This & That - Early Summer 2021

It's been a while since I've written a 'This & That' post, so I guess it's time.  Welcome back to the Cottage.  It's early summer, winter is over (finally), it's warming up, and I can be outside!  That means my garden is growing and yard sale season is upon us.  Let's have a look.....
Everything is coming up roses! There just isn't anything else to say about this rose except.....Isn't she a beauty?
A double Painted Daisy had to get into the act!  I'm hoping they will bloom a second time this season.  I had no luck last year so fingers crossed for this year.
My Donald Wyman Lilac bush finished blooming about a week ago.  The fragrance on the back porch was heavenly!
The sage has doubled in size from last year.  I will have to start harvesting it soon along with the dill and basil.  They will be used fresh and will also be dried.  Once you start growing your own, there's just no going back to the grocery store variety.

The vegetables are growing too - no pics since they're very tiny right now, but I can't wait for fresh tomatoes and zucchini.  Bruschetta and Zucchini Bowls will be on the menu!

So much for 'This', let's move on to 'That'!

Yard Sale Season is in full-swing and I've been to a few.  I'm trying not to acquire more furniture since my house is bursting at the seams, but here are a few of my finds so far this year:
I had no idea what this was (and neither did the woman I bought it from) but it 'spoke to me' and it was only $2.  Fortunately someone on a group I belong to identified it as the wooden pestle for a vintage tomato strainer.  Sadly there was no metal strainer in sight, so it now resides on the shelf in my kitchen.

I'm sure you probably recognize this cookbook stand.  It's certainly not old, but I love blue and the fact that it is made of wood.  I'm in the process of giving it bit of an update, so stay tuned for that upcoming post!

Don't get too excited.  Yes, it's a birdcage, but it's not vintage.  It actually has a Hallmark sticker on the bottom! LOL  It also came with a bonus flameless candle and a fall berry spray.  Have no fear, though, it will get a new look for Fall and/or Christmas.  If you have any suggestions I'm always open to new ideas!

I know what you're thinking...this is not something Ann would normally grab at a yard sale. But, it's part of a plan.  A plan that's been in the works for a few years. Yes, I said 'years'.  Doesn't everyone have a project in the works that is just waiting for all the pieces? In a box?  In a closet?  Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Next month will be 'Christmas in July'  at The Apple Street Cottage and these little Christmas village people will be included.  Also, did I mention that they were only 25 cents each?

I was drawn to the detail on this wood frame as soon as I saw it especially since it was mostly intact.  Did you know that old frames like this one are wood but the detail is often made out of plaster?  So it's never a good idea to use stripper on them (no, I didn't do it, but I know someone who did!)  When I got this frame home, a small piece fell off and I could see it was not wood.  A little dab of glue handled that problem.  Stay tuned, I've started working on this little beauty and I'm loving the result!
I know what you're thinking...$1.50?  Of course they came home with me!  I wasn't really sure what they were, and neither was anyone else but with a little internet detective work, the mystery was solved.  They are antique bobbins from a textile mill.  In case you're wondering, yes, I DO know what I'm going to do with them, but I may need a few more pieces for the project.  Hopefully this one won't take a few years!  HaHa!

So, there you have it. the first 'This & That' of 2021.  I hope you've enjoyed it.  I've given you some 'sneak-peeks' at upcoming projects, and you know there will be stories to tell.......  

Comments

  1. Beautiful flowers, and some of your "thats" are things I would have bought at garage sales too! I'm glad it garage sale season, and I'm vaccinated!

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    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree more, Lisa. Garage sale season is the best!

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  2. Replies
    1. Thank you, Michelle. Who knows what the rest of the season has in store for me!

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  3. I'm so intrigued! I can't wait to see what you have up your creative sleeve. And that rose is beautiful.

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    1. The wheels are turning, Kim, and I was SO excited to find the little Christmas people! I've been looking for them (at a bargain price) for a few years. Finally!

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  4. your flowers are beautiful! Looking forward to see what you do with the spools

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    1. Thank you, Patti. The trick will be finding the 'additional pieces' needed for that project. Stay tuned!

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  5. Ann,
    Okay you got me curious about what you are going to do with those little people!! I am so looking forward to seeing your finished project in July!!!
    All your other finds are great!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. I just know you're gonna love it, Debbie! It's been a long time coming.

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  6. Love your little "finds". Sometimes things are just too hard to resist.....

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    1. They sure are hard to resist, especially when you know you can do something creative with them!

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  7. You found some interesting things at the yard sales! I have a similar tool as the first wooden one you show and I use it to wrap strips of puff pastry dough around it to make a cone shape when baked to hold fillings like whip cream or egg or tuna salad.

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    1. That's a great way to use it, Pat. You never know what you'll find at yard sales!

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  8. That rose and those lilacs are just stunning!

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    1. Thank you! The garden is doing very well this year.

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  9. Beautiful flower pics! Visiting you from the encouraging hearts and home link up.

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    1. Thank you, Lauren. I'm really enjoying the garden this year!

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  10. I love posts like this, sharing your vintage and.or thrifty finds! So fun:) Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen

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    1. Thank you, Kathleen. I know we both love searching for unique items. Hope you are well and thanks for stopping by!

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  11. Ann having to switch your emails has to be hard. I'm seeing so many other bloggers share the same dilemma. Hope it's going well.
    Thanks for sharing at the FWF link party.

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    1. It's a hiccup, but it will all work out. Thanks for your concern though, Rachelle!

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  12. You found some interesting new treasures. I can't wait to see what you do with them. #HomeMattersParty

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