Showing posts with label Green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green. Show all posts

Thursday, December 31, 2020

My Top Ten Posts of 2020!

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Something Old, New, Green, Redo's
 TOP TEN posts of 2020.

    It's been a tough year for everyone. I seldom look back, but for the lack of anything interesting to blog about, I decided to peruse the stats and see just what you liked reading about in 2020.

How about a Count Down....10....whoops, right off the bat we have a tie. Two garden posts wrestle for the number 10 position. 



It was a very hot summer after a late cold spring, which seems to be the norm the last few years.

Tied for the 10th spot was...

 Boy, do (DID) we have sunflowers here: Midwest Gardening 2020: Sunflowers

oldnewgreenredo

I did many gardening post many of which were numbers 11-20....I must say, in the summer I barely have time to promote posts...but clearly these posts are of interest to you, dear Readers! 

And next, Number 9... was really a culmination post about "USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, MAKE IT DO, OR DO WITHOUT" on March 22, 2020, an old saying many of us grew up with. 

oldnewgreenredo

I came from a family that made do or did without. Druthers were for looking at in the catalogs, or cobbling someone's throw-aways, give-aways or thrifted to a Made Do status. Somewhere along the way---this became our preferred way of green living, despite having the income to choose otherwise. I shared many ideas in this post, perhaps the diversity of tags dragged traffic in.

Number 8 post for 2020 was


Normally I don't paint antiques, and despite the upper 80-90's temps I managed to do a post on redoing some very old, dry, and stained wood. Working with satin acrylic paint, I managed to turn a dark Arts&Crafts Movement bookcase to the perfect shelf for our tiny bathroom.

NUMBER 7

Another Gardening post from  July 6th.


We had started so many things in our greenhouse, it was fun to see the pots come alive after a late cold spring.
I do try to show you what works, and what 
doesn't here in the Midwest.


POST Number 6 Another Gardening Post titled


This was a nitty gritty post, planting seeds, yard clean-up, mulch---not much green at all.

oldnewgreenredo

The pandemic had reared its ugly head in full force by then, we were hunkered down---and others were realizing-- they may need to grow food. 

We were so glad we did so many plants from seed as the garden centers were picked clean by the end of May. 
Here are pepper starts we began end of January in the house and then move to the greenhouse with heaters.

2020 started as a tough year for me.

I did a few Thoughtful Moments posts in the past,
This one took the  Number 5 place on January 9, 2020.

It was really a post looking back at my 2019...and  recovering from a third knee-replacement. I had lost most of 2019 laid up for 6 months. Then into 2020...with the soon to be pandemic. Who knew ??? the first week in January---what we would be facing.

Next is POST #4
Surprise, another Gardening Post
This time about flowers! 

Every plant in my garden out-did themselves despite the dry heat and lack of rain. The Zinnias were 5-6 feet tall, the sunflowers 15 feet tall and huge flower heads, the Coleus were rich in color and prolific, the grasses fluid and flowing. Every plant seemed to KNOW we needed color to boost to our spirits. Going into 6 months of lockdown, the Hollyhocks burst into bloom! 

Post #3
Midwest Gardening: February 2020

oldnewgreenredo

Yes, a Gardening Post in February was super popular. From when the first seed catalog arrives, to when the seeds go up in the hardware and big box stores---gardeners salivate, pick, plan, pick some more, plan some more...and just crave the smell of dirt. 

We start our tomatoes, peppers, and a few other things in in plastic containers placed in our kitchen windows the end of January to March. Wow, it is crazy to watch things grow---quickly pushing their plastic covers off. 


On to POST #2 for 2020

A Spring Decorating Post


Because of the Covid shutdown---decorating really had to be simple (no company or holidays), make us happy,  and use everyday items. Besides my kitchen was FULL of plants for the garden due to our miserable cold spring.

I had time to promote this post a bit, but something drew people in...could it have been Christmas Pig had babies...who knows.


DRUMMMMMM ROOOOOOLLLLLL! 

POST #1 for 2020 is.....
a decorating post about our small home on November 1st




Thank you, Dear Readers for visiting, commenting, sharing ,and hopefully enjoying my posts in 2020, the terrible of all years. I've tried to be upbeat but real, practical and sometimes over the top, serious, but helpful.  2020 sure hasn't been unicorn farts and rainbows...

but, I've enjoyed sharing each and 
every post with you. 

I stay pledged to be AD-Free by choice. I some how think if I were posting to sell or promote anything other than my own thoughts,  
the blog wouldn't be real. 

Hugs, stay safe, and 
 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021! 

Please Join me at these fine blog parties:

Do not use my photos without my permission and linking back to this post on my blog.


Thank you for your cooperation, 
Sandi 
 





Tuesday, January 2, 2018

My Hopes for a New Year

I started this blog as "Something Old, New, Green, Redo." I wanted to share life experiences, the arts, my meagre talents, my humor,  and exhibit the treasure trove of vintage goodies I have inherited and those fun things I find.

oldnewgreenredo


But, like all the fabulous ideas in my life-- I have managed to only become Old and I think in complete need of a Redo!


Blog or not to blog, that is the question.

Do you ever feel like that, overwhelmed and definitely in need of a redo? How about being an unfocused mess---that's what my blog seems to me. Like falling down the rabbit hole.....ever deeper.
However, that is me...an unfocused sometimes messy person.

oldnewgreenredo

Blogland 


What has changed in three years---well, the actual Blog World mostly, not me--for sure.

The vibe is different now. Not as personal, but calculated. Posts are more and more generic, aimed at the largest audience. Buzz themes are for the moment---geared toward advertising. I don't even have to look at my blog reading list to know decluttering, closets and storage are the unwritten themes for this month. Blog sponsors and sponsored posts will be from those categories.

oldnewgreenredo

Not here---Everything is old or scrounged for my coffee cabinet. No promotional possibilities here...lol.


oldnewgreenredo

Organized drawers from our kitchen remodel...they don't look like this now, lol.
I still love my dividers---possible promotion there.


You've got Mail!

I have watched my primary and social g-mails lists go from full everyday to insignificant, while the promotional section has swelled past 100's each day as everyone jumped on the advertising promotional bandwagon. I can't tell you of how many blogs I have dropped/or blocked emails from, this last year.

from my email-page
I checked my mail last night about 8pm, but---Primary this morning was 21, Social 30, Promotions 92.

So what about the content? Primary mail includes my Etsy shop and paypal--which was 10 of those 21. Seven of the remaining 11 were my own comments to others. Social---is filled with notifications and newsletters, not much better if they are also in Promotions. And hidden in Promotions were some of my favorite blogs, operative word--were my favorites.

How to lose your readers.

How do you lose my interest?---Inundate me with blog posts of how great this ugly (promoted-free) plant looks in my home, regardless if it is to scale, or even close to what a real plant might look like in my locale.

Example, cactus in a traditional home in New England, or a Norfolk Pine in the desert.

How about a post (several) of a hideous orange rug (from a sponsor)---placed in a new room in a new home---that just doesn't work---but is promoted with smiles by the blogger and kudos from the reading masses.

That post brought to mind the Hans Christan Andersen fairytale of "The Emperor's New Clothes."  The King was convinced he looked fabulous by adoring courtiers as he paraded in his 'all together-', until an honest child broke the spell, laughed-pointed, "The King is in his all-together!"

not mine- source- UK phrases


The unwritten RULES.

I do know the rules,---never say anything negative---just say nothing at all.

Despite the orange rug promoter having one of the most popular link parties in blogland, I dropped the blogger from my list and said nothing at all until now. Dozens of you are cringing remembering that post and the sell-out! Miraculously the rug disappeared once the bloggers contract with the company was completed only to be replaced I'm sure by something else. I hope the rug was donated to a charity, so something positive could come from it.


"To thine own self be true."

Three years ago, a blogger blogged maybe three times a week. Now popular blogs-post everyday sometimes more---with some sort of BLOG-MASTERBOT, linking/themselves with infinite podcasts, U-tubes, newsletters, updates, pinterest, twitter, blog-loving....and lots of other ways of screaming READ ME, I don't subscribe to.

I thought blogging was to enhance a life-style, not become one? I don't begrudge someone wanting to make a dime, but there must be better ways and still keep your 'soul'.

oldnewgreenredo


Only a few bloggers---really SHARE---their actual selves or skills on their blog. I gravitate toward those blogs and hope my readers are doing the same.

My own blog posts now have fewer comments and are far between, why? Are my posts---really unread, or irrelevant? Or have I just NOT jumped on the promotional bandwagon to produce those desirable  numbers to venture into Ad-arama blog-land. I have long been eligible.  Since I'm not planning on doing any sponsored posts or be owned by any major company---should I continue?

oldnewgreenredo

Unnamed Mulch at the bottom of the stairs---? Ad opportunity?




Do I try harder, or fall to the wayside, like dozens of my favorite bloggers? My hopes for 2018....

WE shall see.


Hmmmmm...perhaps like-minded bloggers could promote PROMOTIONAL FREE BLOGGER  on their site with a logo or something? Maybe we need to start a movement!

oldnewgreenredo
  

Wouldn't that just be the cake and the frosting for 2018, lol, having to PROMOTE---promotional free blogging.

The below has always been on my blog, perhaps I need to post it at the top? It was a conscious decision, a thoughtful intent. 


All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.

Thanks always for visiting. 
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

Sharing at these Ad Free blog parties (I'm going to try and see if this is possible)

Share Your Cup
Share Your Style
Amaze Me Mondays

Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle
Sandi








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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Home: Falling into Fall

Bits of Fall are creeping into the home-naturally.
We haven't had that much time for decorating, yet. 



Tomatoes are turning red in the kitchen window, 
while squash that has fallen off their vines ripen on the OLD scale.


A few sunflowers nest in the Ivy urn, my favorite GREEN thing in the house.


A simple kitchen theme on the island, with OLD enameled fish poacher, vintage s&p delft cows, 
chicks s&p, baby dish, and NEW 
sunflower arrangement  and resin chickens. 


OLD thrift store pumpkin landed on the pedestal, biscuit jar adds a touch of earth tones to the table, the NEW owl just hangs out.

An OLD vintage trough (cracker server) of last years acorns.
OLD Antique Ironstone pitcher holds thrift store faux flowers 
with real dried roses from our anniversary bouquet.


I love the fall tones that are earth and jeweled at the same time.



A wooden trough (1940s cracker server) holds last year's acorns. 


Russet sunflowers juxtapose with the sweet coral roses.


I still haven't polished this OLD teapot, I simply love the golden patina it has rather than black.


Vintage Quaker Lace runner, adds the perfect homey touch under the antiques.


Antique spinning wheel hosts a chenille pumpkin from a thrift store. 
A little later I will bring out more. 
Our fresh garden pumpkins will be limited,
 but I have a huge stash of gourds and faux pumpkins.
Last year we had enough fresh pumpkins for EVERYWHERE!


My Grandmother's OLD antique iron dog and the original doorstop house.



A bird protects his egg deep in moss and dried hydrangeas on the buffet.


I love we are starting to luxuriate in the rich colors of Fall.

Stay safe!


Thanks always for visiting. 
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 
Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle

I will be sharing at these fine Parties!





Sandi







Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Moving my Barbie Posts

MOVING MY BARBIE POSTS

Hi dear Bloggers, Friends, and Family.

My Barbie DIY house and doll posts are moving to my new blog, Barbie:OldNewGreenRedo.
Barbie and the crew with give you a heads up here, when there is a new post. I will be continuing the Old,New,Green,Redo as 90% of everything including the dolls are vintage or used items.

Last week's post, Back to School had a...


 vintage 1990's chalkboard getting a REDO, for Anna(high school) and Chelsea(middle school).


An OLD Changing table/chest was REDOne for school supplies.


NEW supplies were made, pencils, pens, books, erasers, files, and some great finds for mini-collectors.



Also,  Monnie, Ryan, Kevin, Ken and Andrew have moved into two walk-out basement apartments to help the overcrowding in the HFIM. Hope you will join them on the REDO journey and life in the HFIM house (Home for Impoverished Millenials) as they continue the project of OldNewGreenRedo-ing a downtown Chicago mansion/townhouse. Last weeks post, HFIM house:Basement apartments
begins that journey.


Monnie has been busy designing the interiors of the HFIM house on her New/Redo drafting board and tools in the new apartment.
Add caption
Ryan has been juggling work, and the HFIM house as the general contractor. It's been a big job.

Thanks for all your support. Occasionally I will do vintage doll posts if I find something with broad based appeal, thanks to all who have encouraged my new sickness. Please come visit the new blog, we would love to have you.


The girl's are going back to school, but say, Hi, come join us at Barbie:OldNewGreenRedo

Thanks always for visiting. 
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question

I'm sharing at these fine parties:




All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 
Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle

Sandi





Monday, August 21, 2017

Junkin' Finds August 2017

MY OLD NEW GREEN REDO Finds for the middle of August 2017.

 I don't know if I'm getting picky---or there just isn't that great of stuff available right now. So some of these things aren't that OLD---but will still be used for REDO, gifted, or sold.



Here's the grouping---yes, my junkin' is definitely all over the map. 
Favorite treasure was the HUGE ring mold---heavily used, aluminum, no marks. This will make a wonderful REDO 'wreath' for my Christmas kitchen. 



I know, Christmas in August, but couldn't pass this Sequin Snowman appliqué. I have done well on my sequined, 'UGLY Sweater' trims on my ETSY. Have you realized all the Ugly sweaters that haven't ended up in dumps and have created a GREEN industry for them.
This will be a great addition. Definitely the late 80's or early 90's. 


Organization is always an issue. These wide open (2) bins on the right went into our vegetable storage cabinet. We are going to have a bumper crop of squash (the only one) from the garden.
So these airy bins will be great for only 50 cents apiece. 

The super nice NEW measuring set (50cents)---is destined for my D-in-Law, and so is the very lime green ceramic planter (1.99). I think I will transplant some of my herbs in it for her for winter, and it will fit nicely on her skinny counter which goes across a window.


A sequined sheer panel (1.99) new---actually, may become doll clothes or part of  the Grand's bedroom. Unusual fabrics are hard to find, cheap---now, with all the fabric stores closing.


This is a sleeper, I paid $5.99. Until I polish this, I won't know exactly what it is--I suspect what we call nickel silver---with a lot of nickel and maybe no silver.  Couldn't find any marks, but it is a beautifully wrought piece, hand worked and not cast. The handle is cast and has very heavy patina.


This is the underside, and you can see the heavy pressed out Repoussé technique. The artisan pounds the pattern out from the bottom side, usually done on gold or silver pieces. 
Love this, and can't wait to work on it, and try researching. Could be Mexican, French, German---we will have to see if I can find a mark on it. If it isn't silver, it will become a tier in GREEN REDO  fountain for the backyard.



This was a wow, $1.99 antique tin candy mold. A few ? markings, but this is definitely very OLD, couldn't find one similar online. Will keep looking, this could be a bit pricey--$40-50 or higher.
This could also be European, French, or German. I will probably make candles or candy in this for Halloween, and maybe part with it, later. Great Halloween prop.




This is so 80-90's...but it is in softer resin/plastic, a great prop for jewelry photos and was $3.99.


Another picnic basket. I'm planning on using them for projects in the craft room. Right now they are scattered about the house with miscellaneous projects in them. $6.99. I don't even know how many I have now, but there are 6 in the kitchen, lol. Prices on these are going up though at flea markets and fairs. Saw them at Kane County Fleamarket (HUGE show) as high as $60.00, REALLY?
This one is quite nice and very clean inside. Metal ones have gotten even pricey with the kitsch 'printing' fake weaving.

On top is an antique one quart pitcher in a matte blue glaze on beige clay. Ribbed and in spectacular condition, this had to have been buried in a cupboard somewhere. 


Best part is the rich blue---and marked faintly Monmouth USA on the bottom. I tried enhancing the photo so you could see the large print pressed into the clay, but filled with glaze.
Monmouth was one of many potteries that folded into Western Pottery in 1906. Usually marked with maple leaves-some pieces were still marked Monmouth (Pottery), for the plant in Monmouth, Illinois. 
OLD, and from the 1930's, I snagged it for $3.99. 
Listings of this piece vary from $25-$45. For me, it's a keeper. 

I also found a huge batch of Barbie furnishings and clothes---for another time, though.

How has your hunting been?

Thanks always for visiting. 
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.
 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 
Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle

I will be sharing at these fine Parties!



Sandi








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