Goodwill Hunting Roundup

It's that time of month where I show off my Goodwill finds.  Ready to see what I have found?

First up, I came across this Kids Kraft kitchen for $3.99.  The only flaw, it was missing a knob on the back splash.

There was also the matching refrigerator for $2.99.  Which was in perfect shape.

The only problem, Grace has nearly this exact fridge and stove, which we paid full retail for her 3rd birthday.

Since I didn't want to feel the guilt I experienced last month, buying a dollhouse

When we already have a dollhouse...

I called a friend, who came over and bought the kitchen set herself...for $7!

So, instead of buying the kitchen, and justifying having 2 kitchens, I bought this little bunny for .99 cents.  If you haven't already guessed after Grace's bunny themed birthday party, we have a thing for bunnies.

This bunny sits atop a basket which opens.  Inside, another bunny.

And that little bunny, goes perfectly with the newest addition to Grace's dollhouse.

With temps tipping up to 100 degrees (!), it seems the perfect time to shop for ice skates.  I picked up this pair, on half off anything with a pink ticket day, paying only $2! 

And, thanks to Bliss Ranch, I am already thinking about Christmas (in July!).  I might break my never having made a wreath streak and make Bliss Ranch's Ice Skating Wreath.  I just need to find some red laces now.

I also bought a glass jar, with a cork stopper, for $1.99 and a complete Scrabble game $1.99.  I added the Scrabble tiles to the jar for instant home decor.

And lastly, not a Goodwill find, but rather a Home Goods purchase, I found the perfect sheets for Grace's new big girl bedroom.

Princess - Ballerina Toile.  A twin bed set for $19.99.

Until next month, happy thrifting!

Dance Mom I Am Not

Mother's day weekend, Grace preformed in her first ballet recital. We were instructed to put our ballerina's hair in either a bun or a high pony tail. A dance mom I am not, so I was only able to achieve the pony tail.

When I arrived at the auditorium, someone asked if I needed a donut.  Dance mom I am not, I assume I was being offered a delicious pastry...

Apparently, in the world of 'dance moms' a donut does not mean a sugary delight.  Grace and I were both disappointed.  A donut is what a dance mom would use to create the perfect bun.

Apparently, my mom was not a dance mom either.

So, in the end, dance mom or not, my little girl was transformed into a beautiful ballerina...

And this mom beamed on with pure pride.

Little Leg Warmers

With ballet back in full swing and winter in the air, it seemed a perfect time to whip up some leg warmers.

These are so quick, simple and inexpensive. Grab some adult knee high socks {I bought mine from Target for $2 a pair}.

Measure 12 inches down from the top of the sock, cutting away the foot just above the ankle.

I hesitate to say discard the foot because I would think there has to be a craft possibility for them eventually, right? Anyway, this is what you'll have left.

Turn your sock inside out. Create a 1/4 of an inch hem by folding over the raw edge of the sock. With a needle and similar colored thread begin to do a simple running stitch.

Every couple stitches, stretch the sock {where you just sewed}. This will keep the bottom of your sock from being sewn too tightly. You want there to be some give so you can stretch the bottom when getting it on and off your little one's leg.

When you finish sewing around the entire circumference, turn your sock right side out and admire because you are done.

As promised, quick and easy. The only thing left to do, test them out. Put them on your little one and enjoy!

No matter how much my little ballerina has grown, these leg warmers have not only kept her warm BUT they've also been the sweetest accessory for any outfit.

If the shoe fits, remember them.

Grace starts ballet this week. Seeing those tiny ballet shoes, brought back memories from when I took ballet as a little girl.

That's me...

As soon as I held her first pair of ballet shoes in my hands, I became overwhelmed with emotion. The warnings I have heard, countless times before, about how these childhood days should be cherished because before you know it, you'll look back and wonder where the time has gone, suddenly seemed so real to me. I can already fast forward and see myself reflecting back, thinking of Grace as a little ballerina.

I decided, if the shoe fits, remember them. Simple enough, right. Grace, in her pink leotard and ballet shoes, is definitely something I won't want to forget. It's a memory I want to preserve not only for myself but for her as well.

I found a couple of ideas, I know that I'll want to try of my little ballerina.

I love they way Smashed Peas and Carrots has captured her daughter's ballet shoes in the photograph below.

Such a simple photo but so full of meaning. {If you visit her site, she also has a great tutorial on how to make those leg warmers.}

My favorite idea comes from Martha Setwart. What a great idea to display not only your adorable ballerina but also her first pair of ballet shoes.

Last year, 'the shoe that fit' Grace was a sweet pair of pink Converse sneakers. Nearly every picture I took of her last summer, she was wearing those shoes.

Using Picnik, I converted a picture of these Converse, on Grace's chubby little feet, using their editing effect '1960s'. I printed it as a 5x7 and it's displayed on our bookcase.

Whatever the shoe, whatever the memory, whatever the moment you are in, cherish it and look back on it with...