Only Own Things You Love

What a roller coaster this whole home-buying process is. I thought we were in the clear with a chance to close tomorrow, but now there is another bump. So we wait. It is meant to be, it will be right?

Growing up I liked to go to thrift stores. It was fun finding one-of-a-kind things, and I always had a rather bizarre, eclectic style, which is suited for thrifting. However, I’m slowly realizing that if not kept in check, I could become thoroughly addicted to the whole business.  With the new house in mind, my hubby and I have been keeping our eyes open for good deals on things to make the house home. But with a combo of good local thrift stores, yard sale season, and easy access to Craigslist, I would be dangerous!

Craigslist scored me my newest fav….a reupholstered antique French chair done up in Zebra Print suede.  We also found a magnificent steamer chest in great condition to hold my mountains of blankets in the living room. 

Next came the town wide West Liberty Garage sale. Two day of garage sale-ing lead me to an ikat arm chair, a new lamp, a few pitchers, an oversized owl canvas, and a few containers I will turn into planters. 

My favorites were two framed prints by Giovanni Paolo Panini: The Interior of the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica. He painted them in the 1700’s, so the people in the images are all dressed for that time period. They are amazing.

Even better….these two sites were places that Landon and I visited in Rome on the first day we met in person. Now that is worth $2 a pop!!

This past weekend we went to the Springfield Antique Show &Flea Market. We were only there for 2 hours, but managed for find perfect curtains for the living room, a lovely blue & while ceramic owl, and a two piece mustard colored storage hutch/buffet for the dining room.

Now I sit, happily contended, surrounded by things that make me smile and an empty wallet. ;) I’m starting to put things away, but only half-heartedly as I hope to be packing them soon instead!

All the amazing art at the flea market got me itching for a project, so after gathering some inspiration from Alisa Burke and Jenna via Pintrest, I set out to make a one of a kind art piece for the bedroom that I have had on my mind for a while now. I decided to use various shades of purple and orange, which were our wedding colors, and to write on it a few lines from the song from our first dance.

 I was really pleased with how it turned out. Patience + practice = perfect! 

One Year Down

 Landon and I just celebrated our 1st Wedding Anniversary, and I wanted to something special for him. Traditionally, the first anniversary gift is paper, so I scoured Pintrest for ideas. I love this Valentine Gift Idea by Tran-craft-intental, so I put my own spin on it, and couldn't be happier. :)


I love the idea of 52 items, one for each of the playing cards. But I decided to use 52 Memories for our first year together. Coming up with memories was the easy part....I ended up with a much bigger list, and had to choose my favorites. A good problem to have. 

Next, I gathered supplies. A nice new deck of cards, a hole punch, 

and Quick Links...only about $2!

Next, shuffled the cards. Just because. I punched holes in all the cards, using one of the jokers as a model. I was careful that they lined up perfectly! 

Next, I trimmed down the  list of memories. A few of my most favorites I set aside to make sure they would be towards the end.I glued all the memories onto the cards and laid them out so they could dry. I added a cover on the back of a joker, and used another Joker as a back cover. I included a little love note. 

I'm really happy with how it turned out, and was very pleased with how much Landon liked it. He said the best part was realizing how much time I had put into remembering so many details....we've had such an awesome year!

We celebrated our Anniversary at Niagara Falls. I painted up a "1st" sign in orange an purple, our wedding colors, and we brought along our wedding photo. Next year, we'll hold this photo. I'm excited about watching us change together. Here's to an even better second year together!