20 bucks

I'm starting to scout out the thrift stores around Denver.  There are several on my way home from work.  I found some goodies the other day.  Some for me.  Some for work.  Some for the home.

In the corner of one store there was a dresser full of accessories.  I spotted this bright orange clutch mixed in with all the plastic coin purses.  I peeked inside.  Hot pink lining and from Harold's... there was no question if it was coming home with me.  I also fell in love with the funky beaded necklace which was not hard to do at $3.

Our living room mantle got this handsome new clock.

I also grabbed a few games for work and the girls.  They were perfect timing for a snowy afternoon.

The Crazy Pyrex Lady

 A new thrift store opened up near me and boy did I hit it at the right time.  I found a cute little yellow Pyrex dish and when I went to check out I spotted A HUGE stack of Pyrex behind the counter.  The lady nicely let me "ooh" and "aah" before I carefully picked out the dishes below.

I brought them home, washed them, took pictures of them then called my mom.  I was so excited.  Yet I could not get the rest of dishes out of my mind.  There was still so much just sitting there.  How much Pyrex do I really need?  But still I could not get the thought of all that pretty red and yellow glassware out of my mind.  What time did they open?

I was tempted to go in to work late but ultimately I risked it and stopped in after school was out.  The Pyrex was there just waiting for me to take it home.  So for a second day in a row I left with three bags of dishes.  One of the volunteers jokingly called me "the crazy Pyrex lady".

The best part of all this is ALL of was 50% and cost next to nothing.

Rockin the Mocs... and Other Thrifty Finds

I pulled into an antique mall this weekend on a whim.  And on a whim I left with these calf high lace up leather moccasins.  Would I wear them?  Who knew, but a little voice told me that for $28 they could not be left behind.  I looked them up on Etsy and saw them listed for twice the price.  Should I sell them?  My inner child told me "No, hang on to them they're fun".

It was a wee bit frosty this morning so I pulled them on under some jeans and I must say they are now the warmest most comfortable pair of shoes I own. Yea for not being sensible.  I need to do more of this in 2011. 

I also found this cast iron saucepan for an amazing $23. 

And this little handmade quilt for $2.  I may make my own someday but for now I'm glad this one has found a loving home.

Christmas Crafting

There was a flurry of last minute crafting the days before Christmas.  I didn't have time to post these last week but I wanted to sneak them in before the new year.

• Paper Garland. I'm a sucker for garland (I have a feeling I've stated that before).  After seeing this "Merry Christmas" garland over at Clover Lane I decided I needed to dress up my kitchen. So many beautiful decorating ideas over there but I just had time for these simple punched circles.  Quick and easy.  I'm not sure if anyone else noticed but I knew it was there and I liked it.  (Excuse the dishes)

 

•  Ponytail holders.  These were a last minute gift for our cute little cousin.  I would love to make these for my girls but any attempt at hair styling is usually pulled out within minutes so I've given up.  I could count on two hands the number of days my girls have worn their hair in ponytails.  I on the other hand seem to have a permanent one.

• Christmas Wreath.  I bought this wreath at Goodwill for .99 cents and transformed it (using Goodwill yarn from this stash) to the wreath below.  I made some flowers from wool felt I had on hand and whola, a pretty new wreath.  I didn't get a chance to hang it before Christmas but I know it will make me so happy when I pull it out next year.

 All the decor came down yesterday and I spent today scrubbing and getting everything back in order.  My 'to do' list has been recycled and life has slowed once again.

KCWC - Day Two

A quick project today. I took a brand new Banana Republic sweater found at Goodwill and turned in into a jumper. It is soft, delicate and made from extra fine Italian merino wool, ahhhh. I felt a little bad cutting into it but it was boxy and sheer and I was never going to wear it. Plus, this color pink is just begging to go to kindergarten.

I used only three steps to alter the sweater. First I cut the arms off (they may very well become legwarmers this week). Then I used a regular sewing machine on a zigzag stitch to take about two inches off each side seam. Finally I finished the sleeves but folding them under and stitching in place with a zigzag stitch.

I thought I was done until I suddenly remember the kitty buttons (from here) I received last Christmas. They made the perfect final touch. The only problem is this jumper fits both girls. I think the clothes sharing has officially begun.

Busy Bullets

Sometimes life gets busy and you just have to revert to bullets to stay updated, so here I go.

• My free time has been taken over by homework, Kung Fu, ballet and Girl Scouts.
• Planning my next knitting project. So many yarns and patterns to choose from but after hours of browsing Ravelry I've decided on Whippoorwill with Madeline Tosh sock yarn... I think.
• Celebrated my 36th birthday this weekend with a date night on Friday (King Fisher) and a family party with homemade pizza, beer and chocolate cake on Saturday.
• Rain - good
• Leak in roof - bad
• Javelina living near by. Jeff saw a mama and 2 babies in our side yard one night and we keep finding their tracks in the mud - good and bad.
• Finding my balance between work and home... again.
• Wanting to take more pictures.
• Found at Goodwill. A classic silk scarf with white with black polka dots for $1.50.

Yarn Score

Today I was reminded again why I love Goodwill. 5 bags of 100% pure virgin wool goodness at $2.99 each. I feel a little bad about scooping up someones yarn stash for just $15. So, thank you Tucson citizen for your beautiful yarn. It will be taken care of and put to good use. Tonight I will be dreaming of sweaters and scarves.

And the colors could not be more lovely.

Creams....

...blues...

...violets...

Oh my.

Thrifted

I'm getting ready for Elsie Marley's Kids Clothing Week Challange. I would like use patterns and fabric that I have plus tutorials and thrifted material instead of going out and buying new. While shopping for men's shirts to make these I found this mug. I love it. A few weeks ago I almost walked out of Anthropologie with a $10 mug mostly because I just wanted to buy something. I'm so glad I waited so now this cute owl has a new home and his twin will go my classroom.

I also came across this beautiful silk and cashmere sweater from Moda International. It is a little funky but I could use a little more funk in my life these days and at $5 I could not pass it up.