Michaels’ Boxing Day Sale Haul

As most people know I am not only a vintage hunter but a thrifty bargain hunter as well.  Since I am also an avid crafter, what better way to save, save, save then to hit Michaels’ during their boxing day sales.

I live in Canada so these prices are canadian prices.  I spent $114.60 today but am only showing you $100.00 of it as the other couple of items are for an upcoming birthday party and I’d hate to ruin the surprise…

Here is the break down on prices:    Plaid throws were $18.00 each after discount. The wide ribbon was $6.00 after discount and the two smaller plaid ribbons were $4.20 each after the 70% discount. Great prices for those gorgeous plaid throws.    I had a really hard time deciding which one I really wanted so I bought them both.

The Woodland Pine scented candles remind me of the smell of pine trees in the forest so at a whopping $2.10 after discount, they had to come home with me. The cute treat sacs come 18 per package and were also $2.10 per package. These I will put away to use in a 2020 craft show.  The Plaid gift bags were originally priced at $8.00 per package and the largest ones come 5 per package while the two smaller sizes have 6 per package. After the 70% discount they totaled $2.40 per package. That equals less than 50 cents per gift bag.   I may need to go back for more.          Continue reading Michaels’ Boxing Day Sale Haul

A Day Out – Antiquing and Thrifting

There is nothing more a thrifter/vintage/antique shopper loves more than to come across a new place to shop.

My partner in crime couldn’t join me on my latest adventure so I went solo but was instructed to take lots of pictures, just in case it is worthy of a second trip (trust me it is).

The new place I discovered is about an hour and a half from my house in a little town called Pigeon Lake (that’s in Alberta, Canada),  the name of the store is Backstreet. I met one of the owners Maureen and we had a great chat about the business and in particular the second store out back called Backstreet Cottage. It use to be a church, turned woodworking shop, turned furniture/home decor store, which it is today.  She was ok with me taking pics and videos and I promised her I would tag her in my post. They also write a blog and have great information and photos on their website – be sure to take a look at https://www.backstreetantique.com/

 

Check out the giant chair on the roof 🙂

Here is the front store (shown above) with new home decor, fashion, jewelry, candles and a few antique pieces in the mix. There is also another shop and SEVEN, yes seven sea cans full of antiques to browse through – YES, I checked everyone of them out.

Now for a ton of pictures – enjoy!

Feast for the eyes 🙂 A lot of these pictures were taken in the sea cans 🙂 and in the gift shop there was something for everyone (meaning the guys too).

I also took a few videos… Continue reading A Day Out – Antiquing and Thrifting

Day 8 : Jazzed Up Candles for Christmas from the Dollar Store

Jazzed Up Candles for Christmas

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have amazing Christmas decor. There are so many items you can make with a few simple dollar store items. These candles couldn’t have been easier to make.  The only supplies I needed were two candles and a package of rhinestone stickers.  Under $4.00 and I have two Christmas theme candles to display and enjoy.

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I put the rhinestones on freehand but you could draw or trace the design of your choice and then fill in with some rhinestones.  The great thing about the rhinestones is they come in a variety of colors to match any decor.  I did use a pair of tweezers to put the rhinestones in place. I learned this after I had quite a few rhinestones stuck to my fingers.

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Continue reading Day 8 : Jazzed Up Candles for Christmas from the Dollar Store

My Favorite Christmas Tablescapes of 2015

Tablescape favorites

I hope you enjoy this festive and beautiful compilation of Christmas tablescapes to help you find some inspiration and ideas for your own table this year.  To link to the blogs for each tablescape, hover over the image.

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Vintage dishes, vintage silver & gray ornaments, combined with silver chargers and a mirror – simple, easy, elegant and inexpensive!
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Love the reindeer place card holder..
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Simple, yet elegant, nice addition of blue and a touch of greenery…from You Can Always Start Now
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Fantastic use of natural elements, animals sheds, tree branches, greenery…the linen runner sets it off.

Continue reading My Favorite Christmas Tablescapes of 2015

Frugal Living Tips Post #2

Every Monday in January I plan on sharing some of my favorite frugal living tips with reference to the 4R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose!!

Reuse soup cans and coffee tins -Make sure you thoroughly clean and wash your cans before using. Here are a few ways to reuse, recycle and repurpose your tins or cans.

1. Use your can to hold pan drippings such as bacon fat, let it harden, then wrap in a plastic bag (that you have saved to recycle) and put in the garbage. It is so much better for the environment and your sink to NOT put any type of hot grease down the drain.

2. DIY luminaries – you can leave as is or spray paint your cans and punch holes to make fun light patterns – pop in a tea light or votive candle and these can be used indoors or outdoors – for outdoor use, you could punch holes in the side of the cans and add wire to hang from a branch in a tree.

Continue reading Frugal Living Tips Post #2