How To Celebrate My Dear Trash Style and This Weeks Garage Finds

Friday was my birthday! I had all sorts of amazing plans. Friday is also a day off for Mr. Right so he was along for the ride. First, while looking up garage sales on craigslist I discovered someone would be selling a cricut expressions at their garage sale, not too far off our route. I have the original cricut and have been wanting to upgrade to the larger expressions, but am too cheap to pay $300. This would be my present to myself, I decided. Then, while shopping Goodwill's dollar day on Thursday, it was announced that Friday morning a new goodwill would be opening (very close to my house) and the first 150 people through the door would receive a $5 Goodwill gift card. I was so there! Not only would I get my cricut machine I've been wanting, but Goodwill was going to give me free money. I lined up a few more freebies from a site titled freebirthdaytreats.com and knew I would have the best birthday ever. After my amazing children made me a special breakfast (smoothies, eggs, turkey bacon and whole wheat English muffins- YUM!) we headed out to the cricut sale and I could hardly stand it- right before we arrived I announced, "If the machine is gone or someone has it in their hands, it's just not meant to be, I won't get upset." Upon arrival I hopped out of the truck and there sat the machine- Mine- all mine- only problem- It's was same machine I already had. Evidently this seller didn't know the "expression" refers to the larger model. We left empty handed and headed to our next craigslist garage sales. Now, I normally just follow a simple route around my house, but since we were going a little further for the circuit, I had lined up a whole grouping of sales out in that area. After an hour of driving, trying to locate these sales I was frustrated. We either couldn't find the signs (sometimes on craigslist they just list the major crossroads) or we'd find a sign with no follow-up sign- leaving us driving around in circles. Then I started to whine, not only was I not going to get my cricut, but I wasn't going to get anything. Luckily it was time for us to head over to Goodwill to get our $5.00 gift card. Certainly, this would make up for my lost garage sale morning. We arrived in the parking lot at approx. 8:50 and this is what we saw...
The line stretched clear around the building. I knew I would NOT be one of the first 150 people. However, I was curious to check out the new store, so we headed inside. It was a complete frenzy. People were loading their carts like everything was free. I asked one of the workers if there was a special sale- 50% off tag or something. "Not on a grand opening," she stated. I watched as customers loaded avocado colored mixing bowls, rusted iron pans, icecream shaped dessert bowls and metal pineapple tchotchkes into their carts. As we scratched our heads in disbelief, Mr. Right and I left empty handed. My special day, had to get better! And it did. We headed out to Krispy Kreme to get a free dozen donuts (just prove it's your birthday by showing your ID) Neither Mr. Right or I will eat a Krispy Kreme donut (we've gotten old and something about pure sugar for breakfast makes us feel icky) but we knew the kids would devour them. Now it was time to really do something for myself, so we headed to Joe's BBQ in Gilbert, AZ.They offer a free meal (up to $10) on your birthday- just show ID. Here's what I had...A stuffed jumbo baker with BBQ pork- so, so, good! After a nice afternoon nap, Mr. Right took me out for dinner (seems like the whole day was about food!) He kept the restaurant a surprise until 30 minutes before we left, when I found out I needed to dress up a bit. Elements at the Sanctuary in Paradise Valley would be my birthday dinner setting. Sorry I don't have any pictures, I thought it might be a little too "trashy" to take pictures during my romantic meal. This was probably one of the best meals I've ever had- really. This is what we ordered:

Starter: heirloom tomato & buffalo mozzarella | balsamic chili glaze, basil, queen creek olive oil
Salad: braised bacon & poached egg | organic greens, shaved vegetables, soy sesame vinaigrette

My Entree: *cedar river filet of beef | truffled "tater tot", smoked bacon, mushroom hash

Mr. Rights Entree was a chef special, so I couldn't copy it off the menu- something with Blue Marlin

Side: pork belly fried rice | toasted cashew

If you're ever out this way, I would highly recommend Elements. Incredible food, private tables, and amazing views. As we headed home, I reflected on the day and was reminded of how blessed I am to have such a fabulous family, dedicated husband and good friends. With such a fun filled day, it was hard to imagine that Saturday (the day after my birthday) would be just as great. We had much better success with our garaging (I'll show you pictures in a minute) And my kids surprised me with a homemade dinner. Here's my 11 year old, dressed as a waitress (french accent and all)
They made all my favorites. Fresh veggies, potato skins, stuffed mushrooms...Grilled chicken and fruit salad...And just when you think it can't get any better, your dear friend Laura brings a homemade chocolate cake (sweetened with peaches and pears) (I know, it's a ton O' candles- 41 to be exact) She also presented me with this beautifully styled edible centerpiece (she always says she's not good at this stuff, but I have to disagree- look at this amazing gift) Thank you, Laura.What an incredible weekend. To top it all off, here's what I found while garaging...

Mr. Right goes garaging every week with me- Friday and Saturday. He'll occasionally pick up an antique book or two, but mostly we find stuff I like. This weekend he finally hit the jackpot. In addition to old books, Mr. Right has a thing for old cameras...

He paid $30.00 each for these, but later found out they can be resold for $200-400 (he'll probably hang onto them though) It makes me happy when he finds a treasure. Here's the treasure I found...

This great antique mirror was $5.
The old glass canning jars, glass door knob, and vintage tool box we're all $1.00 each.

My favorite find were these old iron shoe forms- all three for $8.75. The metal trash can desperately needs a redo- but has the perfect shape with little metal curved legs. I paid $3.75.

The round picture frame was .50.

Another favorite find was this full size antique bed. It was just $10 and will be converted to a bench- can't wait to show you. Here's a close up of the headboard (this will be the back of the bench)

So, happy birthday to me- My Dear Trash Style! I can't think of any better way to celebrate. Love, Kelly

Lucky number ten ($10.00)

A few weeks ago I received a $10.00 coupon off any purchase at Kohl's.

No minimum, no strings attached.

I had an idea.

What could I buy for $10.00?  Not for me, but for EBay.

You know I love Vera Wang.

I found this Simply Vera Vera Wang NWT $78 Size 14P Cocktail Dress

This dress was on the clearance rack and priced at $14.99.  Because of my $10.00 off coupon, I paid $4.99 (plus tax).

I came home and listed the amazing dress (seriously, isn't it awesome) on EBay for $14.99.

It sold and I made $10.00.

In honor of the number 10, I wanted to feature 10 finds of the last few weeks.

This is the same concept as Follow the Golden Graham Cash, with a Kohl's twist.

I found these items for 10 dimes ($1.00) each at Goodwill.

1.  These cute little Ann Taylor Loft size 00 petite pants were listed at $6.99.  I received an email from a buyer asking if I'd list a "buy it now" price at $10.00.  Lucky me.

 

2.  This Ann Taylor Loft Size 0 Petite sold for $15.00.

 

3.  These Nike XL Women's Black Pants sold for $18.00.

4.  This Chico's Size 1 Denim Full Long Skirt sold for $12.00

 

5.  This J.Jill Silk Velvet NWT Dress sold for $10.50.

 

6.  This Adidas tennis skirt sold for $10.50.  Cool.

 

7.  This Women's XL Star Wars shirt sold for $19.00.

8.  This lovely Ann Taylor Medium Black Dress sold for $12.50.

9.  These Chico's Linen Cropped Size 2 Pants sold for $14.99.

 

 10.  This Tommy Bahama XXL Men's shirt sold for $20.00.  I have a love affair with Tommy Bahama.  Don't worry, the counselor understands. 

So, what else is happening over here?

Dresses at Goodwill are normally priced $10.00.  

I found this Blue Fish Dress and bought it for $5.00 on 1/2 off day.  

 

Once I realized they sell new for around $300, I decided to list it at $99.99. It didn't sell. The next week I listed it at $74.99.  It didn't sell.  Now I have it listed with a "buy it now " price of $60.00.  

When will it sell?  Like 10 years from now?  

I hope I don't have to mark it down to $10.00.  That would be a bummer.

By the way, Chandler has been taking my photos as of late.  He gets paid .10 cents/per item.  

 Most of the time he does a great job, but sometimes . . .

Let's just say this is what happens when you put your 10 year-old son and his best friend in charge of taking the pictures.

I paid 10 dimes for this Ralph Lauren Skirt and had it already to put up on EBay.

I pulled it.  Because I loved it so much I had to have it to wear for myself, for at least 10 days or more.

Yes, 10 is a lucky little number.
Linking up to:

DVD Tower Transformation

Two weeks ago I found this Ikea DVD tower for $5.00 at a garage sale.
Before I even handed over my $5.00 to the previous owner, I knew how I would transform it. The only obstacle that stood in the way was the fact that the bottom and the top of the shelf had a different shape. Here's a peek at the shape of the top of the shelf...
and here's a peek at the bottom...
Mr. Right and I made this video to show you what we did with our DVD tower.

Hope you enjoyed. Love, Kelly

Linking Up To:

Frugalicious Friday@ Finding Fabulous

Remodelaholic Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints On My Fridge

It's A Hodgepodge Friday@ It's A Hodgepodge Life

Friday Fun Finds @ KOJO Design

I'm Lovin' It @ Tidymom

What I Made This Week @ Simply Designing

I'm A Creative Cat @ Poppies At Play

Show And Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Spring Has Sprung @ Fun To Craft

Flaunt It Friday @ Chic On A Shoestring Decorating

Plant A Pumkin Seed Party @ Pumkin Seed Productions

A Vintage .99 cent Apron Makes A Great Seat Cushion

I'm shopping for something special to go with this-

Oh,excuse me.  Let me get Reef down.

Alright, this little chair is from Goodwill.  I paid $3.99 for it.

The twirly rod iron frame I like, the seat cushion, not so much.

Let's see what I can do with this little beauty.

I want to find the perfect fabric for the cushion. Where do I go?

A fabric store, you might think, but you know me better than that.

I want something unique; something entirely my own.

I'm off to Mesa Thrift Store, a quaint & crowded thrift store in downtown Mesa.

Like most thrift stores, this store has a fabric rack. 

Sometimes scary, sometimes scrappy, but all unique and waiting for someone to snatch them up.

Reef comes up behind me with a pop Pop POP!

"What's this," I ask.

"Look Mom," is his way of saying "Please buy it for me."  For $1.98, of course I will.

So, we continue our search when suddenly I see the biggest bag of used yarn ever. It towers Reef and his lawn mower.

Do people really own that much yarn?

Anyway, because of my ultra-patient, happy, fist-eating, beautiful baby, I'm able to do a bit more shopping.

Nothing good in the fabric section, maybe I should shop for something vintage in the clothing aisles.

As we walk around, Reef has to fist-fight a few toddlers who want the lawn mower, but he hangs onto it.  Good form. 

That's when I find this great chair priced at $6.98. Now that's the vintage I'm talking about.

It even opens up into a make-up case.  

Why doesn't America make stuff like this anymore?

I must have this chair (and I will), but I'm distracted.

I am looking for something pink to recover the seat cushion of my chair I already have at home, but absolutely not this.

No, no, no, it's trying way to hard to be chic,but wait.

What's this.  A vintage apron?

I think this will do just swell and for .99 cents, I'll give it a try.

I buy it (and much more which I promise to show you on a later date).  

Once my chair is spray painted white,

 I cut out the fabric, making sure to keep the pockets of the apron front and center.

I can handle a craft if it involves a glue gun.

And what about the sash.  

It certainly may be trash, but I can't throw it away.

I glue it the bottom of the seat cushion.

Perfect for securing the cushion to the frame.

Remember the beautiful EDEN name piece made by my sweet sister-in-law Heather.

I love the vintage-inspired scrap book paper she used.

 

I think it works great with the look of the chair.

And my $4.99 rod-iron side table from Goodwill fits with 

this sweet chair too.

Something all my own, yes indeed.

Trash to Cash Wednesday

Craigslist is up and running again. After a slow summer, it seems people are ready to shop craigs again. Here's what I sold this week...This new doll house kit was loaded in the truck and ready to be donated by my in-laws when Mr. Right asked if I could have it to sell- They were very generous in giving it to me and I sold it for $15.00.I picked up these two pampered chef stones at two different garage sales for $1.00 each. I sold the set for $25.00. I may not have made a fortune this week, but seeing some activity gets me excited to list all the other items I've been hanging on to. Let's take a look at ebay...

This vintage Banana Republic size 8 leather skirt was a definite gamble for me, but I find leather always sells. I sold it for $9.00.This Apt. 9 size large retro style black and white graphic dress didn't sell last week, but this week received multiple bids and sold for $12.50 Gap long and lean jeans usually do well, however I was a little nervous about these size 10 ankle length long and leans- no worries, they sold for $17.00.
I love this dress, if I were a size 6 it would be mine. But instead I sold it for $16.03. Not too bad of a week. Here's my totals:

Ebay Profits: 295.66

Craigslist Profits: $40.00

Costs: 27.00 (clothes), 69.31(ebay fees), 16.74 (paypal fees) 2.00 (cost of craigslist items)

Total Profit: 220.61

A little lower profit than usual, but with the chaos of kids getting back to school and labor day weekend approaching we may see a little decline. The good news is after next week, we'll have change of season buyers and holiday shoppers, so the numbers should really soar! Give it a try, see what you can earn for your holiday spending- Just list 20 items and see what happens. Good Luck. Love, Kelly.