Vintage Trio

 Honest, I was gong to Goodwill for a pair of jeans to paint in and to Rack Room Shoes for a pair of running shoes.  (No, I do not run, I walk, but running shoes are more comfortable.)

When I entered the store, I saw this gossip bench just sitting there.  I thought to myself surely someone has snatched the tag from that beauty.

Nope, tag still attached.  I checked her over carefully.  One leg was a little loosey-goosey, but other than a few scratches, she looked right as rain.

So I took the bottom half of the tag and turned my cart to the check-out.  When I turned I saw a cathedral mirror leaned against the wall.  Maybe the price was outrageous, but no, it was reasonable - very reasonable.  So I managed to get it in the cart.  

Now the vultures were descending.  A lady wanted to know where the bottom half of the gossip bench's tag went.  I held it up.  She responded with a glare, "So I guess you are buying it and the mirror, too?"

Now I am not the most tactful person in the world.  I almost said, "No, I am just taking them for a ride in the cart."  But I didn't. I had my prizes.  Why gloat?

As I paid for my two beauties, I felt the glare of others staring with envy.  I heard the sibilant whispers, "I was going to buy those."  I blew them off, wrangled the mirror into the car, drove around back, and picked up the bench.  Victory was mine!

Yes, I know, I know.  I forgot to get jeans, but that just is another excuse for returning to Goodwill!

 Here is that gorgeous mirror.  Also, on the way home I found a clean-out and the lady there gave me the crib springs.

Best of all?  Nothing needed intense painting or cleaning.

The bench had been recently refinished.  I just needed to tighten one leg.  The mirror was made from an old window and was in great shape - cream paint with a dark wax finish.  I don't know why someone gave away these pieces.

 A TIRED, BUT TRIED AND TRUE TRICK!

 

SOMETIMES A SCREW HOLE WILL BECOME WALLOWED OUT - TOO BIG FOR THE SCREW TO STAY.

 

Fill the hole with wood glue.

Stick a toothpick in the hole.

 Break it off even with the surface.  Screw the screw in again.

Let dry and you are good to go.

Problem solved!

 

 I did make it to the shoe store, and I did find a pair of running shoes to walk on the treadmill at the gym.  Lest you think I exercise all the time, I have not been to the gym in a while.  In fact it is at the local college and they gave out parking permits back in August.  I have not picked mine up yet.  With new shoes comes new resolve - I promise to be there this weekend!

Now I am not a fashionista.  Never have been, never will be.  BUT  as I was trying on workout shoes I saw these fancy (for me) shoes with VINTAGE-LOOKING LACE ON THEM!!!  Now I have not worn shoes with backs on them for years (except athletic shoes).  Clogs and mules and thong sandals are more my style, but I had to have these.  PLUS appealing to my miserly spirit, the running shoes were $15 off and it was BOGO for the second pair which were already marked down to half price.  I know, I know they are probably years old and have been stuck on the clearance rack for seasons, but I wore them today and I still love them.  So there!

See y'all!

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