Lucky

Sometimes things are purely a matter of  location and timing.  I was in TJ Maxx this week looking for something specific (that they DIDN’T have) when I came across a lovely cable knit blanket in the clearance section that had no tag on it.  On a whim, I took it to the registers with me to see if they could come up with a decent price.

cable knit blanket

Well, while I waited in line I noticed the manager talking to an employee about markdowns and moving merchandise and so forth.  He seemed a little anxious about it all.  When it was my turn to pay, I showed them the blanket, pointed out several snags in it but also acknowledged that it was very clean and much of it looks great.  Well, the cashier took it to the manager I’d overheard and asked him for a price…..

“Three dollars.”  he said.

I pretended like I wasn’t shocked it was so little and happily said I’d take it.  Three dollars!  It’s so pretty!  It’s really light weight, and I love the pattern on it.  My favorite thing, though, is the contrasting twill trim around the edges.  Seriously?  Three dollars?  It would have cost at least twice that if I’d found it at the thrift store!

cable knit blanket with contrasting twill trim

So my couch is now sporting a lovely new blanket that is a perfect weight for spring.  I’ve been thinking it would be nice to have a cream or white colored blanket.  Sure, it has some flaws, but that simply means I don’t have to feel so bugged when my children add to those flaws as soon as they notice its existence.  That’s the best use I’ve made of $3 in a long time!  Fun!

Vintage Tablecloth: Pink Roses

Today’s tablecloth is truly lovely in every way.  Yes, it’s completely pink, and I love it.

vintage pink roses tablecloth

The roses go in one wide border around the entire cloth.  It  measures 68 by 51 inches.

vintage pink roses tablecloth 2

It has a small tag on it, which reads California Hand Prints, which I’m thinking might mean that it was hand printed when it was made.  The cloth has a few stains on it but it is just so lovely, and such a yummy shade of pink.

vintage pink roses tablecloth 3

One of my favorite details about it is the white pattern that goes around the outer edge of the roses.  Very subtle, but adds a lot of beauty in my opinion.  When I purchased this tablecloth online years ago, I didn’t realize it had this white pattern until I received it.  I was so pleased!

pink roses and white detail on vintage tablecloth

When I walk into a room where I’m using this tablecloth, it’s always the first thing I see.  It’s the perfect touch of happiness on a winter’s day.

vintage pink roses tablecloth 4

Monday Morning Messes

Does your house look like this on Monday mornings?

messy floor

Sometimes I’m amazed at how much recovery my house needs after the weekend.  But then, sometimes it needs it every 2 hours.  Toys, shoes, socks, games, castoff items from school backpacks…

messy floor 2

Whenever my house looks like this, I try to remember a quote I read as a new mom many years ago.  It’s lengthy, but worth reading.  Let me share:

“Trying to look at clutter with more spiritual eyes taught me two things.  First, I tried to understand the nature of clutter itself — what does clutter represent?  What things do we regard as clutter?  Toys played with and not put away, dirty dishes to be washed, coats not hung up, books read and not put away.  Toys, dishes, clothes, books; children, food, warmth, intelligence.  Clutter is a by-product of life being lived.  Clutter is a mirror reflecting some of our sweetest blessings.  Go ahead — look at this mess.  Look at this beautiful, wonderful mess.  Thank you, Lord.  Now let’s tidy up.

“The second thing I learned about clutter is what it is not.  Unlike the spiritual qualities of purity, order, and beauty, clutter is temporal.  The word temporal is closely related to another word: temporary.  Clutter and dirt are temporary.  Order, purity, and beauty are permanent.  Always there.  Always to be found.  Sometimes quite buried but there nonetheless.  Pick up and wash, and there they are.  They were there all along.  As spiritual principles, order, purity, and beauty are not only true, but they are also attributes of God himself and of the god-nature within us.  As we pick up the clutter, wipe away the dirt, and beautify our homes, we are allowing those attributes freer expression.  When we clean, order, and beautify our homes, we bless our homes, and our work becomes a holy work, a work that can feed our spirits and sustain our souls.”

– Joan B. MacDonald, from The Holiness of Everyday Life, Deseret Book Company, 1995, p.20-21 My wish for you this morning and every morning:  May your spirit be fed as you take care of the evidence of your greatest blessings:  family.

Have a great day!

Jennifer

1 449 450 451 452 453 503