Welcome to My Home, Volume 4: The Salvation Army

I recently made a few purchases at the Salvation Army that I wanted to share. Both pieces were purchased with projects in mind. I'm sure looking at them you can easily imagine what I might want to do.

The tray was $1.99 and the jewelry box was $4.99. The jewelry box was conveniently priced on every.single.drawer, and also on the fake drawer on the top and the lid. 

Stay tuned to see what I do with these friends.

Welcome To My Home, Volume 3: Ikea Trip

I've slowed down on the number of projects I've done recently, perhaps because of the cooling weather. This past weekend, however, I made a trip to Ikea. Shopping with people is fun, but when I really want to do some serious shopping, I want to do it alone so I don't feel any pressure to be on someone else's schedule. In other words, I like to look at everrrryything. Maybe twice.

So this weekends trip to Ikea was my first solo trip, and it was quite fruitful! I picked up a few things that I've had my eye on for a while, and some things I hadn't planned on, along with the main reason for the trip: Kassett boxes. I won't tell you what I'm doing with these boxes yet, but one of my recent posts has a rather large clue.

Here's a visual of the goods I came home with:

Ikea by aburlock on Polyvore.com

In addition to all the Kassett boxes, I got some items I have seen in other people's spaces and really wanted. For example, the grey striped tray. I'm using it on my landing strip as a place to put my keys/phone/whatever is in my hand when I walk in. It's a really cute tray- I wish larger sizes were available.

I also picked up some of those basic white "FARM" vases that I see everywhere. I've looked at them a couple times in the store but never ended up taking them home until this time.
The orange candles will be appearing with my pink glittery pumpkins, and the silver bead trim is something I'll use definitely for decorating for Christmas, but maybe elsewhere too!

Welcome to My Home, Volume 2: Recent Thrifting Finds

I wanted to share some of my recent thrifting finds. I like to browse the Salvation Army, looking for treasures, which I sometimes find. This week I was particularly successful. After seeing it in several kitchens in blog land, I decided I needed to start my very own collection of colorful Pyrex dishes. Boy, was I in luck!! I found a Spring Blossom Green mixing bowl. Apparently collecting vintage pyrex is kind of a cult thing, there are several websites devoted to it- the one I used to identify the bowl I got is www.pyrexlove.com. In case anyone is looking to buy me a book to guide my collection, there is "PYREX: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)" available for sale.

This picture makes the bowl look particularly scratched- I think its just how the light is coming through. Regardless, Its a good start to my collection and will look nice in my cabinets or on my counter. Not bad for $2.99.

The second thing I found doesn't have a name...at least not that I know of. It's metal- perhaps bronze, it has a lid like a jar, but is also has cut outs. It is very pretty. I imagine using it on my dresser or in the bathroom, to store cotton balls, q-tips or even make up brushes. I really dig the cut out pattern--it reminds me of the lamp in the living room. This little gem cleaned up very nicely, and maybe, just maybe, will look even better after some spray paint. Kelly green, anyone? This baby was a little more expensive at $4.99, but I had to have it.

The last thing I bought is a pair of wooden candle sticks. Sure, they look silly now. But after a cleaning, a light sanding and some spray paint, they will look completely different. The hardest part here is deciding what color! I could go wimpy- white or black,or something more dramatic? Can't beat the price here at $1.99 for the pair.

Welcome to My Home, Volume 1: Liberty of London for Target Mixing Bowls

On a recent Target trip, I found a selection of Liberty of London items on clearance, including a set of mixing bowls and several plates, along with jewelry boxes, trays, lampshades and pillows. The mixing bowls immediately caught my eye because I think they are beautiful, and I had recently decided that I needed some serving dishes. As a bonus, they match the "theme" of pink and flowery that I have going in my kitchen. Needless to say, these babies came home with me, and have made an excellent addition to my kitchen. 

Target's website lists these as available for preorder, shipping June 11th.I think they must be getting a new shipment of them. In addition, they have three other color schemes available.

 Another thing I picked up was a pink, flowery salad plate to add to my wall. I was originally hesitant because the plate is plastic and I was afraid it would be obvious. I decided to take the risk because the plate was only $1 and I was sure I could find another use for it if necessary. Lucky for me, when I added the plate to the wall display, you couldn't tell at all. I was very happy!

(all pictures from www.target.com)