Antique Hunt

Since I was a little kid, my mom has been taking me to the Allegan Antiques Market in the summers. Of course, when I was five, I wanted to get out of there as fast as I could so I could get home and play with my best friend. Antiques were for old people, as far as I was concerned.

Now that my husband and I have our own home, I think going to the antiques show is a blast. Now we drag our kids with us at least once a year. We bribe them with an elephant ear and lemonaide, but I doubt they think it's much better than I did!

If you're looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, an antique show like the one in Allegan is a great option.

Here are a few pointers:

1. Arrive as early as you can. The best stuff goes quickly and the later it gets, the hotter and more crowded it gets.
2. If you're looking for a piece to fit in a specific spot in your home, measure the space before you go so you know what you can handle. Also measure the trunk of your car so you know if your fabulous find will fit!
3. Don't be afraid to ask for a better price. I used to be horrified to ask, so I'd have my mom do it for me. Now I'm a "big kid" and I can do it all on my own. Just ask, "What's the best you can do on this." Dealers will expect you to ask, so don't worry about it.
4. Bring a stroller for your kiddos. It's hard to hunt for awesome finds while trying to keep your preschooler from climbing up onto an antique chair.
5. Bring a lunch if your kids are picky eaters or if you're watching your calories. If not, enjoy the food stands!

Here are some of our finds:

I picked this up for a fiver. Who doesn't need a little box that advertises processed cheese?

We found a primitive shelf that we wanted. I asked for a better price and I got it.

Thanks, Leslie!

Here's our "beauty"

Once you get your beloved piece home, crack out the Murphy's Oil Soap and give it a little TLC. An extremely frightening spider hopped out of our 'new' shelf as I was cleaning it. Man, that bugger was fast. I protected our territory, and let's just say he won't be bothering our family anymore.

Yay! Kid books organized, good price, funky piece. We're happy!

Famous Baked Bean Recipe

My mom got this recipe from a neighbor years ago. It's a permanent fixture at our summertime gatherings. One taste and you'll know why! Start them early, they take 2 1/2 hours to cook. The are so worth it, I promise!

Doreen's Baked Beans

1 48-oz. jar great northern beans

1/2 c. onion, cut in circles

1/2 c. ketchup

2 T. vinegar

2 T. molasses

1 1/2 c. white sugar

1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces

1 can french friend onions (2.8 oz size)

Combine all ingredients except for the french friend onions. Bake uncovered for 2 hours at 350 degrees. Top with french fried onions and bake 30 more minutes.

Summertime Dinner Party

We had some friends over for supper last night. The Mediterranean Sage Bowl showed off sliced watermelon so nicely. I made star-shaped cutouts with a cookie cutter and attached them to a piece of rind with toothpicks for a fun touch.

(This bowl will be available again in Fall 2011 at www.katewood.willowhouse.com)

When the Gramercy Beverage Serving Set comes out to play, you know it's a party!

The Gramercy Ribbon Plate all decked out for the 4th of July

Wrought iron and glass for a countertop display

(Featuring the Jamestown Tray, Annabelle Iron Votives and Stiletto Pedestal)

Pinwheels of all colors and sizes

Red, White and Blue for Summer

Many versions of Old Glory in my mom's house

Centerpiece

Fun table display. As always, you rock, Mama!

Final version of church decor for Memorial Day. Bruce from HBC did the crosses in the background.

Dill Dip

Here's my Aunt Sheila's Dill Dip Recipe. It's great with veggies!

1 c mayonnaise

1 c sour cream

1 1/2 T onion flakes

1 1/2 tsp Lawry's salt

1 1/2 tsp dill weed

3/4 tsp Worcester sauce

1 1/2 tsp Accent (I don't use this anymore b/c it's basically MSG. I'd add regular salt to taste.)

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate. It's best if you make it at least an hour ahead of time to let the flavors mix.

(Pictured is the Galveston Sectioned Server)

Welcome, Summer!

I am not one to futz (sp?) around the house redecorating all the time. I'd say that the whim to change things up hits me every few weeks (or less). The warm weather and the wonderful Memorial Day weekend inspired me to make my family room more summery (and patriotic). My husband was in the Air Force for almost 10 years, so in a way, it's a bit of a tribute to him.

I used an Amira Luminary to hold my flags in place and the pedestal to add height.

A flag given to us by our brother-in-law who flew it in a Huey over Iraq. It's flanked by two Bradshaw Lattice Lanterns.

Wait a minute! How'd we end up in the kitchen?!

I just wanted to show you my new decorative knobs. We have four cupboards with glass fronts, so instead of redoing all the kitchen knobs, I opted to add decorative knobs on just those four. Me likey.

Alfresco Decorative Knobs