Up-cycle, Re-purpose and Making Do - Saves $$

You all know I have been on a cleaning, sorting, purging and organizing binge.   It just needs to be done - so much stuff!
My house has not changed at all in years and years.  Everything stayed in it's spot, paint colors stayed the same and things just kept getting stored away.  My sweetie was not one for change - it created a mess and lot's of work.  He felt bad because he couldn't help and he always said "it all looks fine" and didn't think it was necessary.
Last fall I painted and changed up the bathroom a bit - that was my first real change.
I did take his power chair out of the living room - I just couldn't stand to see it sitting there empty.  I went through some paperwork and tossed - my goodness that man kept everything!
Mostly I have just left things alone.  I felt like I was disrespecting Glen if I changed things up.  It has taken me a long while - but I am realizing that I am NOT disrespecting him - I just need to do something for me.  He would say "go for it!"

OK, that being said - I am just making small changes right now - nothing big.  I am using what I have in new ways.  It has been kind of fun.
I do want a 'new' couch and chair eventually, and I think I know where I will get it.  Not at a traditional store.  We have a recently opened high end thrift store - that sells absolutely lovely and excellent quality furniture for a fraction of the cost.  I have loved everything I have seen on their FB pages.  The money goes to a good cause as well - feeding the community.

My goodness I have baskets and more baskets around this house.  I have put several to new use.  I love using stuff in new ways!

 This little table was sitting behind my couch for ages - just no place for it and I didn't want to get rid of it (family).  I got it out and placed next to my big chair - added a checkered napkin, a candy dish holding a battery candle.  Super place to set a drink or remote when using the chair.

See that box behind it?  That is an antique ammo box Glen was given years back.  He had lots of STUFF in it - I cleaned it out and it now holds all my extra candles!  It is FULL of scented candles!

 Sorry not real clear.  I wear a cheap watch most days - vinyl band.  My belt has been used for ages and both have worn off the edges.  I used a black marker and colored the edges of both and now they look new again!

 Coogy now has a new basket for his toys!  He has a few and takes them out to play when he wants!

 I used some smaller baskets to change up the bath a bit.  I put these on the back of toilet (next to sink/mirror) and my often used items are handy.

A old stool and a basket - make a great book holder.  It keeps it off the floor for dusting and holds several of my favorite cookbooks and my tablet.

I made myself a bill paying station.  I had been keeping the checkbook on the dining table and my other stuff ON the open shelf of the corner cabinet.  It really looked messy.
I have a folder that holds stamps, address labels and stickers.  There is a cup with paperclips.  I have white out, a stapler, a calculator, tape and the checkbook and pen in there now - and it gets tucked away INSIDE the recently cleaned out corner cabinet!   The bills will get tucked in front of the folder and paid once a week on Friday.  I won't forget anything that way.
The corner cabinet looks nice and neat now.

This foot stool has been in the other bedroom for years as there was no room in the living room.  The kitties laid on it a lot - so it had a lots of picks and pulls in the leather.  You can still see them a tiny bit (on the side) - but I used some Old English (dark) on a rag and just rubbed all the leather and covered 90% of the pulls.  (Geez - now I see dust I missed!!!)
I figured I would use it now - how nice to sit back in the big old chair with a book and prop my feet up - maybe add a throw and be cozy!

Just doing little things - simple things - can changed the feel of a room and can boost your mood and attitude!  I know that seems silly, but it is so true.
Not rocket science for sure, just tiny little changes.

So the next time you get bored or get to feeling blah - just move some things around.  Find new ways to use what you have.  It doesn't have to cost a cent to redecorate a little.
Experiment - you can always put it back the way it was.  HAVE FUN!