discoveries at the market

Over the weekend we went to the Chattanooga Market. It has been a while since we have gone and we picked the perfect time to go. It was the Culture Festival weekend.

This time at the market I made two awesome discoveries and for once I actually had cash (thank you yard sale) to splurge a little.

The first thing I found was this unique bead bracelet that was made by women in Uganda. The beads are made from recycled paper and they are really cute. The organization is called Beads for Life and it is a great idea and awesome cause. I got a green bracelet.

The second thing I found was the most delicious vegan apple pocket. Oh my goodness, it was so good that we bought some extra to bring home with us. Jason got the cherry ones. Yummy!!

wise owl

beaded owl necklace

For the longest time I have been wanting a piece of owl jewelry. I have seen a lot of cute rings and necklaces, but for some reason or another they were never quite right. Recently I was feeding my addiction to online shopping (I need to join a support group) and browsing around on Forever 21. I was really just wanting to buy a pair of shorts I saw on the glamorai, which I did, and I ended up getting a few other things. This wonderful necklace included.

The package arrived today and I love everything I got. That almost never happens, I usually end up returning at least one item, but not this time :)

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These photos were taken Fourth of July 2009 in Florida. When we went outside to do fireworks, we noticed a little visitor on a car parked nearby. I think this is really the only time I have ever seen a wild owl out in "nature." It was pretty neat. He only stuck around for a few minutes, but long enough for me to get these shots. I think owls are some of the most interesting birds.

Don't you?

the joy of thrifting

This week, by accident, I found a new thrift store (it was new to me, anyway). I really just went there to meet with somebody, but I couldn't help but look around too. I'm so glad I did because I found some really great finds.

The first items that caught my eye were two glass milk jugs. They were the perfect size and the perfect price at 50 cents a piece. I haven't found a permanent home for them yet, but right now one of the is holding some beautiful flowers and the other is on our bakers rack. I can't wait to find the perfect spot for them!

I also found this awesome hunter green vintage belt. It fits perfectly and I am excited to style it with the perfect outfit.

Have you had any good thrift finds lately?

c is for castro

printer's letter stand from anthropologie

I am forever looking for fun and different looking decor for my house (like here). I would love to eventually start some DIY projects, but until then I will depend on others to make things for me to buy :) When I saw this "C" stand at anthropologie, I was instantly attracted to it. I walked around the store for a little while before I told Jason that I just had to have it for our house. I wasn't quite sure where I wanted to put it, but once we got home, it found the perfect place on our mantel. I have already gotten compliments on it and even Tina approves. I just love this new addition.

hanging around

I've mentioned before (here) that some of my favorite projects to do are house projects. I love getting our home put together and adding our personal touches everywhere. I'm not sure that you could label our house any one type of style; I definitely like bold colors and unique finds. Lately I have really gotten into online shopping (okay, it's sort of become an addiction) and have found some great sites that have unusual pieces. I thought I would share with you one of my latest finds; a super cute coat rack that we will be using to hang Jack's leashes by our back door.

branch out coat rack from modcloth

bargain shopper

I would consider myself a great bargain shopper. Ever since we moved into the house I have gotten some awesome and unique finds for great prices. One of my favorite stores to shop at is Homegoods - that may be an understatement because I love Homegoods.

I have been looking for the perfect rug for under our breakfast table, and this weekend I finally found it. I have to admit that it took me a while to commit to the purchase, mostly because I had already done a bit of retail damage, but in the end I decided to go for it. You can always return it, right?! So now that I have it in our house, it is exactly what I was looking for! This purchase is really the first step in my kitchen redecoration, but I think it is a great start.

this is a cell phone picture, so it does not do the rug justice

Homegoods also has a set of dishes that are exactly what I am wanting, but I think it will take quite a bit of convincing to get Jason on board . . . hopefully I can convince him before they are gone! Over the weekend I had also found a painting that would have been great for our living room, but I listened to Jason and waited a day and when I went back it was gone! I was so disappointed, but that was also the day I found the rug so I guess that made up for it :)