Wisconsin has had an unusual summer.
We had a late spring so thoughts of warmer temperatures were inviting. Well, we got more than we were anticipating.
I live in an old farmhouse with many of the original windows (which do not open) and no windows that work well for an air conditioning unit.
So on those 100 degree days that I am not
familiar with I gave in and went in search of A.C.
One of these days I will take pictures of my favorite A.C. providers.
I am sure you are familiar with their names. G.W./S.A./St.V
Trying to remain on a budget and in no hurry to leave any cool store I leisurely wandered up and down every aisle and looked at things that might not otherways catch my attention.
I even tried something I do not usually do – went in search of specific items.
On that account I was successful. I had hoped to find more Mary Englebreit items. I will feature my finds in several upcoming posts. For now I have time to sneak in one Christmas In July item.
Not professional photos, but Vespa thinks he has to help.
The book looks in new condition and was under $2.
I’ll share a peek inside.
Do you see Vespa? 
In this book Mary also shares some stories behind the illustrations.
I love this one and want to find a poster size version.
In fact there are so many beautiful whimsical illustrations and projects in this one book that I am sure it will make a repeat appearance on the blog.
So,the pictures are not exactly as I want but this was only a sneek peek.
I am linking this post up to ME Mondays,
Thrifty Treasures
Thrift Share
Nifty Thrifty
Twice Owned
Fabulous Finds Fridays
Fun Finds Fridays
Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest
and Frugal Friday at Life as Mom
I’m Lovin It!
Finding Beauty (go see her great critter photos!)
Flaunt It Friday
Friday Pretties
Finer Things
Inspired By party at the Inspired Room
Favorite Things with Laurie
For more thrifty finds and treasures, stop over at Debbie Doos Garage Salen party and Its So Very Thrifty . Cheri has had a rough week. Please go offer some words of support.
Sunday- Flea Market Finds
Bella Vista Rooster Party Fri Aug 6
You can sign up through Wednesday
DogsMom Exploring the Blogosphere 
Good morning!
I am such a fan of Mary Engelbreit! She is the illustrator I always wanted to grow up to be 🙂
I see you are working with wordpress and I too have often been frustrated with the positioning of the photos.
When you bring up the box AFTER you upload the photo… down below gives you some options to right align or left or Center.
I tend to follow a format that I like… and center mine.
Hope this helps a bit.
Thanks for joining with us on Friday Finding Beauty… you certainly did!
Hugs
Claudia
Comment by Claudia@DipityRoad — July 30, 2010 @ 11:01 AM
Thanks. If I align them all centered it works most of the time.
I had hoped to place some left and some right and vary the sizes, and the final result was neither the order I wanted or the overall look.
So, for now it is “lumped” and I’ll try to fix it when I have a (few?) moment/s.
Comment by dogsmom — July 30, 2010 @ 11:15 AM
Looks like you had a fun shopping experience! It must have been a really good air conditioner to make you think of Christmas in July when it’s 100* outside! Fun!
Thanks for linking up to my Friday Pretties. It is always nice to see a new face. 🙂
Joyce
Comment by I Love Pretty Little Things — July 30, 2010 @ 11:21 AM
Haha – I had the same photo placing problem on my antique store blog post today. I, too, live in an old house and none of my living room windows open either. I’m afraid to force them because I love the wavy old glass! Great finds at your a/c haunts! Love, love, love Mary E. xoxo Nancy
Comment by Nancy — July 30, 2010 @ 11:49 AM
What a great find…Lucky you.
Comment by A Garden of Threads — July 30, 2010 @ 12:48 PM
Santa in July, now that is FUN! Found you through Friday pretties… Wishing you a lovely weekend. xx
Comment by ~*~saskia~*~ — July 30, 2010 @ 1:04 PM
… still smiling ear-to-ear on your comment. Baking on the sidewalk… hugs for a happy Friday xx
Comment by ~*~saskia~*~ — July 30, 2010 @ 1:19 PM
Thanks for visiting my blog…your blog is cool !!!! wishing you a happy weekend…….hugs from Ria…..
Comment by It's Me — July 30, 2010 @ 1:48 PM
I love Christmas (even in July), and nothing makes Christmas more cheery than M.E.!!! 🙂 Very cute!
Happy Pretty Friday!!!
@}~`}~~~~ Gloria
Comment by Gloria — July 30, 2010 @ 1:58 PM
well it isn’t 100 here but it is humid, since I live in ND, I try not to complain or wish at all for winter or anything like it! It comes and lasts tooo long! I have trouble making my photos go where I want them too. Alas…..always something. Thanks for stopping by!
Comment by Shannon Olson — July 30, 2010 @ 4:44 PM
I can not honestly say I am in a hurry for summer to leave, but a nice cool breeze now and then would be welcome… not gale force winds.
Comment by dogsmom — July 30, 2010 @ 4:49 PM
I am so over summer…for one thing the heat, for second my KIDS are driving my nuts…sorry I know that sounds terrible but true. I love your book..she for one has the cutest whimsical things..I adore them all. Thanks for joining in on the party, I am so glad you did. Debbie
Comment by debbie — July 30, 2010 @ 7:52 PM
I love that first photo of the Santa with the curled up shoes. You really did some good shopping. The heat and humidity this summer has been so uncomfortable. Looking forward to less humid days so I can have a hairdo again. My hair and I have both drooped!
Nancy
Comment by Porch Days — July 30, 2010 @ 8:09 PM
It was really really hot here two weeks ago, but now it has cooled way down. I do like going up and down the ailes in the thrift store very slowly when it is hot. I love your book the illustrations are beautiful.
🙂 Michelle
Comment by Michelle@ A Full Cottage — July 30, 2010 @ 9:48 PM
100 degrees and no a/c OMG I would live at the Goodwill. I live in Orlando and cannot remember a summer this hot in 20 years, my a/c goes continuously and only keeps the house at 80 …..and lets talk humidity. I love Mary Engelbreit, isn’t it great to actually find something your looking for! I came from Debbiedoos
Carol
Comment by carollturner@live.com — July 30, 2010 @ 10:39 PM
Happy Christmas in July! You have just made my day seeing this wonderful post!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Comment by The 3 Sisters — July 31, 2010 @ 5:51 AM
Hi,
I love the ME book. You got quite a deal. Hope you cool off a bit. It’s still hotter than Heck here in Texas!
Leslie
Comment by Leslie — July 31, 2010 @ 9:36 AM
I love that Santa list…I will have to keep my eyes out for it as well. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving me such sweet comments. I really do appreciate you taking the time to do that. Have a wonderful weekend. xo Bev
Comment by Green Gracie Home — July 31, 2010 @ 9:37 AM
Oh this looks like such a fun book! I am a ME fan as well and have been for more years than I want to count! Great find!
Comment by Diann @ The Thrifty Groove — July 31, 2010 @ 10:58 AM
I love all things Christmasy! I collect Santa’s so this photo really got my attention! I love the picture of the Santa holding the list. I also enjoy ME’s work but am not a collector! So neat you were able to find what you were looking for! Hope you stay cool!
Comment by Mary@SailingSimply — July 31, 2010 @ 8:13 PM
Such a pretty ME book. I love the front cover, and it looks like the inside is just as pretty. Thank you for linking to Favorite Things Sat. laurie
Comment by laurie — July 31, 2010 @ 9:38 PM
I dont know if you are familiar with PBS Site. It is a site for swapping books. I follow the craft section daily and there are all kinds of Marys books waiting to be picked up!
My name is Sherry and I wanted to come by and introduce myself as I have joined the Bloggerette Sorority. I am new to the blog world (3 weeks!) so I missed the Rush, but I look forward to joining in on the fun in the future. I would be honored if you would come by my blog for a visit at http://scrappingwithsherry1.blogspot.com/ Hope to see you there.
Take Care~ Sherry
Comment by Sherry Ferguson — August 1, 2010 @ 3:51 AM
That Mary Engelbreit book is beautiful! I need to be on the hunt for that one. 🙂 My girls would love it!! I’m visiting from Rhoda’s Thrifty Treasures party. 🙂
Comment by Amanda @ Serenity Now — August 1, 2010 @ 6:31 PM
Now you have done it! got me thinking of the holidays! Neat finds!
Comment by Kelee Katillac — August 1, 2010 @ 7:05 PM
Sorry to hear that it’s unusually hot where you live! It is always hot here in the summer so we have a/c but going out can be unbearable! I tend to take my time too in stores to avoid getting back in the hot car! Great find on the book!
Comment by Jody Smith — August 1, 2010 @ 7:10 PM
Great book and you can post to your blog so much easier if you use Windows Live Writer…it is easy to center and enlarge your photos as you want…it is a free program…just google windows live writer and install it…you’ll love blogging so much more when it is this easy to post!!!!
Comment by Becky — August 1, 2010 @ 8:03 PM
I am so glad that you left a link to your blog. I clicked on your name out of habit and it said that I couldn’t view your profile (or something like that) which meant I couldn’t view your blog. Fortunately I went back and looked at your comment and go your URL that way.
Wow, last year we had a couple of days of temps over 100 and it was so hot, and we don’t have an a/c either. After that weather in the 90’s was looking good, lol!
I once checked out a few of Mary E.’s magaines and I love her look. So bright and cheery!
Thank you for your sweet comments!
~ Nan
Comment by momstheword — August 1, 2010 @ 9:03 PM
Because I am on Wp, not Blogspot, amd your comments do not support open ID
Comment by dogsmom — August 2, 2010 @ 2:05 AM
What a lucky find. I have some of ME’s books, but not this one. Thanks for sharing. I’ll look for it for my bookshelf. ~ Sarah
Comment by Sarah — August 1, 2010 @ 10:14 PM
I love the vibrant colors in these pages.
Such a fun find.
Comment by Becky K. — August 1, 2010 @ 10:36 PM
Love this book, love Mary E. and I hope that you get cooled off by this wintry book!
Comment by Sweet Bee Cottage — August 1, 2010 @ 10:48 PM
Hey very nice blog!!
Comment by Pc ion — August 2, 2010 @ 12:14 AM
Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit. I appreciate the support!
No,unfortunately the liitle girl in my header is not me!
Take Care~ Sherry
Comment by Sherry Ferguson — August 2, 2010 @ 3:12 AM
Love your finds for this week. You’d fit right in with the Handmade Christmas Challenge meme over at my blog. Would love to hear more about the inspiring projects in your gorgeous Christmas book.
Comment by Tracey — August 2, 2010 @ 4:20 AM
Love the Santa….and the journals…I paid 10.00 for mine! You really got the deal!!! Thanks for common by my blog and leaving me a comment. Do not fret about th photos not going where you want them to go…it is a part of blogging for me. Somedays they are cooperative and on others they are not. Sometimes I just give up and start over. Glad you won Vicki’s giveaway. She is such a sweetie-pie. I bought 2 pieces of her jewelry and wear them all the time. Congrats! Love you blog….
Hugs, Genie
buttonsforbaga.blogspotl.com
Comment by Genie Robinson — August 2, 2010 @ 7:35 AM
Love the book and all things ME!
That’s such a great idea for the hot days – enjoy the ac someplace!
Jane-Jacksonville
Comment by Jane — August 2, 2010 @ 7:48 AM
Gheez…under $2?? That was a deal. I will race you to the PBS site mentioned above to check out what other Mary Engelbreit books we can find…lol.
Thanks for sharing with us on ME Monday. It really is a cute book.
Comment by Cherry Chick — August 2, 2010 @ 8:40 AM
And PBS “sellers” (swappers) pay the shipping!
I am sure there is a system, points or something, but worth looking into.
Comment by dogsmom — August 2, 2010 @ 8:57 AM
What a terrible thing to happen as hot as it has been. Great that you found a cool place to hang out!!! I worry everyday that my air conditioner is going to give out. I try and give it a rest once in a while to try and keep it going. I love Mary Englebreit items too. Your book was a terrific find.
Comment by sherry — August 2, 2010 @ 9:24 AM
We have never had A.C. and after seeing this last electric bill those fans may not be on as often.
It has just been the most unusual summer for Wisconsin and I believe the rest of the U.S. Maybe the world?
Comment by dogsmom — August 2, 2010 @ 10:29 AM
What a bargain you found in this book!! The illustrations look amazing. I really think that summer is the best time to find holiday items for me- no one is thinking about cold weather and Christmas when it’s so hot out! LOL Hope you get cooled off sometime soon. Thanks for visiting earlier today.
🙂 Sue
Comment by Sue — August 2, 2010 @ 10:52 AM
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I didn’t realize there are so many thrifty blogs to share weekend treasures with. I like Englebreit’s illustrations as well. Enjoy! I’m going back to my sewing machine.
Comment by Nancy S — August 2, 2010 @ 11:10 AM
I invite everyone to see the sewing machine she is talking about. Click on her name.
Comment by dogsmom — August 2, 2010 @ 11:29 AM
What a cute book. When I was younger I used to go to the library to escape the heat. It was the only place in our small town besides the grocery store that had AC.
Comment by Pam — August 2, 2010 @ 3:01 PM
Thanks for visiting myeverydaygraces and leaving your comment. I havent’ seen “City Chicks”, thanks for the heads up. I did find Backyard Chickens, the forum… one of the chicks has been stuffy so I was trying to see if I should do anything for it. He’s been that way for awhile and it doesn’t seem to be contagious.
Looks like you had a good day shopping:) Enjoy!
Comment by Heather — August 2, 2010 @ 4:38 PM
I have never thought about “stuffed up” chickens, or them getting head colds.
Comment by dogsmom — August 4, 2010 @ 6:20 AM
I cannot function in the heat, it zaps me altogether. I love the book, great find!
Comment by Shara — August 2, 2010 @ 7:46 PM
Dear Rooster Party Participant,
Just a reminder that this coming Friday, August 6th is the Rooster Party. I am so looking forward to seeing your post.
Thanks for joining and I hope you have a wonderful time.
Hugs, Barb
Thanks Sweetie for the mention…that was so thoughtful of you! ♥
Comment by Barb~Bella Vista — August 3, 2010 @ 9:10 AM
It’s funny, somebody in your comments mentioned
“hot” and “Christmas” together as strange, whereas here in Australia, we can’t imagine anything else! Chrissy lunch always consists of cold seafood and fruit Pavlova, with the day usually spent by the beach in sweltering conditions. We spend most of the day yelling at my father in law to turn on the AC and then all try to manouvre spots where the breeze blows directly onto us. As they live right on the beach, he thinks there is no need for AC, and we should be cool by default…but he is way wrong.
I want to go to one of these estate sales you speak of. Sounds wonderful!
Comment by Nick — August 4, 2010 @ 4:53 AM
I think if we were hot at Christmas we may not be so jolly.
Thanks for a look at the other side.
Comment by dogsmom — August 4, 2010 @ 6:21 AM