Burnt Mountain Trading Company

My Dandefind today is at the Burnt Mountain Trading Company in downtown just behind Jasper Drugs.   "From Antique to New, Something for Home, Garden, and You!" and that certainly applies, especially during the holidays.  


When guests come to visit it is nice to have small gifts on hand so they can remember their time with you.  Burnt Mountain Trading offers the perfect solution - tree ornaments.  They have at least 2 trees full of delightful ornaments to choose from. Most are less than even discount (read Walmart, Target) stores.

This was my fav.  A little more expensive than the others but so beautiful.

I know this isn't an ornament but it was so creative and happy I had to include it.

4 Reasons to Thrift During the Holidays

Holidays are the best time to visit local thrift stores.  Folks are cleaning out old holiday items to make room for new ones.  Most of these items are gently used and are wonderful finds. Today I visited Pickens Animal Rescue(PAR) thrift store and I hit the holiday thrifting jackpot.  They have displayed all the Christmas offerings so beautifully that you feel like you are walking through a wonderland.  Below are a few reasons you should visit PAR, or your local thrift store, this week if possible.

1-Decorations: Why go to the big box stores when there are so many decorations at the thrift stores this time of year.  Ornaments, wall hangings, table runners, baskets and on and on.  Most items are under $1.50.

Today I found some wonderful items.  First are these two very cute snowpeople.  There wasn't a price but you can bet it wasn't much.




I also found some vintage looking ornaments for .50 cents per box.

.50 Cents

My purchase today came from a basket of white, silver and blue balls priced at 4 for .50 cents.  I bought over a dozen.  Some will go on the tree and some will hang from ribbon in the window.  Believe me there were many more decorations than I have pictures of.

2-Trees:  Whether you are looking for a large tree for the living room or a small one for you desk, thrift stores are great places to find all kinds of trees.  I saw 3 artificial trees today. Here are some tips when choosing a large tree from a thrift:

    A.  Check the size.  Sometimes it is written on the box or ask a sales person if they know. 
    B.  If you are allowed, make sure all the branches are there.  Nothing worse than getting home only to find you have a gap in your tree.
    C.  Make sure the stand is with the tree.  Tree stands are like socks in a dryer.  They have a way of disappearing.

PAR had an excellent selection of small tabletop trees.  Here are a few. The tree on the right is $2.00 and needs a little work on the cord.  Might be able to ask for less.  The tree on the left is $10.00.  It is beautifully decorated and sits in a peck basket. In the center is a plastic bin with several tabletop trees for $3.00 each.

3.  Wrap/Boxes/Bags:  From time to time I pick up gift bags while thrifting.  Today PAR had a wealth of packaging for the holidays and prices way less than the cheapest Dollar Store.  I found 3 rolls of paper.  One had been opened so I paid .25 cents for that one.  The other two were unopened, extra big rolls at $1.00 each.  I love the blue and white because it blends with my color theme this year.  I also needed the brown shipping paper to add a natural touch under the tree AND I also bought rolls of ribbons to go decorate the brown paper for .10 to .25 cents per roll.

4.  Gifts:  The economy is less that favorable this year and many are looking for ways to cut costs.  You can shop at the big discount stores OR try finding something wonderful at a thrift store.  Stocking stuffers are in abundance.  I found these cute little kaleidoscopes and John Deere coasters for the tractor guy in your life.  The coasters could also be used as ornaments on the tree. 

There are folks who can't volunteer at thrift stores but who want to contribute.  These generous folks use their talents to make new items to donate to the store.  I found gifts for many of my co-workers that way.  (Can't tell you what they are - might spoil the surprise for a reader).  Today I found these cute caps for 3.00 each.




The Dandefind of the day was this 3 level playhouse on casters for $150.  Expensive for a thrift store???  Try and find one made from solid wood with a shingled roof and totally furnished for that price in a big box or discount store.   If I were a little girl again I would absolutely LOVE to find this under the tree Christmas morning.

These are things I found in an hour at one thrift store.  And there is so much more out there.  If you want me to pick up any of these finds for you I'd be happy to.  Just contact me by posting here or leaving a message at Dandefinds on Facebook.

Happy Hunting.

Pickens Animal Rescue Thrift Store

Testing mobile posting

I use my phone more than my computer lately. So I am learning how to post via mobile. This is my first attempt. I walked outside the other day and was greeted by a most beautiful site. Fog on The Hill. Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

My Favorite Yard Sale Find

DH and I absolutely love yard sales.  One day I will tell you the story of our yard sale adventures but today I want to share the one thing I found that has become my favorite of all time.  I love a Tuscan feeling in our home.  I have touches everywhere.  That love began with this find.

I was coming home from work one day and spotted a Yard Sale sign.  Of course couldn't resist.  The site was a little hard to find and wound up to be in an old chicken house complete with sawdust on the floor.  There was a (slightly creepy) man there and I was only going to give things a brief look around then leave. 

Then I spotted this painting leaning against a table filled with random dishes.  The bottom was covered in sawdust and the painting itself was dusty.  There was a price tag of $10 on it.  I offered $7 and he took it.
 

(Wall is actually brown not pink)

 I brought it home and very carefully used my lint brush to clean it up.  The more I looked at it the better I liked it.  I wanted to frame it.  So I left it leaning against the wall for a while till I could find just the right frame.  I searched, I search and I searched and nothing felt right.  One day, several months later, I just said "Forget it.  I'll hang it without a frame."  And so it found it's home over the entertainment center.

Every day when I look at it it gives me a feeling of calm.  Like I could walk right up to the arches and stroll down the path.  The muted golds and shadows transport me to Tuscany.  And so, my love for all things Tuscan was born.  Even now as I look at it I get the same feeling. 

Best $7 I ever spent. 

Later...

Saying Goodbye

Greetings from The (sad) Hill,

Today we say a final goodbye to a giant of a man, my Uncle Darwin.  Uncle Darwin was the most faithful man I ever met.  Not only in a religious way though he was certainly a Godly man.  The kind of faithful I'm talking about is caring for others.  Before his Mom passed away, Uncle Darwin visited her every single morning.  After she passed he made it his job to visit my Grandmother every day until she passed.  He had a friend who is disabled and then he began visiting him on a regular basis.  Every day of Uncle Darwin's life was spent checking on others to make sure their needs were met.

The other awesome thing about Uncle Darwin was how much he loved to garden.  Even when his health wasn't so good he had the usual big garden, with help from my Aunt Wanda and his children.  While he and Aunt Wanda put away pounds and pounds of vegetables every year it wasn't as if they really needed them.  Matter of fact they gave away as much as they put up.  No, Uncle Darwin just loved to plant and watch things grow.

When I was little Uncle Darwin and Aunt Wanda and my three cousins lived in Marietta, GA.  Sometimes I'd go stay with them.  One vivid memory from when I was about four years old was eating cereal at the table and Uncle Darwin sitting beside me.  I only ate the cereal out of the milk and left the milk in the bowl.  He taught me that I should always drink the milk or my breakfast wasn't done.  Isn't it funny how little things like that stay with you.

Uncle Darwin was a gruff teddy bear.  He'd greet us with a bear hug and a kiss and leave the same way.  You always knew he loved you.  And of course we all loved him. I'm glad I told him every time I saw him.  Because we never know what will happen minute to minute.

Who knew that one morning while he was burning trash he would throw gasoline on it like he's probably done a hundred times.  Who knew that this time he would catch on fire and suffer severe burns.  Who knew that after three skin graphs, a feeding tube, tracheotomy, respirator, and three months of being unconscious he would have to leave us.

Lives change in a breath.  It was no ones fault.  Uncle Darwin fought hard to stay here but his body just wasn't strong enough in the end.

When my Daddy died it took me so long to make sense of it.  I was angry, lost and felt like the person on this earth who loved me the most left me.  I know, silly emotions for an adult but you can't help grief.  It is a strange bedfellow.

After a while I realized that it was just Daddy's time to go.  The work he had to do on this earth was done.  If it wasn't he'd still be here.  I believe that with my whole heart.  This is what gives me comfort when I lose someone.  Especially someone as special as Uncle Darwin.  Whatever he was sent to to, he did, did it well and finished it.

The Hill won't be the same without him.  I'll drive by expecting to see him out in the garden.  Just like I expect to see Grandmother on her front porch or Daddy on his tractor.  Those spots are empty now.  But you know, that's ok.  They lived a long wonderful life.  And the best that can be said about them is that whoever they touched knew they were loved.

I loved Uncle Darwin and I know he loved me.  That will be my comfort today as I say my final goodbye.

Rest in wonderful peace Uncle Darwin - November 17, 1930 - June 18, 2011

Later ...

Tuscan Wall Grouping - $5

Greetings from The (touch of Tuscany) Hill,

I must have lived a former life in Tuscany because I absolutely love anything Tuscan.  I found this shelf at a thrift store recently for $5.  It is a plate and cup holder normally used in dining rooms but I saw a different use.

Nice stained wood

Metal detail

Before

I liked that it was solid stained wood and had just a touch of detail on the ends. This is what it looked like before.

Finished grouping

The touch of metal and the chalk cherub give it a touch of Tuscany.  And because I already had these no money was involved. 

Five dollars to fabulous!!!!!

Later...

6 Tips for Picking Blackberries

 Greetings from The (surprisingly ripe) Hill

Nothing heralds Summer in more than walking to the berry patch and finding plump ripe blackberries.  The berries I pick grow wild (and I mean wild) along the woods line behind our house.  They normally ripen the first week in July however my berries are already black and juicy.  Blackberry picking is about 2 things - 1. Getting the biggest, sweetest berries while receiving a minimum of scratches and 2. Fighting chiggers.  That's it, real simple.   In order to accomplish these two things country girls go through a lot of trouble year after year.  It is a tough and sometimes dangerous job but well worth the reward.  These are my blackberry picking tips to make the job easier.

1.  Clothes:  Daddy taught me how to dress for berry picking.  Even in the Southern July heat we wore long sleeve shirts, blue jeans, socks and thick boots.  Each element was for a purpose.  Long sleeves so the chiggers could only go so far.  Somethings we even put rubber bands around our wrists. Wearing blue jeans was an attempt to repel the briars.  It gave them something to hang onto besides your skin.  Wearing socks is the same principle as the shirt, cover as much skin as possible.  And thick boots in case you accidentally walk near a snake and upset it.

2.  Tools:  Daddy and I cut a hole in a gallon milk jug and looped our belt through the handle.  Instant berry holder that left both hands free.  And believe me you need both while picking berries.   We also took a hoe.  These days I take an old sickle to knock down briars and brush, pound on the ground to scare the snakes away and pull the limb with the fattest berries to me then I drop them into a plastic bowl sitting on the ground.

3.  Freeze the berries:  When you are finished picking, pour the berries either on a plate or cookie sheet depending on how many you picked and pop them in the freezer unwashed.  If you are not going to use them immediately you want to freeze them as soon as possible.  Let them sit in the freezer while you follow the next steps.

4.  Vinegar: As soon as the berries are in the fridge or freezer pour a good amount of vinegar into a bowl (about 2 cups or more depending on your size).  Hop into the shower without water running and with a wash clothe wash all over with the straight vinegar.  Remember to get all those crevices chiggers like to hide in.  Be cautious around your face.  It's OK to get around the neck, the ears and carefully on the cheeks but please do not get straight vinegar near your eyes.  Voice of wisdom speaking, vinegar stings.  It will also sting every little briar scratch so get ready.  Once you have soaked yourself really well with the vinegar wash it off with luke warm water then turn to cool for a final rinse.

5.  Calamine Lotion:  Now that you are clean get a bottle of calamine lotion, shake well and apply to any and all places chiggers might have already bitten.  For example, underarms, wrists, between the toes, all crevices etc.  I know you are getting dirty just after you got clean but trust me it will keep you from itching.  Anytime you think you feel a chigger tickle, reach for the bottle and add more.  Don't wash off until in the morning then bathe as usual.

6.  Bag the berries:  Once you are covered with the calamine sit down and rest a few minutes then get the berries out of the freezer, put them in a freezer bag and then back into the freezer.  When you get ready to use them you can easily pour out as much as you need, wash to help them thaw and put them in whatever wonderful dish you have decided to make.

I hope you can find some blackberries near you. When you do, tell me all about it.

Later...

Dragonfly

This little guy visited our yard so I snapped a pic.

I'm a big fan of Dragonflys.

Later...

Yard Sale Finds

Greetings from The Hill,

After a very hectic Friday I'm ready for a relaxing Saturday.  And what better way to start a "do as I want to" day than visit a few yard sales.

After stopping at one roadside sale where I didn't find anything I moved on to the charity sale at our local historic gym.  Proceeds are put right back into their remodel/upkeep fund. 

Tate Gym, Tate, GA

Inside the gym

Believe it or not I had P.E. in this very gym when I was in 7th grade.  This is where I learned to hate leg lifts.  Anyway today I found a sectioned condiment holder that will be just right for our "Do".  I also found 2 large coasters. 

Finds today

Then I stopped by another sale on the way home.  It was in the location where Sauter's store was when I was  kid.  Mrs. Sauter's granddaughter kept the building and was there today holding the sale.  It was so great to run into her.  We chatted for a long time about old times then I found a silicone cake pan and muffin pan.  I'd been wanting a new muffin pan and for $2.00 this one was a steal.

If you are yard sale shopping today let me know what you find.

Later....

My Favorite Things Friday

Greetings from The (TGIF) Hill,

I am joining my friend at Milk and Cuddles in posting My Favorite Things Friday.

I have started a new collection - Perfume bottles.  I absolutely love the colors and sometimes the stoppers are the best part.  I get them at a little antique store up the road from where I work.  I sneak over at lunchtime and browse.  Here is the beginning of my collection which is currently My Favorite Thing.

Later ...

July 4th Party Planning

Greetings from The (planning) Hill,

We are having a "Do" at our house for the July 4th weekend.  New to a Do?  At our house it begins by getting the word out.  Save the date's are gone and I'm beginning to hear back.  Then I plan like crazy.  The day before I spend cooking, cleaning, decorating,etc.  The day of begins early with a calming cup of coffee, last minute cooking then the guests begin to arrive around 11:00am.  From that moment on the house is open all day into the evening.  Because it is Independence Day we will have fireworks (legal in our county) to end the evening.


So what do you do at a Lindsey Do?  Spend time with folks you haven't seen in a while, eat, sit outside under the canopy and eat, get the gang together and go do something somewhere else then come back and eat, play with the kids and eat.  See the pattern here?

Most of the time I do a pot luck but this Do will be different.  I will make pulled pork for sandwiches instead of burgers.  Then we will grill brats and dogs and have a Hot Dog and Salad Bar.  I'll get different kinds of buns and a huge bowl of mixed greens and let guests select from the following toppings:

Dill pickles
Dill pickle relish
Chopped Onions
Onion rings
Corn & potatoes cooked in Old Bay
Shredded cheddar
Salsa
Diced tomatoes
Cold slaw
Sauerkraut
Scallions
Cilantro
Bacon
Cucumbers
Onion cooked in vege oil, ketchup & wine
Cherry tomatoes
Dried cranberries
Diced apples

Crumbled Gorgonzola

In addition to the above there will be appetizers, sides, dessert and massive quantities of stuff to drink.

While planning the menu I've also been scouring the Dollar Stores and thrift stores for items I can use to decorate with.  I already have a red, white and blue bunting for the porch.  Here are the additional items I've found so far:

Believe it or not I found these plates and napkins discount priced at my local grocery store. 

Watermelon S&P Shakers

I have a pretty good collection of salt & pepper shakers.  This is one of my summertime sets. I bought this little Aloe plant because it's great for cuts, bug bites and burns.  

Thrift store flower vases

I found these containers at the thrift store for 25 cents each.  I'll take the tops off the cookie containers and plant white petunias.  I will put red ones in the clay pots.  I am still looking for a blue container or two.

Thrift store bowls

In addition to red, white and blue flower vases I am also looking for small red, white and blue containers to put all the many toppings in.  Above are the ones I found today.

Dollar Store finds

I bought 2 holiday tablecloths and 2 of these really great rag rug mats.  The mat is twice the size you see in the picture.  We have a church pew on our front porch that will get one of the mats and a wicker love seat that will get the other one to cover up the pad it has now.


I'm getting really excited about our Do.  If I can pause in my hostess duties I'm take a few pictures to post.


Hope you are having fun planning whatever you plan to do over the holiday weekend.


Later...

5 Dollar Store Decorating Ideas for Summer

Greetings from The (spruced up) Hill,

When the seasons change I love to add a few things around the house to welcome the warm of Spring/Summer. Because these are seasonal items I don’t want to spend a lot of money so I visit the Dollar Stores.  They put seasonal items out early so I can get a jump start. Dollar store items are inexpensive so I can make several changes for not a lot of money and it is just plain fun to poke around and find items that fit in with my house décor.  Below are my favorite ways to spruce up a kitchen or screened porch.


1.  Front Door Mat:  Because dollar store rugs and mats are so inexpensive you can treat them like disposable items.  I recently paid $5.00 for a mat that will get me through the whole year if I want.  That is less than 50 cents a month.

2.  Kitchen Rugs: Buy 2 slice kitchen rugs, one for in front of the sink and one for in front of the dishwasher.  Ever notice how much water gets on the floor in front of the dishwasher?  If you are tired of constantly cleaning it up, let the rug absorb it for you.  Pick a rug you like and use the colors in the rug to set a new spring color theme for your kitchen.  When the season is over these rugs can get packed away and brought out another time.

3.  Cafe Curtains: There is always a wide selection in the curtain aisle of a dollar store.  You can separate the set and use the valance over the sink and the bottom set on a door using small inexpensive tension rods. 

4.  Tablecloth:  Dollar stores often sell tablecloths that match or coordinate with other kitchen items.  I used this vinyl, felt backed tablecloth on the porch.  Because this area gets a lot of use in warm weather the tablecloth will be a disposable item when fall comes.

5.  Sheers:  You can create the feel of an outside room on a screened porch .  Buy sheer panels in a complementing color and hang them in a corner using tension rods.  At end of season they can be packed away for later use.


Do you have any low cost dollar store decorating experiences to share?

Later….