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Five simple things

Another week has come to a close.  We have had a busy enjoyable week.  We leave in four days to fly to Arkansas for Halloween and the days leading up to it are slowly closing in on us.  I've been on a frantic schedule trying to get everything done before we take off.  I am still needing to finish up Skylar's costume and I hope I get it all done!  If I stay on track from now until then, I should complete it all. Fingers crossed!  So here are the things that made my week awesome!

1.  This Walk.

Because it's a walk filled with history.  There is a walking/bike path along the Willamette River and it's a burst of historical information about the past.

The Van Buren Street Bridge in Corvallis, Oregon, is packed full of wonderful information about its birth.

Opening up to traffic (automobile and foot) in 1913 and was the first bridge across the river in Corvallis, Oregon. Present day, it is the third oldest bridge across the Willamette. It used to swing open for boats passing down the river, but in 1980 the opening of the bridge was closed down and the passage is no longer used for large vessels. The bridge is now part of the list of National Historic Places.

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A plaque at the base of the Van Buren Bridge that states that Corvallis, Oregon used to be known as Marysville in 1851.  The town of Corvallis used to be a town thriving with miners and was known as Marysville with two parts called Upper Town and Lower Town.  Where the bridge sits on the Willamette was Lower Town and was a hopping off point on the way to the mines.  The plaque sits where a boat landing used to be and is now lost in history along with the bridge.  

Even though this picture is dark, I love how it turned out.  The sky, the lights, the dark trees and buildings.  It almost leaves a lot to the imagination of what it could be.

2.  This Coffee Stand.

I tried something new at this coffee bar and it was delicious.  Of course, it's probably terribly bad for me, but one every other month, or so, can't be too bad.  It's black tea mixed with Redbull and blackberry flavor.  I'm not a big fan of Redbull, but this combination wasn't bad.  I'm sure the same flavors can be achieved with something less harmful.  What's living on the edge, if you don't ever try, right?  Check out Black Rock Coffee Bar here.

3.  This Polymer Clay Section.

Because I've gotten more into working with the clay and making new items for my shop.  I am loving all the colors and creative things I've been coming up with lately.  Check them out here.
This polymer clay is at Hobby Lobby.

4.  These Vegetables.

Because we've been slowly cleaning our diet up and eating more raw foods.  Vegetables are the easiest and have been delicious lately.  I've already lost 18 pounds making the change and have been feeling the energy change as well.  Fingers crossed that I can keep up the habit though the holidays too.

5.  This Soap.

Because I've been playing around with different acne soaps.  The one pictured here seems to be the best recipe so far.  Look for these soaps to show up in the shop soon!  Check out the lavender soap here.

What's new in the shop:

1.  These Bird Prints:

These aren't so much new, as they are more.  I've created three more to add to the shop collection.  They are hand painted and twig feet have been added.  They are super cute and can help add some color to your bookshelf this fall season.  Check them out here.

2.  This Star Garland.

This minimal star garland is perfect for decoration for this coming holiday season.  They are made from brilliant red polymer clay and attached to white cotton yarn.  They are in one yard sections and longer sections can be requested, as well as other colors for the yarn and the stars.  More will come over time, but the red is available now for $10.  Check it out here.

3.  These Clay Eraser.

Made from pink eraser clay and in the shape of a fun button.  These is a great addition to a kids' school box to refresh school supplies during the fall break from school.  Complete eraser for large flaws or pencil marks.  This listing comes with two erasers for $6.00.  Check them out here.

Great Scott! It's Back to the Future Day

Today is considered "Back to the Future Day."  Why?  Because when Doc Brown was setting the destination time on the car's dash monitor, the date read October 21, 2015, in the sequel of the movie.

Here are some things you can do today to celebrate 'Back to the Future Day':

  • Drive 88 miles an hour.  Um....well, maybe dream of it in your head while you're stuck in traffic.
  • ...............................................................
  • Watch "Back to the Future" on repeat.
  • ...............................................................
  • Yell, "GREAT SCOTT!" at everything and everyone.
  • ...............................................................
  • Take your picture standing in front of a clock tower.
  • ...............................................................
  • Drink lots of Pepsi and imagine ordering food from a teleprompter with Michael Jackson taking your order on it.

We love the 'Back to the Future' movies in our house.  Skylar loves the third one because it has a train in it, but I have to say that Mr. and I enjoy the original.  I remember being at our neighbor's house, the Fryars, when I first watched 'Back to the Future.'  I wasn't really tuned into the movie as much as I am now, but I have to say, the movie was pretty cool, even back then.  

Pepsi has been quoted as having a shortage of their Pepsi Perfect bottles for today.  We have been on a mad hunt to try and find one, bit alas we have not been successful at all in our scavenge.

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Well, it seems that the only thing we've really gained in our world, according to 'Back to the Future' is the Pepsi bottles.  Of course, hoverboards would have been cool, and according to Yahoo Tech, it won't happen for awhile longer.  The closest we've come is a board with a small "rollerblade-type" ball under it while you balance on top. 

 As far as the other items shown on the sequel on the movies, the jacket was one that seemed to be impressive.  



There is a replica that you can purchase.  Of course, it doesn't dry you like the one in the movie, but the jacket is still pretty close to the original.  Halloween is coming too, so maybe a good Halloween costume idea?

A few other items from the movie include, the hat, the hoverboard, and the almanac.
   

....The shoes, the movie poster, and a license plate.

    

 And don't forget Huey Lewis and the News - Back in Time......



Hope you enjoy your 'Back to the Future Day' and check out some of your local movie theaters that are having a one day showing of the movies.  It seems the ones around me are all showing them in honor of the movie and celebration today.  Check out Toyota's recreation of Marty McFly's Truck.


Fall must-haves

Well, the fall season is upon us and with that comes some seasonal changes.  One of our major changes comes that cleanup of the gardens and the yard, as well as a good cleaning of the inside of our house.  I enjoy the summer, when the yard is in full bloom, but there's just something good about cleaning up and almost "shutting down" the yard too.  Here are the fall must-haves that could help your fall cleanup go a bit better than the year before.



Two essentials for the fall cleanup is definitely a rake (a good one) and a pair of snips to cut dead flowers and twigs.  Remember, don't prune your roses in the fall!  And fall is a great time to mulch your flowerbeds and other areas too.

  
Inside home cleaning is a necessity as well.  I always use the fall to replace our toilet brush.  We also have a lot of non-carpeted floors, so a duster is needed.  The two above are my favorites so far.
My favorite cleaners to use currently are ones from The Honest Company.

      

Bosmere V181 Haws Indoor 2-Pint/1-Liter Watering Can with Rose and Gift Box, Copper

Bring outdoor plants inside for the winter and don't forget to use a watering can that can actually water without making a mess on your newly cleaned floors.


Be sure to winterize your summer yard furniture and bring out your winter chairs.  Here in Oregon we have some plastic chairs we got when an old salon went out of business and we leave them out all year.  Out summer teak and wicker however, goes right up into storage for the following year.  I'll update our yard once it's winter-ready in my series section Our Garden Currently.

 
Last two items for fall cleanup should be a notebook and some good, quality pencils.  Fall is always a great time to start writing down and planning your winter wishes, or spring gardening ideas.  I have about three of these in hand each season to write down Christmas gift ideas, DIY projects to try, and also a map of rearranging the furniture, or garden planting.  It's always fun to look back in the books and see what the plans were a few years ago too.  


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Five simple things

Another great Saturday!  We got a bit of rain here overnight and it couldn't have come at a better time.  I like when it rains overnight rather than during the day when you want to be out and about.  I'm anxiously waiting for the return of Downton Abbey.  I've been on a watching binder of Season One-Five right now and over at the PBS Shop Season Six is up for sale.  I have been dropping hints to the Mr. in hopes he will do a bit of early Christmas Shopping for me.  Hehe!  Anyway, here are the things that made my past week awesome.

1.  This Fish Painting.

Because I've been clearing photos from my phone lately and came across it.  It's a wonderful reminder of this fun trip.

2.  This Rug.

Because it would be nice for a man cave, but we don't have one.  Yet.  I am reminded of the fun with Flat Ryan too, with this picture.

3.  This Bell.

Because during my Downton Abbey bender I've been on a mad hunt for a service bell similar.  I have found a few:
1.  Antique Door Bells:  This company was the same one that was actually used on Downton Abbey to supply the bells, so it's more authentic than others.  (They are a bit pricey though, especially in shipping to the United States.)
2.  Downton Abbey At Home:  It's a nice site to look at, but unfortunately, they do not ship to the United States.  Yet.  
3.  This Set Up On Home To Cottage:  Totally swoon-worthy is this setup at Home to Cottage.  It sets my mind on go mode to recreate it.  I love her site too, so give her some love.  Leave a comment and let her know that Shelly from South North South sent you!  Here's a kit similar to what she used.
4.  Crown City Hardware:  Here's another great one from CCH.  They offer a few fun items to add to the bell too.  
5.  Don't Forget The Pull Cords:  Cast Iron....... Tapestry...... 

4.  This Truck.

Because it's nice to see something more positive while on Interstate 5.  Not sure why it struck me as fun, but I feel as though this truck driver has his priorities in the right order. 

5.  This Bag.

Because threUP is on of the companies that's helping us become more minimal.  We've been following the tips here and here to help live with better stuff, not more stuff.  It's a slow-going process, but I have been seeing light at the end of the tunnel.  Get your free bag here and clear out some of the clothing taking up unnecessary space in your home.

A Few Extras:

1.  This Article From 1977.

Because it's interesting to know that some things never change when it comes to style.

2.  This Ice Cream.

Because most of the time it's only here for summer, so it was nice to see during these months.  Of course, it is the end of summer, but still, a bowl of this is great on a rainy day.

3.  This Thought On Food.

Because it's a simple reminder that we should take the time with food and appreciate what it has to offer us in the long run.

What's new at The Peppermint Bee?

Embroidered Strawberry Bracelets.

These are cute and also a reminder of the summer season past.  They are stretch chevron with an embroidered strawberry adorned for a cute flair.  They are listed for $3 and super fun to wear!  You can purchase one from the shop page here.