If you don't let yourself get distracted by the masive amounts of stuff you can really find some nice finds to decorate or gift. I found these cookie tins for .99 cents each - they still had the tags on them - super cute.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Never Buy New - Christmas STUFF
Oh, my, gosh! There is SOOO much Christmas stuff at the Goodwill and other second-hand stores. Decorations, plates, lights, more decorations, artificial trees, mugs, new cards, cookie tins...everything. The quality of the holiday goodies is especially good - I found tons of items that looked new or very slightly used.
If you don't let yourself get distracted by the masive amounts of stuff you can really find some nice finds to decorate or gift. I found these cookie tins for .99 cents each - they still had the tags on them - super cute.
If you don't let yourself get distracted by the masive amounts of stuff you can really find some nice finds to decorate or gift. I found these cookie tins for .99 cents each - they still had the tags on them - super cute.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Painting a Tree
Feeling creative one day, the hubster and I decided to use some paint the previous owners left us (we think it is the accent color in our bathroom) and put a little nature in our bedroom. What was a boring wall became decorative and functional tree-hook thingy. 
Okay, I am working on a better name. We were pretty excited about how it turned out. We just took the paint and went crazy. The best part about this project is it doesn't take up any space, but really adds a lot to the room. 
Okay, I am working on a better name. We were pretty excited about how it turned out. We just took the paint and went crazy. The best part about this project is it doesn't take up any space, but really adds a lot to the room. 
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Curtain Headboard
This week I want to share one of my favorite re-use-it projects ever. I am calling it the "curtain headboard"...ta da!
When we moved into our house (after 3 rented places in 3 years) we had lots of left over obscure-sized curtains and decorations that didn't seem to fit anywhere in our new home. So, I took this 10ft long curtain rod, two single pained curtains and a wall hanging and made it into a decorative head-board. This solution doesn't replace everything a headboard is good for, but it sure is beautiful and adds a lot of height and texture to our bedroom.
When we moved into our house (after 3 rented places in 3 years) we had lots of left over obscure-sized curtains and decorations that didn't seem to fit anywhere in our new home. So, I took this 10ft long curtain rod, two single pained curtains and a wall hanging and made it into a decorative head-board. This solution doesn't replace everything a headboard is good for, but it sure is beautiful and adds a lot of height and texture to our bedroom.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pretty and Practicle Glasswear
Hello! Do accept my apologies for the lack of posts - I had a wedding - it took over life. But, I am back, married and full of ideas.
I think part of the reason people avoid second hand stores is that they think it is impossible to find clean and shiny newish items. But alas, it is not true! Your second hand store has lovely items just waiting for you to pick them up, take them home and make them feel like new. After a nice bath in dishwasher (I use the 'sanitize' setting) your friends will think you just spent your paycheck at Pottery Barn. (Then, you can tell them you didn't spend that much money and they can be like: what! and you can be like, I know!)
The first and second pics are of decorative glass bottles with home made raspberry and basil infused vodka (the infused part is homemade, not the vodka.) These bottles were also .99 cents each - they look Pottery Barn-esk...huh. Great gifts!
The third picture is of quart size glass canning jars which were purchased for .99 cents each. You can find plastic screw on lids at any grocery store in the canning aisle. There are almost always many sizes of canning jars at my second hand store.
I think part of the reason people avoid second hand stores is that they think it is impossible to find clean and shiny newish items. But alas, it is not true! Your second hand store has lovely items just waiting for you to pick them up, take them home and make them feel like new. After a nice bath in dishwasher (I use the 'sanitize' setting) your friends will think you just spent your paycheck at Pottery Barn. (Then, you can tell them you didn't spend that much money and they can be like: what! and you can be like, I know!)
The first and second pics are of decorative glass bottles with home made raspberry and basil infused vodka (the infused part is homemade, not the vodka.) These bottles were also .99 cents each - they look Pottery Barn-esk...huh. Great gifts!
The third picture is of quart size glass canning jars which were purchased for .99 cents each. You can find plastic screw on lids at any grocery store in the canning aisle. There are almost always many sizes of canning jars at my second hand store.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Toilet Paper Rolls
I can guarantee you that everyone has left over toilet paper rolls (if don't, you will soon) - and who doesn't have a few pens and pencils to organize? Well, here is your solution.
The rolls will stack nicely as long as they have something to lean on; a small shelf, bookends, a deep drawer. If you are too classy for the naked, brown cardboard look you can easily cover each roll in fabric.
Check out other creative uses for toilet paper rolls on these blogs:
http://frugal.families.com/blog/creative-uses-for-toilet-paper-rolls
http://www.squidoo.com/reusepaperroll
The rolls will stack nicely as long as they have something to lean on; a small shelf, bookends, a deep drawer. If you are too classy for the naked, brown cardboard look you can easily cover each roll in fabric.
Check out other creative uses for toilet paper rolls on these blogs:
http://frugal.families.com/blog/creative-uses-for-toilet-paper-rolls
http://www.squidoo.com/reusepaperroll
Friday, June 19, 2009
Never Buy New - Print Cartridges
I realize reusable print cartridges aren't the most exciting thing. But, ever since I
discovered these handy little guys I have been asking myself why anyone would never buy new cartridges. Here is what I mean: the cartridges are cheaper than new ones (only $16) , reusable (i.e. not contaminating the earth when thrown away), and more convenient than going to a store (the company I use, Rapid Refill, has a drop/pick up site at my work.) Umm.... hello?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Flower Pots (guest appearance)
While I catch up on posting please enjoy this guest appearance by fellow second-hand shopper Heather Daniels. Heather's husband Steve made this lovely flower stand which Heather adorned with used flower pots. I have experienced this flower stand first hand, and let me tell you - those flower pots look stylish and brand new. Good work team!
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