by any other name

As a child I was never one of those super cute tomboys. I liked being a girl and I wanted to look like one. I even sported the fake fashion press-on nails. I have memories of watching my mom apply her make-up and just waiting for the day that I would get to wear it too. But, from my very earliest memories I recall vowing that I would NEVER carry a purse! Why? I do not know. Call it a bag and I'm fine, but a purse? Some part of my subconscious told me that in order to qualify you had to be at least 80 years old and wear really bright lipstick. I didn't seem to think I would ever be old enough to do either. Still, to this day, I prefer the term bag, of which I am in want of a new one.

I have a few requirements.  I want a solid color, a bag big enough for a small binder or note book, one that closes at the top and won't gape open when I put it down, and a few interior pockets would be appreciated. I also want a bag with a shorter strap and a longer strap, so that I can wear it on my shoulder or across the body. After looking around town, and not finding what I was looking for, I turned to Esty. There I found quite the opposite problem, there are more bags than I have time to look through. I did, however, find some I liked.

etsy

etsy

 etsy

etsy

etsy

etsy

etsy

Of the many bags to choose from, I think I finally found one that meets all the specifications I am looking for.

But then I found this one, which is nothing like I set out to find, but oh so cute and every bit me.

hmmmm? What to do.

Oh, p.s. If you are 80 and/or wear lipstick and carry a purse, think nothing of what I said!

etsy

yellow

I have this pretty little vase that was given to me filled with flowers, after I had my 4th baby, by my dear friend Debra Moore. It just so happens to be the most beautiful shade of yellow - 1 of my favorite colors. I have been wanting to add some yellow to our bedroom, and I thought this would be perfect to sit on top of my dresser and hold my bracelets. 

This weekend I was able to paint a previously black tray that sat on top of Darren's dresser. I took my little vase and went on the hunt for a spray paint to match. After looking at Walmart and Home Depot, I went to Rona.They have the biggest and the best selection  - with about 8 different shades of yellow! It turned out really well, and it adds just the right amount of color.

the way it is

I wish that I could say that when I start a project I stay with it until the end. But I do not. I flit back and forth. I almost always start a whole new project before completing the last 1 (or 3 or 4). I am also not the kind of person who feels the need for things to be picture perfect before I share them with others. My life is not perfect and it never will be. I will (I hope) always have multiple projects on the go. I need to be changing and creating. Sometimes this will mean that I won't even finish a room before I want to change it again. Darren has become used to this and is fine with it - as long as he doesn't have to do the painting!  So although it is not quite complete, it is getting close (you can see the spots on the wall where the old lights used to be. I need to sand and paint them. And we need window coverings - then I think it will actually be done). But for now here is our bedroom and our bed that got a mini makeover with the things I found on our shopping trip on Saturday! This is how I work and this is how I'll share - 1 step at a time.

the makings of a great shopping trip

First of all you need good company - and I had the best. 2 beautiful daughters and 1 fabulous mom. 

2nd - flip flops (in my day they were called thongs. Does anyone else remember the day when thong did not mean an under garment that will NEVER be part of my wardrobe?). 

People think I am crazy, but for comfort it is only ever flip flips for me. I garden in them, I do Disneyland in them, and I shop in them.

3rd - bring snacks. Nuts and bananas, things you like that will keep your energy up. And water.

4th - Bring a list. I did go shopping with a list of things we needed, in order to help me remember and stay on track. 

I found pretty much everything I was looking for for my kids who keep growing out of their clothes!

5th - Bring your camera. And take a picture of everything you would buy if you had a money tree growing in your backyard (apparently we don't have one). 

But I do have a husband who can build!

(pictures taken at Home Sense)

 If I had a craft room this is what I would use to organize all my little items.

And these pillows - these pillows rode in my cart until the very last minute when I had to put them back (the money tree lacking issue, yet again).

 This is a good tip though - if in doubt, put it in your cart. It is much better to decide at the end of your shop which things you are buying and what is going to have to stay, 

instead of deciding later that you want something only to see someone else walk out of the store with it. 

 This I just though, although not at all my style, was weird and cool all at the same time.

So although I spent a bucket load of money in my imagination, I only left with a couple of things -

These pillows (which then lead to a mini bed makeover - I will post that tomorrow).

These items we found at a second hand shop.

 We Canadians don't have the same luxury as our American friends. Things are usually more expensive and not as easy to come buy up here, especially on the Island (although it is slowly changing). We have limited options when it comes to stores. You have to hunt, and when you find a good shop it is all the more exciting.

Thanks for a great trip girls!