A Little Kitchen Redo

About a year and a half ago, I was able to purchase my first home- owned solely by me. It was a huge accomplishment- one that I am very proud of.

I looked for one that needed a bit of updating- a home that I could make my own.

I fell in love with a semi-detached that had plenty of room for me and my 3 boys, but that had all of the outside maintenance taken care of. 

The inside definitely needed some updating. This is what the dining room looked like when I bought:

 After living with taupe walls for 3 years while renting- I initially went bold with my colour choice for my kitchen/ dining room. This colour was Rodeo Red by Behr. I loved how cozy this colour felt at the time- but after a while that 'cozy' feeling started to feel like the walls were closing in on me.

 

 Now, a year and a half later- I longed for the calming effect of taupe again. This time I chose Cappuccino Froth by Behr. I love how just a fresh coat of paint can make the room feel brand new, brighter, and even larger than before. (I also put down a vinyl plank floor in Driftwook Oak)

 This was my kitchen when I purchased my home. I loved all of the cupboard space- but did not love the colour.

I was quite happy with it after the Rodeo Red went on the walls. I used a faux-brick wallpaper as a temporary backsplash.

 After painting the kitchen taupe, I decided to do some updating on the appliances. You can see in the above photo that the appliances were a lovely ivory colour. I found a stainless steel oven on kijiji that was a year old for $400.

 

 But my range hood was still ivory. I picked up some black appliance paint and decided to try painting my hood- that was still in great working order. After 2 coats, I am SO pleased with the results! You would never know it didn't come installed in black!

 I then turned to my ivory dishwasher. I decided to try stainless steel contact paper on the main tub part and painted the bottom black.

 I absolutely love the results. For a $12.99 roll of paper and a couple of coats of appliance paint- it looks like a totally different dishwasher!

 Here is my finished redo on my dishwasher and range hood...and also a sneak peek at my current project- my painted cupboards!

More updates to come on my cupboards, friends! Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading and I hope I've inspired you to breathe new life into some old items, instead of replacing them! You'll have an amazing sense of accomplishment and our earth will thank you!

Peace.

National Thrift Day- My Top Ten Reasons To Thrift

It's National Thrift Day, friends!

To celebrate- I've come up with my Top Ten Reasons why thrifting is just the best!

10- You get to buy clothing that is different than everything everyone else is wearing.

9- Or, if you desire, you get to buy clothing that is the SAME as everything everyone else is wearing- but you just bought it for less.

8- You get to help the earth. Buying second-hand recycles items and reduces the need to manufacture new items.

7- You can feel good that you've saved an item from a landfill. You're basically a hero.

6- It's like a fun scavenger hunt every time you shop. Who knows WHAT you'll find!

5-  You get to save money, loads of it. 

4- You get to brag to everyone about what a great deal you got when you get loads of compliments on your purchases.

3- Did I mention ALL of the money you save? Seriously...

2- You get to hum the 'Thrift Shop' song while you're shopping. ...."I'm gonna pop some tags....only got twenty dollars in my pocket..."

And the number one reason why thrifting is the absolute best is this:

This woman found Chris Hadfield's authentic space suit at a Canadian thrift shop and bought it for $40. For real life. You never know what unique items you will find.

You can read about WHY I only buy second hand here. 

Thanks for reading friends and make sure to get out thrifting to celebrate National Thrift Shop Day!! 

Blessings.

My 'Hour Of Free Personal Thrift Shopping' Giveaway

My friend, Melissa F, was the winner of my last giveaway and she cashed in her prize this morning.

We had a FABULOUS time, catching up and looking for some summer items for her closet.

A couple of days ago, I had asked her to send me some ideas of what she was on the lookout for- This is what she sent me:

 

By looking at these photos I knew that we were looking for some summer-y, flow-y tops, some shorts and a cross-body bag.

I suggested Talize here in Hamilton for these items. I thought that would be our best bet for success. And I was right!

I got there a little early and was already filling up a cart when Melissa arrived.  She gave me a 'yes', 'no', or 'maybe' to what I had picked out and then we went on to search together.

After exhausting the sleeveless tops (we didn't even GET to the SLEEVED tops!), we went to look at the bags. Although she didn't find a cross-body bag in a colour that she wanted (I DID....more on THAT later), she did find an adorable tote in a gorgeous teal colour with brown leather straps.

We then went through the shorts (which incidentally we both agreed is a pretty frustrating item to shop for...they're always too short, or too baggy, etc...) and actually found a surprising amount of cute shorts for her to try on. 

Then came the best part- on to the fitting rooms. 

Right away she found a couple of great tops:

 

 I just LOVE this fun Nautical top that she ended up with.

And also this Hawaiian-type shirt.

And while she tried items on- I got to hang out with baby Timothy, who has won my heart. What an absolute doll he was.

 

I wanted to include an example of a perfectly cute shirt...that did nothing for Melissa. This is a lesson in 'just because something is cute- and inexpensive- if it does nothing for you- DON"T BUY IT'. It will simply clutter up your closet because you won't feel great when you wear it. But only items makes you feel amazing in them. Rant over.

 

Another example of some adorable shirts, that just weren't right for Melissa. But- they WILL be right for someone!

And here is what Melissa ended up purchasing today:

These 4 tops, along with a comfy white tank and a solid black tank as well.

Three- count them- THREE pairs of shorts, friends! Remember our conversation about shorts being such a hassle to find? Well, Not today! She found one pair of white, one pair of black and one pair of navy shorts that fit like a glove. Summer shopping DONE.

And hey....I was able to sneak in a little shopping for myself along the way.

Left: 

Sunglasses- $2.99

Turquoise Tank- $2.99

Brown Cross-body Bag- $12.99 (Brand new with tags!)

Right:

Hanging with my new buddy Timothy while Mama picks out her new summer wardrobe.

All in all, Melissa left with 6 tops, 3 pairs of J.Crew shorts, and a tote- all for around $55, taxes in. That's easily an entire summer wardrobe for under $60!!!

Seriously friends- give thrifting a try! You'll be glad you did! Maybe what a couple of people have mentioned to me is right...Maybe 'personal thrift shopping IS my calling'... ;)

Thanks for reading!

Blessings.

 

My Thrifted Blush Lace Dress And Nude Heels

I recently attended a beautiful wedding at the Cambridge Mill. It was a stunning venue and since I style hair for weddings every weekend, I was SO happy to just be able to attend a wedding instead of working at one. I guess that is just one of the perks of being with a younger man...most of my friends have been married for years. ;)

I had an idea of the dress that I was looking for when I went thrifting last week in Thunder Bay. I tried on a few at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop, but then went next door to their Value Village. And that's when I found it.

I had actually decided on the heels first- and was thrilled when I tried them on with the dress! It was pretty much exactly the outfit that I had envisioned in my brain. Love when that happens.

Blush Dress AND Nude Heels- Value Village Thunder Bay- Purchased BOTH for under $25 taxes in.

Clutch- Talize- $5.99

Necklace and Bracelet- Thrifted AGES ago

We actually stopped ON THE WAY to the wedding to pick up a tie for the Mr....don't ask....

I LOVED this one that I found at the Redemption Prison Ministry thrift shop that we found just down the street from the Cambridge Mill. Thank-you Google.

Tie- Redemption Prison Ministry thrift shop- $1 (!!!)

Brown Shoes- Value Village- $12.99

Thanks for reading about my most recent thrift store finds, friends!

And ladies- don't forget to check for items for the men in your life! Our earth will smile with you for your recycling, reusing and repurposing. 

Blessings.

 

My Absolutely Fabulous Thrifted Coffee And Side Tables

About a year and a half ago I blogged about a New (To-Me) Thrift Shop In Town.

I mentioned that I found the prices a wee bit on the high side- more similar to consignment prices than thrift prices. But all-in-all- I said that I would visit again, for sure.

Well, that little thrift shop moved down the street from me (squeeeeeeeeee), and I am so glad that I visited their new shop.

I saw these tables posted on their facebook page and I knew that I had to go and check them out:

When I got there, it was love at first sight.

Here they are in my Living Room.

Coffee Table Bench- $149

Side Table Bench- $99

I feel like they look pretty at-home here. :)

Again, I would say that their prices are more on the high side- for a thrift shop. BUT, the quality of their items are very high. So, I do believe the prices are fair.

If you go in expecting their prices to be more in line with a consignment store - at least in regards to their furniture- I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you see the quality of the items.

Here are some of the furniture/decor items they have posted on their page:

 

I definitely feel that this shop is worth the drop-in! Head over to 1050 Upper Gage and check them out! 

This week all their clothing is $1!!

Blessings.

And The Winner Is...

A week ago I offered up an hour of 'Personal Thrift Shopping' with myself as a giveaway.

Today was the draw.

And the winner is....

Melissa Fletcher!

Congratulations Melissa, I SO look forward to shopping with you in any second-hand store(s) of your choice!

Thank-you to all who entered and shared my post!!

Blessings.

New Giveaway- An Hour Of 'Personal Thrift Shopping' Time With Yours Truly!

I realized that I hit the 60,000 views on my blog and I hadn't yet considered what my next giveaway would be. I like to have a giveaway every 20,000 views.

At 40,000 views The Edit shop here in Hamilton donated this beautiful Vintage Necklace.

At 20,000 views JustOne donated an item from their gorgeous African accessory line.

Because I didn't think ahead to ask about a donation....I will donate... MYSELF.

For those that are too overwhelmed by even the NOTION of thrifting- I will spend the time to help find items that would work for you.

For those that HAVE thrifted, but never seem to find anything, maybe I have some ideas that you haven't thought of.

For those that are looking for a certain outfit for an event- 2 sets of eyes are better than one!

And for those that just want a girl to go thrift shopping with...I can be that girl! 

Even if you don't want to buy second hand clothing- we could go looking for second hand furniture....or anything second-hand that you'd like!

The winner must live in the Hamilton area, or be willing to travel here.

Simply share this post on any social media site. If we are friends on facebook, tag yourself or someone else in order to nominate that name to go into the draw. If you share on another site, or we are not facebook friends, simply comment in the section below for nominations, and let me know that you've shared .






 Contest will run from today, June 22, to a week from today, June 29.

Good luck and blessings, friends!