Sisters Weekend!

Hello all you sisters out there! My sister Tracy and I just got back from a nice weekend getaway without the "boys" and I highly recommend doing so yourself. It was a lot of fun and although it was over in a blink of an eye, it was a nice little break from our daily lives. I posted about where we stayed previously, but let me jus reiterate a little bit. We stayed at a 200 year old stone farm house (Living Spring Farm) a mile outside Adamstown, PA, nicknamed Antiques Capital USA. The house itself was very cozy and inviting and the Innkeeper, Deb was very friendly and open. She lives there full time and made us feel just like dear friends staying for a visit. The farm had a horse, a pony, and two cats. We visited with the animals every day and made friends with most of them. Although Sammy, the pony, gave Tracy a big shove with his head when I tried to take a picture of the two of them. I think he didn't want her stealing his thunder...they both had very similar hairdos. Anyway, Deb made us an incredible breakfast both days and gave us tips on where to go shopping. We are not antique collectors but we do admire anything that has a history. Most of our time was spent pointing out kitchy things and just laughing. The big purchase of the weekend for both my sister and myself were birdhouses made out of salvaged wood, metal, and findings like antique drawer pulls, glass knobs, and hinges. We also bought some vintage books and other things that we can use in our crafts and art. I found a few vintage science books about experiments, zoology, seashells, ants and bees, and butterflies. The illustrations in them are what really appealed to me. I'll be listing some of the things I found on my Etsy shop at One Cozy Nest. Stop by to check them out.

GIVE AWAY!!! What Did You Do For Earth Day 2008?

Well, I like to think that every day around my house is Earth Day. But I celebrated the day by doing something a little extra. I tried to conserve some energy by turning off my heat, opening the windows, and I did not use any lights all day (as long as the sun was shining). I also didn't turn on the TV. What did you do? Leave a comment and I'll pick a name out of a hat for a surprise giveaway!

New Vintage Goods

My sister, the baby, and I ventured out to the flea market this morning. Oh my goodness, was today the most absolutely perfect weather day? We had a great time. The baby was well behaved until the very end, but then we just took turns carrying his heavy behind around, which he just loved. Better people-watching view, I guess! I found a lot of lovely vintage enamel flower pins. There they are drying out in the sun after I cleaned them up. I took some great photos and then listed them all on Etsy today. Stop on by my new Etsy shop called One Cozy Nest, where I'll be selling all of my items from now on. I'll slowly transfer my handbags and baby goods over to this shop as my listings expire. After my trip to Adamstown, PA next weekend, I'm sure there will be lots more new stuff for sale! On another Etsy note, I'm happy to report that my two vintage fabric buntings sold today! I had so much fun making them. I sure hope they find their way into some adorable little baby's room. I'll have to make some more to restock.

Custom Handbag

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share my latest creation with you. You may remember a few weeks ago I posted about eco-friendly dog beds made by Etsy seller Anniessweatshop. Well, she asked me if I wanted to do a trade with her! Of course I accepted and created this beautiful set. It's made from my "cammo femme" fabric and has a nice secure zipper closure. The matching case is like my artist's pouches, except it's deeper for her sunglasses. I hope she likes it...and if you're reading, Annie, I hope you forgive me for making you wait so long. Your doe beds are adorable and I can't wait to get mine and let Guinness crawl in and take a nice snooze. I'll send pics!

On another note, my vintage enamel flower pins have been really popular on Etsy! I've sold all but two so far. I've had these things for a few years now and occasionally I'd sell one but they're selling like hotcakes these days! I promise to pick up many more next weekend when my sister take our much deserved girls weekend away. We're staying at a lovely bed & breakfast called Living Spring Farm. The house is a 200 year old stone farmhouse located in Adamstown, PA (supposedly the antiques capital of the US). They have a little pony named Sammy that I'm really looking forward to meeting! He's so cute. Reminds me of Donkey from Shrek for some reason. Haha!

A Very Good Day

Have you recently had one of those days where everything in the world seems just right...you're happy, you feel good, and the sun is shining? Sounds like a cheesy song, but the other day was just one of those days. It was such a nice day that I decided to use my brand new retractable clothesline. I know, what kind of dork gets excited over a clothesline? Me. Not only was it the first time I was able to use it, it was the first time I got to hang my son's cloth diapers out to dry! They looked so adorable all lined up in a row that I just had to take a picture of it. I plan on doing that a lot more often. The sun helps with disinfecting and makes them bright white. After I did that, I left the baby with hubby and ran out to Sears to pick out my new glasses. I've had the same pair for years and while I wanted to keep the same look, I needed a little change. They should be ready for pick up in about a week. I am so excited!

I stopped by to visit my sister for a few minutes and she told me about a guy down the street that had a huge pile of dug up hostas on his curb. He apparently was throwing them away! She spotted them on her walk and came back later to take some. I love hostas and have the majority of my back garden lined with them. They are a great shade plant. Anyway, I drove down and asked him if I could take some and he said, "Sure, my wife hates them." One man's trash is another man's treasure! I loaded up a bunch and have been filling in empty spots along the boarder of my garden the past couple of days. This saved me a lot of time because I had planned on splitting the ones I have and transplanting them.

I've also been spicing up my front porch, making it cozy and welcoming. I have an old vintage iron sofa and two white rocking chairs. I made two cushions for the rocking chairs out of vintage fabric and two old bed pillows I was about to throw away. I just opened them up and threw out a third of the stuffing and then inserted them into the zippered cushion covers that I made. I planted pansies in the baskets along the railing and also in nine little clay pots that I displayed on a vintage-looking plant stand. I hung a wreath on my door that has faux lavender colored flowers and some greenery around it and I found a cute little "Welcome" sign at Lowes. I'd like to get a custom sign made that reads "Bolis Family established 2001". There is an Etsy seller that makes them so I think I might be contacting her soon! Well, here's to YOUR storybook day. I hope you have one today. :)

Eco-Tip Wednesday ~ Doo You?

Do you pick up after your pet? Well, if you don't, you're contributing to a growing pollution problem. Studies show that pet waste left behind (no pun intended) contributes to high levels of bacteria in waterways, including the ocean. Many beaches have been closed due to dangerous levels of disease-causing bacteria from pooch poo that dog owners ignore. The bacteria in your dog's leavings include E. coli, fecal coliform bacteria, salmonella and giardia. Pretty nasty stuff, right?

Although I pick up after my dogs when walking them in public places, I am guilty of not picking up my yard. This is going to have to change because now I have a son who will want to play out back and I don't want him getting sick or tracking in the mess. So I've researched eco-friendly disposal methods and what I've found is a doggie doo composting system that you can make yourself! All you need is a shovel, a plastic trash can with lid, some crushed stone for drainage, and some enzyme-active powder to help aid in the breakdown of the waste. Over time, the powder and water help digest the waste and break it down into a liquid that filters through the soil. The soil is a wonderful filter that absorbs the nutrients and bacteria so that it doesn't make it into surface or ground water. After a few years, you're supposed to clean out the hole and start over. What you will be left with is a great fertilizer for your ornamental (not veggie or herb!!) garden.