High On Shopping

Since I am a semi-retired SAHM I have to stretch the grocery money as far as I can. Another benefit of Blogland is learning how to do that! I must give credit to Crystal at Money Saving Mom for teaching me the basics. I'm not a "pro" yet, but I am "high" on the thrill of shopping. I now use coupons, shop at stores that give rewards and send for free samples. The advertisers know what they are doing because when I like a new product that they give me a sample for - then I will surely buy it. This happened this week with True Lemon. I got my free sample, poured it in my water, and loved it. There are many uses for it that I will try as well. But I am for anything that gets me to drink more water, has no calories, adds vitamin C and TASTES GOOD!
As for shopping at stores with benefits - DH went with me on Saturday so we made 3 separate transactions. The short story is we spent $10.86 OOP(out of pocket) on all of the stuff in the picture. The total would have been $71.22 without coupons and store savings. And we got back $39.00 in ECB and RR(cash register print outs that can be used on our next shopping trips)!!!!! Two things not pictured : candy bar (I ate it) and magazine (moved to DH's Reading Room) -both of those things were purchased because we had more coupons than the price of items so we had to buy "fillers". DH does not really understand how it works, but is happy to let me figure it out so he gets snacks!

Mother's Day Weekend

It was a busy weekend with my kids coming and going and bringing surprises. My first surprise started on Saturday with DH and youngest son. I have wanted a dwarf red maple for a long time. Dad bought it and son planted it next to the pond.

Eli and I supervised.

Saturday we grilled ribs, with baked beans, and corn casserole - but the most wonderful thing was - the kitchen was magically cleaned up! Sunday morning I was served breakfast in bed. No cooking all day due to the leftovers! A visit from oldest son first with a bottle of wine. Later second oldest son with his sweet girlfriend with a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers. I felt like "Queen For the Day" !!!

I just relaxed all day and spent some time finishing up this crafty project. I found an old brown tray in while "dumpster diving" last week. Painted it antique white. Then cut out some appliques from a piece of fabric that my cousin sent me. It was in with some of my aunt's sewing supplies. I used Mod Podge to decoupage it to the tray. I think my aunt would get a kick out of the fun I had with her scrap of fabric!

Show and Tell Sunday -Mother's Day

I know that I inherited my love of all things vintage from my mother. I grew up with antiques and sewing and creativity. I took it for granted when I was younger, but after moving into this old house, it really took hold of me. This year for Mother's Day I gathered some fun stuff and filled a box with goodies. If the mail is slow Mom may read about her gift before she gets to open it!

I was born in England. Dad was in the Air Force, stationed in England. The Queen's coronation was the year before I was born so when I saw this little dish at Angel's I knew it had to go in the box. The tag has a vintage broach, also from Angel's, with Mother printed on the Mother of Pearl. The lace on the tag came from the last box Mom sent me!
I saw this little 1/2 doll and knew she would be a great pincushion. I made a skirt for her and attached it to cover the pincushion. Some baker's twine. old buttons, tags shaped like cats, a sweet old handkerchief, some vintage birthday candle holders and some dried flowers from my daughter's wedding filled up the box.
I also bought an old school music book from the 40's and used the pages from "Would You Like to Swing on a Star?" to decoupage the box. I hope Mom has as much fun with her box as I did!!

Seven tried her best to fit in the box - just not enough room!!! Once again thank you to Cheri and Analise for hosting Show and Tell Sundays!

Staining the Mantle

After trying several different stains we found the one that best highlighted the grain of the wood. And the winner is....Minwax... Early American. If I remember correctly this is the stain my Mom has used quite a bit. You can see how it looks- before and after here:

I'm lovin' it!

Wordless Wednesday

Show and Tell Sunday- Favorite Shops!

This week for Show and Tell we are taking a look at favorite places to shop- antiques, vintage, thrifting or junking! Come with me and take a look at Angel's Antiques and Flea Mall!

Welcome to Angel's

Today I spent 2 hours at Angel's shopping and taking pictures and I did not even go down every aisle. That's how big it is! There are over 450 booths which means there is something for everyone. It is located one block from Alabama I-85 on exit 62. The building was once a Wal-Mart. I have never left Angel's empty handed. I can always find a treasure and plenty of inspiration. Many of the booths have sale signs and the merchandise is updated frequently. Although I don't have a problem going to a junk store that has some cleanliness issues and have been known to go to some that have no heat or air conditioning-

Angel's is one of the nice ones! I like things cluttered enough to be interesting, but orderly enough to be able to see things! Come take a look with me.....
This booth looks crowded in my picture, but it is one of my favorites! I always find something to use in a craft project here-buttons, trims....

But, if you need a more organized view there are many display cases that are up in the front of the store. Each booth has it's own personality - from pricey antiques to shabby chic to 50's Retro to Flea Market.

I took this picture for inspiration. Maybe I will do this with all of our paintbrushes when we finish the house.....and that will be......let's see.......NEVER!! It would look cute hanging in the garden room in the meantime.


For those of you that love vintage linens, there are plenty of booths to check out.

These chairs would look great in my house. Love the wheels on them!

I don't know where I'd put this but I could find room somewhere. Yes, that's me and my camera in the mirror,

I could make place for this piece too!
Thanks for visiting! There is so much more to see in person! I just realized that I didn't take a picture of my buggy and purchases -a bunch of jade-ite colored MelMac, an old school book, bag of unfinished needlepoint, vintage broach and a hat!