Dirt Road Adventures: Pre-4th of July Beach Trip, Patriotic Decor, Cancer Journal Update
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey Friends, I hope you’ve had a great week and stayed cool. We have been at the beach since Tuesday, and it’s been hot, hot, hot. However, we have had a great time. The week was filled with a few days on the beach, soaking up the sun and relaxing to the rhythm of the waves. Other days were spent shopping for the perfect vintage finds. Although I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I managed to bring home one good find. We are counting this week as our pre-4th of July week, as we will not be able to spend the actual holiday here. If all goes as planned, the holiday will fall during my isolation period after my 3rd treatment.
It’s hard to believe that I’m feeling as well as I am this week. I was not expecting to feel almost normal in week two after my second chemo treatment. I have some theories as to how I’ve been able to walk three miles each day, do some thrift store shopping, and visit a few of our favorite restaurants. To see more details about my chemo journey, read My Cancer Journal.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
I have continued to receive so many encouraging messages, cards, and gifts. I’ve been blessed with so much support from all across the country and the world. This was shared with me last week, and it’s so true.
Last week, I had a couple of brand-new featured blog posts, along with a few old favorites. Several DIY projects and patriotic decorating ideas. Here they are in case you missed them.
In Case You Missed It
How To Repurpose A Thrifted Vintage Chandelier
Have you seen old, outdated chandeliers donated to thrift shops? Want to learn how you can repurpose a cheap vintage chandelier with some solar lights and vintage chandelier crystals?
READ MORE- Repurposed Chandelier
Also READ – How We Built Our DIY Greenhouse
DIY Block Print Napkins: Personalize Your Table With Easy Paint Ideas
If you love the look of personalized custom napkins, wait until you see how easy it is to make the DIY Block Print Napkins. DIY custom napkins can be made in a variety of designs and colors to enhance any table setting. These DIY fabric napkins are easy to make using inexpensive pre-made cotton linen napkins and craft paint.
How To Mix & Match Vintage Dishes For Patriotic Table Settings
Hey friends, y’all know how much I love collecting vintage dishes and dreaming up mix-and-match table settings. Well, with the 4th of July just around the corner, I’ve been inspired to pull out all my red, white, and blue dishes and tableware!
How To Use Thrift Store Decor To Create Charming Vintage Vignettes
Hey friends, I’m back with fresh and new thrift store decorating ideas. Y’all know that I love to create charming vignettes using inexpensive, thrifted finds. Today, I’m going to teach you how to gather vignette decor to create stunning table, mantel, and even garden vignettes.
Easy DIY Pinecone Wreaths For Summer Decor: 3 Unique Ideas
Hey friends, wait until you see my latest idea for upcycling an old wreath with three unique pinecone flower ideas. I’ll teach you how to make budget-friendly pinecone flowers that will allow you to use your rustic wreath all summer long. Whether you are looking for an early summer flower wreath, a patriotic one, or a wreath for late summer, we’ve got you covered.
Red, White & Blue Coastal Decor: Patriotic Cottage Ideas
We love celebrating the 4th of July holiday at our tiny beach cottage each summer. While we’re there, I like to create a cozy, patriotic ambiance both inside and out. From charming porch decor to red, white, and blue touches throughout the cottage, the tiny house gets a festive coastal update.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- Wendy shared this unique water fountain she made with an antique farm disc. It’s so creative.
- See how Jennifer turned $25.00 of thrift store finds into Charming Cottage Garden Decor.
- I’m looking forward to making Stacy’s Ricotta and Spinach Quiche Recipe.
- And Heidi’s Mini Cherry Pies look so yummy and easy to make.
What’s In My Cart
- This beautifully illustrated Patina Farm Coffee Table Book.
- I was able to read two books (my favorite beach pastime). First, I read Every Precious & Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis and enjoyed it so much that I read When Never Comes.
- This Cooling Sun Bucket Hat was a lifesaver while on the beach. The drawstring ensured it wouldn’t blow away.
- I’ve had several people ask about my wigs. I purchased my full wig locally and don’t have a link. It’s a Raquel Welch wig, if that helps. The halo wig is ordered online, and I’m very happy with it, too. Here is the link for the Halo Wig, which exposes the top of your head and works well with hats. My color was Medium Blond Blend, and I pulled the back into a ponytail for this Michael Kors Ball Cap.
Thrift Store Adventures
Brad and I visited several thrift stores, and I was looking for another vintage demijohn. As happens when you have a specific item in mind, it’s nowhere to be found. However, I did find this fun handwoven vintage basket. I love that it has a handle and sits flat like a tray. I can’t wait to get it home and style it, but in the meantime, I added these times from our beach cottage to give you an idea of what I’m talking about.
Several of the shops are decked out for the 4th of July, and here were my favorite displays.
I also found this great bowl and napkins while shopping in Wilmington. I’m eager to share my ideas for both.
Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement and prayers. I appreciate you for following along on all my adventures. Have a blessed week.
♥️🌟🌷🏵️🌞💓🌿 Good Morning Rachel and your Beautiful Family ♥️
My family and I are so happy that you’re enjoying a well deserved holiday. You may not know that you are an inspiration to many. 💓
Please stay well. We Love you.💞
God Bless you and your lovely family. 🌞
💓 Madison ♥️♥️♥️
Madison,
Thank you so much for this encouraging message. I appreciate you for taking the time to lift me up on this Sunday morning. Have a blessed week.
I love that thrifted bowl with the bird so cute. You look darling in the polka dot sneakers and hat. Have a great week.
Diana,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m looking for ways to still feel fashionable even with the wigs. I hope you have a great week.
Rachel,
You look adorable! That hat and sneaker combo along with your flare jeans…girl, you’ve got it going on!
Keeping you in my daily prayers, friend.
God bless!
Gail,
You are so kind. Gotta make the most of this no hair thing! LOL. I appreciate your compliments. I hope you are feeling much better today and that you continue to improve. Keep me informed.
I’m absolutely loving your outfit, Rachel, and you look so cute in that baseball hat! So happy to hear that you’re feeling as well as you are this week. I’m sure the beach has been a great source of therapy. Sending prayers and my love.
Kim,
Thank you and yes, I didn’t want to come home to the reality of my situation. It was easy to forget at the beach. I appreciate you so much.
I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling good Rachel! Thank you for sharing my mini cherry pies, they’re a fun summer treat!
Heidi,
Thank you for your prayers and kind words. Can’t wait to try your recipe.
I am so glad that you are feeling so well Rachel! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 You are such an inspiration , getting out and walking, thrift store shopping and hanging at the beach. Your posts are always full of so much creativity and charm. Thank you for sharing my tractor till fountain post!
Wendy,
I love all your creative ideas. It was an honor to share your DIY project. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
Hi Rachael, its Kim again. I forgot to ask you earlier how did you get the pinecones to spread out as in the very first picture of the purple flowers. I tried to take some apart this morning and they just kept breaking off. yours are nice and flat. Do you weight them down so the pinecones spread out? Let me know when you have a second. Thanks again Kim XOXO
Kim,
For that version, I used a sweet gumball and used individual pinecone scales to create the flower. I individually hot glued the scales around the gumball. You can see the detailed instructions on the blog post tutorial.https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/diy-summer-pinecone-wreaths-3-easy-unique-ideas/. I hope this helps.