Thrifty Miss Priss

My Lucky day at Lucketts!

Saturday I spent the entire morning running to various thrift stores, I even discovered a new one, a fabulous Salvation Army that was the cleanest one I've ever seen.  The prices were wonderful too!  I then spent the rest of the day with my mom, manicure and pedicures, and dinner out (so what if it was McDonalds...she was craving a greasy hamburger big time)  Since my mom eats like a bird and is down to about 110 pounds, I indulged her.  Unfortunately she couldn't eat alone so I  had a chicken wrap (don't let that fool you, It's probably about 10 points on weight watchers!   Saturday night while catching up with blogs I found out I missed the HUGE once a year flea market at Lucketts!  I was determined to get there today.....

The field across the street was filled with vendors and booths too.  It was very overcast and quite chilly.

I've been coming here for years, even before it was featured in Country Home Magazine.  They've recently given it a big face lift.  The "house" is so cool- full of nooks and crannies.  My daughter and I always pretend it's our house.  When we walk in different rooms she'll say "This is my room".  She came along with me and acted as photographer.  She said  I was "way too in the zone" to be taking pictures!

These are child sized!  Aren't they the cutest?  It would only set you back $1,100.00 for the set. 

 

This is on the same property.  It's gorgeous!  The rooms are so movie star ish!  One room was decorated straight out of a Greta Garbo movie for sure!

The blue walls in here was the most serene feeling......

Here I'm meditating hoping to find some vintage hats with flowers like Karla always seems to find. 

Right about now I'm thinking....."That Karla!  She was here a few weeks ago and bought them all up!"  No, really there were lots of hats, most were bloom less though.  The ones that I saw were almost $30.00 each...uh...I don't think so....not for pulling blooms off to glue on to something else!

LOVE THIS!  I think this describes my family perfectly!

My daughter let me walk around for over 4 hours today with my string to my shirt hanging out the back like a tail.  Do you think she could have told me?  I'm also lugging her sweater in every single picture!

This is the Bee Keepers Cottage, red and white polka-dotted shutters!

On the way out.......

But on the way over, we passed by this-

So I casually mentioned to my daughter that we were going to "stop real quick" and she about had a melt down.  She can only take "so much" of this stuff.  I "ran in" real quick like.....about 45 minutes later she came searching for me.  I got into a deep conversation with the owner about booth space etc.  It's all so exciting!  And all so expensive!  She said all the dealers do really well and always make rent.  But, I have a full time job and no way could I go junking, thrifting, re-doing, pricing, primping, fluffing for a booth like this.  I'll keep it on the back burner.  I guess if I split the rent with someone it would be more reasonable.

Donna the owner was super sweet and I really enjoyed chatting with her about her shop.  Here is the link to her website (On a Whim)

I found lots of pretties today.  Some are gifts so I can't show them all.

This soap is so amazing.  I bought it once about a year ago and I think I cried when it was all gone.  The Peony ones are to die for.

How sweet is the bluebird bowl?  JUST THIS MORNING I was on ebay looking for "blue bird" china that I'd seen on Cindy's blog about a year ago (My Romantic Home).  I've been searching Ebay from time to time and can never find them or anything like it.  So to my surprise I found this little cutie and it was 1/2 price.  My kind of deal!

Have a terrific week!

Weight Watcher Wednesday

Somewhere in the past 5 weeks I've lost one of these..........

yep!  12.6 pounds!  If you happen to find it, do me a favor and do not return it to me.  Feel free to keep it!

If you are counting....thats another 2.6 pounds in the past seven days.  Including mothers day when I ate pretty much what I wanted AND had cake!

I swear, this is the easiest program I've ever been on!

My sweet daughter "T" has lost 16!

You are never too old.......

You are never too old to sit at your mothers feet and listen.

I had a wonderful Mothers Day!  It was raining cats and dogs, and freezing cold, but time spent with my family, sisters and mom was precious.  My mom was not feeling good, she was getting a bad cold.  She was pretty confused about the gifts and what to do with them, and what they were for.  I sat there and practically opened them for her.  Kind of like that bratty kid at the birthday party that has to horn in and "help" the birthday girl open the gifts.

I enjoyed reading everyones sentiments about their mothers, and the women in their lives who have shaped and molded them.

Sunny skies are here again!  Have a terrific week

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln

Happy Mothers Day! 

My sweet mother

Growing up I never recall us every making Mothers Day anything special for our mom.  We would scratch up change here and there and buy her something from the dime store, but after the moment of gift exchange, everyone went on with their business.  I remember once being in a store called Zayres (does anyone remember this place?) It's like a Walmart, only worse!  It was Mothers Day and I was searching for something to buy my sweet mom.  I bought a pot of mums, ran them to the car (she was shopping in the store still) and I placed them in the drivers seat.  When I met back up with her and we paid for her items we walked out to the car.  I could hardly contain myself I was soooo excited to see her face.  She stopped quickly as she saw the flowers and said "Oh!  this isn't my car!" and I said "Yes it is!"  I remember she was so touched by that.  I must have been around nine at the time and never forgot that incredible feeling. 

Over the years my husband has always made sure that Mothers Day was MY day.......Sleep late, take care of the kids, the house, get the groceries, cook the meal, buy the gifts......keep the kids from fighting....he'd always say...."C'mon!  Give mom her day!".  I actually started to resent it!  Yes, I resented the fact that one day a year I was given all these courtesies but come sunrise Monday morning, things should and would be back to normal.  Don't treat me like a queen one day a year!  Spread that consideration, generosity and calm throughout all 365!

After we were married my husband confessed that he had taken a long hard look at my mom and liked what he saw.  He said this was necessary in finding out who your wife would be in 20, 30 and 40 years later!  Then he pointed out that the way a man treats his own mother is the way he'll eventually treat his wife. 

Irish Proverb
A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest

Ann, My mother-in-law

My husband treated his mom very sweetly.  He really held her up on a pedestal.  Sometimes much to my irritation.  His mother and I did not always have the best relationship.  She passed away after a very short illness in 1999.  I was with him in the hospital one night, while he was sitting by her head, all the lights off, he was looking straight into her eyes, and she was looking right into his.  He began to tell her what a wonderful mother she was, how he would never be the man he is today without her love, guidance and support.  (she did not know she was dying, but we did).  I honestly believe she was absolutely glowing.  I've never seen such a look of love on a persons face ever.  I was in the corner just sobbing but neither seemed to even notice.  She is missed so much because she was such a "cool" Nana.  She shopped at Bloomingdales and Nordstrom and had all the latest fashions.  She adored her grandchildren and spoiled them rotten.  She was the Nana that you could say "damn" by accident and not get scolded......

So  Sunday I'm spending the day with my family, my mom, my sisters and some nieces and nephews.

I hope you all have a lovely day, Cherish the memories and moments from past and present!

Weight Watcher Wednesday

Well, I forgot to post my progress last week.....I'd lost another 2 pounds at week 3.  It's now been four weeks and I'm at  10 pounds total weight loss.

Sorry, I know it's super gross but it's nice to see that visual!

My daughter has lost 15!  I never thought it would be so easy.  I'm not deprived in the least.  In fact, I now allow myself little treats like fat free pudding for a snack, Weight Watchers Ice Cream etc.  I never bought stuff like this before because I usually inhaled it all at once.  I'm cooking with things like ground turkey instead of ground meat.  I even snuck in whole wheat pasta and my family did not notice (too much).  I'm definitely eating more than I ever have....yes, I said MORE!  I'm full all the time.  It's all about looking at the fat and fiber with Weight Watchers.  I've wanted to "cheat" just a few times but I got through it and moved on.

In other news.......I made a pact with myself to stop buying all those magazines I go crazy about every month.  After all, each time I sit down to visit all of you, it's like a new magazine every time!  I honestly lost my lust for those glossie pages (somewhat).  Well, I had a weak moment the other day in the store.  I went and bought "Artful Blogging" which I'm in love with and can't wait for each new issues.  It's a splurge, but since I don't waste money on those others anymore I justify it!  Then I spotted this one......full of beauties and photos of how to turn your trash into treasures.  I glanced through it quickly and threw it in my basket.

I got all ready to settle down and read it with a nice cool breeze blowing out on the deck and ...."hey....this looks familiar.....I've seen this before.....wait a minute......"  I looked back at the cover and saw that  A)  I'd paid six bucks for this junky thing...and B) it said "back by popular demand...re-issued.....I was ticked!  Since I had not bought a magazine in quite a while I was sure I had not bought this one...but no......it was a trick by the publisher to re-issue it.  I know it seems like a little annoyance but now I want to write a letter!  On the other hand, the Somerset Publications like "Artful Blogging"

and "Somerset Living" and "Somerset Home" are just pure beauty.  I'll gladly plop my cash down for these lovelies any day!

I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend with family.  We are getting ready to move my mom into a different assisted living facility that is in a private home.  It will be much better for her and she'll get the help and consideration she deserves.  Now she's in an apartment building style facility and basically being warehoused.  The new home looks like a lovely farmhouse with a big gigantic wrap around porch.  The rooms are just beautiful.  Only six residents live there.  The family that owns and operates the home are so kind and loving.  We've been there at least 5 times to check it out and visit.  The move should take place later in the month, I'll  get some pictures.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and If you are a Mother, Happy Mothers Day!

My Saturday Flea Market

I've been foofing and fluffing like crazy this weekend!  I've gathered up all my recent purchases and decided to list them on Ebay.  I thought I'd give you all a sneak peek- If you are interested in anything, just send me an email.  The prices do not include shipping.

These will be going on Ebay next Saturday...If I can get my act together by then!

I'd made a set like this before using my clothing that I'd saved from each of my 3 children.  Every time I pass by my little display it gives me a smile.  This was created using a new outfit and some shabbed up frames.  The frame with the dress says "Darling" at the bottom and the frame with the little bloomers says "Sweetie"

30.00 for the set or $15.00 each

I have a real "baby" theme going on here....I've been gathering these little cuties for quite a while.  Although I'm not hosting a baby shower, I do not know a single soul that is having a baby....I've still been picking these up here and there.  See....I told you I had a problem!

This little planter is ADORABLE.  It has a music box attached to the inside back and plays "Rock a bye baby".

Oh That little prancing lamb and duck are just too cute! 

$10.00

And these shoes....just so sweet!  I've had these for a while and don't even remember buying them!

That little white lamb shoe is precious!  The blue one has a small chip on the inside "tongue" area. 

All four shoes are for sale together for $15.00

This sweet little bonnet is for baby to wear now...and later use as "something" old when she walks down the isle.  I've never seen anything like this before, so as any reasonable person would do, I snatched it up!

$10.00

These are really sweet too!  Somebody hand painted the little lamb on the hangers!  They are child size hangers, I've never seen wooden hangers this size! 

$7.00

These four little "deer" hangers are pink but photographed somewhat reddish.  There are little animals all along the base, bunnies etc.  They are very light weight.  I at first thought they were for doll clothes, but they are the same size as the wood child hangers.

$5.00 for the set

OK, enough of the baby things...now on to big girl goodies!

This is a vintage dresser or vanity box.  It has the wonderful compartments for keeping your goodies organized.  Sorry, the "bling" does not come with it!  It's over a foot long and about 4 1/2 inches wide.  No stains.  It is a dark fuchsia color.

$10.00

And you may remember a while back when I re purposed this for my bathroom, it's now a mouth wash container....

Well, I'm always on the lookout for vintage bottles. I bought this in separate locations but thought it was adorable together!  It could be used in the bathroom for your mouthwash....or of course on your bar counter (if you had one!)

I blinged it up a bit with some chandelier crystals and an old pearl earring.  Those "you" and "me" glasses are just so cute! I could not walk away from them! They are so dainty with a silver rim.  The words "You and Me" are done in silver too.

$20.00

I hope you enjoyed my little Flea Market!  My dream for so many years has been to have my own little shop.  Of course I know all the headaches and realities that go along with having one...not to mention that we do need to eat and have utilities....so for now, I guess this is as close as I can come to it!  There is an antique mall close by that I just found out about so I might toy with the idea of seeing what a booth would entail....

Have a terrific weekend~ and I hope you find what you're looking for!

Happy May Day!

Happy May Day!  When I was a little girl my mom would prepare little cupcake wrappers full of candy and I'd leave them on my friends doorstep.  I could never understand why she had me do this.  It was May day.  Each year I think about that and how sweet it was.  My friends were always left scratching their heads...they had no idea what was going on.

Jessi is having a cute little toy party today.  Posting pictures of toys you had as a child.  I knew I had these few tucked away and could get to them pretty easily.  I decided at the last minute to take some pictures. It really brought back memories. 

This is Georgina. She was my absolute favorite doll.  She has long orange braids and green eyes.  I got her for Christmas one year after seeing her in a department store.  It's the only time I can remember seeing something....wanting it so terribly bad...and getting it!  She also had a brother named "George" and sadly he was left at the department store.  I thought about him a lot. 

Her little pointing finger is so cute!  She is not wearing her original clothes.  Those are long gone.  I've had her since around 1971.  My mom made all sorts of cute outfits for her, and matching coats and hats.  My mom was a full time working career woman, how she found time to make clothes for my doll, with five mouths to feed on top of it...I'll never know.  This cutie sat at the dinner table every night in her own high chair and slept in her own cradle, which I still have.  She went everywhere with me, even over to a friends house.  I was lost in my own little baby world with her.  I was in a pretty dysfunctional household and I was really able to escape into my own by having her.  That's why she is so incredibly special to me.   

Here's the weird part.....Jessi has a picture of herself as a toddler opening a gift...it's a doll...that looks A LOT Like Georgina.....and the name on the box is GEORGETTE......I think it's the SAME DOLL!

This was a favorite too...the song is ingrained in my brain.  I had lost track of my toy but found this at a yard sale about 15 years ago and had to get it for sentimental reasons.....

This tattered kitty was sitting on a blue velvet pillow.  She was not that special to me, but my dad had bought her and I never wanted to get rid of it.  She looks pretty sickly now...

Our imaginations as little kids were so much more vivid than kids' today.  We used to tack up sheets in the stairway every few steps and play "train" those little compartments were our traveling quarters.  We'd sit in there all day and play.  Of course there was "school" and "office" and "Prairie"  this was an outside game using all things from nature, including tomato cages rolled on their sides as horses!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my dirty, ratty, tatted childhood toys!

More Before and After......

This is the "before" picture I showed you a few days ago.....

And in typical fashion I forgot to take a picture of what I did to it BEFORE I gave it to Karla- So I stole this from her!

This is her darling little grandbaby!  Karla calls her Sugarwings and she is just adorable!

Karla was in Virginia this past weekend and we got to do some thrifting.  She took a picture of me at Starbucks and I look like I've been out all night drinking.  Honestly, it was straight coffee in the cup!  She is having a big Birthday this coming weekend and I wanted to give her a little something.  Now I think I'll look at old ugly clocks in a whole new way!

Her Great Aunt Caroline is also getting ready to celebrate her 100th Birthday!  Karla is collecting 100 cards from all over the world to give to her dear sweet aunt.  This was the one I sent

Yes, I stole the picture of her Aunt Caroline right off her blog!  You can go to her Flickr site and see all the beautiful cards being made for her.

Well, I guess this post was all about Karla!  She's fun to hang out with, sees the beauty in junk just like I do and on top of all that, she's a talented and accomplished artist!  Pure inspiration to be with that girl for even 5 minutes!

So here's hoping that Karla has a wonderful birthday this weekend!

I fell off the wagon

I got the opportunity to hang out with my BF (blog friend) Karla while she was in town this weekend.  We met for coffee and chatted for quite a while and then decided to hit the thrift store.  Getting there was tricky because she had a new GPS system that must have had a sore throat because it wouldn't talk to us!  We were supposed to follow the arrows on the screen if we weren't too busy gabbing.  Finally after a few U-turns later we arrived at our destination!  We played like good friends and spotted fun treasures and didn't steal anything away from one another!  We both found some fun things.

Cute frames that will be shabbed up in no time!

A flat little "bird house" that will be completely renovated.  I plan on "flipping this house" and this one-

This huge bag of ribbons/zippers- about 6 of the ribbons I'll keep, the rest will be bagged up and donated to the next thrift store....and check out the BLING on that gold trim.  The crystal embellishment on this trim makes it very heavy.  It is quite sparkly though

And the other day I found this......and foofed it into something cool...but I forgot to take an "after" picture!  Check back later and you'll see what I did to it!

And for those of you remembering my promise to myself to stay out of thrift stores for a while.....well all I can say is Karla kidnapped me!  Yes, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Have a terrific week!

Weight Watcher Wednesday

I decided I'd try and commit to blogging my progress on Wednesdays after my weight watchers meeting.  So after 14 days..... I lost one of these....

This is just a picture of something that weighs 6.5 pounds.  I googled "6.5 pounds" and some really disgusting things appeared.  This is cute.  I don't think personally that my 6.5 pounds was nearly this cute.

By the way, this image is from a site called "Baby think it over".  Its a vinyl baby used in schools to teach teens parenting skills, or rather to show them the reality of having a "cute little baby".  My daughter was stuck with one of these for 24 hours back in January.  She is taking a child development class and had to bring the baby home.  It cries periodically just like a real infant does.  It has a micro chip in it that the teacher later "reads via computer" to see how many times it cried, if it was responded to, etc.  You have to actually un-do the diaper to simulate changing a diaper, or stick a bottle in its mouth or just hold it, and it will calm down.  Well this thing annoyed the hell out of me.  At 3 o'clock in the morning I'm  stumbling rushing in my daughters room- ready to rip every hair off her head (my daughters- not the vinyl baby) because she is snoring peacefully through a loud crying episode.  I yelled "I DO NOT CARE IF YOU GET AN F!"  take the damn battery out NOW!  Then I calmly explained to her that "honey, in real life you have to be READY to be a mom, and that won't be for many many more years.....in fact, some days I'm not sure I am!"  So needless to say, it was a real pain eye opener for my impressionable teen!

My daughter "T" is my WW partner, she   lost this~

8.3 pounds!

And I can't do a post without showing you a goody or two.....I forgot to show this last weekend.

This cool lamp is now sitting in the room with the very pink night stand!

And some cute cards I bought a year ago and just re-discovered.....

Really sweet vintage mothers day cards.  And yesterday I heard on the radio we are using the word "vintage" way too much.  Also people have issues with words such as "issues" too.  I guess we're supposed to just say "I have problems"

Have a terrific week and hope you find what you are looking for this weekend!