Latest thrift store finds

In 2009, a study linked PMS and compulsive shopping. I wasn't in the study but I can attest to the fact that I do go out and indulge in retail therapy now and then before that time of the month. (Apparently, PMS also makes me stay up late watching Twilight and eating egg-free raw cookie dough.) Fortunately, I hit the thrift stores instead of the mall which means I don't spend much. 

Now, I didn't go out shopping just to shop. I was on a mission. Last time at Mission Possible I passed up some really pretty bowls. Then when I got home, I realized they would have been perfect for the outdoor kitchen. Of course, the bowls were gone by the time I got back. Rule No. 1 of thrifting, you better get it when you see it. But I did find some other goodies. 

From Mission Possible:

Awesome vintage Cat in the Hat beginner books for my beginning reader. Two frames for an idea kicking around my head. An unopened Martha craft kit that I had always wanted to try but was unwilling to pay full price for in the store. A Hallmark bunny candy container. Not pictured, the dinosaur toy my shopping buddy Joseph brought home. It was too much fun to leave at the store.

From Lovelady:

Old Navy shirt with a cool summer print for Will now, Joseph later. A framed botanical print. I've read too many Martha magazines not to bring it home. It was the fun yellow frame/mat combo that really caught my eye. More books ... I love collecting books that are a "series." I found "I am a Puppy" to match "I am a Kitten" which of course matches one of our all-time favorites, "I am a Bunny." And that "The Little Kitten" actually matches a book I had when I was little, "The Little Duck." Not pictured, a small blue camping pot Joseph found for the outdoor kitchen. It also doubles as a hat. 

You can also see a copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit" in the picture. I've been looking for a nice copy and at 45 cents, I couldn't find better. I'm not ready to read it to the boys yet ... we love our Baby Bunny so much. I'm worried what Joseph will take away from the story — might he worry that I'll throw bunny away the next time he is sick? Or be disappointed when his own bunny doesn't turn into a real bunny? Of course, when I read it to them I'll have a few tears running down my face.

Your own stories of retail therapy? Craziest thing you ever bought under the influence of hormones?

Random Thoughts No. 21

No news is good news is the usual saying. In this case, we have had no news about Chris' job and it's not good — the wait is driving us crazy. My head is buzzing with worries but here's a few thoughts that are totally random and not at all related to the chaos I feel inside ...

Sunday was a big day for us — we all went to a movie together! Will has been very, very anti-movie theater. Neither Chris nor I have been able to figure out why. We didn't want to force the issue but it was about time Will conquer this particular fear. With the rainy weather driving us stir crazy, we dropped by our local theater and asked the manager if Will could peek into an empty theater. And if it went well, Madagascar 3 was playing soon. The walk around went better then well, it went great! Many thanks to the folks at The Edge for understanding and being so kind. Will now wants to go "to every movie out there except for the ones (mommy says) he can't see." I don't think the big tub of buttered popcorn hurt his opinion either. It was also a first for Joseph who did great sitting in mommy's lap. He also enjoyed the popcorn! All four of us enjoyed the movie. If you liked the first two, you'll like No. 3 as well. (Remember your first movie? Mine was E.T.)

I love vintage flower pins ... I have a few. But not nearly as many as Alix of Modern Kiddo. It's especially fun to find them for a steal at yard sales. Of my pins, the ones Chris gave me after the birth of our two boys are my favorite.

Puppy love ... The boys (the big one too) are keen to get a puppy. Though I'm not sure Joseph is 100 percent on board — he's not a fan of things that can jump on him. It is not a decision we will rush into. For one thing, dogs aren't cheap. The house is not Joseph-proof, let alone puppy-proof. Chris and I still miss Enzo but it might be time to open our hearts to a new member of the family. Maybe.

The reminder I need daily ... A good read about being hands free — i.e. less distracted, more in the moment — for this stay-at-home momma who is sometimes feeling that internal pressure to be perfect. The kids don't want perfect. They want momma. So yes, my house is a little a lot cluttered and not the cleanest. The dishes can wait, playing giant robot kitty with Joseph cannot.

Creative outlets for me ... I have a giant red picture frame hanging on the wall to my left. It's awesome and I found it on the side of the road while driving to a friend's house. I love finding junk treasure. I'm going to create some kind of display for the boys' artwork/this and that inside but still mulling over ideas for it. Maybe wire? Maybe clipboards? We'll see. I'm also working on an outdoor kitchen space for the boys using only found/thrifted items. Slow going but making progress.

Time for summer fun

We survived the first week of summer vacation. And it's been pretty lazy so far. Lots of hanging around the house. A few popsicles. Trips to our favorite McWane and the awesome Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Now what will we do for the next nine weeks?!

Actually, we have quite the to-do list:

1) First I want to reclaim the backyard as our playground! The weeds have taken over. While I've made peace with the vines that make the chain-link fence disappear, I'm not happy about the poison ivy creeping ever closer. Once the weeds are tamed, I'm going to make an 2) outdoor play kitchen space. Next, we'll finally 3) fill the turtle sandbox given to us two years ago. Joseph will be in heaven.

Considering that we don't know what the future holds right now, the theme of this summer is CHEAP! 4) Free summer movies at Avondale Park and local theaters. 5) Make a big deal of watching the Olympics. 6) Local library reading programs full of puppet shows, magic, crafts and more! 7) Lots of visits to family in Memphis, Pontotoc and Huntsville. 8) Use the heck out of our memberships to the pool, zoo and McWane. 9) Visit all our local playgrounds again and again. Definitely checking out the one with the wading creek we just learned about. 10) Host a backyard movie party/hot dog roast.

What would summer be without a little DIY crafting?! I want to make the boys 11) bathtub paint, 12) cloud dough, 13) a hallway puppet theater and 14) a cave of stars. Everything of course is pinned!

Now we can't slack off all summer. William will continue to practice 15) his reading and 16) writing skills. We'll be 17) tying and retying a lot of shoes. Maybe the 18) training wheels will come off the bike. Joseph is going to 19) make friends with the little potty and be ready for 3K come fall. Mommy might get around to 20) finishing painting the hallway and hanging pictures.

No one better complain about being bored!