Even though I had already upcycled some monkey pod wood once before, I decided that thrifting fate was telling me to do it again. You see, I came across these monkey pod bowls twice over the course of a few weeks. And, well– that’s a rarity for most thrift store “smalls”! After I saw them the second time, I decided they kind of looked like Fall apples, or rather, they could look like apple decor. Read more ›
35+ Upcycling Projects for Fall Wreath Ideas
August 27, 2019 · By · 6 Comments
Once the calendar flips over to a new year, I start the “Countdown to Fall” clock in my head. Honest to goodness, I spend all year looking forward to the first cool day after a hot summer. And once that day arrives, I can’t wait to welcome it on my front door. So, I decided to gather some of my favorite upcycling projects for autumn and fall wreath ideas.Read more ›
Book Decor with Reader’s Digest Books
August 11, 2019 · By · 61 Comments
For several years, I’ve wanted to upcycle some of the Reader’s Digest books that I often see at the thrifts. The ones from the ’50s and ’60s have these gorgeous patterned covers that are little works of art. So, I finally put a few to good use as book decor by pairing them up with some old photographs.Read more ›
Secondhand Slim Down: Twelve Pounds Gone!
August 1, 2019 · By · 20 Comments
I know it’s been a while since my last weight loss check in – in fact, two months have passed! And I was going to publish a blog post when I hit the 10-pound loss milestone, but an exciting curve ball came my way.Read more ›
Antiquing and Thrift Shopping in Charleston, SC
July 24, 2019 · By · 16 Comments
Several years ago, I visited Charleston, SC to explore their “secondhand scene” – the best antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and thrift stores that I could find. I published the post and sadly didn’t return for several years. But, that all changed a few weeks ago when I had the chance to visit again! Read more ›
Pirate Sign as Nautical Wall Decor
July 10, 2019 · By · 34 Comments
I always have to check out the selection of cabinet doors whenever I’m in a Habitat ReStore. I can typically resist grabbing anything from the pile of usually-plain doors. But on this particular day, there was a bevy of intriguing blue and white doors for the taking. They had a very nautical look and I decided to transform one into a pirate sign to use as nautical wall decor.Read more ›
Starfish Decor from a Lighted Star Christmas Tree Topper
July 7, 2019 · By · 10 Comments
While working on my recent Thrift the Look: Beach Cottage blog post, one of the most challenging elements to find was a large starfish. I didn’t want to buy a real/dried one from a craft store, so upcycling one was my best bet. I just wasn’t sure what I’d find that could become the starfish decor that I needed.Read more ›
Clever Ways to Use Food Waste and Kitchen Scraps
June 30, 2019 · By · 13 Comments
I almost exclusively blog about upcycling and/or buying secondhand. But, I yearn to expand my knowledge of related ways to be a smart consumer and reduce waste. Mindful consuming, upcycling / secondhand shopping, and looking for ways to reduce waste all fall under the same umbrella. And every time I hear about how much food is wasted in the USA (and elsewhere, I’m sure), I just feel so discouraged. So, I thought it would be beneficial if I did some research into food waste solutions for my own kitchen.Read more ›
Beach Cottage Decor from the Thrift Store
June 27, 2019 · By · 64 Comments
My “Thrift the Look” blog hop challenges are one of my favorite things to do. And this time around, the theme is Cottage Decor. Any version of cottage decor was up for grabs, but I chose to work on a thrifted version of beach cottage decor or coastal cottage decor.Read more ›
Password Book from a Vintage Address Book
June 18, 2019 · By · 33 Comments
Here we go again with another upcycling idea of mine that probably doesn’t warrant a blog post. But I’m doing one anyway! I was at my in-laws’ mountain cabin and my mother-in-law mentioned that she needed a password book from an office supply store. I didn’t actually realize that a password organizer was a “thing”, to be perfectly honest.Read more ›
