"I'm Schmitzen like a Schmuzel!" and Garage Sales are for the Birds!

I've really only been "Junking" and garage Sale shopping for a little over a year! I KNOW, but I always worked,,,Fridays, Sat, Sundays! So, it's relatively new to me and BIG fun!

It's hotter than a match head here for us Washingtonian's who have NO AC and rarely break the 80's! Just visited son Andrew in the Backhouse,,,,,87 inside the house!   I haven't posted the last couple of days because it is TOO blazing hot in my office! "I'm Schmitzen like a Schmuzel!" Apparently this is a Yiddish expression, which I am NOT,,,,but I LOVE it!

Times like this make me wish the old PC would DIE and I could buy a laptop- substantially more portable, but I refuse to buy ANY new appliance till the old one(s) die, because we DO live in a Country of Waste/dispose of, cast off! But today, some of the cast off's of others became my treasures!

My first fun find was this Bird Cage and Stand! $4 Bucks for the kit and kaboodle!

I KNOW,,,Shut up! $4??? I'm going to hang some lobelia inside of it for now, on my sitting porch. Of course I went to Annies and bought a wire cloache' that I'm going to invert and plant  that was $18 bucks,,okay, a modified bargain,,,,,but I'm loving it!

I found a bunch of vintage doillies at various stops -a Qtr Each~which kind of makes me sad,,,,LOOK at that Handwork,! Geeesh!

The white ones will get tea stained and used on some pillows I'm going to make for an upcoming show....

Fun Vintage hat,,,,,,photos not the best, sorry! Loved the brooche/button on the top.

This one won't get torn apart for a cake topper or other crafting, just thought it was CUTE!

I got an old Campfire Mint Box full of Postage stamps of various locations/dates for a Qtr! This is just a "sprinkle" of what is in there! Fun for crafting!

Tons of Vintage Pearl Strands on the Cheap!

Kinda liking those old Clip Earrings, they remind me of something Gloria Vanderbilt would have worn!

I may not exactly be petite, but at least my EARS are smaller than hers!

Vintage (?) Ceramic Liquer Bottle and an old marmalade Jar,,,,,,$1 each And, at this point, I'm really "Schmitzen!" Shew! Should have grabbed a lemonade about 5 houses ago!

I got this cute little container of Chicken and Hens from a Senior couple that were "set" up in their yard next door to another sale I stopped at,,,,,they were SO Cute,,,,well, the couple AND the Chicken and hens! $.25 cents!

And YUMMY!  Raspberries at another stop just picked this morning...$1-Can't get THAT at the grocery store! They are heavenly!

And my last little find was another Bird Cage I picked up for $3.

Not sure WHAT I'm going to do with this one yet,,but it's in great shape and I love the color!

So,,,Okay, I've lived in Snohomish for going on 3 Decades, but I explored places today in Snohomish that I didn't even know existed! To give you an idea,,,,Snohomish has the largest School District and School Bus Service in the State of Washington. Our little Historic Downtown area and even the other parts of the City Limits are pretty small,,,,,,,But our ZIP Code? The overall area that encompasses "Greater" unincorporated Snohomish is HUGE!!! I think I logged  close to 100 miles today,,no joke, and IF I left Snohomish at all, it was only briefly to touch on the outskirts of Monroe! Fun to find all the "knooks and "Crannies."

But it is STILL hotter than Hades and I hope it cools down before working this weekend in Joyworks! Ackkk-Makeup? Okay honestly,,,,,BRA? Oh my Stars!

(Andy's BFF Erick is headed to the Back Cottage soon and bringing his Beagle, Latte'- who will inevitibly end up HERE with my two Hounds! Or Lord, let the Canine Games Begin! )

Have a GREAT weekend!  Hope you stay Cool!

Hugs,

Shell

Giveaway, "Gals" in Blogland and Great Escapes,,,aka "Lake frontage!"

First of all, I used the random number generator and tada......drew a number for my giveaway. HOLLY of

                                                              http://504main.blogspot.com/.

 Holly has TWO blogs, the other being "Hip, Stylish & Totally Cool Weddings".
If I recall, Holly and I connected initially through the OneWorldOneHeart event at the beginning of the year, but she's got great info and lots of fun ideas! Check out her Blog(s)!
(Holly, check out my sidebar(s) and think about what kind of a custom  cupcake or mini (wedding?) topper you'd like..Maybe something for your kids? Pick a theme and colors and I'll go from there! And,,,email me your physical addy.....Congrats! Let me know what you'd like me to create for you.......

Oh,,,,,and it Should be in my sidebar, but my friend Vicki from "Two Bags Full recently asked,,,,Email me @
Shelly39WA@aol.com.

And secondly, but not really secondly, I'd love to thank all of my "Bestest Blogger Buddies" for your insight, love, kind words, financial advice and laughs, as of late! YOU guys are the BEST!! I don't know about the rest of you,,,but I cannot imagine my life anymore without my blogging friends! I'm blessed to have GREAT local and work friends too, whom I love dearly an consider many "family!" But, I never, ever,  would have imagined having such an awesome  group of women scattered across the map and the impact they would have on me! Did YOU?

Son Andrew and I drove out to Lake Roessiger today-where the "Lake Frontage" was being offered. I had called my best friend Laura, Realtor extrodinaire, and vaguely expressed my interest in "it." I did NOT want her to spend a lot of time investigating till I went out to see it firsthand....Well, she spent more time on it initially that I thought she should,,,,,she's Waaaaay overbooked/taxed and I thought I should see it first!

What a fun Lake! Full of every house/cabin/cubby you can imagine! I loved the older little cottages far more than the newer multi-million dollar homes we spied. I'd point to some cabin built back in the 30's of 40's and say,,,"OH, Look!"

Well we got to the parcel. Let's just say that I'd have to hire "rent a goat" for a couple of WEEKS to get the flora to the point where you could even SEE all the TREES ON THE BANK that would need to come down! Andrew started climbing down the bank, I lost site of him about 30 seconds after he started.......And, he didn't even make it all the way down to the lake,,,,given the brush and trees!

Yeah, well, it was a nice "dream." I've decided to skip THIS chunk of land......Gold, Regan? Does that mean "Bling" too? LOL, Perhaps a trip to the jeweler's! Or I'll just reinvest in a CD for a WHILE and then cash out,,,,head to Europe and buy some Goodies to sell in the States! I can write off the trip that way right??? "Oui, Oui, Oui!"

Have a GREAT NEW week! We're supposed to go from "60's-80's in Nothing, Flat! Gotta LOVE Washington State!

Hugs and serious Love to you guys! You're the BEST!
Shell

Wishing a Happy and Safe 4th for ALL~

(Image from my blogger friend Elizabeth, "Last Door Down the Hall.")

The booms, whistles and Bangs! have commenced in my little neighborhood. I'm staying HOME with 4 somewhat neurotic Animals,,,,,for some reason, Holly, my "old lady" tuxedo kitty is freaked out the most this year....dogs a bit restless, but hanging in there, with "pets: and reassurance.

Wishing you all a great 4th HOWEVER you spend it,,,,and special Thanks and Pride (as for my son, former Marine for his two tours in Iraq) AND for All the men and women who have served this Country!

I'm announcing my Giveaway winner tomorrow at 6:00pm Pacific Time for anyone that left a comment on my "Where Bloggers Create" post. Still time to enter if you'd like. Sorry,,,,I should have learned how to create a "permalink" to that post,,,,maybe someone can email me or comment on how to DO that......Got too busy crafting/shopping and having a birthday party to learn how! (A gal has her priorities, you know!) You can go to my sidebar and scroll down to the June post of "Where Bloggers Create" To Enter just by leaving a comment......

I'll send a box of Goodness out this week to someone~

Hugs,

Shell

HELP! I could REALLY use some advice/comments!

Okay,,,,I'm going to be a BIT candid here,,,,,and I'm looking for some advice/comments. I am NOT rich! But,,,I'm financialy secure, for NOW, but with taxes, improvements that will need to be made on this little OLD house and my "Rental" it is scarey, as a single person.  I own my LITTLE bungalow and the back house/cottage free and clear. No Mortgages. Thanks to a mother that was conservative, a real estate whiz,  and left the property to me.

And I have a FEW investment accounts. So,,,,,this week? I got a statement that I had a CD that was maturing and what did I want to DO?? And today, walking to my car after work, I saw a flyer on my way to my car from a Realtor......"Lake frontage"  Lot 1/4 acre,,,,,some 12 miles from town here,,,,,doesn't perk (so no septic tank allowed)  and no sewers/taxes are low...but LAKE frontage! Rec property for now? Increase in value or have my funds sit in the bank and gain WHAT?  My folks made their monies in Real Estate........

Called my Bro,,,10 year older, financially savvy, relatively wealthy,secure in his own right and asked him,,,,,,he said, "Crap Shoot" basically,,,,,he was no help although he didn't discourage me from buying property instead of investing in more CD's.....ACK!!!! Since my mother died, this is ALL new to me and given the economy, inflation,,,,,,

I'm single,,,,,,want to say I KNOW what I'm doing, should do, whatever, but clueless!......but would LOVE any advice from any of you  or family/friends/folks you know with knowledge or experience! And,,,,,,,oh ,,,,,,Lake Front! Sounds better than signing a bank form to continue what? 2 percent interest??? Comments? Oh Please~~~And if you have a savvy family member, would LOVE any advice,,,the CD needs to be dealt with next week and the property?? Well, may or may not be available long term..........


Hugs and Love  and THANKS SO MUCH for any insight~
Shell

"Cousins, Corsettes, 'Carmen" and Cupcakes!

I had a really FUN Friday with my dear Cousin Heidi and her daughter Thea, who was back "home" in Washington  State, visiting from the Boston Area! Heidi lives a couple hours away, so we don't get to see each other that often.....so it was a special treat to spend the day with the two of them here in Snohomish!

We had a "Yummy" lunch at the Cabbage Patch......a Snohomish Institution..while taking a break from Antiquing and (duh!) Shopping in Joyworks, "Annies", and Faded Elegance.......etc.

Thea LOVES to bake Cupcakes and sells them for Events and Parties back in the Boston Area. I bought her one of our fun new Aprons in Joyworks! Pink and Leopard!  Shoot! I should have got her Pic with it on! She looked Too Cute!!

I also bought a couple of "Goodies" on our "hunt" ,,,,, through the shops, including a couple of FUN and inexpensive lamp bases that I need to find or "create" Shades for......

Here's "Carmen" ---$10 Bucks! Altered ribbon shade, I'm thinkin'

How Cute is She??? Just needs the proper Headpiece/shade.....I'm thinking on it! Suggestions? Let me know!

Then, I found this fun "Marie" Lamp base,,,,,,,also $10 bucks!  She's even got a secondary/nightlight feature under her "slip",,,,,,,,Isn't there a saying about a light under your Bustle? or is that your Bushel?........No matter......LOL,,,,,,,Eventually, I hope to make her "Fancy!" Again, comment with any ideas,,,,but I loved her "bones!"

I also bought another fun hand crafted "Paper" cabinet at Faded Elegance,,,which I LEFT there, for a day or two, since we walked down the hill from my house to shop/dine! Too big to haul around,,,,,but will be GREAT in the Studio....I'll take a pic and add to a post soon.........Mari, you are such a salesperson!

"Oh, you might not want to wait,,,,,,I don't think it will be here!" (Shell writes a Check)

And here's a closeup of the Corsette, or Bustier I fashioned yesterday  morning for the Joyworks Party (See my previous two posts  and http://joyworks-shopgirl.blogspot.com/ for the Party Photos, some  great laughs, smiles and "ooh-la-la's".) I was going to go to our local Costume store and buy a few things for my "Can Can Girl" Outfit,,,,,but instead, I decided to rummage through my old lingerie,,,,,,,and had a BIG FUN creating this yesterday morning.........

The more I worked on it,,,,the more I got into "Character" to wear it to our Party! I had all the stuff I needed on hand,,,,and old Cami in Green,,,,,,,Lace and Gold Trim from a Garage Sale I paid $1.50 for LAST weekend ,,,Score!,,,,,,I added some old "boning" from an old Victoria Secret buy,,,,,,that I always THOUGHT I'd get back into ....Yeah right!

I put it on my "Manni" from Farm Chicks when I was done wearing it for the photos......She's a BIT,,,,Okay a LOT smaller than Moi,,,,I hate her now! So..... I'll have to pin it on her a bit BETTER to show off her curves! But,,,,you get the Gist!

Too fun to make,,,,,,and even to wear! Just goes to show you,,,,,,,don't throw anything away!

Enjoy your 4th Weekend! On Monday I'll have a drawing for my little Giveaway for the "Where Bloggers Create Event." If you haven't entered and would like to,,,,,scroll down to my "Where Bloggers....Post and comment to be entered to Win!.

Enjoy your weekend!

And thanks to all the Men and Women who have dedicated, employed, worked, fought and sacrificed their Lives to allow us to be Free, Safe and Proud! And, all the families and Loved Ones that support or have supported THEM in their Service!

Hugs and Love,

Shell

Amy's Party Part Deux...........

Okay,,,,,,Here's some more of the pics I promised you  from Amy's Parisian Party.........Keeping the comments SHORT,,,,,what, ME???

Menu

Grab a Glass of Bubbly!

Flower's from Clarices Yard, for us All!

Mini Crown I made Amy

Crown in a Crown....

Eiffel Tower Charm Necklaces and a French Coin for all....

I had fun making these assorted French Cones using Vintage poodle paper!

Half time Entertainment provided by our Mime in Residence!

"Oui, oui, oui, oui oui!"

"Mr Bill" Coming home from hitting a couple of Buckets, making a retreat for the office upstairs~

Cake Time~

Rita almost lost "it" over the railing~ I can just see her diving for our dessert!

"Houston, we have Lift off!"

Our Great Chef, Winding Down!

Little Shell Crown I made for our Hostess,,,and, a bottle of Bubbly!

Here's a few Glimpses of Pennys wonderful Garden! She'll be on the upcoming Garden Tour! Well Duh!

Gorgeous!

Don't you just want to sit here?

Or here?

Well, that's about it! We had a great time! I think Amy enjoyed herself.

 Thanks Penny (and Bill) for sharing your lovely home!

Don't forget to check out Jana's pictures over at http://joyworks-shopgirl.blogspot.com/ she's got more photos,,,,

Well, to give you a laugh for the weekend here I am,,,,,,,,Oh yes I Can Can!

And I did did!

 

Although Standing next to Itty Bitty Amy, I look more like a Guy in Drag!

Had fun making the Corset and Headpiece though!

If you missed yesterday's post,,,,,,,scroll down to see more FUN PICS of the "Cast of Characters" at the Party!

Adieu!

Hugs,

Shell

The Cast of "Characters",,,,,Amy's Birthday Part One

Oh my Stars, What a fun time we had tonight at Amy's 40th!!  Pennys home is extrodinary and her gardens.....to die for! I took a LOT of pics and it's late,,,,so here's the Cast of characters,,,,,,I'll post the rest tomorrow night, Company coming in the morning and I'm exhausticated!

Penny, "The Barista" and Hostess with the Mostest

with Birthday Girl (Tourist) Amy

Rita, "Les Artisan"

Sandi (Rt) "Paris Shopper"

being escorted in by "Jana" "The French Maid"

(We fired Jana by the end of the night!)

Amy with the "Fleur Madamme" ( her Mom, Clarice)

I'd be the "Can Can" Dancer/Floozie........Objects in the mirror are scarier than they appear!

Too Much Fun! Kay took this "Mime" thing pretty seriously!

Jana and Amy sister's extrodinaire!

Our French Chef Jill was a whoot! The Chicken was a bit Rubbery though!

Here's one last shot of some of the "Characters."

I have a TON more photos of our fun evening and some glimpses of Penny's gorgeous Gardens and Home!

Jana will be posting some pics in the next day or so too,,,,,,,so be sure to follow the Joyworks Postings too!

We had SO much fun, good food, tons of laughs and I really kind of enjoyed my Can-Can Dancer Persona!

Make sure you come back, we haven't even had dessert yet or opened the gifts!

Happy Birthday Amy, Hope you enjoyed your Parisian Party!

Hugs,

Shell

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