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. 

CONTINUE READING & DON'T MISS A THING!

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!

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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! 

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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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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!  

CONTINUE READING & DON'T MISS A THING!