A Penny for your Thoughts...and your Piggy Bank

We are currently in Stage 2 of our summer vacation. This portion is a bit of a "staycation" as we are sticking fairly close to home. Hubby has had the opportunity to pick away at the barn/church project, which is slowly but surely coming together. With Hurricane Irene creeping up the coast, we felt we better get things tightened down a bit! I'm trying so very hard to remain patient as the project creeps along. My mind gets ahead of me with plans and ideas!!



This week saw the addition of some old church windows. They are not from the original structure, but I like that we have retained a bit of the church look and feel. I'm also feeling good about the reclaimed aluminum roofing - both more economical and aesthetically pleasing. The barn is a blend of old and new as we try to incorporate reclaimed materials where possible.





Power tools, scaffolding and eager little helpers are not a great combination! I needed a solution to make Chi-Chi and Muffy feel like contributors, while keeping them a safe distance from the construction action. The boys have been put to work over the last couple of days, collecting pennies for their piggy banks. Their work contract provides them with a penny for every nail they pick up from the work site. There is certainly no shortage of work! At the rate they're going, they just might pay their way through college!

A Boy and his Hunt for Treasure

As a child, I spent my summers at the shore, living at our family cottage in the tiny community of Seaside, New Brunswick. It was lovingly referred to as Seaside Farms and was the back drop for many fun family adventures, activities and celebrations. It was close enough to my father's business that he could drive back and forth to work each day. The days were pretty much ours to design, free from schedules or plans. My sister and I spent an endless amount of time on the beach, searching for treasures, doing crafts, exploring the sea life.



Hunting for sea glass was a favorite activity of ours. It was truly a treasure hunt as we scanned the pebbled beach for those smooth and tumbled gems. The discovery of a rare piece of blue glass was always particularly thrilling. Much time has passed since those childhood days, but my thirst for this type of treasure hunting has not waned. It is being passed down from one generation to the next, as my sweet Chi-Chi recently caught a case of the treasure hunting bug. Last week we visited Northern New Brunswick where I grew up, and walked some of those same stretches of beach I explored as a child. It warms my heart to see my little boy share my love of this pastime. He and I enjoyed some quiet one on one time, on some long morning beach strolls. As we slowly walked along, patiently scanning the water's edge, we chatted leisurely about our discoveries, conjuring up guesses of where they came from and how old they were. I have to say, that little boy has a keen sense for spotting sea glass and even managed to find some impressive pieces of blue.



We came back home to our own Seaside Farms (II), but not without some special mementos to reminisce about our trip. Chi-Chi's got his sea glass proudly displayed on his dresser. I'm loving the wine bottle my mother gave him to hold his treasures - rather appropriate! Of course, his goal is to fill the bottle to the very top! Sounds great to me - let's go back to the beach!

Antiquing....Montessori Style!

A month or so ago, my dear mother came to spend the day with the kiddies so Hubby and I could have some much-coveted adult time. This past summer, our family travelled to Londonderry, Nova Scotia to pick up a couple of baby chicks at Active Life Farm. It had been years since we last visited this region of the province. Our quick day trip gave me the itch to venture back to the area for a leisurely day of poking around. Before the arrival of Chi-Chi and Muffy, Hubby and I spent quite a bit of time exploring this beautiful part of our province. It's perhaps not as well-known as the South Shore or the Annapolis Valley, but with it's untouched raw beauty it is definitely on my list of most magnificent places to visit.

With Mom's generous services booked for the day, Hubby and I hit the road for a day of sightseeing, antiquing, eating and uninterrupted conversation - a true luxury in these parts! With no little ones in tow, we spent a few hours poking and sifting through the various antique shops in the area. We came home with a fabulous deal on a screen door for our home. Though we were apart for the day, Chi-Chi and Muffy were in our thoughts and apparently on my shopping list as well. I stumbled on a solid wood, vintage high chair for a mere $14! I took a triple take on the price tag and snatched up this awesome deal. Though the children use their own child-sized table for breakfast, lunch and snacks, we always dine at the family table for supper. This chair gives Muffy the boost he needs to sit properly at the table. Now we just need to figure out how to get the ants out of his pants so he can sit still!

I also came across this old medicine cabinet and thought it would be a perfect fit in the boys' bathroom. We hung it at an appropriate height for the wee ones. Though it might look rather strange to an outside observer, it's simply perfect. In no time, Chi-Chi had it filled and organized with all the toiletry essentials - toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant (!) and a stuffed monkey. I think it gave him a sense of independence in the bathroom and I notice he is taking more care in his grooming efforts as a result. I've now made plans to hang child-height mirrors in several locations throughout our home. Why had I not considered this before? I was always using step stools instead of bringing items down to their level. It looks like my Montessori Makeover remains a work in progress!

So, it was my "day off" and it seems all we did was talk about the wee ones. Ah, but at least it was uninterrupted...such a luxury indeed!

Past and Present

Hubby just recently returned from a two and a half week surf trip with the guys. When I heard him describe his vacation as a “spa for surfers”, I didn’t feel too guilty about the wee bit of shopping I was up to in his absence. While he was enjoying the exotic surf and sun, the boys and I spent some time visiting with Nanny and Graga in the Annapolis Valley. I enjoyed a chance to do some antiquing by myself. I find pleasure in the mere act of rummaging around a dusty barn, chatting with the dealer and leaning something new about the past.

I certainly didn’t go on some kind of crazy shopping spree! I picked up a few unique small ticket items to add a touch of fun and interest to my life. Isn’t this little “Handy Jar” adorable? Apparently it was used to keep spare string from meat packages back in the day. I’m thinking it would be the perfect little spot to store spare spools of thread or perhaps tasty peppermints. I love the patina of the faded and chipped paint.

A stroll through Value Village last week produced this great vintage set of Pyrex bowls in the Friendship pattern. They became even more lovely once I filled them with local yummies from my weekly CSA food basket. These date back to the early 70’s, which is probably why they fill me up with warm and cozy feelings. Though my mother does not own this particular pattern, she has a great set of Pyrex mixing bowls that she still uses. They remind me of her, of course, and my childhood days baking alongside her in the kitchen.

For someone who claims she “hates” sewing, I seem to be burning the midnight oil on my sewing machine lately. It’s often a frustrating experience for me with the odd curse wood slipping out of my lips. I took up sewing because I desired the end result. Dare I say I’m starting to enjoy it a bit….a tiny bit. This funky/frumpy vintage sewing basket was another great find in light of my recent interest in a needle and thread.

The whirring sound of my sewing machine is also something that brings about warm and cozy feelings. As a child, my mother sewed the vast majority of my clothing. Stitching up a few simple pieces of clothing for the boys provides me with a connection to my own childhood and weaves a common thread between my mother and me. I’m still whipping off the same PJ pant pattern that I’ve used time and time again. This time I pulled together some fun summer jammies with matching appliqué tank tops. Muffy, the family entomologist, was so proud of his bug pajamas that he wore them all day long during his insect hunting expeditions in the backyard mulch pile. Little Chi-Chi was soon modeling my behaviour, playing make-believe sewing as he stitched up new jammies for the whole family. Melt my heart of course.

I’m looking forward to lots more fun crafting days with the boys and of course, more leisurely visits to my favorite antique shops this summer. Both activities are always a fun way to blend the past with the present.

Function Over Form

Long before Hubby and I built our home on Seaside Farms, we started collecting antiques. We spent many a weekend driving back roads, sifting through dusty barns and antique shops. We were able to accumulate a nice selection of antique furnishings in those years before we moved into our home. As a result, we were able to design our home with specific key pieces in mind. Our kitchen was designed around an antique pine cabinet that we picked up for a great deal in Quebec. Our main bathroom houses a lovely dry sink and matching cabinet, which serve as a medicine chest and toilet paper storage area! (A huge thank you should be extended to my parents, by the way, for graciously offering their storage services during those years!)

Our knowledge of antiques started out rather limited, but we learned along the way. We are both inherently drawn to primitive pieces from the Maritime Provinces in particular. Our approach has focused on buying what we like and what we can use. Function has always been as much as a priority as form! As the corners of our home filled up with furniture, we’ve focused on smaller acquisitions in recent years. Although I enjoy the decorative aspects of these pieces, I definitely find a useful purpose for each item, no matter how small it may be. An old milk bottle serves as a vase. An apple basket serves as a beautiful display vessel for my wool roving. A vintage stepladder helps the wee ones reach the bathroom sink!

I’m therefore not sure what I was thinking when I purchased an antique washboard a few years ago. It looked rather cute hanging in my laundry room, but I didn’t have much “use” for this item….until my washing machine went on the blink. It came in pretty handy washing some key items for the boys while I waited for the repairman to make his visit. If anything, it gave me an appreciation for the arduous task that laundry was for my ancestors! Let’s just say I was definitely using disposal diapers during that two week period!

I’ve been re-reading my copy of "Heaven on Earth - A Handbook for Parents of Young Children" by Sharifa Oppenheimer. In particular, I’ve been perusing the chapter on “The World of Rhythm” in our lives. The author makes the point that so many of our daily routine tasks have been relegated to machines – vacuuming, laundry, dish washing, coffee grinding, bread baking…etc! She suggested we pull out certain of these tasks and do them by hand with our children, in order to give them a sense of purposeful work. Immediately I thought of my dear little washboard, the perfect size for little hands. I believe it must have been the kind used to wash socks in its day. Once a week, the boys help with laundry day (who are we fooling, every day is laundry day). They are in charge of washing the family’s set of cloth napkins by hand. They complete this task from beginning to end – washing, rinsing and hanging the items out to dry.

So, it seems after all these years, my little washboard, as cute as it is, does indeed have a function around here!

Seeking Out Second-Hand

Being a bit of an antique nut, I’ve spent many years sifting through dusty shops, picking up treasures from the past. As a result, the vast majority of furnishings in our house are antiques. Not only are they more unique and interesting, but they are typically of superior quality and less costly than their new counterparts.   Admittedly, my past shopping habits were fueled simply by my love and appreciation of the antiques and my desire to collect and display them in my home. It wasn’t until the past year or so that I realized my antique fetish was a form of second-hand shopping that was good for the environment. Buying used instead of new, I was simply following one of the three 3’R’s – reusing!

I’m certainly not a committed second-hand shopper and I’m realizing this is an area I need to work on. In this world of ever-increasing instant-gratification, it seems anything and everything is available to us with the click of a button or a quick shopping trip to town. While I’ve always been very good at sourcing the little ones’ wardrobes at the thrift shops, there is room for improvement in my shopping habits.

Recently, my faithful little brown teapot broke and I quickly found myself in the market for a new one. Instead of trekking to the local mall, I headed to one of my favorite antique shops. In no time at all, I spotted a perfect “Brown Betty” pot. This made in England classic would add a touch of nostalgia to my daily tea rituals. My rummaging efforts also produced a simply adorable matching one-cup pot – absolutely perfect for little hands. Chi-Chi and Muffy will have a ball serving their peppermint tea in this cutie alongside Mommy.

I also picked up two sturdy cast-iron frying pans – perfect for our Saturday morning banana pancake feasts. I’ve been steering clear of non-stick coated pans so this was a welcome addition to our kitchen.

I've been taking stock of our household habits lately and devising a list of areas for improvement on the eco-friendly front.  Seeking out second-hand options is a small step in the right direction. 

Chi-Chi's Fabulous Find

Last weekend my husband and I packed up the crew and headed down to the Annapolis Valley to attend the Wolfville Antique Show. This proved to be no small feat. Navigating two very active and curious toddlers through an auditorium crammed with precious, fragile and expensive objects could have easily spelled disaster! We have both been avid antique collectors for years and continue to indulge in this hobby, despite the fact that it is becoming more difficult with a growing family. Gone are the days of spending countless hours in musty shops and barns - poking, dreaming and losing all track of time. We have learned to be more efficient in our shopping techniques, as we are now faced with the challenge of working around the limited attention spans of Chi-Chi and Muffy.

Perhaps our passion for antiques is beginning to rub off on the little ones. Despite the fact that Mommy and Daddy are the collectors in the family, Chi-Chi was the one who walked away with a fabulous find at the show. He eyed an adorable antique upholstered chair that was just his size. The chair measures 22” high by 19” wide and we were told it dates back to the 1920's. Being a bit of a nostalgic, I have a soft spot in my heart for children's antiques. This dear little chair was simply irresistible. I envisioned it nestled into a cozy little reading nook for the kiddies. Not wasting any time, the boys and I dropped it off at a local upholstery shop this week to give it a much-needed makeover. We chose a cheerful, bright red fabric that is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear it will undeniably experience. Decked out in its new attire, the little chair is a charming addition to the living room and accents the décor beautifully. What a wonderful alternative to a gaudy, furry purple “Dora” chair parked next to my sofa!

I regret not taking a "before" photo of this piece. It was definitely well-used and well-loved throughout its life. For close to a century this sweet little chair has been bringing a touch of joy and comfort to children’s lives. It warms my heart that we are providing it with a loving and caring home where it can continue its journey. I have no doubt Chi-Chi’s fabulous find will be around for generations to come!

An Antique Lover's Sandbox

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the past. I am a lover of old homes, antiques and the simpler methods and lifestyles of the “good old days”. An object with a lengthy and colorful past emanates a warmth, charm and patina that simply cannot be duplicated or reproduced. Not surprisingly, my husband and I have been avid antique collectors for several years. Although we built a new home four years ago, we incorporated a number of reclaimed and antique materials into the construction. We were extremely fortunate to stumble upon a set of hand-hewn beams being salvaged from a crumbling barn in the Annapolis Valley. We integrated these beams into our downstairs living space, creating the illusion of an authentic post and beam frame. The leftover and unused beams were tossed in the backyard for unknown future projects.

This past spring, I decided it would be worthwhile to install a sandbox in our backyard. Chi-Chi adores working with sand. I knew a sandbox would provide endless hours of entertainment for both of my little ones. Although we live just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, it is not always practical to make the trek to the shore with two small children. I printed a few sandbox plans off the internet and presented them to my husband one Saturday morning. He was assigned his “weekend project” and instructed to march off to the local hardware store to purchase the required supplies. Being a resourceful and creative man, he suggested we incorporate the remaining barn beams into the construction of the sandbox. What an ingenious idea! Not only did we save on material costs, we also “recycled” our beams. We were thrilled with the end results. The completed sandbox is simply beautiful and possesses a warmth and character like no other! The box is 6’X6’, which provides ample space for two to three children to play creatively and independently. The wide beams provide the perfect place for a tired mother to rest her laurels!

Chi-Chi and Muffy spend over an hour each day digging and exploring in the sandbox. Along with the traditional buckets and shovels, the sandbox houses treasures from our trips to the seashore. Both Chi-Chi and Muffy delight in discovering a scallop or moon snail shell while working away on their excavation projects. I too enjoy the sandbox and have discovered its therapeutic qualities. I often find myself getting lost in the relaxed, open-ended play opportunities that it presents. I enjoy assisting Chi-Chi with his elaborate road and trail systems and giggling at the grimace on Muffy’s face following a gritty bite of sand pie. Our sandbox is a soothing and peaceful spot for children and adults to pass the afternoon!

Once again, I am impressed with the play value offered by an open-ended, natural toy. The sandbox is truly a timeless toy that has stood the test of time. No doubt, we can all recall this much-loved favorite from our childhoods. This is a classic from our past that should be enjoyed by all and not reserved for the nostalgics!