Repurposing Containers For Around The Home

Are you looking for some interesting ways to organize all the clutter in your home? How about saving and repurposing the different containers that we use daily for our food and other items?

Here are some FABULOUSLY creative ideas that I found while browsing on Pinterest:

Who doesn't need an adorable garbage can in their car? This one was made easily out of container that previously held Cascade dish detergent tabs.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. Some plastic containers cannot truly be recycled because they have contained certain chemicals which have leeched into the plastic. So, why not repurpose your laundry detergent bottle to help create life?

Want to try your hand at gardening, but don't have room in your backyard or on your balcony? These tall plastic containers are the perfect place to grow potatoes!!

This is so smart! You can repurpose baby wipe containers to hold decks of card and game pieces. Love.

Well, unfortunately, I don't have many wine bottles around the house, since I drink mine from a box (Better for the EARTH!! haha). But, if you do have some extra bottles lying around, you could use them to water your plants while you are away- or just plain forgetful, as I am....

A rotisserie chicken container turned into a greenhouse for the tiny gardener-to-be?! BEYOND clever!!

Repurposed plastic containers become useful kitchen utensil holders. I cannot figure out what these containers are from, but the large yogurt containers would work well, too. A little paint, some fabric, twine and voila! Very cute.

This is what we call 'Unconsumption'. Using something that would otherwise end up in a landfill to actually produce life. I absolutely love this herb garden idea made from coffee tins.

...and a similar idea- a window-ledge herb garden made from tea tins. Love.

I will be using this idea in my home. Soon. Add some fun to plain old spaghetti jars or jam jars with whimsical drawer handles. 

Again, LOVE this. Use any container with a lid, pierce some holes in the bottom and one in the lid, and you have yourself a repurposed watering jug. Simply place your thumb over the hole in the lid and the water stops. Brilliant, no??

If you have any toddlers in your home, you probably have many of these tall, thin 'Puff' containers around your home. This is a really cute way to reuse those containers and teach your toddler co-ordination all at the same time. Win-win.

I've posted this one before- but I love it. Paint a cookie tin that is leftover from Christmas with blackboard paint and label with chalk. Seriously, genius.

 Upcycle old pickle or spaghetti sauce jars with chalkboard paint. Very cute and very easy.

One more idea with chalkboard paint...Can you tell yet that I LOVE chalkboard paint????

I know, I know....super creepy, and VERY weird. But, bonus points for being creative and keeping one more item out of the landfills....

I hope I have inspired you to take a look at the containers that are close-to-empty or already in your recycling boxes, and think, "What else could this possibly be??"

Peace, friends. 

Pinterest-Inspired Thrifty-Chic

 

 

 

Think that fabulous new 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 love the laid-back-yet-dressed-up feel to this outfit. I love the use of different neutrals (grey, taupe, brown). And, I LOVE her hair- haha...because in this photo, it looks very similar to my own.









MY VERSION



 

 

 

 

Although I love the Pinterest photo's look of all neutrals, I sometimes enjoy a pop of colour, so I went with my teal cardigan. And instead of mis-matching the belt and shoes (which I also love about that pic) I went with a silver skinny belt and silver ballet flats.

 

 

 

 

 

Cardigan- $12.99 Value Village

Black Blouse- $4 Bibles for Missions

Jeans- $6.50 (50% off $12.99) Value Village

Belt- Thrifted so long ago I think for $2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm back friends! I took a bit of a hiatus, but I am excited to keep sharing my thrifting ideas and stories with you in this new year!

Send me a message if there is something that you would like to see on my blog, or if you have questions about thrifting or living a 'Never New' lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by.  Love to all.

 

 

 

 

 

How About In 2013 We Make LESS GARBAGE, Yes??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watching the documentary film Garbage! by Take Action Films was one of those life-changing (and lifestyle-changing) events that I can pin-point as being a catalyst for my 'Never New' world view.

 

 

 

I decided that by not buying new, I could help cut down on all the garbage that our new 'stuff' is packaged in. We live in a society that prefers to chuck something out instead of fixing it- mostly because it is now much less expensive to just buy another one. Thank-you child/ third-world country labour...

 

 

This movie follows a family of four who collects all of their garbage, recycling, and compost for a few months in their home's garage. They need to also bring home any garbage that they create when they are out and about (eating fast food, going to birthday parties, lunches at work, etc...).

 

 

It is so eye-opening to watch it collect, instead of watching it disappear every week when we put it out at the curb! It really makes you think about the fact that all of the waste that we produce on a daily basis has to go SOMEWHERE- it doesn't simply evaporate.

 

 

 

This Sunday, January 6th, the Bloor Cinema (Toronto) will be featuring this thought-provoking documentary. I encourage anyone who can make it, to check it out! Here is what the projectionist has to say about Garbage!:

 

 

 

 

A family is asked to collect every scrap of their household garbage for three months in their garage which leads to some incredibly shocking results.
“I watched the film and was amazed at the amount of garbage a family creates. The next day, I looked at the piles of garbage at the end of everyone’s driveway on my street and realized that the amount of waste we produce is ridiculous. We are drowning in our own garbage. As the movie says, we just put it at the end of the driveway and it goes away. This film should be played in every class in every school.” Rob McPherson, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema Projectionist

 

 

If you can't make it out to watch Garbage! on the big screen, (hopefully) you may at least want to check out the trailer for this movie as well as Chemerical (a cute, humorous documentary about the everyday chemicals we use in our homes) here. It may prompt you to want to make a change (or two) this year. :)

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by, friends. Happy New Year to you all!!

 

 

 

Oh- and another great source to back up my belief that our society is basically addicted to garbage is The Story Of Stuff. I know...I have mentioned this video before... ;)


 

In My Closet- Accessories

 

 

 

Hello friends, I thought that I would share with you some of my FAVOURITE thrifted accessories.

 

 

 

Accessories are an inexpensive way to update any outfit, bring life to an outfit with a pop of colour, or just show off your own unique style.

 

 

 

Here is what is in MY accessory closet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was I NOT just saying last week that I was on the lookout for an infinity scarf? Well, lo and behold, I walked into Bibles for Missions yesterday and there was one hanging amidst the scarves! And for $2, no less!! Amazing. Love when that happens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are my FAVOURITE necklaces.If you know me at all, you will smile and nod because I will almost ALWAYS be wearing one of them. I found them both at Value Village (on separate visits) for under $6 each. These are also FANTASTIC distractions for little flowers girls to play with while I am working on wedding day hair. And, of course, for my boys as well...haha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found these lovely turquoise pieces at a Calgary yard sale years ago. I'm sure that I got all 3 for under $10.

 

 

I really scored at Bibles for Missions yesterday. All of their jewelry was 50% off. I ended up getting this adorable vintage bow necklace for $1!! Seriously how cute is this!!

 

 



 I really like this necklace, although I don't wear it that often. I picked it up at Value Village for under $5.

 

 



 

 

 

 

Again, if you know me at all, you know that I LOVE big bracelets and bangles. The two on the left were thrifted at Value Village for under $5 each. The bangle on the right- one of my MOST favourite things- was picked up at Hawk and Sparrow at a James St North Art Crawl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, there you go folks. Some of my interesting, unique, and not-so-unique pieces that I usually have on.  

 

 

 

 

 

I really encourage you to consider thrifting at least some of your accessories. Not only will you save money and recycle, but you can find pieces that are more unique and individual.

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!

 

 

 

 

 

At A Loss...

 

 

 

I've really been struggling with what to blog about in the last week.  It just seems so frivolous to talk about cute clothes and accessories with all that went on in Newtown last Friday. It has seemed to really affect everyone around me very deeply, myself included.

 

 

 

I'm unsure if this is because I have a son in kindergarten, and I try to imagine how I would feel if that horror had happened here, in his classroom. I can't.  I'm not sure if it is because it all just seems so senseless- I just don't know...

 

 

 

Then, this morning I wake up to a story about women in Pakistan (3 were girls, really- teenagers!) that were killed at close range for providing Polio vaccines to children. So, what do I do with this information.....Pakistan's largest import is cotton- do I picket cotton use to try to make a difference? (I realize that doing that would do absolutely NOTHING to hurt or help the situation, btw). But, I am someone with a deeply ingrained sense of justice (for better or for worse), and when things like this happen....I try to come up with a way to make a significant change....

 

 

 

If I didn't have my children, I might pack up and move to Pakistan or Afghanistan, try to make a difference in the world- but would I? Well... it's a moot point anyway....

 

 

 

Last night I slept snuggled up in my 5-year-old's tiny bed all night because I just couldn't let go. "What will this world look like for my kids?", I wondered. I feel almost guilty (and truly thankful) that I was born in North America and that my children are Canadian. "How did we all win the 'birth lottery'??", I ask myself.  I pray that this world will be a safer place then it is now- for my kids, and also for the children in other nations that aren't nearly as blessed as mine are.


But...life is messy. Life is hard. Life is not fair. This is something that I have had to come to grips with in my own life in the last year or so. This was a shocking discovery for me (!!)- as I said earlier- I ALWAYS try to find justice, for me or for someone else that I may see that is wronged. So... am I upset that the young man from Newtown took his own life instead of being held accountable? Of course, the part of me demanding that the scales of justice be balanced screams "YES!"  But, the part of me learning of the sorrow, sadness and poverty that the vast majority of people on this earth live through on a daily basis just needs to hold my kids tight and be thankful for all we have.


In the last week or so, I keep going back to the quote by Mr. Rogers, the beloved tv icon, who once said: 




 “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

 

 

I pray that my children will see a 'helper' in me. 




Love and Peace, my friends. And Hope. Always Hope.






 

 

Pinterest-Inspired Thrifty-Chic

 

 

 

 

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...

 

 

This is such a cute, laid-back look. I REALLY love the Lulu infinity scarf. I do not have one like that, but will be on the lookout for a similar scarf from now on....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY VERSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to show my version of this Pinterest look, if only because it named the brands that were used. That way you can be SURE that my version cost a small fraction of the original.

 

 

 

 

Cardi- $5.99 Value Village

Scarf- gift

Black Shirt- $5.99 Talize

Jeans- $12.99 Talize

Belt- thrifted so long ago- probably under $3

 

 

 

 

 

Again- no need to break the bank, friends! If it makes thrifting easier for you- go with a specific look in mind. You'll be amazed what you can pull together for next to nothing! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Vendors in the Hamilton Area

 

 

 

Are you still getting your Christmas shopping done?? Are you looking for some Local Vendors that you could support instead of your Big Box Stores?? Then, this post is for you! And also for anyone already done their Christmas shopping but still looking for areas to visit where they can 'Shop Local'.

 

 

I'll go over a few areas for you- and name a couple of my favourite stops...

 

 

James Street North Shopping

 

 

First of all, you can go James Str's Facebook Group and check out all they have to offer. Or you could check out an Art Crawl - the second Friday of every month all of the galleries and shops on James St N stay open late and you can wander through. It's always interesting and fun.

 

My suggestion, if you want to head there on a weekend, is to stop in at Mulberry Street Coffeehouse and grab a delicious cup of coffee and/or a snack to take along with you while you shop. If you are looking for gifts for others, I suggest Humblepie, Hawk & Sparrow, Relish, White Elephant, or Mixed Media for some truly unique gifts and/or stocking stuffers for those you love.

 

 

 

Concession Street Shopping

 

Concession Street is an adorable little neighbourhood along Hamilton's escarpment. This Saturday (Dec 15th) there will be fun for families because they will be having Breakfast with Santa, local carol-ers carolling, and carriage rides. Concession Street has many fabulous locally-owned shops, but the one that I frequent the most (being a hairstylist, obviously) is the Mountain Beauty Supply. It is a great little shop and is open to the public. Right now they have various Christmas packages with shampoos, conditioners or nail supplies that are sure to please the women on your list.

 

 

Ottawa Street N Shopping  

 

Before you head down to Ottawa Street for the day, check out all the information that you would need at Shop Ottawa Street. They have an alphabetized business directory on there as well. I suggest stopping in at Cannon Coffee Co. for a cup of joe and a bite to eat before you start your day of shopping. They girls that own this shop are beyond fabulous. Definitely check out the Allsorts Gallery - a local artists co-op selling local, handmade, unique artistic gifts. Also, be sure to check out Granny's Attic for some amazing vintage treasures. You will definitely need the day to travel up and down the street checking out all the antique and vintage stores that Ottawa Street N has to offer.

 

 

Locke Street Shopping

 

 

I'm sure everyone that lives in Hamilton has been shopping on Locke Street before. I won't spend much time here. But, in case you've been living under a rock, and have never ventured to Locke Street before, here is a list of what this vibrant area has to offer. Definitely go into Ten Thousand Villages for beautiful fairly-traded gifts from around the world. For big appetites, eat at Chuck's Burger Bar and check out Locke Street Antiques for all things vintage.

 

 

Westdale Village Shopping

 

Like the Locke Street area, I'm sure that most of you living in Hamilton have been shopping in Westdale Village. It truly is like being in an adorable little village inside of a big city. For an alphabetized list of shops and services in Westdale, click here.

This Friday, Wesdale is having it's 2012 Winter Wander:

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

If you do head down to Westdale Village, make sure to pop into Global Village Market for some organic/ fair-trade coffee and also some fairly-traded gifts as well. And grab some dinner at The Bean Bar- you won't be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

Well- there you are, friends. My extensive list of local vendors to check out for not only your Christmas shopping, but throughout the year as well.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy supporting local!!