Martha is copying me...

As I was browsing around Martha Stewart's website last week, I came across this cute little bathroom vignette. As I was admiring it and thinking of how to re-create something similar for our WC (water closet), I realized I have that same little cup and saucer thingy (purchased at GW for 5.99)! Mine is orange, and sadly I don't have a picture of it handy, but it's the exact same thing.

I might have to contact her people for compensation for copyright infringement...

a makeover waiting to happen

Sometimes I find something that catches my eye...


(picture from Craigslist)


Then I scour the internets for something similar, waiting, hoping. Will it be in my price range (which my husband prefers to be zero dollars)?


For 2 months I have looked for a chair like this.

Yesterday, I walked into GW and guess what was waiting for me?



For 9.99.

I think I may have heard an angel choir singing. Or something.


I have seen quite a few of these chairs being redone- with paint and new upholstery fabric I think it could be stunning!

It is just begging for a makeover, don't you think?


P.S. It is Friday, I just got home from work, and I am making myself some coffee. In short? Life is good.

thrifty tips

A few people have been asking me about thrifting lately, so instead of just posting pictures of my latest items, I thought I would also share some things I've learned about thrifting along the way. I'm no expert, but I have found (through trial and error!) some good things to keep in mind when thrifting.




1. Don't have any expectations. Seriously, don't go to a thrift store expecting to find exactly what you want because you will leave empty-handed and depressed (been there, done that. Where is my mid-century heather-gray couch?).



2. Instead, keep an ongoing list of items you need/want, and just keep an eye out for them when you go thrifting. Sometimes I end up finding exactly what I want, just not right away.



3. Try to go to the same place, and go often. I go to GW about once a week. I divide my time between two stores, and I have mapped out a comprehensive browsing technique for both of them (I know, it sounds crazy. But sometimes you have to think like a Marine when you are thrifting).




4. One dirty little trick I learned? If I don't have a lot of time, I go straight to the clothes hanger outside the dressing room, which can contain some of the choicest garments. It's like letting everyone else do the work for you!




5. Try to think outside the box. If you are creative/crafty, you might just find something that is considered "trash" and turn it into treasure. This post from way long ago is something I found and refurbished.




6. Along that line- a lot of the items of clothing I have found (about 40% of my wardrobe is from GW) have been too big/too short/just needed TLC. With a few quick stitches you can fix a lot of those problems, so don't overlook the items that aren't your exact size or in perfect condition.




7. Don't be afraid to go home empty-handed. I am a weirdo and I just love thrifting for the experience, but it can be a little disheartening to leave without finding any treasures. I try to be really honest with myself when I buy anything. Will I really use it/wear it? If not, then I just don't buy it. My bank account and my hubby are thankful for that.

8. Remember, you will get dirty. Thrift stores are notorious for being gross. Just bring your hand sanitizer and a kleenex (in case it's dusty!), and dig in!

How about you? Do you have any great tips for thrifting that you would like to share?

Some good finds

A few years ago, I found this bowl at GW. The unique pattern caught my eye right away. I wasn't sure where I would put it, what I would do with it, but I took it home anyway.

My other new favorite GW find are these candle-holders.

Love!

They are originally from Target, but were found at GW for a fraction of the price. I got the pair for $6. It's amazing how little things like this can add so much visual interest!

I am still thinking of ways to improve what I now affectionately refer to as the "armpit" of my living room. I'm thinking maybe a chair for another reading nook? I also have seen a few home-made entertainment centers that looked really nice. Maybe it's time to replace the faux-finish hand-me-down from Grandma.

Does anyone else enjoy thrifting? Where are your favorite places to go?

Also, do you know where I can find a cute chair for like 20 bucks?

Oh Goodwill... How I Love Thee

Oh, Goodwill. I love thy aisles filled with junk. I love the crackly loudspeakers that the employees use to announce the sales. I love sighting a Banana Republic top from afar and clawing my way through the crowds of elderly women in polyester pantsuits to reach it.

I love paying 4.99 for an Ellen Tracy purse that normally cost over $200. (Sorry for the garbage bin in the background. I refuse to edit those things out though, they are a part of life!).



I love my new sweater with little beaded flowers.



But I think most of all, I LOVE the hand-appliqued picture of chickens that I found. Josh (my dear sweet Hubby) may not agree, but I think it will look great in our kitchen once we paint. Who knew chickens could be so, well, cute? I certainly did not.





The frame definitely needs a little TLC, but I think it will look great over our sink! And nothing says "kitchen" like a bunch of colorful chickens pecking at each other. Nothing.

Now that Christmas is over, and the sky is still turning it's lights out at 5 pm, I think I am going to need a LOT of Goodwill therapy. The next three months will be... interesting. Sometimes I wonder why I still live in Minne(snow)ta!