The Goldfinch

At 771 pages, The Goldfinch is epic.

It took a while - almost a whole month - but it really is good.

Not perfect, but good...

PROS

• The main character is really not likable.  That may sound like a con, but it's actually a refreshing change.
• It's very suspenseful. (I was so nervous!)
• Donna Tartt is so descriptive. I could picture it all in my head. (This probably contributes to why it's 771 pages, but I wouldn't take any of that out.)
• Some of it is really depressing. 

CONS

• Some of the dialogue is really (really) far fetched.
• There's one part where the timing is just too perfect.  I mean, it could happen, but it was just too lucky.
• There's a too long (in my opinion) section about the main character's (author's?) thoughts on life.
• Some of it is really depressing.

Anyway, that satisfies one of the books on the 2016 Reading Challenge.

I'm not sure what's next.

"A book that's under 150 pages" sounds good.

Two months later...

The last two months have gone by so fast (too fast!).

About a month ago we moved my dad into the memory care unit of an assisted living facility.  It was, I think, meant to be...

We were given two day's notice by the rehab facility that he was being released the day before Thanksgiving. Of course we weren't prepared for that, so made arrangements to move him into their skilled nursing section (how convenient for them).

Skilled nursing is what you think of when you think "nursing home" - hospital beds and old people sitting in wheelchairs in the hallway.

I couldn't stand it.

Then, the director of one of the assisted living facilities I'd visited when he was first taken to the hospital called the day after Thanksgiving.  I had liked the facility, but thought it was too big - all elevators and long hallways.  He'd never find his way back to his room.

But she suggested their memory care unit.  I'd driven by it.  It was smaller.

Well, I happened to be in town.  She had time to meet with me an hour later.  I called my brother and he was available too.

They had three rooms available and by the end of the day we'd put down a deposit and by that Monday he moved in.

I didn't know if he'd like it.  He always said he wanted to stay at home, with visiting nurses to take care of him.

But he actually likes it! (Maybe because they took the guys to Hooters last week.)

I don't really care why.  I'm just happy he's happy and being taken care of.

Work is still going well.  I like it. It's stressful and I am REALLY busy.  But the people are nice (for the most part!).

I've been doing a lot of work on the house.  I'm tired of living in a construction zone, so am focusing on getting rooms done livable. I'm still working on multiple rooms at once (currently the master bedroom and dining room), but there is a plan and a light at the end of the tunnel!

Part of that plan involves getting "new" furniture.  My furniture consists mostly of hand-me-downs and IKEA.

I love the hand-me-downs.

I hate the IKEA.

So, I got rid of it.  All of it.

Then, just last weekend, I finally moved back into the master bedroom (remember this? That was almost exactly a year ago!).

I moved in a dresser I got from a garage sale, and a chest of drawers I got from a thrift store in New York (Thomasville!).  I set my little tv on top and hooked up the Wii so I can watch Deadwood, and thought "This is horrible.".

I needed something I could set my big tv on to watch Deadwood (it is SO GOOD!).

I needed one of those low, wide dressers.

I needed something like this...

This is a photo of an Ethan Allen dresser that was being sold by a furniture store in Maryland.

Two days ago, I found a dresser exactly like this at Goodwill for $35.88 (for Ethan Allen!).  Similar dressers are currently listed on eBay from $595 (without the mirror) to $1,200.

Also in the plan is removing the old, ugly medicine cabinet in the bathroom...

again, not my photo. this time it's from Home Depot

with a mirror and light fixture.

And, since I'm putting the big tv on the dresser, I won't be needing the mirror, so...

Two birds, one $35.88 stone.

That same night I found found The Light Between Oceans, which is supposed to be really good, and at a different Goodwill near me (that has the BEST selection of books),  I've recently found The Girl on the Train and The Goldfinch, in hardback, for $1 each.

The Girl on the Train was really good. I'm 88 pages into The Goldfinch (only 683 to go!), but it's already really good too.

Finally, I've tried a few new recipes - some were just ok, some were really good...

This Balsamic Mushroom Pasta from Girl Gone Gourmet was incredible! It was so good, I've already made it twice.

I also liked this Pineapple Fried Rice from Damn Delicious.

And finally, I was at my brother's house on Christmas Eve, and someone claimed their homemade Ritz Cracker fake Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties (one of my favorite Girl Scout Cookies!!) were even better than the real thing.

No way.

Way.

So Far...

I've officially been in my new job one month now and (so far) I like it...

I've booked a few weddings already, and am working with other people in the community on other events.

And I've started planning some events of my own.

In my previous position at the Chamber of Commerce, I would think "Someone in town should have a [insert the name of some event here]".

Now that someone is ME!

I've already scheduled an Indoor Garage Sale this month, and I'm working on a Women's Day Out (manicures, chair massage, wine tasting...) during March Madness, a Crafting Retreat in April, and an Outdoor Show in May.

And I'm creating a new website.

(I've been here one month!)

I was working out of the office in the restaurant next door to the event centre.  This was far from ideal (I was in the way), so we had to find a new office...

Yes, that is a closet in the laundry room of a hotel.

But now it looks like this...

making progress

It's a little bare, so over the weekend I worked on some projects I'd seen on Pinterest.

First, I took these old frames I found at Goodwill...

$2.50

$4

 I hated the gold, but liked the detail on both of the frames...

I also liked this Easy Bulletin Board Project

and these Shabby Frames.

So, with a little Heirloom White spray paint, a roll of cork, a scrap of fabric and some twine, I now have these...

much better!

I still have more to do, but I'm getting there.

Hail to the Red, White & Blue (and, Beauty & the Beach)!

So, I'm a day late.

And I'm totally cheating by using my July Goodwill Hunting find for both July and August.

But it's so perfect!

I actually saw this red, white & blue bag months ago and grabbed it.  It could be one of those gift-with-purchase bags but I don't care!

I love it!

I'm not sure what the material is, but it feels like it'd be waterproof, and when I saw it, I immediately thought it'd be a perfect beach bag.

Not that I have time to go to the beach, but I am going to try to do something fun before this summer is over.

And when I do, I'm taking this bag!

This will probably be the last official "Goodwill Hunting" installment (but definitely NOT the last time I post one of my great thrift store finds!).

Summer Lovin'

Summer is my busiest time of year, so while everyone else is relaxing and going on vacation, I'm working 7 days a week.  

Literally.

I've taken one day off in the last month (and even then I was getting phone calls and answering emails).

With that schedule, the last thing I need to worry about is what I'm going to wear in the morning.

So I went on a shopping spree! 

I don't have any pictures, but it doesn't matter.  They'd be boring.  

I stocked up on the basics - black capris (3 pairs!), a black skirt, a tan skirt, red shorts from JCrew (ok, those aren't really "basic", but they are so cute, and I can't resist JCrew)...

Life is now much easier in the morning, and at $4 each, it's well worth it!

I also found this cute Kensie shirt that is also not basic but I couldn't resist either.

I love the lime green!

Check out Lemons & Chambray to see what Winavie found for summer.  (I am seriously jealous of that tote bag).

Next month:  Hail to the Red, White & Blue!

May Flowers

After a long, cold, snowy winter, it's finally spring!

Technically.

I do not consider 53 and overcast "spring".

But we've had a few nice days and I've been out in the yard, pulling lots of weeds and planting a few flowers.

I didn't actually plant them myself, of course.  

One nice thing about a small town is someone is always splitting the plants in their gardens and giving away what they no longer have room for.  (excuse the grammar)  

And if they're really nice, they'll come down and plant them in your garden for you...

really nice!

also really nice!

But spring (the warm, sunny version) will be here eventually.

And now I have the cutest hat to wear when it is!

I love hats

The same day, at the same Goodwill, I also found a framed print of this photo by Ansel Adams...

Source - with info about the picture

It's borderline sacrilegious to say this, but I'm not a big fan of Ansel Adams.  But for some reason I love this picture.  

(It could be the hats.)

If you're wondering what that has to do with May Flowers, the answer is "not much".

But, that woman is Georgia O'Keefe and she is rather famous for painting flowers (among other things).

Winavie discovered that she actually didn't find May Flowers this month, but that's ok because what she did find is REALLY CUTE!

Next month - Summer Lovin'!

April Showers

Rules are made to be broken.

I've been searching for a tan trench coat for (about) ever.

A few weeks ago, I was in Goodwill and saw one!  It was so cute!

But it was from Old Navy.  I sort of have a rule about not buying Old Navy (or Target) at Goodwill.  Their clothing is relatively inexpensive (read: cheap) to begin with, and if it's already been worn...

But this was really cute.

I wavered.

But, it was dirty, so I put it back and turned around, my rule remaining firmly unbroken.

And then...

I saw another tan trench, hanging on the bar outside the fitting room.  I walked over and...

Old Navy.

BUT!

It still had the original tag on it!  It was brand new!  And my size!

And super cute!

(My rule has been amended.)

Check out the super cute little book Winavie at Lemons & Chambray found to use in her super cute little garden.  (I'm so jealous!)

Next later this month:  May Flowers (probably!)

It Ain't Easy Bein' Green

But it is easy findin' something green at Goodwill.

If you haven't been to a Goodwill lately (ever?), you may not know that the clothing is displayed by color...

Source

So, when you want something green, you go to the green section.

And if you're really lucky, you'll find a green JCrew jacket in your size (like I did!).

I love JCrew

At my local Goodwill, jackets are about $4.  At JCrew, they're $200 (currently on sale for $178!).

Some people have an issue buying clothes at Goodwill.  I'm clearly not one of these people.  As long as it's in good condition - no stains or tears, not excessively worn - I'm ok.  I do always wash it before wearing it though.  (otherwise, ick)

I know Winavie at Lemons & Chambray struggled this month, so I'm very anxious to see what she found!

Next month - April Showers!

All You Need is Love

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day!

Last week, about an hour before the store closed on February 13, I stopped into the Goodwill in Maquoketa, hoping to find a heart shaped cookie cutter (for an upcoming project), and found a set of Pottery Barn Kids Valentine's Day placemats (still in the package!) instead.

Now, I don't have kids (or a Valentine), so why do I need kids Valentine's Day place mats?

Because they are SO cute!!!

Source

And they were only $2!

I also found these salt & pepper shakers, also by Pottery Barn, also still in the box, for $3 (original price $24).

Source

They have nothing to do with Valentine's Day (or love) whatsoever, but they're so cute!

Also this weekend, I tried a recipe that I've been seeing on Pinterest a lot lately (with good reason - it's SO good and SO easy!)

Crockpot Italian Chicken 

4 chicken breasts

1 packet Zesty Italian dressing seasoning

1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

2 cans cream of chicken soup

Cook on low for 4 hours. If sauce is too thick, add a little milk. 

Serve over pasta. 

Source

"Wowzers" indeed!

I may have to send these place mats to my friend Winavie at Lemons & Chambray (who actually does have kids and a Valentine!).  In the meantime, check out what Goodwill Hunting deals she found!

Next Month - It Ain't Easy Being Green!

Keeping My New Year's Resolution

Due to my resolution to not spend ANY money this month, I obviously couldn't go Goodwill Hunting.

But for someone who wants to spend less money (me!), thrift stores are great places to shop!

Right after Christmas (pre-New Year's resolution), I was wandering through a Goodwill in Madison, Wisconsin when the cute copy boy ran over and asked if I wanted a pizza maker for $3.

YES!

He has one, and I love it, but they're regularly about $50.

It was a Presto 03430 Pizzazz Pizza Oven, and it looked like it had never been used, so we plugged it in and it worked!  (Always make sure.)

So, I brought it home and a few days later this...

became this...

in about 15 minutes.

(Luckily frozen pizza also falls into my "spend less money" resolution.)

I can't wait to see what resolutions Winavie at Lemons & Chambray made this year!

Next month - All you need is love!

Merry Christmas!

December is the easiest "Goodwill Hunting" of the year.  Thrift stores are full of holiday decorations!

Remember Halloween?

Well, I liked those candlesticks so much, I decided to do it again.

Seven candlesticks for $1.38!  (Still in the box!)

A little red spray paint, and...

The best part is - I can use them for Valentine's Day and the 4th of July too!

I also found this nativity set for $1.50 (regularly $3, but on sale for half price!).  Someone had written Christmas 1988 on the box.  (It's officially "vintage"!)  I love the rustic wooden stable and everything is in perfect condition.

My favorite, though, was this little white Christmas tree for $3.

The hat was also from Goodwill, I had the ornaments, the scarf is just 1/4 yard of red fleece, the eyes and mouth are buttons, the nose is obviously a carrot, and I found the sticks in a park.  

And I "put a bird on it"!

Finally, I found two of my favorite holiday movies for $2 each.  I'm looking forward to relaxing with these after all the holiday fun!

Merry Christmas to all!

Hopefully Winavie at Lemons & Chambray found some great holiday deals too!

Next month - Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

At one point this month I actually said to Winavie that I didn't really need anything Thanksgiving-y this year.

But the very next day, I stopped by a Goodwill and saw this...

"Harvest Home" is Thanksgiving-y, but I was unimpressed.

Then I saw...

Two, still in the box!  That's much better!

I wouldn't necessarily agree that this is "a perfect gift for any occasion...".

The fake flower ring was...

hideous

and sad.

But I had been thinking hurricanes would be nice out on the porch in the summer, and they were only $1.50 each.

Then I saw this on Pinterest...

Source

Mine aren't nearly as cute, but I like them!

I wish I would've put the red beans in the middle, but it's too late now.  Trying to separate them would be a HUGE mess.

That same night, I also saw this...

It's horribly ugly, but it's about giving thanks!  It's perfect!

It was $2, and I borrowed some spray paint and now it looks like this...

I like it!

Check out Lemons & Chambray to see what my friend Winavie is thankful for this year!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Next month - Happy Holidays!!!

Happy Halloween!

I was in Goodwill recently, and saw this...

Two brand new candlesticks for $3!

But, brass?

So I bought a can of Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel in Black and these...

became these...

I love them!

(And it was so much fun!)

Then today I saw this post by Life as a Thrifter.

Now I just need more spray paint...

Hopefully Winavie at Lemons & Chambray found some good deals for her Halloween!

Back to School

Not having children, "Back to School" is a bit of a challenge for me.

However, earlier this year, during a trip to Charleston, I found these framed vintage flashcards at a consignment shop (where I also found February's Goodwill Hunting!)...

Each one has the definition a different part of a sentence, along with examples and a pretty drawing.

Did you know participles are derived from verbs?  I didn't, but I do now!

I love to read and these will be hung in the library/office (as soon as I figure out where that will be).

Hopefully Lemons & Chambray (who does have kids!) found some good back to school deals!

Next month:  Happy Halloween!

Beauty & the Beach...

Boys.

My new car has a 6-disc CD changer, but my "vintage" (only 7 years old!) computer no longer burns CDs.

So, I checked Goodwill.

And...

for about $2 each (less than the price of 2 songs on iTunes (not that I could listen to them anyway)), I have the whole CD.

Other "new" CDs include... Jason Mraz Waiting for My Rocket to Come (I love You & I Both!),  Elton John - Greatest Hits, and Elvis Presley The Number One Hits.

Two more and I'll be set!

I also found this cute sundress from JCrew for $7 (kind of expensive for Goodwill)...

I don't really go to the beach, but this dress is perfect for these last few (really super hot) days of summer.

I can't wait to see what Winavie found this month at Lemons & Chambray!

Next month - Back to School!