Thrift Store Chic

Rhinestone pumpkin

2011-09-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

I'm here! I know it's been months since I've posted, but things has been crazy busy. We finally moved and I am so much happier. The new place is small, but I don't care.

Anyway, here's a little project I did yesterday. I plan on doing a whole white and black section of Halloween decor in my house. Sorry I didn't take pictures of before. But it's very simple, so no pictures are really needed.

My inspiration: These cost $158 for three.

My pumpkin:
I bought the pumpkin at Michael's for $6.49, and the rhinestones were $3.99. I had a 40 % off coupon for the rhinestones. They came already in the scroll pattern, so you just have to glue them on. Super easy. I should have bought two packages, so I'll have to go back to complete the back part of the pumpkin.

Linking this to:

Bargain book for only 99 cents.

2011-04-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

A bargain ebook buy if you like paranormal romance.

Me and My Ghoulfriends is only 99 cents at Amazon.com. You don't have to have a Kindle. You can download Amazon's free Kindle software to your PC, Mac, iPad, Blackberry, and more.

Me and My Ghoulfriends

There's always fun to be had on a ghoul's night out.

By day, Larue Donavan is a down-to-earth bookstore owner. But by night, she's a world-renowned psychic investigator dedicated to helping lost spirits find peace. Dead people won't leave her alone and Abraham Lincoln thinks he's in charge of her lovelife. Larue can handle ghosts and undead presidents. It's the living who drive her crazy.

When Callahan Weiss moves to town, the handsome newcomer opens a coffee shop right next door. She's smitten from the start, but she's not the only one -- The boutique owner across the street has her eye on Callahan too, and uses witchcraft to fight dirty. When Callahan gets hit by a love spell, Larue will need more than a little help from her ghoul-friends to save the day...

Can't believe it's been so long

2010-12-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. I've been so busy, there's been no time. I'm almost caught up with work, and I'll have a lot more spare time for a couple months coming up soon. I have several craft projects waiting for me.

I didn't post any Christmas decorations. Honestly, I just wasn't into it. I don't like the house we're renting and I wasn't into decorating for Christmas. I tried. I put out decorations...but I made zero craft projects which is really unlike me. I can't wait until the lease is up in May and we can move.

I did buy a few things for Christmas, so I'll take pics of them soon. I have a couple cute Valentine projects I want to do, too.

The holiday season begins....

2010-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

I have a confession: my Christmas tree is already up. I can't help it; I have issues, okay? I never said I didn't.

Honestly, I've been so busy, and I knew if I didn't do it when I had a free moment, it might not get done. Of course, I still have a lot of tweeking to do to it, but yes, I started decorating already. There, I said it.

I've been on a Bath and Body Works kick lately. I love their new Secret Wonderland scent.

And let me just tell you, I love the Homemade Cookies candle.

Makes me want to whip out a spoon and take a big bite. I wish they made shower gel and lotion in that scent and not just the candle.

Anyway, the other day after one of my recent visits to Bath and Body Works, I looked at the bag my items came in and thought: I can reuse this bag for a gift.

I mean, it kind of takes the surprise out of the gift if the person can look at the outside of it and see it came from Bath and Body Works. And why throw away a perfectly good bag? So I printed a graphic from The Graphics Fairy and used Mod Podge to put it on the front and back.

Okay, so not a great picture, but I was too lazy to get up. The sides have writing, too, but I'm going to add something over there, as well. Oh, and the red and white ribbon is free from Bath and Body Works, too.

Anyway, I think it looks much better dressed up a little bit, what do you think?

My Halloween decor

2010-10-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

My Halloween decorations. I had a lot so I put them in a slideshow.

More Halloween

2010-10-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

I printed out these silhouettes the other day. I can't remember which blog I got them from. I just put them in cheap frames from the dollar tree.

I bought the creepy picture from Dollar Tree that I'm sure y'all have seen. I just changed it from the cheap frame. $1 sure beats the higher prices for these I've seen at other stores.

I've had this witch for a few years now. My mother had it for years. I know she had it before I was born, so it's ancient. It used to cackle and light up, but she's been silent now for a long time. I remember pressing the button on it a million times when I was little. So this witch as a lot of sentimental value.

Halloween projects

2010-10-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Here are another couple of Halloween projects. I'm still working on putting everything where I want it. I'll have pictures of everything on the 13th for the party.

I made this little sign and hung it in front of the wreath. I used a wooden plague from the dollar tree. Added scrapbook paper and printed letters.

For this I just printed out the words and put it in a frame. This frame used to be a lovely burnt golden color, circa 1995.

I don't have a bunch of time for crafting right now, so my projects have to be easy.

I'm linking this to:

You're invited!

2010-09-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

If your a regular reader of my blog, it's no surprise I love Halloween and fall. I love looking at everyone's decorations. So, I thought it would be fun to have a blog Halloween party!

Also, October 13 is the one year anniversary of Thrift Store Chic. In honor of that, I'll have some goodies for a giveaway at the Halloween party as well. You can share your decorations, halloween food, and even some spooky tales. I love a good ghost story! I thought it would be fun to read about anyone's ghostly encounters in the comments section.

And if you don't celebrate Halloween, I'd love to see your fall decor and hear about ways you celebrate the fall season!

Here's a graphic for the party:

Please spread the word. I'd love if you'd add the graphic to your blogs. I'll make an announcement in a few days about the giveway.

Are you ready for a fun Halloween party?

Fall napkin rings...sort of

2010-09-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm working on my fall dining table. Although we'll celebrate Thanksgiving at another family member's home, I'm having out-of-town guests in a few weeks. So I want the table to be nice when they arrive.

I'm buying new dishes, so I don't have the table set up to show you yet, but I want to share my napkin rings. Well, they're not exactly rings, per se. I knew what I wanted them to look like, and I didn't want to spent any money. I tried to figure out something to make a ring out of, but nothing came to me.

Finally, I figured I could just use jute. I glued the jute to the back of the leaf, then tied it around the napkin. At first, I thought I'd tie the jute around the back of the napkin so only the leaf would be visible, but it looked a little plain that way. So I doubled it over and tied it in the front.

When someone unties the napkin, the leaf is glued to the tie, so it won't fall off. I still need to cut the plastic piece off the bottom of the leaf. I already had everything to make these, so the cost was free. I love free!

I made another glitter pumpkin. I told y'all I saw more glitter pumpkins in my future. If the dogs would stay still long enough I'd probably try to cover them in glitter, too.

And on with the glitter theme, my mom bought me this cute pumpkin from General Dollar. She's so sweet. Not sure where I'll put it yet, I need to hurry up and place things where I want them.

I'm linking this to:

Glitter pumpkin

2010-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this pumpkin. It started out as a plain pumpkin from the Dollar Tree. She was cute enough, but now...va-va-voom. I added glitter with mod podge and now it's sparkly goodness. I'm not sure where I'll put her yet. I see more glitter pumpkins in my future.

I bought this sign from Michaels with a 50% off coupon. I think it was $7.50. It wouldn't hang from my wreath hanger, so I stuck it up there sideways while I went to get ribbon to hang it from. But when I saw it, I liked it askew. Looks as if the tornado just came through.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I'm linking this to:

Fall vignette

2010-09-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Here's another fall vignette I put together. I'll be the first to admit a photographer I am not. I'm lucky not to get my thumb in every picture. Anyway, I made another canvas with the vintage Halloween postcard and I made a cute little candy jar out of a spaghetti sauce jar. I saw the idea for the jar on another blog, but I have no idea which one.

I'm linking this to:

Spooky ghost

2010-09-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

I found this cute idea for a ghost in the October issue of Country Living. They suggest using frosted window film. There's a website listed where to buy this product, but at $14.95 for a roll, I decided I needed a cheaper way of doing it. I mean, when would I ever use the window film again? Just not worth the cost to me, although $14.95 isn't a bad price.

Anyway, I made my own version using wax paper. I used a glue stick and attached to the mirror. Once Halloween is over, you can peel it off, and clean the mirror.

Items needed:
Wax paper
Glue stick
Exacto knife or scissors

Cost: $0 Zip, zilch. I already had everything I needed to make this spooky ghost.

Okay, so mine's not as cute, but for free, I'm not complaining.

I'm linking this to:

Motivate me Monday
DIY Fall Show Off Parade
Market Yourself Monday
It's So Very Creative
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
Mad Skills Party

Boo!

2010-09-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

I changed this Dollar Tree sign into this:

I found this graphic at The Graphics Fairy. It is meant as a banner, but I knew it would fit perfectly on this sign. I add black glitter to the whole sign, plus orange glitter to the letters. 'Cause, yeah, everything's better shiny.

I'm linking this to:

Countdown to fall party

Black Jack-o'-lantern

2010-09-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

I don't have a very crafty post today. I'm working on more projects, but they're not finished yet. Anyway, I had this terra-cotta jack-o'-lantern and I wasn't thrilled with the color. I decided to paint it black. Please ignore my crafting mess in the picture.

Instead of plain black, I used black glitter paint I found at Michaels. I was excited when I saw the paint, but it isn't as sparkly as I'd hoped. This is just a little grouping I put together. Oh, and the cute little lamp is thanks to All That Glitters. She blogged about the cute lamps and lampshades at The Dollar Store, so of course, I had to have one or two. I'll post pictures of my rooster lamp with toile shade later this week. Oh, and that's my shabby chic table in the photo. I bought it at a Thrift Store and I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. I kind of like the chipped paint.

I'm linking this to:

Gorilla Glue is my BFF.

2010-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

I went a little Gorilla Glue crazy over the past couple of days. I've been attaching every glass dish I can find together. LOL.

Anyway, I made this cute little cake/cupcake stand (cloche) and this apothecary jar.

The plate I got last year at a yard sale for ten cents.

The candle stick was fifty cents.

I painted it black and glued it to the plate.

Vase and glass candlestick are from The Dollar Tree, of course.

Voila! I'm a lazy crafter. lol.

I'm linking this to:

&

Fall Nesting Party @

Fall cloche party at A Stroll Thru Life

Trick or Treat

2010-09-02T17:58:00.001-07:00

A little project I whipped up. So easy.

I bought this canvas from Dollar Tree.

Painted it black. Printed a graphic from The Graphics Fairy, then attached it with Mod Podge.

See, I told you it was easy.

I'm linking this to:

Frame redo

2010-08-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

I've had this frame for several years. Yes, I actually bought it new. I got it while on a beach vacation. Why I bought it, I have no idea. Knowing me, it was probably on clearance. Anyway, the picture in the frame is my husband and I on a trip to Graceland. I really liked the photo of us, but because of the ugly frame, it's been hidden away in the closet for a long time. Then it hit me, why not revamp it? I'd already started taking the silver fish off when I took this picture.

Since the photo is from Graceland, I got a sheet music graphic from The Graphic Fairy, ripped it up, then attached it with Mod Podge. Now I can display the photo again. I guess I could have bought a new frame, but it's so much better to save money and redo the old one.

I'm linking this to:

Halloween finds

2010-08-25T04:58:00.001-07:00

There are so many cute Halloween things I've seen lately. I can't help but buy more and more. I spotted some cute things in a boutique window yesterday, but I didn't have time to stop. I probably won't be able to go until next week, which makes me a little bummed.

Anyway, I got this cute mummy from Hobby Lobby.

And I painted this pumpkin I bought from Michael's. I have no idea what I'll do with it. I just thought it was cute, and it was only $1.

Chalk board sign and a sparkly leaf.

2010-08-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has made a chalk board sign by now and I'm the last. Anyway, here's my attempt:

Before:

I've had this picture for several years, but it just doesn't fit my decor any more.

So now it's transformed. Sorry the picture didn't turn out better. I wrote Happy Fall Y'all, although you can barely see it in the photo.

After:

I've meant to do this for a long time. The color is an apple green with glaze over it.

I also painted this little leaf that I bought from Hobby Lobby a few weeks back. I added glitter, 'cause everything's better when it sparkles, don't ya think?

I'm linking this to the following link parties:

New friends

2010-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Want to make some new bloggy friends? Make sure to check out:

Goodwill finds

2010-08-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here's the loot from Goodwill this week:

I spotted these bad boys right away. I immediately scooped them up before anyone else had a chance. I can't believe the things some people give away. These were still brand new in the box for $4. Still had the Kirkland's tag on the box. The fleur de lis detail around the bottom is very pretty.

I found this cute bunny for Easter. Wonder how many people I could fool into thinking this is real chocolate? I thought he was so cute, and for a dollar, how could I resist? Excuse my crutches in the picture. I'm still waiting for more surgery.

Also found this Christmas sign for $1. Like I need another Christmas sign, but I digress.

Yes, my table is slightly ~~scratched~~ distressed. I'll eventually get around to refinishing it.

New blog and giveaway

2010-08-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

I found a great new blog today with a great giveaway. Check it out!

She's giving away a cute metal rooster sign. (I love my roosters.) There's also Paula Deen measuring cups and a Paula Deen candle. I love Paula Deen.

Jennifer's made it easy to enter her giveaway, too. Even better!

All That Glitters' giveaway.

New bathroom pictures

2010-08-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

I got these frames at a yard sale for a dollar each. Circa 2000. Looks like they were in a nursery. I'd orginally thought I'd paint them black, but decided I liked the cream color.

I cut out the design with my Cricut using the home decor cartridge. The white cut-out is the back from the black vinyl cut-out. So, I only had to make one cut.

The cream colored background was a paper that came in the frame and the black background is the back of the frame. I'm cheap like that. So the total cost was $2. I already had the vinyl.

Sorry this photo didn't turn out great, I took it with my cell phone. There was a glare from the window behind me.

I'm linking this to the following link parties:

Halloween witchy towel

2010-08-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Look at the cute towel I got from Cracker Barrel. I thought it was adorable.

I love roosters

2010-08-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

I got this cute rooster at a flea market a few weeks ago. $1.

I need opinions

2010-07-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I need your opinions, please. I'm indecisive at the moment. After weeks, okay months, of not completing a crafty-type project, I tackled this little guy.
It looks as if an Easter basket exploded on this tray. But for a buck, I knew I could do something with it.

So, I painted it blue and now I can't decide if I want to add a crown and maybe write something French. Or would it be cuter with a bird and the word nest? What do y'all think? Any help is appreciated.

Fall already?

2010-07-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hobby Lobby needs to ban me from their premises. I couldn't resist the fall decor. 50% off the fall wall art.

This little thing was $4.50

This was $8.50

This little pillow was $3.50

$6.50

$7.50

It's never too early to prepare for the fall season, right? Y'all need to check out Hobby Lobby, pronto. But you didn't need me to tell y'all that, huh?

I'm linking this to:

Still here

2010-07-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't disappeared. I have been a bit depressed, though. This house is impossible to decorate. I'm not inspired, at all. It's 1980's all the way, and since we're renting, I have no idea how to fix this.

I did take a few outside pictures. I have a fantastic view. This is the view from my office.

I have a bunch of yard sale finds to post, but I just found the cable for my camera. It disappeared after we got here. I'll take pics and post soon.

Moved

2010-06-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

We're in the house. Almost unpacked. All that's left is my office. I hope to have that finished this week. I'm still looking for a desk. I'd love to have an old farm table or something. I've been stalking craigslist, but so far nothing has popped up. As soon as I find my camera, I'll take pictures. The camera is in one of the office boxes. Figures.

Moving soon

2010-05-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well we're almost packed. As much as I want a bigger place, I'm sad because I'll be forty five mintues from my mom. Right now she lives a few streets over. But I plan on visiting every weekend. Next weekend we're headed to the library book sale and probably a thrift store or two.

I may not have internet access again until Tuesday. Other than checking my email with my phone. But I'll have a bunch of things to post soon. I can't wait to show y'all the rooms and new projects I have planned.

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

Thrift store finds

2010-05-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found this great new thrift store. I was wild in that place. Heart rate increased, and eyes wide. The prices were so cheap, how could I not be excited?

I'm going to use this to hold pens, etc. on my desk. $1.50

Free! Yes, free. This sweet lady gave this bird house to me. The side is broken, but it can easily be glued back on. I think I'll paint the whole thing white and then add a glaze.

American flag container. $3.

Christmas candle rings. Fifty cents.

Coin purse. Fifty cents.

Yard sale finds

2010-05-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

Wow. So many yard sales this morning we didn't know which way to turn. I returned with a car load of stuff. My husband calls it junk, of course.

Anyway, here's my bounty:

Halloween stuff. I didn't even bother to take it out of the trunk before I took a picture. I loved the little black ice bucket. I have to have a Halloween party now. Oh, and there's a skillet under there. I bought that too.

Christmas wreath.

Another bird cage. My husband wanted to know why I bought another one when we don't have any birds. Men.

I got this great comforter set for the guest room. It was new and only $20. It has the comforter, shams, bed skirt and three decorative pillows. Wow. It had a tag from TJMaxx still on it for $65.

Another comforter set. Only $12.

Christmas bowl and mugs.

Christmas bows.

And this little frame thing.

I've wanted a small spice rack for some time now. I think I'll paint all of the rack part black. I'll take the stickers off and add my own labels to the front. And spices. Yuck.

I thought this shelf would look cute painted off-white.

Ugly tray. I will transform this ugly duckling.

Canister set. There are four jars in all. I'll do something to make them pretty. Maybe paint the tops and add chalkboard? And get rid of the straws. Ha-ha.

I think I'll paint these and put them in the bathroom.

I have no idea what I'll do with this sign. I'll make something with it.

Not sure why I bought these. I don't cook. Maybe if someone looks in my kitchen drawers this will trick them into thinking I do.

This wreath was a $1. I can make something new with the wreath and I can always use more black and white checked ribbon.

Candle warmer $1. Came with a bunch of candles.

I'll make something cute with this frame. It was fifty cents.

Whew. That was a lot of pictures.

Recent purchases

2010-05-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, we went to the small town next to the new house. Only one shop was open, but we plan on going back some Saturday in the near future. My mom bought me these cute things. The store on the left in the picture had these great leather handbags in the window. I doubt I'll get one though. The prices were a little steep.

This Saturday we go to yard sales. I can't wait.

New house

2010-05-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the new house.

I didn't take pictures of the inside, because, frankly, it's ugly. It has the weirdest layout I've ever seen. Plain white walls, ugly doors, and outdated light fixtures. I've really got my work cut out for me. The worst part is we're renting. So I can't make a ton of changes. Some things I'll have to live with. At least the view is pretty.

Moving

2010-05-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

We're moving! Finally! I can't wait. June 1st. I'll have pictures of the house tomorrow. I can't wait to have more room to decorate. I've been waiting two years. Yippee!

Gift bag

2010-05-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

So I forgot to buy a gift bag for my mother's gift. I felt like a bad daughter. Luckily, I kept this plain brown bag. I just cut out a crown with my cricut, clued it own and tied a piece of ribbon on the handle. I used tulle instead of tissue paper inside.

Recent purchases

2010-05-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of recent purchases.

I got this little sign at the dollar store. I'm not sure where I'll put it. Right now it's stacked in my office with the rest of my unfinished projects.

I got this cute towel. I love the checks and fleur de lis.

I may be moving soon. I really hope it works out. I need more space to decorate. So for right now I'm kind of on hold. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

I finished my wreath, but don't have ribbon to hang it yet. I've got to make a trip to Hobby Lobby. I hope to get to a couple thrift stores this weekend. I would hit some yard sales this weekend, but the weather is supposed to be a little chilly. Alas, it'll have to wait.

Yummy candles

2010-04-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

I just had to post about these fantastic candles I found. They have so many wonderful scents and they last forever. Well worth the price, in my opinion.
The smell is so wonderful, I have to stop myself from getting a spoon and eating them.

Candleberry Candle Company. Check them out! My favorite:

http://www.candleberry.com/

I'm not missing

2010-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

No, I was not abducted by aliens. I can't believe the work that was piled on me for the past month. I've finally finished and I can't wait to get back into craft projects. I didn't even get a chance to decorate much for Easter. And now my front door is wreath-less. It looks as if we moved out!

I plan on buying a foam wreath form tomorrow to make a moss wreath. I think it'll look great for summer. I have many projects I want to do. Plus, yard sales are starting to pop up around here. Yay! I'll post pictures of my wreath as soon as I finish.

I'm finally posting a picture of the great Easter topiaries I got. This is a picture right after I got them. The tags are still on. I just love them.

Overwhelmed

2010-03-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

The only way I can describe how I feel right now is overwhelmed. I haven't even had time to put out my Easter decorations. I must find time this coming week. I found two Easter topiaries. They are so cute. The orginal price was $20 each and I got them for $2 each. My batteries ran out my the camera, but I'll pick some up later today and take a picture. I did buy this cute little plate for 99 cents.

Pretty pictures

2010-03-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Surgery put me behind in work. Plus, I was traveling with my husband. And to top it off, I got food poisoning. I'll have a craft project to post tomorrow. In the meantime, I wanted to post a few pictures from the top of the Smoky Mountains. It was so pretty.

French sign

2010-02-16T06:04:00.001-08:00

It's been two weeks since my surgery and the pain is just now starting to fade. I haven't felt like crafting much. Well, I wanted to, but when I sit for more than an hour it hurts, so I have to rest.

Anyway, I did make a little sign with a leftover sign I'd bought. It didn't turn out great, but I was on pain medicine. That should give me an excuse.

I'm linking this to

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

Signs, signs.

2010-02-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

I decided to make a sign to hang in the guest bathroom. I'm almost finished, but I can't quite get the letters on perfectly straight like I want. I'll work on it again tonight.

A while back I made this plaque with crown. It was missing something though.

So yesterday I added Raplh Lauren glaze. I think it looks much better now. I'll add a layer of top coat and it'll be finished. I think I'll hang it in the bedroom.

Linking this to

I'm home

2010-02-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

I'm home from the hospital. They only kept me for two days. I was surprised. I'm ready for crafting! My mother bought me a couple cute Easter decorations. I'll post pictures later. I think I'll work on crafts later today. Plenty of time for crafts, since I'm just hanging out in bed.

Valentine's goodies

2010-02-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while since I posted. My husband was gone for a week on business, and I didn't have the heart to blog. Since he came back he's been spoiling me though. Yesterday he bought me a cute Valentine's wreath and little Valentine's tree. Plus pajamas and he brought me a bracelet from his trip to Argentina. He's so sweet.

I added chalk board paint to this jar. It now has my Valentine candy stash in it.

Tomorrow is my knee surgery. I'll be in the hospital for three days.

I'm linking this to

Chalk board sign

2010-01-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

This project isn't much. I know everyone has done the chalk board thing, but I'm late, what can I say? I used a Halloween sign I'd bought from The Dollar Tree. I just turned it over and painted the back with chalk board paint. That way I can flip it over and still use the Halloween decoration. I don't like the ribbon on it, but it's all I had. I'm going to buy some with wire so it holds the shape.

I'm linking this to

More favorite things

2010-01-23T11:18:00.001-08:00

I'm posting more of my favorite things today. I'm working on a couple of signs for two baby showers. I hope they turn out cute. So far the jury is still out. I'll post pictures of them after they're finished.

I wish the frame wasn't gold on this topiary painting. I may paint it when I have time. I love that I only paid twenty dollars for it. It's at least four feet tall.

I found these little lanterns at a thrift shop. Not sure what I'll do with them. Do you think I should paint them?

A few of my favorite things

2010-01-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

I will be making a few projects this weekend, but I won't be able to post pictures until next weekend. My husband is going to Argentina and taking the only camera we have. I really need to buy a new one, but it's not in the budget right now. I'm sad that I can't go with him, but at least I can blog.

In the meantime, I thought I'd post pictures of a few of my favorite things.

This picture is hanging in my living room. I think it is very Ballard Design.

I love these bunny toile pictures. They're hanging in my guest bathroom. What's even better about them, they were free! A lady I know was redecorating and gave them to me. I don't think I'd ever give these cute things away.

Cleaning products and a giveaway

2010-01-18T05:07:00.000-08:00

When I found out Thrifty Decor Chic was having a So Fresh, So Clean party, I knew I had to post about these products.

Recently I started using a product called GoldShield. I clean the whole house with it and they even make laundry detergent. It kills germs like H1N1, MRSA, Staph, etc. for up to thirty days per treatment.

I use the antimicrobial hand rinse on my hands once per day, then they're protected from germs all day. Don't get me wrong, I still wash my hands, but this stuff kills the germs whether I do or not. Plus, once I put it on for the day, it stays. It doesn't dry out my skin like the other hand sanitizers, either.

All of their products are non-toxic and safe. They disolve in water. All of their products are Green.

I wondered why everyone isn't using this stuff yet? It's because America doesn't know about it! Schools and daycares should be using this stuff! I feel other cleaning products are ineffective. They don't keep surfaces and hands clean for more than an hour because they have no residual cleaning power.

www.24x7infectioncontrol.com/store is where I bought the stuff. I'm giving away a free sample kit to one of my blog visitors. The kit includes a small sample of each product. Just leave a comment for a chance to win. Tweet about this giveaway and leave link for an extra entry. I'll end the contest on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 12 noon.

Oh, and I found out about this stuff because it is used at the hospital where I recently had my knee replacement surgery. Yes, I know I'm young for a knee replacement. I have an autoimmune disease. It sucks.

Still love my Cricut

2010-01-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

I'm still having fun with my Cricut. Thought I'd post a little project today. I have a few bigger ones I'll tackle this coming week.

My plain white plates needed something against the white wall. Since we'll be moving soon, I don't want to paint the walls. Anyway, I cut a little fleur de lis out of black vinyl. I think I'll add little scrolls to the other plates.

Another great trick I've learned. You can use the backing from the vinyl. Once you peel off the back, you have a perfect cutout.

I just put some glue on it and voila, it's another cutout. Of course, you can't stick it on the wall or anything, but it's great to clue on paper or wood for another project. I hate waste!

I'm linking this to

Little white shelf

2010-01-13T04:55:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd show you what I did with a shelf I bought a few months back. I picked this up at a yard sale. At first I thought I'd paint it, but for now, I've kept it white.

I'm linking this to

Valentine's Day banner

2010-01-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

I made a Valentine's Day banner. A piece of jute, hearts cut from a soda box, clothes pins, paper and a flower.

I'm linking this to

Brass birdcage gets a makeover

2010-01-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

A few months back I bought this ugly brass birdcage. I think the price was $2.50 or maybe $3.

I had plans for that hideous brass, though. I know I had a before picture, but I can't find it. Here's after a healthy dose of black spray paint.

I placed my large pear on a plate, then propped the sign I made with my Cricut in front.

I made the sign from this.

The other day I spotted this sign at Dollar Tree. I figured I could take it apart and make two signs from one. I haven't used the larger part yet, but I will soon. I just cut out the word Adore with my Cricut. Painted over the other words and added the vinyl.

I'm linking this post to

Recent purchases

2010-01-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

I didn't buy much at the after Christmas sales. Mostly wrapping paper and ribbon.

Here's a few things I picked up.

This adorable Valentine's towel for $1.

Love sign for $2.

Tassel was half off of 6.99.

Mitten ornaments were half off $4.99.

Deck the Halls sign was half off $12. I just stuck it on top of the TV to take the picture. All my Christmas decor is now put away. Time for Valentine's!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T06:56:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope you have a wonderful year!

Dumpster Diving

2009-12-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

I found this little guy by the Dumpster. Thank goodness I didn't have to climb in to rescue him, but I would have. I almost forgot to take a before picture.

Here he is:

And after:

Not sure what made me decide to paint the table green. It's one of my favorite colors, though. The little table fit perfectly into this unused corner.

I'm linking this post to

Trash To Treasure Party at Reinvented

Valentine's Day projects already

2009-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

I really don't waste time moving on from one holiday to the next. I think I'll start decorating for Valentine's Day next week. Since I have knee surgery again on Feb.2nd, I figure I should decorate before then.

Anyhoo, I made this sign yesterday with my Cricut. Perfect for Valentine's.

I'm linking this to The Nester's Favorite Post of 2009. I've only had this blog for a short time, but I know my favorite thing so far is my Cricut posts. Just because I get so much enjoyment out of making things with it.

Also linking to Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design.

I got a Cricut!

2009-12-28T01:01:00.000-08:00

I got a Cricut for Christmas! And I love it! So many projects, so little time. I made a cute sign with a crown, because, well, I love crowns. I also added this adorable little bird above my window. How cute is he?

Not sure what I'll do next, but I can't get enough of my new BFF, Cricut.

I'm linking this to
and

Santa ornament and Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:14:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the Christmas season I recieved an ad from Pier 1. It featured a little Santa suit ornament. I thought it was really cute, the only problem was the price. $5. For one ornament. No way. It looked so easy, I thought I'd make it myself.

So here's what I got:

I already had the red ornament, black ribbon and silver glitter glue. It took me about two minutes to make this. I know mine isn't as nice as the original, but it was free. And you can't beat free.

I also made mini-cupcakes yesterday. Not sure why I made mini-cupcakes, it took me two hours! I think I'll stick with regular-sized next time.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

Recent purchases

2009-12-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

Most of my recent purchases have been Christmas gifts. But I did pick up a couple of things. One when my mother and I went to a thrift store and the other from Homegoods. I'm waiting until after Christmas to pick up new decorations for next year.

I got this large pear. Not sure if I want to paint it Heirloom White or keep it as is.

I got this heavy wire basket for $1.96 at the thrift store. What a bargain.

Handmade gifts

2009-12-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Handmade gifts...kind of. I bought the jars from Hobby Lobby. I added chalkboard paint, candy, then topped it with a ribbon and piece of chalk.

Here's the recipe for Pecan Divinity:

48 Servings Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 250° (hard-ball stage).
Remove from the heat; stir in marshmallow cream, vanilla and pecans. Continue stirring until candy cools and begins to hold its shape when dropped from a spoon.
Quickly drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Yield: 4 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 72 calories, 3 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, trace protein.

Pecan Divinity published in Country Woman Christmas Annual 2000, p39

Christmas 2009

2009-12-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to see all the Christmas decorations on other blogs this year. I didn't decorate much. We have a small place and there's not a lot of space for it. Next year we'll be in a house, so I'll go all out.

Here's a few pictures:

Some of my favorite ornaments.

Yummy food

Mama's Holiday Wishlist

2009-12-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Mama's Holiday Wishlist

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are top on your holiday wish list this year?

A new house (Hey, it could happen. Santa knows I've been a good girl.)
Books
Clothes
A gift card to Home Goods
A gift card to Hobby Lobby

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?

A quilt from my grandmother

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?

I'd love to make cookies that are edible.

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?

Monchichi. Remember those little monkey dolls? I loved that thing.

5. What items are top on your kids wish list this year?

Clothing
Music

6. What is your favorite holiday food?

Sugar cookies and I secretly like fruitcake. It's embarrassing, I know.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

I'm making chalkboards.

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?

Christmas Vacation

9. Favorite holiday song?

Rockin Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

10. Favorite holiday pastime?

Listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and wrapping presents by the tree.

To enter to win all these cool prizes below simply answer the questions in this meme, make sure to post links back to TodaysMama.com and Provo Craft (use this link: http://bit.ly/4ikY3c ) and tag your friends!

Christmas centerpiece

2009-12-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

My Christmas centerpiece. I think it needs something more, so I'll keep working on it.

I added apples and my favorite color green bells with some greenery to a red bowl. The pine cones were dipped in the same color to match.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

Hope you have a great holiday. I know I will, I'm not cooking. Relatives are doing all the work. Bless them.

Another art project

2009-11-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

So...I made another attempt at art. And again, I copied another blogger. One of these days I'll have an original idea. I promise.

Anyway, when I saw this on another blog, I had to try it. Hers turned out so cute. Mine isn't quite as good, but I digress.

Here's the blog I got it from. I love her site.

I'm almost finished with my Christmas decor. I'll post pictures soon.

I'm linking this post to DIY Day over at Kimba's A Soft Place To Land.

I'm also linking to Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog.

My attempt at art

2009-11-17T04:58:00.000-08:00

I'm linking this post to DIY Day over at Kimba's A Soft Place To Land.

I'm also linking to Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog.

I carried on the idea from the French pillow I posted to canvas. I'm really not artistic, so it's not great...but I tried. I get points for trying, right? Anyway, I bought a fleur de lis stamp the other day and decided to try it out on the canvas. I took a brown artist marker and wrote the saying, then stamped on top. This is what came out:

Now I need a frame. I'm sure I have one around here somewhere.

Recent purchases

2009-11-16T05:02:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the quality of the pictures I'm posting. Some of them I took from bed with my knee propped up while my husband brought me the things. He totally didn't understand why I was taking pictures of everything. I told him to not even try to make sense of it.

Anyway, here's some things I've bought recently.

I've wanted one of these for a long time. I used my 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby. It was $7. More than I should have spent, but it was a splurge.

My mom got this at a yard sale. 50 cents.

I bought this from another blogger.

Plates from Rite Aid for 25 cents each.

From Hobby Lobby for Halloween next year. I'm going to paint it black and add glitter. $1.

Hobby Lobby. $2.

Michael's for 79 cents. I'll replace the label. It'll be so cute next Halloween.

Thanks to a fellow blogger for finding these great plates at Rite Aid. I got them for 39 cents each.

Towels from Dollar Tree.

This cute sign from Rite Aid was $6.99 with 50% off. What a bargain. I couldn't pass it up.

French pillow

2009-11-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. The surgery made me really behind in work and I'm just now getting caught up. I've bought a ton of stuff over the past few days. I'll try to post pictures of it tomorrow.

The other day I made this cute pillow. I completely stole this idea from another blog. The wonderful blog, The Shabby Chic Cottage ,had this idea and I thought it was great. So great, I copied it.

Sorry the picture quality is bad. I really need a new camera. I haven't sewed the pillow yet, it's just pinned for now. I'm happy with the way it turned out. I'm hoping to finish my bedroom soon so I can post pictures. Oh, and I can't remember exactly what the pillow says. Ha-ha. Something about love and kisses.

More yard sale finds

2009-11-07T04:32:00.001-08:00

Since I'm still recovering from knee surgery, I can't yard sale shop. Or any kind of shop, for that matter. It's driving me crazy. My mom was sweet enough to buy me a few things at a yard sale yesterday. Everything was a dollar each. Here's what she got.

I took the pictures on my lap from bed. lol.

I'll redo all the gold on this little Christmas tree.

I'll put these in the windows.

Before and After

2009-11-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

I bought this metal container at a yard sale for a dollar.

I really had no idea what to do with it. So, I ended up buying greenery from Hobby Lobby for a dollar and adding a ribbon around it. I'm going to hang it in my bedroom.

I'm linking this to the party at Thrifty Decor Chick's. Join in the fun!

Yard sale finds

2009-11-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

I've been home from the hospital for a couple of days, but just now felt like posting.

Here's some of my yard sale finds from last weekend.

I got the pumpkins from Michael's for 60% off.

I'm thinking about painting the rooster white. $1

$1 for the ghosts.

I'll probably paint the candlestickes black. $1

Loved this. I'll leave it as is. $2. My mom hid behind it. She didn't want her picture taken.

50 cents for this cute little pillow.

I got this great Welcome sign for $2. I already hung it, so I'll take a picture later.

Hey everyone

2009-10-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I'll be in the hospital for the next few days. I'll post when I get back. I'm having knee surgery.

I got some great yard sale finds this last weekend and I can't wait to post them. Oh, and share the story about the rude lady in the pink coat at one sale. I know y'all have experienced her kind before.

And I didn't finish my weekend projects. Big surprise. I did go to Michael's. Even bigger surprise. lol. I completed one pillow and did a little more to the sign I'm making. Oh well, maybe next weekend.

To do list

2009-10-23T11:14:00.001-07:00

Projects I want to finish this weekend:

*A sign I started three weeks ago. Have no idea what I'm doing with it.
*Topiary I started last week.
*Two pillows I bought fabric for yesterday.
*Go to Michael's. (This one will probably be the only project finished. Although technically not a project. Hee-hee.)

A couple weeks ago I bought a can of spray chalk paint from Hobby Lobby. The next day, I found a can of chalk board paint at a yard sale for $2. New, never used. So of course I took the spray can back to Hob Lob and got this instead:

Isn't he cute? The turkey not my husband's arm. Ha-ha. My husband is showing off the sign like a model on The Price Is Right.

I got two of these plates at a yard sale. I need to do something with them. I'm thinking of adding scrapbook paper to the middle. What do you think?

I hope you'll still be my friend

2009-10-22T05:41:00.001-07:00

I'm linking this post to:

I've made some bad decorating decisions over the years. Lucky for you, I don't have pictures on my computer. You really don't need to witness how bad it was. I once painted a kitchen royal blue. What was I thinking? I went through a Victorian phase, a beach phase, then a non-decorating phase.

The only photos I have are from our last house. I really don't know what decorating theme I had going on. When I look back at the photos, I realize there wasn't a lot of decorating at all. So, without further adieu...

My kitchen. It was a nice kitchen. So why didn't I decorate?

My faux finish phase. Does anyone even do this anymore? Glad we sold the house before I had to repaint. My husband would have killed me. I insisted on painting the ceiling. lol.

These poor shelves are screaming for proper decorative items.

Blah, blah, blah. Those awful photos on the wall.

Shelf redo

2009-10-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

My ugly shelf redo. I haven't added what I want to it yet, but I couldn't wait to post the after photo.

Here's the before:

And the after:

Like I said, I'm not sure exactly what I'll sit on it. I just put the gravy boat and bird for now. I cut out a piece of foam board and spray painted it black. Then I hot glued it to the shelf. Got rid of the dated heart.

The toile shade on the window didn't fit, so I added the black to the sides. We're in an apartment now(hence the off-white walls), but I really wanted to use this cute shade somewhere. I can always remove the black fabric when we move if I don't need it.

The plate stand was $2 from Goodwill. It was brown and I painted it black. The plates were fifty cents each. I think I'll add something to them. Monogram to the one in the middle, maybe?

P.S. I got the curtain rod from Hobby Lobby. I used a 40% off coupon and it was around $4. And the shade was $5 a few years ago. Not bad.

I added this to the Trash To Treasure Party at Reinvented. Check out the other great posts.

I also added this link to:

Thrift store and yard sale finds

2009-10-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

I spent all weekend finishing up some projects. Well, I did see Paranormal Activity. Spooky. I was almost too scared to come home and finish my crafts. Almost. Anyway, I did find some bargains this weekend.

Got this Christmas plate for twenty-five cents.

You can never have enough apothecary jars. $1.25 at Goodwill.

$1.00 at Goodwill.

I know this little shelf is ugly, but I already transformed her into a butterfly. I'll post after pics tomorrow. $1.25 at Goodwill.

Gravy boat was free from my mother. She got it for $1.00 at a yard sale.

Isn't she cute? I got her from craigslist for $8.

I don't even know what to call this thing. It's metal and it hangs. lol.

I painted the cheese plate black. I forgot to take a before picture. Got a little too excited. Anyway, I paid $1.25 for it at Goodwill. The pumpkin came from another thrift store for $1.00.

Pumpkin from thrift store for $3.99. It is new.

Ghost tealight holders were fifty cents.

I've linked this post to the "I'm a Flea Marketeer Party" Visit the party for great blogs!

Historic home

2009-10-17T03:48:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been looking at historical homes. We’ve found one we really like, but it needs work. A lot of work. As in there's no heat or air. No shower and one bathroom. One of the rooms looks as if Sherman just marched through with his troops. So we don't want to jump in unprepared. We want to make sure we have the money needed to make the important repairs and updating. Some stuff can wait.

The house was built in 1794 or 1795 and has a lot of history. Anyway, here are pictures of the house we’re considering. Please let me know what you think.

Front door.

Back porch.

Door leads into the kitchen.

Door on covered back porch.

Foyer.

Front door.

Dining room.

Kitchen. Those are the only cabinets. Yikes. On the opposite wall is a huge stone cooking fireplace.

Back door that leads into kitchen. Mudroom, and laundry.

Den.

Library. There is a wall of shelves in the room.

The bathroom.

Bedroom one.

Bedroom two of three. I don't have a picture of the third one. It is the one with all the damage.

The carriage house. The previous owners had a little antique shop in there. It has a cute weathervane on top that you can't see in the picture.

Halloween decor

2009-10-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post some of my Halloween decorations. We don't have a lot of space here, but I'm making the most of it. We hope to buy a historic home in the spring, then I'll have a lot more room for decorating.

Seems as if that's all I'm worried about. Ha-ha. Forget the extra storage, bigger kitchen and bedrooms. As long as I have more to decorate.

Anyway, here's some of my Halloween stuff.

Monogram picture frame

2009-10-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, this project isn't much, but sometimes it's the little things, right?

I had this frame for a couple of years and never put a photo in it. How could I not use a cute frame like this one for so long? Finally, I was inspired. Instead of a photo I did this:

It's green distressed. I tried to draw the "P" and make the polka dots by hand, then I realized, duh, I could easily print them from the computer. Sometimes I'm not the quickest bunny. It took all of five minutes to print, cut and glue this.

Finally, I'm using the frame. Yay!

I'm linking this to:

Check out the other great posts on Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville.

Topiary redo

2009-10-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, at a yard sale, I found this little topiary for fifty cents. Fifty cents! I'm not into pink roses, but I figured there must be some way I can use it--for fifty cents I'd find a way.

I just added moss right on top of the roses. It was easy. And I'm all about easy.

I created a mess, but at least it's easy clean up. I took the little leaves off the clay pot, but the glue remnants are still there. I'll either have to find a way to get them off, or maybe add fabric to the pot. Anyway, after adding the moss, it only cost $1 for this cute little thing. I used a half a bag of $1 moss.

I posted this project at A Soft Place to Land for DIY day. Be sure to check out the blog for other great projects!