Memorial Day and Bargains Galore!

As we celebrate Memorial Day, I'd like to say, "Thank You" to those men and women who bravely serve in our armed forces and to those who gave their lives in service over the years! Your sacrifice is truly appreciated!
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While running some errands earlier today, I decided to stop into two of my local thrift shops -- Goodwill and a store called Unique - proceeds from sales benefit the local Courage Center.

My first stop was Goodwill, where I found this basket (I already spray painted it white) (I'll use for my bathroom trash basket) and this beautiful white pitcher. I expected to pay the full price on both which would have come to a little over $5 with tax; however, I was pleasantly surprised when the cashier told me my total was just a few cents over $2. Apparently, everything in the store was 50% off today!

Later in the afternoon, I headed out for Joann's and decided to stop by Unique. I couldn't believe how packed the parking lot was when I arrived. As at Goodwill, everything in here was 50% off as well! Here's what I came home with:

• Two pink mirrored candle sconces (planning to paint these white) $1.97
• White stoneware gravy boat - minus the ladle - $1.97 (I'm thinking this will look cute sitting on a shelf with the opening for the ladle facing the back)
• Two dishtowels - $0.73 for the solid red one; $0.47 for the white and red stripe one
• Small silver plated dish - $0.81
• TOTAL with tax: $6.25

I've never really thought about shopping thrift stores and garage sales for anything other than furniture. But over the last few weeks of reading other blogs and everyone sharing pictures of the treasures they have found, I decided I need to get out there as well!

Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality is hosting her weekly thrifty treasures. Pop over there and check out more treasures her readers have found!

Have a wonderful week!

Patti

SEVEN MONTHS AGO????

I can't believe it's been that long ago that I created my blog. I got it all set up with plans to update it on a regular basis and LIFE just seemed to get in the way!

It's now Spring in Minnesota! The trees have all leafed out and my perennials are growing bigger and bigger each day!

The huge lilac bush in my backyard has hit it's peak. The blooms are already starting to fade as well as the heady scent they once carried.

The Dianthus is starting to bloom.

And my peonies are getting tall with lots of buds.

Since my last post, our granddaughter, Harmonie, turned six!

Our grandson, Liam had his first birthday and is now 17 months old!

Liam emptied Mom's purse and found her "Hot Chocolate" flavored lip gloss!

And we welcomed the newest addition to our family, Isabelle ("Izzy"), in February.

Our son, Scott, Izzy, and daughter-in-law, Steffi

Customer quilts have been keeping me pretty busy the last few months. I recently had to take my APQS Millennium head down to the manufacturer in Iowa for a "tune-up"; only to find out I had some major repairs -- new motor, new wheels, new needle bar, etc. After being without my machine for nearly a week, I'm happy to say we're back up and running and she runs like a brand new machine!

I just want to say "Thanks" to my sister, Sue who introduced me to "blogs". I can't believe how "addicted" I am . . . you know, it starts with one blog and then you start looking at their "Favorites" and then the "Favorites" for their blogs . . . and it just spirals until you can't remember the name of the first blog you were originally reading! My latest discoveries have been people like "The Nester" at The Nesting Place, Edie at Life In Grace, Rhoda at Southern Hospitality and Layla at The Lettered Cottage. These ladies, as well as many others, have truly inspired me! I've gleaned a lot of wonderful, and inexpensive, decorating ideas from all of these sites and will share some of them in future posts.

Come back and visit me soon!