Thursday, August 27, 2020

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!

45 comments:

  1. Good for you! It is your home and you do not dishonor your marriage by changing things up to suit your current needs.

    Have fun dreaming of your new furniture :-)

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    1. Thanks - change has always been hard. Getting used to this - it is all still new to me.

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  2. I was just thinking "Good for you!" as well, and now see that Elle has beaten me to it! You are not disrespecting your late husband, but just having things more your way (I can think of a few things of my husband's that would go if I had my way and my daughter would have a hay-day with my books, I can tell you that!)

    You have made some good changes I think, and now know where to put your hands on things. I need to take a leaf out of YOUR book on that!

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    1. Thanks. I guess we all need change and I have finally realized not dishonoring him, but honoring me. We don't do that much for ourselves.

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  3. Love your “make do” ideas. I have used markers on purses, shoes, furniture, whatever. Love to find new uses for things that were meant for something else. Keep those ideas coming! Blessings, Sharon D.

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    1. Thank you. I use marker on so many things - have even used it on clothes that got a bleach stain or two.
      Me too - it is fun to challenge yourself sometimes.
      It doesn't take much to please me!!!!

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  4. We need to feel comfortable in our homes and as you said, just small things can make a difference. Your baskets look so neat and handy.

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    1. I really love baskets and most have been gifts (containing things). Thanks

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  5. You have some really nice baskets so glad you found a use for them.

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    1. I have so many more - just looking for uses. Some are pretty big - still thinking on that!

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  6. I'm with others - feels like such a positive change for you, and not disrespectful of your husband's memory. I love a good mix up/clean out/declutter, so awesome work!

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    1. Thanks - it is reassuring to hear that from others as well.
      He is still every where, especially my heart!

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  7. Yeah, this is one of my fav things to do. Why does this give us such a lift in spirit? I like all your good ideas, Cheryl.
    Mary in San Diego

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    1. Hi Mary. I don't know - but it sure makes me feel lighter! I am having more energy working my bum off! I think I have just SAT too much!
      Thank you!!

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  8. I agree, moving furniture around always makes things feel fresh and new. Even when it is as simple as using something in a different way.
    I'm sure Glen is looking down and smiling.

    Take care and stay well!

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    1. It is amazing that such small things make a difference.
      Thank you!

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  9. Love this Cheryl. You took everything and made it comfortable for you. Your right Glen would have said go for it!
    I cracked up when you seen the dust. Yep it hides on me too. Have a wonderful week and keep it up!

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    1. Dust is sneaky! I think I have it all - and oops there is more!
      Thanks you.

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  10. I remember the pictures from your bathroom makeover, and they were lovely. I love the changes that you have made. That little table will be so handy at your chair, and the footstool looks great. The baskets look really pretty. I'll remember the tip about the markers and old English. I have lots of cat scratches on my furniture.
    Hope you have a good weekend.

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    1. Cats seem to get scratches every where - bless their hearts. I love my baby - so I will cover the scratches.
      Thank you so much!!

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  11. I could so relate to your not moving Glen's things. My mom died in 2013 and lived with us. I touched nothing in her room for nearly 2 yrs. Even her knitting basket sat on her chair like she left it. I finally repainted the room this past winter and am making it my craft room as my basement craft room does me no good right now. Even with the room entirely different, I still feel her there, etc.

    Love all the baskets. They're handy, aren't they? I'm always moving stuff around to use it as needed. I'm currently using my Grandma's hope chest as an endtable so I have more space while I'm stuck. I made a little nest to keep from having to jump up constantly.

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    1. It is hard to change. I know he is still here and in my heart. There are his pictures all over. It is just tough as you know.
      Glad you are using the room for you - and enjoy those Mom hugs in there.
      Good for you making a spot to be comfortable. Hope you are feeling better soon.

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  12. I'm so proud of you. You're doing good things for you. I'm sending you a super big hug right now!

    P.S. I've used a black marker on belts and shoes before.
    Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
    Laura

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    1. Thanks so much. I finally realized I need to take care of me too.
      Markers are wonderful.

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  13. All of your new changes inspire me to do some more of that. I have a lot of unused baskets, too. Silly not to find a use! I often take everything off my kitchen counter and then "start fresh". It's fun to walk in and out of the room with "new" things on the counter! I did the same with my newly created guest room "pantry"...kept checking it out!

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    1. LOL - I am the same way. I keep looking at the hutch area and the area where the footstool and table were added! I really like it. I like baskets to hold kitchen gadgets, pantry items (small stuff) just all kinds of things. So handy.
      I need to get busy in the kitchen!

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  14. I like to see that your are making your home more cozy. Yes, you do need to take care of you.
    Your bill-paying station is a good idea. I use a fabric-covered box (originally bought to store CDs) and keep it near the computer where I pay my bills. Checkbook, stamps, address labels, etc. all in one place.

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    1. I don't know why I never about keeping everything hidden before. Glen always paid the bills and had a place for everything. Now that I am doing it - I guess I just went at it willy-nilly at first. Now I am organized.
      Thanks

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  15. Shopping your house is fun and not a penny spent. It is so difficult to change things or get rid of stuff when a loved one passes. You have made some good changes, things that are efficient and logical. I believe in keeping things at point of use. Why go across the room or even into another room to get something. Glen would have wanted you to take care of yourself.

    Can you believe it is almost September? Will be happy to see some cooler temps.

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    1. I know he would. He always worried about me - but would say he knew I be OK. Those words echo in my head.
      Just baby steps - but I think I am going in a forward direction!
      I know just a few more days in the month. I think it is supposed to cool down come tomorrow.

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  16. An additional thought: when my BIL died unexpectedly, I went to my sister's for 3d weekend every 5 weeks for 5 months. She wanted to go through everything but not alone. On the 3rd visit, I realized she was really struggling more than she knew. So...

    I took a box, marked it with a date 1 year out. I asked her to put all of the "I just don't know" items in it and then the decision was made for the year.

    I took another box and wrote "Larry" on it. In this box went all the "absolute keeper" items. She would always know these items were available when she needed to see/hold them again. And if she never opened it, her son/grands would know exactly what the box holds.

    She is glad we did this, so I wanted to share in case the idea might be useful to you.

    Hugs as you continue to walk through this year with Glen in your heart, not in your home.

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    1. Elle what a sweet and kind gesture and idea. I really like that. It just seems he is every where in this house. Some things I want to share with others and have. Last Christmas I had 2 gr. gr. nephews pick out special knives they wanted of their Uncles. He always bought them one for Christmas. They each took one of his.
      I gave his friend a couple items. Just doing this slowly. Some may say too slow - but there is no such thing to me. It will happen in my time.

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    2. Absolutely there are no rules. You have to be at peace with your actions and decisions. I decided long ago, those who know the rules have not buried someone they love.

      You gotta do you :-) Hugs

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    3. Wise words. Boy are you right with that statement about knowing the rules.

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  17. Your posts have really been an inspiration to me lately!! My husband is pushing 77 and refuses to quit working. He has owned his own business since his early 30's. He has three forms of arthritis, is on BP and other medications and has a hearing aid - that doesn't work right! He is not keen on doing anything around the house anymore. "Nagging" him doesn't do much good, so my dilemma is do I call people in to fix things? Our kitchen floor needs to be replaced, but he wants us to to the self-stick tiles ourselves. He can barely walk so there is no way he is going to put down those tiles (we have a large kitchen with a lot of angles) and at pushing 72 am not going to be on my hands and knees doing that. I've done a lot of that in the past and I know my legs couldn't handle it anymore. Sometimes I feel like this man is my GRANDFATHER instead of my husband! Hopefully, we will celebrate our 52nd anniversary next month (if I can keep from killing him LOL!)This illness has changed him so much mentally as well as physically, that I don't know who he is anymore! Anyway, this post got me thinking about trying to do things around here by myself. It's a WEIRD feeling!!

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    1. Weird isn't the word! Glen would try and get me to not do things and he didn't want anyone JUST helping us out. He would pay anyone to do anything!! He was generous to a fault.

      Kris he may know that if he quits working - that he quits period. Let him do it, if he can. Some people retire and that is it. They are gone.
      I know how frustrated you must be. Sometimes you have to take matters in your hands and say "I am paying to get this done". "We can argue later".
      I am sorry you are going through so much - but be glad he is there. That person in the house makes such a difference - it gets lonely.
      Takes baby steps and do a little here and there. He may not notice and it will make you feel better.
      HUGS

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  18. Someone else who loves baskets, a girl after my own heart. Bailey has tried to ban me from buying them at yard sales. This year she has won with the pandemic, but I will be back next year hopefully. LOL

    I love them and they are perfect to organize things.

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    1. LOL - that's funny. Most of mine have been gifts, but I have been known to buy a pretty or two or three!!!
      They are the perfect organizational tool.

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  19. Shopping at home is always a great idea. You have done very well making small but beautiful changes.

    God bless.

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  20. Cheryl that's not silly at all. I think it's healthy and beautiful. You are not disrespecting Glen. Things are things but heart is forever. He's in your heart forever. Things always change and grow. I always tell people that change means your heart is growing with more love. If you don't change your heart can't grow. It's ok to be freaked out about it to.

    It breaks my heart that people think you are being to slow moving on from the love of your life. I know your change is so hard. You are in the process of mourning and in the process of mourning during a historic and epic moment in our history. It's ok to freak out and be happy about the changes at the same time. :) It's ok to move on. It's ok to be freaked out routines have changed even if it wasn't a routine that wasn't working. It's ok and you are doing great. I think you are doing great with baby steps and sharing the trials and tribulations with us. You tell them I said that. :) Tell them I told them to leave you alone. :)

    I like Coogy's toybox. That is so cute. I was organizing my sewing box this week. I had a pin cushion I was not using since it was full of stuffing and I like the ones full of sand. I gave it to my cat. It's his favorite toy now. He even cried for help when he got it stuck under the sink baseboard and couldn't get it out, lol.

    I am sorry I don't check in. Covid loss hurts so bad and has hit our family hard. I knew I had to be a warrior during it I had to go with the flow. Pandemic's will always happen, with tornadoes, hurricanes and all the other things Mother Earth throws at us. Doesn't mean it wasn't scary. It doesn't mean I am not angry. I am still freaked out. It was the protests and systematic racism. As a minority I have to work through this and process it. It has been a hard journey. I love frugality so much. I love my frugal blogs, especially during tough times where everyone depends on and yes probably uses at the same time to. :) I know some of us frugality girls remember getting lashed out at during the recession. :) Covid is a frugality topic because we can help prepare and teach. In truth, Covid is a natural disaster and us frugal girls are good resources for natural disasters. I had to back away from protests posts, (not anything you did, please don't think that) because of other frugality blogs. Protests posts are opinions and not frugality. It did really thin out my social media, lol. I actually felt better. It's like I always knew so and so was a racist when she posted but then she showed her true colors and I am like Bye! :) It's been hard but a healthy journey and change. I will peek in a lot more often.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. I think I am doing OK and moving at my own speed.
      Kitties are so funny with their toys. Coogy gets one and plays and plays and then all of a sudden he picks another one. He carries them through the house and brings them to bed as well. Cracks me up.

      Sorry you had so much loss. No loss is easy. I think we just have to grow from it - if not we get depressed and bogged down. Turning off media and losing people on media can be a VERY positive thing. No need to intentionally surround ourselves with drama and negativity.

      I try to stay away from a lot of current events on the blog. I want to keep a positive and teaching/learning twist on things.
      Have a good weekend.

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  21. You better hang on to that watch...I swear I think they are going to all go to the fitbit type of stuff. Roger wanted one that had the Day and Date...said the whether it was Mon, Tues, etc, as well as the date and we almost did not find one. I have not looked to see if there are more now than when we looked last winter. He wanted one with a stretch band but could not find that.

    You are sure right...Glen would be fine with whatever made you happy. I cannot type for a big Bubbie cat interfering.

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    1. I have a couple of watches and have found them at WM over the past couple years. Might check there. They are just cheap - not expensive watches. That's OK with me.
      I guess many are going away from watches - since they have fancy phones. I still am old school and want a watch.

      I think Glen would be OK too. Got to love our kitties!!!!!

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  22. I need to do this...but I need some big changes. One thing I keep doing is going through my books and getting rid of them. I have some treasures I wish someone else had! I am down to the bare bones now with books...I just cannot bare to part with most of what I have left.

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