Stupendous Saturday 10/25/14

Happy Saturday!

I woke up early... early as in it was still dark outside.  The sky was still filled with stars.  Beautiful stars.  I am looking foward to the day because I get to go shopping!  With everything going on since April, this shopping day will be like a mini vacation away from EVERYTHING:  housework, laundry, cleaning out my parents house, dealing with estate stuff.  I need time away... really, I do!  So, that's my plan and I'm sticking to it.  (Even if I feel a bit guilty with all the "work" that still needs to be done.)

Now that I've shared what my stupendous Saturday is going to be like, I can regale you with other things I've been up to:

TREASURE HUNTING
Not that I've had a lot of time lately to treasure hunt, but I've gotten lucky with a few lovely finds over the past few months. 

Some of you may know that I love photography... just as much as stitching!  Love cameras, photographs, taking photographs, gadgets, and oh how I enjoy finding unique frames!  For years, I have wanted a digital photo frame.  I didn't want a cheapo one, but I couldn't justify paying a hefty price for a really nice one.  Look what I found for a mere $15:

I know, I know. It doesn't look very exciting right now but it will when I put photos in it!  It's an HP 8" digital photo frame in dark expresso.  It comes with a remote control, too.  It was still in the box in the original wrapping.  The funny thing is... It's been at the thrift store for weeks priced at $39.99.  When I saw it had been marked down to $14.99, I couldn't resist.  This frame sells on Amazon for $80.  So, so happy with my purchase!

Want to hear how anal indecisive I am with certain purchases?  Sure you do.  When I saw it in the thrift store, I thought: "Oh my god, I LOVE it!"  Then I saw the price tag... Did I really want to pay that much?  I made a bargain with myself.  "Self," I said, "if it's still there after you finishing shopping the rest of the store, then seriously consider it.  If it's meant to be, it will still be there when you get done shopping."  LOL, silly aren't I?  So, I did just that.  I continued to peruse the rest of the store... actually, I did go back and look at it at least three times.  Crazy, I know.  When I finished browsing, there it was and I brought it home.  What was it, you're wondering?

A beautiful (and I do mean beautiful!) oak jewelry armoire.  It is so similiar to my bedroom set, if one didn't know better they'd think it came as a set.  The photo really doesn't do it justice.

I consider it a piece of furniture as it stands 39" tall.  It's a well built armoire compared to smaller ones I've seen in stores.  My guess is that it cost around $300 when it was new.  I feel I got it for a steal at $65.  My only dilemma is that I don't want to get rid of my smaller jewelry boxes.  One my parents gave to me for Christmas when I was a teenager, and the other two I've had forever.  *sigh*  Believe it or not, I have contemplated using it as a floss cabinet.  It'd be perfect for that!

I did a slight modification in that I put felt under the legs so that it wouldn't scratch my hardwood floors.  The BF tightened up the screws for the legs and the piano hinge that allows the mirrored top to be opened.

After the above finds, this one pales in comparison.  Even though I'm much more particular about thrift store stash acquisitions, I still can't resist a good floss deal.  For less than $1, I got this:

I think I'm good for DMC 816 for a while, don't you?

 

My next "find" isn't as exciting as the previous ones, but a great find nonetheless.  Both my brother and BF have this.  They say it's awesome for keeping shoes, boots, and gloves dry.  Retailing for $40, I picked up a new-in-the-box Peet Boot Dryer for less than $5.  Score!  It's quiet and will come in handy.

 



STITCHY STUFF
I haven't gotten around to stitching the buttons on Heart of America yet, but I have been steadily plugging away at Midnight Watch.  I've made quite a few substitutions because I didn't have all the GAST and WDW the chart called for.  Plus, I didn't particularly care for some of the colors in the design either.  Mix it up, I did!

Since the above photo was taken, I've done quite a bit more.  I guess I should put out a new photo:

THOUGHTFULNESS
I continue to receive condolence cards and I must say that you stitchers have brought tears to my eyes with your thoughtful and caring words of comfort.  My heartstrings have definitely been pulled as I read the cards. Some of you I have met in real life and others only online, but I tell you what -- You guys (gals) are wonderful!  Thank you with all my heart for your kindness.

Yesterday, I was surprised to see a package sticking out of my mailbox.  I scanned my brain quickly, but I couldn't remember ordering anything.

 

Inside the box was a prayer shawl crocheted by Berly in Missouri.  She and I have "known" each other online for at least seven years.  We met in real life a couple years ago at a retreat.  I can't tell you how touched I was to receive such a gift and condolence card.  Thank you so much, Berly.  I have already showed it to a couple of my siblings. :)

I think that about does it for now.

Until next time,