Something I Need to Share

So, I want to share this.  Bear with me.  This may be long.

Today, I came out of a store with my 2 youngest sons & walked to my van.  There was a lady parked right beside me with her car hood up.  She was smoking a cigarette & talking on a cell phone.  She obviously needed help & I knew I had jumper cables in my van.    I didn't want to interrupt if she was talking, but she just seemed to be trying to reach someone on her phone and she made eye contact with me .

I asked if she needed help and if she thought that her car just needed a jump.  I told her I had cables & I'd be happy to help.  She thanked me profusely.  We jumped her car and were able to get it started.

She then told me this was the third time the car has left her sit and I was the first person who had offered to help her.  She said the first time she was in the Walmart parking lot.  She was there for an hour with her hood up, obviously having trouble, waiting for her sister to come help & not one person offered her a hand.  She said the next time was at Arby's.  She even went inside, asked a man if he might be able to help.  She said he looked at her and said, 'I don't think so.'

"So, I really appreciate you helping".  I told her 'Of course!  I know I'd want someone to help me.'  She said 'God Bless You.'  We wished each other a Merry Christmas and went our separate ways.

When I got back in the van I remember looking at the time.  It was 9:40 a.m.

I didn't get home from running errands until around 1:30 today.  When I finally got the kids tucked in for naps & then sat down to check messages on the computer, I noticed the newsfeed on Facebook was filled with things about a shooting in CT.  I didn't know what had happened!  I went to an online news source & ,shaking in total disbelief, I read about 27 people dead...18 of them children.  Horror, confusion, sadness washed over me.  How?  Why?

As I continued to read articles, see comments people were posting on Facebook, bits and pieces of what happened today came together.  Among the details I read, was that the shootings had begun at 9:40 a.m.  Nothing about this struck me right away.  It was another piece of a horrific story.

It wasn't until later that it struck me that this had been the same time I had gotten back in my van.  The same time that I had finished helping another person was the same time that someone else in another part of the country had begun ripping the lives of countless other people apart.

And, as strange as it might sound, I felt like God was telling me something.  We sometimes feel like we have little or no impact in a world that is shattered, a world that is falling apart.  What difference does a small kindness to a stranger make when we are surrounded by such destruction, such evil?

But, those small kindnesses....each smile, each word of encouragement, each small sacrifice of time is a wound in the side of our enemy.  And, there is an enemy.  I have friends who have no belief in God, who have no belief in anything apart from science or they world they can see, taste, & touch.  It seems that unbelief is spreading almost contagiously in our society.  For those who don't believe, they scoff at the idea of their being a Power of Ultimate Good and a power of evil.  Fairy tales, myths, mere stories is how they would describe all of that.

Yet, even in my moments of doubt (and don't we all have them to some extent or another?), even in moments where Good, where God is hard to see, that evil one gives himself away.  The Bible says that he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  And Satan's been gorging himself, feasting on the souls of a dying world.  He seeks to destroy all that is good, all that is peace.

Maybe those who don't believe, don't sense it.  I don't know.  But, when things like this happen the evil is palpable.  You can almost smell the stench of it.  This goes beyond human failing (although the humans who carry out these horrors made the choice and carry the guilt).  But, there is something more.  There is something so wretched and grotesque that wriggled & wormed it's way into someone's psyche, their heart, their soul.

I feel it when I watch certain movies or when I hear certain songs.  I can feel it when I see families, relationships, peace ripped apart by anger & hurt.  It is there.  This thing that seeks the absolute annihilation of all of us.

BUT, here it is.  The Bible also tells us that Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  We have the advantage!  We are God's people.  We have His Power in us!  And, that terrifies the enemy.  So, he seeks to blind us to the evil, or distract us with all the glitzy & time-consuming things this world has to offer, or he seeks to plant fear in our hearts...to fool us into believe we are powerless.

Here is the TRUTH.  God is still the Great I Am, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.  None can stand before him.  He is Holy, Almighty, Worthy.  All Power, all Honor, all Glory is his!

And, He sent His Son to bring us Salvation, to bring us Peace.  He is the Prince of Peace!

Jesus Himself prayed 'Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven .'  Don't miss that part.  God's will can AND WILL be done on earth!  He has already won.

And, we are the messengers, the carriers of that truth.  Each time we reach out to others, that we share our time, our resources, our kindness.... it is a chance for God to work in another's heart.  It is a chance for God's will to be accomplished.

And, don't let the enemy fool you.  God is at work.  And, God prevails.

"Remember the former things, those of long ago;

I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me.

10I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say: My purpose will stand,

and I will do all that I please."

Isaiah 46: 9 & 10

A Quick Review

Wow!  I really seem to have virtually no time to blog anymore!  Or, if  I do have the time, there are other things that call out for my attention.
.
Ok!  Quick update!

1.  I mentioned I was going to participate in a craft show.  Unfortunately, the turnout wasn't quite what we all had hoped.  The show was the weekend before we were expected to get hit by Hurricane Sandy.  I think a lot of people decided to stay home or prepare themselves.

2.  We did weather the hurricane just fine.  Actually, on Tuesday morning I woke up and everything seemed really calm.  My first thought was, 'Was that it?'  Of course, as we saw the news about the devastation in other areas, we realized that not everyone had been as fortunate as us.  We did have one casualty though....

 Farewell Old, Gnarled Apple Tree

The Tree Took Out my Outside Glider as well. 

3. So what HAVE I been doing with myself?  Well, I had been busy prepping for the craft show.  But, I haven't done as much with refinishing/painting furniture lately.  Instead, I've been doing a lot of buying and reselling of furniture and vintage items.  I even started a group on Facebook!  It's a local group for buying and selling furniture, vintage, and household items.  (Did you know that people have started yard sale groups on Facebook?  I only learned this fairly recently.  This group is similar, but I wanted something specifically for these categories.)  I started the group about 4 months ago and we just recently reached the 1000+ Member mark!  It's where I do the majority of my selling anymore.  I've found it's a better option than Craigslist, where I felt like I was getting mostly spammy/ scammy stuff.

There is an auction house just 5 minutes up the road from me.  And, they have an auction every Tuesday!  This is where I've been finding a lot of my treasures.  You'd be amazed at the good deals you can get at an auction!  Of course, there are a lot of dealers who come too & drive prices up on things.  But, if you are willing to bid on something that needs a little tlc or a box lot that may have hidden treasures, you can actually make out quite well!  Not to mention, auctions are exciting...and maybe a wee bit addictive!

 This year my furniture refinishing sales & furniture/vintage items resales paid for our family vacation to the Finger Lakes in October almost entirely.  Now, I'm saving up money for some Christmas presents.  And, after that, I'd like to plan a trip for me and my girlfriends in the Spring.  Best of all, I've had the ability to be generous! I have tithed on all my profits.  And, I've had a couple times where I've heard of someone in need and actually had the ability to help them out.  It's a good feeling.

4.  Oh, and I found the most awesome website for boy gifts!  It's called JMCremps  and it's lot of adventure,  outdoorsy, science & history related stuff for boys.  It's awesome!

Here's one thing I'm definitely going to get for my boys.  They are obsessed  with the show Man vs. Wild and greatly admire Bear Grylls.  Turns out he has a book!  He wrote it for his own sons.  And, it contains words of wisdom and scripture references.  I can't wait to get this!

Well, there's a quickie update for you.  Sorry I've been neglecting the blog.  But, I hope to start writing on here a bit more regularly again.

Hunkering Down

The rain is coming down, but we're all waiting for the real impact of this storm. Just saw on the storm tracker that on it's current path the eye of the hurricane will pass right over top of our county.

Last night we had a call from PP&L (our electric company) to expect power outages that could last up to a week.  We've got water set aside for drinking & washing.  We've got frozen water bottles.  Our generator is standing by.  I've cooked enough meals for the coming week.  Last batch of dishes in the dishwasher.  Trying to squeeze in a few more loads of laundry.  Bought some candles.  Bought some crafty stuff for the kids to do.

Now we wait.

Getting Ready for a Craft Show!

I know I've been really quiet on here lately.  I'm hoping to very soon be back a little more regularly & catch you up on everything that's been going on!  It's been busy!

But, in the meantime, I want to give you a sneak peek at some items I have completed for a craft show I'm participating in tomorrow.  This is the first time I've ever done something like this!  It's especially exciting because some of the proceeds are going toward a fund for a family that is working toward adopting a little girl from Ethiopia.

 This little blue nightstand was done by my son, Wyatt!

Note To Self

A note to my future self....

When I've made it through these 'in the trenches' years of motherhood and have moved into another, gentler season that tempers and smooths the edges of my memories, I hope that I remember enough that I can encourage & strengthen the next group of mothers who take up their own battle.

If I have the opportunity to share with young moms when I have become that seasoned mother, I want to be honest about how hard it was, how some days I struggled to get through each day minute by minute.

I want to be honest and open about my many failures as a mom and the imperfections of my own children.

I want them to know that they are not alone. They are not crazy.  And, they are not bad moms.

Motherhood is hard.  Very hard.  But, we pretend otherwise.

I'd like to start a Pinterest page for those down and dirty moments of life....the angry, temper tantrum, whining, fighting, overflowing toilets & mile hile laundry piles moments.  I know Pinterest is supposed to be an inspiration board.  But, lately, I would take more inspiration from stories from those moms who lived it and made it through than I do from another cute way to cut a sandwich or the latest DIY home decor.

I want someone to be real with me.  And so, future self, please remember to be real to those future moms you meet.  I imagine you WILL make it through and that is what you need to share with them.

Where Did the Time Go

My mom pointed out that my last entry was on June 18.  "Is that right?", she asked somewhat incredulously.

I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess I haven't posted on here and a really long time.  This summer has been keeping me hopping.  I do want to update you on the progress on our house project.  The outside isn't quite finished yet....but it's getting there!  Pictures to come!

In the meantime I have to share this funny little story.

We had a sleepover last night with 2 friends. This morning I made a special breakfast for the boys & one of our guests offered to pray. It went something like this...."Dear Jesus. Thank you for this food and please make it healthy to our bodies. (Long pause) ....even though chocolate chip pancakes aren't really healthy. But, please make them nourishment to our bodies anyway. Amen."

Operation House Facelift

After 10 years of marriage & 4 children, we are finally working on the outside of our house.  Our house looks like brick, but it's actually shingle...and it's old shingle that's been peeling & coming off more & more every time we get a stiff breeze.

We are wrapping the outside in insulation, getting new soffit, facia, and  downspouting, replacing the downstairs windows (the upstairs was done a few years ago), & putting new siding on the house. 

The first step begins today...removing the shingles!

 
My advice to young couples...
-Be patient
-Don't expect immediate perfection
-Save your money
-Do it debt free

Me and My Dad

Me and my Dad, circa 1972 or '73.  Happy Father's Day Dad!  And, to all you dads out there...you make a world of difference in the lives of your children!

Something to Strive For...

My mother-in-law helped with Girls Scouts for years & years, starting with helping when her daughter (my sister in law) was a GS & up until just a few years ago.  A couple weekends ago she finally went through some old Girl Scout stuff she had stored in the barn.

I came across this.  It was typed on a piece of paper as part of an agenda for their meeting opening.  I was never a Girl Scout so I don't know if this is a standard Girl Scout thing or was just something their group used, but I thought it was great.

It said....
"Do more than belong...Participate
 Do more than care...Help
 Do more than believe...Practice
 Do more than be fair...Be kind
 Do more than forgive...Forget
 Do more than dream...Work
 Do more than teach...Inspire
 Do more than live...Grow
 Do more than be friendly...Be a friend
 Do more than give...Serve"

I love it!  Truly something to strive for!

A Little Late...

So, I was a little late in the game for thinking about teacher gifts. Yesterday I was checking Pinterest for ideas & found this cute & easy one.... Include all the stuff you need for s'mores & include a tag that says 'We need S'more teachers like you! Thanks for the great year!' And, while looking for gift bags I found these adorable drawstring bags with a porcupine roasting a marshmallow! How perfect is that?! I threw in a gift card to Subway & teacher gift was complete!

In The World But Not Of It

Our world is spiraling crazily out of control.  Would you agree?  It seems you can't look at the news without learning about something horrific that someone has done to someone else.  And, society's values have become so twisted & convoluted, you hardly know which end is up anymore. Half truths & false morality are everywhere.

It's enough to make a Christian want to hide their head in the sand. 

I've been thinking a lot about this issue of 'in the world, but not of it' lately and what our response should be to a world that is so sick and lost.  Having grown up in & having lived in a very conservative area for my whole life, I've seen some very different responses to this issue.  One common response is for those in the conservative Christian community to pull back completely from those 'of the world'.  There is a real separation.  And, on the occasions they need to interact with those outside their community, they will be cordial but not necessarily friendly.

Then, there are others who live a more balanced response....taking care about where they go & the influences they surround themselves with, but still reaching out to others and interacting with a genuine and warm friendliness.

Growing up I remember being taught in Sunday school class, as we neared middle school & high school age, the importance of choosing Christian friends.  I also remember being warned about the dangers of having non-Christian friends....and that we should not be 'unequally yoked'. 

As an adult I look back on that, and while I understand why the adults would have wanted to shield and protect us children, I question the validity of the approach.  First, looking to Jesus as an example of how we should live our lives, I see that He was not afraid to interact with those that the Jewish community scorned & avoided.  There's a pretty powerful statement about our expected response right there!

Then, I looked in the concordance in the back of my Bible.  It's lists key words in scripture, the verse references for where those words are used, and a snippet of that verse.  So, this is what jumps out at me as I look under World/Worldly.....

Psalm 50:12 - ...for the world is mine, and all that is in it
Matthew 5:14 - ."You are the light of the world...."
Mark 15:15 - ....into all the world and preach the good.....
John 3:16 - .....so loved the world that he gave his one....

Of course there are also verses that refer to the foolishness of the world and the judgement that awaits it.  But, it seems clear that God's desire is for those in the world to be saved.

"...'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live'..."  Ezekiel 33:11

And, how do we take a message of hope and love and mercy to the world?  Not by building walls around ourselves I don't think.  Wear our spiritual armor....absolutely!  But, in order to truly reach those around us, we have to be there and involved, on a deep level.

We have to be willing to enter in to other people's messes.  We have to be willing to get a little dirty without worrying about soiling our holy robes.  When you think about those in the pit of despair and sin, who is going to be more effective in reaching them?  Those who stand at the top of the pit and yell down 'You better get out of there!', or worse, just walk by & shake their heads?  Or those who climb down in the pit and help the wounded soul climb back out? 

I'm talking to myself here as much as anyone else.  This is something I continue to struggle with.  Something that is a lot easier to write about than it is to live out.  And, I'll be the first to admit that I find myself making unspoken judgements about people all the time.  It's so easy to look at mistakes someone else is making and shake my mental head.

To love.  To really love a broken world the way Jesus loved it is so much harder.  Lord help me.  Help your Church. 

You Can Check Out My Latest Project And My New Blog....Simultaneously!

Well, I figured I better christen my new blog, My Furniture Obsession, with an actual post.  So, I put my latest project, a refurbished dresser/buffet there.  The blog still needs a lot of work.  I've literally done nothing other than write my first post.  But, I'd be just tickled if you went and took a look!

My First Post!  Dresser Makeover

Why I'm Not Reading This Book

I've heard some buzz about this book called 50 Shades of Gray by E.L. James.  And, I know some Christian women who are reading it or who have read it.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the book, it is a book that falls into the erotica genre and explores the world of sadism, masochism, & bondage. And, apparently a lot of women have become completely drawn into this book.

My cousin's wife posted a link to this article on Facebook today....

I'm Not Reading Fifty Shades of Grey by Dannah Gresh

Dannah sums up perfectly why I'm not reading the book.  Take a minute to read her post.  She speaks a lot of truth.  And, just in case you wanted a little more of my own opinion...here's what I commented on Facebook....

"Very interesting post. I only recently heard about this book because I know different folks who've been reading it. I looked into what it was about, and I'll admit it sounded like an interesting read, I knew it wouldn't be one I'd be picking up.

I'm not one of those Christian women who thinks I can only read Christian fiction. Truth be told, a lot of Christian fiction disappoints, and I think most secular fiction is actually better written. However, I've had to be careful about what I DO read because I can get images & thoughts stuck in my head for a very long time.

I picked up a book not too long ago that had wonderful reviews, what sounded like a really fabulous storyline that followed the lives of 2 sisters over 50 years. But, at the very beginning of the story was a very graphic, disturbing description of one of those sisters being molested by her stepfather. I had to stop reading. It just wasn't something I wanted in my head.

And, I think that's the main reason I won't be reading 50 Shades of Gray. God knows how powerful thoughts can be. He knows how our brains function. Philippians 4:8 sums up how we can discern what we should or shouldn't read or watch pretty clearly...."Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.""

And, finally, taken directly from the synopsis for the book on Amazon.com.......
".....Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever."

 And, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I don't want.

Stairstep...tractors? And, a winner!

First of all, the lucky winner of the book Mom Connection is Chatty Mommy!  She was also the only entrant...so the odds were in her favor!  :)  Chatty Mommy, I will message you for contact info so I know where to send your book.

Second,  I had to share this picture....

Stairstep boys....on stairstep tractors

No.  We are not farmers.  But, these tractors are all part of our family.  Well,  three belong to my Father-in-law & one belongs to my husband.  Some people collect thimbles or ties.  Some people collect antique tractors.  Can you guess which category we fall into?

A Giveaway & Book Review!

Hi everyone!  I've gotten so caught up in my new little hobby/ side business of refinishing & reselling furniture that everything else (including blogging) has gotten pushed to the side.  I've been working hard & steady for about 3 weeks now & am very close to the original goal I set for how much I'd like to have set aside for our family vacation in October. 

Now that the initial excitement & push to really get started is over, I'm trying to set some realistic goals about how to continue this endeavor.  I still am having a blast and I definitely want to keep going.  I just know I need to find some balance (my house is a wreck, laundry is piled up, & I've had less time for family and friends).  So, I'm going to slow down a bit.

And, this seems like the perfect lead in to the book review I wanted to share with you.  Several weeks back I was given the opportunity from MOPS International to review a brand new book.  It is called Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood by Tracey Bianchi.

This idea of finding balance or creating a rhythm in our lives, as Tracey puts it, is what struck me the most as I read this book.  She describes with charming humor the 'real' life of motherhood.  So often as mothers it's hard to see past the chaos and noise of the moment.  Her description of pre-dinnertime madness - that time between 4 & 6 p.m. had me laughing out loud. 

She writes,
"I trip over piles of shoes while trying to find homework sheets.  My baby girl poops and I keep saying, "Don't worry, Mama will change you."  And then forget instantly that she needs a diaper as I yank pots and pans out of cupboards and wish that I had paid some attention to Rachael Ray.  What's for dinner?  Day-old quesadillas and yogurt cry out to me from the fridge.........Whipping up dinner makes me an anxious, hot mess...." 

So how does one find that balance and rhythm?  Tracey is the first to admit that it's not easy and that it may even seem downright impossible or overwhelming.  But her book walks us through some solid, practical ways to slow down, reach out to others, and embrace our faith in God.  Each chapter ends with "5 Mom Tested Tips" - a.k.a practical applications to the ideas in that chapter.  And, she includes 'Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down" - 2 different questions to make you think a little deeper, as well as a list of resources. 

The part of this book I was especially excited to read was about connecting with others.  She includes connecting with our husbands in this.  But, I was really interested to hear what she had to say about connecting with other women.  Sometimes it feels like some friendships are in limbo during motherhood.  There just isn't the time to invest in my friendships that I once did.  And, making new friends seems almost completely overwhelming to me. 

One of my favorite things that Tracey said on this topic of developing friendships was this...."We needed time to build history together.", she says of a group of women she felt connections to but was still getting to know.  "So, take the risk to connect and then sit back and give that friendship the space and time it takes to grow."

I loved that!  I sometimes felt guilty or bad that, while I've met many women since becoming a mom, it's been hard for me to develop that closeness that I crave in these new friendships.  Part of it, I know, is me needing to reach out more & make time to spend with them.  But, part of it, too, is just that - the need for time.  Close friendships form over time. 

Tracey Bianchi's book is one that you should take the time to read.  She speaks with wit, truth, & grace.  And, don't all of us moms need each of those 3 things!? 

So, here's your chance!  I have one copy of the book to give away.  Leave me a comment below telling me one thing you've learned, or are learning, about staying connected with other during the busy years of motherhood.  The chance to enter will close on Saturday, (May 26) at midnight.  I'll pull one name in a drawing.  And, I'll announce the winner on Monday, May 28th!  Good luck!

Whimsical Dresser

Do you remember the turquoise piece I was painting that was sitting on my hillbilly porch.  Well, I'm finally able to reveal what I did.

I bought this dresser off Craigslist....

I committed a big furniture buying 'no no'.  I thought this was the cutest little dresser at a great price ($15), and so when I went to buy it I didn't check it out as carefully as I should have.  The piece was not solid wood (like I thought) & the drawer faces are actually plastic.  Hubby pointed all this out to me when he unloaded it from the van.

I figured this would be a good piece to experiment with.  So, I chose some colors & techniques that are out of my comfort zone.

Here's the result.....

I painted the dresser part turquoise blue.  The drawers & drawer pulls I painted dove grey.  Then I decoupaged a whimsical lime fabric on the raised part of the drawer faces. 

This project caused me a great deal of frustration.  It was a lot more work than I anticipated.  But, I think the finished product is cute.  Now we'll see if anyone from Craigslist agrees with me....

My Hillbilly Porch

My furniture obsession/ new enterprise has taken over my porch.  We might look a little hillbilly.....

If I just had a space to work/ store my finds it wouldn't have to be on the porch.  But, at least I'm giving my neighbors something to talk about.

Do you see the turquoise piece?  This is a color that's completely out of my comfort zone but I decided to give that paint color a try, plus I  have some special things planned.....You'll have to check back & see how it turns out.

By the way, I will be starting up a new blog (in addition to this one) called My Furniture Obsession.  I figured it would be an organizational tool for me in cataloging my furniture projects.  Stay tuned!

My Latest Project - Shabby Chic Coffee Table

Here's a few pictures of my latest project that I just listed on Craigslist

Before

 I had started sanding before I remember to take a 'before' picture

 Child labor

I wouldn't have needed to use the hand sander since I was painting, but Wyatt had fun helping!

After

 

My husband doesn't understand/appreciate the shabby chic look.  He doesn't understand why you would take a perfectly good piece of wood furniture, paint it, and rough it up.  But, there is a market out there for this look.  So, hopefully, someone who sees it on Craigslist will disagree with my husband & fall in love with it.

The Twelve Little Sisters

Our newest arrivals.....

This stage always makes me nervous - They're so little.  They need to be kept warm.  And, although we keep a screen over the box, I'm afraid our cat will get a little too curious.  Fortunately, our dog seems to feel protective toward these little sisters & warns the cat if he's too close to the peepies.

What He Thinks....

Wyatt, my oldest, dug this out of his backpack this morning.  It was a day late, but it made me chuckle.  This is a paper he filled out for me at school.

My Mom is Special

My Mom's name is:  Karen

She is special because:  she gets us ice cream

I like it when my Mom:  lets us ride bike

My Mom can do many things!  I think she's best at :  closing cupboards & drawers

My Mom has a pretty smile!  I like to make her smile by:  getting my brother out of bed

My Mom is as pretty as a:  rabbit

My Moms is smart!  She even knows:  some songs

I'd like to tell my Mom:  to run

Well, it's nice to know that I'm as pretty as a rabbit!  I also laughed out loud when I saw what I'm best at.  My children (and my husband) can never seem to close kitchen cupboards or drawers.  I'm constantly closing ones that were left open.  Apparently I'm very good at it!

Coming up this week is a book review & giveaway!  So, check back!  

Chalkboard Sign!

Here is is!  My re-purposed cabinet door.

Before.....

And, after....

Here's what I wrote on my listing on Craigslist...
This is an extra large chalkboard sign that has been created out of a re-purposed wooden cabinet door! The dimensions are 4 feet, 11 1/2 inches by 1 foot, 2 1/2 inches. Use vertically or horizontally! The outer edges have been painted & lightly distressed. A cork (for pinning small notes or decorations) & a vintage knob (for hanging a piece of chalk or an eraser) have been added. The piece can be propped where you'd like it or you can add brackets on the back for hanging. 

I'm getting ready to work on my second door...this one will be in peacock blue!
 

Yard Sales, Estate Sales, & Craigslist...Oh My!

I mentioned yesterday that I wanted to share what's been keeping me so busy & so excited lately. Well, I've always had a love of furniture & good deals. And, I've really wanted to try my hand at selling some things on Craigslist.

I started out tentatively several weeks ago. And, my very first go at it was very disappointing. I could have remained discouraged & given up, but decided to keep trying. My goal is to save up money toward our family vacation in October. I have a goal. Now I just have to reach it!

Some stuff I find will be refinished/repurposed. Some I will sell as is. Let me give you a peek....
Yardsales

I hit a yard sale last Friday on my way home from a Mom's meeting. Here's what I found!


- 2 tall outdoor lanterns ( you put a candle inside). Some of the glass is broken in one, but still a steal a $1 a piece!

- 6 vintage, wire latch canning jars & 1 blue glass canning jar at 25 cents each!

- a box of glassware for $3. I didn't know what all was in the box. All the glassware was wrapped in newspaper. I bought it for the water glasses which is what I found when I unwrapped the top few items. There was a lot of other beer glasses, etc. that I don't need. But, still a decent deal

- 2 solid wood cabinet faces/ doors - $1 for the pair!




Here are the canning jars. I have these listed on Craigslist. I found ones like this on Etsy & ebay that were going for anywhere between $7-15 a piece. I started out listing them for $7/piece, but haven't gotten a buyer yet.



I am so excited about the project I'm doing with these two cabinet doors! I'm turning them into large chalkboard signs. I have one completed & one more to do. I will list these on Craigslist when they are done. Stay tuned for pictures!




The outside lanterns are staying with me!

Estate Sales

I have never gone to an estate sale before & didn't know what to expect but there was one near where I live so I decided to give it a try. It's kinda like a yard sale, except it's inside and it's the contents of the entire house. Everything is marked. And, since I was there the 2nd day, everything was 1/2 off the marked price. Here's what I picked up....








These pedestal, drop leaf end tables immediately caught my eye. And, at $10 for the pair I couldn't pass them up. Originally I was going to refurbish them before selling them. But, I decided to list them as is and sold them for $40 for the pair. Still a great deal for the person who bought them & may want to refinish them.



And, I got this cute little pink, shabby chic chair for $5. I currently have it listed on Craigslist for $20. I've had one interested person so far. We'll see if I get a sale...

Craigslist

Well, I've already told you about some of the things I've listed as a result of great finds from different sales I've been to. I want to share one more thing that I just listed today that has been a piece I've been working on very slowly for a very long time.

It used to be a carpenter's nail/screw sorting cabinet.



Now it is a whimsical little cabinet that would be perfect for a crafter/sewer.....













I have to give a shout out to my husband who built a new drawer to fill in the one on the top right that was missing. And, he also make a backing for the piece. Originally there was no back & the drawers would just slide right through. :)

I will say it again - I am enjoying all of this so much. My friends on Facebook are going to get tired of hearing me talk about it constantly. But, this has really given me a sense of accomplishment. And, I feel like I'm 12 years old again - counting my babysitting money over and over because I was so thrilled to have money I earned all on my own. Here I am....almost 30 years later &, having been out of the work force since becoming a mom, I still have that same thrill now that I'm earning some money as a result of my efforts. Feels good.