Tag Archives: African Amercian blogger

Giving You Heads Up!

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A few months ago I joined a Facebook group “It’s a Garden Thing“.  I truly adore being a part of this group of friendly people who love their gardens and sharing them with the cyber world.  In this group there was a lady showing some beautiful head planters. I was mesmerized on how beautiful they were. My motto is plants are people too.. green people and they need you to nourish, groom and sometimes even talk to them.  Head planters almost makes you feel like you’re talking face to face with your plants.  Looking at their faces with empty heads makes you think, what kind of hairdo would complete their look (you know how we women love our hair to be right 🙂  – it sets the tone)  “Head Planters” give your plants the personality they deserve.  I did some research for head planters.. here are some favorites I came across:

This African Queen head planter is beautiful.  I love the beaded detail along the side of her face

VIA

VIA

and this little darling in pure white is simply lovely

VIA

VIA

and for buddha lovers.. these are perfect

VIA

VIA

and then there’s this one with it’s exotic eyes

VIA

VIA

You can so much fun with them creating a new look simply by changing her hair. Are you intrigued yet? Well, I couldn’t stand not having a beautiful planter so I asked who, where, & how do I get one.  Low and behold, they were being made by a group member. I contacted her and she showed me some of the ones she had left. The minute I saw this lady.. I screamed.. she’s the one!!  I want her – so ladies (and gents) …. I’d like for you to meet Elfredah..

 

Here’s the clinker.. I have an aunt name Alfreda.. how coincidental was that.  I couldn’t wait to get her and settled into her new home with me and my green family. She arrived and  I went to the nursery to find her new hairdo. The plant I found is called Emina.. and guess what.. my twin’s name is Amina.. (both pronounced the same) so you know this planter was meant to be for me and this is her new look all dressed up!

Isn’t she a beauty… I absolutely love it!!  On Friday’s Feature post, I’m going to introduce to you the HeadMaker Lady.  So I hope you join me in getting to know a little about Cynthia and I’ll be showing you more of the lovely ladies she created.. So stay tuned!    You may want to order one for yourself.  Smooches ?

Thrifty Thursday

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Hello,hello,hello… I know – it’s not thursday.. (but that’s the day I found my project) .. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything.. I had to take to hiatus from blogging.  Even though time changed and our days got longer, it stills seems like they’re going too quick – Feels like I’m running out of time..  Work, home,cook, projects, exercise…etc..etc..etc..next thing I know it’s after midnight and time to go to bed to start all over again.. (where does the day go????) …  My cyber-friend Miss K over at Pure&Complex already gave me my frowny face.. Where have I been scolding… chuckles.. thanks “K” for missing me.. My brother came for a surprise visit and it was wonderful time spent with my little darlings.. Ava and Laylah.. I even played hooky from work to escape to the zoo with them.. A trip well worth my time off

Karriem met a new friend.. who he was hoping wouldn’t lick him in the face..lol..

Needless to say I miss them already….   after that.. I had yard work to do.. uggghhhh… I truly regret not getting the leaves up sooner.. but – oh well.. no need in crying over spilled milk..  That alone took a few hours after work to get done.    My chair project is almost done.. Yipppeeeee…I’m the one holding up the last part.. I have to refinish the wood frame.. so that’s my next step. I can’t wait to show you the finished product.  In the meantime.. I did come across this cute vintage lamp while thrifting at Goodwill.

      

Not bad for $8.75.. I think it’ll be great for a new spring look.   My only dilemna was the shade.. I’m not big on the shape or pleats…   I found another one in my storage area.. and decided to to use it instead.   It had seen better days, but I figured – it’s worth a try..  I didn’t do too bad on my kitchen lamp shade (if you missed it you can see it here) so I decided to give this one a whirl..

I’ve been leaning towards toile fabric- so I decided to give it a try.  First I laid the fabric out and placed the shade on top and rolled it across the fabric, marking as I roll it..

I used a hot glue gun to adhere the fabric to the shade.. Be very careful with that glue gun, because it’s easy to wind up with this…  Yeeeouuuuuchh!!!!!!

Luckily I leave a bottle of AloeVera gel in the fridge to help with burns. If you haven’t tried it..trust me, it works great on burns.  It took me all of an hour to complete the new shade  and I must say.. Not bad!

I think the toile fabric did better justice with this lamp..(I just hope toile is not out of style – lol)

The painting was a another Goodwill find for $4.00.  A quick coat of white paint gives the boring frame a fresher look (as you see the wood frame did nothing for this painting)

 

For under $15.00 I created a quick inexpensive new look for the console table.  Next up – I’m also doing a 30-day makeover challenge with other bloggers..which will be another quick update of a chair that sorely needs some attention.  I’m late in the game to start but I’ll have it finished (fingers crossed) ..lol… well that’s what your thrifty girl has been up to.. and what about you..?  What are your upcoming projects.. Do share..I’d love to hear about them..

Tah-tah..As always… Your thrifty Gal

 

Making “Country” Home

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As we approach the closing of another year, I was just reflecting back to when I left New Jersey, the only place I’ve ever known as home, and headed to make a new life in South Carolina.  Scared, lonely, happy and relieved were my first emotions that flooded me.  Scared of the unknown, lonely because I knew no-one except my husband, children and hubby’s 81 year old grandmother, happy because we were moving into our first single family home, and relieved to leave the hustle and bustle of northern living.  I wish I had started my blog back then-but I had not even heard of the word “blog” chuckles. Things may have been different had I known about Urban Compass, because maybe then I would have headed more north. Urban Compass is newer company that looks to connect those looking for NYC Apartments to their perfect place and neighborhood based on their personality and they’re starting a new project called Starter Stories.  At one point in my life I was definitely in a New York state of mind.  But truthfully speaking, I’ve grown accustomed to the southern lifestyle and  totally acclimated to small town living.  Whitmire, SC may not be among the best place list, but it’s the best “kept secret” little town and a place we call home. Over the years, I’ve taken this  100 years old home on  the Wallace Journey of making this starter house our permanent home.  In Jersey, we didn’t have a backyard with grass, so I couldn’t wait to get started and take the empty backyard from this:

To this:

Oh-the countless hours I spent making flower beds around the house.  I had no clue about gardening or making landscapes.  I was a brick-city girl and closest thing I was to gardening was having a few houseplants.  I amazed myself on how I blossomed into a gardener with “some skills”.  Another project that I enjoyed was taking that clutter closet from dead space to a valuable “Office” space was truly a rewarding moment.  I always wanted an office and this was perfect.

 

After 2 attempts of getting the right color and look for our dining room, I finally found the look I love and was so proud of it that I entered it in a contest.

I could go on about the home’s makeover history  (you can click the link) but you all know how I like to keep things short and simple.  Opening the boutique was definitely a highlight that made this year a little more special.  Moving here not only changed my address, but it also changed my life.  So making country home has actually been a pretty good life.

So you see, our house is small, no mansion for a millionaire, but there is room for love and there is room for friends… That’s all I care.

But, if I ever decide to “break bad” and move back up north I’ll definitely contact Urban Compass to let them help me find the right place.  Here’s wishing you wonderful happiness in your home..

Farewell Summer

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Hey everyone!! Remember me ???  I just want to touch base with you and say Hi and let you know all is going well.  It’s so hard to believe that Summertime is over and  Fall has begun.  I’m already missing the beautiful summer days, lounging around and enjoying the easy living.  I’ve always loved this particular song and the way Sylvester sings it- just moves my soul.  ( I know you’re probably saying – this girl and her music – and you’re right.. this girl and her music is her life) ..  I’d be a lost soul without it.

Well, we are finishing up painting the shop.  Boy, it’s more work than I thought, but it’s worth it.  Just thought I’d share a few before pictures of the shop and what I’m working with.  Please don’t be too critical, because it’s been vacant for months and TLC is all it needs.  We’re pretty excited about it.

This is the beginning stages of “Pieces of Time” Antiques & Home Decor Boutique.

 

Of course we’ll be adding some curb appeal too! Perhaps a window box and of course some planters.

We were pleased to have the display cases which will come in handy

 

I thought picking out paint colors would be fun, but it’s actually very challenging but these were a few selections I came home with..

Considering the size of the space we are working with I had to narrow down the selection to one color.  It was a tough decision, but  I think you’ll like one I chose.  I also have to tell you about my good luck fortune.   Sometimes, God works in mysterious ways and he’s really blessed me with finding things.  I was extremely happy when I found these brass shelving units which would be perfect for the shop and the price was $35.00 for each, but the gentlemen let them go for $30.00 ea (talk about insides screaming – yippeeee).

Then I came across a lady selling paint.  Could you believe this!!  She had a 5 gallon bucket of Behr flat white paint – never used or opened.. for $5.00.  I just couldn’t believe it.  All I could say was-  “Thank You God” for your blessing, because he knows I’m working on a shoestring budget.    Well that’s all I have to share so far.  Like I said, I just wanted to touch base – and hoping all is well you.  Have you found any goodies lately or done any projects?  If so, please share, I’d love to hear all about it.  Also, don’t forget to follow along with me on my VivaGram and Twitter.  If you find goodies and like to share, use hashtag #urthriftygirlfinds so I feature them on my Friday Finds.  Until next time – ta-ta.. smooches,

 

 

 

not For the Birds Cage

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Hello Everyone –  Here’s hoping all is well with you.. Your thrifty girl has been piddling along with this dining room make-over project.    I really opened Pandora’s box with this one.  My first decision was to simply paint the set – which I did.. I grew tired of the black legs and wanted to change them up a bit.   Here’s a sneak peek at the progress.. I really love the new color.. (I have to admit – I was verrrrrry nervous).. chuckles.. The color used is by Krylon called Metallic nickel.  The paint has a smooth glittery finish and really makes the set look richer.

 

Well???  What’s your thoughts..

Up next – Fabric.. I will keep you posted.  I had to break away from this mind boggling project, so, I updated another tray.    Remember these.. well this is the third one.  I decided to use it in the family room.

Here is the new look:

It really adds color to the coffee table and blends much better than the cranberry red

Okay –  let’s move on to the birdcage.   If you can remember a few weeks back – I picked up this vintage birdcage for $13.00 at a thrift store/yardsale.

When I spotted it I knew exactly what I was going to use it for.  You know I like to change things up a bit and have multi-functional pieces.   First up.. a new look.   I used Rustoleum Glossy White and Metallic Gold spray paints to freshen it up. .. I’m so happy with it.

Can you say ahhhhhhh!!! with me… 🙂

The wall paper samples… well —- they came in handy again.  I used a gorgeous piece that had tree branches and a few birds (for nostalgia purposes) to line the bottom tray.

Guess what I’m using it for..

Yup… towel storage..  if you can remember I once used a planter for this bath,

I’ve been a  naughty girl by buying more plants so it went back to being a plant stand.  You know something,  I think the bird cage looks even better as my towel holder.

 

This bird did not fly over the coo-coo’s nest..  🙂  ..  no sireee..  this bird’s thoughts can’t be caged in …

 

 

Do you think I’ve gone Coo-coo… ???

If not – welcome to my world of un-caged thoughts.  Have you used a piece for unconventional purposes lately?  If so, do share.

I’m off to fabric hunting –  Wish me Luck!   Have a great day