From Trash to Treasure

So not really what I'd call trash, but definitely not my style. Lately I've been getting lost in a myriad of decorating blogs that take thrift store/garage sale finds and paint, glue, sand, cut, etc to make functional, awesome decor. I'm definitely all about decorating inexpensively. I do have difficulty coming up with ideas and color schemes so that's where these blogs come in handy. One example of my inspiration for this project.

About this first find. I purchased these matching frames at a garage sale for $1 each. Even if I totally destroy them in the process I won't be too upset. What I really liked about them is they are really solid, good quality, heavy wood and the frame has some great details.

The inside has to go, but to be what I'm not sure. Ideas I've thought of include painting the canvas a solid color and find a large, long something to glue on...or covering it with fabric to make it appear painted. I'd like to paint the frames and do a glaze over the detail. I'm thinking about hanging these in the living room over the couch, but I'm not totally sold on it.

Also, remember the brain-wracking over curtains for my living room, kitchen, and sliding glass door. The crimson/rusty curtains? And then a month later we find out that Kirk is laid off and we would probably move. Anyway, I kept the solid panels for the large window hoping to be able to use them in the future. So I have those, maybe I'll be able to put them up over the vertical blinds, maybe not.

At this point I'm unsure of what to do with these frames. Maybe they need to be put away until some inspiration comes. Thoughts?

Same Size?

I realized that today I dressed Henry in the same outfit that Bruce wore on his 1st Birthday.

And just for fun, a comparison at about 5 months.

Top Ten

We are within 15 minutes of a zoo that is rated one of Top Ten Zoos in the country by Parents Magazine. With a reputation like that it was only a matter of time before we ventured forth for a visit. It always seems like we are there too late in the morning to catch the animals being lively and exciting. (I absolutely love all of these photos. Don't let Bruce's charming demeanor fool you though, he was a real stink today!)

Just lovely

Thank you!

Working the deals

Today I picked up 4 boxes of Stove Top Stuffing for a whopping total of $.16

It seems I am lucky enough to add two more grocery stores to my deal routes.

This week I am planning on going to Walgreens for this...

Schick Hydro 3 or 5 Blade system $7.99, Earn $5 RR when you buy one
Use $5/1 Schick Hydro Razor, exp. 6-12-10 (SS 05/09/10)
FREE plus $2 in overage after coupon and register rewards
and
EOS Ultra moisturizing shaving cream $2.99, Earn one $2.99 RR when you buy one
FREE after register rewards

If I get a chance to head over to CVS I'll get...

Crest Pro Health Toothpaste or Rinse $3.50, Earn 3.50 ECBs Limit 2
Use $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste, exp. 5-31-10 (P&G 05/02/10)
Free plus up to $0.75 in overage after coupon and ECBs
and
Right Guard or Dry Idea $2.49 Earn 2 ECBs Limit 2
Use $3/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 printable
Use $1/1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Product printable
Use $1/1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Product printable
Free plus up to $2 in overage when you buy two and use the $3 coupon and ECBs

If you're interested, this week's deals were featured on Common Sense with Money (one of the many blogs I frequent).

Still here...

just a few states away! Kirk was offered a position here so we packed up and made the move. Our house is for sale, just looked at the listing pictures and am close to crying. It was our first home, ya know, but this job means he's employed and that's such a blessing. We're in an apartment for at least a year, maybe more depending on how long it takes to sell the house. It's a huge apartment community, practically it's own zip code. There is a playground nearby. Kirk has aspirations to learn how to golf since we surround a golf course. Our church building is adjacent to the apartments. We've had a few couples over and have a goal to meet a new family each week. This is the best time to be social since we have the excuse of being new to the area and desperately need friends.

Anyway, the boys are well.

Bruce has started singing a lot more. Songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle" and the Alphabet song. I love it, especially when he'll let me sing with him. He loves Cars. We indulge this obsession with a new car every other week or so. He is sweet and interactive with Henry half the time and rough or indifferent the other half. I had been blowing on Henry's tummy to get him to laugh and Bruce wanted to try.

Henry is teething so my happy, easy-going baby has taken a vacation. I hope he'll return soon! He just started rolling over, back to tummy, this week. His super dry skin does seem to be getting better. I'll admit that I am a little disappointed at the blond hair that's coming in. His hair was darker when he was born. Henry seems to be ready to eat. We got him his own chair so we'll be starting him on some baby cereal soon.

Gotta love the carpet under the table...noo, we won't spill anything on it.