{ try-it tuesday: 4th of july crafts }

4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. 

I especially love the fun and festive decorating options. 

These craft ideas, found at Martha Stewart, look relatively simple to create 

and would look great at any summer gathering.

Find more ideas + full instructions here.

{ white house tour }

Lyn Gardener, whom you might remember from this post way back when, has recently unveiled her latest undertaking--The White House Daylesford--a dreamy, fully restored 1850s brick miners cottage in Daylesford Victoria {Australia}. I love the subtle mix of city meets country--the industrial elements add interest and texture without taking away from the coziness of its countryside setting. My favorite spot is the old garden shed, which has been converted into a separate guest room {top photo}--like I said...*dreamy*.

all images {and more} found here

{ a few of my favorite }

...summer things

1950s vintage bombshell sun dress  {via please sir}

Vintage bicycle locket

Swings fine art print

Honey Bee locket necklace

Paper flowers-shades of red

What's everyone up to this weekend? We're taking a quick road trip tomorrow and hanging lakeside for the day--can't wait! Wishing you all a sweet weekend of summer frolic.

{ in case you were wondering... }

this is my idea of heaven on earth--

You simply must read the story behind this little lakeside gem, 

located {now} in Sugar Creek, Wisconsin.

P.S. Note the radio in the third photo. 

{found here}

{ try-it tuesday: colorful photo clipboards }

I purchased these clipboards months ago and have been planning to create a photo wall with them since spotting this photo in this post way back when. I considered painting the clipboards first, but never narrowed down a color nor did I seem to make the time to just do it. Instead, they sat in a bag cluttering up our closet. 

Then, the other day, I had an A-ha! moment upon spotting these adorable sets of scrapbook papers in Target's $1 bin {yes...12 sheets for $1}--perfect for adding a fun and colorful background for the photos I plan to display in my daughter's clubhouse. I was inspired and got to work immediately. If you'd like to try it yourself, here are some very simple instructions:

Each 12 x 12 scrapbook sheet is large enough to create two mini clipboard size backgrounds. *I used double-sided tape to mount the paper because I wanted the ability to easily change out the background paper with the seasons. However, spray mount or modge podge would work well if you're looking for a more permanent and durable solution. Voila...you're done!

Coming later this week: An unveiling of the clipboard photo wall--stay tuned.