(Not So) Silly Habits Mean A Lot...

I haven't reported on my decluttering efforts lately, but I have been busy. Yesterday I took 8 boxes, three rolls of vinyl fabric and a few furniture pieces to St. Vinny's. Using the standard for allowable deductions, it amounted to nearly $1200 value in donations! 

It sure made a difference in the amount of "stuff" I've been looking at, but more importantly, it can make a big difference to people in need.

I've also filled a large tote with packaged fabric that will soon be on its way to my friend in Arizona who owns a 501(c)(3) who will make sure it goes where it will have the greatest impact. I have a bit more of that to package and then it will be mailed out.

Lastly, I have one more box that's filled with crafty things that I'll take with me next time I go to Portage, so that my dear creative friends might be able to use the contents for items they make for craft shows and sales. More things away from here.

So, even though I haven't mentioned it lately, I have been a busy bee, and it sure feels good. While there's still much to do, taking a few minutes each day amounts to huge changes by the end of a week. This is a small habit that can make a big difference. I like this plan, so I'll definitely be more consistent with this in the future. 

(Note: Silly Habits Mean A Lot is another song title. I couldn't resist. )

Thrifted Joy...

About two weeks ago, the caster on my sewing chair finally gave up the ghost and couldn't be repaired. In fact, as far as Handsome and I can tell, it can't be replaced either. Our two brains together are, apparently unable to discern a way to remove them and replace them with new ones. It appears that the stems for each caster is a welded, attached part of the frame. It left me a bit distraught, as it was a chair I purchased from a sewing machine shop in Florida, specifically for my studio. 

I limped along with it - reattaching the parts that kept dropping off the caster - for as long as I could, and finally gave up. It's been in my way in the fabric studio ever since, until two days ago, when I finally took it out to the garage until someone might be able to tell me whether or not it can be repaired.

In the meantime, I need a rolling chair in the studio. I've been using a regular sidechair for my desk and sewing table, but I have to get up and scooch it around every time I change a task. (Cue Moaning Myrtle).

Yesterday, I told Handsome I had to do something about it. As I was already running to Plymouth on a few errands, I was going to check the St. Vincent de Paul store to see if they might have something that would work. He offered to drive, and away we went.

I found a perfectly good Hon™ office chair, and the best part was that it was only $10.00! I'm sitting on it as I write my post, and am not ashamed to say that this $10 expenditure has made me a happy, happy girl again.

As long as we were there, we milled up and down the aisles to see if there were any other treasures that might need to be rehomed. I always look through dishes and kitchen things, and imagine how I smiled when I saw these two bowls. I looked at my dearest and declared, "These will be perfect breakfast bowls for the two of us!". He thought I was kidding and just smiled and shook his head. 

When we got to the checkout, he realized I was serious. They were $1.00 each! The cashier asked if I'd like to round up my purchase to help the local homeless (of course, I did). I handed her $13.00 and we were on our merry way.

I can't wait to make breakfast this morning. Fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and a tablespoon of Grape Nuts in one of these two bowls. What a great way to start the day. A gentle reminder that life is good here at the farmhouse.