Thrifty Deals

I got some new thrifty deals:

This basket was $2.99 at Goodwill. It is super sturdy and will be perfect to carry things out to the new patio (when it is done).

This frame I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $2.90. It was regularly $29.90. It opens , but the glass is missing. It is a bulletin board of sorts, for photos. You use pearl headed pins to post the photos. I am going to paint it black and use it in my newly redone bedroom (it is half done - reveal to come in the next few weeks).

I had never heard of Hobby Lobby until entering Blog-land. All the blog-ladies kept showing all the cool, cheap things they got there, so I looked them up on the Web. There is not one in the Twin Cities, why, I have no idea. But, there is one in rural MN, so my girlfriend and I went on a road trip. I bought some very cool things there, some on clearance, some not. Some for my new bedroom, some not. You will see them in posts to come.

This last item I got at Goodwill for $3. I haven't decided what color to paint it, black or white. I haven't decided where to hang it, kitchen or bedroom. I think I'll wait until my bedroom is complete before deciding.

I'm linking to Today's Thrifty Treasures at Southern Hospitality

Needed: Bedroom Redo

When we moved into this house 14 years ago, it was like going back in time. EVERYTHING needed to be redone, it was totally 1965 inside. We're talking harvest gold, avocado green, and burnt orange EVERYWHERE! We decided to do the most lived in areas first. But, our bedroom had the most hideous wallpaper. I just couldn't live through a long Minnesota winter with it. We agreed to do a quick fix and paint over the wallpaper. We didn't touch the trim (it was cream, dirty and old, but it was cream). Slowly, but surely we've redone every room in the house. Alas, not our bedroom.

Our bedroom has become a dumping ground. It was still not the relaxing haven I longed for. Piles of laundry, school projects, kids toys, half done projects, vacuum cleaners, they all lived in our bedroom. Just look (my husband is horrified that I'm posting these pictures)!



So after years of living with a "who did it and ran" bedroom, it is getting a makeover. I'm pretty excited! We're going with a French theme. Blue walls, creamy white trim, and black and white accessories. Last weekend we steamed off 3 layers of wallpaper. Thanks to my friend Diane, and her trusty steamer, it wasn't all that bad. I've already been working on a few other things and shopping, of course! I wanted to show off some of it and build excitement for the reveal:

I'm gluing toile ribbon around the base of the lampshades I already have.


I bought these black tab-topped curtain valances at Target on clearance for $2 each!


I bought some Waverly toile fabric on sale and used No-Sew glue to add a strip to the curtains. Cute, eh?


I read on a few blogs that Big Lots sells curtain rods for $6-8. I haven't been there in years. I went and found these on sale for $5. I was pretty darn happy.


I also bought this black and white poster at Big Lots for $4. It's perfect!


This weekend we wash walls and ceiling and prepare for the painting. I can't wait. I'm going to leave you with the desktop wallpaper that has kept me in the mood for the past week:

Salut!

More thrifty living room decor

As I said before, when I repainted my living room, I found (wouldn't you know...) I needed some new decor. I am very frugal, I rarely pay full price for anything. I'll show you how cheap I can be.

This dresser came from my husband's family. I just love the color. I changed out the drawer pulls when it became mine. Orange is a new color for me to use in decor, but I'm loving it. It is bright, cheerful and fresh.

This is the fabric of the runner on the dresser. I got it on clearance for $2 at Pier 1. I'm a sucker for anything cream and green, but I really liked the orange in this. I went back a week later and got another one for $1!

I also bought this a Pier 1 on clearance, $3.50. It went so nicely with the runner. I've always wanted an orchid, but was afraid I'd kill it. I think this one almost looks real. I am now a content orchid owner!



I've had this wrought iron candle holder for years. Because of it's heaviness, I use it inside in the winter and put it outside in the garden in the summer. I got it at a thrift store, I know it was under $5.

Aha! Oranges! They were $.50 for a the bag of them on clearance at Hancock Fabrics. Aren't they awesome? I think they look pretty real as well. The wrought iron bowl was on clearance for $7 at the local grocery store in the floral department. I had been coveting this silver one from IKEA for so long, but this one went better with my decor so I won by waiting!

I love clearance!

I did a little shopping yesterday. I got this plate for $.99 at Pier 1! It will be hanging on my kitchen wall someday.

I got this rooster hook at Hancock Fabrics for $2.50! Perfect for over the sink in the kitchen!


I got this lamp and it's shade at 2 different thrift stores: $1 each! Isn't the shade darling?


I changed the paint color in my livingroom from terra cotta to tan. I am still coming up with new decor to match.


I added a vase (Beautiful blown glass, a gift from my sister Suzie) and a candle ($5 at The Thymes yearly clearance sale)


It is now living on top of my TV cabinet with my pretty Easter bunny (I hate the antenna).

Don't you just love a great deal?