Mid-Weekend Recap

I refuse to sell my weekend short and am sure we will embark on new adventures today, but I do want to document the fun we had yesterday, hence the optimistic title.  It's quite possible that all we do today is house chores and horseback riding, but one just never knows.  It is Shark Week, after all.

Yesterday morning, in all my craziness, I scheduled an 8AM photo shoot.  This is the third year for the Tails of Love photo book put together by the Humane Society of the Ozarks - an organization near and dear to my heart (I was even co-Volunteer Coordinator for nearly a year...I don't know where I found the time!).  Our family has been in it both of the previous years, so we couldn't imagine not participating now.  This is our second year to use Chris Blake, a member of the board, as our photographer.  He is a very patient man and we are so grateful to have him to take our pictures.

I scheduled the darn thing at 8AM because we were in the middle of 105 degree heat and I knew Landry would not be long for this world in any kind of heat.  But when we woke up Saturday morning,  it was barely 60 degrees!  The dogs loved it, but Alli was freezing in her cute little dress.  The shoot was, as ever, painful with two rowdy dogs and a kid who won't look at the camera, but Chris felt like he got some good shots, so here's hoping.

Afterwards because it was so incredibly cool, we decided to head up to the Farmers Market with the boys.  They were the hit of the day, and Alli had a great time too.

The world-famous "Hamdry" as my sister calls him

The PedalPops guy gave us a frequent buyer card...

Afterwards, we returned to The Natural Pet (mentioned here) to try Landy out on some new dog food.  Then, on our way home, Ryan pulled a u-turn and slid sideways into a new place on Township called In Retrospect.  I introduced him to thrifting a few weeks ago, and I think he's hooked.  In Retrospect just opened August 1st, and the tagline below the name said "Vintage.Kitsch.Flea-tastic."  Sign me up.

There was so much adorable stuff there, but I flew through it with Alli, Ryan, Cash & Landry waiting in the car, so I didn't get to ponder it like I wanted to.  But we are definitely going back - it had the feel of a place that already shopped the thrift stores and repainted and updated them for you, which is nice in that one, it saves you the time of doing it yourself and two, it gives you good ideas if you want to do it yourself.

We then headed home to all take naps - the long week and early Saturday morning took its toll on everyone.  We got back out around 5PM and did some new furniture shopping.  I think a healthy mix of old and new keeps your house from looking like a thrift store itself.  Plus, they can be pretty proud of their stuff, those antique stores.  Sometimes, it's to your advantage to get new!

Here are some inspiration pieces I snapped while we were out:

• Hall tree - PierOne: Oh how I long to have a mudroom and a launch pad.  This hall tree would definitely help - it has good spot to hang purses, keys and backpacks, a mirror to make sure you don't have mascara clumped in the corner of your eyes, a bench begging for punchy pillows, and concealed storage below.  PierOne knows how bad I want this, because it's around $350, but oh my!  You should note that it also comes in a mahogany, but we both know I prefer the white.  Cute pose, RLowe.

• Lamp - Furniture Row:  We got a bedroom suite and our current kitchen table at Furniture Row some years ago, and we've actually been pretty happy with both pieces.  I didn't see too much in there that grabbed me this time around except this pretty lamp.  I love the big base, and I love that the shade is almost burlap - very textured and very not white.  White fabrics don't last long at this little abode.  Oh, and sure.  I like it because it's white.

• Jewelry Chest - Ashley's:  This gem drew me in from across the room with her slender build and weathered look.  I didn't know until further inspection that she was a jewelry chest - complete with hooks, drawers, and even those special drawers that you can put your rings in.  Top it off with that blue and white paint job and I was hooked.  Price tag scare - they knew I was coming.  This little baby is $700, so I am thinking she will just need to stay inspirational for me.

• Buffet Table - Ashley's:  I was pretty smitten with this leggy buffet table the minute I saw it.  My most favorite piece in our house is my gorgeous buffet table (sort of spied here), so maybe I have a thing for these multi-functional go-anywhere pieces.  Entry tables, serving tables, sofa tables...these babies can do it all.  This lady was on sale for $500, which isn't terrible.  Maybe one day I will have a spot for her.

So there's a little shopping with the Lowes this weekend.  Hope you all had a wonderful Saturday, and here's to Sundays being just as fun!!