My New Obsession: My Facebook Trading Group

A couple of weeks ago I started posting the wedding items that I had purchased or had made myself,  that I never ended up using- items that I now feel it's time to get rid of- on facebook Buy-And-Sell groups, kijiji, etc...

Shortly after my postings went up, a friend of mine mentioned a trading group to me- and I was immediately intrigued. As someone who only purchases second-hand, bartering has long been one of my favourite ways to acquire the things that I am in need of.

For those of you not familiar with how bartering/trading works, here it is- plain and simple. People will trade goods (clothing/ furniture/ household items, etc) or services (hair cutting/babysitting/ home maintenance) that they no longer need or that they have to offer, with someone who has a good or service that they do need. The only rule is no money will be exchanged. 

Many people ask for/offer consumables (food they don't like/ food from their garden, etc.),  wine and beer is a popular item that people ask for, clothing, shoes, records, funiture...the list is endless.

Here are a few of my sweet trades so far!

I had these wood slices that I was going to use as part of my wedding centerpieces. 

 I traded 10 slices for a couple of bottles of wine.

One bottle I then traded for a very cute pair of boots:

And the other bottle I quickly traded for a cooler that I was in need of for my upcoming camping trip with my boys.

Do you get the picture? I traded something I didn't need and ended up getting items that I DID need! Bartering is the best!

Here are some other sweet items that I've scored:

These adorable "light bulb" iron candle holders. I traded three chocolate bars for these beauties.

These two canvas pieces were traded for a bag or tortilla chips!! Serious WIN! LOVE these.

 And this gorgeous coral lampshade... I traded a couple of bottles of beer for it (white lamp base found at Value Village for $4.99).

So friends...why buy new (and contribute to the pollution, inhumane working conditions, and garbage issue that we have on this planet), when you can trade your items or services?

I know I will continue to do so!!

Blessings.

  

How to Repurpose An Old Placemat Into An Adorable Purse!

So, I'm pretty excited about this really fun DIY idea! I saw the tutorial for the placemat to purse DIY pictured above on Pinterest and just HAD to search for more!  

Some are as easy as gluing the sides together and some you will need a sewing machine to achieve... but here are my fave repurposing placemat to purse DIY's:

Although many of the tutorials are basically the same idea, this tutorial from Lil Blue Boo does require a sewing machine and basic skills. 
Read tutorial HERE. 

This tutorial from Something Is Done is similar to the one above, but I do like the added strap idea. 
Read this tutorial HERE. 

This is another similar tutorial that I found on Craftaholics Anonymous. I really love how she incorporated the tassel detailing.
Read this How-To HERE.

This tutorial from The Kipi Blog uses a sewing machine and a zipper for closure. Very, very cute.
Read how-to make this clutch HERE.

This tutorial on Repeat Possessions was definitely the easiest of the ones I liked. No sewing. None. You just need glue and a repurposed belt for this simple DIY.
Read how to make this clutch HERE.

I found another somewhat simple tutorial on Average But Inspired. No sewing machine is required and I like how she used thread in a contracting fabric to hand sew the sides.
Read the tutorial for this clutch HERE.






And last, but certainly not least, of my favourites:

This hand-sewn cross-body purse was made by Paper And Stitch from 2 placemats and a leather strap that she had lying around from a previous purse-to-clutch revamp. AND she made it for under $10! It looks really easy to do and I just love the way it looks!




Well, thanks for reading friends!



I hope you'll let me know if you try any of these tutorials! I'd love to see the finished product!



If you don't have any placemats lying around, you can buy them for super cheap (and recycle at the same time) at any thrift shop!
Read the cross-body purse tutorial HERE.




Blessings and happy thrifting!

Supporting A Local Bridal Consignment Shop- She's So Beautiful.

Many of my readers will remember last November when I made the gut-wrenching decision to postpone my New Year's Eve wedding. 

I wrote about my decision and how we just weren't ready HERE.  

Over the last 7 months, the man and I have given it our best shot. But in the end, sadly, we just aren't good together. It is now time for a clean break. And time to sell some wedding items.

Enter She's So Beautiful Bridal Boutique. 

I was able to consign my wedding dress there, along with some accessories. The difference between consignment and selling to a store, is that my dress is priced there- tried on by numerous brides and when it is purchased, I'll receive my money for it- minus the shop's commission.

Featured here is one of the shop's boutique items- TwoBirds bridesmaids dresses.

The shop is absolutely gorgeous. It is a small-ish home-based business, but when you are there, you feel as though you are in any other bridal shop.

The shop's owner, Cindy, started the shop in 2009 with her daughter Ashley. Since then, Cindy has taken on the shop on her own. You can read all about how the shop came to be here.

She's So Beautiful is a great spot to check out for any bride that is in the market for a gown. Whether it's to save money, to be 'green', or for the bride that desperately wants that designer dress- without the designer price tag.

 

At She's So Beautiful, the prices range fro $300 - $4500. Many factors affect the price of a gown, such as designer, style, age and size. 

She also carries jewellery, one-of-a-kind accessories as well as purses, garters and crinolines. Anything you need for your special day, you can find here!

Seriously....how adorable is this tea-length dress?!?!?!?

She's So Beautiful has won the Readers Choice Award for 2014 and for 2015! That's quite an honour! 

I HIGHLY recommend She's So Beautiful

whether you are looking to buy a gown, or consign your much-loved dress from your special day. 

Cindy was a joy to deal with! 

And of course...it helps with not buying new...So I'm a HUGE fan of that!!

You can also follow She's So Beautiful on Pinterest 

Facebook 

and on Twitter.

Blessings, friends.

Munch Mitt Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of my newest giveaway!

 Each winner will receive a brand new 

Munch Mitt

 in their choice of colour.

The winners are (chosen by my impartial judges):

 Amanda De Santis.

 Mikayla Sithamparapillai. 

(Yes, Mikayla, I ran out of room for your last name on my piece of paper.) ;)

 

And Sabrina Hodgson.

I am so excited because 2 of these Mama's have small babies now and one winner is a Mom-To-Be. 

Congrats to the winners!!

I will contact you all soon with the next steps!

My Newest Giveaway- THREE Munch Mitts!!!

I am SO very excited about my latest giveaway!! 

You all know that I purchase almost everything used and second-hand. 

That *ALMOST everything* accounts for gifts for birthdays, babies, etc. (unless I know for a fact that the families enjoy receiving second-hand gifts). 

So, for the times that I do buy new, I make sure that I am supporting a local shop/small business owner.

And that is why I absolutely LOVE The Munch Mitt. 

 *NEW* Pink Shimmer Munch Mitt

The Munch Mitt was invented/created by a local Momtrepreneur and it is simply a FABULOUS product. I loved the idea before I knew that the owner was local- now I ADORE this product even more!!

*NEW* Yellow Munch Mitt MINI

The owner (also named Melissa), was looking for a way to soothe her little 3 month old's teething struggles. He, like my own children, would not keep a soother in his mouth- and would chomp on his (or her own) hands instead.

*NEW* Aqua Blue Munch Mitt

And the Munch Mitt was born. I have to say- I wish I had owned one of these when my boys were tiny. I love to give these as gifts to friends with babies.

Purple Munch Mitt

These awesome Mitts sell for CND$21.95 each, and I am able to give THREE away for FREE!

This is why I am so very excited!!

Green Munch Mitt

Three separate names will be drawn and the winners will be able to choose from any of the regular sized Munch Mitts in their brand new colours! (NEW pink shimmer, NEW shimmer purple, and NEW aqua).

Simply share this post with your friends on any social media site and comment with the new colour that you'd love to win!

***If we are not friends on social media, be sure to comment below to let me know that you've shared, so that your name will be entered into the draw!***

Names will be drawn on June 23rd!

Blessings, and best of luck to all!!

A Memory Board For My Grandpa From A Repurposed Window Frame

Yesterday was my grandfather's funeral.

He was 96 and lived an incredible life. 

He and my grandmother were married for 70 years. He had 3 loving children (and 3children-in-laws), 8 healthy grandchildren and 4 crazy great-grandchildren. 

My grandmother says that they lived a blessed life. And I believe she's right.

For the funeral I put together a memory board for my Dad's family's side. Unfortunately, my parents are in the middle of a move- and have all their old photos packed up. But I was able to work with what I had, along with what my sisters could contribute.

Many years ago, my friend Dallas (who also gifted me with this fabulous table repurposed from a church pew- seen here) found a discarded old window frame on the side of a road. He snatched it up, painted it black and gave it to me as a gift one day. 

For a long time I had it hung up empty- trying to decide what to put in it. Nothing seemed right.

It was the absolute perfect frame for my memory board.  

I painted it out in a muted grey-green and organized my photos on large pieces of white bristol board. I decorated the board with cardstock and jute ribbons.

I was able to add my 8 year old and 5 year old's writing, which I think makes it very special.

And then added a very appropriate quote that he said often.

And here is the finished product:

My tribute to an extraordinary man.

Grandpa, we will miss those amazing blue eyes and your contagious laughter. Your strong hugs and loving kisses. Your stories, your wisdom and your strength.

Loved you then, love you still.

Always have. Always will.

Until we meet again.

 

In My Closet- My Periwinkle Pants And Silver Gladiators

I was on my way out the door this morning and thought that I had better snap a photo before I go, instead of waiting until after I get back.

That was a good call, because on my way there, my blush crumbled all over my lap as I was applying it in my car. Of course. 

I absolutely LOVE these silver gladiators that I snagged at Value Village a few weeks ago. It wasn't quite sandal weather yet, and I was chomping at the bit to wear them!

Today I paired them with some periwinkle pants- that I scored at Value Village last spring.

 

Graphic tank- $4 Re-Source Thrift Shop (Also seen here)

Periwinkle-coloured pants- $7.99 Value Village

White cardigan- Cast-off from a friend- FREE

 

Tan purse- Cast-off from a friend- FREE

 Silver gladiator sandals- $12.99 Value Village

I also took some photos of these sandals when I wore them a couple of weeks ago with a maxi dress.

Maxi dress- bought 3 years ago at Value Village for $9.99

(Also seen here).

Thank you for stopping in and reading, friends!

I have a couple of new ideas in the works and a new giveaway coming very SOON!! 

STAY TUNED! And keep thrifting.

Blessings.