickers.

I wish we could have had more than an hour, but I think I did enough damage with that mere sixty minutes. It was wonderful.

I hope you found some great vintage treasures on your Memorial Day weekend.

xo
katie