thrifting for kids

It was a great day today!  My pal Mel introduced me to the Step By Step Resale for kids and boy was it cool!  Step by Step is a non-profit organization that offers educational activities for families in our area.

I have always enjoyed thrifting but this was on a much grander level for me!  To become a seller you register, wait to be approved, enter items on their database, tag and drop off your lot the day before the sale.  I worked the sale today and the scene was awesome!  My conversations with moms about reusing and not buying new was the general theme.  If you could just see the sheer amount of stuff you would ask why we buy new to begin with. Baby strollers, winter coats, bikes, books, bedding, Halloween costumes, toys (Oh the toys), shoes, clothing for all ages and the list goes on.

source via-Step by Step

I have thought a lot about my general consumption over the past year, and after today, know that I will be doing things a bit differently for my family.

Overall, I bought 11 items and sold most of my baby clothes/equipment. I was able to purchase fall clothes for the girls, books, a Thomas game, t-shirts for my son and that Radio Flyer scooter for my bean.  Grand total....18 dollars!  That scooter cost TWO dollars!!!

 Reusing and saving money feels pretty groovy!

Thrifting with...The Thrifty Groove

the start of fall in our home

I'm somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to seasonal decorating.  I try to use things from nature and make projects with the kids to add those special bits of the new season throughout our home!  

 {I made this wreath out of honeysuckle garland, leaves and burlap}

How do you decorate for the new season?  

Happy making, baking, and growing!

Linking with...
Jennifer Rizzo
The Inspired Room

Salvador Dali and my dahlias

As I watch my dahlias emerge and eagerly wait to see how they will unfold, I was shocked by the surreal appeal of my dahlia "Mystery Day."  It made me think of an artist I studied back in my days at art school.  Salvador Dali is best known for his dramatic and bizarre images which were always fun to dissect for their meaning.  

Melting Clocks...source

I can't help but notice that Dali is similar in both spelling and pronunciation as dahlia.   Though they are both surreal to me, I do have an obvious favorite!

Happy making, baking and growing!!!  Here is to a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with....Fishtail Cottage

liking

Watching my son explore the river.

Having the beans keep track of the busy butterflies while mom runs to get her camera!

Our fresh tomatoes.

The sweet little reminders in the garden!

My hands down favorite annual of the year...Wendy's Wish Salvia.

Browsing Fine Gardening Magazine for inspiration. 

via-Fine Gardening

via-FIne Gardening

Our insect habitats!  

The farmers throwing their monthly garage sale.

Where I scored this solid...I mean solid..oak table for the girls' room.  Refinishing in progress!

Inspiration for their space.

source unkown

And the start of autumn's colors.
This photo taken by my daughter!

  What are you liking these days?

Happy first day of September!

garden wreaths for kids

Don't you love it when a project takes on a life of its own!?! 

I have been working on a fall wreath, so naturally, my daughter wanted in on the action!  I cut some extra chicken wire for her to work with and she was off! She gathered things from the backyard and when I caught up with her this is what she created....

A simple nature wreath for all the beans out there!

Birthday Beginnings...

We are throwing one birthday party for all three beans this fall.  Their birthdays happen to all land around the same time and for now they enjoy it!  No surprise that the theme this year is a "Garden Party."   In an effort to stay on track with getting ready for their special day, I have begun making some decorations.  I have really been inspired by my pal Carol from the fantastic blog Art and Sand.  Her goal for the month of August is to "use what she has."  I'm challenging myself to do the same for the party.  Saving money and consuming less.....what a concept!

So first up are these burlap flowers.  I have seen different flowers made from burlap and I happened to have some left over from a party this summer.  I also grabbed some fabric scraps and buttons from my collection and here ya go..

Burlap Button Flowers!  Not sure where they are going yet and I have several more to make but they were free!  I will be doing little bits about the bash to try to stay ahead of schedule!  

Happy Making, Baking, and Growing!  

date night

We don't get out much with three kids under the age of 4, so when we do, we savor every moment!

Our date night was a concert located at the beautiful Northerly Island in Chicago.   I'm proud to call Chicago our city.   The people...the music..the food!

We went to see these amazing folks....Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks Band and The Black Crowes

If you've never heard this woman sing, I hope you'll give her a listen, because she is what good music is all about!

It was a cool night on the lake with a lovely crowd.  People kicking back and dancing the night away!

And me with this guy....sharing our love of music once again!

Here is to all of those little moments this week that make life sweet!  Have a good one!