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Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Simple DIY tutorials and thrifty furniture and decor makeovers

Summer of 2025 Haul

Hello, amazing friends! You are not going to believe how much stuff I have in this new haul! I can’t even believe it myself! Would you believe it’s even bigger than my last one?

Well, I am excited to show you everything, but there is a lot to get through, so grab your favorite beverage and get comfy!

Here we go!

First, here is just about everything gathered together in our driveway:

There are several more items not shown here because I found one piece I had left in my car after I had already taken all my photos and moved it all back into the garage. I also had several older items I had in the garage that I wanted to add but they were stacked at the back behind my workbench and I totally forgot about them! Oops!

Let’s start with what I already had in the garage that didn’t make it into the photo, shall we?

This is a set of shelves I actually found at a yard sale last year. They were only $5 for the set of two:

They are smaller than they look here, but I thought the details would paint up pretty!

Next up is another item I picked up a while back, I believe in the fall, for $6.99:

I always give shelves a second look. They sell well and are fun to stage.

I also pulled out a couple of frames and art pieces that had been hanging around…

This one that’s missing the glass that I picked up last summer for $2 at a yard sale:

And this frame I picked up for $1.99:

As well as this art piece that has also been hanging around the garage a while:

That had been marked down twice at the thrift store to $4.98. It was originally $69.99 at Stein Mart.

And these two super chunky photo frames that were $1.99 each at the thrift store:

I also had this oval silver plated tray…a $3 yard sale find from last year:

Yes, please!

And I had forgotten about this little clock box I picked up at the end of the year…a good smalls item:

It was $2.99 at the thrift store.

I also found three sets of candlesticks in a bin in the garage.

Up first is this set of three I found for $6.99:

Then there is this smaller set of two I found for $3.99:

And finally, I found these unique metal candle holders for $4.99 each:

That was kind of high, but they are really heavy!

I have three more sets still that bin, but they will have to wait until the next haul!

I also pulled this XOXO wall art out that I picked up a while back. It will get a new purpose…it was a $5.99 thrift store find:

And this is the piece I left in my car. It was only $3 at a yard sale on Saturday!

I can surely do something with that!

Everything else made it into the large photo!

Let’s start now with two items I scored for FREE!

First up, this HUGE chair that I found on the curb in my neighborhood:

The finish is not great, but I love the curves and details! A new paint job and some fresh upholstery will do wonders for this one!

As I was driving behind a shopping center near me, I came upon this little stool sitting beside a dumpster in the pouring rain:

I grabbed it right up!

The first furniture piece I found for this new haul that wasn’t free is this dresser I picked up at the Goodwill near my house for $15.99:

It was in great condition, but the front legs are on funky:

It’s like adding crown moulding to the the top of a bookcase but not taking it around the sides? We’ll have to see what can be done about that, but that was a fantastic deal.

As my previous haul started to dwindle, I couldn’t help but stop by the Goodwill by our house every time I passed it. I did accumulate quite a few items on those stops!

I found this framed art for $3.99:

Of course, I just wanted the frame.

I nabbed this cool bench as it was being loaded onto the floor on one stop in there:

It was $20.99.

I also picked up this drop leaf table the same day for $15.99:

I just picked this little piece up the other day for $4.99:

It’s cute as it, but I’ll probably paint it anyway.

I found this box there also for $5.99:

The tag on the bottom said it was $54.99 at Marshalls. That seems like a crazy high price for Marshalls.

This small oval pedestal side table also came from there for only $10.99:

I grabbed it right up! They always price their furniture low because they have such a small area to display it.

This little art piece was $3.99:

That will get repurposed.

And this mirror was $8.99:

I found all those items over the last couple of months, a piece or two at a time.

At another Goodwill near my booth, I picked up this sad but solid side table for $4.99:

I was lucky enough to come across an early spring yard sale about a month ago where I found this set of nesting tables for $20:

As well as this piece of art for $5:

And at another thrift store a little further out, I found this vintage suitcase that needed some serious love marked down to $6.98:

And that is everything I had before last week.

While I had lots of smalls, a few smaller furniture pieces, and one tall dresser, that wasn’t quite enough.

I really wanted to find some larger/taller furniture pieces, and so I headed out Monday and Tuesday.

I hit up about six or seven thrift stores, and here is what I found!

I found this cool piece…maybe a lingerie chest? It was $15.99:

I like the unique size of it and of course, the price!

I also picked up this mirror for $8.99:

That was a little pricey, but it was a pretty one!

I found this ugly wooden tray for $3.99:

My haul wouldn’t be complete without a flatware box! This one was only $3.99:

I also found this basket marked $6.98, but it was 25% off, so around $5:

As well as this little box that was marked $2.98 but also 25% off:

I was really on the hunt for furniture though and got super lucky with this gorgeous dresser at the Habitat Restore…it was $59.99:

I just love it!

After that, I popped into the DAV thrift store that usually has fantastic deals on furniture and came up empty in that department.

But I did find this cute lamp marked down twice to $2.98:

I was drawn to it the simplicity of it for some reason.

I also found this lamp for $2.98 at another DAV:

It’s the same as this one I painted green and added the bunny shade too HERE.

It was really slim pickins for lamps, but I stopped in at the thrift store near my Mom’s house and grabbed this one marked $6.98 but was 40% off that since all green tags were 40% off:

Love a deal at the thrift store!!

This was another green tagged item I picked up that day:

That was 40% off $4.99!

I also found these metal plaques for $4.98 each:

They are larger than they appear there.

I also found this cute chair for $9.98:

And this tray was $3.98:

And finally, on my last stop, I found this gorgeous dressing table marked down twice to $49.98:

It does have some damage to that bottom right drawer, but it is gorgeous otherwise!

Here I was SO happy I scored TWO great furniture pieces that day!

And, they both fit easily into my van woohoo!

So that was a great haul in itself! I could have been done and called it a day.

However, I couldn’t miss out on three neighborhood yard sales near my house on Saturday!

Y’all!! I filled my minivan up again! Not with furniture, but with smaller items!

I headed out first thing, at 8am sharp to take advantage of the early deals!

Here is everything I found while yard saling Saturday:

On my first stop, I found this large mirror for $10:

At the same sale, I also found this set of lamps for $20:

And this set of buffet lamps for only $5!

I also picked up this chalkboard the lady’s dad had made, for only a dollar:

What a special piece!

I also grabbed this piece just to steal the hooks from it…it was a dollar as well:

And the last thing I found there was this cookbook holder for $3:

At the next yard sale, I scored another set of lamps! These were also only $5 for the pair because one of the finials was broken, but I already glued it back together and it’s good as new!

SCORE!!

I also bought this cannister thingy for $3 from her:

On the next stop, I picked up this wire basker for $5:

And then I found another mirror. Nothing at this sale was priced, which I don’t love, but at those sales, the owners often underprice things when you have to ask how much. Would you believe I got this amazing, chunky mirror for only $5??

At the next stop, just next door, I found this frame for $2:

And this basket for $5:

I thought this bowl would be cool painted…it was only $2:

And this Home Interiors shelf I have redone three times now (see them all HERE), so I picked another one up for $5:

All of that came from ONE neighborhood!

The only thing I found after leaving that neighborhood on Saturday was this plant stand that the lady was asking a bit much for in my opinion:

She wanted $20 for it. So I asked if she would throw in this arrangment:

And she agreed.

Not pictured in the photo are a few more things that won’t necessarily get makeovers, but they were good finds.

I found this roll of fabric for only $5:

That will be cute to line drawers or something!

That same lady was selling this Longaberger basket for only $3!

I’ll likely just put it in my booth as is. It is so cute!

I also picked this thing up for $5:

I’m not sure what on earthy they were hanging on here…necklaces maybe? I just bought it for all the hooks!

And finally, I also found three shades! Two came from the thrift store and one was a yard sale find.

As pricey as shades are, I always pick them up when I find good deals! I paid $6 for the largest, $3 for the square one, and $2 for the smaller round one.

And that is my brand new Summer of 2025 Haul!!

It will probably take me to the fall to finish it haha, but I am so excited to have new pieces to play with!!

What are you excited to see redone??

I’m starting with this oak pedestal table for Thursday:

UPDATE: No need to wait…this table turned out so good HERE!

Hope your week is off to a fantastic start!

XOXO,

 

 

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Comments

  2. I live in a remote desert town with no access to all of those lovely thrift stores and yard sales. I am quite jealous! I would love to have access to those kind of bargains and the thrill of turning them into new items of delight. Keep up your good work, as one day I may get to live nearer a city and get to put your tips into practice.

    Reply

    • Thank you, Joyce! I live in one of the largest military areas in the country, so we have people continuously moving in and out, and that helps! You can live through me until you to can get to the city! XOXO

      Reply

  4. Where I live… unpainted furniture is making a comeback…. You find great items at yard sales…around here old clothes and toys are what I find.

    Reply

    • It’s funny because I went out really early and scored, but by 10:00 am, it was slim pickins! XOXO

      Reply

    • Me too, Linda! I need to get that huge thing out of my garage ha ha! Seriously though, it will be so pretty redone. I’m going to to do that one for Trashy Treasures on Tuesday! XOXO

      Reply

  6. Christy, what a fantastic haul…..i can see so many possibilities and can’t wait to see your creative vision of each one. The first oned up – I live that chair – fabric not so much – I know you will turn it into something lusciously gorgeous; I think your thrift stores and the ones around here have the same stock! And those mirrors/pictures you had “hanging” around (haha…), what great pieces for chalkboard!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Janice! I am looking forward to redoing that chair…they did it dirty with that unfortunate sanding job ha ha. And yes, you know I can never pass up a great frame! XOXO

      Reply

  7. Christy – all I have to say is…oh la la!! Can’t wait to see how you make over ALL the items in your ENORMOUS haul!!! However, the two items I am most interested in seeing are the small box for $2.98 and the drop leaf table. The reason: I have a similar small box that I painted that I am trying to sell and a drop leaf table that I had trouble with that I did eventually sell. I’m curious to see what you do with yours. After seeing yours, I know I will be sorry I didn’t see yours first before redoing mine. I am completely sure that ALL of your makeovers will be incredibly beautiful!!
    Kathy W
    oxox

    Reply

    • This is the biggest haul I’ve ever had. I keep saying I’m going to keep them smaller and then bam! Thank you so much, Kathy! XOXO

      Reply

  9. I can’t get over the low prices on great furniture in your area. What great bargains. I’m excited to see what you do to those lamps with the seashell on the front. The shades are interesting, but definitely not a good match for the lamps, but I really like the lamps. I hope it’s as much fun for you to redo your haul as it is for me to watch. Thanks for sharing all your bargains.

    Reply

    • I did get lucky on the furniture pieces I found, but those deals were very unusual! It seems everyone has raised their furniture prices lately. I’m hoping for a quick redo on those lamps…they fit right in in our area. I am so thrilled that you enjoy watching all the makeovers, and of course, I love redoing them!! XOXO

      Reply

  11. You got some really fun stuff – yay for the new minivan huh!? Your posts are one of the highlights of my week, so I can’t wait to see what magic you create with each of these pieces. So much fun! 🙂

    Reply

    • Aww that really means a lot, Anita, thank you! I am so glad you enjoy what I share! I did find some fantastic pieces, and the minivan is amazing! I don’t know why it took me so long to get one lol! XOXO

      Reply

  13. Thank you for sharing another haul (and including what you paid). It’s so fun to see everything you’ll be transforming…can’t wait to see what you do with everything!

    Reply

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed seeing everything! Sharing the cost also gives me a reference for my posts, so I can go back and see as I’m redoing each piece ha ha. Thanks, Kelly! XOXO

      Reply

  14. Thanks for sharing your haul, Christy. I’m finally going to have some time to hit the garage sales this weekend, and your photos have helped me see past dark, drab, dreary, and outdated to the beautiful potential that lies within. Question for you. I keep looking for little vintage suitcases that I can paint, like the green one in your haul, but every time I find one at a thrift store or garage sale, the inside smells less than delightful, so I leave it behind. Do I keep searching for one that is not so odiferous once opened, or do you have some tips or hacks for removing bad smells? Thanks!

    Reply

    • I’m glad you enjoyed it, Rhonda! The best deals are at the start, so get out there early and good luck! As for the smells, I would wait for one that doesn’t smell. They are out there as none of mine have stunk that I can remember. Bonding BOSS will take the musty smell out of furniture, but I don’t know the best remedy for fabric. I do remove and replace the lining in them though, so that may be all you need to do. XOXO

      Reply

    • Thank you, my friend! I LOVE that dresser too! It had a huge, very plain, rectangular mirror that wasn’t doing it any favors, so I left that behind. I’m excited to dive in! XOXO

      Reply

  16. OMGosh! Christy, you outdid yourself this time! I think it’s funny that you still pull things you’ve stored and put them into the “haul”. Good for you. Now, get to work Girl! 🙂

    Reply

    • I think so too…this is the largest haul I’ve ever had so far lol. I keep saying I’m going to keep it small and then this happens! And yes, I always have a few items that end up hanging around the garage, and this gets them done ha ha! XOXO

      Reply

  17. Hi Christy, you are so inspiring. I too have a garage full of items that need a little love. I will retire next year and can’t wait to get started. The one I am most anxious to see get your redo on is well, it is really hard to decide but those two metal plaques are really interesting. I see lots of those in the Thrift stores and don’t know what I (you) would do with those. I’ll be watching to see what you create!!! You’re fun. 🙂

    Reply

    • Aww thank you, Lori! You will have so much fun when you can be creative whenever you like! I’m not sure what I’ll do with the metal plaques yet, but paint alone will do wonders! XOXO

      Reply

  18. Absolutely Unbelievable haul !! Again !
    Ohhh my. I really need to know the secret of where you get sooo much energy And creativity.
    You find the best detailed frames — and mirrors – which are so pricey these days.
    I’m always amazed how you make all those heavy uglyish lamps – and they end up so pretty. 🙂
    And… you think you’ll have this done by fall ….???? wow.
    That huge chair – I know it will be amazing.
    I’m looking forward to see what you do.

    Reply

    • Thanks so much, P! I honestly don’t know where the energy comes from lol…hauling all of this out and then dragging it all back in made me feel my age ha ha. And yes, frames have gotten expensive. I always keep my eyes peeled for then when I see a good deal. Fall may be a bit ambitious, eh? We’ll see! XOXO

      Reply

  19. I’m curious how you will we do the square lamps with the shell on them. Also that large ugly tray.!! Looking forward to all the adventures you will have for us this summer. Great variety of goodies.!!! ????????????

    Reply

    • Those lamps are awesome, we’ll see where they end up! And the finish on that tray is awful…that one definitely needs some love! Thanks, Charleen! XOXO

      Reply

  20. WOWZA!!!! Oh is it ever gonna be fun seeing these items turn into lovelies by your talented hand. YAY! AWESOME haul/s, Christy!!!!

    Reply

  22. Oh goodness! That’s quite the haul! Should keep you busy and all of us entertained for some time. ???? I have a drop leaf table just like yours…excited to see how you will pretty it up. And like several others, I can’t wait to see that chair redone. Let the fun begin!

    Reply

    • Ha ha yes! That should definitely keep us busy for a while! That chair will be my Trashy Treasures makeover on Tuesday! XOXO

      Reply

  23. I love neighborhood sales. Sadly, they don’t seem to be a ‘thing’ here. You’ve got a great haul.

    Reply

  24. Dang girl!!! Quit your yapping and get busy!!!! …I know you will. I can’t believe the turnover you get in your town/booth. I live in a mountain town…it would be slow going here.
    Blessed Memorial Day…thanks for all who served…..the Adster

    Reply

    • Hi Addie! I was thinking of you the other day as I was cutting hydrangeas! We brought one of our bushes from our old house and it is huge now! Yes, ma’am…I need to get busy! XOXO

      Reply

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