In the Mood to Swap

 

 

 

If I could have one wish this Christmas, it would be that 'Swapping' would forever be the new shopping.

 

 

Clothes Swaps are a win-win-win (win times however many girls show up)! You can leave with some fabulous, new-to-you clothing without spending a thing!

 

 

And, for a moment, lets put aside the money saved and the clothing gained...this is a crazy-fun girl's night out! Open some wine, put on some music, and let the excitement take over! What girl doesn't like a night out with the girl's- free clothes are just icing on the already iced-with-wine cake. Have I mentioned that there should be wine...?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to Life Organizers, here are the tips to organizing a successful Clothing Swap:


Invite your friends & ask your friends to invite their friends 

About 10-15 people is the goal - aim for all shapes & sizes 

If you are hosting the swap at your house, make sure you have at least two full-length mirrors available

For those of us who are modest, make sure there are other rooms available to dress and undress. If this isn't possible, remind people they can wear a body suit or bathing suit underneath their clothing if they wish

Clothes swaps can be seasonal, but they don't have to be: The best clothes swaps have all seasons clothing.

If two people want the same item, you can have fun with this by either a coin toss, or having each person model the item of clothing and have a vote (do this only if you're sure there won't be hard feelings).

If you have second thoughts about an item you have up for grabs - speak up quickly. A simple "Hmm, I'm not so sure I'm ready to give that up yet," should suffice, before someone else gets too attached to the item.

Be prepared - for a good time! You'll be surprised how much fun you'll have with a group of women trying on clothing!




There were many how-to lists online- but this was the best one in my opinion. There is one thing this list is missing, however. Did you catch it? No wine! OF COURSE you can have a successful Swap without it, but really- WHY would you want to??



 I would also like to add to the list:



Ask that the clothing is laundered before bringing it

No soiled, stained, severely ripped clothing should be brought to the Swap


Other than those few guidelines- have fun with it! I think it is best to bring all seasons, but if you'd like have one just for Spring/Summer or for Fall/Winter, go for it! Whatever floats your boat. :)



I'm mulling over organizing a clothing swap in the early new year in the Hamilton area.  Comment below or let me know on facebook if you'd like to be included. 



Thanks for stopping in!


 

Pinterest-Inspired Thrifty-Chic: 6th Edition

Think that fabulous new fall look on Pinterest has to cost you a lot of money? I'll show you how to get the same look for a fraction of the original.

Do you doubt? Take a look...

 

 

2 amazing maxi-skirt looks from Pinterest








MY VERSIONS


























Look #1: Really cute and casual. I wore almost this exact outfit to a birthday party for my friend's 5-yr-old daughter.


Maxi-skirt- $7.99 Talize
Jean jacket- $12.99 Talize
Black tank- $5.99 Value Village
Cream- coloured clutch- $3.99 Value Village
Black ballet flats- $7.99 Talize



Look #2: A bit dressier. I find when the skirt has a slimmer fit- it automatically feels slightly more formal, or something. Maybe that's just me...


Black short-sleeved blouse- Cast-off from friend
Maxi-skirt- $7.99 Talize
Skinny belt- thrifted so long ago...$1.99 I believe
Black ballet flats- $7.99 Talize



Guaranteed, my outfits cost a fraction of the ones that are on Pinterest. Hope you are all getting inspired to take a look through your closet and to give thrifting a chance. Maybe as a New Year's Resolution, perhaps?? ;)



Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all. Hope you are able to slow down and spend time with those that you love.



Blessings.



 



A Real or An Artificial Tree- Which One is Greener?

 

 

 

Every holiday season when I lug out my boxed-up artificial Christmas tree, I wonder about the the 'great debate' (well, at least it is a Great Debate in MY head)- which one is truly 'Greener'- a real tree or an artificial one?

 

 

 

And every year I try to convince myself that my artificial tree is indeed the greener choice. I did not kill a real live tree to get it. I am reusing my tree every Christmas season. That is not only GREEN, but thrifty, yes? I am not driving to a tree farm (and thus polluting the earth) to then cut one of those dear sweet innocent trees down...friends, these are true conversations that go on in my head every year....

 

 

 

 

 

I recently saw a link to an article on EcoSuperior's facebook page on this very subject. I couldn't wait to read it and find out if I was making the right call or if I was actually living a lie as a HUGE

Eco-Sinner...

 

 

The article  that was featured is on David Suzuki's website and it's findings are not at all what I expected. This is what the article says:

 

 

 

 

 

"The research team at Ellipsos has provided a definitive answer. In its study, the real tree emerges victorious!

 

 

According to Ellipsos, the artificial tree has three times more impacts on climate change and resource depletion than the natural tree. That's assuming your artificial tree lasts six years. If your tree will last more than 20 years and if you'd have to drive a long way to buy a real tree, the opposite becomes true."

 

 

 

Interesting. BUT, instead of being discouraged by these findings, I am now more vigilent to take care of the tree that I have. Now I MUST keep this tree for at LEAST 20 years. That's only 12 more years anyway...I take this a personal challenge...

 

 

 

In case anyone is interested, the article has also added some tips- whether you choose a real or artificial tree this holiday season:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Real Christmas Trees

 

Buy locally

 

Choose trees from farms that minimize (or do without) pesticides and herbicides.

 

Cut your own with a provincial permit, from lands that must be kept clear anyway. In many provinces, hydro right-of-ways have to be kept clear. This is a win-win way to meet that mandate.

 

 

And for Artificial Christmas Trees

 

Avoid PVCs — the grinchiest of plastics — that most artificial trees are made of. Not only are these hard on the environment, they're bad for your health.

 

Make it last 20 years!

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure if this changes anyone's mind out there, or if anyone else wonders about these things, but I hope this helps!

 

 

 

The article also talks about living Christmas trees (which are unfortunately sold out for the year). These are a fabulously GREEN option, as well. Not for me, though. I have at least 12 more years with my beauty... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Blessings, friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinterest-Inspired Thrifty-Chic:5th Edition

 

 

 

 

Wowza! I just realized that I had better post the rest of my fall Pinterest looks before winter is upon us. Although, let's be serious, the styles don't really seem to change ALL that much from fall to winter. Maybe just a few layers are added on...

 

 

Anyhoo....

 

 

 

 

Think that fabulous new fall look on Pinterest has to cost you a lot of money? I'll show you how to get the same look for a fraction of the original.

Do you doubt? Take a look...

 

 

I mean, C'MON!!! How FABULOUS is this outfit?! It can't be just because I am desperately in love with all maxi skirts, can it??

I have been searching for weeks and weeks for a denim shirt that fit me like this one fits her. It's perfect. I have not found one...yet. I will not give up. I still have hope. :)

The flip-flops don't work particularly well in Canada come autumn, but other than that, this is a beloved outfit of mine.

 

 

 

MY VERSION

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

I am very aware that the choice of denim jacket instead of shirt does add a certain 'boxy' feel, but as I said earlier-I've been looking for the perfect denim shirt.... and I've got to work with what I got! Everything in this outfit was found in my closet, just like all of my other Pinterest outfits.

 

 

I think this outfit is definitely one of my favourites. (Actually- I say that a lot, don't I??)  Dressy-ish, but oh-so-comfy at the same time. Perfecto.

 

 

 

 

 

Denim Jacket- $12.99 Talize

Black Tank- $5.99 Value Village

Skirt- $6.99 Talize

Belt- Came with a dress that I was given: FREE

Black Ballet Flats- $7.99 Talize

Necklace- $5.99 Value Village

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping in! Happy thrifting!

 

 

 

Only 19 days until Christmas! Are you ready?

 

 

 

Blessings. 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Repurposing Ideas- The SEQUEL

Since I wasn't able to stay awake long enough to post all of the fabulous Christmas repurposing ideas last night, I will post the rest of them now.

 

 

 

There are some truly creative and inspiring ideas here, folks. Hope you can find one or two to use for yourself. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurposed rulers turn into a rustic Christmas tree decoration.

 

 

 

 

 

Take an old slab of wood and some yarn and make it into a beautiful piece of Christmas art.

 

 

 

 

Glue circles cut from Christmas cards to those clear 'stones' from the dollar store with a dollop from a glue gun, stick a magnet to the back and VOILA- Holiday magnets! I have also done this with my friend's family pics. Love.

 

 

 

 

An old, out-dated placemat gets a new life snipped into ornaments for the tree. Just add a loop of twine and a cute red button to each.

 

 

 

 

I really love this. Create a luminary from repurposed Holiday cards. Amazing.

 

 

 

 

Old buttons get a new lease on life as an adorable ornament. Simply thread yarn or wire through and add a cute ribbon.

 

 

 

 

Now, this takes a bit of dedication....but, you can reuse old jam jars to hold hand-poured candles to give as gifts.Very lovely.

 

 

 

 

For any fishermen/women (or fishermen/women's partners, haha) out there, if you have an old minnow bucket lying around, you can repurpose it into a beautiful lantern.

 

 

 

 

Another one of my favourites...Old screens become fabulous 

winter-y art.

 

 

 

 

And...the best for last. How beautiful are these?! Simply spray paint an old light bulb with silver after wrapping the bulb in lace. Gorgeous!!

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that ends my Christmas/ Winter Holiday repurposing posts. Or, does it.....???  Stay tuned for ideas for after the holidays... Here's a teaser...

 

 

You can reuse Christmas cookie tins as storage tins. Simply Spray with chalkboard paint and label. Brilliant.

 

 

 

Happy Holidays, friends. Peace.

 

 

 

 

*Oh, and most of these were found on Pinterest- as if you didn't know. haha.



Christmas Repurposing Ideas

 

 

 

'Tis the season, my friends, of lights, trees, wreaths and ornaments. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

 

 

But, it can get pricey as well as produce a lot of garbage if we aim to change up or even add to our much-loved decorations each holiday season. 

 

 

So, here are some fabulous ideas to not only repurpose items that may end up in a landfill, but to also beautify your home and get you in the holiday spirit. And is there any better feeling than glancing at something beautiful in your home and knowing that you created it out of something else? I think not.

 

 

 

 

Repurposed ribbon or fabric plus pine cones make an adorable decoration for your front door.

 

 

 

 

A Christmas tree made of repurposed tree branches

 

 

 

 

Love this. Old slats of wood made into a Christmas card holder with twine.

 

 

 

 

Pages of an old book or maps can be made into super cute ornaments.

 

 

 

 

I love the idea of repurposing fabulous little knick-knacks into ornaments.

 

 

 

 

Pages of old books can be made into this beautiful angel wing decoration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using an old sheet of music (awesome if it were a Christmas carol) to cover an old star adds interest and updates it instantly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can give old, burned-out light bulbs new life by making them into ornaments.

 

 

 

 

You can save $ on wrapping paper, and save the trees as well- if you wrap your gifts with napkins or scrap fabric.

 

 

 

 

I have actually been using this repurposing idea for years. I got the idea from my friend, Leanne. You can reuse your Christmas cards from last year to make gift tags for this year!

 

 

 

 

 Old scratched, unusable CD's can be painted and used as holiday decor.

 

 

And, for my Jewish friends, you can repurpose snowflake and Christmas tree cookie cutters for Hanukkah!

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many more ideas that I have stumbled on and LOVED, so this will be the first of (at least) 2 posts on Christmas Repurposing.

 

 

 

 

Stay creative! Much love to all!

 

 

 



*Oh, and most of these were found on Pinterest- as if you didn't know. haha. 



In My Cuban Closet

Well...I'm back!! Did you miss me at all?? What a fabulous trip! It's always so nice to get away, especially with someone that you love as much as your sister.

I always feel a wee bit guilty, though- going to all-inclusive resorts. I feel like I shouldn't be catered to all day every day- so that's why I went to Cuba! Haha.

I do feel good knowing that tourism is their main industry, so we are helping those working at the resort (?), and I do like to add to their monthly wage by tipping- and NOT just to get better service...

Anyhoo....the thrifted outfits that I brought to Cuba....

Here are a couple of them. I meant to take photos of all of them, but I'm sure you understand how it is. After the first couple of days, 'vacation brain' takes over and you can't seem to do anything other than eat, drink, sleep, and swim.

I love, love, love this dress. I snatched it up on a quick run into Value Village Stoney Creek. It's one of my favourite finds ever. I did alter it, however. It was originally a halter, and I took it to a tailor and had it changed to spaghetti straps. I just find that style easier to wear and more flattering on me.

Maxi Dress- $12.99 Value Village

Necklace- $5.99 Value Village

Belt- thrifted so long ago, I can't remember

This was a very fun outfit, and the one that I was wearing when I got thrown in the pool one night....but THAT is a story for another time...

Tank- $6.99 Talize

Skirt- $5.99 Value Village

Necklace- $5.99 Value Village

Bracelet Cuff- $12.99 Hawk & Sparrow

I WISH that I had a better photo of this maxi dress. It is another one of my fav's and was actually given to me by my sister because it was too long on her. Looking back- I'm not exactly sure why I didn't get her to take a photo of me in it.

Dress- Sister's cast-off

Necklace - $5.99 Value Village

It's so good to be home! I can't wait to blog about some great repurposed Christmas ideas soon! Exciting stuff! It was a little tough, though- to come home from sun and sand to snow and Christmas lights....

Thanks for reading!!