Keeping My Cool

Everyone I talk to is sweating, and everyone I read in bloggyland is talking about how much they're sweating.  I'm with ya.  It is no fun choosing between A) man-eating mosquitoes and insta-sweat the moment I step outside or B) involuntary commitment after one more day of being cooped up with two hyperactive boys.

So, I've been on a Summer-long quest to find indoor activities that don't make me want to stab myself in the eye.  Seriously, I can only take so many trips to the play-place at the mall.  And as for taking the boys to the pool--well, I can think of better ways to get some exercise than donning a tankini and running after a chubby baby with a death-wish and an affinity for the deep end.   Sooooo, I recently braved a trip to this huge antiques mall over in Concord, NC.

The Depot at Gibson Mill: "The Largest Antique and Designer Mall in the South"
Their other motto is: "We Just Love Your Grabby Kids!"

I expected to have to shout "no-touch!" no less than a zillion times, but after I gave Biggest Boy his Secret Mission (finding soapbox derby cars), he coincidentally stopped flinging heavy objects, casually toying with antique glassware, and offering chippy painted objets-d'art to the baby for a snack.

Plus, I got to see some GREAT stuff, like these adorable vignettes:

Some drool-worthy rustic treasures:

Loooove these!

I don't know what it is but I kinda want it.

It might have toxic lead, but at least its super cute.

Old ceiling tiles--I am seriously in love.

This little jaunt was especially successful because I refrained from actually buying anything.  That way I can pat myself on the back for finding "Free Summer Entertainment!"  Also, I find that "shopping" with my camera is almost as fulfilling as actually spending money.  Although I do kinda wish I'd adopted this little guy:

I'm lonely!  Take me home!

It's okay, though, because having feasting the eyes is sometimes enough.  And it was a feast.  Check out one of my favorite things about this mall: all the COLOR!

  

Wow.  Well, here's hoping you are also finding fun ways to keep cool this Summer, and please know I am not really going to stab myself in the eye.  At least not today.