Tuesday, November 12, 2013

A Thrifty Christmas

Once again it will be a thrifty Christmas. My car has decided  with 84,000 miles on it it needs some parts (thankfully my husband is very mechanically inclined and can do the work).  Having almost no Christmas budget is okay--it just makes things more interesting. It means my sewing machine will be running overtime to make all the presents I need to make. I better step it up...the big day will be here in no time!
 
When most people feel the Christmas spirit in the stores I get the most excited at my favorite store...Goodwill. You have the chance at finding some vintage Santa or Christmas tree--at the regular stores you pretty much know what you are going to get  :)
 
Thought I would share some of my recent finds...
 
I thought this little guy was so cute for $2.99. The kids told me of course I do because they swear I already have him. No worries--he will enjoy being a twin. I couldn't resist that lace shirt he is wearing!
 
 
I almost didn't open the box for this guy--but was so glad I did! He is brand new pink perfection! He was $4.99 and I think he is precious. I used to do a pink Christmas--have gotten away from that the last few years--but this year I am bringing back the pink. (at least a little anyway).
 



I always love to check out the fabric section at Goodwill and found these 2 half yard pieces for $2.99 for the pair.



They are so me. (please excuse the wrinkles) I think the purple one will become of the fabrics when making a chair cover for my purple dining chair.


This next item as soon as I saw it I knew it had to be mine. Janae even said if I didn't buy it I would have "didn't buy it regret". That is what Janae and I call it when we don't buy something in our attempt not to be hoarders and then we talk about it for months later.."I wish I would have gotten that.."


This was already perfect for my house--didn't have to paint it or anything.

I thought I would share a picture (or two) of how beautiful the pink Santa pillow I made (last post) looks on Janae's bed. I was tickled at how perfect it looks.



Thanks for visiting!

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Sandy! Doesnt it seem that things decide to break at the worst times?? Things always seem to break down for me when I truly need the money for something else, lol. But I love your outlook on it, And I love that you make your gifts as well! I get so stressed out this time of year that I dont even enjoy it. I always end up wishing it away :( You found some beautiful and adorable things at the goodwill! The santas are too darn cute. Im am so in love with the pillow you made Janae!! Oh my gosh is it every cute! And it does look perfect on her beautiful bed. I love how close you and your kids are :)
Love and hugs,
Amy

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Sandy,
Sorry about your car. We need them but they can be a pain when they do not work right. Glad the hubby can fix it. I love your Goodwill finds. You have a great Goodwill. I can never find good things like that at ours. Love the Santas.
Kris

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Great buys, especially that pink Santa, I would have had heart palpitations at that find! Love Janaes pillow you made!

Carol

Karen said...

Hi Sandy,
I love your newest Santas and the Paris fabric from Goodwill. Your chairs will look fabulous with that. My hubby and I always say "Get it or regret it!" I know I feel like a hoarder too but when you go back it is always gone especially at Goodwill. Hope your car isn't too costly. Our back electric car window broke last week and that set us back too.
Take care,
Karen

Tanya Rachelle said...

Love the Paris fabric!!! Wonderful finds you have. Love the Santa pillow too- charming!!!
~Tanya

Diane said...

We've been having a thrifty Christmas for the last few years too. You Santas are so cute and what a great price. Really like your fabric choices and I love your new candle holder. I wouldn't be able to resist it either!

Janae said...

I have to agree with Chantel & Wyatt that Santa looks REALLY familiar, heck maybe I am the one that has it lol. I love the pink Santa I'm very jealous of that G.W find. That is a great idea to use that fabric on your purple chair I think it will be perfect for it. I am glad you got the cross so you wouldn't have buyers regret, it looks perfect. Thank you so much again for my pillow I love it soooooo much, it's so so so cute! I am so excited to have Lacie's pink Christmas dress so I can take pics of her in it with the pink santa pillow :)

Heirloom treasures said...

OOoh,Sandy,nice finds especially the cross.x

Melanie said...

It seems that things break at the absolute worst times doesn't it? Guess that life would be boring iwthout a challenge wouldn't it? Great finds, love the fabric!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You found some great things, Sandy! Love the fabric you found and those Santa's are great. I'm hoping to get to the thrift store today myself. I have some clothes to drop off but I always go in and shop, too.

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Yes, the Goodwill & thrift stores do have so much better stuff than the run-of-the-mill department stores. You scored some great finds Sandy!

Unknown said...

You found some great things! I also love Santas, and they can be so expensive. Those are great, and such a bargain!
Heather

Anonymous said...

Sandy, these are fabulous Santas! They look wonderful in your home! The fabric and cross are amazing finds! We tend to have junk at our Goodwills. You always amaze me with your items! Love the Santa pillow! I love pink at Christmas too!

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh I like your pink Santa

The fabric from goodwill was a real find makes me want to go to goodwill today LOL

Cynthia said...

Sandy I am loving the fabric and the Santa's you found!!! That pillow you made is adorable! Sorry about the car.

Cynthia

farmhouse-story said...

the fabric and santas are such great finds, sandy! and your santa pillow is darling on janae's bed:) we just had to work on my car--not fun and not cheap:(

Twinkle Terrior said...

Oh how I love your blog! Your blog and your family are part of the November blessings I am thankful for! It makes me smile every time I sign on !!! oxox

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

That pink santa pillow is the "Bomb" I just love it and thank you for sharing your creation!
Leticia

Heaven's Walk said...

I am just waiting for my old SUV to start breaking down, Sandy. It's got 160,000 miles on it! But like you, my hubby can do the work on it. :) We have scaled back a lot on our Christmases in recent years. Just buying for the grandkids now, since all us adults tend to buy what we want/need during the year anyway. We want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas! :)

xoxo laurie

Anonymous said...

Oh Sandy, you put my thrifting to shame! Those Santas are adorable, and the tea light candle I would have dived on, literally! I love seeing the treasures of a fellow thrifter so thanks for sharing. x J

Karen said...

Those are beautiful Santas you found, what a great score Sandy. My husbands truck and my car are holding on by a wing and a prayer right now. I hope they hang on for a few more years. They always seem to need repairs at the wrong time so I know how you feel. Your gifts will be much more special because they came from your heart and hands.

Anne said...

Sorry to hear about your car.You are lucky that your husband can fix it.That is not my husbands talent.But he is great at fixing computers.What beautiful treasures! I am always finding things there too!
xx
Anne

Mom and I, Hooked on Thrifting said...

Ran across your blog after visiting your daughter's blog: Not So Shabby-Shabby Chic. Love both of your blogs.
Will be a thrifty Christmas for me & my family as well. Hope that you will check out the blog that my daughter and I have. Here is the URL: Momandihookedonthrifting.blogspot.com

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Julie