A long Winded Post on Anniversary, Garage Sales and Thrifting on a Budget

Saturday was Big Daddy's and my anniversary. I feel so blessed to be married to him. It's what I had prayed for since the age of 11 years old. To marry Big Daddy specifically. I posted about it here. I have to say that I just adore this man. He not only is a good father, husband, provider, and friend, He makes me laugh everyday. He has a certain navigational map for our lives and is a very smart captain to have the ability to see that we get to where we want to be in our life. He still thinks I am sexy-even after all these years. He appreciates and genuinely loves my body despite it's going south. Big Daddy can actually appreciate my body in it's current state and see it as even more beautiful, because of the journey it has taken and because of what it has created (our children). He is sincere in his thoughts. How could I not be wild about this man? Other than the fact that I know that he is my soulmate and created for me. He was destined to be my husband. And these are just a few reasons that I adore Big Daddy and the man he is. There is a reason I call him a man among men.

For our anniversary we have made a pact not to buy things for one another. Neither of us need anything. And we'd much rather save $$ for an early retirement. Though we never do not buy anything, We buy cheap stuff. Because we are cheap like that. And because that is one thing that Big Daddy loves about me.....I am a simple girl. I don't require much. Big Daddy gave me some flowers and the sweetest card.

So sweet. He also gave me a bottle of what he calls, "Leigh's wine".....Which is really Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice. I told you I was cheap. And I am not a wine drinker. But the Welch's I LOVE , and this is Big Daddy's little special something that he buys me for any special occasion. Sometimes just because. He is good like that.

Oldest son Bama offered to babysit and we took him up on it. (THX Bama!) Big Daddy and I enjoyed a nice "quiet" supper at Outback. We didn't even look at a kids menu. We didn't have to break up an argument. We had adult conversation. It was nice. The morning of our anniversary when we awoke Sledge had been up for awhile and had made a power point slideshow for Big Daddy and I. It was the sweetest thing ev-ah!

Speaking of anniversaries, Big Daddy and I share an anniversary with my good friend, High May and her hubs Michael. Many ions ago, I did not know High May, but we were both married to our husbands on the same day, at the same time. We celebrate the same number of years (beyond a decade) in marriage.

(Photography by Leigh of Photographic Memories-see blog link)

Imagine that! High May and I decided to do our own pre-anniversary celebrating of our own by taking in some garage sales Saturday morning.

I was certain to be sure to go to fellow blogger, Rhoda's garage sale.

Isn't she a doll? Ignore the dork next to her. Upon first seeing me she said that I was not as tall as she expected. Rhoda looked just as I expected. She had a lot of cute home decor items at her sale and told me that she sold it all! I am so happy for her. She is going to use the money for a home bedroom redo. She is a home decorator. She has the great ability to makeover a room for not alot of $$ by shopping thrift stores and consignment and garage sales. Be sure to tune into her blog to see the transformation.

Down the street from her sale was another garage sale by a lady that owns a consignment shop (which I have been to before). This is a great consignment shop with designer duds at great prices. Much of which goes to charity. I got a pair of jeans, 2 sweaters and a pair of shoes (with the $79.99 Harrod's price tag still attached) all for $10.00.

High May purchased some picture frames further down the street. A lot for $15.00. From there the garage sales and the picking s at the existing ones were slim. I found a lampshade that I purchased for $2.00 and we called it a day.

I did much better at thrifting last week at the thrift store.
I have a thing for trees. I love them in nature, in jewelry, in geneology, in photography and in art. I was so stoked when I came upon this tree print for six bucks at the thrift store:

Excuse the bad photography. I was being lazy and didn't want to take it outside to photograph, much less use my tripod. A flash is not a friend of the framed picture.

It looks to be an original piece, and what I believe to be done in ink.

The bottom is signed with the name Ellen Oakford 1889

This is the back of the frame:

I also found some dishes that I liked at the thrift store. That seems to be what I am gravitating to lately. Aren't these pretty?

These green plates were $1.48 each (2)

Silvestri White Platter for $1.48

Ironstone plates for $1.48. I found several of these that I bought. I plan to do a wall grouping.

This is a large serving bowl with little ram's on it. It was made in Italy and hand painted. The bowl was $3.88. It'll be perfect for serving spaghetti! And popcorn.

And finally for the dishes....this blue and white transferware. It reminds me of my beloved St Augustine or Savannah. $1.48

I also found two pair of shoes:

Brighton's for $2.48

and Bellini Boots for $4.88

And that, was my weekend. I hope that you had a fabulous weekend. I will be dropping my your blog to check out what is on your mind! Thanks for dropping by the island. I love visitors. Here's to having a great week!