A Productive Weekend: Thrifting, DIY, and Homemade Goodness
Dear Hive Friends!
After a long break, I returned to Hive a few months ago, and today I’m happy to share my very first post in this wonderful community!
I’m delighted to be here, learning from the insights and reading the interesting stories shared by fellow members about their everyday lives. A special mention goes to my very dear friend @erikah, whose posts I always enjoy reading. It feels good to reconnect, share experiences, and be part of this lovely community!
Sometimes, the simplest things we do over the weekend bring us the greatest satisfaction. This weekend was one of those occasions for me: I finished a DIY project, solved a small problem with my art collection, and prepared some delicious homemade meals for the coming days.
Turning a Secondhand Cabinet into an Extra Pantry
Last week, while browsing through a charity shop, I came across a small cabinet with a glass door. It was originally priced at €18, but I managed to get it at a discount and paid only €12. What a bargain!
I immediately saw its potential. My idea was to transform it into an additional pantry for my kitchen. Although my kitchen is rather small, I thought I could make it work by adding wheels to the cabinet. This way, I could easily move it aside whenever I needed to open the shelves and doors of my existing kitchen cupboards.
You could call it hoarding if you like, but I simply wanted some extra storage space for my reserve canned goods and other pantry essentials. After all, having a few supplies on hand is always convenient!
I headed to the hardware store and bought the materials I needed. I had a wooden board cut to fit the bottom of the cabinet and purchased four wheels and the necessary screws to attach them to the wooden base.
Today, I finally finished installing everything, and I am happy with the result! It is always satisfying to give a secondhand item a new purpose, especially when a little creativity can make it more useful for everyday living.
Completing My Collection of Copper Etchings,(broken glass repleaced)
I have collected several copper etching arts including a series of four big ones created by the Czech artist Michael Coudenhove-Kalergi. Unfortunately, one of the frames broke while I was cleaning it; the glass needed to be replaced.
I ordered a new piece of glass earlier from the same hardware store where I bought the materials for my diy cabinet. However, five days passed without the glass being ready, I decided to follow up with the sales supervisor.
Fortunately, he responded immediately and asked someone from the Gallery Department to take care of it right away. I was able to collect the glass yesterday and the problem was finally solved!
Now my complete series of four framed etchings is back together again. I am delighted to have them all in good condition once more. Sometimes, a little persistence is all it takes to get things sorted out.
Making Good Use of Leftover Vegetables
By the afternoon, it was time to turn my attention to the kitchen again.
I still had several vegetables left from last week's grocery shopping, and I didn't want them to go to waste. So, I decided to use everything up and prepare some meals for the coming days.
First, I made a spinach, mushroom, and garlic soup. Then I shredded the zucchini, carrots, squash, and potatoes and turned them into vegetable fritters. It will go with a yogurt dip, which I´ll have to make tomorrow so that it´s fresh.
Lastly, I sauteéd the green beans topped with mushrooms.
The dishes turned out delicious! I was especially pleased that I could use up the remaining vegetables while preparing food that would be ready to eat tomorrow.
Having a homemade meal waiting in the refrigerator means one less thing to worry about. It also gives me more time to attend to other errands and perhaps enjoy a little leisure time without having to think about what to cook.
Small Accomplishments, Happy Moments
Looking back, it was a weekend well spent. I gave an inexpensive secondhand cabinet a new purpose, completed the repair of a treasured art collection, and prepared delicious meals while making sure my vegetables didn't go to waste.
These may seem like small accomplishments, but they bring me a sense of satisfaction and happiness. I enjoy finding practical solutions, being creative, and making the most of what I already have.
And that is one of the lovely things about everyday life: we don't always need big plans or expensive purchases to feel productive. Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination, some effort, and the pleasure of seeing things come together.
How about you? Do you enjoy visiting charity shops and giving secondhand items a new lease on life? I'd love to hear about your own thrifting finds and DIY projects!
Until my next little adventure, happy creating and happy living!
Best regards,
Mers
Great post - I would need to follow your 'lead' and get more organized in my apartment. upvoted and reposted.
Hi Otto, yes at this stage in our lives, we have to prioritize our well-being and at the same time, enjoy the things we love to do. You are a busy man and preoccupied with your beautiful arts, so we have to enjoy our free time to the max. Have a beautiful week ahead!
Right now, I'm one of those who really appreciates time when it comes to food. I also keep things in my fridge to save the precious lifespan we have.
You are absolutely right: time is essential, and at the same time, we have to take care of our health by eating proper meals, especially if we make them ourselves. It is also convenient to buy ready-made food; we might save time on preparation, but we have to consider the impact it has on our bodies.
Gracias por compartir tus opiniones aquí!
Looks like a very productive weekend! Those wheels are expensive. I bet you paid as much for them as you did for the cabinet!
Hi, Thank you! The wheels were affordable at around 4 Euros each; I was doubting whether they would suffice for carrying the weight of 35 Kilos. But supprisingly they are sturdy.
Those wheels are usually pretty expensive where I live. It's crazy.
The hardware store is a German retailer and they have all kinds of wheels from heavy-duty to simple ones, all depending on the make and the weight they´ll carry.
Wheels like that over here range from about $5 to $20 a piece, which when you need four of them really starts to add up.
Awtsch!that is expensive! Here they are industrialized pieces formed or made of steel. The ones I´ve seen made of brass such as those installed on sofas or chair (British style) is really expensive.
I'm really glad you're back and we could connect. I've always enjoyed your posts, you're one of the most genuine people I've known on the platform and it's always a bonus to read your posts. It's a privilege to have you as my friend 🤗
Most likely it's good for you too, to post more regularly and connect with whoever you find interesting here 😊
Now let's get to the serious business, which is food 😂 Oh God, it's 8am here, I am before breakfast and
😂
Those dishes look amazing!
I am so glad you visited, my dear friend; it's always lovely to hear from you. Likewise, it´s a privilege to have you as my friend. Thank you.
You always have a humorous way of showing your actions through GIF, it made me smile because right now I am going to make breakfast. Sending you virtual hugs. Have a nice Wednesday!