Wicker + Metal + Iron + Wood = S’more party…

Wicker chairs plus metal lawn chairs plus iron patio chairs plus wood chairs make for a s’more party. Last weekend the neighbors came by for s’mores and conversation. I took these pics as I was setting up the chairs but totally spaced out taking photos once I set the table and folks arrived.


Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Old fashion lawn chairs…

Love these lawn chairs because they are just what we used at our cabin during my childhood years. Bought the pair for $25 at a garage sale last summer. I may paint them myself or depending on the price hire someone who does auto body painting. Plan to paint the seat and back red, and arms and legs white, just as they are in the picture.

The red wood folding table in the middle and the one to the far right were bought at a flea market, and the metal folding table on the left along with two others were purchased at a garage sale…can’t remember what I paid for any of the tables. Spray painted them red. They get used all summer long. Remember I am the queen of purchasing anything that folds or is on rollers.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Love wicker…

These are two of my favorite chairs. There is something about this particular wicker design that melts my heart. I bought them at an antique store in Hopkins, MN years ago. Had slipcovers made using an old, reversible duvet cover…so there are different prints on each side. The white folding table between the chairs has a matching partner and converts to two different heights, and was purchased at the Elko Flea Market in Elko, MN. Can’t remember what I paid for the chairs or tables…other than I think they were a fair price.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Welcome canines…

This dog dish sits at the base of the front yard steps. Bought it a few years ago at a garage sale for $3. I know when I am walking my girl Lollie, she appreciates it when the neighbors have a water dish out front.
Most of the neighbors with a water dish have a watering can filled with water next to the dish so dog walkers can easily refill the water dish. I wanted something different…my friend Kate suggested an enamel coffee pot and bought me this grey one…love it.

Our dog dish gets a lot of action and folks are always nice about thanking us for keeping it filled. Please note that I have power washed the steps since the pics were taken.

Counting my garage sale find as part of  Homebody's Thrift Store Thursday.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Recent free finds…

Found 4 sets of the wood doors above. Painted and hinged together they would make a great headboard or screen. The lamp below has some nice details…painted it may look good hanging on the porch.

Love the white basket/planter. The wood director’s chair just needs some fun fabric. A little glue and paint, and two round trays (which I have) will make good use of the folding stands.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Eclectic mix continued…

I got these over the weekend and forgot to include them in my post yesterday. Three decorative fish with hooks for $4.50. I will show you where they end up in the backyard once I am finished weeding.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Eclectic mix…

This weekend’s haul. Bought the red box to hold all those electrical items such as the sync cord for my phone/computer; connector cord for the camera/computer; flash drives, backup drive, and cords I am not sure what they do but I don’t have the guts to toss. The holiday quilt hanging in the background, and during the holidays will hang in the window on my front door as it is the same size as the window. Recently got my hair cut and thought I would start using hot rollers versus a curling iron…but I tried the curlers and they don’t work in my hair…bummer.

Love blue so I couldn't resist the blue 9x13 (under the cake pan) and the blue dishes. The plates have a deep base and will probably be good for eating pasta. I only baking with glass dishes these days but I couldn’t resist the cake pan with the lid, as it will come in handy for hauling goodies to parties. The Chinese take out boxes will be used for gifts when we make our annual holiday carmels. I started camping again and even though I may only go once or twice a summer…I had to have the camping kit…which included silverware, two pans, plate and cup. Total $11.


This post is part of Southern Hospitality’s Today’s Thrifty Treasures Every Monday event.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden…

Please stop by and read the Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden article on examiner.com featuring Kim of Daisy Cottage. Thanks for sharing Kim! If you haven’t visited Daisy Cottage – its a must see. I am in love with the color of Kim’s house, the color of her decor, and her decorating style.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

Chandelier envy…

My friend Melinda was given this chandelier. Isn’t it wonderful? I want one. There are 150 crystals and the diameter of the round crystal at the bottom is 2.5 inches. Melinda is in the midst of redoing several rooms in her house and as part of her renovation process she hung this chandelier in her office…which was a closet. It is absolutely adorable hanging in her cozy office. Hopefully when the room and office are complete Melinda will let me share the outcome.

Seeking chalkboard paint ideas…If you have done something creative with chalkboard paint and are willing to share your ideas for an upcoming Thrifty Shopping article on examiner.com, please send me an email at cottagelifestyle@gmail.com. I always give credit for the idea/photo to you/your blog.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

APB aka All Points Bulletin...

I am on the hunt for the shower curtain featured in the June issue of Country Living. I have read the article and the product pages in the back of the magazine in search of the name/brand for this ruffle shower curtain...no luck. If you have any idea what it is called or where I might find (store or online)…please send me an email at cottagelifestyle@gmail.com.


Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

Wallpaper Art…

Please stop by and read my Wallpaper Art article on examiner.com featuring Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick. Thanks for sharing Sarah!

Seeking floral frog ideas…
If you have done something creative with metal or glass floral frogs and are willing to share your ideas for an upcoming Thrifty Shopping article on examiner.com, please send me an email at cottagelifestyle@gmail.com.

Recent Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

To receive Thrifty Shopping articles via email click on the 'Subscribe to Email' button, or sign up for an RSS feed which can be found under the title of the article.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Wordless Wednesday…

I am participating in Wordless Wednesday. Click here or on the photo above to visit French Lique and see what others are sharing.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Recent Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

Porch and Patio Party…

I am participating in Grits and Glamour’s Porch and Patio Party. For pictures of my screen porch and front porch click here and here.

Check out A Beach Cottage giveaway!

Seeking floral frog ideas…
If you have done something creative with metal or glass floral frogs and are willing to share your ideas for an upcoming Thrifty Shopping article on examiner.com, please send me an email at cottagelifestyle@gmail.com.

Recent Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

To receive Thrifty Shopping articles via email click on the 'Subscribe to Email' button, or sign up for an RSS feed which can be found under the title of the article.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

It’s big…

Standing 21” tall and extending 28” across -- it is big! I bought this basket for $15 at a neighbor’s garage sale this weekend. Overall it is in excellent condition. I think it was a good deal at $15. l don’t have a clue where I will put it or what I will use it for…but for the price I couldn’t pass it up.

Does anyone know if this basket has a name? What do you think it is worth? Let me know by taking the basket survey on the sidebar.

 

 

This post is part of Southern Hospitality’s Today’s Thrifty Treasures Every Monday event.

 

Seeking floral frog ideas…
If you have done something creative with metal or glass floral frogs and are willing to share your ideas for an upcoming Thrifty Shopping article on examiner.com, please send me an email at cottagelifestyle@gmail.com.

Recent Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

 

To receive Thrifty Shopping articles via email click on the 'Subscribe to Email' button, or sign up for an RSS feed which can be found under the title of the article.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Transforming a Goodwill table...

Please stop by and read my Transforming a Goodwill table article on examiner.com featuring Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick. Thanks for sharing Sarah!

Seeking floral frog ideas…
If you have done something creative with metal or glass floral frogs and are willing to share your ideas for an upcoming Thrifty Shopping article on examiner.com, please send me an email at cottagelifestyle@gmail.com.

Recent Thrifty Shopping articles.

• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware

To receive Thrifty Shopping articles via email click on the 'Subscribe to Email' button, or sign up for an RSS feed which can be found under the title of the article.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Happy hour…

Kick back, tip your hat and enjoy some apps and wine on the front porch…Friday night happy hour! Bought these wine stops years ago because the black and white is a perfect match for my black and white kitchen.

Check out my articles on examiner.com.
Repurposing flashcards

Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
Hoops and fabric equal art
Decorating with drop cloth curtains
10 uses for orphan sheets
Organizing with Gladware

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Could I really be a trendsetter?…

These citronella luminaries buoy candles are featured on page 148 in the June 2009 Country Living magazine. AND I bought them a year or more ago…can’t remember where I got them…it may have been TJ Maxx and I paid $9.99. I have them on my front porch…see candles on the blue bench. Some day soon I will show more shots of the front porch. If you missed the pictures of my screen porch click here.
Check out my articles on examiner.com.
Repurposing flashcards

Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
Hoops and fabric equal art
Decorating with drop cloth curtains
10 uses for orphan sheets
Organizing with Gladware

To my fellow Minnesotans or anyone traveling to Minnesota this week…check out the following events taking place this week and weekend.
Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale (my hood in south Minneapolis…we usually have 45 – 80 homes participating)
May Antique Fair – A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair (Rosemount, MN)
Haupt Antiek Market (Rosemount, MN)
LeAnntiques (Hopkins, MN)
The French Flea (Anoka, MN)
Nic-Nac Paddywac’s (Osseo, MN)
Antique Alley (218 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369; 763-420-3220)

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Repurposing flashcards…

I don't know about you, but what I love most about blogging is the creativity of bloggers. I am always amazed and impressed with what you all create. Second to the creativity is the generosity of bloggers. I feel so fortunate that fellow bloggers are willing to let me share their ideas and photos in my Thrifty Shopping column on examiner.com.

If you are looking to be inspired today, check out my Repurposing Flashcards article on examiner.com. Creative ideas and photos by talented Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie. are featured. Thank you Amy!


Thank you for visiting me on examiner.com. I appreciate your support. If you would like to receive examiner.com articles directly, you can sign up to receive the articles via email by clicking on the 'Subscribe to Email' button next to my picture on examiner.com, or sign up for an RSS feed which can be found under the title of any article you select.

Giveaways at A Beach Cottage and A Stitch in Thyme.

Articles on examiner.com.
Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
Hoops and fabric equal art
Decorating with drop cloth curtains
10 uses for orphan sheets
Organizing with Gladware

To my fellow Minnesotans or anyone traveling to Minnesota this week…check out the following events taking place this week and weekend.
Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale (my hood in south Minneapolis…updated news…the list came out and there are 67 homes registered)
May Antique Fair – A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair (Rosemount, MN)
Haupt Antiek Market (Rosemount, MN)
LeAnntiques (Hopkins, MN)
The French Flea (Anoka, MN)
Nic-Nac Paddywac’s (Osseo, MN)
Antique Alley (218 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369; 763-420-3220)

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

It is all about the blues…

This picture was taken by my neighbor Bill and he was kind enough to share it with me. The blue in the building, the blue of the water, the blue of the sky and the blue in the sailboat in the window are spectacular.

Check out my articles on examiner.com.
Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
Hoops and fabric equal art
Decorating with drop cloth curtains
10 uses for orphan sheets
Organizing with Gladware

To my fellow Minnesotans or anyone traveling to Minnesota this week…check out the following events taking place this week and weekend.
Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale (my hood in south Minneapolis…we usually have 45 – 80 homes participating)
May Antique Fair – A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair (Rosemount, MN)
Haupt Antiek Market (Rosemount, MN)
LeAnntiques (Hopkins, MN)
The French Flea (Anoka, MN)
Nic-Nac Paddywac’s (Osseo, MN)
Antique Alley (218 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369; 763-420-3220)

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Melinda’s finds…

These are some of my friend Melinda’s thrift store and garage sale purchases. I am in love with the red dish. Don’t you just love the shape? And it gets better because it comes with a cover.

Melinda was kind enough to give me the blue and white crochet runner.

We aren’t sure what the stand (below) was designed for…the side drops down to open.

Check out my articles on examiner.com.
Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
Hoops and fabric equal art
Decorating with drop cloth curtains
10 uses for orphan sheets
Organizing with Gladware

To my fellow Minnesotans or anyone traveling to Minnesota this week…check out the following events taking place this week and weekend.

Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale (my hood in south Minneapolis…we usually have 45 – 80 homes participating)
May Antique Fair – A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair (Rosemount, MN)
Haupt Antiek Market (Rosemount, MN)
LeAnntiques (Hopkins, MN)
The French Flea (Anoka, MN)
Nic-Nac Paddywac’s (Osseo, MN)
Antique Alley (218 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369; 763-420-3220)

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Good Buys…

I am joining Southern Hospitality’s Today’s Thrifty Treasures Every Monday event.

This past weekend my friend Kate and I headed north to Duluth, MN. We got to meet Amy of WhisperWood Cottage (her ‘personal’ blog) and Junkologie (her business blog) and checked out her Junkologie booth at Old Towne Antiques. I snapped up a red and white enamel tray for $5 and two jars (loved the design) for $1. Plan to use the tray for serving goodies to guests on the front porch. Sometime soon I will share how I am organizing with jars…I am rather addicted to using jars.

Check out my articles on examiner.com.

Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
Hoops and fabric equal art
Decorating with drop cloth curtains
10 uses for orphan sheets
Organizing with Gladware

To my fellow Minnesotans or anyone traveling to Minnesota this week…check out the following events taking place this week and weekend.

Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale (my hood in south Minneapolis…we usually have 45 – 80 homes participating)
May Antique Fair – A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair (Rosemount, MN)
Haupt Antiek Market (Rosemount, MN)
LeAnntiques (Hopkins, MN)
The French Flea (Anoka, MN)
Nic-Nac Paddywac’s (Osseo, MN)
Antique Alley (218 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369; 763-420-3220)

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Mom is taking the day off…

Mom deserves to take Mother’s Day off…after all…she has posted 178 days in a row. The plan is to give her lots of kisses and play with her so she feels special.

P.S. You would make mom’s day if you check out the following articles on examiner.com, if you haven’t already done so.

Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards

Hoops and fabric equal art

Decorating with drop cloth curtains

10 uses for orphan sheets

Organizing with Gladware

Thanks, Lollie

Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards…

Please stop by and read my Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards article on examiner.com, which includes creative ideas from Maria of Thrifty Ways and Ideas. Thank you Maria!

Thank you for visiting my Thrifty Shopping column on examiner.com. I appreciate your support. If you would like to receive examiner.com articles directly, you can sign up to receive the articles via email by clicking on the 'Subscribe to Email' button next to my picture on examiner.com, or sign up for an RSS feed which can be found under the title of any article you select.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com...
Renee

Radio Flier Fire Pit…

I think this is one of the most unique recycling ideas EVER. As I approached a recent garage sale I could smell wood burning. When I turned to look for the fire…this is what I saw…a fire burning in a radio flier wagon. I asked the homeowners how they thought to use the wagon as a fire pit. Here is the response I got from the homeowner. “We wanted to buy a fire pit so we could enjoy some fires this summer and when I went to buy one they were $100. In this economy I couldn’t justify spending the $100…so I thought…What do we have around the house that could be used? We realized that we had this wagon that could not longer be used to haul the kids around…so why not turn it into a fire pit.

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and Examiner.com...
Renee