Oodles from Toodles

Dryer Vent Pumpkin

2012-10-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

Wow it's Monday already...

It seems like overnight the leaves have started to change, and in no time at all the backyard will be knee deep in crunchy yellow and brown leaves from our poplar and maple trees.

Kind of like this...

I love this time of year, just not to overly excited about winter. Don't get me wrong there are things I love about winter, like warm crackling fires, steamy hot chocolate on a frigid, frosty night.

Boots and sweaters, the holidays...

My garden was lacking pumpkins this year, thanks to a cooler than normal summer.

So my solution to that... gather up the following items...

Dryer Vent Hose, Spray Paint, Twigs from the Yard, and Silk Fall Colored Leaves and tah-duh!

Dryer Vent Pumpkin...my version any way.

A little inspiration I found here at this fabulous blog by Courtney at

A Diamond In the Stuff

Check out her tutorial, and before you know it you will have a dryer vent pumpkin of your very own.

Another inspiration for these colorful gourds made of recycled materials

I found at this awesome blog...


It All Started With Paint

so the end result is my version of those adorable dryer vent pumpkins that are all the rage this season.

I can see a whole pumpkin patch of these in several different colors in my future.

What fun fall finds have you excited this year? Please share I would love to hear!

Thanks for stopping by...Toodles!

Joining in at these Link Up Parties...come join the fun!

Cottage Style Linky Party #15

Happy 4th of July!

2012-07-04T14:12:00.002-07:00

Just taking a moment to wish everyone a
Happy 4th of July

God Bless America and Our Troops

Have a safe and fun filled day...Toodles!

Things I've Been Up To Lately

2012-06-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Spring is a busy time around here,

and now we are smack dab into early summer.

It can be a challenge to get blog posts done this time of year with gardening, caring for our critters, my kiddos dance recital, and soon canning all of the delicious goodness that will be coming from the garden, keeping me busy.

Before you know it, it'll be County Fair Time and shortly after hubby and I will be venturing to Alaska for a week with his sister and her husband. We will be taking a belated 25th Anniversary Celebration Trip.

So thought I would just take a few minutes and share some

of what's been going on for me...

Seriously...I couldn't believe my hubby was planning to toss this rusty beauty...

sorry buddy but not in this household.

My answer to that is PLANT FLOWERS IN IT! (or sell it on Etsy)

Junky Yard Art

(Can't wait for the flowers to fill in and the grass to get greener)

The bathtub spent a lot of years as a water trough for my horses, the blue bench was a freebie at a yard sale, and hubby gave me "the look" when I snagged it. You know the one...Don't ask me why but the rusty old saw blades have just been hanging around in various places forever so thought I would group them altogether.

My Grandfather's Vintage Artwork

One of the main goals I had for summer break, was to get our spare room,

which also serves as an office space/sewing room...reorganized.

In the closet I came across a vintage art portfolio of my grandfather's, my grandmother had given me years ago, and in it was a painting and some art lessons with instructor feedback, all dated July 1965.

What better way to enjoy and honor my grandfather, who was very talented, than to have these gems framed and displayed in my office/home. So that's the plan!

I've even managed to get out in my workshop and work on a few

Junkin' Restyle Projects...

Pop Crate & License Plate

Patriotic Artwork

(Yard Sale Find Canvas, Paint and a Painted Cardboard Star)

Tute on how I made that cardboard star in the works right now...
so stay tuned

Restyled Metal Box

Will make a great planter or storage for towels or something, I haven't decided yet.

So as soon as kiddos dance recital is over this weekend I will dive into more of the many projects I have laying around the workshop, some I will have up for sale in my Etsy Shop Toodlefetties Restyled & Rusty, and some I will no doubt keep for myself...I seem to do that way more than I should.

What kind of fun Spring/Summer stuff do you have going on?
Please share, I would love to hear about it!

Stop by and give my Toodlfetties Restyed & Rusty Facebook Page a LIKE as well

would love to have you follow along.

Have a great day!

Toodles

Sorry Stanley Steemer Didn't Need You!

2012-05-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend we had some fabulous weather, followed by a late night thunderstorm that rattled the windows and shook us all out of our blissful slumber. Of course now that it's getting close to the Memorial Holiday Weekend, it's cold, windy and a little rainy.

I had a lot going on over the weekend, I was determined, however to get the carpet in my living and dining rooms shampooed. The dirty feet of pets, child, hubby and icky spring weather always leaves my poor carpet in desperate need of attention, and I just couldn't stand it any longer.

So I decided to get out the trusty old carpet shampooer and get it done!

Only to discover I was out of carpet shampoo.

No worries...

Homemade cleaning recipes are all over the internet and I knew I had jotted one down somewhere, so after scrounging around in a note file I keep for things I may need someday...

Success...a batch of carpet shampoo coming right up!

White Vinegar + Liquid Dish Soap + Hydrogen Peroxide + Essential Oil = Carpet Shampoo

the homemade way...

Here is the recipe I used:

1-1/2 qts. Hot Water (not boiling)

1/4 c. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1-1/2 tbsp. Liquid Dish Soap

1-1/2 tbsp. White Vinegar

1/8 tsp. Essential Oil

All brands of your choice, I used the ones in the photo because they are what I keep on hand.

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients together, adding the dish soap to the water and not the other way around or you may end up changing your name to Bubbles. Pour into shampoo machine according to it's specific directions and shampoo that carpet.

I doubled the recipe to fill the reservoir in my machine and it worked great, left my carpet clean and fresh smelling.

I am no expert, but one thing I did notice was when emptying the dirty water after I finished, it didn't have that nasty, kind of like a sewer on a hot day smell...ewww...which usually comes with sucking up all of that dirt and grime.

Another advantage I can see of making my own carpet shampoo would be money saved. The ingredients are all products that I keep on hand any way so I didn't have to buy anything special. I don't have a cost break down, but it wouldn't surprise me to be pennies per ounce verses the $12 or $13 dollars it usually costs for the not so big jug of the other stuff that really doesn't smell or work that well.

If I can use a more natural or homemade product to get a chore done, and save money too...well I am all over that!

Next I think I will give the homemade bathroom/shower cleaner I've read about a try.

Stay tuned and I will let you know how that goes.

Have a homemade cleaner recipe or environmentally friendly way of tackling household chores? Please do share, I love to hear what other people are up too.

Have a great day!

Toodles

Toolbox, Tub, Flowers Oh My!

2012-05-14T09:14:00.001-07:00

Today is looking like we will be in the 90's, so after chores, errands and a trip to the dentist, I'm really hoping my day will include a date with an old rusty tool box, a vintage cast iron bath tub, lots of dirt and flowers.

I'll post pictures as soon as I have some ready, but in the meantime a couple of pictures I discovered will serve as my inspiration and give you a little hint as to what I am up to...

Found this tool box example of rusty goodness at
confessionsofacurbshopaholic.com

Yes, I will be doing a version of this, and my husbands reaction was priceless!

My bathtub will look oh so sweet decked out in flowers like this one that had been shared on

funflowerfacts.com

and if I ask my husband to drag it around the yard one more time...well let's just say he didn't have a smile on his face, but he loves me and knows me. I'm am one lucky girl he's so understanding.

I will be back soon with pictures of my own soon, I promise...until then have a great day and thanks for spending a little bit of your day with me.

Have a great day!

Toodles

One Hot Salmon Cannin' Momma

2012-05-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you are babysitting a pressure canner?

Today it looks like I will be working on my blog, especially since I have been so scarce lately. What's up with that and what's a girl to do when the hours of the day are just so filled with life stuff, that finding time to blog has been a gianormous challenge.

So here we go...

Today in the Toodlefetties household with the help of my sweet hubby it's all about

pressure canning 40+ lbs. of Salmon.

So far this is the second time we have fired up the trusty pressure canner in recent weeks to can up some pink, tasty, flaky goodness that will bring us much mealtime pleasure.

All of that glorious fish will be made into mouth watering edible morsels like Salmon Cakes, whipped into a sandwich spread, chopped up into a salad, or just munched right out of the jar.

and we're off!

This morning started bright and early 6 am-ish to be exact, and after the chores of feeding critters, sorting laundry, and eating breakfast it all began with loading about 4 dozen pint sized canning jars into the dishwasher for a quick hot wash, necessary to clean and sterilize them, while hubby loaded the smoker with the salmon that has been in the brine mixture since yesterday.

An hour or so later, out of the smoker and packed into hot jars the first batch went into the canner... and now for the long part...three hours or so...very long part...

Load the canner, bring it up to a gentle boil, vent steam, close vent, bring up to pressure, hang out and canner-sit, which means don't leave the kitchen, so what do I do in the mean time?

Read a gardening book, (which I've read before)
Wash a few dishes
Do a load or two of laundry (laundry room is next to kitchen)
Take a phone call or two
BLOG (see I can do it)
Troll Facebook (laptop and wireless internet) so still not leaving the kitchen
Check in on other blogs I like to follow
Visit with sis-in-law when she stops by
Drink about a pot of coffee (not really, but seems like it)
Watch HGTV, DIY or ??? (Kitchen, dining room and family room are one big area of the house so still not leaving the kitchen).

After nearly two hours, turn off heat to canner and wait for pressure to drop to ZERO,

and then TUH-DUH, finally the first batch is ready to set out to cool, (love to hear that pop, pop, pop sound of the lids when they seal), with so many jars it almost sounds like popcorn popping.

All total about three hours

To quote my precocious 12-year-old daughter,

"Three hours of my life I won't get back!"
and yes that statement usually includes the standard pre-teen eyeroll, gotta love kiddos.

Now for some good stuff...I thought I would share a family favorite Salmon Cake Recipe

Hot Momma Salmon Cakes

1 large egg
1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

1/8 tsp.hot pepper sauce (tabasco or tapatio)

1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. dried parsley

15 oz. salmon (canned)

1/2 c. fine bread crumbs

lemon juice

(Our home canned salmon is smoked, and then canned with salsa and jalapenos, so if you want to spice up store bought canned salmon you might try adding a little more hot pepper sauce for a little more heat...we love the heat, spicy heat that is!)

Combine ingredients and mix well, shape into patties and grill.
Serve with a splash of lemon juice on top, and if you are like my hubby don't forget some tartar sauce. Enjoy! (Makes about 5-6 salmon cakes)

Just a side note this salsa is our salsa of choice for eating and canning our salmon.

It is made locally and we have enjoyed it for years at a local restaurant,
we are fortunate to be able to purchase it locally, but I have found a link to a retailer
that lists it as an item they sell so if you can I would encourage you to check it out.

centraloregonlocavore

Go to their SHOP and search for Honcho Villas Salsa

We are not paid to endorse this product, just a fan!

There you have a brief glimpse into my day of canning salmon, now off to put in the second batch...it's going to be a very long day, a 60 jar long day!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, have a great day and please do leave comments, I enjoy hearing from you.

Have a great day!

Toodles

Where have I been?

2012-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

When I logged in today I surprised myself by how long it has been since I had shared with you. Which is seriously not like me, most people who know me, know I am rarely, if ever quiet.

So in my defense, this is what has been hogging all of my internet trolling time lately...

I really just haven't been able to help myself, the eye candy on Pinterest is just so much....well....FUN!

For the most part I enjoy looking on Pinterest for home decorating and craft ideas, but why just stop there? So 16 Boards later I have definitely spent way too much time in "Pin Play" as I like to call it.

It's like a bag of potato chips, you can't have just one.

Oh heaven's, I will even admit to you as I am writing this post I am clicking back and forth between here and Pinterest, and look what I found...

My darling double wide may never look like this, but...

Source: bing.com via Teresa on Pinterest

Maybe some day it could have a look somewhat like this

sixtyfifthavenue.blogspot.com
stop by and visit sixtyfifthavenue it's awesome!

and then there are fun things like this...

Source: atelierjoya.blogspot.com via Teresa on Pinterest

Be still my heart...those wash tub lights are fabulous!

Or I am determined to do this to my master bathroom door...

Source: houzz.com via Teresa on Pinterest

and I would definitely do this

Source: google.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I have several old windows hanging around in my house, so that would fit in nicely.

As we continue to spruce up our 25+ year-old double wide, I will definitely continue to browse thru Pinterest and the fun blogs I follow, or come across in the future for ideas and just pure enjoyment.

What fun ways do you search for inspiring ideas? Have you become a Pinterest junkie like me? I would love to hear so please do share.

and before I go, here is just a little update on my kitchen

I recently scored some beautiful engineered wood flooring (the snap and lock kind) from my nephew as he was renovating his house and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to re-purpose that flooring. Now for the best part, it was FREE (love that word) especially when keeping to a slim renovation budget.

Kitchen updates so far...

... and now with the new flooring

The jury is still out on that center table/island.

I found it at a yard sale, cleaned it up a little, and have been living with it before I refurbish it. It doesn't look like it in the picture but it's a little big so I may have to keep searching for the perfect fit. I am determined to have a center island someday.

Since I didn't have enough flooring to include the laundry room, my plans are to find a tile, the Allure peel and stick vinyl plank flooring is looking very promising, it is durable and budget friendly. I have used it in the entry way of our home and it's great. The blog below has a post on using it in an RV, which has my curiosity piqued for using it in our RV as well.

Who knew, the possibilities are endless.

Source for this photo of Allure Flooring Click Here

I will use a color similar in tones to the wood so that visually it will flow better to make the rooms feel bigger. It definitely warmed things up and since it is a floating floor much nicer to walk on than that boring old vinyl. So the transformation continues...

Thanks for stopping by and paying me a visit to day, my wish for you is that you have a fabulously blessed day.

Toodles

It's Huckleberry Time!

2011-10-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

When late summer rolls around it usually means Huckleberry Picking Time.

For as long as I have known my husband and his family, one of their traditions has been to trek to the nearby or sometimes not so nearby woods for a day of huckleberry picking.

What are Huckleberries you ask?

Well let me share with you about these fat, purple, juicy orb's of heavenly sweetness...

Huckleberries on the bush just begging to be picked.

A cousin, I believe to the blueberry, they are native to the forested areas near where we live, and they make lip smacking, scrumptious jams and jellies. They are delicious made into a pie, cobbler, or cake, and one of my family's favorite treats....

wait for it....

HUCKLEBERRY MILKSHAKES!

From this...

to this...

and finally to this icy, sweet goodness...

Cold, Frosty, and sure to be Brain Freezing!

Lovely purple stained hands after a day of picking.

(not to worry it doesn't last forever)

On this particular outing we were fortunate to pick about 6 gallons of huckleberries between us, and after much preparation they are now safely tucked away in the freezer waiting for their turn to be used in...

Pies

Cakes

Jams

Cereal

Pancakes

Waffles

or whatever else I can think of!

What kind of sweet little treat do you enjoy...please share!

Have a great day!

Toodles

Pick, Wash, Peel, Chop, It's Canning Time!

2011-08-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well, when the garden is ready for harvest...it is ready! Everything else gets planned around picking all those yummy veggies.

Today's harvest...

Green Beans, Carrots, Broccoli and Cucumbers. Potatoes are ready too, so we've been digging a few of those at a time for fresh fried taters for dinner. I'll be canning a bunch of those soon as well.

After a cooler than normal Spring and a slow start growing, I'm happy to say that the garden is finally ready for harvest.

A dozen and half jars of green beans today with more to come soon.

A dozen and a half jars of gorgeous carrots.

These are waiting their turn in the canner!

These gorgeous cukes will become a batch or two of Sweet Pickle Relish.

The recipe below is one of my favorites.

SWEET PICKLE RELISH

Yields a single batch of about 8 half-pints

1 quart chopped cucumbers (about 4 medium size)

2 cups chopped onions (about 2 medium size)

1 cup chopped sweet green pepper (about 1 medium size)

1 cup chopped sweet red pepper (about 1 medium size)

1/4 cup salt

3-1/2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon celery seed

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

2 cups cider vinegar

Combine cucumbers, onions, green and red peppers in a large bowl; sprinkle with salt and cover with cold water. Let stand 2 hours. Drain, rinse and drain again thoroughly. Combine sugar, spices and vinegar in a large sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Add drained vegetables; simmer 10 minutes. Pack hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space. Remove air bubbles. Adjust two-piece caps. Process filled jars 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath canner.

...and last but not least these nice little heads of broccoli

will be part of dinner tonight.

There is something very satisfying about having a garden and going out to pick fresh veggies daily either for a meal or to preserve for use later.

I know everything about where these delicious morsels came from and how they have been handled. With the things you hear in the news about problems and recalls of foods available at the grocery store...I enjoy the piece of mind knowing my produce is safe and fresh.

And I'm all about making the least amount of trips to the grocery store as possible. Easier on the budget and there are more fun things to do!

How does gardening and food preserving benefit your family?

I would love to hear about it, please do share!

Have a great day!

Toodles

Busy Summer Equals Short Hiatus

2011-08-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

I know I have been slightly missing in action lately...the busy summer days have ended up in me taking a slight hiatus from blogging.

Between my daugther's 4H Club, keeping up with the garden and now canning all of the goodies coming out of the garden, hanging out around the computer hasn't happened for sometime.

My dear hubby almost has my workspace finished up in the workshop (stay tuned for pictures) so it won't be long now and I can get back to work on creating fun things out of my latest junk-a-licious finds and share pictures of all of the glorious bounty coming out of the garden.

Have a great day....until then :)

Toodles

Remembering A Special Four Legged Friend

2011-07-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

After what seemed like the cold, wet spring that would never end I'm finding it tough to wrap my mind around the fact that the 4th of July has already come and gone.

Not only was it a time to celebrate our wonderful country and all of our freedoms, it was also an opportunity to spend it with loved ones. For our family it is also time to celebrate my dear hubby on his birthday as it falls a couple of days after the holiday.

This year was also a time of sadness as it was the

one-year anniversary of the passing of our sweet dog Buddy.

Last 4th of July weekend our sweet Buddy (Boo Boo Dog) fell ill just before the holiday weekend, we spent that time caring for him until our veterinarian informed us that because of his advanced age (15 years) he had developed an untreatable respiratory illness and his body was slowly shutting down, there wasn't much more we could do except keep him as comfortable as possible. Shortly afterward we had to make the agonizing decision to have him put to sleep...One day before my husband's birthday.

A little history about Buddy

One day in 1996, I came home from work and my husband met me at the door. He wouldn't let me in the house until I closed my eyes, held out my hands and promised to not get mad. Well of course I was instantly suspicious, it was obvious he was up to something.

I reluctantly agreed and threatened him with his life, because I really hate surprises. This one, however melted my heart. Months earlier we had lost our dog J.R., who was just shy of 20 years old (very old for a cow dog), and with the two dogs we already had I was not ready to add to the family just yet.

However, my dear sister-in-law knew how much her brother missed J.R. and surprised him with a six-week old Australian Cattle Dog puppy. Knowing I was adamant that I wasn't ready for another dog in the household, he knew the best plan of attack was to meet me at the door. After I reluctantly closed my eyes and held out my hands...he shoved the most adorable little puppy into my arms, knowing after the first snuggle and wet sloppy kiss, I would fall totally and helplessly in love!

Buddy at 8 weeks old

The sweet little puppy that was suppose to grow up to be my husband's sidekick, decided he was more interested in being my sidekick. Although he loved my husband dearly, he was definitely my dog, and true to the nature of a blue heeler he was very protective of me. He rarely left my side and was always aware of where I was and what I was doing.

Buddy loved digging in this flower box.

We had our challenges as he grew from a mischievous puppy to a very active, stubborn, loving and loyal companion. I forgave him for the times he dug the plants out of the flower pots on the deck. I got used to him laying in front of the bath tub every time I took a shower, and I was never surprised when he would stand with his front feet on the edge of the tub to peak around the shower curtain trying to see what I was doing. I think he would have jumped in with me if I had let him.

That would be silly Buddy on the roof of the pickup, while we are out camping. I think he thought we were going

to go somewhere without him.

He was obsessed with his ball and would offer it to anyone that came around, and if the person invited to play with him threw that ball his opinion of them went up a notch. He would run and chase that ball until I was sure he was going to pass out. The only thing that could divert his attention from that ball was a sprinkler. He would chase it instead, often throwing his ball into the water himself to chase both until he grew weary enough, and then he would just lay on top of it holding his ball in his mouth. I am amazed that the grass ever got watered or I ever managed to get any yard work done when he was around.

Buddy In The Sprinkler With His Ball

Years later our biggest challenge was after the birth of our daughter. Our daughter's birth and adoption literally happened overnight (that's a whole miracle story in itself that I will share later). So needless to say we didn't have time to prepare our household or pets for the arrival of our new little bundle of joy.

Buddy was less than impressed with the tiny, noisy little baby that was taking too much of my attention away from him. Knowing that heeler's, because of their loyal nature had a tendency to be overprotective, I did my best to lavish him with the attention he was used to, while caring for my new baby. To this day, 12 years later, my daughter still swears that he didn't like her, but as she got older and was able to play with him, he was more accepting of her, allowing her to play with his treasured ball.

I have had numerous pets in my lifetime, and they have all been special in their own way, some come to mind more than others, but Buddy was truly a one of a kind companion, and I never dreamed the day that I held that tiny puppy in my hands, I would miss his presence as much as I do. I still have moments when I expect him to be under my feet or at my heels. I still find an occasional ball out in the pasture or in the yard tucked away where I know he put it, and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes when I do. Those balls were never lost for long, because he knew where they were, and always had one in his mouth or laying beside him.

Buddy and Miss Turbo Jet

Our vet and his staff were incredibly compassionate the day we lost Buddy. They made an unbearably sad day a little more bearable. They wrapped him in his favorite blanket, and placed him in a special pet burial box with one of his precious balls, and then loaded him in the back of our pick up for what was a very long ride home.

When we returned home we buried him in a special place in a flower garden in the front yard. He rests next to a faux creek bed, near some shady trees and lots of flowers. I swear those flowers are brighter and more cheerful than the ones near by. A special statue wearing his name tag was placed in his honor next to a small tree that will grow up and keep him shady on a hot day.

Angel Dog Statue placed in honor of Buddy

That dear sweet dog's memory will forever rest in my heart, and I miss him each day, taking comfort in tending his little flower garden. I'm sure he is watching over us from above and if God has a place in heaven for angel dogs, Buddy is hanging out there offering his ball to anyone who is willing to give it a toss.

R.I.P Boo Boo

1996-2010

I miss you.

Thank you friends for taking the time to read Buddy's story. I hope it brings back a fond memory of a special animal friend that has touched your life. If you have a moment or two...please share.

Mom...really...really mom?

2011-06-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

"Seriously mom, the date on this magazine is 1998."

which I replied...

"Well at least it's not 1995 like this one"

which she replied...

"Mom...really...really mom?"

(with that face and tone of a precious preteen)

That is somewhat of a recent exchange between my kiddo and I, not word for word, but you get the picture. Okay I will admit I seem to have this slight, well...maybe more than a slight habit of buying magazines.

Not just any magazines mind you, specifically magazines devoted to home decor, home styling, flea marketing, trash to treasure, DIY, yard and gardening, etc. etc.

A little history...

Years ago I studied home interior design via a correspondence school home study program. It was fun and I really did learn a lot. The time was before fancy design programs were available on the computer, (I actually bought one of those programs recently, and that is another story), so I got into the habit of picking up magazines to search for ideas and colors for lesson projects.

If I remember correctly I think my first subscription was for Country Living and after that I was hooked. On my behalf though, while I may pick up an occasional magazine at the store...I only have one (1) actual subscription right now. So I can proudly say I don't blow a lot of the household budget on those pesky subscriptions that seem to always have renewals coming due.

It's probably worse buying them at the store...

Have you seen the price of some of those magazines lately? I refuse to pay $9.99 on a single issue of a magazine no matter how enticing it may be or what it may have in it. That being said, it doesn't mean I haven't caved in and actually done it, and then promptly suffered from a major case of buyers remorse.

Back to my current collection

At one time I had stacks and stacks of magazines that if I had to guess, probably would have piled up several feet high and several feet wide. So in my defense I have sent most of them on their way to the recycling bin, never mind that some of them probably dated back to before recycling was cool.

Honestly, I have tried to do what some organizing experts out there have suggested. Tear out pictures and articles and then put them in an alphabetized folder. But where is the fun in that? And yes I tend to read those magazines about "creative storage solutions."

There are times when I would much rather sit with a hot cup of coffee or tea and browse thru those magazines for the millionth time, than watch mindless television programming...unless of course my hubby isn't home and I can get away with watching marathon episodes on HGTV or DIY. (That's another story.)

So now the trick is to balance my time and not spend too much time lost in those magazines, continue weeding some of them out and being reasonable about how many I really need to keep. Those crafty projects made out of rolled magazine pages are looking more and more interesting, if I could only bring myself to tear them apart.

And then...what to do about the time I spend browsing thru all of the fabulous blogs on the internet that cover all of the same subjects as those darn magazines and then some...SIGH...what's a creative minded, junk obsessed mom to do?

This is just a little bit of what I have left, so I think I'm doing pretty well.

Fifty or so magazines take up much less space than several hundred.

As for my kiddo...

I think it's time we go thru the cabinet drawers in our front room that are crammed with all of her copies of Tiger Beat and Bop, then we'll see what she has to say.

How have magazines and the internet (especially blogging) affected your ways of searching for design inspiration? Please share I would love to hear about it.

Have a great day!

Toodles

Warning Construction Zone

2011-06-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

For the 20+ years we have lived in our home we have wanted and needed to build some kind of a workshop or garage.

Picture over 25 years of married bliss and accumulation in a 1700 sq. ft. manufactured home and you will get the idea. I promise I have gotten rid of things over the years but I swear there is just never enough room, no matter how creative I get with organization.

So after much thought and planning we finally made the decision to build a workshop. A glorious 24x36 pole barn shop with 11 ft. sidewalls.

Ground Breaking Day

Digging the holes for the poles

Trusses are up - starting on the framing

...and yes this is the time when the excitement really kicks in, as we can see it taking shape. Visions of where everything is going to go start popping into our heads.

All dressed in it's metal siding, waiting for the door...and
ripe for some personalization.

The corner I have claimed as my own.

In this shot the floor is still drying after a water bath by the contractor. I have a set of awesome cabinets to re-purpose from my nephew's kitchen remodel. I am going to install them in this corner to make a project work area. Now to either build or go on the hunt for a work table. I wonder what kind of inspiration I can find from my fellow bloggers, guess I will be paying them a visit today.

Let the fun begin...moving in...personalizing and getting all of those

projects started that have been on hold waiting for this glorious space!

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to be able to have workspace to spread out and work, work, work. No more taking over the backyard and deck, no more scrambling to deal with the weather when I have a painting project going on outside, and the wind decides to blow or the rain sneaks in.

It's a happy day, I am truly blessed that we have been able to do this after so many years of wishing and wanting.

Do you have a special work space where you like to create? Please share I would love to hear about it!

Have a great day!

Toodles

Wandering In Toodlefetties Yard

2011-06-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Finally here in Central Oregon we are seeing some nice weather, still a little on the cool side for June but the sun is shining so you won't hear me complain.

Since it was such a nice morning I decided to get out in my yard and snap a few photos to share with you. When everything turns green and the flowers start blooming I just can't resist getting outside to enjoy it.

This rusty old metal tool carrier has been hanging around for awhile

so I decided to add a few flowers and put it in a flower bed.

This particular day the sun was shining, the wind wasn't blowing and the birds were chirping and singing like crazy little feathered lunatics...

One of those little feathered families built this inside the horses shelter

Momma bird was a little more than annoyed at me for getting so close to her grassy abode. She kept fluttering from the Maple tree to the fence holding a big old bug in her mouth. I tried to get a picture of her, but she just wouldn't cooperate and stay still. I can't tell how many babies are snuggled in there but they sure make a racket when they are hungry.

The lilacs are blooming and smell so yummy!

An early view of part of my garden, recently planted and...

things are starting to sprout, these will be big old fat tasty radishes...

and I look forward to digging these potatoes.

Miniature purple irises from starts that were given to me years ago by a dear friend who

has since passed away...they are very special.

There's always a rusty element somewhere in my yard, like this old pitch fork

in this flower box nestled in the strawberry plants.

My daughter's swing hanging in the big old poplar tree out back.

These sweet little violets were the first sign of color this spring...

they are always a joy to see in the early spring.

I'm still working on this little spot on the back deck...

don't you just love the little blue table?

I picked it up at a yard sale last weekend and the look on my hubby's face was priceless when he asked..."what is that for?" After this many years it cracks me up when he still has to ask these things.

I think it's perfect just the way it is so I will probably just give it a coat of clear sealer to give it a little boost of protection from the elements.

and as usual something old, metal and a tad bit rusty!

I can't think of any other way I would rather spend my day, than out in my yard or garden. It's peaceful and relaxing...what fun things in your yard do you enjoy, please share I would love to hear about it.

Have a great day!

Toodles

Celebrated Our 25 Years At The Beach

2011-05-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

When my husband and I started talking about what we wanted to do to celebrate our 25th anniversary, the usual things came up like, dinner and a movie out, just dinner out, have a party - the usual.

We decided to take a trip to the beach instead. From where we live it's about a 4-1/2 hour drive so it takes a little planning because it's the kind of trip that means making arrangements for a neighbor and family member to keep an eye on our house and critters.

Originally we had planned on just a couples get-a-way but, we really didn't want to leave our daughter home so we made reservations for 3 at a beach side hotel...and then along came hubby's mom, sisters and some of their families who were also able to get reservations.

The weather was wonderful, which isn't always the case on the Oregon Coast, but we got lucky. We had some enjoyable family time, fun in the sand and some great seafood. I can't think of any other way I would have rather spent our anniversary.

And in honor of our special occasion the nice people at the hotel

included this on their reader board.

The trip was actually a little before the day of our anniversary, so on that evening we opted to have a quiet dinner at home with my parents over and hubby barbecuing on the new grill that was my gift to him, which he loved.

And my gift from him...

He knows me so well, or should I say he picked up on the hints I had been dropping.
So I was delighted to get this...

Great Potting Bench

made from reclaimed lumber with an old rusty horse shoe as an accent.

(Pardon the extension cords, we have construction going on and the contractors have them everywhere)

It couldn't be more perfect for me...My dear hubby isn't one to build things so he found the potting bench at a nearby garden center and, it was made locally. He has good taste and knew just which one I would like. I look forward to using it when I plant flowers in the deck planters this season, and having a place to keep my small gardening hand tools will come in handy.

What kind of fun and creative space do you have for potting plants? Please share....

Have a great day!

Toodles

Kitchen Redo On A Budget - Phase One

2011-05-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

In my wildest dreams I would live in a big old farm house with oodles of history, that I could peel back the layers and discover what it's all about, all the while slowly transforming it into a dream home.

My reality however is...

When hubby and I were married 25 years ago, this coming Tuesday - we bought our first home shortly after. We live in a rural area of the small town that we both grow up in, and over the years we've made a few minor changes like new carpet, flooring, paint, upgraded windows and doors those kinds of basic things.

Now back to that reality thing.

Our first and only home is a 1700 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 bath double wide manufactured home. (Notice the way I say manufactured home instead of mobile home?) Hee Hee, makes it sound more important doesn't it? Either way it's home and I've never thought the way mobile or manufactured homes are stigmatized is fair.

While it is a well built house and has served us well over the years, it lacked personality and has always looked like well just a double wide from the late 1980's.

So fast forward and here I am determined to spruce it up a bit and give it a little pizazz on a DIY budget. Here are a few before shots...

The kitchen and dining room before I started with the most recent changes.

If I had before shots from when we purchased the house 24 years ago you would be able to see the wall paper that had a hideous mauve and blue fruit print on it. It was probably considered gorgeous back in the day of 1987.

What could be more lovely than the faux wood look cabinetry? The sage green wall color was due to my love of green phase, it was enjoyable for awhile and a huge improvement over that wallpaper - trust me. Formica counter tops and original stove, complete this lovely corner.

The same boring cabinets, flooring and counters, but we had upgraded the fridge, dishwasher,

light fixtures and faucet.

Now for the positives of my kitchen...

It is spacious, although if it was just a little bigger I would love to have an island in the center. I have a nice amount of storage space, mostly because years ago I removed a countertop and shelf area that served no purpose and added a bank of vintage cabinetry I had convinced my dad to yard out of my childhood home before it was torn down.

That would be them to the right in the photo, with the missing doors on the bottom and chalkboard paint on two of the other doors...what was I thinking - "giggle"

So to date I have managed to...

Paint some of the walls a more neutral color called "Moccasin," and an accent color along the sink wall called "Acorn Yellow," but the name is deceiving, it's more of a yummy Pumpkin Spice color and then painted the trim white.

After lots of sanding, two coats of primer and two coats of paint in a warm medium brown color that reminds me of hot cocoa, the cabinets have a new lease on life and I prettied them up with brushed stainless hardware.

Before painting the cabinets I removed the section of shelving from over the snack bar area and placed it on the wall to extend the length of the cabinets into the dining room. Much better and a more open feeling.

The stove area with a new stove, overhead combo convection, microwave and fan in place of the old stove hood. Tiled back splash that has the Pumpkin Spice color in it and a pressed tin stainless panel behind the stove, definitely an improvement.

and that bank of old cabinets looks like they belong with their fresh coat of paint and new hardware, next to them I added a mini fridge for beverages and some open shelving for a little more storage.

So now for the future plans...

That snack bar area will be raised up to counter top height, and have pendant lighting installed overhead, new counter tops of a natural stone, new flooring...I'm thinking a warm toned plank wood flooring. The new flooring will extend into the laundry room as well for a better visual flow.

In the dining room where the sliding glass door is now will be a gorgeous new double french door that leads out onto a deck where we BBQ and hang out often. It's one of my favorite places to sit with a cup of coffee and watch my horses graze in their pasture.

It's a definite labor of love, and even though my dream of an old farm house is still just that a dream...our double wide is home and home is what you make it and honestly it would be hard to leave this place because we have a lot of ourselves invested in the things we've done over the last 24+ years to make this...HOME!

What labor of love do you have going on in your home?

I would love to hear any suggestions on decor choices for my kitchen that you may have as I get ready to start on Phase 2, so please do share.

See you again very soon!
Toodles

Woo Hoo Blogger Is Back!

2011-05-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

That's right, and with fingers crossed I hope our dear Blogger guru's have been able to work out all the little bugs that were tormenting us all.

So for me today, I spent the day helping a dear sweet neighbor and her husband with a huge yard sale. The cash register was chaaaachiing-ing all day long. It was fun and I scored some fun, fun things, and what was I thinking, I didn't take my camera.

For my friends if you checked in since Blogger came back up, I'm so glad you stopped by. If you're visiting for the first time...welcome, please follow along and leave a comment.

I scored a couple of incredible old french doors that I'm thinking will become a headboard in our master bedroom, so stay tuned I will snap a few before pictures, and share the progress as we go along.

See you again very soon!
Toodles

Toodlefetties Love From Upcyclers

2011-05-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

What an honor...

for my Toodlefetties Etsy Shop to be included in the Etsy team

Upcyclers Meet & Greet on the team blog today!

Upcyclers Member Meet & Greet

About the Upcyclers Team straight from their Etsy page.

Upcyclers are artisans who repurpose existing materials or post consumer waste to create fashion, art or products with a new value, purpose or aesthetic appeal, thereby reducing the consumption of raw materials, energy and resources that must be conserved for the environmental health of the planet.

And here are a few of the vintage Toodlefetties items that were included...

Vintage Blue Glass Insulators

Vintage Cigarette Lighter & Case

Vintage Paperback Cookbook

This is a great team of people that are concerned about the health of our earth and you can find a wide variety of goodies made out of things that could be headed for the landfill or worse, just dumped somewhere and left to pollute the environment.

So why not create new, useful, artistic beautiful things is what I ask?

To quote Donna at Funky Junk Interiors...

"But you see, the moral of my story in creating unique things is to invent new ways of doing things. Because if I invent, I grow."

Funky Junk Interiors

Just giver her button in my sidebar a click and pay her a visit, she is an amazing

example of creating a beautiful home by repurposing.

As for me...

being thrifty is just a part of life, and I love the history behind old forgotten items and wonder what stories could be behind them. Using those items in some other way is just one way of preserving them and keeping them from becoming waste.

Thank you Valerie and Team Upcyclers for the spotlight, I appreciate being included and enjoy being a part of a team of such amazing artisans and collectors.

Do you enjoy collecting vintage items or reinventing them into something else? Please share...

Have a great day!

~Toodles

Fabulous Mother's Day Weekend

2011-05-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Even though our weather continues to be frustrating and leave us craving warm temps. and sunshine, it turned out to be a great Mother's Day weekend.

Hubby's family was out of town so we will celebrate with his mom later this week, but we did have the opportunity to have a quiet little get together and BBQ with my parents.

The gorgeous Rusty Roses from Hubby

decked out in a rusty vintage milk can

The beautiful red roses from my kiddo...

rusty old thermos, vintage canning jars, vintage flatware and a waterbath canning

rack made for a perfect centerpiece.

...and finally, even though it's still a little chilly

the Apple Blossoms are trying to show their pretty colors.

A fabulous weekend all around and the weatherman is calling for low 70's tomorrow, do we dare hope it will be true...well I know my fingers are crossed,

and itching to get out and dig in some dirt.

So I say, let's give the weather guy the benefit of the doubt and pray for...

Weather Clip Art

Sweet Annie Doll's Story

2011-05-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Annie Re-purposed and Ready For A Forever Home

Occasionally in my ventures searching for the perfect junk I come across things that I wouldn't normally give a second thought but every once in awhile...

Along comes a cute little doll like Annie...

At the local thrift store, that is one of my favorite haunts, I discovered this sweet little Annie's feet sticking out of a box, don't ask me why she caught my attention because I'm still not sure. Especially when my interest is usually more junky things, like rusty metal goodies, parts and pieces of architectural elements or old tools...a doll just isn't normally something I would cart home.

When I pulled her out for a look, she was just so stinkin' cute...and I think she must have reminded me of the Raggedy Ann doll I kind of remember playing with as a kid...any way she beckoned for me to please take her home, the poor thing was in desperate need of some TLC.

So home she came with me to Toodlefetties Studio, and after a good cleaning, embellishments using old buttons, jewelry, and making her a cute little heart felt pillow...She is now ready for a forever home.

If you have an interest in adding sweet Miss Annie to your family,

pay her a visit in my Etsy shop where she is available for purchase.

Up cycled Annie Doll

Now to ponder what to do with this cool rusty gas can holder?
I'm thinking shelf in my house or flower window box outside....any thoughts?
Please share your ideas...

Have a great day!

~Toodles Teresa

Calling All Backyard Clotheslines

2011-04-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

Telephone Pole Parts Turned Clothesline

I have been anxiously waiting for Spring and the warmer sunny days we will have so that I can take advantage of using my backyard clothesline for drying laundry. Not only does it save on electricity, but I love the fresh smell of air dried laundry.

Laundry is one of those mundane but necessary chores, and I think there is a certain romantic homey feel when there is laundry waving in the breeze on a sunny day.

Since I enjoy making things out of other things, when I happened upon parts and pieces of some old telephone poles I immediately envisioned a rustic clothes line in my backyard,

and TUH DUH...this is the result that has been serving me well.

If you'll notice there are a few of the spindles on top that are missing the glass insulators, and lucky for me I recently scored a bucket full during a treasure junkin' trip so now my mini-telephone pole/clothesline will be complete. I may just look forward to doing laundry, anything to get out in the fresh air and sunshine.

Do you have a creative clothesline, or way to air dry your laundry?

I would love to hear about it....

Happy Spring Finally...sort of...Have a great day!

~Teresa

My New Pressure Canner Is Out Of The Box!

2011-04-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

That's right...finally I had some time to use the shiny new pressure canner my hubby and daughter bought me for Christmas this past holiday season.

I have to admit I am no expert on canning, but thanks to my fabulous sister-in-law who is good at it, I am learning, and I see my pantry cupboards will be full of goodies this gardening season.

Last summer I scored big time at a yard sale when I bought ten large apple boxes full of canning jars for a whopping $10.00! Seriously that isn't a typo, I was only going to buy one or two boxes for that amount but she really wanted to get rid of them and asked me to take them all, well of course I couldn't say no and she really did take only ten bucks.

One thing about canning, is it takes time, patience and attention to detail. It ended up being a day well spent, not just learning how to can but a relaxing time of visiting and enjoying the company of my sister-in-law, my mother-in-law, and my niece with her 4 month old twin daughters. It was a good day of priceless family time, and...

Seven hours later, the payoff for all of our hard work....22 pints of canned elk meat headed for the pantry. That means many yummy meals of meat gravy over pasta or mashed taters and canned meat sandwiches for lunch, two very popular things in this family.

Have a favorite recipe from home canned goodies

that your family raves about? Please share...

Have a great day!

~Teresa

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2011-04-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

1. A bright sunny day.
2. Swishing horse's tails.
3. My daughter's giggle.
4. Flea markets.
5. Singing meadowlarks.
6. Sand between my toes.
7. Chocolate cupcakes.
8. Snoring puppy dogs.
9. Cilantro on my taste buds.
10. Flower blossoms.

What makes you happy?

~Teresa

Made It In An Etsy Treasury

2011-04-18T19:53:00.001-07:00

It's always fun to have an item that is in my Toodlefetties Etsy Shop featured in a treasury. Recently peacenluv72 featured my vintage Boraxo tin, and my Rusty Heart Hanger has been featured in at least three treasuries in the last couple of months,

Stop by and check it out and show them some love.

Filled to the Rim with Tins by peacenluv72
etsy.me/eZWmB0

Enjoy!
~ Teresa

To Keep Or Not To Keep...Should That Be The Question?

2011-04-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile when I am out and about treasure hunting I come across an item that is really cool, and then I have to decide..."to keep or not to keep"...that is the question.

A perfect example of that is this really cool egg scale. I found it buried in the dirt near an old abandoned house. It is in perfect working condition and has a great rusty patina from years of being out in the elements. As a resale item it has a retail value of around $40, and all in all it is just really cool, it's just the type of gem that should be in my Etsy shop inventory.

SIGH...as much as I would like to keep all of the junk-a-licious treasures I find, there just isn't enough real estate available in my house for every fascinating trinket that comes home with me.

I would love to hear other junkers perspective on how you decide what to keep and what not to keep. If you'd like to chime in please leave me a comment and give me your take on the matter. As for this awesome little find, I'm thinking there is a perfect spot for it near the vintage egg crates on display in my kitchen. Maybe one of these days it'll end up in my Etsy inventory, but for now...I think the answer to my question is "to keep!"

~ Teresa