To strip or Not to strip.......

that is the question! I remember first seeing this border in Ballard catalog. I even bought the hooked rug to match! I loved the little roosters sitting on the ornate french chairs. So fun! But now, 4 1/2 yrs later with window treatments up I wonder if this makes my kitchen look "busy". I still love the pattern, but I also have ALOT going on in my kitchen (which isn't seen in these pics). I know I will probably have to repaint IF I strip it because of the paint fading from the sunlight on the walls. But I just wonder if I should take on this project today? Or leave well enough alone! But I have been going back and forth with this for some time now. And hopefully we'll be putting the house on the market in the next year or so. So what do you think?

Thrill of the Hunt

Wow, double post today! I went to my favorite consignment shop this weekend! I hadn't been there since a few weeks before Christmas. When I pull into the parking lot, it's a feeling of sheer delight! This particular shop has housewares, furniture, linens and clothing! It has a variety of everything and the two women that own it do a wonderful job. As I walk around looking at all the treasures to be had I repeatedly tell my sister, ohhhh you should buy this! Or I really want this but (the reduntant answer, lol) I have NO more room! But, it's the little things that make me so happy! The little glass pedestal bowl was on the $2 table outside the shop. The little needlepoint was hiding underneath something and NEEDED to come home with me! The little daisy placecards and birdies were together and spotted immediately. And my love for vintage kitchen utencils and tools is becoming an obsession! It's a nice retreat to the stresses of everyday that make me, oh so happy! :)

First snow fall!

It's very unusual here in NY not to have snow before January. I'm one of those people that needs to have four seasons. And I think I'm almost blue when we don't have snow on Christmas. But I'm glad to see the pretty snow here, even if it's just for a day or two. I had to take a picture of it adorning my bird bath that attracts all kinds of birds in the spring and summer. I love the snow, but I hope it doesn't push spring back when her time comes!

My new friend

Every January I go into organization and clean out mode. I vow to make my life easier. Well, last year when my crock pot died, I never replaced it. Honestly, I never cooked in it that much. But there has to be a reason people love them so much right? I love to cook. But one thing I don't love is scrambling at 4pm on what we are going to have for dinner, besides take-out. Well, this January I'm vowing to make my life easier. Maybe even do meal planning that I always SAY I'm going to do and never do. Last night I did my very first meal in my "new friend". I made bbq pulled pork and served it on fresh italian soft rolls. YUM! And yes, it was VERY easy. :)

Well, I did it!

I'm amazed at how long it took me to name this blog. Actually, maybe embarrassed is a better word. I decided that it was truly taking so long that I should shower and think about it. There were a few contenders. The French Nest, Wildflowers, Chickadee, Something Old and Something New and La Maison to name a few. Then in mid lather, The Thrifty Gypsy came to me! Anyone who knows me, whether it be in person or online, knows how fitting this name is. My quest for treasures and bargains seems to be never-ending. It's a hunger that goes hungry, a thirst that goes unquenched. Hey, it could be worse things right? Anyway, welcome to my blog. :)