Dumpster Diving: Trash to Treasure

I knew this friend of mine was a good pal already. But when she told me she had a present for me....and it was in her trunk...and it came from a dumpster....because it just "Looked like something you would like!" I just knew she was a keeper!

Someone was remodeling a building in my sweet friend Lora's neighborhood. She snooped in the dumpster and she her fiancee rummaged through and salvaged a few items. Lucky for me, one of them reminded her of me.

And so in her trunk it went, then into mine!

This may look like trash to some...

 But a little soap and water, plenty of lysol, with a wipe of of Old English to add some moisture back into the wood, it had a new home.

Sure, it's not pristine, and it's weird shaped. It probably was just used to store tools or something. But I really dig the shape and color for some reason. Plus, it kind of reminded me of a rougher version of the Garrity Modular Cubby from good old Pottery Barn:

Maybe the PB Cubby's ugly step cousin?

My bunny of gold fit in nicely in one of the cubby holes...but Easter was over, so it was time for this little rabbit to get boxed up until next year.

Don't get upset with his replacement. I think you will approve. I replaced the bun with booze.

Although I really love my $25 estate sale china cabinet. It's not as tall as I would like. Someday I plan to replace her with the perfect estate sale find. Or if I can talk Adam into it,  a DIY build. 

This new salvaged wine cubby brings a little height to the cabinet, and doubles as storage.

I added old books from sales and thrift stores, a little chalkboard frame, and the wine. Needs more wine I think. Never enough wine.

In the top corner I added my collection of driftwood I picked up on the beach at Gulf Shores this year. I decided on driftwood instead of seashells this beach vacation! Something different.

This mint pitcher was my Great Aunt Katie's. The little blue jar was in a mystery box of stuff from an estate auction.

I think the weathered look on the side is my favorite part! The piece also looked good turned the other side for a different look. I may try that for a change sometime.

I'm still deciding if I should add something on the very top. Or will that make it look cluttered? Maybe 3 potted succulents?

Would you add something on top or will it look to cluttered?
Are you a dumpster diver?
Anyone else find something you just LOVE in someone else's trash?

Goodies from the past

This weekend I went home to my parents' to help with the cleaning out of my childhood bedroom.
My parents are getting ready to redo both mine & my sister's bedrooms to be more adult-like, guest bedrooms.
I was happy to help with the remodel--considering Adam and I have been sleeping on bunk beds every time we head up north. Bunk beds!!

I went through a trunk filled with items I had saved in Jr High and grade school. Mostly beanie babies.
It was fun to look in boxes filled with school photos, old projects and assignments, and even school newspapers. I had old yearbooks, and lots of knick knacks ready to be packed away too.

I came across this gem...

Stylin'

That's right. I posted a nerdy childhood photo just for you...



I found lots of treasures too that can finally make their way to the new house. I only unpacked about half a box so far...so here is just a small peak.

Homecoming flowers...

What do you do with homecoming and prom flowers like...10 years (yikes!) after high school? Most of my bouquets in high school were fresh not silk. The few that were silk, were not too obnoxious... I snagged them and will maybe use them in a pot or something around the house.

My favorite find:

grainy cell phone photo..

An example of the crap that was found in my "hope chest".
This pink radio which only played cassetes of the 90210 soundtrack, Janet Jackson, & Shanice nonstop.
It was nestled in between beanie babies, my American Girl doll, POGS, and a report on the state of Missouri. IDK.



Something not from my childhood made it home too.

This came from my great Aunt Katie's house. She passed away last year and my dad saved us a few things to have to remember her. I will share the others with you later on the blog when I get them unpacked. This pitcher is a pretty green color and is the new table centerpiece for the week. I think I will put some fresh flowers in it in the Spring...or maybe a Homecoming dance bouquet in it for now?


How was your weekend? 
Is your childhood room still like it was when you left? 
Or did your parents redo it to a "guest bedroom" too?
Anyone else have huge thick bangs to match their thick glasses in grade school?


Don't forget to enter our giveaway HERE if you haven't yet! It runs through the end of this week!