Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

Thursday I was busy. 

First I had radiation. Then I stopped home for about 15 minutes....next I was off to buy lunch for myself and 2 grandsons. The 2nd thursday of the month is Bookmunchers at their school. They read to me and then we eat. I have a suspicion that the main reason they want me to come is for the free lunch I bring. Oh well....

Next I took some clothing to the children's consignment store and did some shopping. 

Mid afternoon I had an appointment to be a part of a panel discussion about pharmacies. We were paid cash for that :-) I like to participate when I qualify, cash is good!

I still had some shopping to do so I stopped at Hobby Lobby and picked up a file box and some 12 x 12 hanging files. I started to organize my scrapbook papers in it and then put it in my tote, but it took up more space than my current system....so....I am returning the file box....IF I can find my receipt. 

I've had my eye on this bracelet for about 2 month....it was not cheap, each part (band and metal plate) are purchased separately at a price I'd like to pay for the whole bracelet. The unique gift shop is going out of business and Everything is 60% off so I broke down and picked it up.  I drive by the store every week day and have only stopped one other time. Yesterday I got the bracelet for myself and a couple of Christmas ornaments (70% off) for the grands. 

Of course I stopped at the thrift store and here are my 'goodies', all for $4.23.....no, that is not a typo. The denim ones did not fit (I didn't have time to try them on) so I returned them today and found a different pair. That store charges $1 for capris. The black ones are almost new and were $2. They are kind of a pain with the two sets of buttons in front...no wonder they were at the thrift store...but they fit nice and I needed some capris for our trip to El Paso. I have enough capris now....SO KEEP ME AWAY FROM THEM ALL THE CLOTHING AT THE THRIFT STORE!!! The white socks are for Kev and the pink ones are for crazy sock day for my grands. The metal colander will go in my 'junque' garden.

'Spose I should find something to do and get off the computer.

Happy weekend y'all. 

The Flying Pig

Oh yes! There is such a thing as a flying pig, and she resides in a small down in Door County (Algoma) Wisconsin. After our cherry picking adventure we stopped at an antique (ie-expensive thrift store). We looked around a bunch of old, too expensive (for us) items and headed for home. 

Have you ever been to the Flying Pig, Carolee? "No? Ok, we should stop and look around a bit." It's right on our way & I haven't been there for years.

It was so much fun to look around with someone who's never been inside, or outside for that matter.

There all kinds of neat stuff to look at. I can not imagine how some people can be so creative and upcycle 'junk'. The bracelet below is made from watch faces. The green bracelet below it is made from old, colorful brooches. I love, love, love it!!!

We saw jewelry made from bicycle chains, bobbins, other old jewelry, etc.

How cute is this guy made with a ViewMaster....I have 2 of those but my sculpture would never look that good, even if I copied it exactly. 

There is a pretty garden area with lots of garden art.

Here's another 'what is it?' brown, star shaped seed pods.....

Metal and marble cattails by the pond.

The 'tree' in the foreground is silver, we couldn't see the price. There's a picture of my posing by it....but I was too tired to fool with all of the pics Carolee send me...sorry!

More garden art....love the colorful fence...I don't think my neighbor will let me paint the brand new fence he put up. It is a pretty background for my garden though.

You can sit inside in this fun artful area to have a hot or cold drink.

Old record albums are not just for melting into dishes!!!

Even chairs can be art.

More sculptures from old metal objects. Old shoe horns make good ears....too bad I need mine to get my shoes on.

The view from upstairs. Many artists sell their wares here; beautiful items. Pottery, jewelry, soap, paintings, and so much more.

Don't know what to do with that old, unused musical instrument???

Turn it into art and try to sell it for big bucks.

 Just some of the art in the garden.

We were on a road trip, so of course I had to use the bathroom before we left. And we timed our visit right because just as we were about to leave a bus pulled in.

Yup, even the bathroom walls were filled with art.

I have lots more photos.. (thanks Carolee) but I was just too tired to download them now. 

Ya never know, more could show up at a later date.

These are just a few more of the garden.

There is even a sandy, play area for the children.

If you are ever in the area, stop in! You'll love just looking and oohing and ahhing over the great things imaginative people can make. We had a good time snapping photos and seeing the amazing art on display. I purchased an iced chai and Carolee got a cookie. 

The Flying Pig

A Few Thrifty Finds

One day as I was browsing a local thrift store I spied these fabulous handmade pins and necklaces made with slides. There were more but I only took 4. I feel kinda bad for the artist who crafted  these, the price on the back was $20 and you can see the price I paid was much cheaper.

 You KNOW I HAD to have the chocolate one!

Pretty, right?

Lucky me!

It's a beautiful sunny morning here......long overdue!

I'm off on a road trip later this morning with friends to visit one of our Red Hat sisters who got married and moved away. She's having us over for lunch....should be a great day!

Hope yours is also!

My, My, The Week Is Off To A Good Start

On my day off yesterday I had a dentist appointment to replace a cracked filling (NO, that was not part of this good week). It went well, so maybe it is a good thing. I stopped at the thrift store and found some red capris for my upcoming Red Hat trip and a couple of other things I was looking for. It amazes me at how many times I find just what I am looking for....it's a God thing I am sure. In the afternoon I went to the stamp-a-long and made cards with some good friends. 

Today I won another gift certificate from a salon (on a radio call in), and I'm using it to get a manicure before my trip. At noon I went out for a free lunch with a friend. We had the dining room all to ourselves so we were able to talk without anyone else eavesdropping. After work I dropped some clothes off at the consignment store and picked up some cash. Sometimes she has Birkenstocks  but there weren't any in my size today. Just as I was collecting my money I noticed a lovely, sparkly, purple ring...........and I knew I had to have it for my trip. All the other Red Hatters are going to be sooooooooooo jealous of my ring!!!! It's adjustable and was $6....it's fun, so I love it.

I know I should be at my Excel class tonight, but I played hookie. I'll go on thursday, that's the last class. I asked hubby what he wanted for dinner and he replied "nothing".....it's another good thing. He is  a picky eater, but he doesn't mind if I don't cook.

Well, now that I am home I better do something......lots to do before Sunday. 

Got Some Cheese.....

.....go to with my whine???? Actually, right this very minute, the sun is shining....haven't see it for days ....the sun makes me happy! The sky is full of dark clouds so the sun will be gone by the time I finish this paragraph, but I'll revel in it now while I can! According to weather.com we are not suppose to see it until next saturday. I'm sorry if I talk about the weather so often, but when you live in Wi and have had the LONG winter we've had, one can't help it. It's the middle of April and we've had snow, sleet, ice, rain....over and over. Here, next to Lake Michigan, we've only had rain, we've been lucky!

I've been crabby! Life's not fair! I still have a bit of a cough/cold but am much better now. I've been busy, remember I'm an introvert and homebody so I need my alone time too! (along with sunshine). Thursday, my day off, I had lunch with my 2 grandsons at their school. I had a bunch of errands to run and coupons to use so took care of that before I came home. When I got home I made some yummy ham and potato soup. No sooner than I finished eating and my DIL called to see if I was taking the boys to Family Math night at school. Both mom and dad were off so why couldn't one of them go??? I really didn't want to drive the 15 minutes back to their school, but after mom's 3 calls I said yes. I looked like crap b/c I was out in the rain and wind while running errands and I just wanted to stay home and do dishes and laundry. But I felt guilty b/c grandson J was crying and I do feel it's important to get involved with the school activities. ....so.....

When I saw the smile on his face I was glad I agreed to take him, his brother didn't want to go. We had a nice time and he won a prize. And guess what? When he go into my car he tells me he can come back home with me for while.....mom was going to be at the laundromat near our house and would pick him up later. No one asked me about that, not that I minded....but..... I made him a very late dinner (I didn't know he hadn't eaten) and he got his reading done for school.

After lunch today I'm picking both boys up for the Wacky Weekend art project at the Rahr West museum. We try to get there several times a year. And then J will spend the night and part of Sunday. Unfortunately he is getting to be so demanding and bossy......I went through that with his dad and it is so stressful. He wants me to play with him....I don't mind some times....but I enjoy it when my grands can play alone for a while.  He is going to attend an anger management class and is excited about it. I wish the whole family could attending parenting classes.  *sigh*  I could go on and on but it just gets me too angry. I need to let it go and not impose my thoughts and ideas. I need to move at least 100 miles away!

As I said earlier it has been cold and dreary here and my bff is in sunny Fl...........not fair! I really need some peace and quiet and time to do what I want and sun!

My birthday is later this month and my calendar is filled with other family & friend birthdays too. One of the birthday perks I received was a coupon for $10 off any purchase over $10 at Younkers.....here are the earrings I got for $2. Happy Birthday to me! I don't need any earrings......and shopping didn't really lift my spirits ......and I suppose underwear would have been more practical to spend my money one....but for $2 I really liked them.

Ok, I've wasted my time on the computer once again.............Maybe I better get dressed and pretty myself  up for the day.

Send sunshine PLEASE!!!

Let's Go Shopping......

Shopping puts everyone in a better mood, right? .....maybe..... if you don't overspend..... So I guess I'll just look. It's still cold, rainy, and gray here....we aren't expecting to see any sun until saturday....we even have flood warnings.......so what else is there to do???

I like this necklace, or maybe something not quite so dramatic might work better for me. I should be shopping for others, April starts our big birthday season.

But I also need this garden cart, I could put a couple of big pots in here and haul 'em around, or remove the garden waste in one trip.

I adore this magnetic bulletin board. 

I bought a shelf for above my washer & dryer. It's a small room so I MIGHT be able to spiff it up without a huge amount of effort. 

I love lace tanks....not sure if it would look good one me, but it looks great on her!

I could use this clip & spin organizer from Hobby Lobby!

OF COURSE, I want an ipad.....who doesn't?

Well, I'm all shopped out and I didn't find anything for anyone else...........sorry......... I don't buy a lot of things online, especially if it's something I am going to wear. I'm old fashioned and still like to hold it in my hand and touch it before I buy. 

I've actually been staying out of the stores lately....I have to! In fact today I dropped a few things off at the consignment shop, making $20 is better than spending $20. 

Come back later and see what I do buy!

Sweater Flower Pins

After a morning of fun, an a afternoon of cleaning I 'allowed' myself some 'play-time' and made these pins out of old sweaters. I told you I was obsessed with these pins I saw here and knew I wanted to make some. I found some cheap, colorful sweaters at the thrift shop and cut some circles. The ones I saw at the craft fair were not perfect circles, much more ragged, but I like them both. The one on the left is for Red Hats and I had to use green in one because I wear a lot of green. They are so easy to make....... Start with some old sweaters, scarfs, or hats....I washed them in hot water and dried mine....then cut, stitch together, add a button and pin back and you're set!

Yesterday morning I was at my computer and thinking "what day is it?". I do that often, especially when I have Friday off. Aha! It was Friday and I was off!!! *grin* I was in the mood for breakfast out so called my friend, got dressed, and we were off! After a seafood omelet (not as good as we remembered them) we stopped at a garage sale and a couple of thrift stores. (some day I will have to post some of my favorite thrift store finds) Hmmmmm, my original plan had been to stay home all day and do some cleaning...... In the afternoon I cleaned out my SMALL extra closet (where I keep my out of season clothes) and found 3 grocery bags of purses and totes to donate. ....feels good! It's another cloudy, gloomy day today...........more cleaning? probably....... You see, I have a self imposed rule that I have to get something cleaned up before I can work on a scrapbook project or such. ....just the way I am.

Happy Fall y'all!!!!

I've Wasted the Day So Far....

....so I might as well continue and blog away with some nonsense. The weekend started out OK. Saturday was pretty normal, fooled around on the computer, did some laundry, spent time with my grandson and a friend,etc. But, for some strange reason, my laptop introduced me to the blue screen of death. Thank goodness I have a desktop on which to 'google' stuff.
On Sunday afternoon, after grandson J went home and after a lot of fiddling around, I got it up and running again. Earlier I had been asked if I could babysit and I am so proud that I was able to say 'no'. I had plans and contrary to what some people think, I DO have a life. Sunday night I watched DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, one of my vices. I don't want it to end........that is really the only program I love.
This morning I decided to run Ad-Aware on the laptop and get it cleaned up. I have used that program previously and was reminded to use it again (as I was searching for a fix for the BSOD). I let it run while I ran errands: picked up a few small items at the thrift store and I finally remembered to stop at the jewelry store. While I was waiting (it sure was busy for a Monday morning) I found these original earrings by Viva Beads. http://www.vivabeads.com/viva/

They are handmade clay beads. The green is more of a lime green, which I wear often. They'll go with a lot of things...........and were 30% off. yay!!!! I had 3 reasons to stop at the jewelry store: the main reason being I needed to have a gold band (mom's wedding ring) cut off.....

It was about time, don't ya think? No, it did not hurt....the cutting off or the tight fit. I also needed batteries put into a watch and to have my wedding ring cleaned and checked. The store were I use to go and where it was purchased has closed, so I am happy to have found a reputable place in town.
When I got back home my computer was still scanning....and when it finished I rebooted like it said to do............but...............now I can not get online. I 'googled' the error message and tried the fixes but I am sick and tired of fooling around so, hopefully, tomorrow I can take it in and have someone look at it. Right now all I can do it play solitaire on it................that's kinda an expensive (and big) deck of cards I'd say. The only plus of it not working is that I am not online as much because my desktop is in the basement and my laptop sits on my kitchen table and I check it a million (almost) times a day. Alright, that decision has been made.....on to bigger and better things.....Geez....I forgot to stop at the library and grocery store....so off I go after lunch. I picked up my book for book club, picked up my sparkly, clean wedding ring, and bought some groceries. And that is where I am right now. I think I'll make hubby a semi-decent supper and fold laundry. sounds like fun, eh?

And that was MY wasted Monday..............hope yours was better!

Boy! Is My Timing Off..........

Think about it...........Friday is the official start of the (expensive) holiday shopping season even though I try to think about Christmas all year round. Since hubby switched jobs a couple of years ago our income has been way down. He is the breadwinner, I only work part time and pay for things I want....whether it's for the house or my personal pleasure.
So why have I gone on a spending spree? Last week I ordered new glasses when I would have been OK with my present ones. The new glasses are well over $500. I decided to get them because hubby has vision insurance this year.............good vision insurance and he doesn't think he'll take it next year. We don't need new glasses every year. I have always gotten my glasses at Shopko and the last time I did I joined AARP in order to get a 30% discount. This year I compared Shopko and the Vision Center and with our insurance I saved about $300 so I opted to purchase the new glasses this year. He has a health savings account at work so we pay for medical expenses out of it....but I can't use it to pay for my glasses because he's used it up for my dermatology bills. I know it's more urgent to take care of my precancerous conditions than new glasses.........so I get to pay for them out of pocket. It seems like I usually end up waiting until the end of the year because then I know my deductible has been paid up.
Last Friday I had coupons to use and also did some shopping. I stopped at a unique store (so sick of the big box stores) and found a necklace I liked to go with a certain top I have. I have been looking for a necklace for a long time. It was very inexpensive so I got it for myself and told my BFF to pass the word that I'd like the matching bracelet.

I needed to find a gag gift for a friend who is turning 65 this week so I hit the thrift stores......... where I did find what I was looking for.........and a couple of tops for myself. I need to stay out of the thrift stores!!!

Vintage Necklace

I love this vintage acorn necklace. The acorns look like wood, but are not. The details are fabulous. It's a choker style and I do not wear it often but will never get rid of it. Usually I know where everything came from (either grandma or thrift shop, I am leaning toward thrift store, but am not positive.) I love vintage jewelry and have several pieces, but I don't find much that I like but can afford anymore. On one occasion I was wearing a vintage necklace and some one said to me "No offense, but is that necklace vintage?" Yes, it was and no offense was taken.

I could not find any markings on it. Look at the details on the chain, even the links have texture on every second one.

What do you think? Do you like it? Would you wear vintage jewelry?

Just Something I Found Interesting

As you know my interests vary a lot.........I do something for a while, get tired of it and move on. I think that is why I buy a lot of clothes at garage sales/thrift stores (I don't want to spend a lot on something that I will tire of in a year or 2). Thank goodness I don't act that way with my husbands & friends. Lately I've been shopping a lot (and returning a lot too).....I digress.....remember this bracelet I made? http://lindaloveschocolate.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-made-bracelet.html The other day while browsing the clearance jewelry I saw the same bracelets (at 2 different stores) with charms attached .......hmmmm....did not know I was so 'with it' :-) The problem with my bracelet is that it's rather heavy. So keep it up crafty ones.............you are ahead of the times!!!! BTW the 3 strand necklace that I made a couple of days ago was on my neck yesterday while I was shopping and it draped perfectly and looked great....if I do say so myself.

Some of Today's Treasures

You know it.........I stopped at the thrift store today....no garages sales though. I had to pick up a birthday gift for my granddaughter and a few other things...so I might as well stop and see what they have, right???
Got this cute Red Hat wallet (with checkbook - looks new) for $1.00. I also bought the vintage red necklace (the chain will have to be replaced), a Green Bay Packer t-shirt for one of the boys, a leather belt, long sleeved t-shirt for me, and maybe some other things that I can't think of now. The wallet is a pretty purple, even though it looks bluish here.

Before I came home I stopped at Fleet Farm to get some nuts so I could fix the training wheels on grandson's bike. Hubby did not have the size we needed and was making no attempt to locate some....so I did what I always do....take maters into my own hands. I will probably need him to tighten the nuts up .....no muscles in these arms/hands.

Foolin' Around Again

Remember those 2 flower pins I bought last week at the thrift store? Well, I was foolin' around with refashioning jewelry again...... I planned to use them on a necklace and here are the results.

I had the thin, long chain from some other idea that didn't materialize. The portion of chain with the diamonds & hexagon links is another one that I had laying around with the rest of my stash.
The other 'doo dads' that I added I had leftover from other jewelry....oh, I did buy the little clock at Hobby Lobby today on clearance. I like my triple chain necklace.

Since I have a short attention span I expect I will move on to other projects soon, so don't expect more jewelry.

Gettin' Crafty

Last night I decided to fix a pair of earrings, one had broken and I really like the turquoise beads so I just put them on wires. I believe Paula at http://fashionoverfifty.blogspot.com/ often does jewelry 'make overs', so I figured I could too. While I was looking for the wires I found a necklace that I made years ago but I guess I decided it was too 'bohemian'? I made the one on the right, actually glued the 'coin' onto the green stone and used odd beads that I thought would go. I'll try to wear it this fall. The necklace on the left is kinda lame, all I did was put the green bead onto a chain...but I did add the small green & yellow bead that hangs off the larger one. The yellow is from a funky bracelet that I now longer wear but it has some great colors. Those are my attempts at jewelery making. I don't wear many necklaces and especially not in the summer....too hot....I don't want anything on my neck, whether it's hair or jewelry.

Addiction and So Much More

Today was a really nice day. The sun was out and it was not too hot or too cold. This morning I met several friends for breakfast and had nice conversation. This afternoon I sat on the deck and read for a while (gotta finish The Girl Who Plays With Fire before it disappears from my Nookcolor). When Hubby came home he talked about golfing with the guys from work (he usually doesn't share many golf stories), and then we took the convertible and went for a fish fry. We ended up at some little neighborhood bar and talked about stuff there too. His boss came in and we joked with them for a few minutes. A very pleasant day if ya ask me. Yesterday I finished the little photo album for granddaughter M (who was here on July 4th). She got it today and mom and M loved it. That afternoon a friend from out of state called and we had a nice long talk, (women stuff ya know). I had to laugh about some of her statements. Menopause has it's moments. I had 2 days off that were not productive (I like to say I accomplished something) but that I enjoyed.

Some people are addicted to crack or heroin, some to alcohol, others to gambling or sex, nicotine, or their cell/smart phones, but me? I have to admit that I am addicted to garage sales & thrift stores. On my way to breakfast this morning I had to stop at the thrift store. I got this pretty Red Hat , 2 paper back books, 2 brand new expanding files (for work) and a couple of other little things for..........$3.00. There's a small cloth purse (Red Hat too) on top of the tablecloth. One of the books is by Kristin Hannah, I just finished Firefly Lane by her and loved it. This book has 2 novels . The other book is a kayaking book that I will give to my grandson. He wants to buy a kayak and maybe he'll learn something from it, if not I am not out much money.

After breakfast I stopped at several garage sales. What are the chances of finding 2, yes 2, light sabers (at separate sales and for the same price???) The scooter I got yesterday for $2. A Santa hat for a quarter could come in handy at Christmas for one of my grand kids or myself.....cub scout neckerchief, new toothbrushes.


I wear more bracelets than necklaces..........the snow man one I'll give to one of my granddaughters. You weren't suppose to see the elastic, but I was too lazy to retake the photo. $1 for both.

Of course it's green, my favorite color..........a soft leather Stone Mountain purse with a zipper pocket on the back and several pockets inside. .....they even paid me 2 cents to take it off their hands.....it was $4.

Maybe it's a good thing I didn't accomplish anything the last 2 days......I am broke so will have to stay home and do housework.