Lincoln City, Oregon

Nature.

Amazing.

I'm always in awe of God's work on this little world.

I can't help but share the beauty.

These pictures are from Lincoln City, Oregon, a little town on the Pacific NW coast.

We rented a house and this was our view.

Beach access was across the street...

...and this was the view.

Do you see the people in the bottom right section of this photograph? It really gives a perspective to the immense proportion of the sea.

And this view...

...across the street as well.

Just lovely.

Portland, Oregon...2013

Needing a break from building/moving/unpacking, we headed to the Pacific Northwest for a quick vacation.

One of our favorites is the farmer's market in Portland, Oregon.

There are tents and tents of fresh produce, baked goods, flowers...well, just about anything else you could think of.

It's only open on Saturdays, what an adventure in shopping!

Then there's glass blowing in Lincoln City, Oregon.

These guys were amazing! They were teaching us how to make various pieces...I have a new appreciation!

And of course the flowers were gorgeous.

We couldn't pass up shopping at a Christmas store...

its was filled to the brim!

I had to get this pic...

it reminded me of a giveaway sign.

I just had to laugh...
I hope my winner loved that sign as much as I did!!

There was the stop at Powell's Bookstore...Portlander's hangout.
It covers an entire city block, 68,000 sq ft of books,
and raves of new, used, out-of-print, hard-to-find books.
It's a book lover's paradise!

One of our favortie, special treats...we enjoyed the local coffee, yummy pastries, and delicious cuisine.

If you haven't been to the NW Coast, you should visit.

It's loaded with charm, amazing sites, and delectable tastes for your palate.

But What If?

Well, if you've been following along, you know we've just finished moving into our new home. 

Things have been in complete disarray... 

and I've tried to be very selective in what stays and what goes.

At first, I was brutal.

But, after a few weeks have passed, 

I find myself going back into the

"maybe" boxes

and

are you ready for this?

Yep, 

dragging things back out 

because I just can't get rid of "it" yet.

I know, I know...

I have 

"but what if" 

issues.

You know the one...

"...but what if I need that fabric for something" 

or 

"...but what if I think of a way to use that old basket?"

Take for instance these vintage drawer pulls.

They have been packed away for at least 40+ years in my stash of stuff.

That old saying, "... if you haven't used it in the past, you don't need it now," goes through my head a lot. 

BUT,

sometimes I've regretting letting things go.

So finding a new place for these pulls was a must.

You see, my grandmother was a saver. 

She was also a historian. 

Everything she felt needed labels, she labeled.

Just look at this:

Toss these babies? 

No way.

Think, Sharlotte, think...

...hm...

I just happen to have an old filing cabinet, 

and I need a filing cabinet.

It needs a new coat of paint and updated or should I say "outdated" pulls.

Do you see where this is going?

Yep, the vintage pulls were a perfect fit

and 

they really gave my old filing cabinet new life.

perfect.

Summer!

Summer is here and it's time for another tablescape.

Today I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

Be sure to drop in for loads of inspiration.

Let's celebrate summer, shall we?

I hope you're having a wonderful, relaxing, and fun summertime!

Just in case you're interested:

runner and napkin rings - Pier 1

bird, aluminum, chargers, pitcher, and glasses - thrifted

flatware - Tuesday Morning

blue plates - IKEA

green plates - World Market

napkins - Marshalls

coasters - Antique Shop

July 4th Weekend...2013

I sure hope you had a wonderful 4th...one filled with friends and family!

Ours was very special this year.

We were able to spend the day celebrating our country and the birthday of my mother-in-law.

It was a special occasion so we decorated accordingly!

Come on in and take a look!

We served carnitas and all the trimmings...

chips and dips...

home-made ice cream...

and...

cupcakes!

Banners were spread throughout the "party" areas...

And what would the 4th be without fireworks?

Happy birthday America
and
to you too, Nanau!

Fly Swatter...

I know...crazy title, but after a month of unpacking, I still can't find my fly swatter.

I've opened about a zillion boxes, especially the ones that I thought I'd find it in..but nope.

No fly swatter to be found.

Now I know that to blogland and to probably the entire world, this isn't a blog worthy post.

But when you are plagued with a persistent fly family, 

just aiming and popping a towel isn't getting the job done.

And I'll bet you're saying, duh...just go buy another cheap-o swatter.

Well, that would solve my issue, but at this point in the game, I just don't want to shop anymore.

I'm shopped out.

really.

Ok...enough whining...

let's look at a few pics, alright?

Just look at this organization.

My sister is The Queen of organization. 

She took my Post-its and went to town.

The process was to put things in the "most handy" place...if there wasn't a sticker, the space was empty...ready for something new.

Then there was the folding of cloth napkins.

She spent quite a while on this drawer.

Doesn't it look great, though?

I did the easy stuff:

dishes in the plate rack

collectibles displayed

a sign here and there

adding a touch of nature

and most importantly, cookie cutters..ready to be used.

I had the easy job.

Now Catie, my little poodle?

She couldn't find the missing fly swatter either.

You see, 

she was our head supervisor...

and by the end of the day,

she was worn out.

Bless her little heart!