Re-gifting on purpose…

My neighbors Bill and Linda gave me a bottle of wine in this incredibly creative gift bag. It is made from old sails by Sea Bags. The gift bags are designed to be re-gifted and to circle the globe. You list the recipient's name and location along with the date the gift was given. I love the bag and the idea of re-gifting and seeing it going onto others…but I am also torn about re-gifting as I love it.

Here is a little about Sea Bags.

Since 1999 we have been making custom tote bags out of recycled sails. Every bag we make has sailed around the world before it even leaves our shop, and we like that.

Each bag is designed and inspired from the sail itself and all vary in texture and fabric. All are durable, water resistant and washing-machine friendly.

Most of our bags (like most sails) are white or off white Dacron with a colored design on them but we use all sails from canvas to Kevlar.

Each Sea Bag has rope handles that are hand-spliced in our shop in Portland, Maine - the splice is a nautical skill and what differentiates a Sea Bag.

Sea Bags totes come in small, medium and large and a variety of designs and colors

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Murphy bed…

This beautiful Murphy bed would have been mine if it wasn’t in Lolo’s consignment shop in St. Helena, California. I wish we could have seen the inside of the Murphy bed cabinet.

 

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

My one year blogging anniversary…

I have been a junker for years…hitting garage sales, flea markets, occasional sales and antique stores at every opportunity and where ever I was travelling. In September of 08 I had time on my hands and started actively seeking out blogs that shared my junking and decorating interests. Some how I stumbled upon My Romantic Home and A Beach Cottage, and my blogger stalking days were in full tilt. I just surfed from one inspiring blog to another, ultimately becoming inspired to start my own. I didn’t know anything about blogging but thought it would be fun to learn something new. I am not sure why but the day I started -- I made a decision to blog every day for a year. About every four months during the past year I questioned why I made that decision, and wondered whether or not I would be able to do 365 posts in a row. I am surprised and happy I made it.

Thank you for visiting my blog and following along, and for the kind words along the way. I am not quite sure how often I will post going forward…I am guessing at least a few times a week, but not seven.

To celebrate my anniversary AllModern.com is sponsoring a giveaway…details to follow. In the meantime check out their website.

I thought I would share my favorite post and few others posts that capture my junking and decorating style.

My Best Garage Sale Find Ever

I am seeing Stars

Guest room of my dreams

Blue shutter headboards

Before and After

Screen Porch

Strings of Pearls

Repurposing Old Coffee Jars

Sit Long Talk Much Laugh Often

Trapezoid Quilt

Paddle Decorating

Pink Frames

Busy Baking Bread

Almost didn’t buy this

Things that make me smile

Firewood storage

Front Porch

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Colorful bags…

Just a sampling of the multitude of colorful bags from the Markets of Marion in Ocala, Florida. There was every color combination and style imaginable.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Recycling makes holiday art…

These charming recycled parts turned holiday art greeted us at the Northwoods Boutique.

If you missed yesterday’s post you’ll regret it if you don’t click here or scroll down and check out the home tour of a friend of a friend’s home.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Any ideas…

Spotted these kid frames at the Markets of Marion Flea Market in Ocala, FL. They were $2 a box. I wish I would have stumbled on them prior to the baby shower I went to recently. They would have made cool gift tags…you could either put a picture of the recipient or just a simply to and from on decorative paper. My friend Sue and I were brainstorming ideas and come up with the following: Christmas tree ornaments,fun placeholders at a kid party or baby shower or an adult party, tie them to the end of a balloon for a kid’s party or a baby shower, and they would make interesting decorations on a kid’s cake or a baby shower cake.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

One size fits all…

I know you have seen these tops that look like kid’s clothes until you put them on and they actually grow to fit your body. Well, while shopping at the Markets of Marion Flea Market in Ocala, Florida I gave in dropped $20 for two long sleeve versions. Just the day before I had seen one on a woman and it look fabulous. Given that I am traveling more these days I thought they would be perfect for travel…don’t take up much space, doesn’t matter if they get wrinkled and no ironing required. I don’t know how long they will last, but I thought I would give them a try.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

What you can get for 50 cents…

Being the blue and white junky that I am…this flat sheet for 50 cents at a garage sale. Some day it will be the back of a blue and white quilt I plan to make.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Pass the basket…

I am not sure where I got this basket, but it reminds me of the collection basket from church. I enjoy using it for bread.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Ski hat quilt…

Years ago I bought a ‘quilt’ made from ski hats from ski resorts around the USA. It was the perfect heavyweight winter blanket.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

TJ Maxx coat…

I love my new $30 TJ Maxx coat. It is perfect for fall. Reminds me of the 70s. I don’t have a full length mirror in the house, so I was forced to take this shot in the bathroom…hence the towels and shower curtain in the background.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Handmade, colorful napkin rings…

 

I love the multitude of color in these napkin rings. I brought them back from Africa where they were handmade. I don’t possess the manual dexterity to make something like these. They are not only useful, but a wonderful memory piece from a fabulous African photo safari. One of the highlights of the trip,,, in addition to seeing the animals, was sitting at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro at sunset drinking champagne.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Crazy 8…

My love of red attracted me to this tile I found at a garage sale for 50 cents.

Makes for a colorful trivet for hot dishes.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Honey for sale…

This sign was in one of the booths at Junk Bonanza…sorry I can’t remember which booth. It made me smile as I didn’t think of honey the sweet liquid…I thought of a  significant other…cool play on words.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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

Uggs…

I bought a pair of leather topped Uggs three years ago and I love them…let me count the ways.

• They are perfect for Minnesota winters. They keep my feet warm even when it is well below zero.
• I can easily slip them on to walk the dog, snow blow the driveway and shovel the sidewalk. I spend a lot of time on the ice with the dog and my feet stay warm.
• The leather top is incredibly durable.
• I wear them out running errands..they actually look good with jeans.
• They are comfortable.
• They are meant to be worn barefoot…so I don’t have to dig up a pair of socks each time I want to go out.

I am now on the hunt for a new pair for walking from the parking ramp to my office and for running errands. The three year old pair will continue to be used for dog walking and snow blowing.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• 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

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