Pinterest: Thanksgiving Chalk Art

I did it!! I finally did a project from Pinterest!!

Of course, it was so simple, you could barely even project, but still...I did it!! haha ;)

Here is the inspiration:

via & originally from here

And here is my version {right}, along with my "Fall" Gallery {left}:

via

I don't have any chalkboard markers {yet} and I didn't feel like busting out a projector {which I also don't have yet, haha}, so I just eyeballed it and prayed that my cheap white chalk from Michael's would work.

Although it was the easiest little project ever, it still felt great to glean something from that insanely inspirational site!

So, what have you been Pinning - and actually doing - lately?

P.S. HAPPY almost THANKSGIVING!! :)

Twilight!

Buy this card for your sister or friend - just in time to see the movie! :)

via

3 days! 

But who's counting? ;)

New vs. Reconditioned

The husband and I are on the hunt for a new refrigerator. Our must-haves:

* stainless steel

* bottom freezer

* french doors

* 22+ cu. ft.

Here is a lovely example:

Instead of cramming the fridge into the pre-made fridge nook or buying a smaller fridge, we're moving the fridge to the other side of the room where there is already an empty wall. So size is not an issue. However, price definitely is.

There are lots of great stores nearby {HH Greg, Sears Outlet, etc.} to choose from. However, I cannot pass up a good deal, so here is my question:

Is it worth the risk to buy reconditioned appliances?

Normally, I would never even consider buying anything refurbished. The risk of the item breaking again is far too great, and since the item is refurbished, it is unlikely that it comes with a warranty. However, let me shed a little light on the subject.

Here you have the Maytag {MFD256VEM} refrigerator:

via

Looks great, meets everything on our check list, but the price?

$1529.

Granted, that is much better than the original price of $1700, but it's still much more than we'd like to pay for something that keeps our food cold.

Now here is the exact same model but it has been refurbished:

via

The price?

$1080! That is $450 in savings from the sale price and $620 from the regular price!

I'm sure there are drawbacks to buying a refurbished fridge {like the ones I listed} but can anyone with experience please let me know if it's worth the risk? Whether it was a refrigerator, washer/dryer or another large appliance {small appliances are a whole different story}, I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Or, if you know of where we can purchase less expensive big ticket items, please let me know! Thank you! :)