Soulful Art::

  I have a great appreciation for Art. My Dad was an Artist. As much as I love Art, I wish I learned more from my Dad. He painted with many mediums. I think oils were his favorite medium of choice. Looking back to my childhood, I loved to sketch with charcoals.These days, that's long gone. Maybe, one day I'll try again. Thanks to my Dad.
   With this deep appreciation embedded in me. I like to look at oils when I'm out and about. I never buy, Never! I think it's my the lack of knowledge about paintings that stops me in my tracks. Well I thought that but, until this summer my thoughts were just plain silly. Why not purchase Art because of it's simple beauty? So, summer came and I stumbled upon this small painting. In not perfect condition. An "oldy but, goody" and in somewhat rough shape. I had to have it, Period. Besides wanting to purchase a farm table. I guess we can't always get what we want. Do you remember that post?

  Anyway, I've been a follower of Heather Bullard's Blog for quite a long time now. I have to laugh though. Her and I have had a bit of ESP going on. She beat me to the finish line when it came time to posting about Art. Recently, Heather posted about a painting she purchased from France. I commented on her painting and spoke about mine and their similarities. So here's my show and share. If you go to Heather Bullard's blog you can see her painting, "Phantom Bell." A beautiful painting of a Woman. With some TLC and her Hubby's handiwork the painting is as good as new. While mine is still tattered in some areas, I'm not sure I want to take on this project. Or, take away from it's vintage feel. The tattered corners are growing on me. I didn't buy the Farm table. That's OK! but, now I'm a proud owner of a piece of soulful Art! My first one.

   Do you own a piece of Soulful Art? Is it in need of repair? Please share. I would love to hear.
   The link to Heather Bullard's blog is on my sidebar under: Inspiring blogs. A must read.
    Thanks Heather ;)
                              Make it a great weekend everyone!

                                                                            xxx Liz

Thrifting Tips::

Hi There, I hope you are having a great week so far. I figured I would post this information just in case you needed it.

                                    In Response to Cityfarmer's Question:

                                     Do you haggle at your thrift shop?
                                                              OR
                                      Can you haggle at a thrift shop?

 Answer: I don't want to confuse you guys. At most thrift shops prices are marked clearly. Unless, they have a sale of sorts for example: Bag sale or Color coded sale depending on week. So, my answer is a NO. Here's my but, check shop's Policy. Some thrift stores post their policy right at the check out for view. Did you know that?
     Here's my rule of thumb #1. If there is No Policy posted, GO FOR IT! Haggle Away. Rule of thumb # 2. If an item is over priced or you think mismarked. ASK??? It doesn't hurt. What is the worst thing that could happen. They will tell you, "NO!"  Rule of thumb #3. Once you become a regular customer your foots in the door.. Haggle for a better deal. By now you know the Staff by name. I have even given volunteers a verbal list of things I'm looking for. Do you know they are more than happy to help you out. Their job is to sell and Customers want to buy. So, haggle on :)
              I hope this answered your Question.
              Enjoy your fun journey of thrifting.

PS. Yes, Cityfarmer I haggle at my thrift shop!
PSS. Shops ;)

                                                                                   xxx Liz

Saturday Thrifting::

              Saturday morning ritual. First post office, bank ,then the thrift shop. Lately, it has been a bust. So, Saturday I decided to quickly run to the next town to a thrift shop there. Scored on the dome after haggling price. I was told weeks ago by a Woman, that the prices are what they are. I will not take no for an answer. I tried again... it worked. I also purchased a lamp that needs a shade. Here we go.. Pam are you reading this post? A perfect art deco glass one. I've been wanting one for sometime now. Reproduction ones at Home Stores just don't make the cut for me and expensive. I'll be posting about the lamp project in a few. Not sure what to do just yet. ;) 
            I just thew this vignette together for now. When Spring comes or sooner. I can see many possibilities. Can you?
            It's bitter cold outside. Catching up on household stuff, organizing and emails. Back to work tomorrow......Early to bed ;)
                                                             Stay warm,
                                                             xxx Liz 

     * Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl on Thrift Share Monday.
     * Linking up with Coastal Charm on Nifty Thrifty Tuesday.

The Weekends Are For....

....Feeding the birds!

            Ball feeders and suet hearts to attract some wild birds in my yard. I didn't make the ball feeders. They were on clearance at the Garden Center for 90% off. All hung in a tree at the end of the yard waiting for some takers. I don't think the birds will mind that they are Christmas leftovers. The enamel bowl wasn't the greatest fit, as I dropped half the seed on the ground. Oops! Another bargain at the Dollar Store. All totaling $2.90 to feed the birdies today. They have so been neglected here. Hubby keeps on teasing me and says, "The birds are here.." Ha, Ha. Boy, will they be surprised. I say........

 Another, shocker on the home front. MY TREE IS DOWN.. what a relief. I hope your are having a great weekend. Is your tree still up? For those of you who have off from work tomorrow. Enjoy your day :)

xxx Liz 

When All Else Fails, Make Hearts::

                                   

         I had to delete my previous post. Sorry guys. I'm NOT a computer whiz but, I do dabble in trial and error. Scary, very... So, all is good for now. Knock on wood..... Lids. I added these to my Etsy shop. Both are lined with milk glass and can be used on Large or Small mason jars. Did you know that? You learn something new everyday. A dealer gave me that info. Who would have known!
       I'm so glad it's the weekend. I have a Long, Long list of to do's... Don't you? Like take down my Tree. Yes, it's still up.

                               Have a great weekend... Good night peeps. Sweet Dreams ;)  It's 11:51 and I'm still awake. Silly Girl!
                                                              xxx Liz

          PS.   Please leave me a comment if you don't mind.
         I hope it works :)
        
               

I Found A Cigar Humidor::

                                    No Cigars here....... just Vintage ;)
                    The humidor reminded me of my Dad. He smoked cigars. Do you buy items that remind you of people, places or events that took place in your life ? Why does that suck me in? Why? It's a fantastic wooden box that I found at a tag sale. I filled it with items that are reminiscent of January too.
                  Home, Refresh, Repair, Renew....
                                                      Happy January,
                                                   I better get a move on!

                                                                   xxx Liz
                

Embrace Your Day With Bicycles:

tumblr.com

                          Here's some photos of bikes to embrace your Winter day. It's been cloudy and cold here. I simply can't get rid of this chill in my bones. Since, I've been home from work this afternoon. I've found these in my files yesterday. Reminding myself that warmer weather will be here... eventually. So, we can do all those outside activities that we love. I'm craving some sun and vitamin D. Aren't we all during the winter months. Do you have a bike? Is it Vintage?
                      Hubby and I just finished dinner. Now, it's tea time and time to relax.
                      I hope, I embraced your day with bicycles.. :)
                                                                        xxx Liz