One man's trash

...truly is another man's treasure.
This week I spent a fair bit of time in thrift stores. I worked just about every big one south of downtown Calgary these last couple of days. I was thinking about it, while I was in there looking at things and trying them on, and I honestly think I've gotten better at this whole thing. I am obsessed with it these days, and I love love love doing it. So I started analyzing what has made me good at it, and what makes me enjoy it so much. Thus was born, this idea for a post. With fall in the air now, I think just about everyone is looking for some change. Eric and I have decided we want to change our personal styles a little bit, and I would like to be more committed to looking nice and put together when I go places. So I looked for jeans a lot in the malls and decided, I hate malls! SO MUCH! I feel like a little piece of my soul is taken every time I put on a piece of clothing that has 5 in each size hanging on the shelf. I've decided, I buy jeans and shoes brand new, and as little else as possible. I live in the thrift stores, and there are certain things I was looking for this week.
So I thought about what I do, and what I tried to do this week, to make my thrifting successful and satisfying.
1. Never stick only to your size rack.  There are two reasons for this. First is that it's a second hand store, so they don't have a ton of people staging the place to make sure it stays clean and tidy. Things get mixed up, and you'll sometimes find a treasure put in the wrong spot by someone else {either by accident or on purpose}. Second, the best finds are the old vintage ones right? Well older size guides are very different from today's, so take a look at sizes that you may think are too big or too small and you just might find something that fits quite nicely, but has a weird number on the tag.
The other thing I discovered here, just the other day, is that the employees are not fashion experts and will occasionally put a skirt or pair of pants that reads size 25 on the tag in the size 5 section, just to make me feel bigger than I am. In what world is a pair of jeans with a size 25 tag going to fit over my hips, they belong in the 0-2 section, thanks.
2.  Always look in the men's section as well. I know this one sounds the most ridiculous, but there are certain things that you just might be able to find there. A few examples that I've found have been in sweaters/cardigans and in long sleeve button down shirts. Just please please please promise me that if you're going to play with this one, that you stick to things that fit you. It's possible you'll find something cool and fun, but if it doesn't fit you, it will be obvious where you found it. Plus, if your man is like mine and has really good taste, you may be able to find him something there that you'll be excited to bring home and show him.
3. You should go into the dressing room with a pile anywhere from twice to four times as big as you come out with. Especially when you don't go very often, every find can seem like a good find. You'll see tons and tons of articles that you feel are perfect in their own unique and quirky ways, throw them all in the cart. So many good finds are the odd ones you are almost scared to take off the rack. But once you get them on in the dressing room, if something seems to not be quite right, it probably isn't. Leave it behind, and forget about it. Hope that someone else will come along and appreciate it.
4. It's more than okay to be a little stingy. Remember that everything in the store has been used before. Some stores I've been to {especially Value Village} seem to have caught on to the trend of second hand shopping, and have priced things accordingly. In a thrift store, it's okay to think that $10 is too much for a shirt. I can only think of a small hand full of times that I would spend more than that, and they're things I have been looking for for a long time. First, it's not necessary because I promise you that if you keep looking, better deals will come up. And the other thing I love, is that it just feels good to not spend too much money. That's what it's kind of about. You want to find great treasures, but it's nice to find them at great prices as well. It makes the find that much more exciting to me.
5. Always look in the housewares and frames sections. I do this because the truth is, people hold on to old prints and frames and dishes and mugs a lot longer than they hold on to old clothes. These sections always have really neat finds {which I rarely ever buy} to inspire me and my new styles or creative ideas.
When I broke it down this week, this is what I came up with. These are the guidelines I always follow, but didn't realise until just now. {Pictures to come}
What are some things you do to get inspired, or to have successful thrift store shopping?

Days 5&6: Rain, Rain Go Away

Hello Eric, 
The last couple of days have been spent mostly in the house. I wish the rain would go away where you are too so that you could go to work, but I'm glad you got some time to relax and have fun with your brothers tonight. I'm very excited to see your family.
On Wednesday Luke left for his very first Young Men's Camp. Dad went up with him for one night as well. You should have seen him preparing to go. He was so nervous and cautious with his packing. He did not want to forget a single thing on the list. He checked the forcast, just about every hour. When dad came home today he told us that Luke is having a blast! He's found a couple of older guys who are very patient and kind to him, and have a lot of fun with him. Dad told us that last night he came out to the fire wearing the onsie he made himself at Christmas time. He felt a little embarrassed and kind of asked them to excuse his pjs, then the other boys (a set of brothers about 14 and 17) went and changed into their matching ones. I'm really glad that he's having a good time and I hope he brings home good memories.
Dad also told us that he picked up two hitch hikers on the way home. I think it nearly gave mom a heart attack, but it was to keep him from falling asleep at the wheel, so I guess it was a blessing they needed a ride.
At home, we've been doing very girly things. We had a girly movie last night. It was called Restless, and was actually quite cute. A little sad, but cute. The rest of the time we've spent sewing. I'm almost finished that first shirt; Mom just has to help me with the sleeves and neckline. The second shirt is all cut out and ready to go as well. The dress, Mom had to just do for me. I pinned it and cut it out and got it ready, and she sat this morning and sewed it for me while I worked on my shirts. It looks very cute, and I'm excited to wear it to the temple on Saturday. She also made me one of her leather travel bags. I wanted one for nail polishes, so I dug through her scraps to find some gorgeous colours. I found a fun pink already cut out and ready to go, and a couple of pinks for the nail polish bottles. Then I brought her my nail polish and she drew a pattern for it. I told her not to bother lining it, and it was done in about ten minutes. She is just incredible sometimes. I hope to be as talented as she is when I grow up. I have some very fun things to bring home and show you. I'm not going to let you see any pictures of my projects, until you see them in real life. I'm just so proud of the things I've learned and accomplished and glad that I have someone to share it with. (That's you by the way, so I hope you get very excited for it when I see you on Saturday night!)
The biggest news of the day: Grandma got here today! Nan came yesterday and it was nice to spend a day chatting with her and mom and Victoria. We had some good and interesting chats about perspective and opinions and things. It was neat to have the three generations (and two different ages from the youngest generation).  Nan came in on a plane though and we new she was coming. Then we new she would spend a day with us and then go to Don and Jodi's. What we didn't know is that Grandma was to show up today. She drove out here and was scheduled to show up tomorrow morning. The rain got her here early though, because it kept her from stopping to look at nice things on the way.
The rain has brought all kinds of good and bad and fun and silly things to us in the last couple days. The next two days are supposed to bring sunshine and hot temperatures to us though so that will bring lovely things to me before I come home to you.
I'm really missing you today love. Rachel lent me a copy of Regina Spektor's newest CD to listen to. Most of it is kind of goofy, like all her other stuff, but one song, called How, reminds me a lot of us when we were dating (and the not dating, and then dating, and then not etc.) I'm glad we ended up together though, and I love our story and the way all the things worked out. I've been listening to the song a few times though and it makes me just want to be home with you and sharing things with you and having you beside me at night. I'm just ready to be with you again, and glad that I will be soon enough. I love you Eric!
Have a good movie with Ben tonight, and I will talk with you tomorrow.

Day 1: Last Market Day

Hello Eric,
When I woke up this morning, it felt like days since I'd seen you. It was weird though, because even though it felt like that, I knew it wasn't so and I didn't miss you yet. It's a relief to not miss you yet because, in reality it's only 8 days until I will see you again at home, and so I don't need to miss you yet.
I woke up at 5 something this morning and got ready for the market. I was so tired and slow and useless this morning. And so was the market. There wasn't a soul in sight until about 10am.
I love going to the market. It's something I get to do myself, for me (and us a little), and something I feel good about separate from you. Not that I don't love you and your opinions and your praise, cause you know I do, but it's nice that there are so many other people out there, who I've never even met before, who will do that for me in the market when they see my things.
Today I tried to make the canvases without painting the base ivory coat, which you know I HATE doing. Guess what! They turned out beautifully! I like them way better, and in comparison, I don't really like the other ones much anymore. Today all the canvases I sold were the white ones, until I only had one big one left (which was ivory) and a lady bought it. It always feels nice when a little less effort, reaps a little more benefit.

This week my mom also started a new line of old leather bags and purses. We went to the fabric store earlier this week and I picked out a fabric for her that I loved. She was uncertain, which made me uncertain, but I told her to take the risk, and it paid off today. She made a few new designs and patterns for the bags, and used one fabric and colour combination I suggested, and one that she liked as well. They were a huge success.

 My colours.

Mom's colours.

These fold over clutches were the biggest and quickest success. Two girls from the market got one each today. First Sarah bought the peach and brown one. She said she had somewhere to go last night and just had to have it to go out with. Then Kathy came over and the pink ones were gone, but she got a blue one. She said she just had to run and check with her husband, but hoped he'd say yes. Then she came back with her card. 

 (Sarah is from Vintage Pink Treasures. Her booth is across from Mom's at the market and I see and chat with her every week. This was her last week, and now she's on maternity leave. She's having a little boy in about 3 weeks.)

 (Kathy is from Made With Local, which makes these delicious granola bars, with 95% locally grown or produced ingredients. She was beside our booth about 3 or 4 weeks ago, and so we chatted with her a bit too. Her full name is Kathryn Elizabeth, which I thought was pretty cool. We traded her last 6 bars she had left on Saturday, for half the purse she bought.) 

I love being in the market. I love the atmosphere and I love the people. I want to find a market where I can do other things in Calgary as well!

***

I felt a little jealous of you being home with the kids today. I'm excited to see everyone, but I just cannot wait for these two! I almost died when you sent me these pictures. 

I love you and them so much, and can't wait to see you all soon (enough)!

Laura is Engaged

Laura used to live here in Halifax, and that's how I know her. We used to go to church together in the YSA branch when I we were just a young things. Now we are old women because I am married and Laura is very close to being so herself.
Tonight was her bridal shower, at her mom's place in Halifax. Her colours are pink and grey, like mine were, and she has a theme that I am very into right now. Backyard; mason jars, burlap and lace. That's actually the plan and scheme I had for my collection for the market. I like her taste. So I had some creative things roll around in my mind when she told me she was having a shower here in Halifax, and that I was invited. They turned out even better than I thought they would. In fact, the entire time I was making them my mom and Victoria and Abby sat at the table next to me and had to continuously stroke my ego as I felt they were turning into a disaster.
Here's what did come of it though, and I am quite pleased.

 Good advice on the cake.

I always love the chance to put a little extra effort into a gift, when I know the person will appreciate. I felt like Laura would be one of those people. She's been working hard to make just about everything for her wedding. I didn't know what she'd do with these, but I still knew she'd like them. She said she may use them on the back of her and Jeremy's chairs at the reception. I would be honoured.
Congratulations Laura. I'm certain your wedding will be wonderful, and that you'll make a beautiful bride, and a lovely wife!

Lately I've been on Instagram

I am basically dying without the Internet, and am so unimpressed with the company. They've been booked for two appointments already since we moved and cancelled one and then didn't show up for the other, but tried to say they did. Claimed that he was banging on all the windows and doors and no one answered. Ummm hello, but there are 7 people living in the house who are each anxiously awaiting your arrival, no one saw you. Ugh.
Anyway, I have an awful confession to make. Knowing that I've been unable to blog for like two whole weeks has made me a little awful using my camera. I don't take it out as much as I should.
Good news: Instagram! This has maybe saved me from my camera laziness, and presented to me a whole new photographic issue. I think I take pictures of dumb things. Confession #2. I had no idea how to work it til like two weeks ago and used it mainly just because it made some pictures on my phone look cool and then I used them as backgrounds. I just realised that @ tags someone in it, and still really don't understand the # concept. I also with there was a way to edit posts you've already made. But now that I've absent from here, and just dreading this massive recap post I have to do, I've been a little obsessed with using Instagram to keep a running tab on everything I would want to include here.
So here it is: what I am able to remember of the last couple weeks because I kept up on Instagram.

(1) I went to the Farmers' Market last Saturday with some new things. These beautiful new decorative jar lids are a hit. I think they're the cutest. 

(2) This skirt was one of my favourite recent thrift store finds. It used to be ankle length on me, but mamma shortened it for me. 

(3) Sunday was a tough day for me. Eric and I sat out on the trampoline, not for very long, but enjoyed the gorgeous evening and had a really good talk.

(4) Then we played a couple of fun card and dice games with my family, and that lightened everything up just enough.

(5) Monday, I got new paints! They were on sale this week so I went and picked up a couple of fun new colours, and then some of the good classics. Then I painted a few canvases for tomorrow's market.

(6) Tuesday morning Eric and I had the first spoon of homemade strawberry jam on toast.

(7) Lots of time spent in the pool and catching some sun.

(8) I got a new necklace from Vintage Pink Treasure at the market on Saturday. Sarah is leaving soon for maternity leave, so tomorrow is her last day there!

(9) Tuesday we also went with my mom to a store called Wild Lilly here in Wolfville. My very favourite treasure was this big floor mat with a couple lines of the alphabet in different fonts. 

(10) Wednesday the kids came for a visit while my mom presented at Youth Conference here. We swam in the pool a lot, and then played some games and ate pizza. 

(11) Wednesday night, while I was stuck in the little bookstore, I decided I need to read more. I started that. 

(12) When I haven't been doing different fun little things, I've been in the sun. The sun is my best friend these days, and keeps me company while Eric is at work in the afternoons. I'm having a hot affair with the sun!

***

I love a week when there is something nice to say about everyday. Today is Friday the 13th, so it's a good thing I've already had a really good morning with Eric. Whatever happens now can't ruin that. We slept in a little, then had a good workout at the gym, then swam and read scriptures, and just had a really good pasta lunch before he took off for the doors. Good Luck today Love. I'll see you tonight!

Crafting with Victoria

Victoria is for sure the craftiest of us all. I showed her Pinterest about 2 months ago when I moved here and she's already done more projects off it than I've even pinned (and then failed to even attempt).
First was this leather cuff bracelet I'm wearing, which I've had pinned for two months and totally forgot about. The other two are Value Village bracelets wrapped in fabric or lace of my choice. Pretty cute huh?

market joys

The market is such a fun place to watch people. People there are so funny and sometimes so strange. I have a lot of fun being there with my mom on Saturdays. It's a fun environment.
I've loved making the stuff, and for the most part it's been successful down there these past two weeks. I really have a hard time selling to people though. If any of it has sold it's because of the product itself, and not my endorsing it. (Which, I can't complain about right? That's still good news). But sometimes I feel so awkward and uncomfortable down there while people are looking at my stuff. I just stand there weirdly, probably making them so uncomfortable they wanna buy something just to get the heck out of there. Fast!
I wish I could be as comfortable in the market as this little girl was today.

Also, I made my first trade today at the market! I traded a small canvas for a woman's nursery, for this super cute cuff bracelet she made. It was so fun. I felt like a real artist and market vendor.