Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!

Although we have one special day to celebrate Earth Day, we can still celebrate everyday by being the change we want to see in the world. I've seen it posted several times, people are tired of the extended winter temps into Spring. It's as if Mother Nature has lost her calendar of events. By now, we've all changed our light bulbs (I hope!!) but saving the planet goes a little deeper. Here are 12 ways to continue to celebrate Earth Day everyday and help save our planet - Every little bit helps.

How to make twinkling lanterns out of ordinary tin cans: http://bit.ly/ZDYtvW

12 Ways to Help Save Our Planet

#1 Support your local farmers - Shop local Farmers markets for seasonal fruits, veggies and even preserves, jams, baked goods and sauces.

#2 Buy food in bulk or only buy what you need. For excess or to avoid spoiled foods, freeze them for another time (fruit is especially great to do this with and make smoothies - freeze meets, take out in AM to grill that night)

#3 Donate clothing, furniture, decor, and even excess craft, party goods or wrapping paper to your local thrift shop - and better goods can be taken to a consignment shop: the extra cash to go towards a style update.

Teach Kids to help save the planet.

Erek Hansen collected 14,000 items of denim and over 7,000 pairs of shoes to be repurposed into new items! 9 inspiring kids who are saving the world: http://su.pr/21aoT8

#4 Repurpose existing items in new ways: cut off an old pair of jeans for new summer shorts. Reuse cut denim pieces for pillows or placemats.

#5 Salvage what you already have - a little elbow grease, TLC and paint can go a long way.

#6 Support your local Historic Preservation organization - whether by volunteering to help at an event, or help spread the word of their cause through your social media connections, friends, and family. Here in Arizona, check out:

Phoenix Historic Preservation

Scottsdale Historic Preservation

Modern Phoenix - The Neighborhood Network

#7 Throw trash in the proper receptacle - NOT out your car window or leave behind piles of garbage in a mall parking lot because you decided to clean out your car. Also: Be conscious of your surroundings: When you do see trash, pick it up and put it in the receptacle. 

How cool is this?

Dumpster Gardens: Moveable Forests Sprout Inside Trash Receptacles http://su.pr/2zwgVJ

#8. Beside cans, bottles and newspapers, recycle paper towel tubes, food boxes (like from Granola bars, cereal, Magic Erase), glass from scented candles (great to actually repurpose!) and yogurt cups.

#9 Save energy: natural light is beautiful, but in the summer, filter the heat with window panels + sheers, shades or blinds. Turn off ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms. When brushing your teeth, turn the water off. When going out for errands: make a list & map your route to save gas.

#10 Water plants at night. Keep track of plants and veggies with guides, notes, calendars and plant sticks.

 

DIY Garden Sticks :)

#11 Use resuable shopping bags when thrifting, shopping or doing groceries. If you do have extra plastic bags, Walmart has a bag recycling bin to bring them to.

 #12 Recycle paint by either mixing old colors together to make a new color (great for furniture or an accent wall!) or donate excess paint to Habitat for Humanity, a church, or even a school. Recently, I learned about a company whi IS recycling paint to new colors and reselling it. They are called AMAZON PAINTS. Learn more at AmazonPaint.com

Sure, there are other ways to "Go Green" - for example Xeriscaping in dry climates, rain catchers in the tropics, and creating a compost, but these can be more complicated for some lifestyles. The 10 above are things we can ALL do no matter our lifestyle. Jeff and I do all the above daily. Learn more ways to think, live, be and design green at InHabitat.com.

 

What are some things you do to be Green and celebrate Earth Day everyday?

Thanks for stopping by!

12 Easter Tablescape Tips For You

You still have two more weeks to plan and gather-up your goodies to create your Easter tablescapes this year. I'll be sharing more photos of full Spring tablestyles this week, but for now, here are some ideas mainly for Easter, but some can also be used for any Spring occasion. From graphic black & white pattern to touches of gold or food inspirations, here are 12 take-away tips I recapped for you from my Easter Tablescapes past...

Basically, have your inspiration, but to have a vision for the mood, personalize it to make it you own, don't set boundaries - experiment, and execute.

Tip #1

Live plants and fresh fruit bring life to a table

Add texture with a lacy runner from HomeGoods to give it movement.

Tip #2

Spot items out of season  and collect them - these baskets I had spotted at Micheal's Craft store in the $1 bins, about three months before using them.

Tip #3

Refresh everyday accessories from around the house with a new color (like gold)

and use those items on your table.

Tip #4

Whether you already own decorations or if you spot something in a store, look past its color right to its shape, scale and potential. Metalic pink eggs are magically transformed with gold. To help paint eggs, repurpose egg cartons to hold eggs while you paint - BUT - be sure to cover a Styrofoam carton with foil. If not, the acetone in the paint will EAT the Styrofoam (unless it's Design Master brand spray paint).

Tip #5

Create a cohesive look of seasonal decor in your home onto

your table through a finish or color.

Tip #6

For added interest, pick up some patterned plates while thrifting.

I found these Wedgwood plates (set of 6 @ $3.79 thrifting in FL) to layer into

my everyday white and mix with other thrifted white plates.

Tip #7

Find a balance and mix it up to avoid a catalog look.

Not everything needs to be all thrifted.

(Found candle holders & dishes thrifting)

Not everything needs to be all from one store.

(Found placemats + tall cylinder at HomeGoods and small glass cylinder at Dollar Store)

Not everything needs to be all bought on clearance.

(green grass found after Christmas clearance)

Tip #8

If you can't find what you're looking for (like graphic pattern napkins), make your own.

Fabric Quarters (usually for quilting) are a GREAT and affordable alternative - especially when they're on sale for $1.38 each. Just roll edges and top stitch for a finished look.

Tip #9

Colorblock mixed bags of candy by separating the candy for stronger color impact on your tablesetting.

Tip #10

There's nothing wrong with mixing in faux flowers.

It's more economical, they last longer, and you can reuse for other seasons, tables, or rooms. Watch for 50% off sales & add coupons to save even more (ex: at Micheal's). Also: don't overlook the Dollar Store - a single color or flower style done in mass can look more expensive that it really was.

Tip #11

Use what you have in new ways or color combos.

Remove labels from wine bottles to give shimmer & height to your tablescape: paint them for added color or wrap with twine to add texture. Give tables added color pop by using colored stemware.

Tip # 12

Be aware of the inspiration that is all around you...

even in your refrigerator from carrots to oranges to apples, your kids storybooks like golden eggs, or even your closet for fun pattern mixes.

If you can, it's great to take some time to experiment with different table styles. You may find out an original plan won't work - maybe it's too cluttered for your guests. You may even come up with something totally different and it could be just what you needed. Folding chairs aren't the only means of extra seating - although you could paint an old one in a new vibrant color, you may also spot some cool chairs for only $5 while thrifting. Benches can also work for unconventional seating or give your table a modern look.

Hope these tips are of some help to you :)

Thanks for stopping by!

LINKING POST TO:

The DIY Showoff - Project Parade

Under the Table & Dreaming - Sunday Showcase

Between Naps On the Porch - Metamorphosis Monday

Homemaker on A Dime - Creative Bloggers Hop

Home Stories A to Z - Tuesday Tutes & Tips

Between Naps On the Porch - Tablescape Thursday

My Romantic Home - Show & Tell Friday

Somewhat Simple - Strut Your Stuff Link-up

 Also shared post to HomeGoods Happy by Design board on Pinterest

Note: Although I've shared this post with HomeGoods and the Happy By Design project, all thoughts and opinions are of my own.

NEW: Thrifting in Arizona

Thrifting in Arizona, from what I've seen so far, can be summed up in these three words: Location. Location. Location. I was definitely spoiled, thrifting in South Florida... so many vintage and classic finds. Here, you've got to do some serious hunting; but with a good eye, it is possible to score a few thrifty finds. If you've just moved, and are in need of a few furniture pieces (because of new room or space) or you're looking to revamp an unused space, or even if you're hunting for textiles to recover an existing piece or layer your windows with - Give thrift a try! Here's a few fabric & furniture finds I did spot, after venturing off to about dozen thrift stores in the Gilbert - Mesa - Chandler areas....

 

Great fabric finds scored at the Goodwill off Baseline & Power Roads...

 

These will be great to recover some chairs for the new Studio / Loft area I'm setting up in our new place...

 

 

 

Although this above scarf was found at Ross, it still works great with the other prints of hounds tooth, glen plain, and tartan plaid...

 

Napkins can be a simple fabric to frame and add a shot of print, color or pattern to a gallery wall.

This tartan plaid is a great addition for the holidays...

 

Discount stores like Ross and Homegoods sell great looking storage trunks, usually for around $39. You can find some trunks with character thrifting for a fraction of the cost... Only $7.99

 

Be sure too check inside for cleanliness, especially if you'll be using it for blanket storage.

 I spotted this brass chandy - a great looking find - and if you read Rashon Carraway's blog, Mr. Goodwill Hunting, you'll recall he found one while thrifting out in Rockhill, North Carolina.

 

 Scored some (new) Ansel Adams prints to use in the new space - only .69 each!.

These will be a simple update to some beach photos I have framed...

 

Great bookcases with closed storage - great for a living room, or even in a dining area that doubles as an office.

 

This was a surprise - great lines on a vintage office chair for only $12.99. Love the look of the clean lines paired with the tufting and textured fabric - although yes - it either needs a serious cleaning or reupholster altogether.

 

 

 

If your setting up an office or studio, thrifting can be a money saver when searching for a desk or project work surface. The above Ikea desk was only $19.99... but a dining table can also be used for a more unconventional desk.

 

I did the unthinkable when it comes to thrift: I spotted this table Monday, and after giving it much thought, went back Tuesday evening - and it was STILL THERE!

 

Only $24.99 for a 60" x 36" solid pine table... vs. an easy $200+ on a new desk or table....

With a little TLC, sanding, paint and stain, it will be as good as new. A huge savings and way to complete the new loft area we now have - without breaking the budget.

 

I did look into getting Annie Sloan's paint (Graphite), but to save the expense, I'm sticking with using a latex I already have. Thanks to whoever was previously in our rental, they left a quart or Behr Flat latex - in Graphite in the garage. I couldn't pack and ship any of my paints for the move (because of risk of spills and damage), so free paint is another thrifty score!

 

Love the legs. 

This will work well in contrast to the clean lines I already have going on in the loft area.

 

Although I was focused on what kind of furniture styles are donated around this area, I also did spot a few fashion finds - like this fur coat - which is greatly needed now. Temps around here have been as low as in the 20's in the morning and only reaching 50's - 60's as the high... which with shorter winter days, isn't really for that long.

 

I can see someone working this coat with a cream turtle neck, chunky scarf, dark denim tucked into some tobacco leather knee boots....

 

Besides the Goodwill's, I did find two other thrift spots...

St. Vincent de Paul had 2/3 of their store stocked with furniture, reasonable prices, and the friendly clerk let me know they get their trucks Tuesday - Friday. They are open on Sundays - not everyone around here is - and that's a GOOD thing :)

 

Great storage find at SVDP for around $150.

 

Unfortunately, this thrift shop, Hidden Treasures, closes by 4pm - so I missed getting a tour inside. From the window and what they also post on Craig's List, it looks like they may be a good source for thrifty furniture finds.I'd also like to go more north into Scottsdale and see what thrifting is like up there - plus, I did see where they have some antique shops to also check out.

Until then, I hope it's a little warmer outside today. I'd really like to get outside to work on the thrifted farmers table a bit (sanding), but I think I might try painting it after we get it upstairs (3 flights!) Do you have any tips for painting furniture in cold weather?? This is new to me! lol But still luvin' it!

 

From the Goodwill.org page, but 

this is a shot from the Hallendale Goodwill I use to visit.

So yes, location plays a huge part in finding some good thrift - but also staying focused to hunt for just what you're looking for, you CAN find it! And you can find it at even deeper discounts when you find out what your local thrift stores sale days are. Some days, you can get an extra 50% off and I believe Saturdays are $1days for clothing at the area Goodwills.... but don't quote me - I have to double check on that. While at the thrift stores, I used my phone & Facebook to "Check-In", which I ended up adding the locations to check-in... So if you go to any thrift stores in the Gilbert - Chandler - Mesa areas, check-in to thrift and maybe we could meet up!

What have you hunted for and found through thrift lately?

Thanks for stopping by!