Bag it...

A few posts ago I showed you a new wallet that I bought at a friend's garage sale for $2. I thought it would match my new briefcase, and it does. I love my new briefcase...got it at TJ Maxx for $25 and in doing some research online and found that it sells for $75. The last time I got a new briefcase was 1991 and it was a gift.

If you haven't already, please take the survey in the sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

News and Decisions...

The News...
I am going to be the Thrifty Shopping Examiner writing articles for examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/twin_cities). The articles will be focused on searching thrift stores, antique shops, occasional sales, flea markets, and garage sales for good deals, as well as tips on junking, repurposing, recycling, decorating, etc. and promoting upcoming sales.

Articles will include good deals and finds from stores, flea markets, garage sales, etc., and fabulous blog finds and ideas (I already have three of our favorite bloggers willing to share...stay tuned to find out who they are).

As I browse the blogs I will be on the lookout for a thrifty find or idea. If you have any note worthy finds and decorating ideas and wish to share them, I would love to feature them in an article. Of course, I would give you credit for each idea/photo and include your blog address. You can contact me by clicking on the email button the sidebar or send an email directly to thriftyshopping@hotmail.com.

The Decisions...
Back when I started my blog on November 18th I had this crazy idea to do a post every day for a year (currently at 160 posts). However, I am undecided if I will be able to do a daily, along with writing 3-4 articles a week for examiner.com. I originally thought I could use my blog content for my examiner articles and vice a versa...not sure how well that will work. So, do I give up on my 365 days of posting and just do a post when I can or do I bag the blog all together?

As soon as my first article is live on examiner.com (http://www.examiner.com/twin_cities) I will include a link to it and encourage you to stop by and support me.

Don't forget to respond to the survey I have on the side bar. I plan to use these results in an upcoming examiner.com article.


Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

Before and After...

This bench was sitting in my brother's garage and didn't fit his family's decorating style. I asked if I could have it back in 2003. Bought three outdoor cushions at an 'end of the season' sale at a local store. Why are cushions so expensive?

I tried to live with the dark wood, but it didn't fit my hospital white look. So at some point I painted it white, had blue denim slipcovers made for the cushions as well as for some old pillows I had on hand. Two or so years ago while in the Hamptons I bought a blue and white throw which I draped over the cushions and back of the bench. I use table cloth weights on the portion that hangs off the back to keep the throw from slipping down when someone sits on it.

I love this bench because I can stretch out and take a nap. Since the picture above was taken I have hung drapes on my screen porch for privacy. More pics of the screen porch soon.

Don't forget to take the survey in the sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

Come on in...

This is my front entry/mud room.  I have to laugh as I write the word mudroom. More often than not the time a mudroom comes in handy is during the winter. However, I don't allow folks to enter the front of my home in the winter because the wood porch steps are like a skating rink. In the winter everyone comes to the back of my home and enters through the screen porch. The other reason that I don't use the mudroom in the winter is that it is freezing...so if anyone were to hang their coat or leave their boots...it would be miserable to put them back on.

This little space, which was very difficult to photograph, has a bench with a cushion that was made for a wicker loveseat (which I no longer have), a few pillows, painting, coat rack and coat closet (opposite the bench and not in the photo).

Check out the pillows on the bench...they were made by the talented, Canadian artist Helen Downing Hunter. Not only can she paint (see painting below), she can sew, decorate, garden, etc. Check out her home if you don't belive me.

The painting below is the original from a page in a book titled Crabby Crab that Helen illustrated.

The scene seems so appropriate for my home by the water.

In the photo below the coat closet is the door on the right.

If you have a second please take the survey in the right hand side bar. I am interested in getting an idea of what percent of items at a garage sale you think are new or haven't ever been used.
Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

Just Boxes...

Hit a neighborhood garage sale yesterday. Oh, so excited to go, as I was thinking there would be gobs of sales, as it was advertised as a 45 family sale...but it was one sale that 45 families contributed to. Bought three Estee Lauder boxes that zip open/closed for $2/each. I didn't even ask for a bargain because it was for a good cause.

My mind is racing with ideas as to what they can hold…CDs, photos, jewelry, books, Wii and TV remotes, make-up, scrapbooking, sewing, knitting goodies, and under the counter storage for toiletries. Also, handy in a kid's room or in the car for toys. Wouldn't they make great gift boxes?

Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle