A Country Girl in the City

Christmas DIY List

2011-11-28T22:05:00.001-05:00

It’s that time of year again, my favourite time to get my craft on with hand made Christmas goodness! I’ll be heating up my glue gun, getting sparkles on my face all while playing some sweet carols in the background.

Here is a sampling of some of the projects I’m planning on making. I’ve already picked up a few supplies at Michaels as they had crazy sales last week, (this week there is a 50% off coupon on one item) and I’ll be using what I have at home to get my festive DIY on! Who’s excited?

Click on the photos to link to the tutorials.

1. Paper Wreath – Last year I used some old sheet music to create a few pinwheels for our tree. This year I’ll be using the same lovely paper to craft this wreath for our door although I think I’ll find something different for the center.

2. Scrabble Ornaments – I love using scrabble pieces to create! When I saw this idea, I knew it would be on my list of DIY.

3. Gift Tags - My mom has this owl punch from stampin’ up that can be used to make these two adorable Christmas creatures. I think I’ll use them as gift tags for my presents this year.

4. Hershey Kiss Mouse – “Not a creature was stirring” I thought these would be cute to pass out to co-workers to spread a little tiny holiday cheer.

5. Glittery Ornaments – These bad boys have the glitter INSIDE of them, so maybe I won’t be getting a face full of sparkles. I can’t wait to make some of these pretties for our tree!

6. Holiday Subway Art – Now this one I’m really excited about. It’s actually just a file you download and print out on a 16 x 20 piece of paper. How cool is that? I’ll just need to get a frame and, BOOM, instant holiday art!

Well that’s all for now. These projects should keep me busy for a while. I also have some handmade Christmas presents that I need to make for just about 3 weeks from now. So I need to get on it!

Happy Crafting!

Mini Birthday Bunting

2011-10-16T20:37:00.001-04:00

For my mother’s birthday I made this little mini cake bunting out of some thrifted vintage fabric. I cut out a double sided triangle and hot glued it together over the lacy ribbon. Cute, simple and reusable!

And one of the Tay man because he wanted to.

White flower bouquet

2011-07-26T07:38:00.001-04:00

My little sister is getting married next spring and so I’ve been looking at wedding flowers once again. On the weekend I decided to treat myself to a pretty white bouquet that I arranged.

Lovely Places: St. Jacob’s Market

2011-07-24T20:50:00.001-04:00

We decided to head out of the city Saturday morning for a drive to Amish Country and spend the morning at the St. Jacob’s Market.

So much amazing food, great venders, and farmers with their fresh produce.
Of course there is also a great antique barn across the road.

An amazing lily farmer!

This was so stunning!

The heat was intense, but we bought this fresh 1 Liter lemonade with fresh fruit!
A definite thirst quencher.

And over at the antique barn, there were so many things I could have bought,
but I walked away empty handed as I know we don’t NEED anything.

There was this great set of 4 pyrex mixing bowl!

This awesome vintage fan…on the way home I was thinking about it.

There was something about this tall chair I loved.

An entire shelf full of various pyrex. Although I found the prices to be a little too steep.

And this was just the cutest children’s ice cream parlour table and chair set.

I shouldn’t say I walked away empty handed. We bought our weeks groceries at the market, all fresh and full of Ontario goodness!

Thrifty Finds

2011-07-20T07:44:00.001-04:00

I spent a lovely day with my mom doing what we do best, thifting at her local thrift joints in the ‘burbs. I wish the stores in the big city were as good as they are there. Here they are often way over priced and totally picked through.

I’m planning on spray painting this mirror white.
It goes nicely with this pretty metal frame.
I plan on adding them to my collage art wall. They were both only $1.50!

Look at the pretty details!

I also picked up this finely detailed mirrored makeup tray for my dresser.
My grandmother had one and so it reminds me of her. I think I may spray paint it white also. $1.50!

And lastly, I couldn’t resist this adorable vintage gingham dress.

I’m debating whether to list it on Etsy or not? It’s so cute with the little ties at the side and it came with a pair of matching rompers.

Weekend Project {Fabric Floral Necklace}

2011-07-09T23:40:00.001-04:00

I completed one of my “To Do” projects today. This pretty fabric floral necklace was as easy as the directions indicated. You can find it here @ Little Miss Momma

I used some of the thrifted fabric from a church sale a while back to make my flowers and added one piece of vintage lace in the middle.

Picked up this lovely bunch of delphiniums at the St. Lawrence market this morning. So beautiful!

July Projects

2011-07-07T21:17:00.001-04:00

I never did complete my May project list.
I was able to check off pillow making and embroidery hoop hanging!

1) I still want to paint the inside of my white antique cabinet a fun colour that will pop

2) I want to finish a scrapbook that I started of out Trip to La and DisneyLand 3 years ago!! (my good friend Danielle!)

3) I want to make some jewellery again. Just to freshen up my accessories for summer! Here are some neato idea’s I want to try using fabric and different mediums.

Little Miss Momma has a tutorial on how to make this cutie.

4) Sew a cute bag like this out of a vintage pillowcase!
A Martha how to

5) Just try a fun box like this for my nieces birthday in August.
Martha Stewart as well.

Pretty Flowers

2011-07-06T21:25:00.001-04:00

A post just because I love flowers. Their beauty is inspiring, the rich colours. The soft and subtle shades. The varying shapes. So here are a few bouquets I adore.

A fairy garden in a bucket! I’ve always love miniature things!
This swells my heart!

Thrifty Weekend Finds: Cottage Style

2011-07-05T19:44:00.001-04:00

Spent a long weekend in Northern Ontario. Weather was lovely, horse flies were down right horrendous! My mom and I went out Saturday morning to see if we could find any treasures at garage sales in the small town of Huntsville, but we found nothing but the weirdest “garage sales” I’ve seen.

Garage sale #1 was way out in the boonies with barely anything for sale, and it was over priced!
Garage sale #2 was what looked like to be an ongoing sale permanently set up in their garage and hallway of their home ( a used scrabble game was $20!)
Garage sale #3 was more of a Regal sale. Remember Regal? The company where you just ordered items from a catalogue? Anyway, this sale was just boxes of new Regal items for sale.

Moving on…

We ended up at the local Salvation Army which is chalk full of items!
As I was scanning the shelves of dishes, a bright pretty pattern caught my eye.
Here is what I scored!

A gorgeous bowl, platter, creamer and sugar pot. As well as a tin recipe box.

The items are ironware by the Johnson Brothers, made in England. I can’t seem to find any information on it though.

It was pretty grimy, but just covered in some aged sticky dust. Whip out the magic eraser and BOOM! Clean as can be. Only a small chip in the sugar pot, but I just couldn’t leave it!

Isn’t the pattern just beautiful? There is zero colour fading.

A close up of the platter.

I love the bright red of this recipe box! Very cute.

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-06-12T10:01:00.001-04:00

Sorry I’ve been AWOL for so long. It’s been a very busy last 2 weeks and this blog was neglected and put on the back burner. Sorry blog, I apologize.

I’ve been so busy, I’ve barely had time for any kind of thrifting either! (insert horrified gasp here!) Surprisingly, I haven’t missed it that much. Here in our city dwelling, we’ve been working hard to save money for an upcoming trip to Australia in the fall (I know, what!?). I’ve also started a new hobby of couponing, this was my first post on that, to help save money in our home. So all in all, I haven’t totally missed the thrift scene that much.

Although last weekend was a disappointment. We were at a WingDing, where the entire town is garage sale mania, but then it decided to torrential down pour for about 2 hours. Even more disappointing was that my mom had set up her own spot and was totally rained out.

The BFF and I did manage to pick up a few things before the rain.

A heavy desk arm lamp. Not sure if I want to spray paint it black. $2.00
A brand new roots over the shoulder bag. $2.00

This really old scrabble game will be awesome for some crafts I have in mind.
$2.00

I love doing this too. That’s a picture of my little sis and I. (who just got engaged!!) Maybe I’ll switch it up with a wedding picture of BFF and I. (sorry Lee!)

This is adorable too! I’d like to do this for our photo collage wall.

I’ve also been keeping a small herb garden. Surprising myself they are all still alive! It’s nice to grab some fresh basil to throw into garlic shrimp!

I’ve used my thrifted wooden boxes that I purchased at an estate sale a while back.
I love the look! I think I might stencil “Herbs” on them.

I posted this photo a while back:

Well, my mom, dad and grandparents got back from a trip to Holland a few weeks back, and looky what my mom got me!?? My very own pair of wooden shoes (Klumpen). I’m very excited to paint them up and hang them somewhere.

Linking to Thrift Share Monday @ Apron Thrift Girl

Spring Pretties

2011-05-19T08:05:00.001-04:00

::I think this is the most gorgeous bouquet I’ve ever seen::
I feel like it could melt in your mouth like a vanilla and raspberry sorbet

::A great braid::

::Easy cute art project::

::A little retro side table::Neat bedside lamp and mirror::

::Floral pathway, gorgeous!::

::High hooks::Petite white iron bed::

::Pretty embroidery::

Our Place

2011-05-15T17:07:00.001-04:00

A few little things at our place::

A while back I posted about a bed that I wanted to get. Well here it is! We’ve had it a few months now and it’s been great for having extra storage under, not to mention that it’s pretty and white!

I ‘springed’ it up with these yellow pillow cases I got at a recent rummage sale for 0.50 cents each!

I also made this pretty white pillow from a remnant I got as well!

Another pretty little thing I managed to scavenge is this antique window. Last week a very old house across the road from us started to be demolished. After an early morning jog I waved one of the crew men over and asked if he could salvage a window for me! He was so nice and told me to get it after work.

I trimmed the top with a piece of vintage lace.

Filled one pane with a windmill print.

And another with a piece of yellow floral vintage fabric.

Here is the beautiful lock.

A pretty LEMON THYME plant.

Linking to Apron Thrift Girl

First Couponing Experience

2011-05-10T19:32:00.001-04:00

I’ve been wanting to use coupons for a while now, but for some reason never really sought any out. After watching TLC’s Extreme Couponing show (this is a video link), it really inspired me to begin saving money for our family.

1) I began by simply signing up in these websites and slowly, my pile of coupons started growing.

brandsaver.ca
save.ca
websaver.ca
gocoupons.ca

2) I made an alternate email address because I didn’t want extra junk email in my everyday inbox. These four websites require you to provide your mailing address as they mail the coupons to you.

3) I bought a bunch of plastic photograph sleeves for 50 cents at a thrift store to start storing and organizing my coupons. I sort them according to their expiry date.

5) I started looking for sales in the flyers to match the coupons I had to maximize the savings!

6) I found this great Canadian blog about couponing and it highlights the latest/greatest sales:: Mrs. January

Thursday night when the flyers came out, I began to scour them to match up my coupons. I headed to Walmart where ziploc bags were on sale.

This what I got for a grand total of $2.34 + tax for all of these items.
Here is the breakdown:
Glad deodorizer: Free with a “Get one Free” Coupon
Venus Razors: on sale for $8.00 – 3.00 coupon = $5.00
Clubhouse chilli spice: $4.58 – 1.00 coupon = 3. 58
Ziploc’s: on sale for 1.48 each – coupon buy 2 save 4.00 = +1.04
I made a profit of $1.04 using this coupon. I printed 6 coupons so I made a profit of $6.24!

Is that not awesome or what!?
Do you have any couponing experience? I’d love to hear it!

Mother’s Day Weekend

2011-05-09T10:20:00.001-04:00

A few pictures from the weekend::

::Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in High Park::

::Amazing bouquet of flowers from my boys::

::Sweet artful flower painted just for me::

Minted Inspiration

2011-05-03T22:08:00.001-04:00

Do you notice themes when you save pictures of home decor, items on a shelf, wall colours and furniture? I was looking at my favorite pictures and here is what I have for inspiration::

A rustic minted bathroom cupboard
Source

Ruffled Pillow and Mirror
Source

Jars, vase, cupboard knobs!
Source

Wallpaper, I’m considering this selection to put in the back of my white cupboard.
Source

Love the moderate fading of the colours on the drawers.
And who doesn’t love a giant bold letter?
Source

Distressed Side Table
Source

{Transplanting}

2011-05-02T22:33:00.001-04:00

Last week this adorable boy brought home some lovely but over grown plants from school. He knew that Grandpa would have a solution for transplanting them! This was our after school project today::

Lovely Boy with a cheese smile!
(I know, looks like knives are coming out of his head! Oops)

Needed:: Potting soil, plastic pots, and water. Plus overgrown sunflower plant and overcrowded tomato plant, plus some plant that Tayson only remembers the name of in French, so we are at a loss with that one!

1) From my grandmother 2) Spindly French unknown 3) Tomato 4) Giant sunflower

Now hopefully they will all flourish in front of the sunlight, to then be transplanted again at a later date when they weather is better outside. Wish me luck as my track record with caring for plants is dismal!

Thrifty Weekend Finds {Rummage}

2011-05-01T16:33:00.001-04:00

I had the guts to attend another church rummage sale that was happening down the road from me. Based on my last experience, I wasn’t sure if I ever wanted to go again, but boy, I’m sure glad I did!

Here’s my loot::

A great white plant pot, rustic note cards, a wire basket, an antique lacy runner, two bright patterned pillow cases and a sugar jar.

1/2 yards of vintage fabrics and this other pretty white remnant.

Here’s another shot of the pillow cases!

Pretty note cards

The cute wire basket. And this is what I bought the sugar jar for::

This is the gorgeous runner.

And another pretty shot of the plant holder. Love!
I also bought three feather pillow forms and a yard of muslin.
I think in total I spent only $15.00! Sa-weet!

A 50th Birthday Celebration {Party Planning}

2011-04-29T13:29:00.001-04:00

My lovely Ma and Pa are both celebrating their 50th Birthday’s this year! My Dad’s birthday is in March and my Mom’s is in September. In an effort to minimize craziness, we are doing a combined celebration in June. Something outdoors, with BBQ, a tent, an after dark bonfire. Casual yet country classy.

I’ve been saving up ideas for it and here is what I have so far:

::Food::

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Pita Chips
Source

Adorable to make just a few of these!
Source

Cute cutlery caddy

::Decor::

I’d love to string up on the barn and deck.

We’ve got to do this! LOVE IT!

Barn Sale

2011-04-27T08:26:00.000-04:00

Come on out to the first Barn Sale by Country Lane Treasures!
There will be lot of antique furniture, vintage finds including items from our online shop,
3 Thrifty Ladies, gifts for mother's day, and lots more!
Check out the link to our Photobucket Album.

Weekend Project Complete

2011-04-24T21:12:00.001-04:00

This embroidery hoop project was on my list to do before the end of May.
It was fun pulling out fabric and finding other fun ways to customize the hoops and make them each unique yet all coordinate together.

I hot glued each piece of fabric to the inside of the hoop.

Amy Butler fabric::Vintage lace on blue::Hand stitched embroidery bird::

I made this organza flower with pearls a while back, it matched perfectly.

One project down, three to go.

What did you do this weekend?

We had a lovely time with family celebrating and remembering the death and life of Jesus and the grace we have been granted through His sacrifice.

I picked up some pretty flowers I had to share as well.

I just can’t resist my favorite flower {Ranunculus}

An Obtainable List of Things to Do

2011-04-18T16:52:00.001-04:00

I’ve been very inspired by many craft projects lately, and really want to get at some of them. Here is a short list for the next 6 weeks which will leave me at the end of May to have them complete.

1) Paint or wallpaper the back of my white hutch in a fun, bright colour!

2) Make two ruffled pillows for my bedroom and another pillow out of this thrifted fabric.

3) Make grass filled egg shells with Tayson for Easter

4) Hang the 7 hoops I’ve collected in our entrance hallway with fun fabric

This is from my old apartment and I just never hung them again.

I can do it right?

::What I’ll need that I don’t already have at home::

To Purchase
-wall paper if I’m going with that option
- white fabric for the pillows
- grass seed Canadian Tire

Free
- paint from my parents if they have extra from their new room? (mom?)
- sewing machine from sister
- soil from my dad

(got to love family)

Sources::

1) Decor8 2) Kelly and Olive 3) Fly Through Our Window 4) Purl Bee

Thrifty Weekend Finds:: Rummage Sale

2011-04-12T08:34:00.001-04:00

Every time I encounter a sale like this, I question why I attend this type of venue to thrift. Last weekend’s Church Rummage sale was rude and crowded. The amount of people that showed up on a warm Saturday morning was shocking to me and I wonder if all the upcoming rummage sales will be like this?

Luckily it was well organized, as it always is with this church, but I left with very little as the crowd was thick with aggressive people who shoved, elbowed and spoke in very rude ways. I managed to find a semi peaceful place around the craft table where I only picked up these items::

Two vintage baby knitting books, a pieces of pretty fabric for a new pillow in our bedroom and a box of vintage buttons.

Spring Garland Inspiration

2011-04-05T21:37:00.001-04:00

After making my cupcake garland, I was inspired to look for other cute ways to decorate for spring using garlands::

Source: If you have a Cricut or Sizzix this is a great option

Source: Doilies are super cheap and very pretty

Source: Love the idea of adding a white string of lights between, but is this safe?

Source: PAINT CHIPS! Who would have thought? Not me, but I love it.

Source: I have some of these foam eggs from Dollarama kicking around somewhere.
I like the thought of using them, but not all linked together. Maybe with something in between them…hmm, but what? Any thoughts?
*Loose pieces of lace bunched together
*Wooden spools
*Faux leaves

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-04-04T08:37:00.001-04:00

Sadly, I did not get the lamp that would have been a smashing hit in our living room.
I was fifth in line on Saturday morning, but the group of three friends who were first in line were also there for the lamp and snagged it as soon as the door was open.
Seriously, I almost cried. Is that totally lame or what? I was deeply disappointed.

On a brighter note, I did get the white and brown dresser for $30! Perfect for my son’s room as it was overcrowded by a long dresser.

I did also score a bunch of amazing goodies, and so, I suppose the beautiful vintage arch lamp was not meant to be. Here are my great thrifty weekend finds!

*Cool retro clock and swivel mirror *wooden spools and thimbles
These are all going to the shop!

This totally adorable retro clock is in great working order.

Love these wooden spools and cute thimbles

*Pretty cream picture frame *Set of flowery spring pillow cases – going to the shop!

*Two lacy pillow covers

*Some retro fabric for my friend Jess @ Graceful Oven

*This amazing vintage leather purse! I just LOVE it and am keeping this for myself.
It was $5.00!

My second Pyrex find:: An olive green Pyrex mixing bowl with a Spring Blossom pattern. Also two smaller solid mixing bowls. These are going to the shop!

Crazy boy doing an Egyptian pose with his new dresser.

It is in amazing condition and nothing has to be done to it!
Nice deep drawers too.

And now this last item was a totally fun surprise to open. I asked one of the estate sale guys to reach for this cute case at the top of a closet. I thought it was empty but when I opened it up . . .

. . . there was the most adorable vintage dolls clothes inside, complete with hangers, socks, a jacket and rompers. They are the sweetest handmade items I’ve seen.

This is also going to the shop if you know of any little girl, or her mother, who may enjoy this adorable set.

Be sure to check out my shop for some awesome finds and I’ll be updating it soon with some of these item for sale. 3 Thrifty Ladies

Linking to Apron Thrift Girls, Thrift Share Monday

Upcoming Estate Sale Weekend

2011-03-31T17:17:00.001-04:00

My heart almost stopped when I opened up the link that was attached in the email I received about an upcoming estate sale this weekend. (Yes, I subscribe to a list serve for estate sale*blush*) This is why:

Do you see that heavenly vintage arched lamp? It is PERFECT, and I mean PERFECT for our living room. We do not have an overhead light and I’ve seen these babies range from $300 - $500 dollars in some high end lighting stores. Now, I have no idea what the asking price will be on this piece of sweetness, but I think I’ll have to get out of bed early Saturday morning if I want it to be mine! I’m willing to sharpen my elbows for her. And the best part? My dear BFF love it too.

The sale is also boasting some pretty amazing looking dressers.
I’ll have to speak to the BFF, but I’m loving both these! Which one do you prefer?
I think the white and wood is a bit more timeless than the green.

There’s also this funky retro lamp as well. It’s like the baby to the mommy.

And my little eye spied this, way up in the corner of the picture. Can you guess what I’m looking at?

I don’t know what’s with me and lighting, but that is what I have seemed to spot at this up coming sale!

If they have some of these fun, funky, vintage, retro pieces, I can’t wait to see what else is in the house!

6:40 wake up call Saturday morning! Wish me luck!

DIY Spring Cupcake Garland

2011-03-29T20:57:00.001-04:00

I was browsing through the dollar store one evening and saw these small doilies and floral cupcake liners. I remembered seeing a few different versions of this adorable garland and wanted to give it a try. I think I’ll give it to my niece for her bedroom the next time I see her as it’s a pretty girly project.

It took no time to whip together by hole punching multiple doilies and liners at once and then stringing them on the twine.

Auction Envy

2011-03-28T23:18:00.001-04:00

I’ve posted before about auctions that I’ve gone to with my parents.
Rob Sage offers great finds at every turn. Here are some items from an upcoming auction that are so very vintage!

Enamel Sign

Irresistible!

I think this would be such a fun gift for my son.

This is a lovely book case with a glass door and claw feet!

These next photos are from previous auctions and some stellar items that sold.

A beautiful condition walnut dresser with moustache handles.

Wow, the price was steep for this filing cabinet, but it has so much
character I LOVE IT!

I could see this being spray painted white! Amazing looking.

The shape and design of this is amazing! And the oval mirror is wow!

Alternative Shelving:: Wire and Wooden Crates

2011-03-24T22:30:00.001-04:00

Antique wooden crates are a perfect detail to create a unique shelving option on any wall in any room. If I ever see one it will be snatched up in a second.

Make your own crates! Ana White

There are also vintage wire baskets or crates that I just love too.
I was at Crate and Barrel this evening and saw these reproductions
that are just charming.

Etsy Shop:: Every Eskimo

A variety of wire baskets and crates.

This is a slight alternative version, using round baskets to hold this child’s stuffies!
Bleubird

Spring Wardrobe:: Purple Gray Day

2011-03-22T16:44:00.001-04:00

::Gorgeous colour dress:: RUCHE

::Grey Cardy:: GAP

::Beautiful Floral Necklace:: ETSY – Ardent Sparrow

::Swede Moccasins::

::Pretty purple bracelet:: ETSY – Ardent Sparrow

::Wall Art:: Etsy – Amanda Keaton

Shop Update:: Spring Vintage Items

2011-03-18T15:24:00.001-04:00

Please visit the shop!

Here are some of the newest items added::

Small Apothecary Jar

Baby Sweater

Patent Leather Shoes Little Girl

Vintage Belt

Vintage Purse

Summer Lov’n

2011-03-17T21:59:00.001-04:00

Last week was full of rain, slush and snow. My soggy feet and frizzy hair were longing for those summer mornings where you can walk outside with your favorite pair of Birkenstock's on.

::This is a picture from our Honeymoon…I want to go back!::

::Vintage Summer at the beach::

::Gorgeous vine swing::

::Payless Gladiator Sandals::

::Pretty Gingham Vintage Dresses::

Our Bedroom

2011-03-15T21:50:00.001-04:00

We’ve been sleeping with our mattress on our box spring since August now, and, while that’s fine, I am ready for a real bed. Is it funny to say that the reason I want a bed is so that we will have storage underneath? Do you know how much vital floor space is sitting beneath us?

I spotted this lovely Ikea bed in the current issue of Style at Home.

LEIRVIK

I love the antique, shabby chic look of the bed and have begged the BFF to at least go tot Ikea to have a little look.

Here are a few other shots of rooms I was able to find using this crush worthy bed or others that are similar for inspiration.

Ideal Home

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-03-13T18:24:00.001-04:00

Friday Night Scramble included heading to the far east end of Toronto to an Estate Sale that started at 2:00pm that day. I’m glad I went then as I’m things had already somewhat been picked over. Here’s my loot::

::Sunny yellow and Robins egg blue fabric scraps for quilting::

::Pretty pieces of lace::

::A cute apothecary jar::

::Two handmade multifunctional wooden boxes::

To purchase any of these fun vintage items, along with many others,
please visit my Etsy Shop:
3 Thrifty Ladies

Just Dreaming

2011-03-09T20:23:00.001-05:00

::A cozy and bright breakfast nook, warm sunroom::

::The slated ceiling and clean whiteness of the room::

::Dreaming of summer picnics, sharing a sandwich with a friend, fresh lemonade, laying in the grass on a quilt::

Country kitchen:: Yum!

::Loft style bedroom and crocheted bed cover::

::An open door for a sweet breeze while reading my Bible at the table in the glow of the morning sun, sipping delicious coffee::

Today I am longing for summer and warmth and beauty.

Muskoka Getaway

2011-03-06T22:09:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my lovely aunt and uncle and their generous wedding gift, we were able to spend a wonderful weekend at the amazing Rosseau Muskoka Marriott Resort and Spa.

Photo from website

It was so cozy and wonderful with a fireplace in our suite, watching a heavy snowfall outside. Breakfast was served to our room in the morning before we headed home.

Outside we were struck by the sheer beauty of freshly fallen snow on the once bare trees. The sun was bright and cheerful as we drove home, in stark contrast to the –10 outside.

A really cute log home on a hill.

We also stopped in this store: Muskoka Living Interiors
Located just outside Port Carling, Ontario, this enormous interior design store was certainly something else. The stock alone was unbelievable, but when I saw a few price tags, well, let’s just say we were like little kid’s when your mom says, “Don’t touch anything here!”

Beautiful pieces and wonderfully designed.

Loved this paisley type print.

We both really love this and thought it would be a great thing to have in our home.
Idea! Project for me. People, it’s a stencil, some paint and a rustic frame that can be made out of barn board. Somehow I don’t think the price is quite right at $352 dollars!
Just saying.

Spring Tulip Bouquet

2011-03-04T12:29:00.001-05:00

Flowers always make me happy.
They add that little bit of colour to your table and a pop to your room.
I just can’t wait for spring and had to buy a few bunches of bright tulips from the flower market.

If I had a spring wedding, I’d make a tulip bouquet and use every bulb plant and flower imaginable to decorate.

Happy Weekend!

Thrifty Weekend Finds :: Estate Sale

2011-02-27T01:33:00.001-05:00

I’m not sure this estate sale thing is really for me. The first few times I went, it was great, a cool new thrifty experience. It was something I had never done before. New treasures were to be found, interesting people to meet, old homes to see etc. But this past Saturday, I was shocked to see the rudeness of people come out.

6:00am – Awoken by 8 yr old son, on a Saturday morning, 40 min before scheduled alarm. Not happy.

6:30am – Get up, no point in trying to go back to sleep. Lay out ground rules for weekend mornings. No getting out of room before 7:00am.

7:10am – After COFFEE, head out the door to sale.

7:30am – Turning onto the road where the sale is, notice A LOT of cars. Sheesh! Really? Park and walk to door where a thick crowd had already gathered. Did I say it was snowing? Hard? Ya, it was.

7:45am – Get # 38, proceed back to warm car till 8:00am

8:00am – More people waiting, stuck behind people who do not have #’s. See pushing, hear yelling, swearing, anger. (is this really worth it?)

8:17am – Get inside. The house is barren. I waited all this time to enter an almost empty home? Really? NOT WORTH IT! I leave with 4 things. Boo.

Pretty vintage table clothe. Large oval shape to fit a dining room table. Obviously my table is round, but you get the picture.

A stash of vintage wrapping paper that I think it pretty cool and funky!
Can be purchased here. 3 Thrifty Ladies: Wrap

4 Cute spoon rests in these two funky vintage colours, teal and mustard.
Can be purchased here. 3 Thrifty Ladies: Spoon Rests

Beautiful Butterfly Notecards in three different designs.

My favorite find of the day was at a separate sale in more of an upscale neighbourhood. There wasn’t much at this sale either, but I managed to purchase these pretty pink glasses. I just love them. They remind me of the glasses at Anthropolgie a little bit.
I debated whether to list them, and yes, I did. I know they’ll sell as they are just too pretty to pass up. 3 Thrifty Ladies: Pink Drinking Glasses

If you’ve been to Estate Sales, what is your impression of them?

Happy Thrifting.

Thifty Weekend Finds

2011-02-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

This weekend I convinced my parents to join me at an estate sale. My mom was enthused, dad, not so much. But he quickly became engaged once he started digging around and getting his hands dirty. I didn't end up getting a whole lot but overall it was a fun thrifty experience with them.

Adorable Tea Tin
For sale @ 3ThriftyLadies

A great messenger bag

For sale @ 3ThriftyLadies

The top two suitcases were exciting additions to create this trio of vintage luggage.

My mom and I have seen trio's like this used as side tables that add a great converstation piece to living room decor.

Linking to Thrift Share Monday

Thrifty Weekend Finds :: Give Away

2011-02-14T08:27:00.001-05:00

A quiet thrifty weekend here. Just picked up a few packs of vintage cards and a pretty tin. No estate sales that caught my eye, but hopefully next weekend I’ll find a good one!

In honour of the Grand Opening of 3 Thrifty Ladies, I want to invite you to enter for a chance to win: 10 pages of vintage sheet music, 4 vintage cards and a vintage decorative floral tin.

HOW TO ENTER

The giveaway runs from February 14 to February18. A winner will be picked at random and announced Sunday February 20. Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!
YOU HAVE THREE CHANCES TO WIN!

1. Check out the shop 3 Thrifty Ladies and leave a comment here on the blog stating what your favourite item is along with your email address.

2. For an additional entry, become a follower of this blog and leave an additional comment along with your email address.

3. For an additional entry, link this giveaway on your blog, come back here to leave another comment and a link to your blog.

4 Adorable vintage cards. Birthday and Blank.

Sweet embossed detail on this cute fawn card.

Pretty floral tin with removable lid.

Each side has a different detailed flower.

10 pages of double sided sheet music, perfect for crafting.
Check out this post for inspirational ideas.

Good luck! Can’t wait to see how my first Giveaway goes!
Open to Canadian and USA residents.

Linking to Apron Thrift Girl

Party Outfit Ideas

2011-02-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

Pretty party outfits:

Lovely Yellow Dress
Anthropologie

Grey cardigan
Etsy store – Rag and Rich Vintage

Love Necklace
Etsy Store – The Ardent Sparrow

Sparkly Flats
Steve Madden

Tunic Blouse
Smart Set

Vintage Inspired Belt
Gap

Curvy Dark Wash Jeans
Gap

Vintage Bubble Necklace
Etsy Shop - RS4U

It’s my {tea}party

2011-02-09T18:04:00.001-05:00

I think I’m going to plan an afternoon tea party for myself for my birthday. I’ll invite some girl friends over, have sweets and goodies and a spot of tea. What do you think?

My sisters and mom had a tea party shower before my wedding and it was just so lovely, pretty and pink!

Colour Scheme:

Flowers are a must! Pink please.

Refreshing lemonade.

Tea bags in mason jars with cute hearts on the ends.

Maybe I can thrift a pretty tea pot and beautiful pink depression glass tea cups!

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-02-06T01:12:00.001-05:00

New Esty Shop Now Open!
Please visit 3 Thrifty Ladies

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I’m addicted now. To estate sales. I found another one this weekend and got great housewares at incredible bargains! My most favourite is my first Pyrex find!

Isn’t she pretty in all her aqua blue glory?

I’ve searched high and low and cannot find the name of this pattern.
Does anyone know what it’s called?

These adorable salt and pepper shakers in their little metal case.

Pretty glass cream and sugar.

A small Butterfly Gold pyrex bowl.

Two vintage blue rose pillow cases.

An adorable vintage silk scarf. Perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Vintage linen tea towel.

Seriously so fun!
Check out the shop 3 Thrifty Ladies to see some of these products that are listed to sell!

Linking to Apron Thrift Girl: Thrift Share Monday

Jacob: No Retouch Policy

2011-02-04T12:08:00.001-05:00

As I was looking to see what the latest fashions were at Jacob, I came across this on their website. I think this is really interesting that they are pursuing this “healthy image of the female body” vision in their advertising. Keep the curves!

Wall Collage Update

2011-02-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

Back in November I finally added a few fun and sentimental pieces to our bedroom wall. I knew that I wanted to add more to the collage and, after collecting other frames I went to work.

I followed the same plan from the initial collage (See that post here) to lay out the new frames.

I left the paper ‘frames’ up for a day to see how the layout felt.

Small

Medium

Large

I knew
right
away
I
liked
the
stacked
look
of this.

Oh dear! Some of the paper bunting pieces fell!

The top piece is a thrift store find that I originally bought the frame for, but the floral arrangement eventually won me over. I gave this framed map of the world to my Hubby for Christmas. Frame is Ikea and the map inside is from an old school geography book I thrifted.

Now for the other side. I didn’t like the first option above, so I played around a bit more with the paper.

Side by side of the same size? And room for something else under?

Stacked? I initially didn’t want there to be three stacked rows, but in the end I felt this is what looked best.

Here she be! I’m going to print one of our wedding photo’s for the empty frame (thrifted from a junk store at the side of the road) and probably switch out the one above it for a single shot of Tayson. He gave it to me on the day of the wedding with a picture of the three of us in it. My mom stamped “love” and tied a cute ribbon on it.

Perfect project for a snowy day!

February is Birthday Month

2011-02-01T19:22:00.001-05:00

Both me and my son are born in the month of February. He’s turning eight and is crazy about the idea of his birthday and being able to invite a bunch of friends over. It’s a BIG deal. See, we moved to a new area in Toronto and as such, he’s had to change schools, which has been a transition and so, having new friends over is something he is really excited about. But I have a slight dilemma on my hands.

He has only invited girls to his party.

Ya, I know, I couldn’t get a single boy name out of him. So I’ve resolved myself to saying, “It’s his party and this is what he wants.”

Now, onto the planning. His list of To Do’s consists of playing Dance Dance Central on our X-Box, which I think they girls will like. But I’ve also thought about doing a jewellery making class with them to design a necklace and bracelet. We’ll have pizza and cake and presents and I’m sure they will all just play together. Should I bother with games? Or just go with the flow?

So we’re just going to have a “non gendered” party, celebrate Tayson’s 8th year of life and have fun!

Tayson’s 7th Birthday Party

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-01-29T19:28:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning I dragged my son and I out to the estate sale I spotted on Craigslist. All I can say was Whoa! Never in my life have I seen a house like this. It was unbelievable, all the stuff, all the mess, all the people. Overwhelming! But sort of cool at the same time. I rummaged through rooms full of garbage bags, boxes, etc. There was an old trunk full of homemade baby sweaters!

Look at these adorable sweet knitted pieces!

A baby blue with adorable butterflies!

White Rabbit Love!

Minted Green and a baby bonnet.

Precious creamy knit with a delicate ribbon.

Robins Egg colour sweater. It has the most delicate white edging and tiny little buttons.

This sweet vintage sailor jumper.

Aren’t they just so adorable!? I’m so in love with each one!

I also found a stash of five handmade, hand stitched aprons.
Hey Apron Thrift Girl, I thought of you when I picked these up! :)

See the interesting and beautiful stitching. I can just see the love and time that was put into making these!

Seven balls of crochet yarn. My grandmother makes beautiful crocheted things, so I’m going to be passing these on to her.

In total I spent $15.00. Ya, sweet eh!? I’m really contemplating opening my own shop online. There is something scary and exciting about it!

Linking to Apron Thrift Girls – Thrift Share Monday

Linking to Her Library Adventures

Estate Sale, to go or not to go?

2011-01-28T14:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever? Gone to one? I'm an estate sale virgin but there is something about it that makes me want to see what it's about. Tomorrow there is a sale close by our place and I'm tempted to check it out.
What do you think?

That dresser is pretty interesting with the design on the front of the drawers!

Lots of silverware and pretty glass ware. Nothing I need though.

Look at all this costume jewelry! Neat-o.

I think it's good to think outside the box, maybe there would be old sheet music by this organ?

I don't know right now. Doors open at 8:00am and I think this kind of thing involves sharp elbows.
Do I feel like doing this on a Saturday morning!?

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-01-23T21:09:00.002-05:00

I was seriously craving to thrift on Friday. I haven’t gone shopping at all in January except for groceries and other home essentials. Sort of as a challenge to myself. But that’s not fun!

I love the scores I found, including some shirts for me which is rare because I don’t often find anything in the clothing department for myself.
Linking to Apron Thrift Girls – Thrift Share Monday

A Pyrex 8 x 8 complete with a cute woven basket for serving. I burnt my metal 8 x 8 to crap a few weeks ago and had to pitch it, so this was a need. $3.99

People, I know this is crazy considering I am not pregnant, but I can’t stop looking and buying these adorable dresses! (Is this normal?) And the $3.99 price tag doesn’t help. I broke one of my own thrifty rules.

Details of the sweet watermelon top.

Columbia spring wind breaker $6.99
I wouldn’t usually buy something for $6.99 second hand as I consider that too much for a used item. Only thing, the jacket was something I needed and I know that purchased new it would cost around $50!

R W & Co blouse $4.99
This last item was picked up by my Momma on 1/2 price day at her local Goodwill. She knew that I had a breadbox on my thrift list and got this one for $2.50! Saaweet!
I think I may have some plans for it. It’s a Brabantia brand, made by a Dutch company and when I looked on their European website, one sells for 45 Euros! What!? Mom, can you believe you paid $2.50 for it?

It fits perfectly into this space on my cabinet.

Bookcase Inspiration

2011-01-16T19:35:00.001-05:00

This post is dedicated to my BFF (husband) and the scary
bookcase that looms in our room. Here is some inspiration for you.

Storage boxes are a must if you are using your bookcase for more than books, which usually happens. We need a few nice boxes for paper and some magazine holders.

What do you think about papering or painting the backs of bookcase?

Just an interesting use of space. I like the shape of it.

What about colour coordination?

Including sentimental knick-knacks and pictures creates a
personal space within the shelves.

Lov’n at the moment

2011-01-13T20:45:00.001-05:00

Adorable doll ‘house’ in a suitcase.
Hart + Sew

Antique Scale
The Fancy Lamb –Etsy shop

It’s a Small World Fabric Banner
Lemon Tree Studio Etsy Shop

This giant clock on the wall

Old wire baskets

Post Christmas Decor

2011-01-10T22:51:00.001-05:00

I need some help!! I’ve had this set of three frames hung on the wall for a while now and don’t know what type of image or medium to put in the tri-frame. Any ideas?
The two floral prints are from a book I purchased a while back while browsing an antique barn in St. Jacob’s.

And I just snapped a few pictures of some post Christmas decorating with two new birdie items I received. It’s my weakness.

Owl: $2.00 sale last year at Home Sense
Paper Art: DIY Project
White Birdie Buddies: A stocking stuffer from Pier One

Surprise! They are actually salt and pepper shakers. So cute!

And finally, this lovely little birdie print that reads, “Faith, Family and Friends,” as a gift from my momma.

Birds are slowly taking over my home.

Cupboard Organization

2011-01-09T18:01:00.001-05:00

I’m always trying to find ways to be better organized, because if I’m honest, I’m not an organized person at all. But my baking cupboard is becoming a jumbled mess of chocolate chips bags, brown sugar packages, powder boxes and the like. The BFF is a big fan of saving glass spaghetti mason jars and they have been piling up under our sink! *Lightbulb*

Organize my baking supplies in the glass jars!

Step 1: De-stink-a-fy the jars of their garlic/tomato/herb smell

The BFF knew that stuffing newspaper inside for a few days would
eliminate most of the smell. Me, I was sceptical, but for the most part, it worked.

Step 2: Unstick labels
But I wanted to totally be sure that the odour was gone. So I also
soaked them in a sink full of baking soda afterward. This was dual
purpose as I needed to get their sticky labels off anyway.

Step 3: Scrap and Peel
Enter this funky little tool. It’s about the size of a crayon. It’s plastic and has a scrapy edge that can easily remove a lot of stuff. ~~Like badly burnt rice on the bottom of your pot.~~ I received it free at the Home Show I went to.

Step 4: Cut labels
A while back I purchased this chalkboard adhesive paper from Dollarama. Perfect for labeling my new baking supply jars. I simply found a round lid from a container to trace.

Step 5: Peel, Stick and Label.
Total cost was $1.00 for the chalkboard paper!

Great Grandmothers Costume Jewellery

2011-01-08T22:07:00.001-05:00

This post is a bit out of context to the usual, but as I was organizing and cleaning today, I came across three pieces of jewellery that I totally forgot about. They are not expensive, but hold value to me. I had the privilege to know 3 of my great grandparents and have memories of each of them. These were once owned by my mom’s, mom’s, mom. I guess that make her my maternal great grandmother.

These are screw on rhinestone earrings. My Great-grandmother never had her ears pierced, but always wore earrings.

There are two leafy necklaces with such pretty details.
Neither are silver, in fact I think the second one is plastic.
But I simply like them for their sentimental value to me.

Thrifted Home {Ideas and Inspiration}

2011-01-04T21:48:00.001-05:00

I came across this lovely list/ideas on Re-Nest, (a new site to me) called:

10 Common Thrift Store Finds
and ways to use them for DIY projects

I found a slew of cool, interesting and potentially fun projects to pursue to decorate our place and make it feel more homey.

I would love to try and do something similar myself. Inspiration Here

Things to thrift for:
3 matching frames
a small shelf
a large hook
Question? How would one go about cutting a ceramic vase in half??

I actually have a slew of glass spaghetti jars saved.
My baking cupboard is ~~crying out~~ patiently waiting for me to
organize it with them. But this caught my eye and I think it’s so cute!

Things to thrift for:
canning jar lids

This crate on casters is so adorable for children’s toys or books.
Maybe I can convince my mom to give me one of hers for my birthday!

Things to thrift for:
four casters

I wish I would have seen something like this before
we went and bought our butcher block island from Lowes.
To me this pieces is 100% more functional and has a lot more character.
I’d definitely find a dresser with two big drawers at the bottom to fit our
bulky items like the crockpot and mixer.
Do you think I can convince my BFF to try sell our block on
Craigslist and opt for this instead?

Things to thrift for:
my parent buy and sell antique furniture, so I’ll just have a look in their barn! *wink*

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2011-01-03T13:14:00.001-05:00

I haven’t done a lot of thrifting over this holiday season. But I needed to unload a purged box of ~~junk~~ well loved items after a holiday household whirlwind clean up. How could I simply drop off a box without a quick little look around?

But I do say that after the holiday’s I’ve had a new perspective on consumerism. We consume to much. And I think that although one can be thrifty in what type of things one consumes, (second hand), it can still end up filling your home with unnecessary stuff made all the more easy by thinking, “Wow, it only cost $1.99 for this pair of shoes!” But you know that you may only wear them a handful of times. So I have put some grounds for thrifting on myself in a way to keep our home clutter free and to be able to make the most of our space.

Three Thrift Rules for 2011:

1) Thrift first, shop second – I find if you hold out long enough, you will be able to find what you need. Example below. I needed a small glass measuring cup. I could have easily gone to Canadian Tire and purchased one for around $8.00 but knew that if I kept looking, I’d eventually find a thrifty one. . . for $1.99! Ever dollar counts when trying to save.

2) Thrift list - much like the one I posted about. This helps you keep track of what you need, rather than easily putting something in your cart because it only costs a few bucks, or it’s cute, or it may be useful down the road, etc., etc., etc. Items seem easy to justify when the price is right.

3) Thrift twice a month – simple, less shopping equals less consuming

These seem pretty simple to me and I think I’ll be able to adhere to them.

Moving on: Here is what I picked up a few days ago.

$1.99 Glass Pyrex Measuring Cup

Adorable baby girl dress, size 12 months. I tend to look for clothes for my nieces but I decided to keep this for myself. No, I’m not preggo, but I do plan on having more kids and just adore this.

More detail of the embroidered top. $2.99

A few yards of fabric, with birds on it of all things!
You should know by now that I have a love for birds. $1.99

Linking to Apron Thrift Girls Thrift Share Monday

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T19:30:00.002-05:00

DIY Mini Felt Stocking Ornament

2010-12-22T09:18:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a little something for my two nieces that could be
a tradition every year from their aunty. Ornaments are cute, fast
and easy to whip up! Of course I made one for my son as well.

Supplies
* felt from craft store
*scissors
*cardboard
*glue gun
*thread and needle
*buttons
*ribbon

1. Draw a small stocking shape on a piece of cardboard and cut out.

2. Trace onto a piece of coloured felt. Cut out two pieces for a back and front.
Also cut two long rectangles for the top part of each each stocking.

3. Choose buttons and stich only on one piece of the stocking.
Do not stitch them together. Start warming your glue gun.

4. Stitch real, but fake stitching on the front of the stocking.
Now I say real, but fake, because I didn’t actually stitch the two pieces of
felt together.

5. After the stitching is complete, start gluing. First, glue the two stocking
pieces together. Second, glue the back rectangle piece to the
back of the stocking. Add and glue a loop of ribbon between the back and front of the rectangle and glue together. Add pretty ribbon or lace to decorate the front.

Christmas Cookie Review

2010-12-22T09:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a girl just doesn’t have time to get down and dirty in the kitchen. And no, I’m not talking about that. Honestly people!
I love baking, but when the weekends get busy in December and I’m going out, I still like to bring something with a homemade feel. I could easily buy a premade sweet, but if I can, I’d rather do some ‘baking’ from a prepared cookie mix.
Here are two prepared cookie mixes that I’ve reviewed for your holiday sweet tooth pleasure.

Pillsbury Gingerbread Cookies

Betty Crocker Sugar Cookies

Preparation and Effort:
Super easy! Just follow the instructions on the package. My one observation is to use up the dough once it’s out of the fridge right away because once it’s handled a few times it becomes very soft very fast. And soft dough equals sticky dough. And sticky dough is HARD to get off the counter no matter how much flour you put down.
Appearance:
Very much like the homemade variety. Nice dark brown colour.
Taste:
Sweeter than I’m used to for gingerbread. I like that strong molasses taste. But it’s totally decent.
Cost:
$1.99 on sale
Overall Rating out of 5:

Preparation and Effort:
Be sure to take some butter out of the fridge so it is soft or else you will have to wait a few hours to make these cookies. It will also take some muscle to mix, I ended up using my bare hands, it was just easier. But sticky.
Appearance:
Do not over bake. You want the edges to be a light brown colour for perfection.
Taste:
Considering they are called sugar cookies, they are not crazy sweet. Which is good. But I prefer the homemade variety.
Cost:
$1.99 on sale
Overall Rating out of 5:

DIY Sheet Music Pinwheel Ornaments

2010-12-20T17:10:00.001-05:00

I was eager to get my craft on when I found these sweet sheet music books at Goodwill for 99cents each.

I’m not sure if these are called pinwheels, but it’s the best description I can find.

I followed a tutorial found here at Style Me Pretty.

Add buttons or any other kind of bling. Love!

Glam for the holidays

2010-12-16T20:37:00.001-05:00

Some pretty dreamy options for outfits for the holidays.

A gorgeous lacy bag, Ruche

As well as this soft detailed top, Ruche.

To go with a black pencil skirt, GAP. Or your own.

Steve Madden shoe, I seriously want these.

Some cozy jammies from Victoria’s Secret

Sheet Music Inspiration

2010-12-16T20:22:00.001-05:00

Some inspiration for my thrifted sheet music!

Cute envelope tags or ornaments. Etsy Shop

Country Living – cute gift wrap

Simply Julie – decorative balls

Southern Hospitality Blog – pretty wrapping

Source unknown, decorative doily

Ruffled bunting

Thifty Weekend Finds

2010-12-13T09:00:00.002-05:00

I spent a lovely Friday night with one of my favourite people this past weekend, my beautiful mom. She crazily drove downtown on a Friday during rush hour to pick me up! Then we hit up Hero Burger to catch a bite to eat before we thrifted the rest of the evening away. The local Sally Anne was just ok, but the Goodwill had a 50% sign out front and we found most of our finds there.

Got a few good books for Christmas present for my son. The Frog and Toad’s are classics that are just hilarious to read. Buy one for 50 cents get one free!

Containers 1/2 price! Round glass was 0.99 cents and the white creamer $1.50.
I made a lovely arrangement for my mom-in-law in it for Christmas.

Mom found this OLD school atlas. I’ve tried doing a search, but can’t really find much. I don’t know/think it’s very valuable, it’s in pretty rough shape. I bought it for the cool coloured maps inside. I might frame some for a special person for Christmas. $1.50

And this is my favourite purchase of all! Sheet music. Eeee! I’ve seen a bunch of cool craft ideas and can’t wait to do something with them. Two books for $2.00! SaaWeet!
Anyone able to find info on an old atlas for me?

Linking to Apron Thrift Girl 's Thrift Share Monday

DIY Christmas Arrangements

2010-12-12T19:05:00.001-05:00

Christmas is the perfect time to experiment with a variety of floral designs.
Using out of the box containers is a great way to add a unique look and style to create something that is not typical for Christmas.

I made this for my mother in law using a white creamer.
I paid $1.50 for it on half price Friday at the local Goodwill.

I only bought the hypericum berries and spruce and used the other
accessories from my Christmas stash. The pinecones, small bulbs
and ribbon are wired and plucked in the arrangement.
(I know, I should have taken pictures, but was in a rush).

`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.*}*}*}*}*}*}*}*}*.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.`.

This isn’t an arrangement per say, but it’s a super easy idea for
someone less adept in designing with flowers.

Buy a fern type plant, or one of those mini Christmas trees,
ideally place it in a pretty pot. I didn’t have one, but at least the
original container is green, meh, it will do. I used the lid of a
take out container to hold the bells and small glass ornaments
and also any water that leaks.

The little fern was $4.99 and adds such a nice live touch to our place.
Easy Peasy!!

Christmas Parcels {wrap it up}

2010-12-06T13:12:00.001-05:00

I wanted to do something different for wrapping this year. I didn’t want to buy the typical wrap from the store. I found this plain brown paper wrap on my Ikea trip and knew it would be perfect for what I had in mind.

Of course we need ribbon. Have I ever told you about my obsession with ribbon? Well, quite frankly I love it. I blame my mother who shares the same delight in pretty ribbon. There is always a present that needs wrapping!

This variety is from the dollar store, Michael’s on sale last year, and Fabricland.
The bells were also a boxing day special from last year.

Think about doing a few bands of different ribbon. Add little accessories,
like a bell or a small metal rustic star.

If you are not a good bow “tie –er”, do a simple knot, it looks just as lovely.
I used this cardboard reindeer ornament as a name tag.

This ribbon has wire edges to give it the crinkle.

This is the pile for now. Still waiting for some online orders to arrive.
I honestly enjoy the wrapping as much as the giving. Can’t wait to place them under our tree, which we are going to pick up at this event!

What’s your wrapping style?

Nifty Nests {Jessica}

2010-12-02T22:54:00.003-05:00

I’m starting a new feature on my blog today called Nifty Nests. The short and simple of it is to share a cozy, quaint and lovely home of someone I know. If anyone of my readers is interested in sharing their home, please email me to let me know.

So I’m starting this off with one of my best friends, Jessica from The Graceful Oven. (Please check out her delicious cooking blog) Her adorable family recently moved into her Grandma's old house. Here's what she had to say about her charming, cozy home:

It feels so natural for me to live in this house. I grew up here, in a sense, coming over for Christmas and birthdays and Sunday roasts, running through the yard, watching my Grandparent’s garden and shovel snow.

My Grandfather bought it right after WWII for my his little family of three to live in. Eventually, three grew to eight and the little house kept giving.

Our home is full of old sturdy things with a story, practical things that work in my small space, homemade decorations and fun things my kids can play with and not have to worry about breaking.

I can count on one hand the things I have in my house that are new. In fact, my daughter, Clara, was baffled by the concept of The Brick and Leons and the like. She was quite sure everyone bought furniture at the Sally Anne or found it on the side of the road.

My furniture, art, dishes and accessories are almost all thrifted, found, inherited from a great aunt or handmade. Though this started from necessity, it soon became what I felt most at home with.

There are secret cubby holes built into walls,

a little fold away cookbook holder in the kitchen, chipped paint here and there revealing colours once covering these walls,

old linens and kitchen gadgets left behind are a reminder to me of my Grandparents, their love for each other and a contentment with simple things.

Wasn’t that just lovely? Thanks Jess for sharing your home with us! Love you! Don’t you just adore the pull out cook book holder? What about the retro paper in the kid’s bedroom? Or that cute mason jar light her hubby made?

Happy weekend!

Christmas Inspiration

2010-12-01T08:14:00.000-05:00

Click here for instructions on how to make these adorable mitten ornament.

Every day pretty way to gift wrap that can be altered for Christmas.

A beautiful white dresser!

Ohh, white containers with Winter greens.

Colourful stockings hung in a row.

DIY Christmas Bunting

2010-11-30T22:03:00.000-05:00

I’ve always wanted to try a fabric bunting and since Christmas is crafty, I thought now was the perfect time. And it will also be the last. Don’t get me wrong, I love the final product, but it was A LOT of work! Maybe it’s because I am not a sewer. The amount of cutting involved nearly left my right hand crippled! I generally followed this tutorial.

After cutting out 32 triangles, ouch! I got the chance to use the burlap.

Warning: Burlap is messy to work with, once you cut it, the shedding begins.

The final product! I couldn’t use my zigzag stitch on the machine. For some reason it just wouldn’t work, so I went with the straight stitch.

I have another 15 triangles to make a second bunting. My mom let me use her stash of fabric to give this project a whirl, so “Hi Mom, Thanks! Here’s part of your Christmas present!” I think it will look better in her country home as it has more of that rustic feel.

Are you working on any DIY Christmas gifts? What is your crafty niche?

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2010-11-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot about the Christmas sale that was happening at the church down the road. Lucky for me, my Google calendar didn’t fail me. As I set out on foot in the snow my eyes bulged when I approached the church. There was a line up snaking down the sidewalk. “Must be a good sign that there will be Christmas treasures to be found,” I thought. I met a cute old lady in line, “Have you ever been to the sale?” she inquired. “No, but it seems to be popular.” And as the line started moving she said, “Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

I’m happy to say, that yes, I did. A few great Christmas items for some crafty goodness and a few decorations were found, all for the lovely price of $8.50!

Glass ornaments from Eatons $1.00
A few sheets of wrapping paper .25c
Cute wooden garland $3.00
Wire basket for gifting $1.00

I might take it apart and use some of the cute people for a craft project.

Crafty Christmas trees $2.25

This random selection of mini ornaments was $1.00.
That mini cardinal is a tad scary!

I also found this adorable book this week at a book sale where I work. I knew it was vintage from the publishing date, and thought that it might be worth a little more than the $2.00 I paid for it. I checked on ebay when I got back to my office and saw the same book selling for around $35.00!

What nifty thrifty finds did you manage to nab!?

Linking to Apron Thrift Girl Thrift Share Monday

Snowy Morning

2010-11-28T08:59:00.001-05:00

A warm winter breakfast. Complete with Canadian maple syrup.
Warm and cozy inside…

…Cold and chilly outside. The view from our window on Saturday morning.

What I’m Loving

2010-11-24T11:35:00.000-05:00

If money was not a factor:
This Anthropologie dress. To die for!

Adorable Pea Coat from Ruche. Has anyone ever bought from American stores online? If so, can you please tell me how the customs works at the border into Canada. I’m always scared that I will be paying an arm and a leg for duty and, in the end the purchase will not be worth it. Any info from a brave soul who has tried it?

These boots from Brown.

These cute cardigan’s from Joe Fresh.

Thrift List

2010-11-22T07:58:00.001-05:00

Do you keep one? It’s sort of like a grocery list, but for items that you are seeking to hunt or find. I keep a sticky note on my cork board when I’m reminded of something that we need that I may think will be more interesting and unique if found while thrifting.

My Current List Reads:

1 ) A gravy boat or creamer (something with a spout)

2) A citrus press/ juicer

3) 4 red plates, glasses or bowls (to add a nice splash of colour to a Christmas table)

4) A vintage bread box

5) Unique white frames for my picture wall

I know that I could just go out and purchase all these items but that is not really the point. I don’t want to be a consumer if I can buy something used, it’s called recycling! And I actually find it fun to go and specifically look for items when thrifting. It also keeps me in check to not buy things we don’t need!

These are some things I’ve seen on Etsy: (click on the word to link to the sellers site)

1) Gravy Boat
A vintage Pyrex gravy boat, so cute.

2) Citrus Juicer

3) Red bowls, Anthropologie

4) Breadbox

What things are on your Thrift List?

Christmas Look and Find

2010-11-21T09:43:00.001-05:00

Eye spy a snowman, a star, a sparkly tree, jingle bells, ribbon, and tea lights times three. Don’t you just love those Eye Spy books!

I pulled out some of my Christmas goodies this weekend to take a look at what I had before I even thought about buying more. I don’t know about you, but I love decorating for Christmas and I find it so tempting to buy a little something here and there. So I took a mental inventory.

Last year I received this Advent calendar from my friend Danielle.
I can’t remember the Etsy seller she purchased it from, but it’s totally adorable and I can’t wait to fill it with little treats.

My favorite part is pulling out the sale items purchased from the year before that are new, but only cost a fraction of the price! Here are some of those items:

A Pier 1 sparkly tree for $3.00 regularly $7.99.

Who doesn’t love discount ribbon! 75 cents a roll.

Gold: glass ornaments $2.50, jingle bells $1.00

4 stripped place mats $5.00 and a set of tea towels $2.50

This and That

2010-11-18T20:24:00.001-05:00

I haven’t been very creative lately in my posts. Apologies.
I do have some projects for Christmas on the go and have been super busy at work this past week, which has left me with little energy when I get home. So here is another pretty mix of pictures from the web!

*two piece “hutch”
*a quilt
*a pitcher with flowers

*an interesting mix of bookcases

*The composition
*a jar full of thread
*antique looking roses

*Summer time picnics

*A bedroom nook with a pretty quilt and breezy window

*oh so gorgeous!

*a sisterly braid

Lovely Mix

2010-11-15T20:36:00.001-05:00

These first three pictures were found on a post by Poppytalk.

Imagine a creative space like this! What a view.

Another nifty work station. I love the reclaimed wood table.

Who wouldn’t want a hanging bassinet?
There is something so fairy tale about it!

This just reminded me of my ‘Canadian-ness’.

I love the huge framed mirror along the wall!

Thrifty Weekend Finds

2010-11-14T16:35:00.002-05:00

I’m in love with this bitty side table that I thrifted this weekend.
The shape along with the hardware are so retro. Most likely I won’t be sanding, priming and painting it up until the spring as the weather is cold and my parent’s barn is not heated. (and that’s where the real business gets done!) Who knows, maybe we’ll have another warm wave of weather again! This weekend was beautiful!

Oh, and the best part was that it was only $8.99! Sweet deal!

As much as I think this gold hardware is funky, it will be replaced or maybe spray painted!

Linked up to Apron Thrift Girl's "Thrift Share Monday"

Ikea Trip

2010-11-10T21:29:00.001-05:00

The mini man and I made an evening trip to Ikea. I have Christmas gifts in mind that I wanted to get started on (that won’t be shared on here today), so we headed to the massive store last night. A warning made to me from the big man before I left, “Don’t spend all our money now.” Smile and nod boys, just smile and nod.

Here is the loot I took home:

Decorative Reindeer: For a Christmas garland project I have in mind. $2.99/pack

Some kraft paper gift wrap. I’m wanting to wrap all the gifts in an ‘old’ fashion style for under the tree. $1.49/roll

A white pot for my new plant!

Fabric: Remember this post, how I wanted to create a fabric skirt for the messy butcher block? Well I’ve been searching for fabric for some time and saw this whimsical pattern!

What do you think? The BFF wasn’t so enthused. Boys, what do they know? And at $2.99 / meter, even if I don’t use it for the project, I’ll find some other use for it. You all know I love birds, so how could I resist!?

And a pretty white frame for my art wall. I think I’ll be putting a black and white wedding photo in it.

Oh, and a set of whisks. In total, I did not spend a ton of money. That’s the great thing about Ikea, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

I am a killer…

2010-11-10T08:15:00.000-05:00

…. of plants that is. I do not have a good track record when it comes to the livelihood of house plants. But I would love some green in our place so I’m testing myself with a potted plant that I brought for $5.00 two weekends ago. Maybe by holding myself liable to its livelihood I will succeed in keeping it alive. Can I do it for a month? Maybe two?

”I’ve been alive for 2 weeks!”

Wall Art Collage

2010-11-08T12:38:00.001-05:00

I’ve been dying to get something up on our bedroom wall as it had this unsettled feeling, like we weren’t totally moved in or waiting to move out. There is something about having pictures hung that make a room feel more complete, more personal. And that is what I was going for with this wall collage. Two pieces have more of a significant meaning to me and the husband and I hope to add pieces to it as I hunt and collect more frames.
I was really unsure how to go about putting it together so I found this great post here that helped me out. This was an example that I used.

I traced each frame on a piece of craft paper so I could find the best configuration for the space on the wall.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

We went with option three. I know that I want to add more frames and the other two options didn’t seem to leave a nice space for any later additions. And I just like this configuration the best.

Pretty Art Wall.

I purchased these white square Ribba frames from Ikea a few years ago.
A great cheap way find nice 'art' is to look in a card store.
I picked up some pretty square cards for about $5.00 each and popped
them into the frames.

For this one specific frame I changed the matting around it with patterned
scrapbook paper. The card inside is what I gave my son-to-be-husband
on our wedding day. I like how there are hidden words locked inside!

This lovely "birds on a wire" original painting was given to me on our engagement.

BFF had a former summer student of his paint it just for me.
I love it and its special meaning.

This is a cool vintage radio that BFF salvaged from the roadside.

It actually has a really cool sound.
I picked up this pretty glass antique lamp from V.V for $8.00 a while back.
All it needed was a new shade.

Burlap {Thinking Christmas}

2010-11-06T20:05:00.001-04:00

I know it’s a little early to think about Christmas decorating, but I just can’t help it.
I few weeks ago I picked up a couple meters of burlap for $2.99 at Value Village figuring there would be something crafty I could to with it. I think I might try to make some vintage looking stockings with pretty lace. Here is some inspiration:

I like the pretty sparkly rhinestone touch.

Maybe I can even stencil a word on it.
Source

Maybe a burlap Christmas bunting!

These linen and burlap ornaments are sort of ‘old’ Christmas which I love.
Something that Anne Shirley and her dear friend Dianna Berry would have made.
Source

And this is a cool project I’d like to try!
Here is a tutorial. Gotta love that.