Thrifted Sparklies

When's the last time you built a snowman? For me, it's been too many years! Sam and I built a snowbear (see his cute little ears?) yesterday and talk about bringing back memories. Rolling out the snowballs on your knees around the yard, pushing in the carrot nose. If you want to feel like a kid again, I guarantee this works!

Normally I'm home washing Thanksgiving dishes Black Friday morning, but I got brave this year and decided to try a little shopping. I picked up the pine garland, gold wood garland, silver goblet, white and gold glass balls at Treasure Loft in Wasilla....all for under $5. Score! I'm still adding goodies to the garland to spruce it up (no pun intended!) as I unpack my 5,600, 232 Rubbermaid totes from the attic. Good grief. I think they multiply up there over the summer. I stayed away from the big stores after I saw how packed the parking lots were.

The living room floor is finished and it looks amazing!! I'll share some pictures once the Christmas decorating is finished. Right now the room is littered with totes, bows and partially finished garlands. Yikes.

I'm coming up on my 300th post...I'm thinking a giveaway is in order!

Oooooooooooooh.......

I've been having fun with Halloween decorating this year. Quite a few of what you see I found at thrift stores for next to nothing. The tree and skulls are from JoAnns, the mask was thrifted for 25cents. Stick it under a cloche and cover with cheesecloth and it looks pretty spooky, huh?

The wax hand is a candle that drips red wax "blood" (thrifted for $2! new in the box). Every year I get one new Halloween lantern, but they're getting harder to find. Keep your eyes peeled and leave me a comment if you see one!

More Halloween pics to come...

Thrifted Side Table

I picked up this little side table for $5 at Bishop's Attic in Palmer, not really knowing where I'd put it, but I couldn't pass it up. I love the shape and the legs.


I found the perfect spot for it, right next to the dining room table. Remember the thrifted bowl and rooster plate? Oh, and the bowl on the bottom, too. The ball jar came home with me from Iowa. Have I mentioned how much I love a good junk store? ;)

This makes me happy!

Yikes. These pictures don't do these justice. I found some very cool linens at Earthly Treasures yesterday. Just look at this tablecloth...the colors and print are gorgeous. And the roll of wallpaper is destined for some fun projects. (Click on the pic to see the pattern close-up)



I think I'll make some comfy pj pants out of this sheet. Have you ever noticed the difference in quality between old, vintage sheets and the newer ones you buy now? There isn't a single pill on this sheet. They just don't make them like they used to.

I love the colors on this tablecloth. I can see it as a fun summer bag.

And I scored three of these pillow covers with the great wood buttons for just $1 each.

The file box is going to sit on my desk and hold all my works-in-progress, after a good scrubbing. I love the color!

Have you thrifted any happiness lately?

Coolest Mom on the Block

For today, at least. ;) Take $2.50 worth of PVC pipe and fittings and a $1.50 bag of mini-marshmallows and it adds up to hours of manic outdoor fun!


While I was surfing yesterday, I ended up on You Tube watching Marshmallow Gun videos and decided that was just what we needed to beat the crappy weather blues. These were super easy.

You need:

36" of 1/2" PVC (Lowes sells 5' sections)
2 slip-on "T" fittings
2 slip-on elbow fittings
2 slip-on caps

Cut the pipe into these lengths, using a handsaw:

1-8"
2-6"
4-4"

Fit them together so it looks like the picture below. Be sure to cut one of the 4" sections from the finished end of the pipe, so you'll have a nice, smooth piece for the mouthpiece. You can sand off any rough edges using sandpaper or a file.

Now it's ready for plastic spray paint, tape, stickers, markers...whatever you want to use to doll it up.

Gently push one or two mini marshmallows into the mouthpiece and BLOW HARD! You'll be surprised just how far these little guys fly! The dogs were having a blast chasing down the flying treats.

Don't glue the joints together, so you can take it apart to free up any jams.

If the barrel gets gummed up, just drop a little cornstarch into it, reassemble, and blow it out.

The kids and I each made one and seriously played outside forever with them last night. I'm sure the neighbors think we're nuts.

I did a little thrifting yesterday and scored this cabinet and sink for the girls' bathroom! So excited to pick this up, NEW, for $45! It needs a little cleanup, but other than that, it's in perfect condition. I'll be so happy to get rid of their FUGLY brown 80's sink.

In kitty news, all the kittens have been adopted! Ruger went to live with a friend of Paul's, and Daisy and Smith went together to live with a family of eight. I was SO happy they stayed together. Sage took these pics of them the day we delivered them to their new family.

I'll miss the little fuzzballs!

Done any dumpster diving lately?

Why yes, as a matter of fact, I have. As I was leaving Bishop's Attic in Palmer yesterday (with a cart load of treasures!) I saw this cool old coat rack thingy leaning against the back of the building. At first I decided to just pass it by, since I spent my junk budget for the week already, but something told me to go back and ask about it. I knocked on the back door and asked the people sorting donations how much it was, and they said "take it, it's yours!"! Score! The old, pitted mirror is duct taped to the back and there's a serious crack in the top that'll need wood glue and some time in clamps, but I love the whole "feel" of it. It reminds me of something you'd see in a farmhouse. Stay tuned for the transformation pics!
I won't bore everyone with the mundane details of just how $hitty our summer has been, or how cold it's been, or just how much the deluge of rain has taken its toll on my poor gardens. Wait, I think I just did. Apologies. But it's all anyone can talk about lately here in Alaska. That and the insane price for a gallon of gas.
A few of my perennials have managed a meager couple of blooms, despite the conditions. My poor blue poppies. If a flower could frown, this is what it would look like.
I was very surprised to see a bloom on my Gardenia. After reading how they are pretty darn "fussy", I resigned myself to just appreciate it for it's gorgeous, glossy foliage. And it blessed me with a single, super-fragrant blossom!
And after 3 years in this spot, my Goat's Beard finally decided to show me it's namesake. Love that spikey, feathery thingy. Sorry these pictures are so dark, but we haven't seen the sun in ages.

Hang in there, Alaska! I think I see the sun peeking out!

Thrift Store Score!

I'm a day late posting this, but I promise I have a good reason. I picked up this funky vintage train case for $2. Score!
I threw all my ribbon odds and ends into it. I love being able to see what I have, and to dig for stuff. And it makes putting stuff away tons easier, too.
Here's that reason I mentioned. Her name is Lizzy, and she's a Border Collie/Beagle mix. I call this picture "What do you mean, you're staying?" ;)

Man, it's so much harder to photograph a black dog than a blonde one. She's going to be a challenge. She's about 9 weeks old, and has the sweetest disposition. And she only woke me up three times last night to go outside and make sure the grass smelled the same as it did the last time she walked around and sniffed it. Afterall, isn't that what every good puppy does at 2,3 and 4 am? Because they certainly aren't out there to go potty. No sir.

Introducing...

Yentna! She's on the right, and her baby brother is on the left. We're adopting Yentna, and will pick her up the weekend. Isn't she gorgeous?! She has a very curious, friendly nature. She's turning 4 this Spring, so we'll have lots of wonderful years ahead with her. We intend to train her to pack, so she can come along with Tyea on hikes this summer. I've never trained a llama before, so it'll be an adventure for both of us! And the fact that she's named after an Alaskan river, just like Tyea, Salcha and Kiska, means she was meant to live with us. :)
Remember a few weeks ago when I posted the sneak of the new project I was working on? The black bookcases? Well, they're still black. heehee Thanks in part to my being sick for a week, going on my birthday vacation, and to little sidetrack projects, like finally painting some housenumbers. We've been in our house for 9 years now...think it's about time I put some up? ;) It's hard to see in the picture, but I used some crackle medium with red underneath the antique white. It's a cool, antique look.
Maggie and I had fun building some little nests yesterday. Mag went outside and gathered moss, pussy willows, and some leafy things, and we added Spanish moss and a tiny birdie. Cute. Maggie put hers in the teapot on a cool pewter plate I found in Iowa, and mine's under the cloche.
I finally found a use for the Wedgewood china plate I picked up at a thrift store! The antique silver creamer was a gift from my mother-in-law.
And another sidetracked project...a new shower curtain and window curtain in the bathroom. I found the red and white gingham valance at a thrift store, and just sewed a white sheet behind it, for an instant shower curtain. :)

So, as you can see, I've been pretty sidetracked lately. But totally in a good way. :)

P Dub in the House

Pioneer Woman was kind enough to share some of her prints for free, via download (see her website for link), so I printed out Beatrice (above) for my desk, to remind me to "keep it real". :)

And below is "Two Bulls" by Marlboro Man, which hangs in my living room. So fun to have a little bit 'o pioneer in our home. :)

A fun, funky little retro chair I found for my desk.
And the fabrics I chose for a couple of pillows to make it comfy, cozy.
I've been sick. Super, duper, awful, icky sick. And Paul's gone, so the kids are having to fend for themselves. Sam's been SO good about entertaining himself. For example:
Strawberry Man. Found in the kitchen, after I dragged myself off the floor from a brief nap. I couldn't resist snapping a picture.

Good Golly, I'm miserable.

The Wee Hours

I hope no one is holding their breath for the pictures of my bathroom remodel. If you are....exhale! It's still not finished. It seems like the little details are the ones that take me the longest to decide on. I'm still shower curtain-less, because I can't seem to make up my mind on which style of plain white curtain I want. For now, here's another little peek: How sweet is this vintage jacket I picked up at Salvation Army yesterday? I can't wait to wear it this Spring with a long white cami underneath, and some trouser jeans. Not bad for three bucks! Good tailoring never goes out of style.

I have so many projects in progress right now (and when I say "in progress", what I really mean to say is I've thought about doing them) that my brain is on creative overload. Last week I started tearing into my craft room, but got sidelined by a nasty flu bug. It's really cramping my style, man. I don't have time to be sick! The girls and I are coughing, sneezing, aching and just generally miserable. It obviously didn't stop me from doing a little thrifting yesterday, though. ;)

Anyway, I have a cabinet to paint, a shower curtain to sew, a pillow cover to design and sew, a little table to refinish, and a room to reorganize. And I have a plan for my kitchen island, but that might have to wait until April. My goal is to have those things finished before I leave for Vegas.

Oh, did I mention I'm going to Vegas????!!!! I'm SO excited!! My sister Carol called me last week with the crazy idea to get together with all our siblings and have a group birthday celebration in Vegas next month. I'm turning 40 at the end of the month, and was wanting to do something special, so her suggestion was perfect! It was either that, or get a tattoo. I think a little va-ca is much more appropriate for a woman of my age. ;)

Alrighty, well, the Codeine cough medicine doesn't seem to be kicking in just yet, so I guess I'll go see what trouble I can get into over on Craig's List. Night, everyone!

Palmer Places

A little peek at what I'm working on this week. This is the "before", so don't be scared off by the hideous black paint job. I decided to move some things around in my craft room, and found the perfect spot to make a workstation for me. I scored the deal of the year on this piece...more about that later!

I wanted to share one of my favorite indulgences with you-Gladheart Acres products. When I had my scrapbook store, their children's consignment store was next door to me. They make soaps, lotions, candles and other smell-goods, and are just a wonderful, happy family. They've been in a couple locations since then, and run a booth at Saturday Market. Well, when I was in Palmer yesterday getting my hair done, I was thrilled to find out they have a storefront again, right on Main Street. I'm not actually sure it's called Main Street, I'm not all that familiar with Palmer, since the only time I go there is on hair day. Anyway, go into Palmer, turn left at the 4-way and they're on the left, a couple blocks down, just before the Country Cuts building. How's that for vague? hehe I was disappointed to hear they no longer make Sweet Mama, my favorite scent of all time, but fell in love with a new smell-Rise and Shine. Yummy!! It's so fresh and soft and sweet. I got a bottle of Body and Linen spray, and a lotion stick, which I think is such a smart way to apply fragrance.

So next time you're in Palmer, be sure to stop by Gladheart Acres.

There's a fun consignment store in the same building, called Anything Goes, Runway 49. She has some cute, trendy clothes and some fun vintage stuff, too. Prices are very reasonable, and the decor is really funky and fun.

Lastly, Valley Winery just opened a store at that location. They weren't open when I stopped, but I'm looking forward to next time. You can make your own wine, and they'll bottle it, age it, and even make custom labels for you.

Be sure and hit Bishop's Attic on Bailey, and B&G Thrift (on Main in the opposite direction, past all the bars) for good thrifting places, too. :)

Happy Wednesday!

New Beginnings

One of my favorite kinds of junk is architectural salvage. I wish we had more if it here in Alaska! The finial came from eBay, and is now keeping my chunky chicken company in the living room.

The husband and the son are sick, sick, sick. Poor guys, they have have the whole nine yards; fever, aches, chills, sneezing, coughing. Yikes. Send any healing vibes our way, please!

I found the cutest store yesterday! It's called Younique Boutique Consignment, on Bogard & Seldon in the shopping center with Extreme Tan. She's got some very cool clothing, and it's SO reasonably priced! I picked up a pretty kiwi green sweater for $11, and something for each of the girls. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's got it decorated to die for...just the right amount of vintage, with a dash of funky, and a touch of sparkle. I felt right at home. Go check it out!

And lastly for this morning, I want to post about The Scrap Shack. Many of you may already know, Heather will be closing the store on March 1st. I am being completely selfish when I say I'm sad to see her close. I will miss so many things about the store; the crops, the classes, the fun new stuff, and mostly just the way I always knew it was a place I could stop for company, no matter who was working that day.

I'm so incredibly blessed to call Heather my friend. I can't wait to see what new things life has in store for her!

Object of my obsession...

This will give you an idea of what I've been totally consumed with lately: my bathroom. (Honey, if you're reading, I promise I'm not tearing any plumbing out...yet ;)

Just a tiny sneak peek at what I've been up to. I got the plain, stained lampshade at Salvation Army for $1.50, and a remnant of zebra fabric at JoAnns for $3. Voila! Super funky lamp for the bathroom! Now I just need to figure out how the heck to install the hanging cord thingamajiggy, and I'm all set.

See that really ugly flooring? Stay tuned for its transformation. :) And I have big plans for the little end table. ;)

Fun Finds

Do you ever get your sleep schedule completely out of whack? That's where I am right now. I've been going to bed earlier and earlier (last night it was 7:40, and waking up in the wee hours, because I just can't stay asleep any longer. I actually got up at 3 am today. Ack! So my plan is to stay up as long as I can today, take a late nap, then hopefully I can make it to at least 10 tonight before crashing. There are a few perks to getting up so early...I have lots of "alone" time before the kids wake up. But it really bites when I'm dozing off at the dinner table.

Anyway, since I have lots of time on my hands this morning, and I've browsed for every possible thing I could ever want on eBay already, I thought I go ahead and share a few of the fun things I found thrifting this week.

The green bowl is a Robinson Ransbottom 10" crock. It's hefty, and the color is gorgeous. The pillar I grabbed right away, and lugged it around the store with me...I knew if I didn't, someone would nab it before I did. The thing weighs a ton!

I absolutely love this candle holder. It's big...22" across and 14" tall. I'm sure I'll pay way more for the candles than I did for the piece.
It's not easy to find these old jars with the glass lid intact, so I scooped this up right away.
And the pink teapot? Well, why not? :)

A little birdie told me I need to start sewing again. Actually, more like a flock of birdies. I know, I know. My poor Etsy shop is empty, and I only have one item left at Scrap Shack. I know I have blogged about this before, but I have a terrible habit of hot and cold hobbies. I like to do so many things, but only one at a time. Does that make sense? Maybe I'm a little OCD? Anyway, I have made of note of the requests and will start sewing again soon. I just have a couple small projects that need my attention before I go on another sewing bender. :)

Have a wonderful Sunday!

It's a mystery...

I wanted to share a few more of my thrift store finds today. This is the so-called "garden" window (and I use that term VERY loosely) in my kitchen. I have a real love/hate relationship with this particular window. Why, you ask? (Because I know you'll lie awake tonight wondering why I'm plagued by this nagging problem) Whoever installed this window kind of missed the whole point of having a garden window, when they chose to put an upper story deck directly above it, blocking any direct sunlight whatsover from entering in the summertime. Now, since this is Alaska, and we all know the sun shines sideways in the winter, I am blessed with the occasional blinding glare on cold, snowy days. But I don't exactly need the sun to grow anything then. So the only thing growing in my garden window is a nice collection of thrift store goodies. And don't even get me started on the dust. Where does it come from in the winter? That's one of life's greatest mysteries.

Anyway, here's my "garden" (picture me doing air quotes with my fingers) window.

The fluted silver pan, dove, wine decanter and glass cake plate are all thrift store finds. I actually made the cake stand by caulking together a glass plate and upside-down glass.
The water mister is second hand, and I actually went junking right in my own garage to find the green glass Ball jar. It's a bicentennial commemorative edition that my husband has been dragging around with him for 30-some years. Sometimes I'm glad he's a packrat!
The cream and sugar set I picked up along with the bowl in the background, two teacups and 4 saucers for $5! I love roosters, but I try not to get too carried away with them, since I'm not a big "theme" decorator. But I couldn't pass these up. And last time I was in Anchorage at a huge antiques co-op called "Packrat", I saw a cup and saucer from the same set that was tagged for $20. So I scored quite a deal!
The little white dove was only 25cents. How could I pass that up?

The rooster bowl, metal stand, winter house under glass, square vase and glass domes are all recent finds. The big rooster is from JoAnns garden collection a few years ago.
Some of these things are old, most are not, but I love that I'm giving them a second home. I always wonder who owned them before me. I'm always giving things to charity, and think about where they are now. Weird, I know. :)

You can click on the pictures to view them larger, just don't look too closely at how dusty my window is. Yikes.

Have a happy Friday!

A case of mistaken identity

So the living room paint project is coming al0ng! Here's what it looked like when we started:

And after one coat of primer:
Two more coats of primer, and one coat of Sherwin Williams Super Paint later, we have a beautiful vanilla color!

I couldn't be happier with the result! I only wish it photographed better. I'll try again on a day when we actually have some sun. The color is the exact shade of melted vanilla ice cream. So warm and creamy and PERFECT. Choosing an off-white is actually harder than it sounds. We still have lots of finish work to do. We are going to install a gloss-white molding strip between the top of the wall and the ceiling, which is still wood. And we're going to trim out all the windows in gloss white. It's amazing how all the "stuff" in the room stands out so much more against the lighter walls.
And a little funny for today. As I was uploading pictures to the computer from the camera, one caught my eye. As I squinted at the teeny little thumbnail, I thought to myself "Who are those guys? I don't remember taking a picture of any men. And what are they doing in my living room?" Imagine how I giggled when I enlarged the picture to see this:

Obviously Sam got ahold of the camera. lol! By the way, these handsome gents are a recent thrift store find. For 1.99 ea., I scooped these guys right up! I've priced them on eBay, and they aren't cheap!

Have a super Thursday. :)