Monday, August 4, 2008

White Paint, Thrift Store Treasures & Saying Hello

It's the little things in life that are so wonderful!
Like taking a curbside castoff and (FINALLY!) transforming it into something useful and beautiful! I spent a bit this morning doing the first coat of white paint on an old window my husband picked up for me off the curb in our old city. Yes, I DID say my hubby did it! He was mortified the first few times I did it myself, but then he realized that trashpile treasures fit in nicely with his frugal nature! :D

While I was painting on a tarp in the driveway, a woman and her kids came by, walking their dog. I looked up and said, "Hello!", and a lovely conversation followed! Their family is new to the neighborhood and lives 1 street over. She asked about my fence, we talked about the elementary school, and how wonderfully friendly our neighborhood is!

I just love little conversations like this! I always choose to do projects in the front yard vs. the back yard, and love to spend more gardening/yard sprucing time out front than tucked away in back. And all for the simple reason of getting to know my neighbors! It's amazing how relationships form from being in the front garden and chatting with neighbors who are taking a walk or also working outside. I grew up in the country with no neighbors, and so I really cherish the opportunity to get to know the ones I have now!

I went running errands this afternoon, and decided to stop by the thrift store. I had seen a beautiful silverplate tray there last week and couldn't stop thinking about it. They still had it! I was really excited, especially when I saw this fun old baby bassinet for only $3!!

I think I'm going to use it to hold my girls' stuffed animals and doll babies!


I'm surrounded now by giggles, homework, and the jingle-jangle of Sadie's dog collar. Crazy noise to some, but to me, tonight, it's...wonderful!!!

Have a blessed evening,
Stacey

5 comments:

Jamie said...

Hi there! Thanks for visiting my blog! It looks like you found some great stuff! I agree that it is nice to talk to neighbors who then become friends. That is a wonderful attitude that you have. Especially in a world that seems to keep to themselves these days. Love your blog!

Joy said...

You are a girl after my own heart---you dumpster dive, pick up treasures from the side of the road, thrift shop and love home improvement jobs. We have a ton in common!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Thanks Stacey for stopping by. Oh, I love your finds, esp. that silverplate tray, that one is gorgeous. I think all of us thrifters have the same kind of feeling about all the old stuff. Frugal rules!

RHoda

The Beauty Bargainista said...

GREAT FINDS! I just love making treasure out of trash!!

Karen said...

I would love to see where you put that old window. I have FOUR saved from when we replaced some, and don't know what to do with them. I started painting one black but not sure where to go with that.