Tag Archives: blue and white transferware

Summer Tablescape {It’s All Set}

Happy day, school is out!   

The arrival of June means the lazy days of summer break are here.  Almost.  

We have a big project going on in our backyard that I’m excited to share with you soon.  I had hoped it would have been done by now, but with all the rain we have experienced here in Texas, our project has taken weeks longer than expected so our backyard isn’t looking so lovely right now. 

As a result, today’s summer tablescape that I’m sharing as part of the monthly, “It’s All Set” tablescape series, is indoors — not out on my back patio as I had hoped.  

It's All Set - Monthly Tablescape Inspiration

But, that’s okay, because even though it wasn’t what I planned I love how it turned out.

summer tablescape blue and white dishes hydrangeas

I wanted to create a table using what I already have, yet make it feel fresh and airy like summer. (Now that I think about it, however, it’s rarely “fresh and airy” during a Texas summer – ha!) (more…)

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Thrifty Fall Centerpiece

I looove saving money!  But, I also love buying new things for my home. That’s why I’m a big fan of thrift stores. And, because so many thrift stores benefit worthy causes in my community, they make my shopping trip a win-win experience. I find something “new” for a great price while giving back to my community.

That’s why I’m, once again, participating in a special Thrift Benefit for Shelter Animals. 

thrift benefit for animals

Did you know that many communities have thrift stores that directly benefit animal shelters?  Until last year, I didn’t know that!  That means when you shop at those stores, the proceeds of your purchase will go directly to local animal shelters.  Your money helps house, vaccinate, spay/neuter and find homes for needy animals in your community.  I think that’s so great! 

I am an animal lover (we have 2 dogs and 2 cats in our family) so today, I’m happy to be participating in a 22-blog tour of DIY and Home bloggers.  Together we are raising awareness about shopping at local thrift stores that directly benefit homeless animals in your area.  

Many of us are using our DIY and decorating skills to re-use and re-purpose things we found at our local thrift shops.  Others are telling the stories of their own shelter pets.  (To read the story I wrote last year about my own shelter pet family click here.)

Today, I’m showing you my thrifty fall center piece.  I used some thrift store treasures when putting it together.  By sharing it with you, I’m hoping you’ll be inspired to look for your own treasures in a shop near you!  

fall centerpiece

Unfortunately, I don’t have a thrift store near me that benefits animals (the closest one is an hour away), but I shopped at another local charity store so I could perhaps, spark your enthusiasm for being thrifty.  

Can you guess what came from the thrift store in my fall centerpiece?

pumpkin in a cup

Yep.  It’s the cup and saucer.  The cup was 89 cents and the plate was $1.49.

basket of pumpkins and plates

I rarely pass up blue and white transferware — even if it’s not part of a set.   I can always find a way to use it.

I also usually see a lot of baskets for sale like the one I’m using today.  This one isn’t a thrifted find, but I could have easily picked up a nice one for a buck or two.  (My husband is ready to put me in a 12-step program for my basket addiction so I really need to refrain from buying more!)

If you’d like to find a store that benefits shelter animals near you, you can simply do a Google search for “animal shelter thrift store.”  You can also call your local animal shelter and ask them if they have a shop.  If there is nothing near you there are many ways to help animals in need:

  1. Adopt a shelter pet instead of buying from breeders or pet stores
  2. Donate money to homeless animals through organizations like Petfinder.com or The Humane Society.
  3. Donate money when checking out at local pet stores — many ask you to donate a dollar or two to local animal charities when you’re at the register
  4. Volunteer at your local animal shelter
  5. Donate pet food and/or supplies to local animal shelters 
Here are some helpful links if you’re interested in pet adoption, volunteering or donating to homeless animals or preventing animal cruelty:
 
The Humane Society
Petfinder
ASPCA
Adopt a Pet
The Shelter Pet Project
Petango
 
The links below take you to the 21 other blogs that are participating in this tour.  I hope you’ll visit to see their projects and read their stories.
 
This post is dedicated to my four fur babies (clockwise from left:  Bella, Cinder, Lucky and Boomer).
my pets
They make our house a home! 
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POSTED IN: , cup and saucer, , , thrift store finds

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