It all started wtih a linen sale at Snazzy... I wanted to download a few photos of linens to advertise our sale.  What I saw online was all kinds of beautifully organized linen closets.  

None of them looked like mine.  

I don't know about you, but I have been 'collecting' sheets, blankets, random pillow cases for years!  Many mismatched pieces and old, tattered towels.  I even discovered that I had 9 tablecloths!  Really?  Who needs 9 tablecloths?  

I started by taking EVERYTHING out of the closet (it's amazing what you can shove into a tiny closet) and began sorting.  Keep.  Donate.  Throw Out.  I'm so glad I did that. My closet still doesn't look like the model pictures I see online, but it is much more decluttered, organized, and usable.  

And, it only took 20 minutes!  Maybe my kids will start making their own beds now.

Every time I open my front door, I admire the wreath that is hanging there.  I have to admit, I didn't think I needed a wreath on my door.  I have seen many wreaths on my friends and family's houses, but just never thought of putting one up on mine.  A couple of weeks ago, when working at the store, I pulled out 2 wreaths from a bin that someone had dropped off to consign.  They were both GORGEOUS! I debated on which one to buy and chose the larger one.  I turned it over, looked at the twigs and fell in love with the white, red and orange berries that were on it. I was hooked. I had to have it.  I stopped at the Dollar Store on the way home and picked up an over-the-door wreath hanger and put it up.  It looks great.  The front of the house feels 'dressed up' now and the colours can be seen from the road.  I can't wait to change the wreath for each season! I've already started shopping around for a Christmas wreath to put up in December.  Treat yourself and get one!  I know you will enjoy it.

I love talking with my customers.  They all have great ideas on how to spend time with friends and giving me ideas for things to do on weekends or evenings.

One idea I received from a customer is to hold a "Swap Meet" at my house!  I can't wait.  The idea is that you invite girlfriends over, they all bring clothes, shoes, purses, books, accessories that they no longer use; you put them in a pile and everyone picks out what they would like.  You go home with a bunch of new things without spending any money!  Plus, you can feel good giving away, or trading, things you don't want anymore.  I've just sent out the invitations - I'm hoping there will be some new size 8 shoes coming over next week. 

I had never heard of a "Brooch Bouquet" until one of my customers asked me if we had any brooches for sale.  (We have tons).  I answered yes; and she proceeded to pick out several pins.  

I wondered why she would want to purchase so many of these pretty, shiny lapel brooches.  She told me that her daughter was creating a bouquet for her wedding made entirely out of brooches! I was amazed and impressed.  Her daughter wanted to get a brooch from each mother and grandmother, and then supplement the rest of the bouquet with vintage brooches.  What a beautiful, sentimental item to keep for the rest of your life!  And what a masterpiece you can create for your wedding day.

I am so lucky. I have a big family and a great husband. For Mothers Day, my husband and kids treated me to a beautiful, home made brunch, that included pancakes, quiche, salmon and fruit salad.  It was delicious!  After stuffing ourselves, we moved outside to the patio and sat with our drinks and chatted for over an hour.  This may not sound like a lot, but with our busy lives, we hardly ever sit down as a family and just laugh and enjoy each other's company.  This was, by far, my favourite Mother's Day yet. I was so proud and touched that they prepared, cooked and decorated for this occasion!  I'll admit, it was hard to just sit back, relax and enjoy.  I loved every delicious bite. 

I have a confession to make.  I'm addicted to spray paint.  It's not what you might think.  I love to spray paint old things!  There is nothing like taking an old chair, with an interesting shape, choosing a can of color from the hardware store, and spraying it!  You wouldn't believe the new life it has when the item has a nice new sparkling coat of paint.  I have spray painted mirrors, bookshelves, lamp bases, lampshades, picture frames and more!  The more you do it, the better you get.  On a warm, dry day (not too windy), spread out a few old cardboard boxes on your lawn, put your item down, and start spraying.  Give it a try! 

Let's face it, most of us 'groan' when we hear the words 'Valentines Day'.  It's become an industry, and the true meaning (if there ever was one) has been lost.  Cards for lovers, expensive chocolate, line ups and reservations for dinner, rose petals and red hearts... ya, I can see why that might be tacky!  I'm a big mushy girl, though, if the truth be told, and who doesn't like a little attention?  Make something for special people in your life.  Or buy them a little unique gift that they wouldn't buy for themselves.  It doesn't have to be in the form on overpriced flowers or a card pouring your love for them.  This February 14th, I'm going to give my family a big hug and kiss, wear red, and bake a heart shaped cake for dessert.  A little extra attention never hurt anyone!   I would rather receive flowers any other day of the year when they on sale for $9.99.

... that's a sentence I hear all the time at Snazzy Seconds.  As we get older, we start thinking about downsizing our large house, and maybe focus on travelling more, or moving to a smaller, more manageable condo.  We collect things that we inherited from parents, picked up in our travels, received as gifts, or found over the last 30+ years.  Many people don't know what do with the things they have enjoyed and loved for so long.  When we try to give them to our adult children, they say they don't want it!  The 'kids' say they have enough stuff, or don't like the style, or don't appreciate the love we had for that particular piece.  One thing I know for sure is that every customer who comes in and purchases something from our store is taking it home to love and appreciate!   People who buy from Snazzy are often thrilled with their purchase, and show it off with pride.  So, maybe your kids don't want your treasures, but someone else's kids will!