FOCAL POINT STYLING: Making Memorial Day Memories

Hey all! Although today may be the kick-off to Summer vacay season, it's also a day to remember those who have served and protected our nation! (It's also the last day of our little week-long vacation - more about that this week!) Last night, Jeff and I went through a family heirloom: it was the trunk of Jeff's grandfather, holding many memories and links to his ancestors past. We traced some of his roots back to the 1880's and learned some things along the way from grandfathers serving in WWI & WWII, to even his connections to IBM, several ribbons won and also band service! The last time we looked at the footlocker was about 2003... It was nice to reminisce.

Jeff's Grandad...

Jeff's Great Uncle George...

I want to frame these!

Yesterday & today, we made patriotic breakfast, cleaned up out front (my Spring Stoop dried up so badly; I replaced the containers with succulents - more drought tolerant to our location). This is also the first time we hung a flag outside since this house came with the holder for a flag pole. I picked one up at Big Lots for only $10, and back in February, I also spotted some thrifty patriotic finds to spruce up our table with (shopping or thrifting off season is a great way to save $$)

Succulents helped refresh our Arizona (shaded) stoop with a shot of fresh greens.

Old faithful hung proudly on our door :)

Tablescape Tip:

Thrift for woven & wicker finds to add natural texture to your summertime tabletop.

Tablescape Tip:

A thrifted flag for $5 will make a great tablecover today!

Patriotic Pancakes:

RED strawberries + WHITE powder sugar + BLUE plates

Tablescape Tip:

Tea Towels make for GREAT oversized napkins!

Tablescape tip:

Mix in seaside treasures to personalize your tablescape - These starfish I picked up on a day trip to the Bahama's back when we were dating. A quick spray of white paint and they're ready to go with those tea towel stripes!

We enjoyed a great week off - some spent as our first Road trip plus some spent in San Diego. The rest of the week we relaxed at home, but also explored a little more of AZ at a farmers market, a local market in Mesa and some stores. And although we didn't go renew our vows for our anniversary, we did go have our rings cleaned and polished. Today we're grilling ribs & COTC, making potato salad, bike riding, and heading over to a park to play a little badminton.