We snuck off to the beach over Memorial Day weekend to spend some time with John’s family (at their amazing beach house near Bethany Beach, Delaware) so we thought we’d share our house-related adventures. A while back a reader (thanks Ann!) recommended checking out The Old Screen Door in Lewes (about 30 mins from Bethany), so we took a drive out there and it was the cutest little town (which boasts that it was the first town in the first state). Here’s the front of the shop:
It’s not very big inside, but there’s a collection of really fun old stuff going on (mixed with some new stuff to keep things interesting).
And Clara loves bikes. Well she loves lots of things (birdies, duckies, doggies, kitties, cars, blocks, her stuffed giraffe that she affectionately named Gee, etc) so it was no surprise to us that she honed in on this cool metal tricycle as soon as she saw it.
So like typical parents with no willpower we bought it for our office (since it’s really not meant for riding, but it’s fun to look at and we’re all in there all the time). At thirty beans it wasn’t exactly free but we like to pick up one or two “house things” whenever we travel (that way they have a vacation memory attached to them, which seems to make them more special). Here are some better shots that we snapped of it back in Richmond yesterday:
We don’t have a specific spot for it in the office yet, but we figure once we add more storage and cabinetry it’ll look pretty sweet in there. Of course, no sooner had we put our purchase in the car did we look at each other and simultaneously realize that it kinda reminded us of the creepy tricycle from the Saw movies:
So even though it should give us the heebie-jeebies it somehow makes us laugh (and thereby love it a little bit more). Ah random quirkiness – gotta have some of that to make a house a home.
But back to our visit to The Old Screen Door. I was also head over heels in love with this tiny outdoor chair (it was the best weathered gray color) but at $65 (which isn’t bad, we’re just cheap) we decided to leave it there for the next baby to enjoy.
Then we drove over to downtown Lewes which is a gorgeous tree-lined street full of shops and goodies (like a store called Cake Bar). Clara had a ball in Kids Ketch (a toy store packed with fun stuff). Here she is perusing the monster collection that hung from a clothesline across the entryway:
She especially liked a small green doll called Groody. Let’s just say that Groody’s tag cracked us up (if you can’t read it, it says: Groody is a pretty relaxed, easy going, energetic, stressed out, moody broody mess! Aaaaaahhhhh! Did I just close that door? It was a ghost! Did I send that e-mail to the wrong person!!??? You get the picture. If you are willing to help him on his quest for inner peace he will help you on your quest for whatever dealio you got going. His first though).
Hilarious. Oh and remember snap bracelets? I wore one as a scrunchy in grade school. Oh yeah, I was that cool. Anyway, they had snap bracelet watches that brought me back.
But we left without Groody or the snap bracelet watch (sometimes it’s just fun to window shop and spend a few bucks on ice cream as you walk around). Oh and speaking of window shopping, I spied this cute little pig planter through the window of a flower store. Totally my idea of a good time. In the words of A.C. Slater, “oink, oink babe.” <– audio clip here
One of the most fun places that we popped into was this little alley marked “Antique Mall”:
Inside were some of the most amazing collections of cool stuff that I’ve seen in a while. Like these pretty oversized mercury glass finial-like accents and the fun antique bronze porthole mirror:
And this insane to the membrane (well, to mine at least) wood horse. He was $250 firm, so I hugged him and then moved on. Not without telling him I loved him first (see, he made me go crazy).
I also fell in love with this amazing print about Kalamari (at over $200 I had to pass it up, but I still daydream about it for at least twenty minutes a day):
And this tin whale thingie was, in the words of my girl Bethenny Frakel, amazeballs. It’s hard to explain but you could rock the whale back and forth and the mouth would open and close and the eye would move from left to right. In short, he was cooler than my snap bracelet scrunchy.
And then there were these baskets. I loved how tightly they were nested (the whole set was muy expensive, but they also sold them individually).
What did we get? Well, right as we were about to leave we noticed a little stand of iron birds and sea turtles for $6 a pop. And you might remember that I have a thing for sea turtles thanks to our moving-day experience and a certain necklace from Cougartown (more on that here). So we decided to take this little guy home with us.
So our total spent for the day was around $40 (including our $30 bike, our $6 sea turtle, and some ice cream to enjoy while strolling around Lewes). It was a good day. Oh and there were such cute houses too. Like this one with not one but two giant concrete dogs out front (we were driving so I only caught one):
And this inviting little beach palace with crisp white trim and a picket fence:
And this guy complete with gargoyles guarding the hydrangeas:
Of course we also had our fair share of family time and beach hijinks. Here’s a little slice of that for all you Clara-loving folks (hi mom):
Oh and I read a lot of Bossypants aloud to John (he’s the driver for our road trips, so I’m in charge of entertainment while Clara and Burger are in charge of sleeping) and we both thought it was hilarious. So I guess I’ll fill in where Oprah’s Book Club left off and recommend it.
That’s all she wrote. What did you guys do for Memorial Day? Any other beach trips or window shopping excursions? Anyone else who wore repurposed a snap bracelet as a scrunchy?
Psst- Creepy saw tricycle image from here.
Psssst- We announced this week’s giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.
Rachel @ I'm Loving Today says
Aw, what a CUTE little town! I love those tiny little towns with fun shops full of stuff you’d never really buy at home. I am SWOONING over that porthole mirror – how awesome! Too bad that particular shop was pricey – looks like it had a lot of great finds!
Maggie D says
Hi,
I’ve been looking around at baby sunscreens and am just curious about what kind you use on your Clara. Have you ever thought about doing a post on your babycenter blog about the baby products (diaper cream, lotion, etc) you use? I would love to hear!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fantastic idea! We’ll try to tackle that next Tuesday in Babycenter!
xo,
s
Jeannine says
I adore Clara’s bathing suit!! Where did you get it?? And Bethany Beach is so awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
That was a hand me down from her cousin Elsa but I think it was originally from Gymboree.
xo,
s
kristen says
Can you PLEASE tell me the exact camera y’all use? Your pictures are great and I need a GOOD camera. Love your posts! Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much! It’s a Nikon D3000. Love it.
xo,
s
liz says
ohh! I used to live in Maryland and visited the beaches in Delaware all the time. They are awesome, I miss them and all the cute little towns with their cute little houses.
But what I really wanted to say was that I was reading your post and was shocked to see the very same rocking whale that we have on our bedroom dresser in one of your photos!
Also funny that he showed up in an antique store (since he’s definitely NOT an antique)… The husband and I found ours in a general store up in Stowe Vermont when we stayed there a few winters ago.
There’s actually a company who makes him (and a bunch of other similarly crafted metal art) … http://www.authenticmodels.com/home/ams/smartlist_193/sky_hooks.html
They are all ah-mazing!, but the whale was our fav.
YoungHouseLove says
No way? Too funny! It was totally amazing. You’re so lucky to own him!
xo,
s
Maren says
oh my gosh my aunt has a horse JUST like that wooden one!! So funny, too, because my uncle found out how much it was and immediately tells everyone in the room that it was $275 hahaha so funny!! It’s so worth it, though ;) I’ll have to take a picture next time I’m there so you guys can see it!
Amy Purehome says
I’m with ya on the Bossypants recommendation. Hilarious! Everyone should give it a read…although not really the before bed read for me because it had me laughing so hard!
Erica says
I had to LOL at the little guy from Saw!! LOL. You guys are sooo funny!!
Jenna Drak says
I LOVED that Kalamari print, but whoa on the price tag. And being an addicted Photoshopper (it’s like my form of knitting!) I tried to create something simliar to it. It’s not nearly as cool as the print you found, but I love it all the same and had a ton of fun creating it! Anyway, I wanted to share…
http://8thoak.blogspot.com/2011/06/kalamari.html
YoungHouseLove says
That’s AMAZING! Love it.
xo,
s
Amanda says
I grew up in Rehoboth/Lewes. I went for a visit over the weekend and went to the antique mall too. I almost bought a cast iron owl near the turtle you purchased. So jealous you had King’s Ice Cream, I was too full from lunch at Agave.
I’ve never been to The Old Screen Door, I need to check it out next time I’m home.
Ann says
So glad you took my advice and went to the Old Screen Door in Lewes. We discovered it over Easter break and thought you’d like to look around if you were back in the area. Love your purchase there!
Sounds like your took in all the great Lewes sights as well: Kid’s Ketch, King’s Ice Cream, the Antique Mall and more. Be sure to come back again and find Two Friends and also some of the great places to eat like Agave and Striper Bites.
And yes…the houses nearby all adorable?
Meg says
I’m LOVING reading “Bossypants” right now – to the point where the hubs is using it as a new nickname for me. (Curses.) Thanks for sharing your trip! Can’t wait to stick my feet in some sand this summer.
ChristinaD says
I just read Bossypants while I was on vacation (in Jamaica!) – it was HILARIOUS!!! Love Tina Fey – she totally rocks! =)
Kamantha says
We were sanding our deck and staining it in a nice cedar color. It was a lot of work but now it looks like a piece of furniture and now it’s on to the fun stuff…decorating!!
Rachael says
I LOVE that porthole mirror!! It’s the second one I’ve ever seen, the first is in my house! I met this adorable newlywed couple, who owned the mirror before me. I complimented them on it (probably overly gushy cause I just thought it was SO neat!), only to find out, it was a gift from the grooms ex and according to the wife, it now HAD to go… They showed up at my house for dinner a week later with a huge box containing… the porthole mirror! They said it started fights in their house, and I loved it so I should have it. It’s one of the first things I hang anytime I move. An absolute favorite!!!
Stephie says
I was in Bethany Beach on Memorial Day weekend as well, but was not aware of the shops in Lewes- but probably for the best since I would have spent a fortune.
My fiance and I read Bossy Pants out loud to each other too! Definitely a great book to share with someone you love to laugh with :)
Alia says
Where did you get Clara’s bathing suit? We are doing a “swimsuit edition” calendar for the grandparents x-mad gift this year and that bathing suit is so cute!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s a hand me down from her cousin Elsa but I think it’s from Gymboree. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
andrea p says
Sherry! Look at that engagement ring bling you have going on there! If you don’t mind me asking….how many carats is your diamond? It is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s! :)
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t know! Haha. John was very nice and I have tiny fingers (size 4.5) so they make things look bigger- haha.
xo,
s
Laura says
Lewes in England is also a really lovely place – it’s a charming town down in the south near Brighton with lots of antique and individual shops, its own brewery, a castle and lots of character. I recommend it should you ever be in the neighbourhood, haha!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!
xo,
s
rebekah coleman-brahler says
the baskets are nantucket baskets. a REAL one is mucho grande expensive b/c they are all handmade, etc., but you can find pretty cheap (but nice) reproductions at christmas tree shops, if you have one near you.
Erin says
What a great post about a delightful town! I spent a summer working at the historical society, researching the area’s cemeteries (spooky!). Glad you got to enjoy the area!
Melissa says
I’m so glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one dorky enough to use the snap bracelet as a scrunchy!
Erin says
Bossypants was da bomb ;)
Merri says
I love sea turtles! You should check this out:
http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Turtle/dp/B001CW7CVK
My mom got this for me as a Christmas gift, I also received the lake turtle one from my cousin-in-law-to-be (phew! a mouthful!) But they’re great. I love the ambient light it puts off. Puts ya right to sleep.
YoungHouseLove says
Cuuute! Clara has the sheep by them.
xo,
s
Jackie O says
Omigosh- my mom & dad have that EXACT whale sculpture… in Arizona! They bought it about 10 years ago during a trip to Boston. It’s been on a table in their family room ever since and it’s always a hit with everyone. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny – it would definitely be one of those conversation pieces that everyone loves!
xo,
s
Stanton says
Just had to mention that I have the same swim trunks as John. (I always find it reaffirming that someone else bought something I own) And that I picked up Bossypants on a whim in a bookstore and started reading it, 45 minutes later I was buying it, and finished it by the end of the day. So funny.
Marie says
I don’t comment often and my hubby and I aren’t really DIY-ers; we’ve painted one room on textured walls (never again) & put laminate flooring down. However, I LOVE your blog! You guys are so entertaining and funny! I love learning things we could possibly do to make our house more decorated! Sherry, you are gorgeous and Clara is so adorable; love her huge smiles!
Tammi says
http://host.pappapak1.com/~myurbanf/catalog.htm?item=562
it might not be as big as the one you saw while on vacation but the price is a little better.
doesn’t this look familiar!! I have never left a comment to you guys but I enjoy your blog and read it often!
YoungHouseLove says
So charming!
xo,
s
adam says
the whale thing is killer!!!! was it a one off? did you purchase it?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, we didn’t get it (it was around 200 bucks) but others have commented to say they own or have seen them so they’re apparently sold in at least a few places. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Julia says
I grew up living in lewes and rehoboth in the summer…love love love seeing your pics, bring back fond memories! Maybe we will run into eachother at grottos sometime :)
YoungHouseLove says
Mmmm, Grottos. It’s a definite possibility.
xo,
s
Giorgiana says
Hi Guys, Love your blog. Just wanted to let you know that that whale swingy thing you saw at the shop is sold at bazaars in Germany where my hubby and i just came from. we got the mother in law one that is a snowman.Hers swings too, and it was only maybe $25 or so. I got a super cool vintage rocking horse there too, if I could figure out how to post some pics for you I would show you both of those things…have a good one!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow that’s so cool! And a lot cheaper than the one we saw.
xo,
s
Allisa says
So great to see the Lewes post – my family dates back for many generations there! The little house you snapped a pic of in motion with the dog is next door to my best friend’s mother’s house (it is really a small world in this area)! That “house” is actually a three car garage for the people who live behind it – I thought you might think that was funny! Great blog!
Kelly Lynn says
I fell in love with your blog and now read it religiously. I just keep clicking different pictures and reading about them. I came across the picture of the Old Screen Door and immediately I knew where it was. I’m from delaware and spend most of my free time at the beach. I am actually in the process of buying an old house at the beach. I just got excited to see you were here.
Jocelyn says
I read to my husband on our road trips as well! We’ve read the entire Harry Potter series, Twilight Saga, Hunger Games Trilogy, and countless other books this way. He calls me Jocelyn Books on Tape. People tease us about this (and I don’t know how he can stand to listen to my voice for extended periods of time) but it sure beats listening to repeats of the same song on the radio!