My Thanksgiving Flea and Thrift Challenge

We are having my parents over for Thanksgiving this year so it gave me the opportunity to make a beautiful tablescape. I challenged myself to create a budget-friendly setting using only thrift store and flea market finds. I think I found so many great things and look forward to putting it all together.

Have you set a goal or challenge for yourself this Thanksgiving? I'd love to hear about it.

Please come back to see Rustic Elegance in my dining room.

A Sign of Change and an Anniversary

A sign of change in Shaker Heights

Added by Jon Fobes on November 22, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Bill Murray, who works for the city of Shaker Heights, looks for a specific street sign for a customer at Shaker Heights City Hall on Saturday Nov. 22, 2008. He was one of many Shaker Heights workers and residents who offered to help out for the day. The city was selling many street signs because most of the city's signs have been replaced during the past few months. Nearly 300 people waited to purchase a piece of Shaker Heights history. The proceeds from the sale go to the Shaker Heights general fund. (Tracy Boulian/The Plain Dealer)

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Shaker Heights is a beautiful old suburb of Cleveland and only about 25 minutes away from my home. I was saddened to read this morning in the Sunday paper that I missed out on their wonderful sale of old street signs. Beautiful black and white enamel signs that go with just about any decor today. Most were at least 50 years old and only $30 each. 440 signs were sold.

My junk radar just didn't cut it this time.

Happy Annivery to us!

I realize now that my husband and I don't have many pictures taken together or even alone for that matter. So this will have to do. C.T. is a HUGE fan of the Simpsons so this is very appropriate.

Meet my husband, C.T.



...and here I am.



...and here's our whole family.



Actually we have one recent picture of us (minus my oldest daughter unfortunately and we added Great-Aunt Sylvia).



Wishing my husband of 6 years a very Happy Anniversary!

I am the Snow Queen

Until this year I've never set up our Christmas tree quite so early. Coincidentally it has not stopped snowing around here since I did. My husband claims it is all my doing. That can't be possible...can it?





Quoting Al Roker, how's the weather "in your neck-a-the woods?"

A Collectible Christmas

For me, it's easier to decorate one little area of my home at one time for the holidays, and then move on to the next...time permitting of course. I discovered this after having children. If I attempt to tackle an entire room it just doesn't work.

Ending up with rooms only half completed and incorporating the green and red storage tubs as part of my holiday decor, is just not the look I go for.

So what I will do with my blog is record my completed holiday decor...as it occurs. It may take me until 3 days before Christmas to finish everything, but you'll see it all.







I like to wait a few more weeks before I snag some greenery from the outdoors and purchase my berries. Those two things always make this collection look so pretty! So stay tuned.










About my collections/stuff:
The shelving unit was retrieved from the trash of a former neighbor of mine. Free.
Each of the white pottery pieces cost between $.50 to $3 each.
The crystalized branches were given to me by my mother. She received them (and more) from a family friend that works in a gorgeous landscaping nursery. Free.
Vintage silver balls - Purchased 3 large boxes at a thrift store. $1/ box.
Linen wrapped box - The box was used to hold seashells I purchased at a barn sale. Free
Vintage disc dangelies cut from old Bingo cards given by my mother. Free

Come back for more of my holiday decor. I think this will keep me on track too so please leave your comments! I love them so!!

Keep on junking!