Dumpster diving -- The ULTIMATE way to be green

Several days ago, I eyed a small step stool my neighbor had placed by the curb. I was in a hurry to leave for work, so I just left it. It was trash day after all, and I figured we would never cross paths again. But, when I came home from work that evening, guess what the trashman had not picked up?? The step stool. So, I begged my hubby to grab it while I brought the trash can back from the curb. Thanks honey for aiding in my dumpster-diving-deeds.



I brought the stool into the house, gave it a good scrub down, and hammered the sides back together. It was still a bit wobbly, but sturdy enough to hold a plant or some such thing.

I was walking around the house trying to find its forever home, when I stepped into the downstairs bathroom. We had been using a freestanding toilet paper holder because it's kind of a small space and we needed to use some free space under the sink. I moved Mr. T out of the way, and found that my new little step stool was a perfect fit. What do you think??

Using what we found at Restore

We've managed to get one light up that we bought from Restore. We couldn't agree on where to place what, so Jeff's favorite ended up in the hallway. I do like the texture of the glass on this one. It reminds me of linen.





Next from Restore is the old metal cabinet I got to store a bunch of craft crap supplies. I really liked the original army green color, so I just sanded down some rust spots and lined the inside.



After that, I filled it up with supplies ... which surprisingly took no time at all. Isn't it always amazing how fast spaces can be filled with stuff?



**Side note -- I also re-potted my dying plant next to the cabinet. It's much happier in its new home ... plenty of room to grow.

Eek! Time for bed. Happy Monday y'all!

Recycle, recycle don't throw it away -- The best of Restore

We made the trek out to Restore's "new" diggs. Restore was created by Habitat for Humanity to provide funding for their programs by selling new and used building materials to the public at discounted prices. Most the goods are donated from people remodeling their homes or large home improvement stores. It's a great GREEN way to support an important local cause and find new ways to spruce up your own home.

Today was rainy and dreary, but my spirits were revived once we walked inside! This place has just about any and everything you might be looking for in regards to home improvement; doors, sinks, cabinets, furniture, paint, blinds, tile, lights fixtures, wallpaper, etc.









Here's a look a some of my favorites lurking inside ...

These chairs were my first object of lust. Black "leather" with clean lines and they were only $5 a piece!!



My next obsession was this GLORIOUS light. Decorative wrought iron work with beautiful brownish stained "glass." It was just ridiculous.



I carried it around the store like a baby. After much debate, I finally decided that it would not fit the front of our house (our roof hangs too low) and I left it there. I had to ask Jeff to put it back because I couldn't bring myself to part with it.

All in all, we spent less than $50 and left with some great old light fixtures and an old metal cabinet. Promise to post some pictures once these items find their final places in the house.

Have a great a weekend. Oh and here are directions to Restore if you want to stop by (and you should).