MONDAY MOTIVATION: FOLLOW YOUR ARROW

Another Monday is here! I must confess that I have a obsession love for decorative pillows with quotes, as you'll see in a post yet to come this week and this one was perfect for the quote today!

As the story goes, an arrow has to be pulled back before it can launch forward. I think my life has required quite a few arrows, but that's okay! One of these days, I know that it will land in that perfect place. Until then, I'll take note of today's Monday Motivation quote, "Follow Your Arrow" and I'll keep on keeping on!

Hope everyone has a great week!




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DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.net is a PR Friendly personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, at times I do accept various forms of compensation such as paid topic insertions and/or products, monetary sponsorship, coupons and other forms of incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

OLD WHITE BEDROOM SET MAKEOVER + IN HOME CUSTOMER PHOTO!

I absolutely LOVE when my customers send me their In Home photos of pieces I have custom painted for them! My customer, Jennifer, picked out the nightstand that I had already painted in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint using Paris Gray and Old White. In addition to the nightstand, she wanted me to do a headboard and footboard in Old White, with distressing on the details, to complete her guest bedroom.

Unusual for me, I completely forgot to take an unpainted BEFORE photo, but I did snap a pic before I started sanding! You can see the headboard here, with a thin coat of Old White, before I went to town at bringing out all the beautiful curves and details by hand sanding.

This is another of those times where I tell you that the pieces would have been ruined had I chosen to seal them with a wax, clear coat or sealnt from any local store. Commercial paste waxes and sealeants contain ingredients that would have turned that beautiful Old White into a dirty yellowish color, wasting all the paint and time I spent! As always, I used Staples Clear Wax and the final product was and is still just as beautiful as the day I painted it!

She just sent me the photo of both of the pieces finally set up in her guest room, and I think they look great! Both pieces were very boring, blah and outdated brown pieces. Just a little Annie Sloan chalk paint with some sanding and I think they made for a great budget makeover! What do you think? Do you have some pieces in your home that could use a budget makeover?



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Linking up over at Foodie Friday and Everything Else Link Party

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.net is a PR Friendly personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, at times I do accept various forms of compensation such as paid topic insertions and/or products, monetary sponsorship, coupons and other forms of incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

HOUSEWARE DEALS: MIKASA LINDSEY DINNERWARE SET

Today's Thrifty Little Deal at Houseware Deals would also make a super gift for anyone just starting out (Think Graduates & Newlyweds this time of year!) The Mikasa® Lindsey Dinnerware Set with a regular price of $143, is slashed to just $54 TODAY! That's $89 OFF the retail!

This 16 piece dinnerware set, service for (4) includes:
(4) each:

10-1/2 inch dinner plate

8 inch salad plate

7 inch (26 ounce) soup/cereal bowl

2 inch natural-bristle basting brush

16 ounce mug

All for just $54 !! Definately a Thrifty Little TODAY ONLY Deal !

If you haven't shopped Houseware Deals before, Houseware Deals was the FIRST EVER Daily Deal site that devoted exclusively to name-brand housewares with discounts of 60%, 70%, 80%, or even 90% off. Each day one well-known product is put on sale for at least 60% off the retail price, as well as Bonus Deals up to 90% off! And that’s just the beginning...

They Guarantee all their products and have awesome customer service!

Houseware Deals only features great brands like Farberware, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Pfaltzgraff, Mikasa, Hoffritz, Nautica, to name a few. I have purchased many items from them over the years and saved hundreds if not thousands over what I would have paid at retail!

CLICK HERE to see more about this Awesome TODAY ONLY Deal!




Get Thrifty Little Deals, Coupons, furniture makeovers and thrifty living tips directly to your Inbox!

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.net is a PR Friendly personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, at times I do accept various forms of compensation such as paid topic insertions and/or products, monetary sponsorship, coupons and other forms of incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

MONDAY MOTIVATION QUOTE: I AM NOT NEEDY... I AM WANTY !

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.net is a PR Friendly personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, at times I do accept various forms of compensation such as paid topic insertions and/or products, monetary sponsorship, coupons and other forms of incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

Well, this weeks quote might not be so motivational, but I just had to share it :D Hope everyone has an awesome week!




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HOW TO SEAL CHALK PAINTED FURNITURE - STAPLES CLEAR WAX

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how to seal chalk painted furniture and about how well furniture painted with chalk paint, or any variation of the new chalk, clay and mineral based paints will withstand wear & tear.

The simple answer. Furniture wax. My answer.... Staples Clear Wax. Finishing waxes come in many variations of ingredients and in my 20 years of painting furniture, it took me quite a while to find the best one to keep the matte, shabby chic appearance I wanted and still protect and preserve to furniture for years to come.

Even those that have been painting with chalk paint for years can still be baffled about the correct way to wax.

Several years ago after trying most every wax on the market, I discovered the perfect combination of ingredients and ease of application and I have not looked back! There is also NEVER any yellowing, especially on white painted furniture, as happens with the paste waxes you buy in the Big Box stores.

Crystal Clear Paste Wax by Staples became my new best friend the very first time I used it. It is the perfect consistency to go on smoothly and there is no guesswork - you can easily see where you have applied. Give it 24 hours and if you don't want the matte finish, you can buff it to a shine that looks as glassy as polyurethane!

It only takes one coat. Even experienced furniture painters struggle with whether or not they should apply a second or third coat on the tops of pieces. It goes on like butter.

After I had already been using Staples Wax, it was no surprise to find out that this company has been making furniture wax since 1897 and is one of the oldest and most respected names for protecting floors, furniture, and woodwork. It is made with premium grades of caranuba wax derived from Brazilian palm leaves.

Staples Wax has earned its reputation for their quality blends and the industry's highest content of expensive caranuba, the hardest natural wax known to man. To give you an idea....what also amazed me, this is the wax used by BOWLING ALLEYS! Now think about the wear received on the bowling lanes and the beautiful look that stays maintained on them!

Having tried all sealants, topcoats and other products, I can tell you that chalk painted pieces do best when they are sealed with paste wax. And Staples has proven itself to me over and over.

As much as I love painting pieces in Old White for that true Shabby Chic look, take it from me, your choice of brands of paste wax or sealants MATTERS! I learned the hard way many years ago that lower quality wax and even sealers can turn that Old White into an ugly yellow overnight and ruin it!

It comes in 1 pound cans to start with, and even as often as I paint pieces (daily) it takes me quite awhile to use up a can! They also just made the stockist/professional sized 4 pound cans available. To apply, I use the cheap round discs that come in packs of 2 from Dollar General - their intended purpose is car tires or waxing cars, but they are perfect for waxing furniture and decor pieces. Such a lifesaver!

Just like specialized furniture paints, Chalk, clay and mineral based paints, you won't find it at Lowe's or your local hardware stores with all the other mass produced products. It's a specialty item with specific application purposes so you can only get it from a stockist or by purchasing from one online.

Happy Painting and hopefully making your waxing a little easier!



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Linking up over at FOODIE FRIDAY

ThriftyLittleThings.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, as a full time Blogger, there are times that I do selectively accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

MONDAY MOTIVATION: QUOTE TO JUMP START YOUR WEEK

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.net is a PR Friendly personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, there are times that I do accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, paid topic insertions and/or products, coupons and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

When I stumbled upon what is now This weeks Monday Motivation quote, I knew it was meant for me. It completely describes where I'm at in my life right now and gave me a sense of peace in knowing that some of the things I am doing right now , like picking up a part time job, are just what I am doing until I can get back to doing exactly what I want.

I hope everyone has a great week! I'm planning quite a few makeovers and projects that I'll be sharing and I can't wait!




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FREE HARDCOVER PHOTO BOOK: MYPUBLISHER DEAL THRU 6/2

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.com is a PR Friendly personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, there are times that I do accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products, coupons and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

I'm so excited that this RARE deal to score a FREE Hardcover Photo Book from MyPublisher is back!

Their best-selling photo book size, 8.5"" x 11.25"" is FREE until June 2nd! YES, I did say FREE and HARDCOVER !! This is not a cheapo photo book, the Regular Price is $34.99 and it's one of the highest quality photo books I've created online and gotten over the years! And it's just in time for Father's Day or a Graduation gift!

Hand-crafted by a company with 20 years of experience, MyPublisher photo books are always affordable without sacrificing quality.

Hurry! This deal is only good through 6/2!

Promotion details:
FREE 8.5"" x 11.25"" hardcover photo book ($34.99 value)
OR $34.99 off a 15"" x 11.5"" hardcover photo book

All you pay is the cost of shipping, which is minimal – unlike other companies that make up for Freebie promos with ridiculous shipping fees!

CLICK HERE to create your FREE Photo Book now! Memories you can cherish for many years to come!




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KNOBS + PULLS FOR MAKEOVERS: DO THEY REALLY MATTER?

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, there are times that I do accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products, coupons and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

Sometimes, the hardest decision I make with a dresser makeover or any makeover that requires drawer knobs and pulls, is just that. Do you leave the original pulls? Do you paint the knobs? Or do you replace them with new knobs and pulls?


Knobs really can make or break the look and style of a piece!

So the answer.....It depends on the piece. Some pieces need their original pulls and knobs to show their age and as long as they are in good condition, I leave them. To give a new look to old brass pulls or knobs, I simply rub on some Brasso and the transformation is amazing once I rub it back off!

However, sometimes it's awesome to add new ones that are unique or make a statement.

I've compiled some of my favorites for you below, you can change the entire style and look of a dresser or desk by just changing out the hardware!

My very favorites are the mercury glass or stylized such as the themed sets like beach shapes!

Which ones do you like the best?

Carved Bone Drawer Pull • $5.99

Round Ball Jute Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Matte Silver Brass Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Embossed Floral Ceramic Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Clear Glass Faceted Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Light Brown Iron Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Turquoise Ceramic and Metal Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Multicolored Floral Ceramic Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Oval Wood and White Resin Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Carved Bone Faceted Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Gold Filament Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Square Wood and White Resin Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Blue Glass Faceted Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Green Glass Faceted Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Silver Filament Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Copper Filament Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Green Embossed Ceramic Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Silver Mercury Glass Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Turquoise Painted Wooden Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $5.98

Carved Bone Flower Knobs Set of 2 • $5.98

Small Mercury Glass Fluted Knobs, Set of 2 • $5.98

Black Faceted Glass Knobs, Set of 2 • $5.98

Clear Glass Solid Knobs, Set of 2 • $5.98

Gwen Silver Glass Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $5.95

Antoinette Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $5

Vintage Ceramic Knobs • Pier 1 Imports • $5

Ivory Lace Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $5

Rose Knob - Ivory • Pier 1 Imports • $5

Sofia Knob - White • Pier 1 Imports • $5

Fluted Glass Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $4.98

Chantal Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $4.98

Anthropologie Zuana Oval Knob • Anthropologie • $4.95

Fleur Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $4.48

Quatrefoil Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $4.48

Vintage Glass Round Knob • Pottery Barn • $3.99–7

Woven Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $3.48

Lizzie Knob • Pier 1 Imports • $2.98

Red Basic Ceramic Floral Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $2.98

Multicolor Geometric Ceramic Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $2.98

Red Painted Ceramic Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $2.98

Turquoise Ceramic Knobs, Set of 2 • Cost Plus World Market • $2.98

White Cast Iron Anchor Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

White Cast Iron Starfish Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

Yellow Floral Mini Ceramic Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

Blue Floral Mini Ceramic Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

Bronze Flower Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

Pink Floral Mini Ceramic Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

Bronze Medallion Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98

White Cast Iron Shell Knobs Set of 2 • $2.98



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MONOGRAM MUG STEAL FOR COFFEE LOVERS! Just 5 BUCKS-HURRY!

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, there are times that I do accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products, coupons and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

Oh my gosh, these monogram mug steals were just to good to keep to myself! If you're a coffee lover like me, you'll appreciate and maybe just fall in love with them like I did !

As much as I love coffee and love these mugs, the best part....right now they are on CLEARANCE and you can grab them for just 5 BUCKS!!! Wouldn't they make awesome gifts for a coffee or tea loving friend, too?

The monogram mug in black chalk board style writing is reduced to just $5, the ones in gold are just $6.95 and the Shabby Chic style raised monogram is just $7.95.

My very favorite is Shabby Chic style with a raised monogram! Sooooo Me that I had to have it!

I already ordered mine and can't wait for them to get here!

HURRY OVER to grab yours before they sell out! { BLACK HERE} {GOLD HERE} Shabby Chic Raised Monogram{ HERE }




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DISNEY MOVIES DEAL: 3 for $1.99

DISCLOSURE: ThriftyLittleThings.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn. The majority of what I post is based on my own ideas, thoughts and projects, for the sole purpose of sharing my passion. However, there are times that I do accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products, coupons and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations that I feel compliment the blog, and offer value to my readers. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.

Back when my kids were little, finding a Disney Movies Deal was much easier and they came around more often. We still have our entire collection and now my grandkids watch them! These days, the savings are far and few between, so I was excited to come across this deal to get 3 for just $1.99 !

Yes, it's a membership type deal like the book of the month clubs or DVD's, etc. These are a great way to score some pricey items for a steal. You can cancel at any time!

To score this Disney Movies Deal, head over HERE and pick your 3 for just $1.99 !




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ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT™ COFFEE TABLE MAKEOVER WITH NUMBERS

I've been asked several times about the numbered table makeover so we're bringing it back from the archives! It was definately a fun and unique project, so here ya go if you missed it the first time!

I'm so excited to share my latest Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Coffee Table Makeover (WITH NUMBERS) with you! This one took me a couple days as I was using my insomnia creativity and making up the style as I went along :D
I've been painting furniture for so long that I am continuously thinking out of the box with custom mixing colors, repurposing pieces and trying to paint each piece in a way that really gives it new life and makes it unique. I think this one definately did that!

I started out with this poor old coffee table - extremely worn from many years of use, and just a square so nothing special about it. The plus is the bottom shelf for extra decor or storage and that it is extremely heavy, solid wood! So, I decided to test out a mismatched numbers collection on top, just to give it some pizazz.

I started out with one coat of Old White. I then used French Linen on the top center square. Once I sanded that all down to a beautifully smooth and chalky finish, I then arranged the mismatched style and size number stencils how I liked and lightly stenciled them on top.

From there, I sanded the letters down to give a time worn look and then distressed the rest of the table. This followed by a hefty coat of hand rubbed clear wax to finish it off and protect from further wear.

Here's the BEFORE, DURING & AFTER progression....

I love it and think it took a very plain, headed for the landfill piece and brought it into this decade Neutral colors so it is versatile for use and rooms in the house.

For Stanly County locals, keep in mind that I'm available for individual and group classes to teach you how to create with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™! You can get more info and order paint HERE

What do you think? I'd Love to hear in the comments below!


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