Fun porch yard sale finds

It’s that time of year again when yard sales are in full force. Yes, it’s definitely my favorite time of the year. Not only does it remind me that beautiful weather is on the horizon, but it’s when I purchase most of my household necessities, I update my wardrobe, and I just have fun buying both wants and needs.

It’s the way I’ve saved over $100, 000. Yes, it’s  Thrifting as a lifestyle.

Since clearing out my clutter is one of my goals for 2014 and I’m not doing particularly well, I am trying to be mindful of how much I bring in each week and have a purpose for what I buy. I’m committed to clearing out as much I bring in, and that is definitely my challenge. My goal this summer is to decorate our new front porch and update the back deck. The back deck is basically a gathering of mismatched yard sale finds that haven’t handled the outdoor weather very well. It needs up an all around upgrade, but I’ll start with some new furniture finds. As I find possible outdoor decor, I will decide if it goes on the porch or the deck.

Over the last two weekends, I’ve found some great treasures. Above you’ll see the wicker table that topped my budget at $5. I jest. Can you even believe that? I was thrilled. The tall decorative “vases, baskets, thing-a-ma-jigs” were also $5 for the pair and the circular basket just $1. Now I have to decide what kind of spray paint magic they need.

I always lean towards hues of blue, but I am thinking a little mix and match will be necessary. All three of the above purchases are definitely for our front porch because the back deck receives much more rain.

Fun trash to treasure finds

This adorable $3 chalk board will also go outside as a “Welcome” sign. I haven’t hung anything yet on the outdoor siding, so I need to research how best to do that. For now, it will lean against the siding on top of the wicker table.  The $2 lamp is just an indoor upgrade. The shade is in perfect condition and the lamp will probably get a coat of paint once I figure out which room it will go in.

I love these baskets and amazing mirror. Can't wait to update it.

A few Saturdays ago, I found this HUGE mirror.  Typically, $10 is on the higher end of what I pay for something like this, but the seller wanted $20. It’s in perfect shape and it’s huge, so I snagged it at $10.

Beautifully painted yard sale mirror

When I bought it, I knew right away I would paint it. For once, I didn’t procrastinate and it’s already over my mantel. I just adore it, especially with my painted Mason Jars. (Have you painted yours yet? Do not delay. They are so fun!)

Three beautiful baskets for $0.75

The three baskets were a steal at $0.75 a piece.

Great basket finds at yard sale. Thrifting as a lifestyle

I snag larger baskets at yard sales because eventually, I will be so organized that everything will have a basket. 🙂

Love that I found this beautiful dresser already painted with Annie Sloan Old White

Even if you’ve read my blog for all five years, there are a few rooms that you’ve never seen. My bedroom is one of them.  Well, I take that back. Months after I started my blog, I shared my bedroom bedlam. If you want to feel better about yourself and get a chuckle, read all about it.

Basically, nothing has changed and admittedly, that is pathetic, but we can’t do it all.  Our bedroom is not a haven, but I want it to be and this year, once I clear the clutter, it will be. That means getting some new furniture (or new to us furniture.) I decided to kick it off with this solid wood $30 dresser.

The best part? She already painted the ugly wood with my favorite Annie Sloan Old White Chalk Paint (the same color I painted my kitchen pop of color hutch). I recognized the color without asking and the paint alone cost the price of the dresser. It’s a bit beat up, so I will probably go over it with another coat to make it just like new. I love it! It has the matching mirror as well which is not yet painted. I will need to see how it looks in our bedroom.

So, those are my big purchases for the past few weekends. I love them all and of course, I purchased a few miscellaneous cook books, beach books, a few articles of clothes for nearly everyone in the family and dishes. (HELP! I CAN’T STOP BUYING CUTE DISHES).  For the most part, everything had a purpose and I can’t wait to tackle our outdoors.

I’m already excited for next weekend. 🙂

Have you found any fun thrifty treasures lately?