What Goldilocks Saw...and Belated Thrifty Life Thursday Features & Party # 21

I figured out I have a "thing" for miniature chairs. I don't really USE them, but I can't pass one by at the thrift store. 

I often paint them with white spray paint or plaster paint, and list them on Etsy. 

If I had a really large home...or more than one medium sized home...I might keep them and use them. I find them so charming!

But for now, they must go to Etsy. 

The three twig chairs are fairly recent finds...different places and times. 

I'm trying to decide what to do with them - keep them together or sell them separately? 

Keep them natural, or paint them. White or some pretty color?

I'd love your input!

Now, for the features from Thrifty Life Thursday #20:

Linda from Itsy Bits and Pieces changed the feel of her living room by creating a gallery wall of paintings she has collected over time...some from thrift stores and one amazing painting of her Pug by her talented daughter!

It suits you so well, Linda!

Donna, from Distressed Donna Down Home, found a most adorable mini-trunk - not only was it from Goodwill, but her Goodwill has half-price hours! (Now, that's a great spin on "Happy Hour" in my book.) I have never, ever seen one this size. Her post name really had me laughing out loud. 

Doreen from Altered Artworks shared a transformation of a metal locker. If you like this one, she has MORE coordinating storage items as well. Doreen, a tour may be in order...

My humble apologies for the tardiness of this post! VBS week was amazing, and I was tired...

THRIFTY LIFE THURSDAY #21

Gathering Guidelines:

This is a gathering for people who enjoy hunting for treasures 

that may have previous experience or lived a former life elsewhere. 

Please share items that are second-hand or are composed of second-hand materials.

Types of Posts to Share:

• Home decor, furniture, collectibles, garden items and even wearables are welcome, as long as they have a second-hand element.
• Please, no food items, new pieces from "real" stores, or crafts, unless made with upcycled, thrifty finds.

• Hand-me-downs and curbside finds are welcome, as are items found in thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, flea markets and other interesting places.
• Treasures may be listed as you found them, or with your updates, tweaks, and re-purposes; befores and afters are both welcome.

• Items need not be "vintage" but must be pre-owned or second hand.

• Posts including Etsy and other shop links are welcome! For visitor enjoyment, please link to your blog post, not directly to your Etsy shop. 

Etiquette:

• Though it is not a requirement, it would be lovely if you would follow Revisionary Life some way - via Blogger, Pinterest or Facebook or subscribe via email. Links are located in my sidebar to the right.

• Please link your post (not your blog address) back to Revisionary Life.             
• Please visit at least one other party friend.

• I'd love for you to comment and introduce yourself if we've never met before. :) Otherwise, don't feel obligated to leave a comment. 

Features:

• Featured items must meet the criteria above. 
• Only posts that link back may be featured.
• I will try to email you and let you know if you were featured!

Word for the Day:
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

My $20 Garage Sale Morning

Last Saturday morning, Julie and I decided to go to garage sales. It was our first time out since last summer.

The first two places in my neighborhood were baby clothes and not much of anything of interest to me...what they had was overpriced. I didn't spend a dime.  

We decided to go to an Estate sale, though they are generally considerably more expensive than garage sales here. I picked up a hand-crochet lace collar as well as a lace edged curtain - $1 each. I hadn't gotten cash yet, as these were on the way to the ATM. Julie loaned me a $20 bill to get me through till we got there.

That must have broken the ice, because I began finding things I thought I couldn't live without after that. 

I bought a lamp for $2, which will get a makeover.

I also found a styro pumpkin for .50c, which will get a makeover as well. The same sale netted a .50c frame. I have one just like this, only smaller. 

The next sale brought me the deal of the day...a solid wood writing desk in a lovely Gustavian style!

What??? You don't see it? Look beyond the chippy gold paint, markers and "you are special" sticker. Do you like the hardware as much as I do?

So, it was missing a couple of pieces of molding around the center drawer...if I can't match it, I'll take it off. A little time with Mr. Clean and his magic eraser, a coat or two of plaster paint and some wax...oh, baby. I can see it in my head. 

The best part? $5. And they even loaded it in Julie's car for us. :)

Moving on...a couple of vintage books - one will be deconstructed, the other left as-is. .50c each. 

A framed print from Italy, some cherubs, and a gold leafed table top frame - .50c each. In case you're counting, we are up to $12.50 now.

4 rugs - 3 chenille in beige & white, and one woven in gray and beiges - for $3. I got a volume discount. They're like new.

A basket that looks as though it was never used - $1.

Ditto for a champagne bucket. A buck.

$17.50 and counting. A small cutting board - .50c

Two Martha Stewart books - .50c each.  They're older, but the style still works - classic. I found several inspiring things in them.

What do you think about this funky mirror? 1970's leather work, mounted on wood. I thought it might work in Hannah's house...as is or possibly painted or stained darker. See the .50c price tag?

It was around 11:00 a.m., hot and sunny. We were getting ready for some brunch and a cold drink, and about to have our fill of Garage sales for the day. We stopped at ONE MORE...just because. Julie asked, "Do you have any money, or do you need more?" I said, "I have .50c left."

After looking around, I found one more thing I thought I might like, flipped it over and saw a .50c price tag.

It's not wood, but resin, but it's pretty. You can't see the gilding in this photo. I don't know if I'll paint it or not...probably YES. Or it might go to Hannah...she has a birthday coming soon!

As we were walking to the car, Julie asked, "What did you get?" I showed her. She said, you had enough for it? I flipped it over to show her the price on the back, and she just laughed. "Well, that worked out just perfect!" 

We went for breakfast burritos and lemon water...and called it a very good day. 

Word for the Day:
Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Possibly Linking With:
Sunday
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/	Nifty Thrifty Sunday
http://thoughtsfromalice.blogspot.com/	Sundays at Home
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://www.cedarhill-ranch.com/	The Scoop
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/	Inspire Me Tuesday
http://cityfarmhouse.com/	Inspiration Exchange Linky Party
Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/	Penny Pinching Party
Thursday
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.commonground-do.com/ http://www.thecottagemarket.com/	Vintage Inspiration Friday Junkin Joe
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Party Junk

Thrifty Life Thursday #20 and Small Future Projects

Clean these.

And these.

Paint these.

Then, list them all on Etsy.

So...how's about we take a look at some fun new features from last week?

We all love a good makeover, up-cycle or re-purpose. This amazingly charming headboard is ALL THREE!

Lynn from Shabby Story shopped her house...stop by to see what she did to create one great-looking bedroom with what she already had on hand.

Tina from What We Keep never ceases to surprise me - she sees things from a slightly different perspective, and it's wonderful! 

You've simply GOT to see how she displayed a pair of antique child's boots. Clever girl. 

Bookbug from So Many Books, So Little Time created a charming vignette using beautifully edited colored vintage dishes and of course, vintage books.

THRIFTY LIFE THURSDAY #20

Gathering Guidelines:

This is a gathering for people who enjoy hunting for treasures 

that may have previous experience or lived a former life elsewhere. 

Please share items that are second-hand or are composed of second-hand materials.

Types of Posts to Share:

• Home decor, furniture, collectibles, garden items and even wearables are welcome, as long as they have a second-hand element.
• Please, no food items, new pieces from "real" stores, or crafts, unless made with upcycled, thrifty finds.

• Hand-me-downs and curbside finds are welcome, as are items found in thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, flea markets and other interesting places.
• Treasures may be listed as you found them, or with your updates, tweaks, and re-purposes; befores and afters are both welcome.

• Items need not be "vintage" but must be pre-owned or second hand.

• Posts including Etsy and other shop links are welcome! For visitor enjoyment, please link to your blog post, not directly to your Etsy shop. 

Etiquette:

• Though it is not a requirement, it would be lovely if you would follow Revisionary Life some way - via Blogger, Pinterest or Facebook or subscribe via email. Links are located in my sidebar to the right.

• Please link your post (not your blog address) back to Revisionary Life.             
• Please visit at least one other party friend.

• I'd love for you to comment and introduce yourself if we've never met before. :) Otherwise, don't feel obligated to leave a comment. 

Features:

• Featured items must meet the criteria above. 
• Only posts that link back may be featured.
• I will try to email you and let you know if you were featured!

Word for the Day:
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

SEEKING A LESS IS MORE LIFE

It is no secret that my design aesthetic is not minimalist. 

I enjoy being surrounded by stuff - stuff that reminds me of friends and family, stuff I find beautiful or interesting, and stuff that helps me function on a daily basis. 

Admittedly, some of the functional stuff is not in the same category as stuff I find beautiful. 

And some of the stuff I find beautiful is not stuff others find beautiful. I'm quite OK with that at this point in my life.

I do not have to justify why I find an object beautiful. Sometimes, I am not quite sure myself. 

I bought a non-working clock for a few dollars in a thrift store, simply because I liked the look of it. It does not function, and I wish it did. But, I bought it, and will put it somewhere...maybe in my upcoming front bedroom revision.

If I buy a non-working clock for it's beauty alone, I am not a minimalist. 

Still, I find myself seeking a simpler lifestyle and cleaner, more pared-down surroundings. 

I am not, and probably never will be a minimalist. 

While I enjoy a few "modern" clean-lined items here and there for contrast, I love a traditional style best of all. 

I even enjoy very fancy decorative items in the same way I enjoy the mod, simple lines; for contrast. 

So as I go room by room, paring down, cleaning out, moving furniture and decorative items around...I have a plan.

I do not think the plan is apparent to anyone but me. And sometimes, even I feel as If I am feeling my way as I go. 

I am perfectly fine with not knowing exactly where I will end up. I have a plan, but I am not married to it. I can change direction when a .27c mirror excites me. 

I can change when a color excites me.

This is my life. This is my house. I want to feel happy, peaceful, comfortable when I pull in my driveway. 

And yet...I do not want to be bound by it. 

I do not want the joy I get from rearranging and changing things in this house to be more important than people and experiences with them.

I do not want to be upset when an item breaks.

I want a friendly, cozy home where a klutz and small children can gather and enjoy time together without anxiety.

So, do you think a would-be hoarder can pare down enough to live in a simple but still cozy home? 

I do. I have been moving in that direction for 2 years now.

Yes, I am still buying things. And I am getting rid of things.

I am changing pretty much every room in the house. It is a big job...exhausting sometimes.

Here are a few things that I have learned about myself in the past three years:

I still enjoy very light, neutral spaces best of all.

Sometimes I like to add color to my neutral rooms.

I like combining styles for an eclectic mix.

I enjoy seasonal changes.

I prefer painted finishes to wood most of the time.

I prefer vintage to new almost always.

I prefer clean lines, though not entirely modern lines.

Color is very important to me.

Shapes are very important to me.

I am not a ruffles and bows girl. 

I do not enjoy sewing. 

I prefer REAL old stuff to vintage-style stuff.

I prefer natural materials.

I prefer real original art - it does not have to cost much.

I rebel against trends. 

I prefer my decor to "make sense." No kitchen stuff in my bedroom.

I fear getting rid of something and regretting it.

I still like (and use) some things from my college apartment.

I am old enough to not care much if anyone else likes what I like.

I want to find the perfect place for me - somewhere between minimalist-doesn't care about stuff at all-sell everything and travel and demi-hoarder-sees potential in practically everything. I want a less is more life.

Thank you for bearing with me through this personal style design rant!

Word for the Day:

Luke 12:24

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

Possibly Linking With:
Sunday
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/	Nifty Thrifty Sunday
http://thoughtsfromalice.blogspot.com/	Sundays at Home
Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com	Mod Mix Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com	Make it Pretty Monday
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://www.cedarhill-ranch.com/	The Scoop
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://tarnishedroyalty.com/	Drop it or Swap it Party
Thursday
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/	Under $100 Link Party
http://staceyembracingchange.com/	Creative Inspirations
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/	Furniture Feature Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.thecottagemarket.com/	Junkin’ Joe
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Party Junk
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/	Show and Tell Saturday