Vintage Pop Shoppe Bottles

A fun way to dress up any gathering is to serve food or drinks in unusual containers.  It gets attention, looks festive, prompts conversation and generally makes everything more fun.


Don’t you love those red labels?  They had me at first sight.

I bought these bottles at a yard sale years ago and we’ve used them countless times.  They’re perfect for birthday parties, barbecues and the 4th of July.   I bought an entire crate of them,  24 bottles in great condition.




I store them in my pantry with a towel over them to protect them from dust.  They’re ready to pull out at a moment’s notice.  After using them I simply run them through my dishwasher.   I’ve learned that the easiest way to use them is to serve drinks in a large dispenser with a small spout for easy refills.  We add straws and have fun!


A simple drink table becomes a festive spot with the addition of these bottles.

Yard Sale Finds



While in Denver for Memorial Day weekend, we couldn’t resist hitting some yard sales on Saturday morning.  We drove into town around 2:30 a.m. but my eyes popped open at 7:30 and I was wide awake, ready for the fun.

It was fun to see which of my children were interested in joining us.  These two brought plenty of humor to our morning.


I scored two awesome deals that morning.  The first was these four vintage chairs for…. $15.00!


This kind of chair was the only thing on my wish list.  I was hoping for two, but would happily have settled for just one, and I expected to pay a decent amount for them because they’re rather popular right now.

I would happily have paid that price for just one, but a set of four for only $15?!?  Rather than let my chin hit the floor when they told me the price, I put the cash in their hands fast so they couldn’t change their minds.  They’re in great condition and the caning is still perfect.  Wow, talk about a deal!  I am so excited to refinish them.


The other amazing find was this vintage dresser, still wearing its original paint.   It was a steal at $15.00.


It’s so beautiful.  (To me, that is.  My husband, who came with me for the first time EVER, was NOT impressed with the “junk” I was hauling away.  It was kind of a funny moment, and perhaps I should have yielded,  but I knew I’d never see another piece like this.)


I love the oval detail on the front of the piece, and the hardware is amazing.  It’s missing one piece, and the bottom drawer is damaged, but I’m still in love with it.  I also love the detail on the bottom and the legs are beautiful.


Our van isn’t built for the kind of maneuvering and hauling that yard sales require, so it was kind of a pain to be driving it.  We also kept the back seat in, which meant we had no room for the dresser (another reason for my husband’s disgust with my purchase).  Gratefully, my sister and her husband graciously packed it in their truck for a crazy, windy drive with a big load to their home in Logan.  Now it’s waiting for me there, and I just have to find time to go and get it.

Can you believe it:  five awesome pieces for $30 total.  Fun, fun, fun!  Welcome summer!

Hopeful Homemaker

Spring Shoes



I must say that one of my favorite things about little girls are their shoes.  I am totally inspired by these adorable spring shoes.  Not sure what could possibly come from it, but I’m inspired nonetheless.


I don’t buy them often, but when your daughter’s big toes have worn holes through her flats and you can see the toes sticking out, you go shopping for shoes.  Even if they’re her favorite pair and she’s not ready to part with them.  And when your baby can’t fit her feet in her shoes, you take her along too.  And the eight year old?  Hers have disappeared.  So we all went shopping.


It’s fun to see how the shoes fit each personality and style.


I love the colors, the sequins, the smart little bows on each.   My baby agrees.


The only thing better than cute little shoes is watching chubby little hands try to put them on without help.


And seeing the random poses that seem to follow whenever my camera is in hand:


Have you got something in your life that’s just so cute you can’t stand it?  This morning I’m all about their shoes.


Hopeful Homemaker

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