Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/29: Thrift Store Two-Fer

I haven't felt much like blogging this week. Between the heavenly homegoing of Ron Bain, the beyond horrible excuse for Spring Break weather, and starting to get busy at work, I've been kinda MEH.

BUT! Today is GOOD FRIDAY! That means Sunday is EASTER! We need happiness! Bright, pastels and hopping chicks and bunnies!! Indigestion from finishing the kids' jelly beans! Ok, maybe that's just me :P

At any rate, today I bring you a springy bracelet duo. 99.9% composed of thrifted materials, I just love them. The only 'new' beads are the rectangles, bought at Meijer when they ran one of their frequent 40% off sales. These bracelets are a peachy pink, one of my favorite colors, and the combination just sings SPRING to me.

The rest of the beads came courtesy a bracelet and necklace from Goodwill. Often I will see a piece of jewelry there, and I'll be drawn to it because of it's beads, not the finished product. It's another example of VISION. The necklace especially wasn't one I'd wear..........it was a tight, choker size......maybe for a doll! Last night, during the nail biter OSU basketball game against Arizona, I transformed it into the beaded beauty you see here.

I hope Sunday finds you attending church and remembering Christ's Resurrection! Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, try to wear something that sings SPRING!! Have a fabulous weekend!!

Rockin' Ring Tuesday: Eh, Why Not?

Long before I began my mad love affair with bracelets, there were RINGS!! I pretty much started wearing them out of the womb :P

Back in the '60's, when the first wave of 'cocktail rings' were at their most popular (think 'Mad Men'), I used to dig through my mom's costume jewelry and put a ring on each finger. Watching her get ready to go out with my daddy, in a haze of Emeraude perfume, I thought she oozed class from every pore (I still do!), and those rings finished off her look. Yep, when I was very little, bigger rings were better!

In the 70's, turquoise stones set in sterling silver were all the rage. Remember 'Billy Jack?' Again, my mother had beautiful turquoise pieces. As I got a little older, I started preferring smaller rings, so my mom's were safe from my sticky fingers!

When you think of the 80's, you usually think big, door knocker earrings and day-glo everything. Well, yes for the mid to late 80's. However, I graduated from high school in 1982, and we were still in the 'preppy' phase of our lives. Along with the penny loafers and button down dress shirts, we wore small pearl or stud earrings, with similar, small rings. That set the tone for the jewelry I would wear through much of my adult life.

From the age of 18 through my early 40's, i wore delicate earrings and rings, but often stacked them. It wasn't unusual for me to wear 3 rings on one hand, often one on my thumb. When my kids came, I didn't have much time to primp and put together jewelry ensembles, so I wore real gold earrings and rings and wore them ALL THE TIME, hardly ever taking them off. Kinda hard to coordinate when you're chasing a toddler up the china cabinet!

Sometime in my mid 40's, I started liking bigger rings. This was a huge surprise, as I'd always associated big bling with my lovely mama, who wears statement jewelry like nobody's business. Maybe I can blame this on my sweet husband. When he proposed, he surprised me with a 2 carat diamond engagement ring that took my breath away, even though I had stubbornly insisted we have plain gold bands if we married. I have small hands and fingers, but the ring looks just like it belongs, and that got me comtemplating OTHER bigger pieces of jewelry, like........COCKTAIL RINGS!!

'Cause, you know........fashion is just one big circle.

Anyway, today's Rocking Ring is courtesy Plato's Closet in beautiful Uptown Westerville, Ohio. I have sung the praises of this amazing consignment store before in my blog. This perfect gold swirl ring was all of $4. A bit big for a pinky ring, yet far too small for my ring finger, and my daughter sweetly suggested I NOT make it a midi ring (I like cutting edge, but I don't want to be ridiculous!). Trying to figure out what to do, I finally decided to take it to Bargar's Jewelry, a landmark in downtown Delaware. Not only do they have gorgeous jewelry, watches, jewelry boxes, etc., they also provide jewelry repair and sizing. For rings that aren't real gold, but need to be sized and for which I don't want to settle for that blasted plastic monstrosity you can pop on the back, they offer an alternative. The second picture illustrates the gold wrap the jeweler expertly used to size my ring. Now it's perfect on my pinky. I've had Bargar's size several rings for me, and it's only $5 and change :)

Honoring A Real American Hero

Laura and Ron Bain on their wedding day, October 16th, 1982.



Because I write so much on my blog about fashion, you might be tempted to think that's all I care about.

You couldn't be more wrong. I view clothing and jewelry as backdrops as you create for yourself a fabulous life. Being a Christian and making Jesus #1 in your life, then loving others as yourself, are the true reasons for living.

Today, my family is honored to be able to remember someone who truly lived his life for others. He was taken far too young, but what a legacy he left behind!

Ronald Bain was a retired Major in the Army. He was working at the Alfred P. Murrah building the morning of April 19th, 1995, when a horrific bomb killed and injured many of it's occupants. Thinking nothing of himself, Ron jumped in and helped in the rescue effort, permanently damaging his lungs in the process. Ron was awarded the Soldier’s Medal due to his heroic actions following the bombing, the second highest award for a noncombat soldier. He also testified for the prosecution at the trial of Timothy McVey, the accused bomber. So powerful was his testimony, the defense sought to get it thrown out of court.

Ron and his wife, Laura, raised three children: Valerie, Allison and Stephen. They were very involved in their church and community. Ron and Laura truly thought of others first, always helping out above and beyond. Even when he wasn't feeling well, Ron helped out with his wife's 4H kids, often hauling equipment, bunny cages, chicken coops, etc. in his truck. Their exemplary lives are lived out today in the lives of their kids.....all 3 being fabulous Christians who aren't afraid to stand up for Jesus. How often do you see that?

Last Thursday night, Ron's heart stopped. At 54, he was far too young to pass away. He was still vibrant and useful, leading an active role in his church. Laura says he had grown closer to The Lord recently, and loved to spend time studying the Bible. Maybe he knew his time on earth was drawing to a close.

Ron's passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family and friends. Today we will celebrate and honor his memory. As sad as we are for ourselves, we as Christians have the VIBRANT HOPE that Ron is ALIVE and HEALTHY and with Jesus! What a precious promise!! Oh death? Where IS your sting?

We're entering Easter Week. Christians world wide are celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection this coming weekend. Jesus didn't stay dead. He AROSE! Why? So we could have His new life and forgiveness of sins. Ron knew this! He accepted Jesus' free plan of salvation, and as a result, he is alive and healthy and whole, and waiting for us!

Thank you for your life and your service, Ron. Thank you, Laura, Valerie, Allison and Stephen, for your continuing influence and example of lives lived well for Jesus and others! Because of you,we are forever changed

Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/22: Cold Weather Creativity

I do my best jewelry making during the winter. Why not? I'm not going to be out sunning myself by the pool, after all. Nope........give me a snuggly afternoon by the fire, and I'll be messing around with my ever growing bead and jewelry findings collection.

Way back in the early aughts (2002, to be exact), I was suffering through a Michigan winter. I was no stranger to the snow and cold, but we'd moved to Michigan after 6 blissfully sunkissed years in Vegas. That first winter? More snow than the hardy Michiganders had seen in a looooong time. Woot. So, I looked for other way to bide my time during the long winter days. I remember enjoying 'The Osbournes,' (I laughed so hard I snorted). I also decided to start making beaded jewelry. I stocked up on lots and lots of beads, findings, tools and assorted stretchy string, and got to work. Claire STILL has some of those early earrings in her jewelry box.

In my old age, I've become more picky (discerning?) about what beads I buy. I lean a little more toward the classic and metals, as opposed to the bright, crayola colored beads of 10 years ago. I also love to buy clearanced jewelry and remake it. Today's Bangin' Bangle is a prime example!

I'd seen this two pack of bracelets at Walmart for quite a while. I had no interest in the shiny beaded number, but the matte finish was nice. Both stretchy, but way too tight. I figured I'd wait until they got marked down on clearance. Once they did, I thought maybe all I'd need to do was restring them to make them more comfortable. My stretchy line has more give than the standard stuff.

No such luck. Same old tightness. Now I was digging through my endless stash of beads to see if there was something I oculd use as spacers to give the bracelet more give. Nothing looked right.......until I looked at the unused, shiny beaded bracelet and thought, 'hmmm.' A couple of THOSE beads added on, and VOILA! It's cool, it's comfortable and the shiny gold adds interest to the matte.

Simple little brainstorm, but it made the bracelet perfect.
_

A Blogging Dry Spell

I could blame it on the fact that it's the first full day of Spring, and I'm freezing my digits off. I could blame it on our shop's version of 'March Madness' setting in (what? you're 4 weeks on service already?). I could blame it on only two more episodes of The Walking Dead this season.

Would it matter?

Life, as it always does for me each March, has settled into a grey blob with the consistancy of oatmeal. Easter's only a week away, and I have my decorations up, but they look strangely out of place. With their bright, primary colors, they should have warmth and sunshine framing them, instead of.........blech.

During these times, I slice myself up a nice helping of doubt pie. Why am I writing this blog? Does anyone REALLY care I got yet another designer item for $3.29? Am I truly in a rut, or is this blasted Daylight's Savings Time kicking my keister?

Ima go with lucky #3. Enough of you have told me you like my stuff, and I am inspired by your stories of creativity and thrift. I'm just tired. I get 6 hours of sleep per work night (if I'm lucky), and I do an awful lot of running around on top of that, so it makes perfect sense. There's no happy little Alice the maid greeting me when I drag home, so the laundry and cooking and cleaning are an added bonus. Not complaining, just sayin'.

As is often the case, God has provided a weekend of rest coming up. Claire leaves for Chicago with her choir tomorrow morning (5:45 am, anyone?), and won't be home until 9:30 Sunday night. I'm thinking some serious 'hey, remember me?' time with my bed and my husband (ok, they might be separate events, lol) is in order. Getting my hair colored, and perhaps using one of our gift cards for a nice dinner out, would also be appreciated. I need lots of and lots of 'Breaking Bad' too. Be forewarned, Brendan........mama needs some Netflix.

Actually, anything that doesn't resemble collecting a urine sample from a blind Lab, working on a malfunctioning (insert appliance), or gathering and documenting thrift store donations is probably gonna work just fine.

The Dig: Approaching Thrift Like Indiana Jones

I love my husband, and our differences, while they can cause friction, can also help me learn. Case in point: while I was in heaven when he took me to the thrift store last Monday, it was an exercise in patience for him. Walking into a thrift store that looks like nothing special (in fact, it looked like a Brady Bunch episode)wasn't his idea of a fun thing to do on his day off. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the fact that I got so much out of it.

That got me thinking about how my passion for thrift might not be shared by others. Not a revelation, I know this to be true, but there are a few of you who regularly haunt thrift stores, hoping to find the goodies that Claire and I do, and come away disappointed.

I think a big part of it is our 'mall mentality.' Go to a store like Saks or Nordstrom, and it's a delight to the eyes. Everything is laid out as nicely as possible......it even smells good. There's a man playing the piano. All of this entices us to spend money and might help us be a bit numb to the huge price we're paying. We are sensory people!

Now, contrast that to a trip to the thrift store. Goodwill is trying to spice things up a bit, but on the whole, it's a totally different ball game. The best way to describe a thrift store is GREY. Have you ever seen 'Napoleon Dynamite?' He haunts his town's thrift store regularly. Not very attractive, is it? Yet our boy Napoleon perseveres and finds that prom worthy suit, that manly dagger.......that cool dance video.

There have been times when we enter a thrift store and BOOM! There's that dream dress or purse sitting right on top, out in the open. Happens, but more regularly, we gotta DIG. I guess you could say we approach thrift like an archeologist. Indiana Jones knows he's gonna dig DEEP for the good stuff........under the sand and in the scary jungle. Look what he finds!! Ok, forget the snake episode......that's not what I'm referring to *shudders*.

Here's 3 examples of what I'm talking about.......first picture. Cute Jessica Simpson clutch. It was truly off the beaten track in the store, almost hidden behind some bigger purses. You can't just look at the top layer in a thrift store! Dig behind the stuff in front! 9 out of 10 times, I've found the true treasures tucked in the back. This clutch was well worth the dig: at $4.99; the retail price was $69!!!

Second picture. Leather Sebago Docksiders. They are the casual shoe of choice for Kate Middleton. Cool and comfortable and all leather. These were my size, perfect condition, and $3.29. Retail price? $100!!! Where did I find them? On the MEN'S shoe rack! If I'd stuck to the women's side, I never would have found these beauties. Claire was trying on prom dresses in the dressing room, and the men's shoe rack was right next door......so I took advantage of the opportunity to peruse. I'm sure glad I did!

My third example has no picture (yet!). Claire's new prom dress came from Goodwill. When we're looking for a formal, we load up the cart with everything in Claire's size, whether it appeals to her or not. Things look totally different ON then they do on a hanger or a pile. If we'd just gone to the formal rack and looked at the 'top layer,' odds are pretty good we wouldn't have grabbed anything. Sometimes you can't rely on the size inside, either. If something looks big enough for you, yet has a much smaller size on the tag, grab it anyway. Often, things have been taken in or let out at the tailor, so the end result will be different. Have vision! Claire's new gown fits her like a glove, and only needs a bit of a 'tweak' at the bodice. HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE!!!! The dress cost us $10......it's a Jessica McClintock. New? $200-$300!!!! How worth it was it for us to grab an armful and take the time to try every dress on?

If you've read the above and said, 'that's nice, but I don't have the time to dig through everything,' it took Claire and I just about an hour for the prom dress shopping. That, plus the fact that we laughed and enjoyed ourselves, while digging......can you really put a price tag on that?

Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/15: Diamond In The Rough

When Michael surprised me Monday by taking me to the Goodwill in Marion, I got this bracelet for $2. It's that lovely matte finish gold that looks far more expensive that it actually is. I love that, and also the finish keeps the yellow gold from looking too 'precious,' as is often the case. Must be the rebel/rocker in me, but I like when something is added to yellow gold jewelry to make it look rougher. That's a big reason I love the gold and silver combo.

This is a small bracelet, so I will wear it with a watch, or possibly with other bracelets on my right wrist. Kickin' it up a notch, ya know.

The Marion Goodwill is one of the most misleading-looking thrift stores out there. No offense Marion, but your Goodwill doesn't look like anything special. You really gotta dig for the good stuff, but if you do, I promise you won't be disappointed. If you go, PLEASE check out the jewelry in the glass cases at the register. The stuff is incredible, I ALWAYS find something I have to have, and it's CHEAP. Word evidently hasn't gotten out yet on the treasures here! One of my first blog posts had to do with the large link silver and gold bracelet I got here for $3. It rivals that almost $100 beauty from J. Crew.

The Marion Goodwill is in the same shopping center as Cici's Pizza, and is right next door to Big Lots. We love the restaurants in Marion, and going to the Goodwill afterwards was a great way to work it off!!

Toned Legs (Hopefully!) For Little $

There are varying views on the 'toning' footwear, like Fit Flops or Tone Ups. Some people rave about them and swear by them, others hate them. I have always wanted a pair, but they are expensive. The shoes can run on average $100, and the flip flops about $50. That's a lot of scratch to pay for something that may not be comfortable!

Monday, when my sweet hubby surprised me by taking me to Goodwill, I found a pair of Skechers Tone Ups flip flops in suede. Barely used, they were $3.29. I took them home and ran them through a hot washer, and they look brand new. They fit perfectly and are super comfortable. I am hoping they are comfortable enough for lots of walking, as I have always wanted a cool, comfortable alternative to sneakers during the summer.

If they're not? I'm out $3.29. I may have to walk a few miles before I find out if they're truly for me or not, and if I had bought them brand new, there might be an issue returning a visibly used pair of shoes. Even with a receipt.

This is another perk of thrifting. If you find something you really want to try, but don't want to spend the $$$, try to find it used. I know there are some of you going 'ewwwww' right now at the thought of used flip flops, but remember, I used 'barely worn' when describing them. Plus, I 'ran them through a hot washer.' Believe me, I'm not about to buy myself an icky pair of used flip flops. I DO have my standards!

I'll be sure to keep you posted, come flip flop weather, if my purchase was a success :)

Well DUH, Erin........

In April, I will have worked here at the lawnmower shop, with my handsome husband, for 4 years. In this day and age, that's nothing to sneeze at.

Before I came to work at Roush Worthington Lawnmowers, I had been a stay at home mama for 15 years. I LOVED it! At first, it was a little rough going, as I had always worked. I had a 2 yr old boy and had just been transplanted in Salinas, CA, where I knew no one. Thankfully, the adjustment period was brief, and I learned to make friends of other mamas and find activities for my kiddos. In fact, I even homeschooled for 5 years. Hardcore.

Anyway, when I was at home, even though it could be very hectic at times, I was always able to stay on a schedule and take care of not only my family and my home, but myself. My home wasn't perfect, but it was kept. That's what happens when you're the boss :P

Finances and the economy being what they are, in 2009 I found it necessary to go back to work. In my former working life, I had been a pharmacy tech, but the hours weren't conducive to being a part of my family's activities, and the pay was dismal, too. I had been praying for about a year, when the opportunity came up to help my husband run the front end of the repair shop. Yeah, I know.........if I had a dime for every woman who says to me, 'I could NEVER work with my husband,'......well, I could quit, basically. To my way of thinking, if we're gonna drive each other crazy, why not do it here at work? Plus, if I gotta make a run to the doctor and pick someone up from school, my boss is very flexible about allowing me to make the time up elsewhere.

It's a funny thing about having a job outside the house. Other things muscle in, and priorities shift. No longer could I make a big grocery shopping trip after dropping the kids off at school in the morning. My shopping had to be wedged into those chunks of free time here and there. I couldn't make time for a leisurely weekly lunch with my parents anymore (BIG sad face), and a lot had to be done on the weekend, instead of spread out during the week.
It's the life God gave me! I've been so fortunate to experience being at home, and now being out in the workforce.

As well as I've done being more organized in order to get stuff done, I had an epiphany today. I was overweight when I came to work at the lawnmower shop, and 4 years later, those pounds multiplied. There's no nice way to say it; I just haven't been too careful. Yes,it's harder to make time to sit down and have regular meals, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. I need to make the effort. So, it's back to meal planning and telling the kids that, instead of all of us throwing something down while we stand around the kitchen island, we're gonna have a set time for dinner and we're gonna sit down for it. We've still been spending time together and fellowshipping, and thankfully have kept the fast food consumption to the very minimum (Friday night is pizza night, either our treat or Brendan's)........but sitting down could SLOW us down and make a difference, weight wise. I have older kids now, with differing schedules that won't quit, but at least if they come home later, there will be a complete meal waiting for them to heat up, instead of instructions to 'fend for yourself.'

Another area that I've let slide is my bed time. I've always been a night owl, and can be found up until midnight some nights doing laundry and finishing up the kitchen. I don't have to tell you that late nights, combined with a 5:30am work day alarm, make for a very tired woman. My weekends are spent catching up on sleep, and that won't change, but I DO need to make a concentrated effort to shift things around so I can get to bed earlier. What brought this to a head was the stupid DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. Argh. It gets harder as I get older. Plus, did you know if you don't get enough sleep, it can cause it to be harder to lose weight? True story. Ain't nobody got time for that.

So, starting today, there's more to be added to my Day Timer and IPhone schedule. The first few days of trying to form a new habit are ALWAYS rugged, and I will have to hang on by the skin of my teeth and my fingernails. The end result will be more than worth it, and should be second nature by the time Miss Claire becomes a senior next year, with the killer schedule I know is waiting......

A final note. Please, be nice to me. Don't read this and make a comment letting me know I'm a loser. I try to be transparent and share my life, with all it's equal parts glitter and zits, so that someone might learn something. I'd rather be a GOOD role model, but some of my best lessons were learned at the feet of those willing to share their mistakes. We can't all be perfect......even online ;)

NEWS FLASH!! I Won't Hate You If You Don't Thrift!

If you are new to my blog, then you have no clue I live to thrift shop. I live for the thrill of the hunt, the unspeakable joy of finding a true treasure, and the earthshaking blast of paying next to nothing for it. Yeah, it's how I roll.

Now, you may be a long time reader of my blog. You have read of my second hand jewelry, prom ensembles and home interior pieces. You probably have one of 3 reactions:

1.) COOL!! I want to do this, too! I want to save money, yet look chic. I want my kids to have top of the line clothing but not pay through the nose to do so. Plus, digging through all that second hand gold sounds like something that would really blow my skirt up.

2.) Well, good for Erin. She seems to be having a marvelous time thrifting. I like reading about it, and maybe sometime I'll actually enter a Goodwill. Or maybe I won't.

3.) EW, GROSS!! Why would ANYONE want to wear someone else's ANYTHING!! I want brand new! I want that crispy, new smell! I don't care if you can launder anything from the thrift store, I DON'T WANT TO!!

If your reaction is #1, congrats, you are my kindred spirit. We would have a BLAST thrifting together......the laughs are great, the deals are amazing, and you won't walk away wanting in the entertainment department. For reals.

If you are Lucky #2, well, I'm glad you enjoy my brain spill and off the cuff writing. Thanks for not making snarky comments about my photography skills. I am the original Photo Derp.

Now, if you are NUMBER THREE......well, I don't hate you. It's perfectly all right to not dig the thrifting scene. You should know by now I have a pretty open mind when it comes to other people's opinions.....unless it's hurting them (or me, HAHA) in some way.

Hurting you? How? Well, how about financially? What if you crave fashion and nice things but don't have the money for what you want? The way I see it, you can pay through the nose with money you don't have for brand new designer duds. Prepare to have a love affair with Ramen and popcorn. I'm not kidding.

Or, you can suck it up and go the route I do. Don't let your finances stand in your way! Develop a huge amount of patience and scour the second hand shops until you find EXACTLY what you want. It's there for the taking, but you must search and allow time. You have a big wedding in a year to attend and nothing to wear? Start looking now, don't procrastinate! You can put together a beautiful outfit for little $ doing it that way.

'But Erin,' you say, 'I have enough money to shop at the mall. I also have enough money to feed my family and pay for their health insurance. I can let my 16 yr old drive my car and not make them get a job to pay for their own insurance. And.......I REALLY don't want to thrift.'

Then don't! You don't have the need or desire! God blesses us with all levels of financial support. I speak for those (like myself) who must be creative in their acquisition of material possessions due to budget constraints, but also want to rock it like you do. I won't judge you if you don't judge me. No worries, however. I'm not a judger, and if someone is taking excellent care of their family's basic needs AND buying brand new, you have my eternal admiration.

Now, are we 'all good?' I don't want there to be ANY misconceptions. We have better things to do.......like shop oxoxoxo

Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/8: Ganging Up

My bracelet pairing today cost all of $13.00 plus tax :)

This is my faux Cartier Tank watch from Sears that I got for $9.99. Alone it looks great, but on a whim I decided to pop this cool $3 filigree bracelet from Goodwill with it. BAM! It looks GREAT!!

That's a lot of arm candy for long sleeves, but for some reason, it works. The bracelet is unique, I've never seen one like it before (which is one reason why I love thrift store jewelry!). Kind of a burnished, matte gold, with tiny cz chips placed here and there. It's actually a stretch bangle, that rests at that all important spot on my wrist. I want to rock my bracelets, but I also don't want to spend my day pulling them back down where they belong!

Speaking of my watch, I got a sweet message from one of my FB friends the other day, saying I had inspired her to go to Sears and check out their watch selection! She also came away a proud new watch owner. I LOVE to hear stuff like that! I am always learning new things from you guys, so it's nice to know I can return the favor every now and then :)

HAPPY FRIDAY FOLKS!!

The Highly Personal World of Interior Design

My mama raised me to have a very open mind as far as other people's style goes. She's an artist, and we all know art is subjective. When I would see a painting or piece of art that seemed highly simplistic to me, she would reply that we had no idea the level of skill or years of schooling that artist had completed in order to achieve that seemingly simple work.

She had a similar view on people's home decorating. When we would visit someone, she always found something to compliment in their home, whether she shared their decorating taste or not. Some people just don't get that. If they walk into a home and have a dissimilar view on decorating, they view the home with ridicule. We are all different people, why would we decorate the same way? My mama didn't realize it at the time, but she was giving me a valuable gift. To this day, I can view a room and appreciate the owner's taste, whether I share it or not.

Except for the stone geese you see on front porches. You know, the ones people like to dress? Sometimes for every holiday? Yeah, ain't nobody got time for that :X

Why have I told you all this? Because the above pictures are of MY decorating. Love it, hate it, it's mine.

Just as I find 99.9% of my wardrobe second hand, I also get most of my home accessories that way. In large part, my furniture was either bought new or are antiques from relatives. The rest? Fabulous thrift store finds. And, a couple 'curb side freebies.' Yep, I'm not too proud to say it. One man's trash, ya know.

The cross and picture combo rests atop a curio cabinet my darling husband bought before we were together. The gold cross was a superb Goodwill score at only $5. Gilt and very heavy, it's a perfect complement to our living room. Pictures of both sets of parents sit on either side, my folks in a thrift store leather frame, and his in a second hand stained glass number. Both were $1 apiece. If for nothing else, you really need to check out your local thrift store for picture frames. Those suckers are expensive new, but only between $1-$5 on average second hand. Most are new in boxes, too. Who can have too many picture frames? Certainly not me! Family photos are the perfect home accent to personalize your place!

The small front table is an antique I inherited from my beloved Grandma Lottie. It was painstakingly wrapped in plastic and carted across the country by my mama's best friend Sue. I LOVE having a table by the front door, for so many reasons. It's a great stop for our keys and other things we need to take with us; not only utilitarian, but also personal and beautiful. The small bowl we keep our keys in was made by Claire in her ceramics class last year. She threw it on a wheel, and I love the end result. Brushed with gold paint, it's rustic but pretty. The blue, brown and gold decorative plate was a Goodwill find at $5. Often you find tons of decorative plates second hand, but not the easels needed to display them. They can be found at Walmart or just about any dollar store for not much scratch. When I DO find them resale, they're only .50. I snap them up! The black and white picture of my kiddos was one of Brendan's senior pictures that I absolutely love, and again, found it's glory in a second hand, $1 frame. Who would know? The end result is very pleasing and makes me feel good about my home.

I don't hold myself up as an interior decorating expert. What I AM is someone who knows what she likes and buys it when she sees it at the thrift store. You would be amazed at how much I have in my home that's second hand.......because unless I told you, you'd never know :)

Mothers of Teenage Girls: Don't Blow It

Isn't Adele something? Her voice is like velvet, and all her Grammys several years ago were well deserved. Have you heard her singing on the soundtrack of the James Bond movie 'Skyfall?' Serious goosebumps.

I don't know much of Adele's back story, so I don't know if, when she was a teenager and a budding performer, she spent many nights sobbing in her room because people refused to see her talent and focused on her curves.

Yes, I said it.

Adele is a curvy girl. Big deal, right? She's absolutely gorgeous, has oodles of talent, and loves a good steak. Shouldn't matter one iota her measurements. We're so much more enlightened now! This is 2013!!

Well, I wish.

I know all the ladies reading this are doing their utmost best to instill positive body images in their daughters. They aren't harping on the numbers of a scale, or poking a protruding midsection. They are working hard to be role models as far as healthy eating, but make sure it's known a sweet splurge won't kill them. They make time to move. They don't shy away from having their pictures taken, and dress in a way that plays up their unique body features. They aren't hiding in bag like clothing.

Aren't they?

Let me tell you, it's never been more important to do so. Do you think the days of judging people on appearance are long gone? You're wrong. Teenage girls are still being made to feel as if they aren't good enough if they don't measure up to a certain physical standard. Size 0 is still a coveted number. Being a teenage girl is hard enough, but when they feel added pressure from adults to look a certain way, it can have devastating consequences. Eating disorders are alive and well.

Need proof we pay more attention to the physical on women than men? Think Hilary Clinton and a certain mental image forms of her hairstyle and pantsuits. Think Joe Biden and you'd be very hard pressed to remember his suit or tie. It's not fair but it's LIFE, and we mamas are in the trenches fighting a very bloody battle for the souls of our girls.

Ever watch 'Mike and Molly?' Melissa McCarthy is a HOOT. She is definitely plus sized, but her talent is unreal. Do you know she is STILL getting grilled for her size? When do critics do this to MEN? Who is noticing all this crap? OUR DAUGHTERS!!!

They need to learn their life lessons from their moms, NOT the media and not their peers. Not even their teachers. Our girls need to learn proper eating and moving, not binging and purging and hours of working out to appease a fickle public. They're not 70's supermodels, surviving on a head of lettuce and 2 packs of cigarettes a day to appear flawless in front of the camera. Our girls need health for the long haul. Looking good because we FEEL good and because we're taking care of ourselves should be what we strive for.

Who better to teach that than Mom?

The Joys of Antique Store Digging

Are you familiar with the series 'Breaking Bad?' If so, you know the first picture above is of Marie, the Princess of Purple. No, really. She even has a purple teakettle. Anyway, I posted her picture NOT for her purple passion, but for the disc necklace she wears in most episodes. The small, disc necklace is very popular with TV and movie actresses right now. Just tune into 'CSI' and see how the lab rats accessorize!


The second picture is of MY disc necklace, which I bought from an antique store for (I'm not kidding) $1! Pardon the 'golden' hue of the picture......it's very creamy in my downstairs bathroom, but the lighting's good.

After getting a sizer put in a new ring at Bargar's jewelry in downtown Delaware, I was walking back to my car and noticed DPS Antiques and Collectibles (17 N. Sandusky St.). I'd only been in there twice........once when Claire bought her fabulous silver spoon ring for $10. That thing looks incredible and must be real silver, as she wears it all the time and the silver hasn't worn off yet.

I decided to pop in and look at their jewelry. Right in front of the register, they have several shelves full of GOBS (only way to describe them!)of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins and rings. They weren't displayed neatly, but in piles. Was it worth it to dig? Yes, because most of the items were only $1.

I found this necklace, a set of two thin, blingy bangles, a tiny claddaugh pin (perfect for March!), an antique police whistle (I put it on my key chain), and two beautiful pins. I found one very gorgeous drop earring, but was having a hard time finding a mate. The salesclerk (wish I'd gotten her name, she was wonderful) saw I was having an issue and actually came over and helped me look! We didn't find it (sad face) but her willingness to help me spoke volumes. When she rang everything up, she packaged each individual piece in either a small, manilla envelope or a plastic ziplock bag. Everything was separated to prevent scratching. It didn't matter my haul came from the $1 racks and only cost a total of $9 and change.......she acted as if I'd bought a set of fine china and it needed to be packed properly.

The array of fabulous jewelry, the rock bottom prices, and the unheard of customer service make me want to frequent this shop WEEKLY. The store has not only jewelry, but anything else a antique store might carry. They're so friendly (NOT my experience with ALL antique dealers on Sandusky!), you can't help but have an enjoyable shopping experience. The only caveats are that 1.) street parking on Sandusky is ALWAYS sketchy and 2.)make sure you have enough time to DIG. The good stuff is there, you just need time and patience! Oh, and bring a friend. Digging together and exclaiming over your finds is so much fun. I'm gonna go back with Claire in a couple weeks when she has Spring Break. Maybe we can get Whit's Frozen Yogurt afterwards :)

Bangin' Bangle MONDAY 3/4: Shake Up Your Week

Yeah, yeah......I know. My bangle posts belong on Fridays. Well, I wasn't in the proper frame of mind to post anything fashion or otherwise blog related after last Tuesday. Family shakeups in January and February have really thrown me for a loop, but guess what? I'm back and stronger than ever.....and dealing with my anger issues. Thankfully, our pastor preached a wonderful sermon for how to Biblically handle anger. I will probably be praying through the steps he outlined on a minute by minute basis for a while.

ANYHOOO.

Don't you love these bracelets? They are brass and flow along my wrists like liquid gold. When I bought my mama's birthday presents at Closet Mentor, these marvelous pieces were only $5 for the set. Yeah, they were calling me. I actually walked around the store carrying them before purchasing. I do that a lot. I want to be absolutely certain, no matter HOW little the purchase price, before I buy. Since I'm trying to stream line my life, I don't need any impulse purchases that I don't wear cluttering my life. I am pleased to report that this way of buying is working for me! I don't look at my jewelry, clothing or shoes anymore and think, ugh, I don't wear this stuff. All that purging in 2012 really worked!

I can't wait for warmer weather anyway, but these bracelets will look fabulous with short sleeves. I could outfit myself in only v-necked t-shirts and jeans for all occasions and look perfect for anything with the right accessories, and these definitely fit the bill. I don't have to wait though, because these bracelets also hit at the right angle on my wrist to be seen under long sleeves without driving me batty. All weather bling? Yes, please!

How's your Monday going? I hope a little 'bracelet post' brightened things up.