Surprise!

Kyle's best friend Jason threw him a surprise party for his 33rd.
It really was all his idea, I helped just a little. 

He bought the balloons.
I bought the cupcakes.
And we both had to keep it a secret from the person we see everyday and who knows if we are lying! Hardest thing ever!

Saturday night...party time. 

Well, I came upstairs first to get the "photo" of everyone saying SURPRISE...
but my camera wouldn't take the photo!! 
So I requested a do over. 


This is the do over:

a birthday speech...

Thrifty Tips

(A sweet deer pencil holder, thrift store find)

As promised, better late than never, I always say...
are my top 5 thrift store tips for you!


Now, remember I am not a professional.
Is there such a thing?
If so, pencil me in.


I just love old things.
And I love to buy things for cheap.
So it's a win-win situation. 


First off, you have to get over the "dirty" factor. 
Some thrift stores are better than others, 
some smell like sweat and old gym socks.
But remember, EVERYTHING can be cleaned.
Your hands too.


#2: Keep a list.
I have a list on my iphone of things I want or things I currently "hoard." 


Here's are quick peek at my current lust list:

• Owls (Although, I usually don't buy these at thrift stores. Since Kyle & I started antiquing way back when buying an owl on our trips have become like a memento, so unless I find one I really love...I save it for antique day)
• Globes 
• Vintage Pyrex 
• Records (Mostly for Kyle. Although I do find one for me from time to time)
• Paint by Numbers...But let me tell you this is like the holy grail of thrift store finds, for me anyway. I've had a serious dream of filling a wall in my house with these babies, but am sad to say my collection holds only 2 and it has taken me FOREVER to find them. Like forever meaning 6 months plus. 
• Old cameras
• Deer antlers (which I've yet to find)
• Old broken jewelry 

#3: Use our dear friend "Google" to scope our thrift stores in your area. And then map out your plan of attack.


#4: I have the best luck at Salvation Army's. They restock consistently AND every Friday they have 50% off! And their pricing is always reasonable (unlike Goodwill, which is way too expensive...which I try and steer clear from).  


#5: Make frequent trips. The more you go and check stock, the better luck you'll have finding the things you want. I go every week...it's become the day I look forward to most in the week. 


Oh and here's a bonus tip:
Search eBay and etsy to research things you want and take photos of those things, so that when you are out shopping you can remind yourself of what you like or a specific color theme you are going for.


I hope that helps!
Good luck on your next trip!




xo!  

My big guy turns 33

Yesterday was my man's birthday.

He turned 33.

He woke up to all the kids in our bed,

with cards and their gift for him.

They got him a shirt, which is like a major "no-no" for daddy.

But they really wanted to get it for him, so I couldn't say no.

I think in the 7 years we've been together he has returned every shirt we've bought him or they end up in the goodwill pile.

We must have really bad taste? haha!

Or dress him like a small teenage boy...

either way we pick some bad ones.

For dinner I made him tri tip with grilled asparagus and homemade cheese biscuits. 

No chicken goulash tonight baby! 

And we went to Golden Spoon for dessert. 

I love seeing the kind of man my husband is turning out to be.

He is this wise, seasoned man.

Who owns his own business,

and is really GREAT at what he does.

Who puts his family first,

and makes decisions in life accordingly.

I'm so proud to call him my husband.

He truly is the best part about me.

And I know that he was made for me.

I love you SO.MUCH.

I hope you had a great birthday.

Thrift Store Finds

I changed my weekly thrift store trips from Friday to Thursday,
because...well...Ayden is in school on Thursday. 
And he thinks thrift stores are boring, and there's nothing worse then a bummed out shopping buddy. 


so....


Today I found some really great stuff,
and I thought I'd share them with you: 

A vintage brown weekender bag. 
It's in perfect shape for being 50 years old and it was only $2. 

I also found a Superior Electric Fan that still works!

And it's a beautiful shade of avocado.($10) 

I also found a McCoy Cookie Jar (in the 50's he was responsible for making all the kitschy cookie jars) and this one is so cute.  ($3)

This lil' oil painting I found at a new thrift store in Loma Linda for 50 cents.  (it's not so gray in real life, the lighting in my house was so bad thanks to this horrible stormy humid weather.)

I didn't find this today, but on my trip last week to the salvation army-  it's vintage Descoware. A total find for $5. 

It has a few chips on the enamel but it's cast iron, so it'll last an eternity. 

Next week I'll post a few tips on thrifting.
And a few places you can check out too.


xo 

Crafty

A loooonnnggg time ago,

(last month)...

my sister in law, Lauren and I went to the Renegade Craft Fair.

It had been on my calender for months.

I seriously couldn't get there fast enough.

When we left,

we were so amped up and so inspired!

Here are a few things I've done since then:

Wire headbands!
They are so simple,
so sweet,
and I've been making them like crazy.

This one is braided copper wire with a vintage brooch. 

I just finished this craft over the weekend.
It's a succulent terrarium with butterflies.
It cost me $10. 
I love it so much.

And here is the bunting I made at the craft lab with Lauren at the fair.

Now go get crafty!

Second to Pre-K

(Breakfast at Martha Green's before school. Its our favorite spot.)

Ayden started preschool today.

A really great preschool, with a really fun teacher.

And his cousin is in his class too.

Which made the first day a lot easier on them both,

 I'm sure of it.

I was actually okay and didn't cry.

I held it together.

I was so excited for my son and my niece.

They were smiling so big,

you couldn't help but smile too.

Tales...from Brandon's bed....

Dear Brandon,

No wonder you wake up with a sore back and neck!

Look at your bed! You are sleeping on a library.

At least, I see that you have hidden some late night snacks...sneaky lil' guy. 

Yummm...gushers.

Remember when I told you that once the "Clementine" box on your bed was full no more things should be on your bed???

Well....I think it's full now. 

No more please.

Thanks,

Mom

PS - Oh and I took a peek into your locked treasure box...
and found the picture of me. i love you.