A Labor Day Weekend Chat

Welcome to my “Labor Day Weekend Chat”, a random weekly recap behind the scenes at Dabbling & Decorating where we adore all things thrifty, chippy, and vintage.

“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” — Henry David Thoreau

Let’s Start with a Coastal Vase and Candlestick All in One

While visiting a local shop, The Shops at Cape Neddick looking for some Annie Sloan Gilded Wax for a frame project that I was working on, I found these cute coastal recycled glass vases.

And you know what? If you turn them upside down, they are candle holders too. Two of my favorite things in one, perfect for decorating coffee tables, bookshelves, side tables, and more. Don’t you just love when that happens?

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.”

What’s Next?

While everyone is busy getting their fall decor out and heading back to school, we are going to enjoy the endless days of summer at our place here in Coastal Maine.

Because beach days after Labor Day are so tranquil. Seriously! The summer crowds have gone, the kids are back to school, the water is warm, and we have the beach to ourselves.

And because this is coming soon and stays for a VERY Long time…

Autumn in Vermont

As the weather cools down, sometime in mid-September we’ll head back to Vermont where we’ll dive right into Autumn. I can’t wait for sweater weather, meals on the porch, nights at the fire pit, cider donuts, maple syrup, cheese boards, and all the warm colors that fall in Vermont has to offer.

You won’t want to miss the action at Vermont Vintage Market Days Columbus Day | Indigenous Day Weekend too. My favorite antiquing trip of the season.

You may also enjoy these fall decor and designs from last year in Vermont.

A Thoughtful Wall of Paintings

A weekend jaunt brought us back to Vermont to attend our neighbor Edie’s 90th birthday party.

When we first moved to Vermont about 10 years ago, Edie invited me over for shrimp and a glass of wine. We chatted all about Maine, books, local gossip, and so much more. And ever since then, I have enjoyed all her gracious notes left in our mailbox, homemade blueberry muffins, and sweet “sit-and-talk” chats with my dear neighbor.

And she hasn’t aged a bit in the 10 years I’ve been blessed to know her…

I thought you may enjoy seeing this wall of paintings that her children displayed in her backyard in honor of her 90th birthday. She painted each one as a tribute to her time with family in New England!

Thrifting with the Gals

I found a few fun finds while out Thrifting with the Gals this week in Kennebunk, Maine. One of my favorite stops when in Kennebunk is Antiques on Nine.

They have a wonderful collection of coastal-inspired, eclectic home decor.

You may also enjoy the Vintage Shopping, A Church Collection Basket, and Wild Oats post.

Do you know what these are?

They are vintage balloon molds! Who knew?

I had never seen one before, have you?

But as much as I loved the character and color of each one of them, I passed on the balloon molds, as they were a bit pricey for me. Wouldn’t they make such a great conversation piece though?

I may keep an eye out on Etsy and eBay to see if any turn up more affordably. Here are a few that are available today to shop:

Vintage Shoe Molds

I also spied these vintage shoe molds made into hooks selling for $28 each.

I couldn’t resist picking up a couple of these!

And I hung them on our wall next to the back door using simple Command Strips.

After posting this video on my YouTube channel, a follower nugged me to hang a coat instead of a hat to hide the light switch, I love you guys!!

SHOP VINTAGE SHOE MOLDS

Here are a few vintage shoe mold options that I found over on Etsy for you to shop.

You can easily add your own hook.

Snug Harbor Farm

Next door is another favorite stop, Snug Harbor Farm, where we snagged beautiful flower bouquets. You may read all about Snug Harbor Farm in the post, Go Green – A Visit to Snug Harbor Farm, Maine.

You may also enjoy the post, Inside with Stonewall Kitchen | What Happens on a Bloggers Retreat?

Antique Picture and an Antique Pelt Stretcher

I finally got these two cuties hung up in our guest bathroom. I thought they paired well together.

A vintage pelt stretcher and an antique print framed in gold.

Can you believe the dryer in this bathroom is original to the house when my parents built it 30+ years ago? And it’s the BEST dryer ever, ha…

Favorite Weekly Inspiration From Around the Web

How To Create A Country Garden Party Table Setting pretty in pink!

Wild About Maine (Wild) Blueberries

8 Fall Gardening Tips and Tricks for a Successful Year Round Garden

This Pumpkin Cloche Fall Mantel

Early Fall Decor Ideas Before Pumpkins

Love this Fall Wood Cake Stand DIY

Labor Day Weekend Yard Sale Haul

I picked up this little vintage haul yesterday at a Labor Day weekend yard sale. I think this little haul will go back with me to Vermont.

I’m looking forward to all the yard sales that will be going on this Labor Day weekend though, are you?

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