Toy Kitchen

What a score this was! I have had this piece for about a month now...found it at LCM. It was way out in the back lot, I saw it, about ran over to it, and just grabbed it and starting walking towards the register. It is solid wood, and quite heavy for a long walk. But I was NOT going to put it down and risk loosing it. This lady took pity on me, she had an empty cart, and offered it to me, thankfully I accepted. Brought it to the register, they quoted it at $6, and I gladly paid that. Once I got it home, I realized that it was definitely hand made, there was a man signature on the bottom. After looking on line, I am pretty certain that it is made from the Amish, and I have found similar ones on the Internet for at least $150 - $199. With $14 in paint, and some scrap fabric I had, and a $1.29 for the rod to hold the fabric..Maisy has a new kitchen. I put it right in my kitchen so she feels like she's part of the action.

Last Weekend, LCM (Last Chance Mercantile) had an Open House, where we got a bus tour of the facilities at the Monterey County Waste Facility. People would question me: "you took a tour of the dump?" Sounds a little crazy, but I thought it was a very beneficial lesson for our kids. They may not have understood it like we do, but I think we are getting through a little because the other day, my son went to go play on a playground, and spent the first 5 minutes just cleaning up trash. He yelled out "I'm saving the earth!"

After the tour we went over to LCM and had a free lunch, and I found this treasure. Can you believe someone threw out this beautiful vintage green milk glass lamp in perfect condition! I paid $3 for it, added a lampshade from Walmart for $9.95, and voila! I collect milk glass (especially this hobnail pattern), it was so meant to be!

School Desk

This was my very first find at LCM...an old school desk reminding me of the ones I sat in at high school. I spray painted the metal and the plastic seat, and painted the top with a chalkboard paint. I never did take a before picture, but I am sure you could imagine it! Now my son Bradley sits in the kitchen with me and does his homework on it..he loves it.

Grab it while you can!

Whenever I get a hunch, or I feel like Last Chance Mercantile is calling my name, I jump in the car, and usually I am right! Last week I picked up this great heavy, clean dresser. It had just come in and was sitting in the main doorway. It was being admired by my fellow scavengers, so without hesitation, I dragged it over to the register. I paid the most I have ever paid for an item at L.C.M....$15!!! I know, I know, that's really good, but compared to the numerous items I get for under $5, it was a stretch for me. I decided it was going in our master bedroom, because up till now, I had all my undergarments and pajamas in a plastic drawer container in the closet. I painted it the same color as the queen headboard (so paint was free), bought some glass knobs and silver handles from Home Depot for $26. All in all, I love it and think it was a great deal!