3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Thrift Store

Day 190/365: Summer Wardrobe on A Budget

by

New Summer Wardrobe
New Summer Wardrobe

I love getting new clothes, especially when they are such a bargin. What’s the damage this time?

  • 5 pairs of shorts (two brand new from Casual Corner with tags $29.95)
  • 2 shirts (one with new tag $34.95)
  • 2 skirts
  • 1 purse
  • 1 summer book
Bargin Price!!
Bargin Price!!

A grand total of $21.50, juts the clothes with the tags were $96.00 retail. With bargains like this I can get a new summer wardrobe every year. Where did I find everything? My favorite thrift store, Bits N’ Pieces in Elmwood. Why would I ever shop retail with prices like this? I’m so spoiled.

Day 108/365: Shopping for the Wedding

by

Day 108: A Bridesmaid Prepares

Shoes , check, purse check, Alfred Angelo Bridesmaid dress, check.

Gather the groom, gather the bride, let the wedding commence.

Now that I have past the 100 day mark I think I can confidently enter the Post a Day challenge. Therefore I’m promising to make use of The DailyPost, and the community of other bloggers with similiar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way.

Photoshop Effects: Ink Outline filter, this is quickly becoming my favorite photo.

Day 82/365: The Story of A Puppy Mill Chihuahua

by

Day 82: Hallee in her new coat

Here is my friend Hallee, isn’t she just the cutest little Chihuahua? Her Mom is a friend of mine in Lincoln Nebraska who has been so helpful in many ways this past year. Evie lost her beloved Boxer Princess the past year and Hallee came to fill that hole in her heart.

Seems that Halee’s life didn’t start too well, she was a result of finding an ad in a newspaper and when Evie and her friend went in late October to pick her out the place was a puppy mill.  Hallee and her litter mates were in an outdoor pen without shelter, she weighed less than two pounds. Supposedly Hallee was 6 weeks old at the time, the bones in her head hadn’t even begun to fuse yet.

Hallee was scooped up and the two friends stormed out of there and immediately reported the breeder. Hallee then became the most pampered pooch. She got a clean bill of health from the veterinarian and started accompanying her neighbor chihuahua friend Prissy to assisted swimming.

Because she was so tiny, insecure, and young she spent the next few weeks swaddled in a blanket cuddled up with Evie for security. As she grew she started to explore her surroundings, play with toys and become socialized. But she was still young, uncoordinated, and afraid of people. She would stay glued to Evie’s feet, hiding under her housecoat.

After much love and guidance from Evie, Hallee  is a bundle of energy who loves to zip around the room, chase tennis balls, play with toys, and gives puppy kisses to just about anyone who comes to visit. She’s about four and a half months old now and it’s been so fun to watch her grow and develop.

By the way, the cute little jacket I picked up for Hallee at my favorite thrift store, Bits and Pieces. Only $4.00 and it was part of the Elmwood-Murdock High School FBLA consignment booth. There was a small collection of dog clothes, along with the homemade doggy biscuits and treats, and I thought this one was perfect for Hallee.

Photoshop Notes: After the standard actions of layers and resizing the only thing I did was clone out a toothbrush that Hallee was standing over that distracted from the picture.

Day 81/365: Antique Buttons Under Glass

by

Day 81: Buttons in a Jar

In my continuing Photoshop CS2 theme here is my latest experimentation. The original shot of antique button in canning jars was blurry, but I really liked the composition. So I decided to play with it to salvage my photo of the day. The other pictures I took today were glorified snapshots and I’m trying to push the envelope when I have the time.

Once again this photo location was Bit’s and Pieces thrift store (Elmwood, NE) in the antique consignment area. If I ever run out of ideas for photos this is where I will head. There is an never ending supply of interesting objects that will satisfy my creativity.

Photoshop CS2 notes: Action (Standard adjustment layers), desaturated about 25%, increased the red, green, blue, +43 , +36,  +78 in Color Adjustment and Added a Crosshatch Filter Brushstroke filter

Valentines Display Window – Decorations and Ideas

by

Valentine Decorations

Outdoor Valentine decorations are not common. Valentines day not like Christmas or Halloween decorations where people decorate their yards and houses.

Valentine Decorations and gift ideas for Valentines Day
Day 76/365 Project: Valentines’ Day in Elmwood

So whenever I see Valentine’s display windows it makes me stop. go in and shop for cute Valentine’s decorations and gifts.

This Valentine’s display window is in Elmwood, Nebraska at the Bit’s and Pieces thrift store. The windows are so creative that they make you look twice and smile.

You can tell a great deal of pride and effort goes into each of the four windows and it really brightens Main Street in our little Village of Elmwood Nebraska. If the goal is to make the town more festive, inviting, and cheerful it has definitely been accomplished.

If you would like to create your own Valentine’s Day window display then here are some ideas.

Valentine Window Display

Valentine window display ideas for your home and business.

Valentine window clings and vinyl window stickers are not just for Valentine’s day. They also are perfect Anniversary decorations.

Valentine window display ideas for your home and business.

Create a Valentine’s Latte

So in the theme of decorating for Valentines’ Day and a romantic dinner, don’t forget the drinks. When served in heart-themed plastic champagne glasses, a regular chai latte turns into a romantic fancy drink. Top it with whipped cream, Valentine-themed sprinkles and a raspberry and you have a very memorable experience.

You may not know it, but I also own a Tea n’ More, a tea company that specializes in a DIY Chai concentrate kit.

Creative Valentine Gifts for Men

I normally go into the store looking for Valentine’s gift for my husband. Men are some of the most difficult people to buy for unless it has to do with hunting, Husker football, or hunting. (Oh did I say hunting twice? I guess I did. )

Think about it. What is the best Valentine gift for men?

The best Valentine gifts for men, boyfriends or fiancees are ones that make them smile. Usually, it’s a sexy gift for him that really makes him laugh.

Jumbo Roll Me Over Valentine's Day Card' Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) - Handsome ManJumbo Roll Me Over Valentine’s Day Card’ Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) – Handsome ManJumbo Roll Me Over Valentine's Day Card' Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) - Handsome ManBeer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her - Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) -Beer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her – Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) –Beer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her - Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) -

So put up some Valentines decorations, put on some romantic music, set the table, light some candles and have a very Happy Valentines Day!