Get Your Gift Card On & Splurge A Little!


Do you like to receive gift cards?  I have heard some people call them impersonal, but my family doesn't share that opinion!  They have always been a favorite with my kids and even my nephews requested them this year.  Also, when applied to the after holiday sales, gift cards can help you get more bling for your bucks as opposed to shopping during the retailers' peak season, prior to Christmas. 


Gift card splurges

Friday's Find: Christmas Clearance!


Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Christmas is officially over but holiday sales may be around for another week or so.  When shopping clearance, thrift stores might not ordinarily come to mind, but I found two stores today that were already offering 75% off!  These Vintage inspired ornaments were just a few of today's fabulous finds.  I know, I know... many of you are ready to pack everything up for another year.  Just remember this time of year is the perfect opportunity to find great buys for next year's decorations or even gifts to tuck away!


Christmas clearance

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!


I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!  Thank you for your continued support, feedback and encouraging words.  I appreciate each and every one of you.  I pray your hearts will be light and  your new year full of peace and joy! 


Merry Christmas


Your blogging, believing, thrifting, repurposing friend...

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Oranges, Cloves and Kids' Crafts... Oh My!


The kids are out of school and the countdown to Christmas has officially begun! All of the hustle and bustle plus the added excitement of the holidays is enough to give even us grown kids a little cabin fever--especially if the weather is inclement.  My kids used to enjoy making these fragrant favors every year.  They graced our Thanksgiving table, hung on our Christmas tree and were given as small gifts.  All you need is oranges, whole cloves and ribbon if you want to hang them.  Smaller oranges like Clementines are best for this project. Sometimes the dollar store carries cloves--so check there first! Place some wax paper under the oranges, then just press the cloves firmly into the orange. School age children can help younger siblings, but tiny tots should be supervised.  We don't want cloves stuck up any noses for the holidays! Kids may chose to dot their cloves all over the orange as pictured, or make their own design.  If planning to hang, use a clove or two to hold a small loop of ribbon in place at the very top.  


Cloved oranges

Friday's Find: Pyrex For My Stocking!

"Twas five nights before Christmas, when all through the house, 
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; 
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Vintage goodies soon would be there;

The blogger was nestled all snug in her bed,
 While visions of turquoise Pyrex danced in her head..."

Okay, so maybe I took a few liberties with the classic poem, but I am a tad excited about today's finds!  I rarely find turquoise Pyrex but today it seemed to be finding me! Merry Christmas, Self! With holiday preparations, I haven't been to any estate sales for awhile. Turns out I have missed them--look what I found at one today!  This Butterprint refrigerator dish from the 50s is in excellent condition and was a great bargain.  I absolutely adore these little fridgies and I really do use them. 


Vintage Pyrex

A Cup of Christmas Cheer: Make Your Own Herbal Tea Bags!


Greetings Friends! I have been making handmade tea bags with my organic herbs for several years now.  These are especially nice for gifts and are easier to make than you might think!  I start with my dried organic mint and spoon it into press and brew tea bags, which can be purchased online.


DIY herbal tea bags

It's a Wrap........Party!


Last night I attended a wrapping party hosted by my friend Trish. What started as her attempt to prevent gift wrapping from turning into a chore, has now become a favorite holiday tradition.  I thought this was such a fun idea I wanted to share it with you! Guests were invited to come dressed comfy, with all of their presents, wrap and ribbons in tow.   Since it was a bit warm for a fire, we were welcomed by her charming candle-lit hearth.  Christmas music was playing and finger food snacks were laid out.  Trish provided  tape and scissors which we passed back and forth. Conversation, laughter and a vast array of wrapping paper was shared between us.  Fa la la la la la la la la!

Christmas wrap party

The Twelfth Day of Christmas: Grinch Party!


Welcome! Since it is our Twelfth Day, I thought it would be fitting to go out with a party! Recently, I gave my Ginger Grand a Grinch party.  Ever since he was a baby, he has been a fan of the Grinch.  I decided to set it up in the garden and surprised him--he loved it!  Our "party" consisted of just the two of us, but this would be fun with a group of kids.  Pre-schoolers could even help with some of the preparations. I set the table with a bright red snowflake tablecloth that had a Dr. Seuss-ish look about it.  The felt Christmas tree headband pictured on the chair reminded me of the big tree in the book.  It was a "new" thrift find meaning it still had its tags and hadn't been worn.  Honestly, I wasn't too sure if GG would go for this, but he wore it nonstop until he went to bed!  



Grinch party


The Eleventh Day of Christmas: Thrift Store Whimsy and Vignettes


Welcome friends!  So glad you could drop by on our Eleventh Day!  I am constantly looking for ways to introduce the unexpected in my home including bringing the outdoors inside--like this dress form garden statuary. Let me introduce you to Juliet  She is a beloved thrift store find who started as a Christmas decoration on my porch last year.  Since then, she has been welcomed inside, served as a one of a kind lamp and is currently decked out in style for the holidays. Note that she is adorned with fresh greenery, Vintage jewelry, faux pearls and of course Peace.  She is the perfect juxtaposition of elegance and whimsy that I pine for in my decor--pun intended, wink-wink!

Dress form adorned in Xmas greenery

The Tenth Day of Christmas: Trees Across Texas Tour


Greetings on our Tenth Day of Christmas! Today's feature is a collaboration of three trees from my home state of Texas.  I am sharing some of our readers' breathtaking decorations.  First,  we travel to Huffman to view Linda's lovely traditional red and gold tree.  Set against the windows of her country home, it is sheer perfection.  Love, love, love it! 


Red and gold traditional Christmas tree

The Ninth Day of Christmas: Fresh Rosemary Wreath


Hello again, I'm so glad you have been stopping by!  The Ninth Day will be a fragrant one--there is nothing like the scent of fresh Rosemary!  I recently made some wreaths with this aromatic herb. Here's how:  First, you will need plenty of fresh Rosemary..  I cut mine and kept it in water for a few days before assembling the wreath.


Fresh rosemary wreath tutorial
Affiliate links included for suggested supplies!

The Eighth Day of Christmas: Simply Heavenly Fudge


Greetings on this Eighth Day --hope you are staying cozy and warm!  Today I am sharing one of my all time favorite holiday recipes, sure to bring some comfort and joy.  It's easy, delicious and... chocolate! Believe it or not, this fudge is made in the microwave.  It makes a great gift for neighbors and I used to make it yearly for my kids' teachers' gifts.  Here are the ingredients you will need: 1 1/2 bags of chocolate chips, a can of condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.  This makes one batch which will fit in an average size tin like the one pictured.  Before you get started, line your tin with wax paper, and open your can of condensed milk.


3 ingredient microwave fudge recipe

The Seventh Day of Christmas: Merry & Bright Winter Tablescape


Greetings on our Seventh Day--today I am sharing a shimmering, Winter inspired tablescape to keep your spirits merry and bright! You may remember my runners from the Fall.   I love layers so I have just topped these with a silvery leaf design.  Most of my mercury glass was from clearance sales.  I find it especially lovely during the holidays with its natural sparkle!  Many of them hold tea light candles that I light in the evenings or on cold winter days.


Mercury glass tablescape

The Sixth Day of Christmas: Vintage Tom and Jerry


TGITF and what would the Twelve Days of Christmas be without a fabulous find? On this Sixth Day, I am happy to oblige with these Vintage Tom and Jerry milk glass eggnog mugs!  I have learned from experience to buy in any season, when the price is right.  Such was the case with these darling mugs!



Vintage Tom & Jerry mugs


The Fifth Day of Christmas: Bling Your Bargains!


Welcome to our Fifth Day! I bet you have been busy decking your halls! I found some great bargains on decorations this year at stores like Michaels, Big Lots, and Target.  I love the challenge of giving an ordinary item extra personality by combining it with a thrifted find or adding a simple handmade touch.  I fell in love with this garland from Big Lots.  I needed to replace some tired, old garland and when I saw this glittery, delicate one for $10, I was sold.  Plus, if you join Big Lots reward club, you will receive coupons by email.  I made a few trips to use coupons from two different weeks. So I received a total of $20 off my 6 garlands!  This garland hangs near my silver collection, thus the inspiration for the Vintage platter as a backdrop for Merry, which I found at Michaels for $1.  In fact I got three, each arranged in the garland--Merry, Merry, Merry!   Peace and Silent Night were also available. I am obsessed with Michaels dollar section.  If you have not browsed this section, you are missing out!  They change it up periodically and always offer a variety of choices.  If you are planning to shop at Michaels or Target, check their website first, as they almost always have some type of coupon. 

Holiday bargains

The Fourth Day of Christmas: Christmas in the Garden


Hi Friends! Our Fourth Day begins in the garden. Whether you have a small patio or a huge yard, your great outdoors is the introduction to your home.  You can offer guests a warm welcome without spending big bucks. Today I am sharing some of my Black Friday deals, thrifted finds and even a makeover that I used to decorate my garden.  The poinsettias above as well as the pine wreath below were purchased online at Lowe's Thanksgiving morning and picked up at my local store on Saturday--not Friday! The Christmas greeting sign was 50% off at my favorite thrift store.  Lined with burlap, my copper wall fountain makes a unique winter planter.


Repurposed fountain planter and poinsettias

The Third Day of Christmas: DIY Ornament Chandelier


Fa, la, la, la, la Friends! It's our Third Day and I'm glad you are here! Looking for a simple, thrifty way to add instant cheer to your Christmas decor?  All you need is ribbon, ornaments and about thirty minutes to transform your chandelier from ordinary to merry and bright! I chose Vintage turquoise and mercury glass ornaments with sparkly silver ribbon but yours should reflect your own personal style. Rustic, traditional or shabby chic--go for it!


DIY ornament chandelier

The Second Day of Christmas: Simplify Your Holiday Decorating!



Greetings Friends! At this time of year, it is easy to get distracted by all of the trimmings and trappings of the season.  All you have to do is walk through any ornately decorated store to come to the conclusion that your decorations may pale in comparison.  Here's my two cents--don't buy into it for a minute! The loveliest decorations are often the simplest. Before buying anything new, shop your own home.  Is there a piece that may be sitting in storage that can serve as a one of a kind decoration?  Can you upcycle something you already own to give it new life?  Pictured is my heirloom nativity, it is old and and worn and one of my most cherished possessions.  I remember when my Mother gave it to me, apologetically at first because of its wear--little did she know at the time how my affection for Vintage would flourish! The only thing better than discovering a Vintage treasure while thrifting, is having one handed down as a family heirloom.


simplify holiday decorating

The First Day of Christmas: DIY Flocked Christmas Tree

I'm excited to share the first of my Twelve Days of Christmas feature.  My hope is that these posts will help you get your jingle on and that you will have as much fun as I did--creating lovely holiday decorations and unique gifts while also saving money! So check back each day and even better offer your feedback! Humor me and hum the song to yourself...

"On the first day of Christmas my blog friend shared with me: a D-I-Y flocked Christmas tree!" 

Admit it--you sang! This project started a few weeks ago when I was contemplating how I might upgrade my rather tired looking artificial tree. I noticed that the trees I was drawn to in the stores had a light flocking or frosted appearance and I wondered the best way to DIY it.  I was hesitant to use can snow or flocking because it constantly falls and sheds. After researching, I decided to combine the two techniques I liked best with spackling and paint. 


DIY flocked Christmas tree

The Twelve Days of Christmas!


I absolutely adore Christmas! I believe in the Reason for the Season, I love decorating and the emotion that washes over me when I hear Christmas music.  When I saw this t-shirt on Pinterest I had to laugh because I immediately thought, "Yep, that's me!" I realize not everyone shares my warm fuzzy holiday feelings and I am convinced it is due to over scheduling.  The sheer busy-ness alone can rob our feelings of peace and good will!  For this reason, I make a conscious effort to plan ahead.  Who wants to drag all of the Christmas decorations out for 2 weeks and then pack it all up again?! Not this girl!  I've been teased by friends and family about having my decorations up by Thanksgiving weekend but for me, it prevents decorating from becoming overwhelming and best of all allows me to really enjoy the season. 

12 days of Christmas posts