LilacsNDreams Blog at Blogger

 

Hi! Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Been a while, and I apologize for that. I have been going around with myself about what to do for my blog. As I had announced I was trying to put my blog over to another place, and focus there with it. Things started out well, I tried to make some minor changes, and things just have not been working since then. It has become a little frustrating trying to figure it out, and to understand it too.

So, here I sit with the issue of what to do with my Blog. I like to be able to talk, share things I see, share things I learn, and sometimes also share mistakes I make so that others maybe can learn from it. I like being able to have my site for LilacsNDreams because I also like to offer things I sell online. I have found I like to keep that site, and my blog kind of separate. 

Like I mentioned…I’m at a crossroads of what to do. I have thought bringing the blog back to blogger here. I have a domain for it, and could easily direct it this way too. That is no problem. I guess I liked the idea of having everything at 1 place, and I could hop between pages…blog, and the website. 

I apologize for all of this confusion for you. I am really not this unorganized as it is appearing right now. I do these things by myself, research, read, get my own ideas and thoughts, and have been doing that myself for a very long time. I am not computer savy,  not the most technical with technology, and just do what I know to do in order to get through things. Is it always the right way? I don’t know about that. I guess I really haven’t seen any rules for that. 

So, again I am asking you to bear with me as I try to finalize my thoughts of where I want to have my blog land at. One things is I have been with blogger for years, and it is a simple laid back layout. Maybe it’s time for me to just go back to the simplicity of things, and do what I know to do, right? Then, just take it from there, and move forward. Hmmmm…..decisions, decisions. 

Soooo, I’ll probably bring the blog back here, and just be simple with it. Try to put my thoughts, and ideas around this platform for the blog. I really apologize for the hopping around everyone! Thanks for following along, and hopefully I can get back into a simple routine here again. 

Thanks for stopping by to visit, and to listen to all of my mumbo jumbo, and babbling about this. I appreciate the visit, and the ear too. Take care, and see you again soon with LilacsNDreams Blog!

Kim ~ Lilacs

Blog For Thrift Store Vintage Collectibles Upcycle Repurpose

 LilacsNDreams Blog For Thrift Store Vintage Collectibles Upcycle Repurpose DIY Handmade

Hi! Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Happy to see you landing here to visit with me!

I know I left here to go over there for another Blog I started for LilacsNDreams. I do still have that, but I just felt like I wanted to drop by here. Still kind of hard to let go where I have been for so long. So, here I am. 

This year started off a little rough for us here at home. I had hernia surgery which kept me in hospital for the night with an issue that came up. Next day everything corrected, was fine, and I was released. About 2 weeks later my husband had a heart attack. Something none of us seen coming, and was very unexpected. But, after talking, going over things, being told things we realized this had been coming, and finally surfaced. That happened on the 16th, and on the 23rd of January hubby had double bypass surgery. It was an experience not wished upon anyone. 

So, during this time of recovery, doctor visits, physical therapy there unfortunately was no income being received. Unemployment was filed for, but was denied. Reason…his inability to work/surgery. His boss was not on a “list” that this could be treated like a lay off, and they do not support medical issues. Hubby, and the boss…also our dear friend…were not happy at all. For the years he drove here where has all that money gone? His boss wants to talk with his accountant to find out about paying unemployment, can he quit paying it since it can’t be used, and those kind of things. Soooo living off of credit cards, using what money was set aside for a rainy day, and doing best we could. Survival with doctor visits, and each drive was over an hour from home. Medicines to buy…hubby has no insurance. Never really a need for it because he never gets sick, and has never really had a need to see a doctor. Also, due to his profession of truck driving he was not released to work as soon as others can be released. As the doctor explained he did not break an arm, or a leg that could be casted. Bone in his chest was cut open, and put together with wire. Takes time to heal, no stress, and no physical work that could injure the bone. The next surgery would be more difficult due to more damage to try to fix. 

Almost 3 months of him being home. A lot of walking, and a lot of sleeping. I had a lot of time during these months to think about things, and reach into my feelings a little about what I like to do with LilacsNDreams. I sooo enjoy some of the things when I first started out online. Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Flea Markets, and that search for vintage collectibles. I enjoyed searching for home decor, glassware was another passion, I so enjoyed things as found but sometimes seen possibilities of them in another way too. How I could upcycle an item to do this, oh it would look great if it had this color added to it, wouldn’t this be unique if these pieces were united, repurpose it for another use, and so on. I enjoyed searching Thrift Stores which you seem to be able to find a little bit of this, that, and look through piles for things. I wish sometimes I could have like a Thrift Store where you can sell a little of everything you would like to put into it. Things old, new, used, discarded, forgotten, handmade, DIY, and honestly a lot of things I enjoy doing myself with online sales. Wouldn’t it be neat to have an online Thrift Store? That idea excited me thinking about it. 

Now, another thing IF I did something like that. Would I keep my name of LilacsNDreams that I have had, and worked under since 2004 when I started? I have the domain for it, could set up a website to sell on, and have had that for a long time too. I have done social sites with it, my different blogs, different selling platforms, etc. When checking with AI with this name it pretty much describes everything I talk about which is a good thing to know. I also have another name with a domain I acquired some time ago. I have dabbled with it, have a blog with the name, but haven’t built it up like I have with this name of course. That name is ThriftyShopGirl. So, it’s me thinking again. Taking the time to look at different things, different ways of things, searching around a bit, making my notes, and trying to feel out what is the right way. I like the Online Thrift Store idea so that I can dabble with a little of the different things I like to do, that I have interests in. I need to feel my way through with the name idea. That is something I really need to look at more, and feel out a little more too.

So, everyone that is where my thoughts, and ideas have come to after everything that has happened this year to bring me to this point. I hope to be able to decide a little more here soon so that I can start putting inventory together for this venture….which this will be the fun part!! The thrill of the hunt, and ideas! It feels good, and free when I think of this. The inventory won’t be a real bad thing to put together. The decision of the name has me caught up a bit, and will hold things up a bit till I can determine more the better way to go with it.

Sorry for the story book. I was happy to share some thoughts, and ideas with you.  Thanks so much for spending time at LilacsNDreams! Happy to have you here. If you would like to share something about this topic, please feel free to do so. Thanks everyone, and see you again soon!

Visit LilacsNDreams With New Blog Website

 

                                                 Come Visit LilacsNDreams With New Blog

Hi! Welcome to LilacsNDreams! I am doing something I have been thinking about doing for a while. I researched, and read about places. Would push it off, and then start rethinking it again. I finally decided it was time for me to move on. I have been doing my best to keep a schedule, share topics with everyone of interest, show images, share links, etc. For some reason it just has not been working here with getting views with my posts. I use to get a lot more than I am getting now, would get comments, and now it’s hardly anything. I have some ideas, hopes, and goals, but it just doesn’t seem to be working. I will still have my place here. I have 1 of my domains pointing to it. But, my main .com domain I will be working to have it directed to the next place. 

Yes, it’s an adjustment for me. I was use to things here, sight was easy to roam and do things with my postings, and the next sight I will have to learn a few things. But, it will come to me as I keep working it. So, when you get a chance stop by to see me at LilacsNDreams Blog in a new home that I am working with. Not perfect, but I am doing a little at a time to get things updated, and changed. Wish I could have kept doing my thing here, but sometimes have to be done for the best, right?

*** UPDATE: Ok, been working with word press because LilacsNDreams is there. After playing around today I added another blog page which is not going to do what I wanted it to. Word Press is a learning thing for me for sure! I found I could add another site with my original site there. So, for the blog I now have it set up with New Blog Location  lilacsndreamsblog.wordpress.com

Thanks for visiting as always, and hope to see you as I transition into a new home. Thanks for visiting LilacsNDreams! Take care, and hope to see you again.

Spring Time Clocks Change Go Forward Saturday Night

 

Spring Time Clocks Change Go Forward Saturday Night

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Been quite a while, and I am guilty of not being here. Sorry, no excuses will be used. Just Holidays, weather, winter blues, and so on.

I haven’t been crafting, and not really much of anything honestly. Spring is coming, I am excited with a few things I’ve gathered to craft with. Have a few ideas, and I hope I can do as I am planning on too.

 I have some doctor appointments I need to take care of. In May we will be in Tennessee for a few days attending my nieces graduation from college. Then, in June our niece gets married. This is a special time for us with her wedding. Her mother (my husbands sister) passed away about 5 days after giving birth to her. So, the aunts got together 1 weekend, and took her dress shopping. Along with her dress she got her veil, her shoes, a hair clip to wear with her veil, and a necklace and earring set. Since my husband, and I live closer to her we have been doing what we can to help her with her wedding preparations. Some of it financially too. No limit set. We want this special time to be fun, and memorable for her. Things are going pretty good, and the time is really coming up quickly too. 

I wanted to put a reminder out to everyone too. This weekend, Saturday night, need to remember that we set our clocks ahead an hour. Yes, that time of year again. We get to spring the clocks forward, and will unfortunately lose an hour of sleep too. Just think spring is soon here. I like this time of year when everything looks fresh, is alive, beautiful colors, getting away from the winter blues, and onto a great spring season. 

It was great having you visit LilacsNDreams, and Thank You so much for stopping by! Take care, be safe, and hope to see you again soon. 

Handmade Glass Angel Repurposed Restyled Home Decor

 

Handmade Glass Angel Repurposed Restyled Home Decor with LilacsNDreams. Welcome everyone!

I thought I would share a little bit with you my order I am preparing for 3 glass angels ordered. I had sold one which caught the interest for a customer to inquire if I had more. It’s been a little hectic with moving, not feeling well with a head cold, and then finding some of my crafting inventory to use.

Below you will see pictures of some of the supplies I will be using to create these glass angels. For the base I use light fixture covers from like ceiling fans. When I started I would use a light bulb for the angel head, and since that time have changed to using glass ornaments for the head. I make the wings from wired ribbon. I use pipe cleaners for the halos, and then any embellishments used to add a little more character around the neckline. Maybe another thin ribbon, a yarn, buttons, little mini bows, jeweled pieces found, and so on. 

The customer has shared with me how purple is liked, and so I will be making purple wings with a purple halo for the angels. I love purple myself so this is just a little bit more fun for me to do. I love the glass bases I found for the angel bodies. Just a slight different from what I normally find to use. I put them through the dishwasher to thoroughly clean for the creation process. As always I am anxious to see the completed products. When I have them done I will make sure to share pictures here for you to see. 

Thanks so much for visiting, and sharing some time with LilacsNDreams! Take care, be safe, and see you again soon. Toodles . . . . . . . . 

Repurpose Reuse Recycle Upcycle For Fun Profit Memories

 

Repurpose Reuse Recycle Upcycle For Fun Profit Memories with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone who visits. 

Curious as to why so many of us like to diy crafting, repurposing, upcycling, and reusing. I would like to see what everyone’s reasons are for this wonderful fun technique.

I know there are many of us who do it because we enjoy it. Some of us like doing this to freshen up what we have to make it a little more modern fitting with some of the decor today. Some like to preserve items that are found, or maybe things from our past. Then, you have some of us who just hate throwing things out, and try to find other ways to maybe use these items. Of course when we thrift, and junk we also find many unwanted treasures that can be cleaned, maybe need a touch of paint, maybe reunited with other pieces making something unique, and many endless possibilities. 

There are many people around us who do this for their own pleasure, and there are many who do this to resell too. Some will do it as a hobby, and there are others who have mastered these techniques to have their own business doing this as well.

A time to toss, and a time to repurpose or upcycle is the use of old items for new purposes. Reuse discarded materials for creating something of value. I myself like to repurpose items giving them a new life, making them unique for my use, and to sell too. Giving new life to once loved treasures, I enjoy new life added to my home, and I enjoy offering this to other homes for their enjoyment too.

So many things are used with diy crafting that the list is endless. Headboards are made from shutters, pallets, barn wood, etc. Pieces of jewelry are used for making new pieces, adorning picture frames, adding to cards with endless possibilities. I have seen old suitcases used making end tables, decorated for storage of memories with cards and special items. Sweaters, or shirts of loved ones are made into items to remember them with. Pillows have been popular for this. Thrifted shirts, and sweaters can be used to make pumpkins, sometimes handbags are made from this, and so on. It’s amazing all the things that can be done. Look on Pinterest for ideas, google for ideas too. 

Pictures below of just a few things made using toilet paper rolls, shirts, tires painted, a plunger making a decorative fall tree, and so many fun possibilities for things. 

Repurpose Reuse Upcycle For Memories to Last. Hang onto some of those family memories, and preserve some of them by crafting. Have fun doing it yourself, or find someone to do this craft for you. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! Hope to see you again soon. Take care, and Happy Thrifting everyone! Toodles . . . . . . 

PayPal Changes Scheduled and Being Shared With You

PayPal Changes Scheduled Being Shared With You from LilacsNDreams. Welcome everyone, and glad you could stop to visit for a bit. 

How many of you use PayPal services for your selling platforms, your business, with your websites, used as your payment processor, and etc? I myself have used them for years. Actually when I started with EBay many years ago I was signed up with PayPal. I have used them ever since then, and I am still using them to this day wherever I am making sales.

If you are using their services you have probably received notice of changes that are scheduled, or maybe you have heard some people mention something about it too. For those who miss placed their notices, haven’t received anything , are considering using PayPal, and etc I have enclosed notices that I received in my email along with a notice that was shared on E-commerce Bytes with subscribers too. 

Please take the time to read copies of notices I am sharing below. It really shouldn’t be a surprise for some kind of fee increases with PayPal. I really can’t remember the last time they made a change, or did any kind of increase. It’s all business, and there have been many places that have done increases, did more increases again, and etc. The Postal Service is one of them along with other shipping services too. I guess I can say I was not real surprised by the notice received by them. 

Another quick note about last weeks posting talking to you about the house we are hoping to have. It appears the numbers are looking good according to the realtor. We have to wait for the attorney to be back from vacation that will be doing the papers for closing, signing, etc. As long as nothing else comes up which it shouldn’t. Just being nervous, and anxious. Hopefully, and thinking that maybe by the end of July we should be moved in. It looks good, sounds good, but I guess just waiting for reality to sink in that we are close to moving into a little bigger home with some scheduled home improvements that are being noted. The house is move in ready as it is, but there are some minor things we would like to have done for our comfort. Course it also adds more equity to the home too. Wish us luck!

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! Glad you stopped by, and feel free to drop by anytime. Take care, and be safe till our next visit. Toodles . . . . 

 

Memorial Weekend Rememberance For the Fallen and the Serving

 Memorial Weekend Remembrance For Fallen and Serving with LilacsNDreams. 

Wishing everyone a safe, and fun Memorial Weekend. Please remember those fallen, and those serving today with sacrifices they make for our freedoms. Thank you to all !!

Thanks for stopping by everyone, and be safe!! See you next time.

Repurpose Upcycle DIY Handmade Vintage Collectibles

Repurpose Upcycle DIY Handmade Vintage Collectibles at LilacsNDreams. Welcome, and glad to have you drop by!

I’m so very very very sorry to all those who have visited, and no new postings done for you to read. I deeply apologize for this. Once in a while Life can throw a curve, or two. Well, that time came for us this past month. 

My husband was scheduled to have all his upper teeth pulled. That went successfully. The dentist liked how things looked his first day after surgery. The following few days from there husband was not feeling well. I was feeling a little off myself too. But, unfortunately for him he kept not feeling well. One of the biggest issues is he was not eating. About a week and a half later I took him to the ER. Great service there. 

Unbelievably he was not tested for COVID. They gave him an IV for dehydration, and talked with him about foods he could eat, and things to drink for protein.

Next day he had a dental appointment. Explained to them what had been happening, some of it they knew about the issues of not eating. Checked his upper mouth, things were still looking good for the healing process, adjusted his denture again to help him. My husband was getting bad headaches too. Dentist wasn’t sure what to say about that. The next night we had the ambulance at the house because hubby was having a hard time breathing, it would hurt, and some slight pain in his chest.

So, off he went in the ambulance with me following hoping we would get some answers as to what has been happening. He still wasn’t eating, drinking water, not enough, and the symptoms kept happening. Got him checked into the ER...different hospital than from a couple nights ago. Went over all the same things, same questions, blood work done, chest X-rays done, hooked him to the IV again, and we were asked again about COVID. He was not tested before his oral surgery, he was not tested at hospital other night, and this hospital was astounded no one had tested him. They tested him on this night, and it was positive. He had COVID Pneumonia, and he was admitted to the hospital. Here he stayed for about 6 days, and sent home with a few instructions. 

He came home on a Tuesday, and on Wednesday Night I took him back to the hospital. Same issue with breathing. He was tested, things look good, and given some instructions. Thursday morning I was woken very early, hubby had called ambulance again due to his chest, and breathing. Rescue unit got there first, his oxygen was good, and things calmed down. He cancelled the ambulance. About 1/2 hour after they left he had me taking him to the ER again. 

This time we spent all morning at the hospital. Ran tests, did a scan checking for blood clots, talked with him, etc. everything was coming out good, no clots, blood work good, etc. Doc spent time talking with him. Explained some situations of COVID, he had it at 1 point, nurse had talked with him about her having it, how long it can take to heal/feel like yourself , etc. This time they explained more, covered a little more, an gave a few more suggestions too. Some medicine had been prescribed, some over the counter sleep aid suggested, and an oximeter was suggested too. Now, with that object my husband treats it like a security blanket. It’s helping him get through this situation, he’s starting to eat more, getting more of an appetite, and he is up moving around a little more walking. He hasn’t worked for 3 weeks, its gonna be about another 2-3 weeks before he can consider working again. 

Who would have guessed this would happen, right? Never any issues with the cross country driving he does in the truck. I feel fine. Just dealing with allergies right now...that time of year you know. Lots of washing, cleaning, and spraying/sanitizing things around the house, the patio furniture, and the car too. 

So, to keep things healthy for him at this time I have not done any kind of crafting, thrifting, yard sales, shopping, etc. Getting a little antsy myself. Things will pass, they will get better...slowly getting there, and he will be back to work, and I can continue with things I have been doing. Slight delay right now, but it will be better soon. Just working with time right now, and this healing process for him. 

I’ve missed being here every week, and I deeply apologize for it too. I’m happy I could take a little time to share with everyone what the real issue is, and please ask for your patience with me during my husbands healing. 

Thank You so very much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! Take care, be safe, and stay healthy! See you again soon, Toodles!

 

Thrift Store Shopping Good Will Hunting Price Changes

 

Thrift Store Shopping Good Will Hunting Price Changes with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone visiting! 

Many of us like to thrift, some of us have our favorite second hand stores we will favorite, Good Will is popular amongst many too. As you frequent some of these places have you noticed a change with some of their prices too? Are you finding that some of them are a little bit spendy? Have you found some to have a little more than a thrifty price? 

Some of the different shops still have reasonable prices for all of the changes we have been experiencing. Yet, some of them have become a bit spendy, and I find myself not able to shop with them. I don’t over price things myself I don’t think, and try to be reasonable in pricing myself. Like many many others I do have to make some kind of profit in order to do what I do, be able to offer what I do, and have fun shopping too. I take pleasure doing what I do.

Anyway, I feel it’s a bit bothersome when some of the clothing is priced higher than maybe Walmart, Target, and some of those stores. What is also disturbing is that some of the prices for items of interest are being priced as what is being found on eBay. Reason I mention this is due to a couple incidents I had. When I asked a couple of clerks how they determined some of their prices  for some pieces I had found I was told it was due to what they sell for on eBay. 

I’m sorry, and I know it is terrible of me to do, but the answer of using eBay made me chuckle. I then asked if they were an auction house accepting bids on items, if their items included shipping which evidentially they were not doing with physical shopping, and etc. They sad No of course not. I did remind them that items they were selling had been donated to them, and that eBay items sell for a different price due to different factors involved that they did not have in the physical store. Like people buying things in order to resell.  I also asked if they had collectors books to research with for pricing, and to actually verify what they were selling. I was told no to that. I did mention if it was of any value they were better to have a silent auction like they do from time to time.

I’m sorry, I do apologize. I thought Thrift Stores were for people to go to, and buy things for their homes, sometimes gift giving, and for crafting. Some people with a lower income, or having a hard time rely on some of these stores for clothing their children to be a little more acceptable with schools, societies, etc. 

At one time I had read an article with ecommercebytes blog about this particular subject. I found it interesting to read, think about, and read a few thoughts and comments left by others who shared their opinions as well. 

So, what about you? What do you think? Have you noticed some of this when you are thrifting, or bargain shopping?

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! I appreciate you visiting, and letting me share some of my thoughts, and opinions. Remember, I am no expert with anything, but just like to converse and share things with you. Take care everyone, and be safe, See you soon! Toodles . . . . . . 

Valentines Day DIY Handmade Homemade Gifts Ideas

Valentines Day DIY Handmade Homemade Gifts Ideas at LilacsNDreams. Welcome Everyone!

Valentines Day will soon be here. Maybe you have some last minute shopping, or creating you need to do.  You could deal with store bought gifts for your valentines interests, their passions, deepest desires, and so on. Instead of doing that you could consider giving a DIY valentines gift. Give a heartfelt handmade homemade gift which would make it something special for anyone who fills your life with joy, love, and heart. If it’s your spouse, your child, a coworker, teacher, etc. Crafting a gift is something special you can offer too. 

If you are not crafty you can still whip up something without to much time, money, or effort too. For crafting you would not have to get out the paint, glue, or other craft supplies to put things together. Assemble a customized care package with products that will be loved, and will be used. But, if crafting is your creative way for you to tap into that love language, then by all means go all out with your gift ideas.

You could make a box with some makings of like a self care package. In a box, or basket you could put like a mini bottle of bath salts, a candle, small bottle of bubbly, chocolate, and so on.

You could make some I Dig You treat bags. Use some small plastic shovels, use some gummy bears, chocolate coins, put some chocolate candy pieces at bottom for the dirt, etc. Use sandwich bags, write a valentine message on a heart shaped tag which you can then attach with some twine.

Make some cute Coffee Mug Mixers. You could add some loved sweetness to their morning coffee with some made mix-ins. Use silver, or plastic spoons for this. Pour some melted chocolate into them. Sprinkle, or top it with some mini chocolate chips, some nuts, some shaved or crunched peppermints, and any other flavored garnishments you know of. 

Do some lovely, and fun Printable Wine Labels. You don’t need to show up empty handed. You can have fun sticking a custom label with sweet sentiments to any wine bottle. 

Do the Baked With Love Gift Basket. Ok, you can lean on your shopping talents with Amazon, or wherever you choose. Maybe whip up some budget friendly gift baskets. You could complete this with some mixing bowls, measuring spoons, baking embellishments, and so on.

Don’t worry about Valentine’s Day quotes, valentine sweet and funny Valentine’s Day cards to make, lyrics, and things like that. Most popular thing to use for help is to Google it. You don’t have to use word for word for your gifts, but it will surely help you think of something, or give you some ideas.

Well everyone I hope this helped you in some ways to get ideas for what you would like to do Valentines Day with that special someone. Have fun with it!

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! Great of you to stop by, and hope to see you again. Till the next time take care, and be safe with all you do. Toodles . . . .

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY  ❤️  ❤️  ❤️