Vintage Outdoor Garden Sink

I have wanted to install a useable vintage outdoor garden sink for years. With all the gardening, barbecuing and kid play in our yard, a garden sink workstation would really come in handy. We looked for inspiration at all the outdoor garden sink ideas but I knew I wanted something vintage.

This summer on vacation in Oregon, a vintage hunter's dream store, was not far from my brother's home. Hubby and I went crazy in there. They had an entire room devoted to old sinks. I think we spent an hour and decided on this antique sink from the 1920s for our garden sink DIY project. It came with the mounting piece it was originally set with. Lucky!

To me, working in the garden is healing and now I can work outside without coming in to wash up. I rinse vegetables in the garden sink faucet and we put the old drinking fountain on the other side. The drinking fountain had been in this garden since my hubby was a boy. Now our youngest gets a cool drink whenever she wants one.

The antique garden sink sits right next to hubby's barbecue so he can quickly wash up and rinse things like our special corn on the cob recipe. We have the old rubber stopper and plug that came with it and we can soak things out here as well. I've even seen a few Barbie's using the sink in the summer. Talk about a multi-purpose outdoor sink.

We knew our old sink would go in this spot because we had an old water spigot that was no longer in use. Hubby made a few trips to the hardware store for a garden hose sink adapter but he actually plumbed it like a regular sink but just with cold water. We searched the garage and found an old piece of rigid PVC pipe to drain the sink into the adjacent planter, but you could use flexible tubing. 

The only additional garden sink plans we have is to seal the under part of the iron sink. You can see it came with some rust but being outdoors we do not want to see it damaged from moisture. A clear sealer will take just minutes to apply.

We do not use any harsh cleaners that would drain into this planter but when I do scour the sink we just pull the flexible hose into a bucket and can dump that indoors in our stationary sink.

Cost of DIY Outdoor Garden Sink

• $45 vintage 1928 sink
• $20 one sink faucet
• $24 hoses
• Total: $89

Get more of our garden posts here.

Best Tips Of 2015

As the year closes, I love to review and see which posts were the most popular on the blog so here are the best tips of 2015 on Sunny Simple Life. A little something for everyone, we share the best money saving, gardening and recipe of 2015.

Most popular recipe of the year was our Crock Pot Mixed Berry Cobbler. This recipe was by far the most viewed and shared of the year. I made it for our family reunion in July and everyone asked for the recipe. We even made a dairy free version for my sister in law.

I make all of my own homemade cleaners but this one with bleach was very popular. It works great on my white tile and grout and I use it when I clean the bathrooms. It takes pennies to make. All our cleaning recipes can be found on the frugal tips page.

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner With Bleach

Now onto the garden. I had two posts that were very popular. First, my super frugal homemade flower fertilizer made from two ingredients you probably have right now. Costs almost nothing to make and is totally organic. Spring will be here before you know it.

And last, who doesn't love a homegrown tomato and planting them for optimum yield is important. How to plant tomatoes the right way shows you how to plant your tomato seedlings for a strong root system. Also don't forget my post on how to grow tomato plants from cuttings. Two frugal garden tips to help you save money.

Maintaining The Roof Of Your Home

Your Roof Keeps You Comfortable; It’s Time to Return the Favor

With what the experts are calling an epic El Nino coming our way, we have been making preparations to ensure our home is ready to withstand higher than normal amounts of rain and likely heavy winds. 

The roof is the most important part of your home, providing shelter from the elements and keeping your family safe. But like anything else that braves the outdoors for 20 years or more, your home’s roof is bound to eventually show its age. You may get to a time when you need to use the repair services of a roofing company, or you might be in the market for a whole new lid for your house. Perhaps you just bought a new commercial property and want to learn about your options for roof replacement materials. We’ve gathered the basics of roof top considerations for you so that you can treat yours with care.

Types of Roofing Materials

The materials on your roof can depend largely on where you live and what type of building you’ve got. Commercial buildings often have flat – or low-slope -- roofs that are topped with hot asphalt and layers of felt or with polyurethane. Foam roofs are ideal in hot climates as they cut down on thermal shock and can help reduce energy costs.

Residential properties are much more likely to have asphalt shingles or clay tiles on top. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing around the country as they handle all types of weather well and have a long life. They also can be purchased in many different colors or even patterns. Clay or concrete tiles are popular in hot, arid climates and fit in nicely with Spanish- or Mediterranean-style architecture. They are extremely long lasting and also come in a variety of colors. One caveat with tile roofs is their weight. If you are considering installing a tile roof in place of an asphalt one, be sure the structure can support the additional load.

In the eastern part of the nation, metal roofs are more common, especially in places that get a lot of snow. The strength and durability of metal roofs make them perfect for that type of weather.

Places Damage Can Occur

No matter what type of roof you have or want to add to your home, there are certain parts of the system that are prone to problems. Water leaks are the most obvious indication that there’s an issue with your roof, but a visual inspection can also reveal a number of problems.

Flashing is the term used for metal that is used in roofing systems to divert water away from seams and valleys. Deterioration of the metal can lead to leaks and should be corrected right away. Sealants around vents and chimneys also are worth checking periodically for damage and should be re-caulked immediately if a leak occurs. Of course, Mother Nature can play a role in the lifespan of your roof. High winds can send trees crashing down or at the very least lead to missing or broken roofing materials.

Homeowners or commercial-property owners should plan a semi-annual inspection of their buildings to check for damage to the roof. The expertise of a roofing company can be helpful in assessing the damage and deciding which repairs should be made.

Extending Its Life

Regular inspections and repairs are two ways to prolong the life of your home’s roof. There are plenty of other actions you can take to boost its longevity, though. For example, if you have a tree located near your home, make sure none of its branches are scraping the top of your house. Repeated rubbing will damage the shingles or tiles and could lead to leaks. Leaf debris piles on the roof retain moisture and harbor pests, so they should be removed promptly. The same goes for your gutters. If they are full of leaves and can’t drain properly, there will likely be damage to the fascia boards around your roof line that could result in the need for costly repair.

Plan to conduct an inspection of your roof periodically and address any issues you find right away. Don’t wait until you have a water leak to take care of problems or you could be in for a much bigger bill. Plus, extending the life of your roof and home will

Roofing Contractors

When you do need the services of a roof repair company, be selective about which you choose to work with. Only consider candidates who have a contractor’s license, a tax identification number and liability insurance. Ask for references from recent clients and check the companies’ online reviews.

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about your project. An experienced roofing contractor should be able to explain the process and products clearly, as well as indicate why he or she prefers certain materials. Walk away from any person who doesn’t plan to work under contract. You need that document in order to get an accurate representation of the scope of work and other details of the job. The contract should outline the materials, timeframe, responsibilities, and costs involved throughout the process. Don’t sign the dotted line until you are 100 percent comfortable with the details as stipulated.

How Your Roof Helps

Because the roof of your home or commercial building is a basic structure, you probably don’t spend time thinking about it unless there is a storm on the way. However, there’s a lot to know about how a roof affects your lifestyle. For example, if you are into conserving energy, you might want to install solar panels up there. Make sure to choose a licensed installation company that can do this without causing roof leaks.

Your roof also serves as a place to mount holiday lights or decorations. Never use nails to hang lights; removable plastic hooks are available for that purpose and don’t introduce holes. The soffits under your roof line likely have vents that allow air in the attic space to escape and minimize heating and cooling costs. Don’t let those vents get blocked or closed in any way, or you could be looking at come costly repairs.

The crown of you home does more than keep the rain out. It provides a safe structure that is important to your family’s comfort. When you take some time to make sure it can operate to its maximum efficiency, it can protect you for years to come.

With the drought we have had, I say bring on the rain. We are ready and prepared.

Shabby Chic Christmas Bedroom

Part Two 

Part two of my visit to Bliss Cottage is her pink and blue shabby chic Christmas bedroom.

Oh this darling pink room is so cute and Shelly is an expert at shabby chic bedroom decor ideas. I love this vintage girls in the old silver creamer. 

The top of this dresser is so wonderful. All decked out in pastel Christmas decorations.

Shelly is a master of display and this little tray with the blue and pink birdie tea set set with PINK Santa mugs is perfect.

Just look at the darling little pink vintage radio.

Who wouldn't want to curl up in this cozy pink chair in this darling vintage shabby chic bedroom. The shabby chic bedroom furniture all goes perfectly together.

Thank you Shelly for letting us all visit your darling home and if you missed part one of my cozy cottage tour make sure to check it out.

Cozy Christmas At Bliss Cottage

Another wonderful little tour of the cozy Christmas cottage of my friend Shelly. Every year I look forward to an invite to come and see her delightful home. It is beginning to be a tradition and I have shared Christmas pictures of her home since 2011.

Shelly has the most darling cozy Christmas house I have ever seen and I could have taken many more pictures than the few I took today but the time is about friends and we had a nice time just visiting and catching up. Here are a few of the quick photos so you can take a peek at her Christmas decorations for 2015. She has her darling tree set up on a table and on the shelf behind, she used old green shutters as the backdrop for loads of vintage Christmas decor. Love the vintage red thermos collection against the green.

But this is the cabinet we all love and every year it is different but always a bit of jadeite. You can find the previous years  and see which one is your favorite.

Shelly collects vintage Christmas deer out of a love for those that her momma collected. She said this was her favorite vignette this Christmas and it is darling for sure.

I didn't even get into the kitchen and take pictures this year but you can see a lot of it in last year's tour.

I did snap some pictures of the cutest pink shabby chic bedroom all decked out for Christmas and I will share those tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed a little peek into Bliss Cottage all decorated for Christmas.

Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

Top Winter Holidays Safety Tips for Your Furry Children

Buying gifts, baking cookies, decking the halls - there’s so much hustle and bustle going on during the holidays that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. You try to remember the most important things and not to lose sight of what the holidays are all about - family, friends, and love. Your dog is a member of your family, too, and you show them your love all year round by keeping them safe with healthy dog food, regular veterinarian visits. During Christmastime, there are some special precautions you should take to keep your dog safe in the midst of all the festive fun. Here are the top tips for dog safety at Christmas.

This year we have the new pups, Tugg and Luna to worry about, They are just a year now but very much still in the puppy stage. Here they are in there new holiday sweaters. Don't they look alike?

We miss our big dog Sandy at Christmas. She loved all the Christmas morning hustle and bustle and never stopped playing in all the wrapping. I wonder how these two will do. They have new matching stockings that will be waiting for them on Christmas morning.

Sneakers, our 15 year old cat, is enjoying the Christmas tree. I do like to get gifts under the tree right away as the cats will try and drink from the water and I want to prevent that.

Don’t Give Your Dog Table Scraps

All the delicious food may be one of your favorite parts of the holiday, but it’s also one of the most dangerous for your dog. A dog’s keen sense of smell means they’ll be attracted to many different things, even foods that are toxic or items that are inedible. Alcohol, chocolate (especially dark or unsweetened baking chocolate), and xylitol (a sugar substitute) are poisonous to dogs and can be fatal even in small doses. Other toxic foods that can cause severe illness in dogs are grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, coffee, tea, and fatty foods (such as gravy and turkey skin).

Do not give your dog bones, either, because they can pierce their mouth, throat, intestinal tract, or stomach lining. Be very cautious with food prep or storage items like aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and meat twine or string. These can choke your dog or cause serious internal damage. Make sure all garbage is placed in an outdoor garbage bin. The best thing you can do is keep your dog out of the kitchen entirely, which will also prevent cooking-related accidents. Utilize a gate or to ensure your dog can’t access the kitchen.

Be Cautious of Your Christmas Tree

While the Christmas tree is the most iconic Christmas decoration, there are many potential hazards related to it that all dog owners should be aware of. For example, your dog can be injured if the Christmas tree falls on them, so consider anchoring it to the wall. If your dog chews on electrical wires, make sure any light strand cords are hidden or out-of-reach, or your dog will be at risk of electrical shock. Glass ornaments, if eaten, can cause serious injury to your dog. Tinsel and garland can also cause blockages or choke your dog.

The water in the stand of your real Christmas tree can become toxic, because stagnant water will breed bacteria, and pesticides used in growing your tree will collect in the stand. Pine needles can also be toxic and cause stomach irritation, so don’t allow your dog to chew on your tree branches (including artificial trees) or eat fallen pine needles. If your dog won’t leave the tree alone, consider purchasing a portable fence, especially because this tool will keep your dog safe without requiring you to alter the look of your tree.

Beware of Other Hazards in the Home

If you have any traditional Christmas plants in your home, make sure your dog cannot get to them. Mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly plants are poisonous to dogs. It’s best to avoid using them as decorations altogether and opt for the artificial versions instead. Potpourri, essential oils, and adhesives/glues are also toxic to dogs. Make sure lit candles are also out-of-reach so your dog won’t accidentally knock them over and start a fire.

When having guests in your home, ask them to keep their medications, gum, and other dangerous substances up high where your dog can’t get them. When you’re cleaning in preparation for guests, be careful not to leave toxic cleaning chemicals out. Remind your guests not to feed your dog or leave their drinks/plates unattended.

As always, a little precaution and common sense will go a long way for keeping your dog safe. Keep the phone numbers to your local animal hospital and your vet’s office handy, and be sure to call at the first sign of distress in your dog. If your dog is acting strangely or is ill, call right away. Keep an eye on your dog as much as possible, but consider keeping them in a closed room that is free of hazards during a busy holiday party. Remember that dogs get overwhelmed by lots of activity, people, and noise much more easily than humans do.

A Very Vintage Christmas

Our home is so cozy this year for Christmas and I'd say it is a very vintage Christmas. Hubby pulled out all the stops to make every little section just so. I don't even know if I will get to sharing the rest of the house because I am busy making Christmas merriment and wrapping this week and I want to feel that slow build up to the holiday like I did when I was a child.

Today I went to Target for a last few things and now I am done! So relieved. I will not step into Target until sometime after Christmas. I literally cannot handle the crowds. The thought of long lines and crowded aisles gives me such anxiety. I wish I could say it doesn't. I don't enjoy long lines and crowded stores at all. So I shop early and get it done. Now I will only visit the market between now and Christmas.

I love how the yellow and red vintage toy truck was the decision maker for the color scheme of this shelf. Those are hubby's toy trucks from his childhood. I told him I wanted little trees in them so he grabbed some at our favorite little store.

So we are set. Now I will finish the wrapping and then begin the baking. My youngest has a cold so we have stayed in and had to cancel a couple of things but I have honestly loved it. Not her cold but the staying in. That sounded wrong but staying in and turning on the twinkly lights and wrapping gifts is all the better for me. Though my poor girl. She is on the mend so I am hoping we are all well for Christmas.

So that is the kitchen nook all dressed for Christmas. I just love the yellow walls this year instead of the old bandaid beige I had before. The little sign hanging says, "Wanted: Jolly men bearing gifts." Isn't that what we all want? Have a very Merry vintage Christmas!

Mandarin Orange Jello Fluff Salad

My mom always made this mandarin orange jello fluff salad for many gatherings. This orange fluff jello salad cottage cheese version is to me the best. It is a perfect dish for showers, barbecues but also the holidays when you want a light and fresh jello salad to put on the table.

 Mom had an arsenal of jello salad recipes but this orange jello fluff salad recipe was always my favorite. I loved the mandarin orange slices and the sweet creamy texture. I think you will love it too. 

Jello Orange Fluff Salad

Recipe by Elaine Lewis

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: Minimum 4 hours
Ingredients

• 1 can mandarin sliced oranges
• 1 small can crushed pineapple
• 3 ounce box orange jello
• 16 ounce cottage cheese
• 12 ounce Cool Whip
• 1 cup mini marhsmallows

Cooking Directions

1. Take the Cool Whip out to soften prior to making the salad. Open oranges and pineapple and drain. In a large bowl mix the cottage cheese and the orange jello until fully blended. Add orange slices and pineapple and mix all together well. Fold in the Cool Whip and marshmallows and refrigerate at least 4 hours or over night.

Our Hot Drink Station - Sending Hot Cocoa Love

Hello and welcome...I want to share our Christmas hot drink station for this year. It was really cute last year but I think I love it even more this year mixing the vintage blue in with the red. Our retro 50s kitchen still has the original tiles so it was fun to pull the blue from the old tiles into our Christmas decor.

Having hot winter drinks at the ready and all in one place, is made easy when you contain it in one tray.

Not all of us can afford to run to buy a hot drink at Starbucks when we have a craving for a flavored coffee so having a coffee bar at home saves so much money and coffee bar ideas abound from simple like I did, on a tray, to fancy coffee bars. We have lots of coffee tips for the frugal coffee maker. Homemade peppermint mocha is my favorite so I keep peppermint kisses available to make my favorite Christmas coffee.

For the younger kids, a DIY hot cocoa station is what they are all about. Marshmallows, hot cocoa and cute straws are just a few of the hot cocoa station ideas to create a fun place to easily make a hot Christmas beverage. I have everyone's favorite Christmas cup ready to go.

We use our yellow Keurig daily. I have had it three years now and by cleaning regularly, it has kept on making good coffee for us. I threw in a little bowl of tea bags because two of my girls love their hot tea in the mornings so we have a hot cocoa/coffee/tea bar ready to go.

Come by for a hot beverage cause we are all set. We would love to see you! Bring cookies though!! From our vintage kitchen to yours, sending Hot Cocoa Love!

Christmas Decorating Ideas In Red And White

First Christmas tour is part of our Christmas kitchen and this year Christmas decorating ideas in red and white. With our new butter yellow walls, a red and white Christmas was in order.

I love red so adding red and white Christmas decorations was easy and we loved the outcome. Of course hubby did most of the tweaking but I was in there too.

This was our bottle brush tree year. We just kept picking them up wherever we went. Gifts from friends and our toy vintage stove make for perfect red and white holiday decor.

The red vintage toy tractor was hubby's when he was a boy. I love that we still have it and vintage toys make great Christmas decorations. He added a little green Christmas wreath and waa-laa!

Of course some red, green and white Christmas decorations slipped onto our vintage shelf but that's okay. Adds just enough pop of Christmas color.

Whenever I search for red and white Christmas decorations Pinterest, I am always finding so much Christmas inspiration and charm. It is truly a favorite color combination and this may be my favorite little Christmas corner this year. Our original 50's kitchen is so fun to decorate. This is the room we go for bright colors in. We have always decorated the kitchen in previous years with lots of red. 

Next up is our little kitchen shelf all decked out in more vintage toys.