DIY

Lazy Susan Tiered Tray

September 20, 2025September 20, 2025 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hey friends! I’m sharing this quick, easy lazy Susan project today! I found a cute wood tiered tray set from Dollar Tree for $5.00. I had been wanting a lazy Susan for my craft room for some time now. I saw this tray and immediately got the idea to DIY my own. Check it out below to see how quick and easy it is!

You only need a tiered tray, lazy Susan hardware, & hot glue. That’s it!

Here’s the dollar store tray. Super cute right? Totally inexpensive. I found the lazy Susan hardware on amazon for $9 (similar linked on photo). I centered the hardware and marked the outside holes for placement reference. I hot glued the rubber non skip pads to the metal first. I then placed glue on top of those pieces and affixed it to the wood using my marked reference guides. Be careful not to get glue in between the metal pieces or it won’t spin correctly. Here it is all finished!

This came together quickly and for about $15 total. Super happy to have it here at my desk for quick and easy access to my tools!

Hope you enjoyed this little project, and you get inspired to make one for yourself!

Thanks for stopping by,

DIY

DIY Moody Decoupaged Tray

September 2, 2025 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello friends! Happy September! Fall is right around the corner, and I’m excited for all the Fall weather and fun activities. I started decorating my home with Fall decor this weekend. I also got rid of a few decor pieces I no longer wanted. I had this silver tray that I had painted with chalk paint displayed on top of my kitchen hutch. I was replacing it with this big, beautiful metal tray I found at the Goodwill.

How pretty, right? I was about to put the little tray I had in the donation pile and then I got an idea. “What if I decoupage an image to the tray and hang it as an art piece somewhere”? I totally got inspired by the larger tray.

First, I started by scrubbing the chalk paint off the small tray. You can find these trays at your local thrift or even a discount store like Dollar Tree, etc.

Next, I searched online for a moody, vintage still life art photo I liked. I wanted something classic that would look great in the kitchen year-round. I have a thing for pears, so I selected this one and printed to the size I needed. For the small tray I have, an 8 x 10 full page print was perfect. You can use any type of paper you like. I just used my regular printer paper.

I placed the sheet on top of the tray and marked my rounded corners with a pencil. Using my scissors, I cut the corners I had traced so that my image fit perfectly in the center.

Here is where the fun, messy part comes in. I spread a layer of decoupage glue on the tray. You’ll want to use an old paint brush for applying. I placed the image on top of the glue and ran my fingers over to press out the air bubbles. I then added a layer of decoupage glue on top. You will want to spread it rather quickly and lightly, so you don’t mess up your picture. Some air bubbles and wrinkles will form. That is okay. Just work over them as best as you can. It is part of the vintage charm! Mine did have a few wrinkles in the end.

You’ll want to let this completely dry. Once it’s dry, the tray is done! Now you have a new art piece to hang. I used a small pair of command strips to secure it to my kitchen back splash. I think it’s perfect here!

Hope you guys enjoyed this little project and I hope you are inspired to create your own. This would be fun with some spooky images for Halloween, or a photo of just a few pumpkins. The possibilities are endless!

Let me know if you decide to make one. I’d love to see!

Thanks for stopping by,

Home Decor

Weekend Goodwill Haul

April 30, 2025 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello friends! I found some cute things from the Goodwill store and couldn’t wait to share them!

I found a really nice Corning Ware casserole dish with the matching lid in great condition! I gave it a thorough cleaning and it’s ready for cooking. I also found this beautiful vanity mirror. I wasn’t in love with the color but loved the detailing. I repainted it, and I can’t wait to show you that mini make-over in another post. It looks so good! When I saw this vintage silver scalloped serving tray, I had to have it. It’s so pretty and I can’t wait to find a place for it in the kitchen.

Here are a few more goodies I bought. I loved this little cherub ornament that can be used for Valentine’s Day displays. I also got this cute picture frame with a jeweled dragon fly.

I found the perfect salt box for my Parisian, Cottage kitchen. It’s a little ceramic dish and I can’t wait to fill it with my Celtic salt. It’s right next to the stove ready for cooking!

How pretty is this metal box? I saw it and instantly loved the detailing and texture. I have the perfect spot for it here next to my faux plant. Perfect cozy vibes!

That’s all for my haul! Let me know if you find any treasures at your local Goodwill. I’d love to see them!

Thanks for reading,

DIY · Home Decor · Uncategorized

DIY Wall Decor: Mixing Thrifted and New

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hey friends! It took about a year, but I finally got this pantry wall decorated and wanted to share it with you. It’s a mix of thrifted and new decor for the perfect Cottage/French farmhouse vibe. Check it out below!

It took me a few months to collect a few copper molds I liked from resale/thrift stores. I arranged them here on the wall with a few small screws. My favorite is the spoon!

The chalkboard on the other side was a DIY from a year ago that I already had hanging. This is super easy and quick to make. You can find any size chalkboard and staple a ribbon or string to the back to instantly hang.

Another piece I already had hanging is this faux boxwood wreath. It’s the perfect way to add some greenery and warmth to this area. Add a bow and it’s ready to hang.

The last piece to add was my Homestead sign. I had this wall art piece that had an outline of a fish skeleton and was highlighter yellow! It was sitting around collecting dust and I thought it was the perfect size to make this sign. I searched and searched online for a style I liked and decided on this simple clean look.

I used 2 coats of Valspar Satin Ultra White paint to cover the yellow on the board and let it dry for an hour. After that dried, I measured an outside border, then free handed the word homestead with a pencil. Using a small artist paint brush, I traced back over the word with black craft paint. After a few hours of drying, I plotted my underline an est. word & numbers with a pencil. Once I got my placement down, I traced back over it with the black paint and let it dry. This was a little harder to free hand, but I took my time. If you mess up, you can just paint right over it and start again!

This sign didn’t take too long, and I was able to finish it over a weekend. It took one day to paint and then leave for drying overnight. I’m happy with the way it turned out and got the spouse to hang it as soon as possible!

I love mixing old and new together! It brings warmth, depth, & character into my space. Check your local discount stores and thrift shops often for unique & inexpensive decor pieces. I hope this inspires you to mix old and new together in your space!

Thanks for stopping by,

DIY

Reviving Thrift Store Decor: Faux Cake Makeover

January 26, 2025January 26, 2025 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello friends!

How delicious does this cake look? Like seriously, I want a bite every time I see it! Too bad it’s not real, but it sure looks that way thanks to a little cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.

I spotted this faux cake at the thrift store for $2.99. It was pretty dull and scratched up around the sides. I have plenty of faux desserts I use for decor throughout the year for the holidays and thought this would be great to add to my collection. Especially for Valentine’s Day!

First, I used disinfectant to clean then let it dry. I mixed a little brown and black craft paint to match the color of the “chocolate”. I did one coat & then let it dry before I added another coat. I let that dry overnight. Once dried, I went over the painted parts with one light coat of Modge Podge to seal it. Here she is all shiny & pretty on display! Doesn’t that chocolate icing look real?

If you’re out thrifting and see something you like but isn’t the right color, or looks a little worn down, don’t be afraid to buy it and paint it! It will make such a huge difference. A little cleaning & TLC can bring it back to life!

Hoped you enjoyed reading about this little mini project make-over. Thanks for stopping by,

Home Decor

2025 Thrift Haul: Unique Finds and DIY Ideas

January 24, 2025 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello & Happy New Year! Hope you all are doing well and had a wonderful holiday.

I’m sharing my first post & thrift haul of 2025! I get so excited to share when I find things I love. I love a good haul, lol.

I love collecting white Corningware baking dishes! This one was in great condition and is the perfect size for a small casserole or serving dish. Then I found this cute little terra cotta house, I figured I can repaint it and turn it into a little gingerbread house for Christmas. I snagged a fun tassel beaded necklace, a Harry Potter themed velvet stocking, a brass reindeer tealight holder, and a little cozy manor house figurine for my bookshelf.

Another fun thing to collect are these glass cloches. I always get them in different sizes when the price is right to use in my decor. I will find a cute pan or cake stand and place these on top for a fun, whimsical display.

Here are the last few items I found. The cute little wooden storage boxes will go perfectly in my sewing room for buttons, etc. I loved this little welcome sign & it was only $1 so I had to get it.

I was so excited when I saw this Toile print lampshade and priced at only $5! The print is so pretty, and I love that it is in a neutral color. I want to add a lamp to my sewing room so I’m on the hunt for a little base now.

This was a good thrift shop day and I’m happy with all my goodies I found. I can’t wait to get started on my mini projects. Hope you enjoyed my little haul, and hope you find some treasures too!

Thanks for stopping by,

Recipes

Family Dinner Faves: Chicken Parmesan Meatball Alfredo with Asparagus & Mushrooms

May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello! Hope you all are doing well. I have a new recipe to share!

Today I’m sharing one of my family favorites: Chicken Parmesan Meatball Alfredo. This is so good and comes together fairly quickly. I made my own meatballs, but you can use store bought if your pressed for time and it will be just as good. I served it alongside a bagged Ceasar salad kit for a balanced meal. Read on below to see pics & how I made this.

For the meatballs:

you will need 1lb ground chicken (you can skip this if you want to sub with readymade meatballs)

1 egg

1/4 cup. breadcrumbs

1/4 cup. shredded parmesan cheese

seasonings of choice (I used a sprinkling of Italian, Garlic, Onion, Salt & Pepper)

For the sauce:

1 jar alfredo sauce of choice

Olive oil for sautéing

1 bunch of chopped broccoli

1 cup chopped mushrooms

pasta of your choice (I used a chickpea pasta for fiber and lower carb content)

I started out with seasoning my ground chicken, then added egg, breadcrumbs, & Parmesan cheese. I mixed that up and then scooped the meatballs onto a greased pan using my cookie scoop. I cooked these in the oven about 25min or until golden brown.

While the meatballs cooked, I boiled & drained my pasta and set it aside. I then sauteed my chopped mushrooms & asparagus.

Once the mushrooms were tender and my asparagus had turned bright green in color, I added my pasta back to the pan. I stirred in 3/4 jar of alfredo sauce and seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, garlic, & onion powder. I let this simmer for just a couple of minutes to blend all the flavors together.

After the meatballs were done in the oven, I added them to the pan of sauce & stirred in the remaining sauce, and a 1/4 cup of milk to help loosen the sauce and get the meatballs coated.

Here is the finished pasta all melted together. So good and filling! I plated this up and added a little sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese & a side salad for balance. So good and comforting.

I hope you enjoy this in your home with your family! Thanks for stopping by. Until next time….

Home Decor

MiniWeekday Thrift Haul

March 26, 2024March 26, 2024 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello friends! OMG, it has been a minute since my last post. I’m back today to share my goodies from one of my very favorite things to do…thrift shop!

You never know what you’re going to find. I just love finding inexpensive, one of a kind decor pieces and mixing them in with some of my newer items. Scroll down below to see what I scored and how I styled some of the pieces.

I loved this sign. So clean and pretty! Goes along with my modern farmhouse vibes I have going on in my home. I have yet to decide on a place for it but for $5.00 I couldn’t pass it up. It’s from the Ashland Collection at Michael’s.

This actually had an At Home tag still on it. Don’t know what it is but I loved the shape and metal texture. I think it is some sort of outdoor decor. I thought this is so fun and unique. I don’t have anything like it, so it definitely came home with me.

This banana hanger/fruit basket combo was in really good shape, and I have been wanting one, so I brought this home too. Made a nice little spot for it here on the counter. It’s full of clementines and bananas now!

You can always find some good baskets at the thrift stores for a really great price. I found this pretty woven basket and put it here alongside my tub to hold all my bath salts, scrubs, & sponges. Very calming and spa like.

Lastly, the star of the pick…this brass globe! How cool right? I added it to my sofa table along with the metal silver piece I showed you earlier, & a faux plant I also thrifted. It all comes together nicely here. Super happy with my finds and looking forward to my next trip!

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my treasures. Let me know if you love thrifting as much as I do!

Thanks for stopping by,

Recipes

Family Dinner Faves: Chili Alfredo Pasta

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hello friends, welcome back! I got a new family favorite recipe to share. Chili Alfredo Pasta! It’s so good you’ll want to eat the whole pan, I promise! Read on below for this quick, easy recipe.

Ingredients:

1 lb. cubed chicken tenderloins

1/2 a box of Penne pasta (I used gluten free)

1 jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce

seasonings: Salt/Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder

handful of chopped Cilantro for garnish and flavoring

Start by browning your chicken pieces seasoned with the Salt/Pepper, Garlic & Onion Powder. While it’s browning, boil your pasta according to directions, then drain.
Once chicken is browned, add your Alfredo sauce, season again with the Salt/Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Chili Powder to taste. Add your drained pasta and stir. Let simmer for just a couple of minutes and remove from heat.
Garnish with chopped Cilantro & dinner is ready! It’s spicy & cheesy and the fresh Cilantro adds the perfect touch!

Happy to share this recipe with you! Let me know if you make it and if you like it! Thanks for stopping by!

DIY

DIY Wooden Valentine Conversation Hearts

February 3, 2022February 3, 2022 The Dimestore GypsyLeave a comment

Hey friends! Omg, I’m so not ready for this artic blast coming our way. I’ll definitely be staying in crafting & keeping warm!

Since Valentine’s Day will be here soon, I’m sharing these cute wooden Valentine conversation hearts I made.

They were super inexpensive and something fun you can even do with the kiddos. You’ll need a few craft paints/brushes, wooden hearts, & a red marker or alphabet stamps with red ink.

I found this wooden heart set on a Target run for $5.00 in the Valentine decor section. I thought they would be really cute in a bowl or out on a tray for decor.

I painted each heart a different color then let them dry for a few hours. Once they were dry, I stamped different sayings on them to look like the sweet little candies I enjoyed as a kid!

I hope you guys enjoy this little project! Stay safe & warm!!

Thanks for stopping by,