The Chair

Last summer I found this chair in a resale shop for mere pennies.



We (my beautiful mum and I) painted it,




covered it,



and put on a nice trim in under 24 hours.



This is one of my favorite accomplishments.

The Challenge

After much thought and prayer, I am getting ready to embark on a year long challenge. The official start date is TBD, but will swiftly follow my move to Denver in the upcoming months.

So, the challenge: I am limiting myself to only purchase things second hand. This means no Target runs, Crate and Barrel finds or trips to Home Goods.

I adore Shabby Chic and vintage living. Most of the items I treasure most are those which were handed down to me by my grandmothers. Or those found in resale shops/garage sales or on street corners that I had to revamp and recreate from trash to treasure.


This idea is born from several thoughts and desires. I desire to live simply and sustainably, but find this to be a challenge.

There is so much freedom in simplicity and absence of clutter.

I don't want to live the life of earning more to consume more to fill my home with more. My dream is to one day own a cottage and not have to upgrade to fit more "stuff". But, to be a comfortable, cozy home to invite people in to just be. A vintage apartment in Denver will have to do for the time being.

I believe this challenge will do many things for me.

1. I will save money - resale shops and garage sales are insanely inexpensive. I am about to be a full time grad student and am headed into the mental health/helping field. A shoestring budget is a necessity.

2. Very Green - I will be able to get good use of items that others don't need any more. I can't tell you how much pleasure it gives me to make use of my grandma's mixing bowls and dishes and decor. Not only does it save me from buying all of these things, but any time someone remarks about it, I can tell them about the classy woman she was and how that's reflected in her things.

3. Inspire creative living. I will learn to make the most of what I have, see possibilities in items I find and be inspired to do/try new things. This is something that is so life giving!

4. Simplify my life - Because I will have to hunt for each thing I wish to acquire, I will be more intentional about those things which fill my home.

5. Refine my style - I have always LOVED vintage and shabby chic and "one of a kind". Limiting myself to only buying that which I truly love instead of resorting to what's most convenient in the moment.

Additionally... this include wardrobe and books (other than textbooks)!!

So, here we go... I will hammer out the details and "rules" in the weeks to come. I look forward to seeing where this challenge takes me. One year seems like a long time, but I have a feeling I might love it so much I won't want to go back!