Happy September 2012!

Good Saturday Morning! Can you believe it is the first of September, already!? Fall will soon be upon us, and I have SO much to do!

I think this past month of August was the BUSIEST of all the days of my entire life--seriously! It most certainly "kept me on my toes," in more ways than I'd planned, that's for sure!

Earlier in the month, we had family come for five days, from Iowa. It was such a blessing to see them after nearly 12 1/2 years!!! We truly had the time of our lives, and shared moments together, as family, that will stay with me (all of us, no doubt) for all the days of my life. I pray "next time" will not be cut so short, and never again *that* long in between seeing one another again. Parting ways, and having to get back to our "real lives" was most difficult, and painful, but having had the time together, after so many--too many-- years, was simply indescribable! ♥

Normally, we school through the summer, and it was about a week or two before family showed that I half-heartedly decided to let the kids have the remainder of the summer "off" to give them (and myself) a summer break. Personally, I've managed to start (and complete most) some projects around the house that I've been wanting to do for quite a while. I did some "purging" of a lot of unwanted/unneeded items around the house, painted/distressed/aged the dining table/chairs (photos to come *sometime* in the near future), did some home decor rearranging, painted shelves, "made purdies" here and there throughout the house, and probably some other *things* I can't even think of at the moment. 0.o

So, all in all, there was a LOT of projects going on, in between a GAZILLION "events" and happenings. There was the family visit, and our trip to the Space Needle in Seattle. There was my God son's first birthday party one day, the his baptism the next. There was (as always) my children, their friends--the entire neighborhood, it seemed, at times--in and out, all day long, every day. You should SEE my carpets!!! Oh MY! I'm not looking forward to finally tackling them for a GOOD cleaning... There were camping trips with friends and other adventures I can't even think of; youth group meetings, roller derby practices --ROLLERPALOOZA--, play-dates and other outings, oh my gosh! I don't know how "everyday life" even happened sometimes. Maybe it DIDN'T, always!? Well, it goes without saying, I'm sure --->I am truly looking forward to MUCH "down time."

The only rest I *did* TAKE (besides actually sleeping at bedtime) was my reading time. This summer, I read TEN novels, two of which were "Trilogy's," and those were just for my personal reading pleasure, and does not include passages from poetry/short story books, a biography, and science shorts--and another sci-fi/fantasy novel we've not yet finished, written by our neighbor/author friend--with the two youngest.

Though I could go "on and on" with all the other *things* that took place--just in the month of August, alone--but, I'll refrain. After all, this *is* the "Prim ~n~ Proper" blog, and I do have pictures to share, just a few, and they are not much, simply most recent snapshots from my booth down at the Exhibitor's Boutique. I never like to post a blog "empty-handed," you know. *wink*

So, with ALL that, I bid you a very happy (and "UNEVENTFUL"), relaxing, maybe even LAZY Labor Day Weekend! I pray your summer was SMASHING, and that, like me, you realize at the end of each day that you have much to be thankful for despite how CRAZY Life can get, and that you are surrounded by good friends and family that you love dearly, and whom love you right back. May your days be blessed, your sorrows taken by the wind, and your burdens and worries lifted on high.♥

~God Bless~

The following photos are (as described earlier) most recent "snapshots" of this and that that I've recently added to the booth.  Many are "Fab Finds" that I either left just "as is" (like the GIANT Vintage Turkey Serving Platter I picked up), and the rest are little projects that I "upcycled," painted, aged, etc.  Oh, and of course, I brought in a few Fall/Halloween handmades left over from 2011.  :) 

Enjoy and Thank You!

~Blessings~

My First Estate Sale n Other Garage/Yard Sale Finds

Good Afternoon, Friends! I have so much "catching up" to do, so I thought I'd come back again today and tell you a little about my first Estate Sale experience. 

My friend, Cheryl, and I had been talking about getting together --to spend a "girly" day-- for such a long time, and we were finally able to make it happen last month, in July.  Instead of a movie and a bite to eat, we both thought it'd be fun to hit a few yard/garage sales, as neither of us had had an opportunity to do so yet this summer!  Then, she told me about these fliers/emails she receives now and then when there is an estate sale coming up.  Well, I'd never been to an ESTATE SALE before, and I was just ecstatic at the thought!  Cheryl said she'd see if there was anything coming up that weekend, and low and behold, a few days later one of the ladies that works and has booths down at the Exhibitors Boutique informed Cheryl that she and some family members were holding an Estate Sale --for friends and family only-- the very day we'd planned for our "day out."  YAY!!!

~Please stay with me, as I'll now share my "finds" and keep in mind that I'm saving the BEST part for last~

*wink*

So, our day came, and off we went, heading in the direction of the (and my first) Estate Sale.  We had some time to kill before it would be "open," so we pulled up to a yard sale, where I found...

This awesome "rubbed bronze" metal bowl - $2:

These four fabulous candle holders; two black iron for pillars and 2 "pewter" tealite/votive lanterns -$4:

 

 Then, we were off and we spied a sign off the side of the road for a HUGE SALE.  It was an old farmhouse, on a very LARGE piece of property and they were just bringing some things out.  This place was a GOLD MINE, we could tell, even by what little they'd already put out.  Can't wait to go back, but I snagged up these goodies for now:

VINTAGE GOODIES!  And not just vintage!  We're talking old, rusty, dirty, GLORIOUS vintage!  And you won't believe what I paid!  The old Montgomery Wards Scale - $1!  All the BEAUTIFUL tins - Just 25 cents a piece!  The Green Teapot - $2!!! 
~RUSTY HEAVEN!!!~

 

 ...Later that day...

When our "girly" out and about time was up, it was time to take my oldest daughter to work.  On the way, I saw yard sale after yard sale all up and down the one long stretch of road.  You know I had "the fever," so when I got back home, I loaded up the other kids, and a-yard-salin' we went!  We didn't find much, but we had a great time, and did score a few great items:

Yahtzee, Sorry, and A Children's Book by one of my most favorite authors, Wand E. Brunstetter.  Games (complete) - 25 cents and the book for 75 cents.

 At another very sparse sale, I spent more than I'm usually willing, but I knew it was worth it!

Check out my new crock pot!  - $20

The last find of the day was the lovely vintage wooden high chair.  It was another large farmhouse place, and boy! did they have chickens and goats, galore!  Just as we were about to leave, my eyes met this beauty, and I hesitantly asked, "How much?"  (Not a thing was priced).  Much to my surprise, the sale turned out to be a youth group fund-raiser sale and whatever you could give was the cost.  :)  - $7!!!

 Now, let us "rewind."  Remember, I told you I was saving the best for last.  Well, the time has come.  =D  "The Best" is not by definition "the best" according to my favorite finds of the day, just to be clear.  Without a doubt, my dollar rusty scale and 25 cent rusty vintage tins were the items that stole my heart that fine day, but it was at the Estate Sale where I did really, REALLY well.  And mind you, it was my FIRST estate sale - EVER!  You'll have to excuse me if it begins to sounds as if I'm "bragging," but honestly, I'm STILL in shock to this very day, and quite frankly, it will probably always bring a huge "boasting" smile to my face.  You'll understand why in just a minute, so I'll just get on with it.  lol 

So, I found these adorable battery operated lanterns at the estate sale.  Cute, right?  And they only set me back $5 for the pair.  I just love them, and they look wonderful in their new home on our mantel. 

BRACE YOURSELF NOW. 

Here is the only other thing I purchased at the Estate Sale:

 A beautiful silverware set -$25.

Not knowing what to expect (beings I'd never been to an "Estate Sale" before), I was really worried that nothing would be affordable, but thought it'd be fun, even if I didn't purchase a thing. I'd NEVER spend $25 or even $20 on ANY ONE THING while bargain hunting normally, but for ONCE I allowed myself to do so, and so glad I did. I've wanted a nice(r) flatware set all my adult life, and though I had NO IDEA just *how nice* of a set I was actually purchasing, I thought that I'd probably not find such a beautiful set again (if not for a looong while) at that price, so I decided to "splurge!"  Finally, I'd have pretty, matching silverware!

~keep reading~

Folks, this is the mother-load of all finds (for me, anyway)! Things like *this* just don't happen to me -- not EVER!  So, I got this complete service for 12, all the serving pieces, PLUS extra forks and spoons for $25! The set is called "Arlington" from Reed & Barton.  "Reed & Barton" was mentioned after I was quoted a price at the sale.  I didn't know any better, but I remembered later that night that it seemed like some kind of "big deal," so I sat down and looked it up online.  On a side note, Hubby wasn't "thrilled" that I paid $25 for something we didn't REALLY need, but told me that he thought I did "alright," though he was perfectly happy with our mix-matched set(s) we already had.  I did "alright!"  HA!  

Would you believe I about killed over after finding my exact set on their website for $575.00!!!??? WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!??? NO, I'm not kidding, and yes, I still cannot believe it!!! Talk about A FIND!!! Just imagine my hubby's newfound appreciation for my mad bargain hunting skills and keen eye!  Maybe next time, he'll just shake his head and smile.  LOL  ;)  Check it out---> Reed and Barton Arlington 92-Piece Set

That's all for today, friends!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read all about my exciting share!  =D

~♥Blessings♥~

Playing "Catch Up"

It's been quite a while since my last post, and honestly, I've just been stayin' pretty busy. I've been "hot and heavy" into the whole DIY Health/Beauty and Household Cleaning supply thing lately (thanks to Pinterest - *wink*), and really making a good faith effort to try getting things done around the home in the way of BIG and small jobs that have simply gone by the wayside over time.  Each day, I try to get something - anything!- done, and so far, I've managed to do just that.  Yay!

I'm happy to add that I've not been neglecting the Prim ~n~ Proper Shoppe as much as it may seem (considering my lack of posting and updating lately), but have managed to keep the booth filled up.  =D  I'm actually having lots of fun getting "creative," since I've had little to no time for much handcrafting these days.  In addition to a few DIY products I decided to "give a go" in the booth (why not?), I've discovered that there are a lot of little 2nd hand treasures out there to be found, and I've been shopping around (about 1-2x a week, if I can manage to do so), and using those finds to "fill in the gaps" in the booth.  Having several 2nd-hand places to shop in my area has been such a blessing, considering I've had so little time to really sit down and craft.

So, in no particular "order," here are some photos of "Fab Finds," and a few DIY products I've recently added to the booth.  I hope to "see" you again soon, but with Summertime here, the kids still schooling through the summer, cleaning and organizing, family coming to visit, etc., I just don't know, for sure, how *soon* "soon" will be.  I just thank you so much for "hangin' in there," and being happy to read my posts whenever I'm able to pop in.  Really, THANK YOU!  ♥

"On with the show!"
 

~♥Blessings♥~

New Fab Finds & a Lil' 'Splainin'

Good morning, Prim Friends! 

 (The "Splainin'" Part)

I know it's been a very long time since I've posted here on the blog, but if you follow my facebook page, you'll know I've been "away," sick. Yes, "The CRUD" hit our home, and took it's toll on every last one of us, and it did not choose to show even a tidbit of mercy for anyone. Took quite a toll on us all, and "Life" pretty much came to a stand-still as I took care of two sick girls until they were well, then it was the boys' turn.  Two days within the boys coming down with it, it was my turn.  Thank goodness my oldest girl was well by then, or Lord only know how far things would've "went by the wayside," as it was shortly after I began to get sick, hubby also stared coming down with it!  Oh, boy! it was a complete nightmare!  The funny part of it all is that it's so RARE that anyone here ever gets sick, and if so, it may last a day or two (or sometimes three), and then all is well, for the most part, and that's IF anyone catches something going around. This time around, however, was the longest and worst of any illness we ever dealt with; a cold/flu like virus. Good news is, we made it through, and now I am in the process of "getting back to normal" once more -- knock on wood! 

~Fab Finds~

(The FUN Stuff)

So, here I am, back to share some "Fab Finds" that I was able to pick up last Sunday during my bargain shopping hunt.  Since I've had no opportunity to craft at home in what seems like FOREVER, I thought maybe I could shop around for anything and everything that caught my eye.  You know, just some "knick-knacks & whatnots" that I could put in my booth to help fill in some empty spaces, and that would perhaps make some nice Mother's Day gifts.  *wink*

It is time for me to get on the craft train again, though, really.  I have tons of wood pieces I could work on getting painted and distressed, and then I have some vague ideas for some other projects, of course.  I will work on what I'm able, AS I'm able and will surely be back to share more as things get done.  For now, here are some photos of the things I picked up last week.  :D

First, remember these really cool metal candle holders I picked up way back when?  Well, I finally decided to do something with them.

...and this is what I came up with:

...I love them.  Picked these lantern "globes" up for some wood wall sconces I painted to discover that they didn't fit... barely.  So, I placed them on the candle holders, LOVED the look and was going to put them in the Shoppe with some grubby tapers inside, but then... taking everything out to the truck yesterday, my daughter accidentally dropped one of the glass covers, and that was the end of that plan... for now!  ;)  That's okay.  I'll get a new matching pair, THEN I'll take them to my booth (or at least TRY to get them there... in one piece). 

Okay, so now that I've got that story out of the way, here are the rest of the photos from my "Fab Finds" shopping trip.  :)

*Click photos for enlarged view, remember*

Overall photo...

The lidded Turkey dish was too fab to pass up, though it has a very small hairline crack on one side, it's barely noticeable, and would be great just as a display piece.

I LOVED these when I saw them.  I know they are vintage and made in Taiwan and that's about it.  Wonderful little miniatures!

These two jars/vases with basket stands are originally from Pottery Barn.  I simply added the fabric strip bows to dress them up a bit.

Just a couple of "Old Timey" glass milk jars that I, again, added some fabric bows to, then filled with some dried flowers that I also found on my bargain hunting trip.  :)

Vintages Lead Crystal Scalloped Heart Trinket Box from Italy.

I LOVE Holly Hobby, and found a few lovely vintage plates...

Sugar bowl - Japan

Johann Haviland vintage bell - Bavaria, Germany

Vintage dresser/trinket box.  I wish you could see the details better...

Vintage Salt & Pepper Shakers - Like the trinket box (above) the the glazing is all "crackly" and it makes them look so old and neat!  Again, you just can't really tell from the photo.  Bummer...

Vintage mini-cup and saucer.  So pretty , in person.  -Japan

Okay, that's about all I have time for at the moment. 

Have a SUPER Sunday!

♥Blessings♥