Follow up on the Freedom to Choose Your Reaction

Although it was too hot to wear the wool hats while riding they still made for good pictures! Yes, that's the horses backside in my view while Aunt Lisa at least had a body shot in the background.

I would say that this was a $1.00 well spent.

Shop for a Cause

Shop for a Cause

You may or may not have known this, but many thrift stores give back to the community.  Not just your big names like Goodwill or the Salvation Army either.

One of the requests my aunt had during her visit was consignment store shopping.  You can imagine my excitment! While I’ve lived in the area for over four years I only have a handful of “go-to” antique/thrift shops.  Her request prompted me to search the web for new shops to suite her vintage preference- clothing.

In sifting through the search results I began to notice a trend; many of the thrift/consignment shops were linked to a non-profit organization.  From homeless humans to homeless pets we had the opportunity to shop for any number of good causes.  Trying to stay in the same region we narrowed down a few stores to visit.

An organization, The Good Shepard Alliance, was the first of these stores to visit. The 100% leather satchel (below) that I scooped for $5.00 will go towards assisting the homeless or those in transition within our county.  Aunt Lisa left the store with a silk blouse and picture frame also spending under $10.00.  A subsequent trip to another Good Shepard location had her packing with a silk dress, embellished tank top and faux pearl beaded necklace.

 

As we ventured into historic Leesburg to browse some of my trusty antique shops we also wandered into The Resourceful Woman. While this store did not offer my usual beloved vintage style we were pleasantly surprised with what it did offer.  Many of the local boutiques and even big name department stores donate to the local shop where 100% of the proceeds benefit the Loudoun Abused Woman’s Shelter.  Alright, so we did not get ANYTHING vintage, rather, we got merchandise that still had the tags on it!  I left with originally priced $168.00, Stiches brand, green, corduroy pants for $10.00 and Aunt Lisa a Coach purse for $50.00.  Let’s not forget, all of those dollars are going straight back to community non-profits. 

 

So with a mix of vintage, and just really great finds, I discovered a another benefit to looking for vintage- it can benefit those in need. Now that is a good reason to shop, a good reason indeed.

The freedom to choose your reaction

While I hate to be “one of those people” that goes around reciting the cliff notes from every clique business/self-improvement/help book that was ever written I am going to do that today.



Earlier in the summer I participated in a leadership course based on Steven Covey’s 7 Habits for Highly Effective People. Habit 1: Be Proactive, “Proactive people pause and allow themselves the freedom to choose their response based on principles and desired results”. Ironically, I had to use that space in-between-the-response wisely when my former employer delivered the news that I did not get the job I recently interviewed for.



During that space I could have: been angry/bitter/desperate/sad….or a whole bunch of other socially acceptable responses for someone in my situation. Rather, I used that space to reaction with the decision to shop. Vintage of course.

I used that pause to decide I was not going to take myself so seriously. Most of the world doesn’t so why should we? Sometimes people respect you more when you just grab the reins and make the most of the ride!



Knowing my aunt was coming into town and desired a day horseback riding I went out seeking “proper” tacky equestrian entire. I succeeded. With 3 for $1.00 hats and $1.50 scarf we will not only look our best on those horses but the photos are sure to be priceless. I am also confident that no one will be taking me serious with that on my head!

Teaser...

What could I be up to now that required real power tools?

Beat any Tuesday "Bluesdays" with a little thrift

Not that I'm counting, but although I've only been under-employed for 11 business days the budget crunch is beginning (yuck, gross, blah). To relieve some pent up lack-of-shopping-frustrations I allowed myself $10 to splurge at The Closet in Herndon today.

As you may recall, this is the same store I snagged my cherished lamps not so many weeks ago for $5.50/set so I knew $10 had potential to go far!

I left exuberant with a bag filled to the brim!

Antique replica bacon press to be used as kitchen decor ($1.50), painted wood frame for future project ($4.00), single-flower-sized vase ($.50), knit dollie ($.25), yellow lace handkerchief ($1.00), and paisley scarf ($2.00).

No major life lesson here today just a reminder that lightening can strike twice ! The Closet is sure to remain a favorite hunting spot in future vintage to come!

A project is never really finished....

One thing I've had to train myself to do is STOP. Sometimes I get carried away with ________(fill in blank with any embellishment, glitter, stickers, paint, etc). Thus, the constant advice that less is more. But pulling away from a project can also allow you to come back later to add just a pinch more _______ (full in blank with any embellishment ).

Today was my refinished tv stand. About 5 weeks ago I sanded until I bled, replaced drawers with an open unit for our record player, painted a super awesome antiques finish and had sewn a burlap curtain. I left it alone until being inspired by all the cool industrial signs at an antique emporium. So here's the quick instructions:

Materials:
Spray paint
Cardboard
Razor blade or exacta knife

Instructions:
1. Trace or draw pattern into cardboard
2. Carefully cut pattern out
3. Place stencil on material
4. Spray paint about 6 inches away in short bursts
5. Let dry as per spray paint instructions
*enjoy!

I chose the number 7 because that was Evans jersey number his whole soccer life. So in five minutes I made it personally perfect with a personal, sentimental touch.

Make the small things count

Make the small things count

Deciding to take a day away from all things job-hunting related I ventured out with a girlfriend, Catherine, to take in some country air and antique viewing.

Just like the fresh coat of paint, this was a welcomed release from job applications. The three hours spent browsing shops and catching up with a friend was wonderful. It helped take me out of my tiny little world of “jobs, jobs, jobs” to emerge in the larger, more important world of me; the world of my friends.

Since this was a first for us, “vintaging” together, I also learned some new things about an old friend. Not to sound creepy, but observing where she went first in the stores, reactions to my “ohhs and ahhs” and also what made her “ooh and ahh” was a mini friendship lesson. I learned she liked things I wouldn’t have assumed before (rusty metal and ants), and also made mental notes of places she may like in the future (Manassas antique shop with lots of jewelry!). These small observations may be teeny-tiny, but just like a flower unfolds its petals to full glory, friendships have petals to drop too. Being aware and listening with your ears and eyes is an important part in any friendship; trying new things together gives you both an opportunity to listen with new ears and eyes.

Speaking of flowers…another small thing that counted: Forget-me-knot china dish! 

Shown with peach for size comparison- it's small!

My mother who passed several years ago loved wild flowers. During the warm weather months our home was always brightened by untamed bouquets of whatever she could readily pick from the backyard. From a branch of the lilac tree outside her bedroom window to a bunch of tiger lilies from along the creek path; in old mason jars or a cherished teapot, flowers were abundant! Her favorites being black-eyed-Susan’s and forget-me-nots.

Since her passing I’ve always kept an eye out for reminders of her, including anything with these flowers. Yesterday for a mere $2.00 I acquired tiny little dish delicately painted with forget-me-nots. I’ve placed it on my dresser, to hold my engagement ring when not wearing. Fitting, since she did really cheer for Evan being the man I’d marry.


The little dish, with the tiny flowers was just another lift yesterday. A lift that would remind me the smallest of things can really make a girl happy. In life, it usually is the small things that count.