Orla Dishes

Sunday, July 26, 2009


More Orla :), originally uploaded by jenib320.

I have been working on projects for my apartment today and it got me thinking; I will finally be able to use my Orla Kiely dishes! I purchased them back when all the Orla stuff at Target came out back in February and they've been quietly stored away awaiting my move in. I am moving in less than a month! I had almost forgotten about them but I came across them a few weeks ago while cleaning. I'm re-excited about them! :D

In addition to my new excitement about the Orla dishes, I realized how little I will be using my dishwasher. The Pyrex, which will be getting a lot of use, can't go in the dishwasher. Many of my pots and pans are non-stick, can't go in the dishwasher. And I figure that if I want to keep the Orla dishes looking nice, I shouldn't put those in the dishwasher either. My conclusion is that I probably won't use it at all! Haha. Which will be fine! I think I may end up using it to store some of my dishes instead :)


ORLA KIELY, originally uploaded by jenib320.


ORLA KIELY, originally uploaded by jenib320.


ORLA KIELY, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Today I love the..
Smell of: Pizza House chicken
Sound of: Harry Potter
Taste of: Diet Coke
Sight of: Projects in progress
Feel of: Snuggling

Good Things about Today:
- Finished two projects today!
- Picked up supplies for more projects
- Spent lazy time with Michael
- Watched some Harry Potter Movies

Early To Blog

Friday, July 24, 2009


Succulent, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Starting off today with an early blog. The light was pretty nice as the sun was coming up this morning so I thought I'd snap a few photos since I will be gone most of the day. I finally managed to repot a few succulents last night. A few were still in terra cotta so I wanted to move them to some nicer looking pots. This little guy got moved into a Pyrex Terra Mug! Since it's handleless it's perfect for a little plant! :)


Succulent, originally uploaded by jenib320.




Zinnia, originally uploaded by jenib320.

My first Zinnia bloom from the plants I started! I cannot wait to start everything from seed again next year, it was really fun and rewarding! It was also way more cost effective! :) The first one to bloom is pink, yay!


Nasturtiums, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Almost all of the Nasturtium seeds I planted came up, so I ended up with a lot of plants! The flowers are such pretty colors :)


Experiment, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I have found loads of white lotus bowls and some of them are chipped. So in order to fulfill my desire for colored ones I'm experimenting with painting chipped white ones with enamel paint. This was my first one, the next one is looking a lot better already. The directions on the paint were a little sketchy and the paint did not smooth out at all in the oven. Overall, I'll definitely be making more of these, hopefully the next one will turn out even better! I think I may spray this with a coat of gloss as a final touch! :) I am currently working on a purple one, so we'll see what happens!

Today I love the..
Smell of: After rain air
Sound of: Simon & Garfunkel
Taste of: Cheerios
Sight of: Zinnias
Feel of: Kitty

Good Things about Today:
- Got up early and am already being productive!
- Working on crafty projects!
- Michael is coming today for the weekend!
- Sunshine

Juice!

Thursday, July 23, 2009


Juice!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

It has been a few days since I've had a chance to update! I have been busy working on projects and cleaning! I have definitely found time to do some thrifting as well! Here are a few of the things I've found since Saturday!

My favorite is this super cute yellow glass juice carafe! I picked it up today for a measly $.79. I don't know if it's vintage or new or what, but I really don't care! I love it! :D


Lotus!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Managed to find more lotus bowls! Picked up this lot of 15 for only $6.99! Crazy! I am experimenting with ceramic paint on a few of the chipped ones, I'll post my progress in the next few days! :D


Swiss Chalet, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Picked up this little set of Swiss Chalet dishes at Salvation Army for $1.50. Such a lovely pattern. I hope to find more eventually!


Shoes, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Scored these never-been-worn heels at Salvation Army for $7.50! Not too bad!


Flea Market Finds!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finally made it to my first Flea Market in months on Sunday! Came away with lots of pyrex and some tupperware! Only paid $11.25 for the lot!


Cuisinart, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Found this at a consignment store I discovered on my way back from Thrift Nation. It needs a new lid but it works! It came with a lot of extra blades/attachments too! Only $8! :D My Mom said that when she bought hers it was around $170!

Hopefully I'll get back into the blogging swing this weekend!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Strawberry Jam
Sound of: Keane's first album
Taste of: Raisins
Sight of: Thrifty treasures
Feel of: Kitty

Good Things about Today:
- Thrifted great things!
- Trying out a new project!
- Fabric Remnants
- Kitty visiting me without being picked up

Pink Pyrex!

Saturday, July 18, 2009


Pink Pyrex!, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Today went a lot better than expected! I got out of class early, my final was canceled and I found pink Pyrex! I finally managed to stop at a consignment shop near campus this afternoon. I have tried stopping a few times but they always seem to be either closed or I'm in too much of a rush. They had a few other pieces that were in bad condition, but they had this beauty! And it was only $5! I was thrilled. It had quite a bit of baked on grease on the handles but a little scrubbing (baking soda helped a lot!) and magic eraser and it looks great! It will look so cute with my turquoise round casserole :)


Thrifted Treasures, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Managed to pick up a few other goodies today as well. Found navy vintage polka dot fabric at the church thrift store. There is 2.5 yards of it, and for only $1.75! I love using polka dot fabric to line things. It's subtle but more exciting than a solid fabric. I also found these handle bowls today. They are for Michael. His family has some and they are perfect for ice cream! For only $.80 I couldn't leave them! It will be like a little bit of home for him here in Berea! Now we just need to get some Schwan's chocolate ice cream and we'll be good to go!

I've been on a movie spree since I've been here alone this weekend. Tonight I watched 21 and Horton Hears a Who. 21 was pretty good! It was pretty interesting and I mean, Jim Sturgess is in it. So even if it had sucked, there's some nice eye candy! ;) Horton Hears a Who was actually pretty good! I was a little skeptical and I've never read the book, but I enjoyed it! The look of it was really neat. I was pleased :) Now it's time for some Entourage!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Morning air
Sound of: Jack Johnson
Taste of: PB&J with Strawberry Jelly!
Sight of: A clean kitchen
Feel of: A comfy futon

Good Things about Today:
- Thrifted Pink Pyrex!
- Got out of class early
- No final for my immersion class!
- Found a new thrift haunt
- Two good movies!

Daisy

Friday, July 17, 2009


Daisy Refrigerator Set! AHH!, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Today kind of had a rough start. I had a headache and I was feeling kind of down. Little did I know, I'd go on to find the cheeriest Pyrex Refrigerator set ever (Ok, a Friendship set would give it a run for it's money, but still!). The Daisy Refrigerator set. No patterns or fluff needed, the cheerful shades of orange and yellow are plenty. I found this set at one of my favorite thrift stores in Berea. It is in walking distance from my new apartment so I'm going to be in trouble! The pieces were priced separately but the set still only ended up being $12. It is in almost perfect condition. There are two marks on the oblong piece (502). I'm pretty sure it has never been used! :D With the exception of yesterday's finds, I've been on a bit of a dry spell finding Pyrex, but this totally makes up for it!

Tonight I'm staying at Michael's apartment. All by myself! I have class this weekend and don't want to make a million trips back and forth. I'm a little scared but I think it will be ok. I snacked on junk food and watched a chick flick (Confessions of a Shopaholic, it was actually pretty cute) so that made me feel better. I managed to find a few other things thrifting today too!


Sam & Libby!, originally uploaded by jenib320.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these shoes. Basically I fell in love with vintage Sam & Libby bow flats in my quest to replace my favorite shoes. I have a pair of black ones that I found on eBay and they're so cute. What are the chances that I'd find some at goodwill? They were only $6 too! :D Sometimes, happiness, is a cute pair of shoes.


Kokeshi, originally uploaded by jenib320.
I found this cute little doll at Salvation Army for $3. She was just too cute to pass up. They had another doll with her, but she was just too expensive. $3 is just right though :) I also picked up a Rubbermaid container for Michael for only $.99!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Minty bath salts
Sound of: Simon & Garfunkel
Taste of: Strawberry Laffy Taffy
Sight of: Daisy Pyrex
Feel of: A warm bed

Good Things about Today:
- Thrifted a minty Daisy Refrigerator set
- Confessions of a Shopaholic
- Getting Diet Coke Fridgies 4 for $10!
- Finding Hens & Chicks for $.65 each :)

Pillows

Monday, July 13, 2009


Pillows, originally uploaded by jenib320.
I started my last Immersion class this past weekend. I was doing so well posting almost everyday! Ah well, no big deal :) This immersion is BUS326 - Legal Environment of Organizations. It is terribly boring. But, it's almost halfway over already so I just have to get through three more days!

Last night I finally finished up the other pillow cover for my couch/futon. They are huge, 24 x 24 inches. I used one of my favorite fabrics, Birdseed by Alexander Henry. I used this great tutorial from Tiny Decor Blog. They were incredibly easy and turned out pretty well! It isn't a perfect fit, but what is? :)


Thrift Finds, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Mike and I managed to squeeze in some thrifting after my class on Saturaday. We found a new place called Thrift World. Love the name, haha. I picked up the Pyrex See and Store Canisters for $.50 each there! Also picked up a silky Old Navy Top there for only $2.99. The turquoise container is for my bathroom. I picked it up at a local thrift for $1. I'm having a lot of fun searching for turquoise items!


Harry Potter, originally uploaded by jenib320.
I am so excited to go see the new Harry Potter movie. I was originally not going to go Tuesday night, because I have class the next day, but I've changed my mind. I hope it's at least as good as the last one. I have been listening to the Harry Potter & the Half-blood Prince in preparation! It's so strange to think that I read the first Harry Potter in 4th grade, which was 1999? That's 10 years ago! Crazy.

Today I love the..
Smell of: Vive Conditioner
Sound of: Live Simon & Garfunkel
Taste of: Radishes
Sight of: Finished Homework
Feel of: Kitty

Good Things about Today:
- Finished homework really early
- Coupons & good deals!
- Finished pillow cover
- Poison Ivy has reached it's peak, doesn't itch as much now

Thrifting

Thursday, July 9, 2009


Yesterday's Thrift Finds!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Managed to squeeze in a little thrifting yesterday. I stopped at Salvation Army on my way up and then Mike and I went to two Goodwills. I did pretty well! I found the Lotus Bowls for $.25 a piece, the vintage fabric for $2.99, the drink container for $.50, the Tupperware pie container for $3, and the Pyrex Snack Server for $4. Grand Total: $11.50. Not bad! :)

Yesterday was very interesting! We drove Mike's younger sister Kaiytlin to Cranberry, PA to meet their cousin. We got sort of lost though.. It took us a little bit but eventually we got back on track and made it back home. It was an adventure! I have some weird night slow exposures that I took in the car to entertain myself, I'll probably share them tomorrow!


The Lotus Bowl Collection, originally uploaded by jenib320.

My collection of Lotus Bowls up until now. I am up to 18 including the large one. Still haven't paid more than $.50 a bowl! :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Pizzelles
Sound of: Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
Taste of: Sloppy Joe's
Sight of: Mike, here!
Feel of: Comfy Capris

Good Things about Today:
- Found a cute turquoise piece for my bathroom
- Got some good cleaning done
- Sloppy Joe's :)
- Mike is here!

Starting Anew

Tuesday, July 7, 2009


Bench - After, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I had originally planned on taking some photographs today but I just now went to pick up my camera only to realize the sun is already gone. Oh well. I have been so busy today! I actually didn't go anywhere but the cleaning has still been going full force. I guess right now its not so much cleaning as it is trying to downsize. I have always been a pack rat, I have a napkin or card or brochure from about every place I've been so you can imagine the quantity of stuff I've accumulated! To make matters worse I'm a crafter, sewer, and collector so.. Haha. Some stuff has been easy to say yes, time to get rid of that, but other things especially crafty supplies I find myself wanting to keep. Things I haven't used in years and years. The crafter in me says wait! You'll make something out of that one day! While with some things thats a realistic reason to keep something, with others, it certainly isn't.

Next month I will be moving into my very own apartment, thus some of the reasoning for this cleaning/downsizing spree. I won't have to take everything I own, I'll still have a room here at home, but it needs to be done anyways.

Today I love the..
Smell of: Roasted Chicken
Sound of: Keane
Taste of: Nutella & Banana Crepe
Sight of: Cute Postcards
Feel of: Heating Pad

Good Things about Today:
- I have about 6 bags of stuff for Goodwill!
- Made progress on my room
- Feeling inspired
- Maria made us crepes!

Cleaning

Monday, July 6, 2009


Cleaning, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Most of today has been spent cleaning. Since I'll be moving into an apartment (yay!) in only a little over a month, I figured I should rid some things out and prioritize. I managed to get all the work for my online class finished this morning so the rest of the day was free to do whatever I wanted! I put another coat of paint on some TV trays I thrifted a while back but mostly it's been spent in my room cleaning out the closet and listening to Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows on audiobook. Who doesn't love Jim Dale? I came across a number of things I love and thought I'd photograph a few of them. The evening light was quite lovely tonight!


Zippered Pouches, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I knew I had a number of them, but I never realized quite how many zippered pouches I own. I actually just put four in the Goodwill pile and this photo isn't nearly all of them. They're so handy, I can't help myself! I feel that my collection will grow even more now that I can sew in a zipper. Yikes!


Cute Oven-mitt, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I hadn't completely forgotten about this oven mitt but didn't know where it was. I picked it up thrifting a few years ago. It will definitely get use this school year in my apartment!


Purse Tin, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I love these little decorative tins. This one is from Littleputbooks. This may have actually been my first Etsy purchase. Anyways, they're great to keep a few quarters, bobby pins, and hair-ties in. This way they're nice and tidy in my purse!


Tissue Holders, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I always keep one of these little tissue holders in my bag wherever I go. I received the patchwork one in a swap and made the bottom two (which are much less fancy!). They're so handy and keep the tissues much more contained than the plastic wrapping them come in :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: A clean house
Sound of: Jim Dale's voice
Taste of: Wild black raspberries
Sight of: A cleaner closet
Feel of: Soft t-shirts

Good Things about Today:
- Finished homework really early
- Put aside a lot of clothes for donation
- Finding old treasures
- Mike set up his wireless network
- Only drank one Diet Coke today!

Berry Goodness

Sunday, July 5, 2009


Berries, originally uploaded by jenib320.

We went out to the farm today for a picnic. This was perfectly in timing with the wild black raspberry season. I picked for the majority of the morning and picked about 2 quarts I believe. I have the scratches and bug bites to prove it! Wild black raspberries could very well be my favorite food ever. They are so naturally sweet, and so different from other berries. Sometimes I wish you could buy good ones in the store but honestly, they might not taste as good that way. Having to wait all year to have them for a week or two makes them taste even better.

I shall be eating pretty much nothing else for the next week or so, which is fine by me. Whatever meal doesn't include blackberries it will probably include something with strawberry jam on it :)

Today I love the..
Smell of: Wild black raspberries
Sound of: Kitty
Taste of: Wild black raspberries
Sight of: A semi clean room
Feel of: Comfy pillow

Good Things about Today:
- Picked 2 quarts of wild black raspberries
- I didn't get burned while out picking!
- Picked up Mike & Kaitlyn from the Megabus
- Georgio's Pizza
- Having a kitty who loves to hang out with me every evening :)

Happy Fourth!

Saturday, July 4, 2009


Sewing, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Today seemed like a good day to catch up on some things. I managed to get some photos taken of recent treasures and crafting as well as list some items for sale on TIB.

I made these fun coasters last week! They were a great project to use up some scraps. Here is the tutorial I used from The Sometimes Crafter.


Sewing, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Another great tutorial I tried out last week was from Make It and Love It for this camera strap cover! I used some of the great fabric I purchased from  Walmart a few months ago. This would be great project for using scraps but I didn't really have any large enough that coordinated!


Orla Kiely Potholder!, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Great thrift find from yesterday! I never expected to find Orla Kiely at the thrift! A great surprise :)


Tins, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Managed to find a little short tin out shopping to match the one I thrifted two weeks ago at Goodwill. Now the tall one has a friend!


Fabric, originally uploaded by jenib320.

Finally, one last thrifted treasure from yesterday, this lovely vintage fabric! It's actually a drape panel, but I shall be cutting it up to use as fabric. I want to make a pleated skirt out of it!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Jam
Sound of: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Audio Book
Taste of: Diet Coke
Sight of: Kitty napping
Feel of: Summer

Good Things about Today:
- Took overdue photographs of treasures
- Strawberry Jam on waffles
- Mike has been cheery despite being sick
- Listed items on TIB
- Chinese for dinner :)

Strawberry Jam

Friday, July 3, 2009


Strawberry Picking, originally uploaded by jenib320.

I have pretty much only been eating things that I can put strawberry jam on for the last few days. The jam we made is amazing. I don't think I can ever go back to store bought again. The berries we picked were super ripe and it was such a fun experience to pick them ourselves.

My favorite treat is cinnamon toast waffles with jam on it, it is so delicious. We made peach jam as well but I am all about the strawberry. I'll start into the peach when we run out of strawberry. That probably won't be anytime soon though, we made about 70 jars of strawberry :D

I think this blog is going to turn into more of a thrift and sewing blog so we'll see what happens!

Today I love the..
Smell of: Jam
Sound of: Kitty sleeping
Taste of: Jam
Sight of: Birdseed by Alexander Henry
Feel of: Relief

Good Things about Today:
- Had great luck thrifting today
- A kitty was adopted on my shift at animal shelter
- $9 capris at Old Navy
- Knowing everything is going to be okay