Buy Second Hand First
Someone asked me recently if I was a “garage sale guru.” I’d answer to that but I prefer “Stylishly Frugal Living Expert” as my title. Regardless, I’m a garage sale, estate sale, second-hand store, free pile type-of-gal! I try and always buy used items, first, instead of buying new and that includes most items except {Read more about Buy Second Hand First}
Hello Handbag
Hello handbag. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you. Last summer to be exact. You’re so stylishly frugal and in season now, you get to come out of the closet where you’ve been hiding during fall and winter. I wish you could stay out year round but alas, you are a spring and summer accessory {Read more about Hello Handbag}
Mother’s Day Winner
Well, I should really call this “Mother’s Day Giveaway Winner” because I think all Mothers are winners especially on Mother’s day! The winner is: Sheila C. Congratulations! Look for these adorable handbags in the mail soon. Happy Mother’s day to all you Mothers and thank you for entering the drawing. Thank you to Meg, of {Read more about Mother’s Day Winner}
How to Fix String Bags
I love these string grocery bags that we received as a wedding gift many years ago. They’re nice because they’re small enough to be tucked in a handbag or in a pocket while out shopping They’ve held up really well over the last 22-years but were showing signs of wear and tear (thankfully, the years {Read more about How to Fix String Bags}
Light Lanterns for Garden
These sweet little lanterns hang from the lilac tree in our backyard. I bought them at the Goodwill Clearance Center (otherwise known as “The Bins” because everything is piled up in bins and you have to dig around to find your treasures). The lanterns were attached to lights that didn’t work so I removed the {Read more about Light Lanterns for Garden}
Mother’s Day Giveaway
With Mother’s Day approaching, it’s time for another giveaway with some very sweet handmade items made from re-purposed fabrics. In case you’ve forgotten, Mother’s day is Sunday, May 13th this year and these purses would be a lovely gift to give someone or keep for yourself. I love that they’re matching mother and daughter purses {Read more about Mother’s Day Giveaway}
Laundry Chute Evolution
The final component of the bathroom re-do, the laundry chute door, was a real puzzle to figure out. We were really brainstorming about what to use – Brand new door? Custom made door? Build it ourselves out of wood door? Find a used cabinet door? A reader , Laurie, even had a great suggestion of {Read more about Laundry Chute Evolution}
DIY Project Claw Feet
As you’ll recall, we discovered an ugly secret during our bathroom re-do project about our claw foot bathtub: our bathtub was missing one of its claw feet. To be honest with you, I’ve always thought it was me, not the bathtub, whenever the bathtub moved during my shower. I’d begin to question myself: Did I {Read more about DIY Project Claw Feet}
Bathroom Progress Part 5
The best part about the bathroom project, aside from the toilet working, bathtub working, and the sink working, is the pretty shower curtain and Roman shade. The colors are bright, cheerful, and definitely say, “Good morning, Sunshine!” when you walk through the doorway!
How to Mend Pillow Cases
It’s a mystery to me why I’m not sleeping very well these days. I’m too hot at night so we left our down comforter in its storage bag this winter and didn’t even put it on our bed. Our upstairs, where all of our bedrooms are located, is already very cold because we don’t heat {Read more about How to Mend Pillow Cases}
Sources: Bathroom Project
With the bathroom project in the final stretch, I’ve had lots of inquiries about colors, stores, and type of materials used. Since I love to share my sources, below is the entire list of haunts for our bathroom project. Some hardware and tools were purchased over the years and not just for this project but {Read more about Sources: Bathroom Project}
Bathroom Progress Part 4
In a marriage, spouses each take on different roles and responsibilities. In our marriage, I somehow have the role of plumber and in particular, the one who installs toilets. I’m not entirely sure how this happened but over nearly 22 years of marriage, 2 old houses and 4 bathroom renovations later, I’ve gotten plenty of {Read more about Bathroom Progress Part 4}
Found: One Claw Foot
The bathroom do it yourself project hit a sticking point early on. We had no idea but our claw foot bathtub was missing a foot. I really don’t know how this happened but that’s part of the joy of owning an old house – surprises. With a claw foot in hand, we headed to Hippo {Read more about Found: One Claw Foot}
Green Holiday Guide
I’m thrilled to announce that Go Gingham has collaborated with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability on this wonderful Green Holiday Guide. The City of Portland (Oregon, not Maine) launched a new recycling program this fall and contacted me about their Green Holiday Guide project. Reducing garbage, eliminating food waste, and decorating {Read more about Green Holiday Guide}
Tree Topper Tale
Whenever I make something and think to myself, well, someday I’ll replace this with something better someone should stop me. So often, when someday arrives, what I’ve made for “temporary” purposes works out just fine. This Christmas tree topper is a perfect example of a project I made because there was a need, we wanted {Read more about Tree Topper Tale}
