It’s a strange thing.  When I first started “thrifting” I was able to browse leisurely with just a few other patrons.   Yet the other day, I couldn’t find a parking spot at the local Goodwill. 

Perhaps this speaks to the state of our economy, or the opening of other’s eyes to the treasures that await at the local thrift.  Better still, perhaps this is part of a growing movement to repurpose and revamp what already exists, without resorting to buying something new.

Despite the growing shoppers at the Goodwill, I did find a fabulous highboy dresser that I’ll be redoing for my entryway. 

And I also found the TACKIEST oversized octagon clock for $10 with brass detailing and just had to give it a CG makeover. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks to the generosity of our friends over at Cymax Stores, I was honored to choose a giveaway item from their product line.  So now one lucky reader will be the recipient of this fantastic DeLonghi Retro Panini Grill. 

Do you dream of oozing cheese melting in a freshly toasted sandwich?

  Are you tantalized by a specialty meat and gourmet cheese medley?

Do you crave the crispness of grilled toasted bread combined with your favorite ingredients?

Does the word “panini” just make you hungry?

Do you want to give a special Dad a great gift for Father’s Day on June 21st? 

Then this is the giveaway for you ! 

Here’s how to qualify:

1. Visit the Cymax Stores website
2. Then In a comment, tell me which one of their products you would consider purchasing for your home or outdoor space. 

That’s all folks!

And if you have a great panini recipe, then please share it with me. 

The deadline for entry is 8 p.m. PST on Sunday June 14th.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced Monday morning. 

Have a most relaxing weekend. 

Thanks to the folks over at CSN Stores, I was honored to choose an item from their line of products to giveaway on my site.  So one of you will be the lucky recipient of this lovely white earthenware Lenox Berry Bowl, which retails on the CSN Stores site for $60.  It includes the silver serving spoon !

One can never have enough white ceramic decor, right?  This piece is designed to be used as a table worthy colander, but this bowl is actually quite versatile.  You can use it all summer long to wash your freshest berries, and it will come in especially handy for your Fourth of July soiree.  But you’ll never put it away.  Why?

This autumn, you could use this bowl to display a festive pumpkin in your home, or on your Thanksgiving table.  See ?

Then during the Christmas season, you might fill it with ornaments for your best holiday dinner party:

Better yet, before summer is out, you should line it with plastic, fill it with ice, and take it to the beach.  Don’t forget the limes: 

** special thanks to my brother Nate for his Photoshop skills **  

Now that you’re convinced this will be a delightful addition to your home, you need to do two simple things to be eligible for this most splendid giveaway. 

In a comment, you must: 

1) Visit the platform beds link at CSN Stores and tell me which one of their platform beds you would use in your home.  No obligation to buy friends, just visit the link. 

2) In your comment, copy and paste yet another link to a fabulous DIY project.  Bonus points if it’s yours. 

That’s all folks. 

Remember, I am amassing a collection of your original DIY projects in the Links Library on my website with a link to your site, so don’t hesitate to prop yourself up.  If you’re not in the mood for self-promotion, you can still qualify by including a link to a DIY project that lately has inspired you.  (No fair linking to one of mine, though I would be most flattered.)

Tell all your friends so they can get in on the giveaway.  Eligibility ends at 8 p.m. PST on Sunday.  The winner will be chosen at random by Random.org and announced on Monday morning. 

Have a most relaxing weekend.