A few months ago, I was lucky enough to be entered into a Mother's Day craft contest hosted by All Free Holiday Crafts and I won!
The prize was a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.
I was so excited.
Fifty dollars to buy whatever my little heart desired.
I couldn't wait to spend my dough. I was going to buy myself something really special.
Not for the kids.
Not for the kids.
Not for my husband.
Not for someone else's birthday....which is how I usually end up spending my gift cards. Typical mom thing right?
Well, not this time. This time I vowed that I would spend the money on something that I would not ordinarily buy for myself.
A treat for moi.
Fabulous.
Unfortunately, life got in the way and even though I received the card in May, I just got around to spending it now.
But that's ok, because I was able to scoop up some really fun items for fall.
I am not into frivolous purchases, I've actually been simplifying my life.
Decluttering, paring down my decor, purging the unimportant.
So it took me a while to pick out some items that I thought would add true value or a little joy to my day.
I was also looking for bargains. It's hard for me to buy things if I don't feel like I'm getting a deal.
I think I did well.
Unfortunately, life got in the way and even though I received the card in May, I just got around to spending it now.
But that's ok, because I was able to scoop up some really fun items for fall.
I am not into frivolous purchases, I've actually been simplifying my life.
Decluttering, paring down my decor, purging the unimportant.
So it took me a while to pick out some items that I thought would add true value or a little joy to my day.
I was also looking for bargains. It's hard for me to buy things if I don't feel like I'm getting a deal.
I think I did well.
This very cute flag for fall was my first pick.
I made a festive front door flag hanger out of it to welcome autumn in all of its colorful glory.
Fall isn't my favorite season, but I figure if you can't beat 'em, join em.
I made a festive front door flag hanger out of it to welcome autumn in all of its colorful glory.
Fall isn't my favorite season, but I figure if you can't beat 'em, join em.
Next up,
It is just so pretty and since I don't have any feathered friends in my family room, I needed it.
It is just so pretty and since I don't have any feathered friends in my family room, I needed it.
I couldn't resist the bargain either...it was kind of unbelievable. And it shipped free.
Seed packets have always held a special place in this cottage girl's heart and when I saw this amazing dahlia print, I had to have it. I am not sure exactly what I am going to do with it, but it's so vibrant I couldn't resist.
And my house is going to be drenched in rich jewel tones.
Of course, not all of my purchases were for the house. I did buy a little something to make cooking a bit easier. After all, fall is the time for stews and soups and home cooked meals...and I am a lazy and reluctant chef. So I picked up this neat chopping tool, the Clever Cutter after I saw a video about it.
I figured it was a worthwhile purchase if it makes meal prep less of a chore. Once I receive it and use it, I will report back. If anyone already owns one, I would love to know how you like it.
The last item to hop in my cart, is 
this pretty Snugg case for my Mac laptop. Writing can be a lonely business. Sometimes it's nice to escape the bounds of my tiny cottage and write with friends. I always leave my house, naked laptop in hand, and I know it's not safe. So far I've been lucky, dodging raindrops and such, but I know that could change at any time.
this pretty Snugg case for my Mac laptop. Writing can be a lonely business. Sometimes it's nice to escape the bounds of my tiny cottage and write with friends. I always leave my house, naked laptop in hand, and I know it's not safe. So far I've been lucky, dodging raindrops and such, but I know that could change at any time.
It comes in a bunch of colors, but I thought white would look awesome with a big fall scarf, my jeans, boots and a chunky sweater.
Elegant.
That's it. So what do you think?
That was my big shop...$50 (ok. maybe a teeny smidge over) worth of fun and I didn't even have to leave my house.
And while I'm still not ready to say goodbye to summer, these few consolation prizes do ease the pain a bit.
I'm actually almost excited for fall now.
Almost. ;)
I would say you found some wonderful buys! Love the banner and the seed packet. Can't wait to see what you do with everything. All of your treats will look wonderful in your home and the mac carrier is classic. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to get crafty with my finds, Lynn. You know, everything but the cooking!! ;) And thanks!!
DeleteI think you found a bunch of gifts for yourself with that 50$ card . . .
ReplyDeleteAnd yes . . . you'll look "stylin' " with that white cover for your Mac . . . boots and all!
Thanks Lynne…I just bought new boots, too. You know, to go with the Mac cover! ;-)
DeleteWow Kim you scored with all these treats for $50 ish!!!! Love the cover for your Mac and all the pretty fall decor items.
ReplyDeleteKris
Thanks Kris! I am a bargain shopper and was trained by the best...thanks mom!! ;-)
Deleteloved visiting your family room again.
ReplyDeletemy favorite décor design would have to be 'english country cottage' if I had to choose.
and nothing says english country more than a wonderful floral chintz comfy sofa.
i'd say BINGO in your choices! and if you don't want summer to end... you should be where I am.
yesterday our heat index was 108 degrees. autumn is only a date on the calendar! :)
Oh Tammy, that is hot! Yikes!!
DeleteWow! You did scoop up some bargains! You know how to stretch a dollar! Love the seed packet, the colors are so vibrant, it is a must have. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Audra. I love that seed packet, too. The colors were impossible to resist! :)
DeleteThe pillow looks so cute ♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Thanks Summer! It was such a bargain, I couldn't pass it up!
DeleteIt would take me forever to choose what to buy but it looks like you did very well! Love the dahlia poster and I am really interested to know how that chopper works! There's nothing like some new treasures to start a new season!
ReplyDeleteI’ll keep you posted, AnnMarie…and I am the same way…took me days to spend that money! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, Congrats on your win!! You found some great items. Love the pillow!!
ReplyDeleteHappy almost fall!!
Thank you, Celestina Marie!! It was a very nice surprise. I can't wait to get that pillow!! I'll keep you posted!
DeleteKim, I think you chose very wisely! Looks like you got some great bargains. Enjoy all your new goodies!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina. I did have a good time. :)
DeleteI probably would have purchased everything you did except for the knife thing. I have a thing about sharp objects.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I hear you, Brenda. I am going to have to hide that one and be careful myself! :)
DeleteHow fun to get to choose things just for you! You did really well with the $50; got a lot for your money. I've heard mixed reviews about the Clever Cutter, so it will be interesting to hear what you have to say about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie. Yes, it was fun, I usually don't do that...I give my cards away or use them on the kids. I will keep you posted on that cutter. It showed up and I am going to try it out this weekend! :)
DeleteYay for you! You did well with all of your choices.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi!! I have to say, I like them all. ;)
DeleteGreat shopping splurge! Funny, I have that pillow in my Amazon cart right now, too!
ReplyDeleteHaha…great minds, Deanna!! :)
DeleteThat seed packet print is my favorite find! It's perfect for fall, buy I'd probably leave it out year round. You did good!
ReplyDeleteIt is really pretty in real life, Lisa. I can't wait to put it in a frame!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am just a wee bit jealous of that dahlia print. LOVE IT!!!
Carla
I bet you have the real thing!! :)
DeleteCongratulations on your win, Kim! It looks like you found some great items and fun, too! Happy Fall decorating!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
Thanks Carol. I enjoyed shopping. I am generally not a shopping just because kind of gal! :)
DeleteHello Kim, congrats on your win! You have picked out some really nice things but I love your computer cover! Enjoy everything you won. Happy Fall.
ReplyDeleteJulie xo
Thanks Julie…I love that Mac cover, too. It showed up, it’s gorgeous and I feel very glamorous! Bring on the fall fashions! ;)
DeleteSo exciting to receive $$ to spend, and then... decisions! LOL! So hard to figure out how best to spend the money, and honestly you did an incredible job getting so many things for 50! Wow! I especially love your rooster pillow, maybe I'm a little partial to roosters, lol!! Have a blessed day my friend :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a little partial to roosters, too...unfortunately, I am pretty sure that the stuffed kind are the only ones I'll ever own!! ;) Enjoy yours!
DeleteKim, I think you got a lot of bang for your buckS! Love all of it, especially that pretty pillow. The colors are so soft on it and then the bright colors on the flag, which will welcome all your guests so well when you put your spin on it. Glad you took some time for yourself..Happy Thursday..Judy
ReplyDeleteHi Judy! The flag showed up and I got crafty and it is welcoming guests as we speak. I am smitten!! :)
DeleteWhat fun things your bought!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol, it was fun to shop for something totally frivolous. That isn’t usually my style! :)
DeleteYou got a great variety of items with that 50.00!:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb...and I love them all!! :)
DeleteYou really did good with your gift card. Beautiful finds. Love the rooster pillow! Have a wonderful weekend. Maria
ReplyDeleteThat rooster pillow cover is the sweetest, I agree!! :)
DeleteOK, I scored the Rooster pillowcases after seeing your blog--thanks for sharing!! Love that!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! You got all that for (almost) $50! Not too shabby!
ReplyDeleteI am a cheap...um, I mean a bargain....shopper! Haha!
DeleteWow Kim! You chose some awesome goodies and I am totally smitten with the dahlia print.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love jewel tones too and I even had a few purple dahlias that were gorgeous until our nasty Texas heat destroyed them...gr....
The print is so pretty in real life, Jemma. It showed up and I am smitten all over again. Real life dahlias sound amazing…
DeleteThe seed packet showed up Teri and it is equally as cheery in real life. I can't wait to hang it up...and Happy, Happy Fall to you as well!!
ReplyDelete