Yesterday's Thrift Store Adventure

I was in the Cities for a few hours yesterday - a few hours of glorious alone time.  No kid, no husband, no one but ME enjoying the thrill of the hunt.  I was able to shop at a snails pace and dig through a few second hand shops.  I found some interesting stuff!

First, I spied two bags of mauve/pink shabby chic looking ornaments.  I don't particularly like that style, but there are lots of Etsians that do.  The price was right, so into my basket went the lace and fabric victorian balls.   Then I found a Lefton Sleigh.  I've seen that green holly sleigh all over the internets.  They are pretty common, but so cute.  I would love to find the matching candlesticks and other pieces.   There was also a darling little mid century angel -  she's a bell, actually.  She has her original sticker and sounds so pretty.  Every time a bell rings, an angel gets it's wings.  Right? OK, enough Christmas.  

I found a couple of old books (not pictured); one to read, one to sell.  And then I got lost in the picture section.  A week or so ago I bought a kitschy framed R. Hendrickson print of a man and woman in a bath tub.  They looked like mountain people, having a grand old time.  It sold within hours of uploading to Etsy.  Lucky me, I found another one yesterday!  It's the same guy in the tub, but by himself.  Hope someone wants a picture of a burly backwoods mountain man in a wooden tub, 'cause I got it!  A few frames down I found an original watercolor, framed and signed, of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.  It's gorgeous.  I can't make out the signature, have no idea of the date, but I love it.  I think it would look great on my wall, or on  my mom's wall, but I'm not sure if she'd be interested in it.  *hint hint mom*  Then Jesus stopped me in my tracks.  He was hiding behind the watercolor.  It's a print from 1944, signed by whatever family was doing the Sacred Heart of Jesus thing.  It really is a pretty picture, and a wonderful iconic image.  It felt wrong to just leave him at the thrift store; I'm sure he spent 65 years on someone's wall.  So he came home with me.  I'm not sure if he's going on etsy or ebay.  He requires a little more research.  

I hit google last night to research all of my buys.  My biggest surprise came from the ugly ornaments.  They are Louis Nichole, from the Louis Nichole Louis XVII Heirloom Collection by Kurt Adler in 1983.  I have no idea what any of that means, except that this lady is trying to sell some on craigslist for $350.  And that single ornaments on ebay have gone for 10-20 bucks each.  I guess that Louis Nichole did some decorating for the White House back then and he was Kind Of A Big Deal.  hehe

So anyways, that's all I have to report!  Now I am off to grocery shop, chase Jack around, and try to take some pictures for the shop.  Check ya later!

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I know what you're doing.

I know what you're doing.  It's Monday.  Cyber Monday.  You convinced yourself to go into work after the Holiday weekend, because damnit, you'll need another paycheck or two before Christmas.  But you're not working.  Oh no, you may physically be in the office, but mentally, you are checked out.  Because you're SHOPPING!!

After you buy big box gifts from the mega chains for the people you are obligated to buy for, look right here for those one-of-a-kind, remembered forever gifts for the people you want to buy for.  Here's Artsy's guide to Cyber Monday.

Unrepeatables has the cutest nail polish and fused glass jewelry you've ever seen.  For realz.  

Get 25% off with code MONDAYMONDAY 

(ps, if anyone needs a Nina gift idea, I'd love a green or orange nail polish ring. Thanks)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Unrepeatables

Sib Studio is offering free shipping with code  shipfree2011monday . Lots of handpainted goodness!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sibstudio

Sovereign Sea is offering 15% anything in her shop.  Check out her unique library jewelry items!

Discount code: SUPPORTSMALLBIZ

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SovereignSea

Lolita Rose has all sorts of goodies in her shop, and those goodies are 25% off! Use code HOHOHO25

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lolitarose

Heather Conway Photography has gorgeous photos from England.  AND she has an extensive clearance section as she is moving to America soon.  Take advantage of 25% off everything - no code needed!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HConwayPhotography

Annabelle Arts has marked her pin cushions at 50% off.  She upcycles vintage planters and little figurines into wonderful needlefelted pin cushions.  If you know any quirky sewers, they would LOVE one.  I know, cuz I just bought one for myself  :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnaBelleArts

Vintage Dreams has her whole shop marked down for the long Holiday weekend.  She's a retro picker and has good taste, just like me!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageDreamsNE

And who doesn't need greeting cards?  But these cards are not just for anyone.  They are extra special and extra awesome.  Give them to your BFF's, your sister, your significant other.  Only the best for the best!  Bernie at Budugalee has two specials going on; buy 3 get 1 free, or any 3 for $7.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Budugalee

Last but not least, there is me. Camp Honeybelle.  At first I was not going to do a promo, but I am five sales away from hitting the big 100!  I would love to make it before the month ends.  Won't you make my dream come true?  Use code NEENER at checkout for 25% off.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CampHoneybelle

Oh, and one more little thing.  If you are looking for a gift for your online self, like a spruced up blog or website overhaul, check out Lady Jane Designs.  She is offering 50% off her design packages through Dec. 1st.  Wowsers!   Lady Jane Designs

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1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Jack and I have been attending Early Childhood Family Education classes through the school district for about a year now.  It was been a wonderful experience and we plan to participate as long as we can (till he starts kindergarten).  Jack loves the songs, the games, the interaction with other toddlers... Mama loves the songs, the games, the interaction with other mamas!  Besides all the fun and games, the learning that happens right before your very eyes is amazing.  He is learning about routines, waiting his turn, sharing, exploring, how to treat others, and plenty of other lifelong skills.

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Black Friday Shop Hop

*yAwN*

After a day full appetizers and stuffing and turkey and cranberries and sparkling water, the family fell into a deep food coma around 10pm.  Then while the men were sleeping, the women started scuttling about at the wee hour of 4am.  Mom made the much-needed coffee.  By 5am Nina and Noelle were braving the crowds for those Black Friday doorbusters at Herberger's and ToysRUs.

They emerged from the fray around 7:30 am; the only casualty was Nina's cell phone, which was lost somewhere around the shoe department.

Soon the Hedin's were packing up the car full of shopping bags and leftovers and one happy toddler. They made the trek home.... and Nina promptly took a two hour nap.  A wonderful, quiet, replenishing nap.  Just how did Daddy keep things quiet downstairs for so long?  Nobody knows. Miracle worker, that man is.

****

And now I return to my regular Friday programming... ArtsyNina's 17th Shop Hop!  Although I imagine that most of you are running around and enjoying the day off, things will eventually settle down.  Get a jumpstart on CyberMonday this weekend, at the shop hop!

Oh! Also, if you have a second, you may want to check out Project Christmas Tree.  It's a giveaway and one winner takes all.  There are several contributors to the prize (including me!)  Prizes are valued at $295- there is even a little cold hard cash in the mix!

http://www.jadelouisedesigns.com/2011/11/project-christmas-tree-give-it-away-one.html

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How To Gain 60+ Pounds During Pregnancy

I am posting this for all of you that need help gaining weight.  I'm an expert; I hope you heed my advice.

1.  Eat a Banana Cream Pie Blizzard at least twice a week
2.  Do not turn down any food that well meaning co-workers insist you eat.  Every sandwich from Jimmy Johns full of mayo and cheese and salami, every delicious creamy coffee drink from Caribou topped with whip cream and drizzled with caramel, every homemade Holiday sweet... just say yes.
3.  Don't move.  Really, save all that energy.  Put your feet up.  The others can grab that file or answer that phone.
4.  Think that if you eat a little more now, you'll look pregnant sooner.

5 days before Jack was born. This is NOT CUTE, people.  NOT CUTE AT ALL!

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Friday Shop Hop #16

In light of yesterday's little announcement, I figured I could slack off and take a break from the computer today. Jack and I had a playdate in the morning, we spent the afternoon and Grandma and Grandpa's and I even snuck in some thrift store adventuring.

But the Shop Hop was in the back of my mind all day.  Friday just doesn't seem like Friday anymore without it!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbytrudy

This week I'd like to give a shout out to Trudy Hylant of Art by Trudy and Trudy's Painted Ladies.  Trudy's art, photography and mannequins are full of life; vibrant colors, striking compositions and a story told with each piece.  Her syle runs the gamut from pop art to impressionism to nature photos.  She has received commissions for her mannequins in upscale salons and retail displays.  She also has a fascination with the Wizard of Oz and has some fabulous abstract Wizard of Oz goodness.  Check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbytrudy

Now let's get to shop hoppin!

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I'm Expanding.

Yes, I'm expanding.

I'm expanding my waistline (again), expanding the room in my heart for another, expanding our family from three to four members.

We're happy to announce that towards the end of June, we'll have a newborn!

Today we had an ultrasound and we spied on our baby.  Just a little bean, all cozy and cute with a strong heartbeat that reassured mama that all is well in there.  The ultrasound machine was acting up, so I don't have a grainy, what-the-heck-is-that ultrasound picture to show you.  Babycenter.com says that at 9 weeks the baby is the size of a grape. So here you go.  Baby Hedin!

(ps, I realize I could have just said 'I'm expecting', but I like to be different. Plus, expanding really is a better term.  I gained SIXTY POUNDS with Jack.  Maybe I should have wrote 'I'm ballooning'.)

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Putting it all together.

We've been working on the bathroom for about a year.  When we moved here, we did not have a shower and there was a two foot hole in the bathroom wall.   Things have come a long way since then, but the road to 'Done' is still very, very long.  (You can catch up here, here and here.)

Today my mother in law came out for a visit and kept Jack busy while we tackled the bead board wainscoting.  Thanks to her help we were able to get the boards up in about an hour and a half.  Of course, I still have to cut the baseboard moldings and the top rail. But that is easy enough  :)

Now that the bathroom is looking more bathroom-ish, I am starting to assemble the pretties.  You know, the fun stuff.

Here are a few examples of my inspiration.  We wanted a dark floor to contrast with the bright white walls and vanity.  But I wanted color, too.  And I need storage.  We have NONE.  Literally.  Houses this old weren't built with closets.  But anywhoo... I'm liking the 'train rack' look.  A shelf where you store towels out in the open, like at hotels.  And the line of mason jars held with clamps?!  LOVE.

all neatly organized in my pinterest 

Here is how it's coming together.  These pins are things that we have already installed, or that I have purchased and I am just waiting for the day to put it all together. Rustic dark pine floors, oil rubbed bronze fixtures, bright shower curtain, pale green towels...

follow my pinterest board here

Now I need to find a towel rack or cupboard that will fit and look decent.  And paint a little.  OH!  And we still have to tile the shower.  We're dreading it.  Seriously.  As tacky as a tub surround is, the cheap and easy factor has been tempting us...

So whaddya think?  Bright red carnations too bold for a small bathroom?  Don't answer that.  I don't care!  *smiles*

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Today's the Day

Today's the day that I get it all done.

I feed the toddler, wash the dishes, do the laundry, sweep the floor.
I get the groceries, make dinner, read a story or three.
I hug my husband, weed through the mail, pay the bills, soothe a small hurt.
I finish the bathroom, write an email, create something pretty to sell.

Today's the day that I get it all done.
Just like yesterday.
Just like tomorrow.

Except that I never, ever get it all done.

Magnet available at Angelic Aspirations on Etsy

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Friday Shop Hop #15

It's that time again!

Another week has passed.  What fantastic items would you like to showcase today?

Link up below and enjoy a little window shopping.

Wishing everyone a week full of happy sales and purchases

-ArtsyNina

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My First Year as a Stay At Home Mom

The beginning of November marked the end of my first year as a Stay At Home Mama.  It's been wonderful, maddening, amazing, exhausting, enlightening, insane and so much more. 

It didn't take long for me to get used to not going to work.  I loved it.  Those first few weeks felt like a vacation that never ended.  But every vacation must come to an end.  Mine ended about a month in... when I realized that living in my pajamas may not be good for my mental state. 

Here's a few things I have learned this past year:

1. Change out of your pajamas.  Early.  Like as soon as you get up.  Really!  You'll feel much less bum-like and may actually leave the house occasionally.

2. Go outside.  Sit in the sun.  Let your kid(s) get all dirty or wet or full of sand. It keeps them happy, and heck, you've got plenty of time to clean them up later.

3. Don't Over Schedule.  It's OK to have nothing to do once in a while.  Really.  (And as a stay at home mom, there is rarely nothing to do.   Have you seen the laundry pile? Or the dishes?  *shudders*)

4.  Don't Under Schedule.  You'll want a few things to do, otherwise your brain will rot, your kids will be crabby (from boredom) and your house will smell like the people never leave.  But everyone's idea of' busy is different.  I found that one parent-child class per week was a nice outing, plus a day or two of visiting family and friends each week was all the scheduling I liked.  Anything more and I felt rushed.  I like having my days wide open to be spontaneous... or lazy.

5. Leave your kid with your husband or mother or sister or whoever is willing - frequently.  You need at least a couple of hours a week without changing a diaper, carrying another human being, or hearing high pitched crys/screams/giggles.  It's your escape time.  You've earned it.  Don't feel guilty. Just do it (pedicure, library, running, hell- even grocery shopping without kids is a treat).

6. Get a Hobby or Part-Time Job.  I can't stress this enough.  We all need interests and activities that exist beyond our children or we will go insane. I found a wonderful creative outlet through blogging, and now through my etsy shop.  It's keeping my brain engaged, gives me something to 'work' on, and gives me a sense of pride (when I reach X amount of sales or positive feedback from other bloggers, etc).  Mommyhood is a thankless job.  It's hard to go from working mommy, receiving daily positive feedback through paychecks, reviews and measurable accomplishments, to SAHM where your boss and client are one in the same and two years old.  Oh, and the pay is intangible.  Blah blah blah, we get paid in sloppy kisses, whatever!  I miss the *real* money, haha.

So there are Nina's tips for the newly staying at home. I am so thankful that I've been able to do this.  It just feels right.  I love being involved in my boys day- every day, all day.  He is amazing.  I am constantly surprised at the things he has learned.  And it's happening so fast!  I blink and he is an inch taller and speaking in sentences.  Three blinks and he is potty trained. But the poop training is another thing.  I have been blinking for a week and nothing has changed.  

On that dirty underwear note, I will sign off!  Goodnight Internets - see you tomorrow :)

-Nina

My buddy at the apple orchard :)

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I'm gonna get all Mommy Blogger on you now...

... and talk about POTTY TRAINING!

I know. You're excited, right? (or leaving for the next blog fast as you can...)

So.  When I was pregnant I was full of ideas of what motherhood was all about- how things would be, how I would raise my boy, how perfect it was all going to be.  My baby would be a dream.  He would sleep when he was supposed to, rarely cry, have a wonderful disposition that all other mothers would envy... and be potty trained by two years old.

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Friday Shop Hop #14

Good Morning and welcome to ArtsyNina's 14'th Friday Shop Hop! Last week was off the hook (and just because I wanted to make sure I was using that particular piece of slang appropriately, I looked it up here.) We had 57 fabulous shops link up.  For my intimate little shop hops, that is a big number!

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A Box of Vintage Goodness

Saturday morning I bundled Jack up and we drove a few miles south to an auction at a farm.  There were hundreds of people there; some interested in the land for sale, some looking to purchase the old farm equipment, but most were there for the houseful of vintage goods and antiques.

The house had been emptied and was displayed on several hay trailers.  The furniture was in a ring outlining the yard.  There was an awesome retro dinette. An antique cradle.  Tigerwood dressers.  Cedar chests. Art deco floor lamps.  And so much more.  I tried to edge my way near the household goods, but it was packed.  I had to settle for watching things as they passed the auction block from the rear of the crowd.  Jack kept himself busy inspecting a row of vintage heaters behind us; not a knob was left unturned.

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