When it comes to home decor, I have a weakness for chairs. I’ve had to sell some because I have too many, and it’s time to move some of our children chairs on because the girls are getting too big. I love these chairs illustrations and think I will have the girls create one of our own of all our chairs. That way we will have some way of remembering the various chairs we had in our home, especially the little ones that the girls have outgrown. The one chair I hope to get lucky and find for a bargain (though it’s unlikely) is a Warren Platner chair. I’ve also tried to find pink Casala chairs, but it seems most of them are in Australia, and I have no clue how to get them here. I doubt either will ever happen, but hey, a chair loving girl can dream.
I’ve had this dress for a few years now, and I still love it and wear it. I got it from Ms. Tips awhile ago (see it worn here), so I guess my style hasn’t changed much in the last few years and I’m pretty predictable. Something unpredictable is that my hair is in a low pony tail. I typically always wear it down, but it’s been so hot lately, so this is one way I’m trying to keep cool.
These sandals are by Marais USA and are so comfy. The footbed is so soft, and though it’s got a small heel, it’s very comfortable to walk in. Shoes are my kryptonite. Okay, and basket bags and antique jewelry. When it comes to things for the home, chairs are my weakness.
The scallops on this handmade Mexican basket are so sweet. Someone needs to scoop this up quick! It’s perfect for beach days and summer picnics.
Since I’m wearing a Ms. Tips vintage dress I wanted to share a new venture of Tammy’s, the gal behind the shop. It’s women like her that have inspired me to open up Wovenfolk, to pursue things I’m passionate about. I’m happy to share she, along with her business partner Erika (from Mini Pomme), will be opening up a brick and mortar children’s shop in Minneapolis. It is called Kinoko Kids and described as “Euro-Japanese sensibility and charming selection of modern and vintage toys and clothes.” If you’re in Minneapolis, they officially open up this weekend on June 24! To stay updated on their shop news, follow Kinoko Kids on instagram. Kudos to Kinoko Kids!
This is the first year we’ve been able to harvest any stone fruits from our garden! Some were tastier and sweeter than others, but the ones that were “meh” will be chalked up to them being still so young. As the trees mature, the flavor should too.
Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones that took notice to the new, brightly colored fruit… the birds did as well. It’s discouraging to put all that work in, only to have it sniped by freeloading birds. When we had blueberries, we tried using nets, but that was challenging. Despite our efforts, it wasn’t easy to access the fruit, and once, a birds got INSIDE the net!
One response to the thievery is to have the tree big enough so that there’s plenty of fruit to go around! But that defeats the purpose of having multiple trees in a small space.
Once evening comes, and it’s much more bearable outside, the girls spend the time drawing with chalk in the backyard. Ben is nearby tending to his garden, which has never ending projects, and usually I’m inside finishing up whatever things I didn’t get to finish that day (and I have never ending projects inside). The wonderful thing about Southern California summers is that once it hits about 6-ish, the temps cool down dramatically. We love being able to be outside in the evenings. I can’t wait to start having summer dinners in the cul-de-sac with our neighbors. It was one of my favorite things about last summer, so we must start it again soon.
For the past 3 summers, our big two, True and Brave, leave us and spend over a month in Texas with their grandma (Ben’s mom). The first year, they spent 5 weeks in San Antonio. Last year, they were gone 6 and a half weeks, and this year, they will be gone for 5 weeks. Someone asked on IG how I deal/prepare for the big two leaving for 5 weeks during the summer, so I’m happy to share.
The idea first came about from Ben’s mom, and I thought, “Why not?!” The girls had just finished their first year of Spanish lessons with her via facetime, and being in Texas would allow more opportunities to enrich their knowledge of Spanish. I was definitely more on board about it than Ben was, but I’m also the one with the girls all day every day, so I think they could use a break from me (lol). Also, with Ben’s mom being so far, they don’t get to see her often, so this time with her is very special and she meticulously plans out their visit. The first year, she did sewing with them, taught them calligraphy, embroidery, and did lots of local kid activities. On top of all that, they did Spanish lessons almost daily too.
Last year, she slowed things down a bit, so they wouldn’t always be on the go. For this year, last week they were deciding on a summer project. I haven’t really spoken much with them since they left, so I don’t even know what they chose. And still, they start off every day with Spanish lessons. They’ve been doing Spanish lessons for 3 years now, and True and Brave amaze me with how much they read and write Spanish, but they have trouble with the conversation part since we don’t speak it at home. Ben’s been trying to catch up to them, so hopefully, one day they’ll have the speaking part down too.
Every year has differed on how they get to Texas. The first year, Ben and I flew to drop them off, then we road tripped back. Last year, my mom dropped them off and they got to spend a weekend with both of their grandmas together (our moms are friends). This year, Ben’s mom and sister spent time with us in California, then flew back to Texas with them. All we sent True and Brave off with were backpacks because they have clothes there from last year’s visit. They each brought one dress, a few pairs of socks and underwear, sandals (and they wore a tee and jeans with sneakers), and one pair of pajamas. His mom is a thrifter, so if they end up needing something, they all happily make a trip to the thrift store.
We have plenty of rules and expectations for them when they go. They aren’t going for vacation to sit around and do nothing. They are expected to do their own dishes and help around the house. No doubt they will have fun, but they are also there to bless their Grandmama. Also, we have many conversations about safety and try to cover different types of scenarios we can think of.
The send off is tough, they cry, and I try to hold it in, so they won’t cry more. Soul and Glow are sad for the first few days, especially at night. Ben and I are comforted by the fact when they look back, they will be so happy they had this special time with his mom. It’s hard being long distance grandkids; they miss her a lot. When it is time to say farewell, they always cry for hours after they leave. As far as the little two, we try to be especially intentional with our time with them. Last year, we did special letter days, and I have plans to do similar ones this year. Also, we take them on a weekend adventure and we call it “two kid weekend.” Ben’s mom was ready for Soul to join the big girls in Texas this year, but she didn’t want to go because she didn’t want to miss “two kid weekend.” We would like her to eventually join her big sisters, so she can have plenty of memories with his mom too.
We miss them a lot while they’re gone, but I love that they get this time with their Grandmama, and they get to know more of Ben’s family. It’s important to us that they learn about their roots, heritage, and family on both sides.
Beige mom jeans?! Why not?! I have been looking out for a vintage, white pair, but haven’t had any luck. Then, I came across this beige denim pair and they’re pretty perfect. I’ve been having such good luck coming across vintage denim. If you go searching for your own, make sure you know your measurements (waist, rise, and hip) and carry around a measuring tape (I have a small one like this always in my bag). Actually, everything I’m wearing from head to toe is vintage. The earrings were another treasured find; they are handmade sterling silver Mexican filigree earrings. My top is a silk Made in USA top by Liz Claiborne. The shoes are deadstock vintage shoes my best friend gave me a couple years ago. I love how funky they are. With my top and bottom being kind of simple, I think the shoes make the outfit a bit more interesting. And the basket is currently available from WOVENFOLK, shop it here.
I have a large growing pile of fabric scraps. I refuse to throw them away because I am sure they can be used for something. I have been seeing different types of interesting necklaces made of buttons, beads, and fabric. Then, I figured why not make one out of my scraps...
I think it made my white shirt a little less boring. This was so quick and easy to make.
How to make a recycled scraps necklace (which is very similar to the straps on my braided tablecloth bag):
1. Take your scrap fabric, I cut a .5''-1'' snip and tear the rest of the fabric down for a nice frayed edge. Used 3 different fabrics for each strand.
2. Take 3 of the torn pieces and tie the ends together with a rubber band.
3. Braid the 3 pieces together and tie ends together with rubber band when done.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for more strands. Remember you can make the strands any length you want, if run out of fabric, just weave more into the braid.
5. Once all the strands you want are braided, gather one end of each strand together and straight stitch together with sewing machine. Repeat for the other ends of the strands. Snip off any excess.
6. Gather ends of the necklace and sew together (snip excess) or a ribbon can be sewn at the ends to be able to tie the necklace closed, but I just sewed both ends together.
7. Voila! A nice way to make use of all your lovely scraps.
Sorry if the directions get you a little lost, but it really is easy. I promise. Maybe I should put some in the shop. Please share any other good ideas you may have of things that can be made with scraps. I would love to hear (read) them!
do we need another chair? by charlotte trounce
