Growing up, my Pappy was always on the hunt for treasures. Every Saturday (and whenever he could), he would go “yard saling” — and I was right there with him. As a kid, I didn’t mind sifting through piles of items, hoping to find something interesting or maybe even something I wanted. Sometimes, my Gram would join us, and I loved those times. Looking back, it wasn’t about the items, but the memories I made with him.

Shopping in my childhood also had its own charm. There was a store called Gabriel Brothers (or Gabes), where you could find factory rejects at discounted prices. You never knew what you’d get — sometimes it was a rack full of identical items, other times, it was something slightly imperfect. There could be crooked seams, tiny holes, or products that were almost unwearable. But for me, it didn’t matter. I wasn’t looking for brand names; I just enjoyed the hunt. More importantly, those shopping trips with Gram are memories I cherish.

Why Secondhand Finds Still Appeal to Me

As an adult, my mindset hasn’t changed much. I’ve never minded secondhand items or hand-me-downs. Whether it’s new or used doesn’t really matter to me. In fact, as I approach retirement (and no, you don’t have to wait until you’re 64 to retire — if you plan ahead, you can start early!), I’m constantly looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality.

When we remodeled our home, I decided to replace our worn-out dining room chairs. The dog had chewed up a few, and the kids kept needing to replace cushions. I opted for metal chairs, hoping they’d hold up longer. But while functional, they didn’t quite match the aesthetic I envisioned for my dining area. The big wooden table I love didn’t quite mesh with the metal chairs, but I wasn’t willing to drop a lot of money just for looks — I’m too focused on my goals (aka, being frugal) to splurge.

A Thrift Store Dream Come True: The Perfect Chairs

One day, while driving back from jiu-jitsu class, I spotted a treasure: a collection of unfinished wooden chairs placed outside a warehouse. I drove past at first, but something made me turn around to take a closer look. Upon inspection, I realized they were just waiting for a little TLC — a bit of sanding, staining, and some seat cushions, and I’d have the perfect chairs.

The best part? The cost was minimal — mostly just my time and effort. I could choose the stain finish, the seat cushions, and even add my own personal touch. The excitement of getting to be creative in this way felt so rewarding. It’s a DIY project that allows me to add my personal flair while keeping costs down.

To top it off, I found a larger chair that seemed more suited for a living room than a dining room. Even without seats, I could already imagine how comfortable it would be. I’m thrilled about this find. They’re all mine to transform!

The Perfect Headboard Find

This isn’t the first time I’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. Back in October, I was driving home one morning when I spotted a king-sized wooden headboard wrapped in packing material on the side of the road. I’ve always wanted a headboard, but like most things, it didn’t quite make sense to spend the money. So, when I found this one for free, I knew I had to grab it. It may need a little elbow grease to finish, but the price was unbeatable!

The Thrill of Treasure Hunting

Finding these items — for free no less — has been an amazing experience. Of course, I caution anyone picking up curbside finds to be cautious, as it’s important to inspect the items carefully for pests (such as bedbugs). Fortunately, I found these items outside of businesses and have them stored in our basement, far from our living spaces.

What I love most about these projects is the chance to get creative. I’m not an artist or designer, and I don’t often redecorate. My style is usually more practical, focused on finances and organization. But this opportunity to transform these secondhand items into something beautiful has been an unexpected joy. Tapping into my creative side has filled me with a sense of satisfaction that I don’t often experience.

DIY Projects: An Ongoing Journey

As I tackle these DIY projects, I’ll keep you updated on my progress. I can’t promise I’ll finish all seven chairs and the headboard by this summer, but I’m excited to dive in. The best part? If I make a mistake, it’s no big deal. I didn’t spend much on the materials. If I succeed, I’ll have created something I truly love — something that will make me smile every time I see it.

This is the same reason I use my own photos on my blog and decorate my home with items I’ve personally crafted. There’s something deeply fulfilling about creating beauty with your own hands, and I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you.

I used Mixtiles with my photos of the kids through the years to add pictures at a good price. I don’t have to frame or hang them. Super simple and not expensive to make your favorite memories into art.

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Ready to Transform Your Own Space?

If you’re inspired by my DIY journey and the joy of finding secondhand treasures, why not start your own project today? Whether you’re on the lookout for curbside finds, thrift store gems, or just want to try your hand at a simple DIY, there are endless possibilities to get creative and save money. Share your progress with me in the comments below, or tag me in your DIY photos on social media — I’d love to see what you create!

Here is my post on how I took the time to evaluate our space after a remodel and find what we needed for our home to be more functional, feel homey, and flow well.

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