I recently celebrated my Hermione’s Third Adoption Year (or, in some circles, her 4th birthday). Hermione was gifted with a wonderful party dress that I just had to share.  It is all hand-made by a friend of mine, Robbie’s Mom. She recently rescued a pup who I understand really likes to eat the sofa!

Sometimes, there are not too many great finds from the weekly jaunt to the thrift store. I picked up a few trinkets here and there but nothing like finding a Van Gogh this month.

I did however take care of a project that needed some updating! My beside table was looking, well, dull! Since I decided to get bold with the new duvet, the table was fading into the background.  I am sad to say that I totally forgot to take before photos but I hope you like the after!  I used semi-gloss black paint from Ace’s Clark + Kensington line and spray painted the original handle gold. The mirror, elephant and lamp are all thrifted items I have found over the past year. Very happy with how it turned out!

Name: Pretty Fluffy

Who are They: they are the go to guide for the modern dog owner

Favorite Post: Pretty Fluffy: DIY Pet First Aid Kit

Why I stalk the blog:  Ok , maybe stalker is not the right word. Admirer? Anywho, Serena at Pretty Fluffy is one of my favorite reads each week. I subscribe to what seems like hundreds of blogs but her’s is one that I make sure I read. Based in the land down under, she and her dog Soda share the web page with all sorts of tips, articles, product shares and the most wonderful pictures of her dog. I keep wondering if my pup will every allow me to take awesome pictures of her!  If you are a fur mom/dad…be sure to check her out!

This month I am working on moving all monthly expenses into the regular checking account. Jordan at The Fun Cheap or Free Queen calls this Family Checking. This the account where the rent, utilities and insurance payments are drawn from. With my direct deposit, I set up a per pay period deposit that funds s all those recurring payments. Nothing else is paid from this account. It is strictly for the regular monthly payments.

It doesn’t hurt me one bit, I get free checking because of the direct deposit and a designated account for household expenses…double win for me

I could not for the life of me figure out what to create for the seasonal tree! I was working on preparing my taxes and then it hit…a money tree! Wish it really grew on trees!

Fat Mum Slim has her new list out for April!! Here’s to another month of photo challenges!!

Oh yea, that reminds me, here is a pic of my new studio space! Using cigar boxes for my supplies along with an old train case for additional storage. An excellent way to use found items

JJDouglasPaperCo H.Q.

I am an avid thrifter and the one thing I complain about the most is the damn stickers they put on the merchandise! Not just thrift store, but just in general. I have passed up plenty of good “trash” just because of those damn stickers.

I came across this pin and thought I would give it a try. I have used the goo gone products for the stickers but I do have a concern on what is in it and quite frankly, the stuff is nasty. Get’s all over everything! This mixture is quite simple, one part coconut oil to one part baking soda. (I used one tablespoon). It’s gritty and does have to sit for a good five minutes. I have to endorse this one, it worked really well on a transfer-ware plate I found while at GW. The sticker didn’t slide off, it still took some patience. Once removed the gritty baking soda worked on the residue and it came out clean after a good rinse in hot water. I have a few other finds I am going to try this one but I am impressed. You can find the original post here.