Cabagelow Creations

It's a busy week here at The Cabbage with Fall coming soon and football season starting but I wanted to take this opportunity to officially introduce you to my newest shop on Zazzle.com - Cabagelow Creations.

Purple Patina Plate Collection - Available Here

I have been offering my art, graphic designs and photographs for sale on Zazzle products for over 10 years now.  In the beginning the amount of products was limited and I sold mostly art prints, greeting cards and t-shirts.  Then a few years ago Zazzle started making home accessories available and I got really excited.  Not only did this increase the possibilities for my business but I could now design custom items for my own home!

Fly Me To The Moon / Reach For The Stars Throw Pillow - Available Here

I created my Cabagelow Creations shop as a place to showcase the designs that are inspired by The Cabbage and our life here.  I have purchased many of the products with these designs and use them throughout my own home and garden, so I feel confident in the quality and value that Zazzle offers.

Samples Of The Purple Patina Fabric Collection - Available Here

I hope you will visit my Cabagelow Creations shop at CabagelowCreations.com often as it continues to evolve daily.  For new design and product alerts as well as special offers, follow @VLHproducts on Twitter.

As always, thank you for your support and encouragement.

5 Favorite Thrift Store Finds + 3 Things I Still Buy At Thrift Stores

When we moved into The Cabbage several years ago, I had big dreams of how I wanted to furnish it but a very small budget.  Lucky for me, at that time my local thrift stores were full of treasures.  Below are a few of my favorite finds.

1. This Lovely China Cabinet:

Thrift Store China Cabinet To Hold More Treasures
(Plates and Drinkware available at the Cabagelow Creations Shop)

I really wanted a china cabinet for my dining room but didn't think I could afford one until I came across this beauty.  I couldn't believe there was something this nice at a thrift store and I really couldn't believe the price.  Score!

2. This Gorgeous Vanity:

This Vanity Resides In "The Fairy Nook " Of Our Guest Room

This vanity was another unbelievable thrift store find.  We were expecting guests in just a couple of days and had nothing in our guest room but a bed.  I was looking for a small dresser but when I saw this I had to have it.  It turned out to be the perfect solution, providing storage as well as surface space for our guests.

3. This Comfy Wing Chair:

A Favorite Corner For Me and My Cat Poe, The Table and Lamp Are Also From Thrift Stores

Underneath my drop cloth "slipcover" and the fabric covering the cushion and ottoman of this thrift store find is the ugliest plaid fabric that ever existed.  However, it is one of the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in.  Sometimes I think I should replace this chair with something a little more put together or stylish but then I sit down in it and think, "Nah".

4. This Old Workhorse Of A Desk:

The Perfect Desk For My Art Studio

This amazing thrift store bargain was a little beat up when I found it which made it perfect for my art studio.  It is solid and sturdy with a ton of work space and even more storage.  I have been using the bottom right drawer as a junk drawer for 8 or 9 years now and have only had to clean it out once.  I seriously love this desk.

5. These Cool Retro Bar Stools:

Cell Phone Photo Of My Thrift Store Bar Stools

I ducked in to one of my favorite thrift stores on a whim a little over a year ago and these cool swiveling bar stools were waiting for me to take them home.  I was really excited because I knew Hippie was going to love them and he does.  We ended up splitting up the set, putting one in my art studio for me and one in the kitchen for Hippie.  However, it is our cat Motley that gets the most use out of that one.

Our Kitchen Supervisor

That was actually a pretty rare find, as the last few years it seems like thrift stores have less and less true treasures to offer.  However thrift stores are still the first place I look for certain items.  Here are 3 types of items I still buy at thrift stores:

1. Vases

One Of My Favorite Thrift Store Vases

I like to have a variety of different vases around for flower arrangements from my garden.  Almost all of my most favorite ones have come from thrift stores.  I like the quirky ones the best but there are usually some more classic ones to choose from as well. 

2. Lamps

This Charming Little Lamp Cost Me Less Than 3 Dollars

I don't really try to find unusual lamps at thrift stores but they seem to have a way of finding me.  When buying lamps secondhand I always try to find a place to plug them in to make sure they work.  If the cord is damaged at all, I will make sure that the lamp can easily be taken apart for rewiring before I purchase it.

3. Picture Frames

My Collection Of Vintage and Antique (Some Reproduction) Photos
See Cards Made From Some Of These At My VictoriaVintage Shop

It takes some digging sometimes, but if I need picture frames for a home decor or art project I usually check the thrift stores first.  As long as the price is right, I also don't mind doing a little painting or other work to upcycle frames with potential.

Do you have a favorite thrift store find or tips for finding vintage treasures?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.