Repurposed Living

 On the hunt for a good deal! That's my motto and something I've gotten pretty good at. Most of my home has been furnished by thrift store finds. I'm lucky in that here in San Antonio I can always find some pretty neat things. 
But Be Careful...a cluttered home is a direct effect from hanging out at thrift stores for too long. 
Anytime I have an empty space in my home I run right over knowing I'll find some sort of treasure. This time it was a chair. I wanted a little reading nook, cozy and inexpensive. Sure enough, I found a wooden folding chair. Only 6 bucks! This is perfect because I get to make it my own.

All the materials I needed:

·       Foam paint brush

·       Old towel

·       Fine grit sandpaper

·     Dark walnut oil-based stain (Minwax from Lowes)

I've been preparing this space for a while. Adding pieces slowly, but surely. I already have a mantle I stained and want to make sure the chair is the same color.  The first thing I have to do is sand the chair a bit.  Easy peasy, not too much!
After sanding the chair I like to wipe it off completely.  The staining part is easy to. Just make sure to do this outside if possible and try not to get it on your clothes. I say this, but I always make a mess. I used a foam brush to paint the stain on the chair. I've used regular brushes and even rags but I like the sponge brush the best.  It's probably best to stain the chair in sections, however me being me I don't wait. I give the whole chair one good coat and let it sit over-night.  Letting the stain really soak in helps me decide if I need another coat or not.  Again I'm impatient, so I'm satisfied with just the one coat.

I put my new piece in the corner, toss a blanket on it and my empty space isn't so empty anymore! This little project only cost me $6 for the chair, $5 dollars for the stain and $1 for the foam brush. TWELVE DOLLARS! 


Written By: The Treasure Finder, Hannah Caterina

Fiesta Decorating

Fiesta time in San Antonio means parties, parades, food, fun and Mexican themed decorations. With my background in design I've had to find the best sources for supplies. I thought I'd share some of my favorite shopping spots for all things Fiesta!

Travis Wholesale , located near The Pearl, has paper flowers in all shapes, colors and sizes. In this picture of my foyer I've used the flowers around the base of a large red vase. I've also added white and green branches (Styrofoam secures branches) to hang Mexican ornaments.  Travis Wholesale will also have the wide net ribbon, and wreath base for your fiesta wreath , which I sprayed bright blue. Start with your focal point then layer trays with candles and flowers, something fresh like a Bromeliad from Loews and paper garlands.

Tin ornaments and Girl bought at Fiesta on Main

Candles bought at HEB

Fiesta on Main now called Alamo Fiesta, is the number one hot spot for everything Fiesta. They have Guayuberas for men, dresses, sashes for medals and everything you'll need to decorate. I buy the small sombreros, and small ornaments there as well as the paper animals, garlands and Fiesta flags.  This is their busy time of year so allow enough time for parking and shopping. Oh by the way....The BEST pinatas ever!   As mentioned earlier, I've sprayed my wooded wreath bright blue, added loops of mesh ribbon (not bows) and started hot gluing flowers, hats and ornaments until it was full. Use hot glue and lots of it! 

 
                        Other hot spots for Fiesta...

Lilys Cookies is my absolute favorite for iced cookies in the shapes of Fiesta. They are edible masterpieces. Order early!

Nativa for gorgeous Mexican dresses and accessories. Their pieces are authentic and a little more in price but absolutely worth it. Each piece has a story of origin and are unique.

Hope this help in narrowing your search for Fiesta decorations. Have fun and Happy Fiesta!

Mandy Barkley with River Valley Real Estate

5 Summer Bucket list ideas for San Antonio Moms!

Around March, as a mom of three, I start wondering how I will entertain three energetic children for an entire summer. And as crazy as it sounds I start my search, combing through magazines looking for fun , inexpensive activities that aren't run of the mill. Day trips, and smaller weekend trips are what I look for and this is a small bucket list of what our 2014 summer will be like and hopefully give other desperate moms out there a few ideas.

#1 Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs, TX

Hamilton pool, in Dripping Springs, TX. Between Austin and San Antonio and for little money this natural spring fed pool/grotto looks like something from a Conde Nast travel magazine. Pack a lunch, bring hiking shoes and show up early because after 75 car entries they shut the doors! Spend a day there for little cost and great environmental gain!
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool

2# Six Flags/Fiesta TX

Not much of a theme park mom, I usually shy far away from theme parks, but this one is an exception. Parking is easy, rides are fun and the entertainment is awesome. Now, with the addition of the water park your family will be entertained all day long. Of course the better days to go are earlier in the week, shy away from weekends because of the crowds! Look on line for deals or buy one ticket and use your free day pass for another child. https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

#3 Floores General Store 

Floores Country store located in Helotes, Texas, has been around for generations and has seen many famous Texas music artist on its Floor. The exciting part and the reason this is on my list is that every Sunday night starting at 6:00 pm is Family night and free dance. So show up early, eat some of their famous tamales or  fried catfish and bread pudding at the Café and then teach your children how to two step and line dance. Surrounded by Texas tradition, Floores will definitely deliver a good time! http://www.liveatfloores.com/

#4 GROSSOLOGY at The Witte

Based on the best selling book by Sylvia Branzei and chalked full of really disgusting exhibits, this stop will be fun and educational. Just one look and you realize why it’s the “Impolite science of the human body”. If your kids are like mine, this kind of grossness really makes them laugh. It's cheaper to purchase tickets at museum (Child-$12  Adult $15) which include general admission to museum. http://www.wittemuseum.org/index.php/component/content/article/253

#5 Balmorhea State Park

Honestly had never heard Balmorhea and when starting asking around you'd think I was raised in a hole without any knowledge of Texas history. Everyone I spoke with has said this park, named the "largest spring fed swimming pool in Texas", is all that and more! I will tell you that this trip will be the ending to our summer so I have no exact information other than it comes highly recommended. There are cabins on site (San Solomon Spring Courts) that were very affordable and there were campsite for campers with comfortable amenities. More than a few hours away this is a weekend "to do"and most of your cost will be gas and food/supplies. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/balmorhea

Summer will be over before you know it and school will start. One of the first things they’ll have to do is write about their summer. Wouldn't it be exciting to do something a little different? Hope these give you some ideas and your 2014 summer will be an exciting one!