thrifty thursday + sewing fun

I scored some really great things at the Provo DI. I'll continue to post pictures of everything I purchased (like the pink Tupperware TV trays from last week) - it is so fun!

I bought the wreath and have a sweet makeover in store for it. I was especially proud because the DI had it marked $3, which I thought was a rip off. The original tag that came on the wreath said $1.29 (probably from 1995), but I asked if they could do any better on the price when I checked out. And guess what - they sold it for 75¢! Amazing!!

The little green suitcase was too cute to pass up. I almost left it there three times, but ultimately, I just couldn't walk away! I can't get enough of thrift stores.

I recently watched my favorite kids. And we had so much fun. Our time together turned into a sewing whirlwind, in which we made four bow ties, an apron, a skirt, and a birthday banner for their mom. The kids were completely enamored with my sewing machine. Oh, how they'll love 7th grade home economics!

The little girl and I had a fun time matching. We both have red patent clogs.

And when she saw the skirt I made to wear to my grammie's funeral, she begged for one. I couldn't pass up the chance to have a mini me, so we totally matched at church. The boys also wore their bow ties. This picture makes me look like a 42-year-old squinting mom posing for a Mother's Day picture, but I love it.

Can't wait for more mom moments! And more thrifting!

thrifty thursday

It was a pink kind of day at the thrift store!

I was so excited to find pink Tupperware! (The pink variety is harder to come by than some of the other colors).

These are TV trays that were used back in '50s (I'm guessing?). I looked them up online, and unfortunately, these trays came with a lid that fits over the square compartment. I didn't find any lids, darn it! But I am still really excited to use these - way more fun than eating off a regular plate, in my opinion.

The pink material underneath is a thrifted sheet. It is currently on a cycle in the washing machine. As soon as it is dry, I will be making a skirt to wear to my grammie's funeral on Saturday. She loved the color pink and always had her nails painted a pretty shade of pink, so I think it will be perfect.

Hope you had a lovely Thursday, gotta love all the sunshine we had in SLC today!

grammie the great

Yesterday we said goodbye to the best grammie in the whole world.

A brain aneurysm took her away much too soon, but we know that she is so happy to be reunited with her parents, husband & loved ones.

Grammie is the kindest and most gentle lady. She loved everyone and thought you were the best at everything even if you felt like a total failure. She had the sweetest countenance and we all love her so much.

I was able to help out with some of her cares when she was in the hospital. I wanted to make sure she got the best care possible, and if I didn't like the way something was done, I tried to fix it when I could.

I had one of the most special experiences performing a nursing duty right before she was taken away. I won't write about it here, but it was a moment I will never forget.

Grammie couldn't wait to see grandpa again. They passed away the same week, just two years apart. My dad told me that he likes to think that grammie missed the first train, but caught the next one.

thrifty thursday

Oh man, if only I had known about this, what a thrifty day it would have been!

I guess in February, Pyrex gave away this cute pot holder to the first 120,000 people who signed up. The giveaway closed in a matter of hours. Now, a month later, I just found out about it and have been lamenting over the situation all afternoon. If only, if only.

Well, I looked on ebay and found one pot holder for sale. Now I find myself in a ridiculous bidding war. It's already up to $8.50 with 4 days left to bid.

Heaven knows I'll be the fool of a bidder willing to give up an arm & leg for this prize.

Click the link here to see the back side of the pot holder. So fun!

dream house

I have always loved anything that has to do with design and decorating homes. If I could only watch one TV channel for the rest of my life, it would definitely be HGTV. Buying a house is far off in the distance, but I have some ideas that I think would be the bee's knees in a future home.

Of course I'm dreaming here (makes me sound like mr. wants, ha!), but these are some of the elements I would love.

fish scale shingles:

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dormer windows:

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colorful stained glass:

photo taken at Broadbent's in Lehi

dutch door:

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hexagon & subway tile (+ a retro bathroom):

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laundry chute:

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spiral staircase (but less modern looking):

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reproduction '50s appliances:

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retro kitchen booth:

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geodesic dome playground:

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lap swimming pool (with brightly colored lane lines!):

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I know it's quite the list, but I can't stop dreaming about it. What a spiffy house it would make. I was talking to my gram this morning, and she told me that she "just wants more husbands & babies" (i.e. wants me and my cousins to get married & have kids).

We'll just take it one step at a time.

thrifty thursday

I happened upon this skirt as my mom and I were leaving the DI. She was practically dragging me out of the place, and thank heavens, my eyes quickly spotted it. I tried it on in a jiffy and wondered where this print has been my whole life. I just love it.

It was much too long (almost ankle length) which wasn't the look I wanted. So I brought it home, took eleven inches off, and voila!

I wore it to church on Sunday and I think I just might wear it every Sunday from now on. I love how vibrant the colors are - especially the peacock blue. I can't believe anyone would give this away, but I am sure glad they did!

After finding such good and retro skirts/dresses at the DI, I don't think I can ever step foot in a regular store again.

mr. wants

I recently went on a date and wanted to share just a snippet of it.

Let me just preface this by saying that I did have a fun time on this date, and he was a pretty decent & I think well-intentioned guy. I'm not posting this to be mean or high & mighty, I just think it's a little funny and is something I want to remember.

[in the car, just driving around]

mr. wants: "What is the most money you would ever spend on a house?"

me: "I don't know, I'm not really sure what you mean. How much money do I have?"

mr. wants: "As much as you want. At least 10 million."

me: "Uhhhhh, I don't know. It depends on a lot of things. What city I'm in, the neighborhood, new vs. old construction. I guess I would never spend more than a million. Anything beyond would make me feel sick for the rest of my life".

mr. wants: "Really, I'd go for 1.5 million. If I stay single, maybe just a 3300 sq. foot house with a 3-car garage. But definitely something more if I'm married."

me: "Cleaning a house with nine bathrooms sounds like torture."

mr. wants: "That's why you'd have a cleaning service come in at least once a month, and you'd maintain the everyday upkeep."

[Okay, kind of a strange thing to talk about on a first date. And a 3-car garage for a single person? Heaven help me].

it gets better...

[while eating dessert]

mr. wants: [starts describing all his toys. His motorcycle, mountain bike, road bike. Then proceeds to tell me how much he spent on each part of the road bike - as in dollars]. "The handle bars? $750. The pedals? $350. Yada, yada, yada. He goes through each and every piece of the bike. Then mr. wants says that if he has a lot of money one day, he would want to buy an expensive sports car with cash [i.e. $100,000].

me: [insert covert eye roll.] "You sure are a dreamer, aren't you?".

mr. wants: "Well yeah, aren't you?"

me: "I'm a dreamer, but I just have different dreams than you."

Okay, okay, so I know this snap shot is kind of one sided. I'm not trying to portray myself as the heroine, and mr. wants the villain of... well, wanting. I definitely have some crazy ideas in this head of mine [like restoring an old school house and living in it] and I want, want, want all the time [like my Christmas wishes], but I just look back on what the majority of our conversation was about, and I have to laugh. I kept thinking, "man, if we go on a second date, I hope we can eliminate talking about material items".

I'm looking forward to date nights, a really supportive & loving husband, having a big church calling, kids running around in Saltwater sandals, a retro house full of color.

Those are the things I dream about. What about you?

thrifty thursday

I am feeling like a little sickie today. Bad cold, sore throat, throbbing headache, achy body. Things have been a little stressful around here lately, and I am feeling worried about family members and sorry for myself again (just losing hope). Am I lame or what.

My gram got wonderful news this week. The cancer is gone from her stomach and lung, but the mass is still isolated in her groin, yet it is smaller. This means she just has to have radiation. No more chemo! (see you later chemo, we will NOT miss you!). I am so excited and hope the cancer will hurry up and leave altogether so she can come back out here.

My other grammie had a brain aneurysm on Sunday night and will be in the hospital for 2-3 weeks. It has been sad to deal with this in the wake of happy news with my other gram. All I can do is pray for everyone and have faith that things will work out the way they are meant to.

I stopped at the DI on the way home from visiting my grammie, and I found a few good things. I have ventured into the clothing section lately at the DI and have found some real gems.

This skirt is from Ann Taylor and had the original tag on it. I only paid $6.00 for it. Not bad for something that has never been worn.

While I was trying on the skirt, I had a feeling I should go look at the dresses. Sometimes I bypass them because I get tired of sifting through shoulder pads & really unfortunate prints, but I got so lucky with this little number! Too bad it is sleeveless, but I can just wear something underneath.

Or on top, like the cute jacket it came with! I think this dress is so fun, and just in time for spring. It was only $8.00 for both pieces.

dear uncle mike,

Thanks a million for my vintage Fire King bowl. I L-O-V-E it. I was pretty much over the moon when my mom said you sent a surprise back for me, and when I saw it was carefully wrapped in paper towels for the plane ride home, I knew it was something good. Thank you!

I am also honored that you taped up the valentine I sent. Does that mean I'm your favorite?

You're the one who never hangs up the phone when I call, who always lets me talk to gram, who scraped off/warmed up the car a whole bunch when I visited, who stocked the fridge with bottled water, and who took me for a walk on frozen Lake Champlain. You're the best.

I also owe you big time for introducing me to Modern Family. It is downright hilarious, and I always think of you when I watch it. Have you seen this clip? I dedicate it to you.

I may not be Ann Coulter, but I'm sure glad you read my blog, too. I love you, uncle Mike!