Summer Dayz

 We just had a mini family reunion at a cottage in Michigan. For those of you have haven't used it or heard of it (I hadn't), I highly recommend VRBO. It puts you in touch with homeowners who are willing to rent out their pad to you. We had a good experience and it was a lovely setting. The advantages of renting someone else's cottage are amazing - you get a fully set up place (lots of cooking utensils etc), there's a personal touch (you get to check out the decor - lots of conversation fodder!), and you can stay in a different place each time without the hassle of buying your own place! Yay!

Yep, that's actually me in that floatie. Jealous much?

Hours of entertainment...

Camping Adventures: Aussie Burgers, Hospitals and Face Painting!

Vanessa Pike-Russell via flickr

Well, we had a pretty excellent time camping, overall. Ate lots, drank lots and the kids played lots. Awesome!

I pretty much feel it's my duty to introduce my non-Aussie friends to some delicacies of the outback, so this camping trip we did damper with Golden Syrup (pics way too phallic for this family blog) and Aussie-style Hamburgers with the Lot.

Here's my not-very-pretty pic of the assembly:

It's fairly similar to a North American version, except that it is HUGE and contains more delicious items. Here's what is involved:

• Bun - preferably sesame seed and toasted. We didn't toast ours on this trip (too much work!)
• The Meat - ground beef, finely diced onion, salt, pepper, worcestershire sauce, ketchup
• Fried Onions
• Tomato
• Shredded Lettuce
• Ketchup
• Bacon
• Cheese - the real deal - no processed stuff here!
• a fried Egg - very important! The yolk should be broken and cooked through to prevent mess
• a thin slice of canned Pineapple (omitted because I don't like it)
• Pickled Beets - the MOST important item. It's just not right without it! Try it and see!

So the hamburgers were a big hit. One person in our camp site actually ate 2!

As I was saying, the trip was generally a big success. Though Saturday morning was very eventful and led to 3 people from our group (of 6 families) visiting the local Emergency Room! Holly's eye swelled hugely and was infected so Rachel had to take her home (she's ok now, thankfully), Emmett's pneumonia had not improved so we had to take him in (gave him stronger antibiotics which seemed to work well), and BJ had a terrible cough. Luckily none of these things was life-threatening but let me say that the Goderich, Ontario hospital is fantastic!

...And now, some face-painted cuteness! The older girls painted the little ones' faces!

Eleanor...

 
and Holly!

Was your long weekend eventful?

My $2 Porch Perch

I've been looking for some porch furniture for quite a while,  but nothing's really piqued my interest. I didn't really want to do modern (unless it was teak, lovely, and probably from DWR) and I hadn't come across a nice, inexpensive vintage set.

That is, until recently. There's a guy on my street who casually deals in Mid-Century Furniture. I'll call him Marty because, well, his name's Marty. I bought my orangey armchair from one of his garage sales. Anyway, I was driving home after a concert the other night and screeched to a halt because he'd put this lovely vintage chair out for pickers (like me). Perfect! The seat needs a bit of work (which will be very difficult!), but for now it's fine. I love the lines of it and it is very, very comfy!

The little table came from a rummage sale for $2 and I think it's just charming. I think it's supposed to have a glass top, but it's fine as is. I especially love the pattern on the tabletop!

What's on your porch?

Cottage Country

One of my big aspirations in life is to own a cottage one day; nothing too elaborate, but a relaxing space where kids can run around barefoot and mundane daily routines are forgotten. Until then; these pictures are filed away as inspiration:

House and Home

When I saw this cottage in this issue of House and Home, I was smitten. It has everything a cottage should: Light, white interiors, vintage charm, and an eclectic mix of pieces. I love that it has a midcentury flavour without appearing too mod. 

House and Home

I love the use of outdoor fabrics and furniture inside, this place beckons for you to relax after a swim in the lake...

House Beautiful

I love the open shelving and painted floors in this kitchen, as well as the exposed beams. Something about this kitchen reminds me of my own at home, I think it is the window over the sink...

Skona Hem

I can't even imagine having a luxurious bathroom like this in my own home, yet a cottage! Still, a girl can dream...

House and Home

Finally, nautical touches, no matter how cliche, belong in a summer home! I would love a cottage with whimsical rooms for the kids, an outside fort, nooks and crannies to hide in and tell ghost stories...shared rooms and bunk beds are a must!

How about you? Do you own or rent a fabulous summer space?