sea shells

We've got 3 little sickies in the house today, so we're laying low, taking it easy. I found these shells in the cupboard and we spent a long time looking at them, sorting them into groups, comparing them, etc. A good way to pass some time! I just love sea shells. They are definitely one of my favorite things. They hold the energy of the ocean and take me back to the beauty of the sea.

Big shells are beautiful and impressive, but it's the tiny ones that I love. When I used to guide sea kayaking trips, I would spend any free time sorting through the sand and shells, collecting the smallest, most perfect ones I could find.

The spiral is my favorite symbol, and I particularly love finding it in nature. Sea shells are so often a spiral shape.

These shells all hold beautiful memories of time spent at the ocean!

adding to my ever growing collection

On a recent trip to the Wet West Coast, I stopped at almost every thrift store I came across! I found, as always, some great clothes for the kids and even some for myself. But my favorite finds were these gorgeous vintage sheets and pillowcases.

When I find vintage linens like this, I just can't seem to leave them in the store! I'm planning to make the beach blanket from Soule Mama's latest book. I've been on the lookout for something to use as the backing...something a bit heavier, like vintage drapes or a chenille blanket. But now I'm thinking this green flowered vintage sheet will do the trick. It won't be quite as heavy as it's "supposed" to be, but I will love both sides of the blanket/quilt!

I'm not usually drawn to the color yellow, but I just love this yellow sheet. I love the butterflies and flowers. This sheet is in amazing shape, and I'm thinking it would make some gorgeous skirts or dresses.

The two pink pillowcases may end up as matching dresses for Zara and Bella.

The little wool felted slippers are brand-new with the tag still on it. I got them for a fraction of the price that they are in stores.  I LOVE finds like that. I'm going to give them to a friend who recently had a little girl. My kids have all worn slippers like this and loved them.

I love thrift stores. While I was in Vancouver I was thinking I needed a bumper sticker on my car that says "WARNING - this car makes sudden stops for thrift stores".