Back from Houston!

 via

I had a great time in Houston hanging out with my Mom and Dad.

Dad was out of town with work for most of week,

so Mom and I held down the fort.

We ate some yummy tex mex, which is must when visiting south Texas.

We did alot of shopping too (imagine that..Mom and I shopping).

I found some amazing stuff at the thrift stores.

Houston has some amazing high end charity shops.

Two I recommend if you're ever in the area are 

The Guild Shop and the The Cottage Shop.

At the Guild Shop, I got exactly what I was looking for.

Colored cords for fall.

AG Colored Cords....

FOR 12 DOLLARS. AMAZING.

Here they are at Anthropologie for $168.

The only difference is the ones at Anthropologie are skinny and mine are bootcut.

But that doesn't make a difference to me. 

And they fit perfect.

And here is my $12.00 outfit.

Skirt; White House Black Market $7.50 from the Guild Shop.

Halter; no tag, but same weight/quality as some of my BCBG knits $4.06 from the Cottage Shop.

So actually the whole outfit was $11.56. :)

I couldn't find an exact match for the maxi skirt but here is a similar style for $128.

I hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. 

Jason and I will be welcoming his dad and step mother for several days 

and are looking forward to hanging out 

and closing out the summer on a high note with family.

xoxo- Bethany

Latest Estate Sale Finds

This week my partner in crime when it comes to estate sales, Toni, was at the beach; 

but I still managed to make it to one.

It was worth it.

I found some treasures.

Here's what I got:

Brass camel incense holder.

I love camels and they're  not that easy to find.

Had to get him.

Speaking of camels, I have been coveting this camel bracelet.

Someone should buy it for me.

*cough* Jason *cough*

Okay, so when I look at this I see adorable vintage whale toy.

Jason sees a massager. Gross. A used massager.

Now it's not as cute as I thought.

Maybe it will grow on me again and will look cute on a shelf in my someday nursery.

No, mom, I'm not pregnant.

No, mom, I'm not smoking either.

But I do have friends and family who smoke.

Therefore, occasionally I need an ashtray.

Why not have a cool vintage one?

A cool one that is genuine alabaster, hand carved, made in Italy.

So, all in all, I spent 5 bucks. Not bad. :)

Have you found any vintage treasure lately?

-Bethany

DIY Raffia and Vintage Finds Doorhanger

I was at Joann's yesterday buying some sewing supplies

and saw their fall decorations had arrived.

As I was browsing, I saw this doorhanger with bells.

Sorry I couldn't find it on their site to link up.

I thought it was cute and all, but then it hit me..

This would be a great project to use the vintage keys I've been collecting from estate sales.

So, I headed over to the dollar store and got this....

and this...

and came back home and sat down in front of the tv with this...

We bought a new blender and I'm on a smoothie kick.

And watched this...

VIA

Has anyone else seen this show? Its like a train wreck...I can't look away.

And simply wrapped the wire coil in raffia holding it with a few dots of hot glue.

Then I tied on a few keys and a rusty old calf bell  I already had.

This is how it turned out..

I think it really turned out cute and I only spent 2 dollars for the raffia and wire.

Plus, it was easy and quick!

I'm linking this post up to Cassie's linky party!

Hope y'all have great weekend friends!

-Bethany

Estate Sale Find: Turquoise Nesting Bowls

On Fridays, when my friend Toni and I are off  work, we go to local estate sales

to gawk at the trash treasure. We always have so much fun even if we leave empty handed.

This past Friday, I found these turquoise ceramic nesting bowls.

I love the textural rim and the beautiful color...turquoise is my favorite.

They have a nautical touch that's so summery too.

Have you found any second hand treasure lately?

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

When I was in Houston visiting my mom and dad over my birthday last month, a book found its way to me. My mom and I were at a thrift store when I found it for three dollars.
How could I say no?

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
by Sarah Ban Breathnach

A wise person once told me that books found they're way to us when we are ready to hear what they have to say. That's true in this case. Simple Abundance is a book of 365 essays focusing on the spiritual principles of gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy. She also focuses on staying in the day and enlarging your spiritual life. I am really enjoying a fresh perspective on some of the same principles I've been trying to live by for years. The book was published in the mid 90s and was a #1 best-seller, mainly because of her numerous appearances on Oprah; but its found me at the perfect time here in 2012.

To read reviews or purchase the book on Amazon, click here.

Have any books found they're way to you recently?

-Bethany