Your Favorites from 2014

Happy Wednesday, Friends and Happy New Year's Eve! Isn't it hard to believe another year has come and gone? I thought it would be fun to take a look back and it was also enlightening! True to my blog name of course, each post involved thrifting in some capacity--whether it was a weekly fabulous find, a repurpose, or how I used it in my home or garden. Other points of interest:  the majority of the top ten were from the last three months with half being from the last two months. Since I have been blogging about a year and a half, I found that encouraging! The repurposes seem to be a favorite so I will keep those coming. Without further delay, here are my ten most popular posts from 2014... 

(You can read any of the entire posts by clicking on its title. )

10. Dreaming of a Jadeite Christmas...

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Cozy Cabin Christmas!

Greetings Friends! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by your loved ones.  This year I was blessed to celebrate in a cozy little cabin...

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Friday's Find: Christmas Clearance Placemat Pillow

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends--the last one of the year! It's Christmas clearance time and I have an easy, thrifty project to share. You will need two placemats and I bet you can find them at least 50% off, like I did at Target...

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It's Christmas Eve, Deer!

Merry Christmas Eve, deer Friends! Our countdown is complete and I hope you are celebrating this joyous time with family and friends. Look who was waiting for me at Cracker Barrel last weekend? I don't get by there often, but was hoping they might have started Christmas markdowns.  Sure enough, he was 50% off! They had several retro displays and I was instantly smitten. 

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{Accidental} Fudge Truffles & Creating Christmas Features!

Greetings Friends! I want to thank all of you who linked up to the Creating Christmas party! I was truly inspired by your creative thrifty posts and I know you'll enjoy the fabulous features. But first, need a tasty last minute gift? Today I am sharing my {accidental} fudge truffle recipe....

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Friday's Find: Bed Spring & Vintage Ornie Tree!

TGITF Friends! It's our last thrifty Friday before Christmas and I'm sharing a simple, festive upcycle. I couldn't pass up this Christmas tree fashioned out of old bed springs at a recent craft show I attended. It was pretty darn cute just as it was sold and while I can't take credit for the clever repurpose, I did have lots of fun embellishing it...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Dreaming of a Jadeite Christmas...

Happy Wednesday Friends! Can you believe next Wednesday is Christmas Eve? I thought we'd wrap things up with one of my favorite obsessions--Jadeite! I love it's Vintage perfection more than ever during the Christmas season.  If you're dreaming of a Jadeite Christmas, pinch yourself and follow along...

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DIY Vintage Ornament Wreath!

Greetings Friends! By now you know my affection for Vintage ornaments.  I shop thrift stores and yard sales for them all year to get my fix! As promised, today I am sharing how to make your own Vintage ornament wreath....

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Ornament Exchange & Vintage Gifts from Etsy!

Hello Friends! I have to tell you about a fun Ornament Exchange I joined. Vicky at Life on Willie Mae Lane hosted and though I am sure it was no easy task, she even had participants fill out questionnaires to match us! Thank you Vicky...and thank you Ann who sent my two lovely ornaments.  She so thoughtfully picked out the pretty golden dove and shimmering acorns to complement my Secret Garden inspired tree.  Plus, she sent the sweetest card and we have already exchanged emails--the perfect way to usher in the holidays! Ann is not a blogger but we plan to keep in touch...

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Friday's Find: Sleigh Door Hanger!

TGITF Friends! Isn't it fun when you find just what you were looking for? Even if you didn't know you were looking for it....!  After realizing that the fresh wreaths I usually buy online Black Friday were not on sale this year, I was on a mission for a thrifty alternative for my front door...

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Creating Christmas: Have Yourself a Thrifty Little Christmas!

Happy Wednesday Friends! I am so excited to be participating in the Creating Christmas link party and what a perfect way to continue our Countdown to Christmas Eve! Yesterday, Alice shared her gorgeous Rustic Christmas. You won't want to miss it--be sure to link up! Today I am sharing my thrifty Christmas inspiration to help you spend less. Then you'll have the opportunity to share your own thrifty posts--are you ready?

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Grinch Party Revisited!

Greetings Friends! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend! This is my first Christmas season since Ginger Grand moved to Colorado.  Reminisce with me today as we revisit the Grinch party we celebrated last year.  It was a simple garden party for just the two of us but such a sweet time...

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Friday's Find: Recreated Hymnal Angel!

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Recently I found a hymnal angel while I was thrifting. The price was right but I hesitated at first because she was a little banged up. Some of her pages were bent in the wrong direction, her make up was dated and her hair was a mess! I've had days like that--how about you? Girlfriend just needed a makeover...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Festive Curb Appeal!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Can you believe we are now 3 Wednesdays until Christmas Eve?! It really is my favorite time of year and I enjoy adding festive touches outdoors as well.  Today I am sharing some simple thrifty ways to add Christmas curb appeal...

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Blessing Tree & Winter Whimsy Tablescape!

Greetings Friends! Did you eat lots of turkey and pumpkin pie? I enjoyed a wonderful holiday with my girls and Ginger Grand in Colorado. We had such a sweet time--saying good-bye is always a challenge! A little Christmas decorating was just what I needed...

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Friday's Find: Vintage Christmas!

Thank God it's thrifty Friday Friends! If you are reading this, you are probably at your computer leisurely browsing rather than fighting Black Friday crowds--good for you! I have some fabulous Vintage finds just for Christmas...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Silver Bells!

Happy Wednesday Friends and Happy Thanksgiving Eve! I bet you see these mini molds at thrift stores all the time.  I know I do--so I decided to make silver bells, silver bells…

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Simple Turkey Veggie Tray!

Greetings Friends! We had a storm last night and my internet is down so I am posting this morning from Starbucks.  Hopefully, the issue will be resolved soon but if you don't hear from me, you'll know why! Are you ready for Thanksgiving? I am really looking forward to spending some time with my daughters and Ginger Grand. He loves to help and I wanted to include a healthy kid friendly option for us to make together….

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Friday's Find: Vintage Vanity Mirror!

TGITF Friends! Do you frequent craft shows this time of year? Today's feature is this Vintage vanity mirror I scored from a recent show...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Vintage Thread Snowman!

Happy Wednesday Friends! I have had so much fun repurposing my thrift store finds as Christmas decorations and sharing them with you!  Can you believe we're 5 Wednesdays from Christmas Eve? Our countdown continues with this sweet snowman constructed from Vintage thread spools...

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A Special Gathering--You're Invited!

Hello sweet Friends! Are you surprised to hear from me on a Monday? I  am here to extend a special invitation. I am so excited to be participating in Creating Christmas the week of December 8-December 12! Each night will feature a different theme and blogger as listed below:

                          

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Creating a Cozy Home on a Budget!

Greetings Friends! Wow, that arctic front this week made me want to stay indoors and snuggle up! Home is our sanctuary and this time of year, I am particularly grateful for my mine.  Recently, I helped a friend transform her family's apartment for less than $60!  Whether you live in a rental or just want to add some warmth to your living space for the holidays, come see what we did...

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Friday's Find: Gobble, Gobble!

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Today's fabulous find is this quirky little turkey...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: DIY Ornament Chandelier!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Today I am continuing our countdown to Christmas Eve with one of my most popular holiday decorations, a simple DIY ornament chandelier...  

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Cherished Family Keepsakes

Greetings Friends! Are you enjoying your weekend? I have been basking in the gorgeous weather here.  First, we received some much needed rain and now some glorious fall temperatures...finally! Recently my mother gave me several treasured keepsakes; among them her high school typewriter and some family photos from my childhood.  Feeling sentimental as the holidays approach, I was looking for a unique way to display both--maybe you can relate. Today I am sharing my solution...

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Friday's Find: Estate Sale Linens!

TGITF Friends! Are you ready for some weekend thrifting? I've been to several estate sales recently--one of my favorite places to scavenge Vintage linens! What is it about a delicate lace doily or crisp embroidered pillowcase that makes my heart go pitter patter? Today I am sharing my recent finds plus a few of the ways I use them in my home...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Fa La La La Funnel Trees!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Can you believe this week marks 7 Wednesdays until Christmas Eve? Our countdown continues with a simple, festive recreated project--fa la la la funnel trees! 

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Savory Organic Pumpkin Hummus!

Greetings Friends! Are you having a relaxing weekend? It seems the fall weather has everyone craving various pumpkin spice concoctions and I'm no different. Today I am sharing my organic pumpkin hummus.  It's simple, savory and guilt free...

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Friday's Find: A Home for Rosie!

Hi there, Friends! Today's fabulous find is a real treat!  A few years ago, when I updated my living room, I searched relentlessly for a Vintage sofa. The only ones I found were online and way out of my price range.  I finally settled on a settee in hopes that I would someday find my elusive sofa.  Guess what?! Here she is...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Have Yourself a Coastal Little Christmas!

Happy Wednesday Friends! There are 8 Wednesdays left until Christmas Eve! The countdown continues with some coastal inspiration...

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Reflections on The Judge...

Hello Friends! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  Recently I saw the movie The Judge.  I'll do my best not to give away any spoilers but I will tell you I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  Maybe it's because despite my attempts, I didn't have a close relationship with my own father when he passed away nearly six years ago...

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Friday's Find: Something Blue...

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Have you been enjoying Fall weather and festivals? It has been lovely here--perfect for yard sales and checking out less frequented thrifts! Today's fabulous finds each feature something blue...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: DIY Frosted Tree!

Happy Wednesday Friends! The countdown continues--9 more Wednesdays until Christmas Eve! Today we are revisiting my post on DIY tree flocking.  I call my version frosting...

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Vintage Bathroom Bling!

Greetings Friends! Today I am sharing several ways I used thrifted Vintage finds to add some bling to my tiny bathroom...

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Friday's Find: Vintage Treasures!

Thank God it's thrifty Friday! Today I have oodles of thrifty Vintage goodness to share with you--the kind that makes it worth getting out of bed on a rainy morning! I had been looking for milk glass candle sticks so I was thrilled to find both a tall and a shortie. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this divine Hazel Atlas plate with the luscious aqua scalloped rim! Ready for more? We're just getting started...

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Countdown to Christmas Eve: Shop Black Friday in Your Pajamas!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Would you be surprised if I told you there are 10 more Wednesdays until Christmas Eve? I have to admit, I was! I know it may seem early to begin Christmas posts.  Having said that, more than any other season I want the holidays to be a time of joy, peace and celebration.  With that in mind, today I am starting a weekly Wednesday feature to help you plan ahead and keep it simple!  I'll be sharing some new ideas as well as revisiting some of my favorite Christmas posts each week right up until December 24...

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Florida: A Trip to the Beach!

Greetings Friends! Last week I was invited to vacation with my Mom in Hollywood, Florida.  I don't travel often so this was an unexpected blessing.   The sound of the waves, the ocean air, our toes in the sand--what a treat!  If you could use a virtual escape, come along........

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Friday's Find: Fire-King Wheat!

TGITF Friends! Today I am sharing a Vintage vignette created with my latest yard sale treasures...

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DIY Reed Fence Upgrade

Happy Wednesday Friends! If you have read my Secret Garden post, you know that my garden is not only my creative space and source of inspiration but has also been a labor of love.  I started with rocky soil and that was pretty much it! The labor part was frustrated by my constant need to do damage control after the deer ate the latest plant I had tried that they were not supposed to eat! After seeing them easily hurdle four and even six foot fences,  I eventually came to the conclusion that I was going to need a game fence.  Had this city girl ever heard of a game fence before moving to the rural Texas hill country? Heck no! Even so, determined to have my Secret Garden, I found a new fence company that agreed to add eight foot game fence to the back and side of my property. It kept the deer out, but wasn't a pretty sight! Have you ever noticed the reed fencing that is in some of my garden photos? Today I am sharing how I used this inexpensive material to upgrade my rural game fence. It could just as easily be added to chain link fence...

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Little Birdie Bench

Greetings Friends! One of the great things about thrift store bargains is that you can always re-upcycle like I did with this pretty little piano bench...

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Friday's Find: Vintage Italian Mirrors!

TGITF Friends! Don't you just love to find a thrifted treasure that blends beautifully with your existing decor? Today's feature is just that kind of find...

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Vintage Blog of the Week--I've Been Featured!

Happy Wednesday Friends! Today is the first day of October, my birthday month and I received an early gift when I found out I was chosen as Vintage blog of the week by Diana at Adirondack Girl at Heart! Happy early birthday to me and a big thank you to Diana! Just in case you are not already following her, let me tell you a little about Diana's blog...

    

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Secret Garden Lavender French Toast

Greetings Friends! I hope you are having a relaxing weekend. Today I am sharing a delicious and healthier recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch or brinner--my signature Secret Garden lavender french toast! 

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Friday's Find: The Old Curiosity Shop

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Recently I attended a local swap meet and got a great deal on these lovelies...

Available

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Festive Fall Front Entry

Happy Wednesday Friends! Today I am sharing my front door entry, spruced up for Fall with finds from my thrifting adventures!

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Secret Garden: The Fall Tour!

Greetings Friends! Does it feel like Fall in your neighborhood? Mine isn't quite there yet, but one crisp morning and slightly lower temperatures have me and my garden anticipating the change of seasons!  Come take a stroll with me and see what's in bloom...

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200th Post, A Give Away & Fredericksburg Trade Days!

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends!  What could be more thrifty than a give away? Today I am celebrating my 200th blog post by thanking all of you with a chance to win a gift box from Secret Garden Herbs! I've included some of my most popular items...

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Steampunk Inspired Pumpkin Patch!

Happy Wednesday Friends! I am a big fan of repurposing in the garden.  It's a creative way to recycle cast offs while adding whimsy and it's c-h-e-a-p!  When I showed my repurposed pumpkin patch to Favorite Son, he loved it and said it looked Steampunk. I agreed...  

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Autumn Harvest: Vintage Inspired Tablescapes

Welcome Friends, I'm so glad you stopped by today! With my affection for Vintage linens and dishes, you know how I love to set a pretty table for seasonal changes. Today I am sharing my latest Fall tablescapes...

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