What I Wore Wednesday: TKMaxx

Nope, that is not a typo. TKMaxx is the European branch of TJMaxx found in The States. Back home in Texas and here in Germany, The Maxx is one of my favorite stores! Check out my TKMaxx post from last October here.

Saturday, Husband was so gracious to drive me an hour north of Munich to the closest TKMaxx store. He brought along his tablet and braced himself for the process that is shopping TKMaxx, I went hunting. 

For 2.5 hours, I felt I was back at home among the racks and shelves of random hodge podge goodies. (I didn't even make it to the baby or men's section) The only part missing was my mom.

Here's what I picked up:

This cranberry sweater dress was made in Italy and is 10% wool. I branched out when I picked this dress because it is not a color I normally wear. In fact, I only own one red piece of clothing, a well worn cardigan from Target. The sweater dress was only 19 Euros and will be perfect during the holiday season! Would you pair plaid tights look with this dress?

I really focused on picking items a bit different from what I already own. (I have way too many green sweaters!) I really liked this gray wrap around sweater because the yarn has specs of navy, brown, and green apple. (too bad the picture doesn't show this!) The brand is Triumph which sounds kind of familiar and it was the best price of all, 12.99 Euros! I already own the perfect ruffled turtle neck for underneath.

I feel like I have seen ponchos reappearing so when I saw a whole rack full of them, I took a look. Most of the ponchos were black so I skipped to "my colors". I usually wear a lot of browns, greens, and blues. In the dressing room, I wasn't quite sure what I thought so I kept this as my "I'll decide later piece". Except I forgot to decide until the checkout lady was scanning my items so I just gave it a go! It was 24 Euros and is the first item of the three I have already worn!

Saturday night, my friend hosted an old-fashioned salon party with a Luck theme. I wore the poncho over a hunter green turtle neck, with dark skinny jeans, and my brown riding boots. It kept me warm and cozy the whole evening!  

Source

Scanning the clearance aisle, I found these two turquoise ceramic strawberry baskets. They were marked 3 Euros a piece and I thought they would be so cute as gift baskets in the summertime. Except...now I think I'm keeping them, or at least one, for myself! Doing a quick Google search, I saw Anthropologie had a similar basket at some point in their store. This makes me love these baskets even more knowing what a great deal I got!

I also picked up a few birthday gifts and one of Husband's Christmas presents. Can you believe it is already time to start thinking about Christmas? If you're interested in ordering a wreath, check out Monday's post on how you can!

Do you enjoy hunting among the racks or do you prefer things more organized when shopping?

Which sweater is your favorite? 

Are you wearing a poncho this season?

Shop 'Til Your Husband Drops,

Decorating On a Dime, Literally

I'm not sure how today turned into a redecorating and craft day, but it did. I think it started when I stopped inside the Euro store to see if they had any Halloween spider webs. They didn't. Instead I left with 3 paper lanterns (project coming soon!), a picture frame, and a package of Oktoberfest napkins... Just in case we ever throw a party. Do you know how that goes? 

Months ago Husband and I were strolling through Ikea, post meatball feast, when I saw marked down items at the end of an aisle. Now you know I can't pass up a good deal... so naturally, I stopped to have a look. 

There on clearance for just 50 cents, I found a set of 5 prints by artist Katie Vernon. The size of a postcard, each art print is a botanical drawing of an owl, bird, hedgehog, squirrel, and snail. I immediately thought these animals would be so cute framed and put on display in fall. 

These cute little fall critters (10 cents a piece!) are the whole reason why I ended up buying a picture frame at the Euro store. 

Since most of our picture frames are white, I decided to paint the wood so I could give it a distressed look. All I had to do was run a light coat of white paint over the frame, purposely leaving some of the cracks to show their natural wood color. Since the frame was cracked, grainy wood, it was much easier than I originally thought! I didn't even need to use the beige paint. By the way, how creepy is that paint name, "Santa's Flesh"?!

This is the picture frame after the paint had dried. I think the distressed look turned out great! I used a piece of fall scrapbook paper as the background for squirrel. Cute fact: Husband's mother used to call him squirrel when he was a little guy because he climbed over everything!

Is it horrible I replaced a wedding photo with a hedgehog? The previous decor was looking too cluttered so I put some things away for the time being. I love this hedgehog for fall!  

I featured this quote from Anne of Green Gables a couple of weeks ago in one of my Friday Favorites. Instead of a chalk board, I wanted to use a piece of cardboard type card stock to match the fall decor. This was my first attempt at writing "chalk board" art.  I left the glass off the front of this frame because I like the rough paper texture.

I made the owl last fall and think he's a hoot! The owl and letter "A" are both created out of scrapbook paper. Super easy DIY projects!

The shelves needed a little bit of refreshing. I used items already on hand and played around with the layout. I think it looks cute but it is still not perfect. I might replace the little silver frames with something different. Any suggestions?

Here's the complete look including my Star Wars pajama pants! Something is still missing but I'm not sure what... These shelves are only about 3 inches wide and it is difficult to find items that fit properly.  Do you have any ideas? 

In just a few short weeks I will start thinking about Christmas decorations! If you are interested in ordering a yarn wreath, please check out Monday's post!

Happy Fall,

Custom Order for Christmas

I am so excited to kick off this week with a new idea. If you have been following Mainly Maren for the past two years, you probably remember that I participated in several Christmas Markets selling my homemade wreaths.

"Deck the Halls"

Well, the markets consumed a lot time and weekends away from Husband right in the middle of the year's most festive time. This year, Husband and I want the freedom to enjoy the season as much as we can, so I decided not to participate in any of the Christmas Markets.

Jingle and Mingle Market 2013

Even though I am not participating in the markets, I've decided I can't completely cut myself away from crafting. I enjoy my hobby way too much and it brings me such happiness creating for others. 

"Cheery and Bright"

"Old Fashion Christmas"

"Winter Wonderland"

Over the years you've left kind remarks, positive feedback, and flat out said "I want one!" Now is your chance, I've decided to offer custom orders on Christmas Wreaths!

"Cranberry Tea"

"Woodlands"

"Christmas Sweater"

"The Traditional"

"Snow Bird"

"Holly"

All the wreaths pictured in this post I made and even though these particular wreaths are no longer available, you get an idea of what I can create. If you see a wreath you like, I can recreate a new wreath that closely resembles the one you chose with slight variations in colors and/or materials.

Or...if you have something else in mind, we can make a new wreath from scratch to meet your specific decor needs. 

"Alpine Christmas"

 

"Jingle"

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me an email. I'm happy to help! 

"Feliz Navidad"

"Let it Snow"

"I'll Be Home"

Christmas Market 2012

Can you believe it is that time of year to already start thinking about Christmas?! 

May Your Week Be Merry and Bright,

Friday Favorites: Moving On

I have to admit, I'm thankful this week has ended. Sorry to be a downer but I've been without energy every night I've gotten home and Husband has been working late while sick. I think some TLC and rest is just what the doctor is ordering for this weekend.

Moving on I want to focus on some positive events from the week:

1. Dinner at Bratwurstherzl:

Monday night we met Husband's cousin for dinner. We went to an old favorite restaurant deep in the city center called Bratwurstherzl. The great thing about this restaurant is the atmosphere! It is a warm environment with brick archways and a charming open flame grill. Whenever Husband and I looking for a small traditional Bavarian place to eat, this is our first choice!

2. Tuesday's Highlight

One of the great things about being a teacher are the connections we make with the students. This week I was tickled to receive this drawing of me from a student. Don't you love my big head? My favorite is the hair doo and color!

3. Wet Carpet Vacuum

Husband rented a wet carpet vacuum and I'm loving how clean our home feels. The carpets are brighter and the air smells fresher. I was shocked at how much filth came out of our less than two year old rug. 

I'm linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci today to share these Friday Favorites!

Even though this week has been a bit more gray, Husband and I have so much reason to be grateful. I'm ready to get some well needed rest and focus on the positive this weekend. Please check out Andrea's post from Monday, #mandastrong, and keep her close friend in your thoughts and prayers. 

Make Life Beautiful,

What I Wore Wednesday: Thrift Store

Two years ago I was running around between thrift stores, antique shops, and garage sales searching for white milk glass. After Husband and I got married, we celebrated in our hometown with a vintage inspired reception. We spent the months prior to our wedding gathering milk glass and old books. Hunting not only for the perfect pieces, but those marked at the right price, was such a thrill!

A couple of months ago, I stepped once again into a thrift store. Only this time it was in Munich, Germany and I was searching for a retro dirndl. Normally, I shop for new items but a dirndl can run anywhere from 100-500 Euros. Then a new dirndl might only get worn once maybe twice a year. Thinking logistically, I decided to check out all my options for purchasing an Oktoberfest dirndl.

I love the accent color!

Except at the thrift store I didn't find a dirndl that looked as I imagined. Feeling defeated, I decided to awkwardly stroll around the entire store. Is there a Hipsters for Dummies book? Then on my way to exit the shop, I passed a clearance rack by the front door. I didn't even know thrift shops had clearance racks!

Blazer in Fall

As I walked by the rack, a beige sleeve caught my eye. Pulling it out of the hodge-podge of nearly rejected shirts and sweaters, I saw it was a tan colored button down blazer. Label cut out and size unmarked, I took it over to a mirror to try it on, sure I was wasting my time.

Inspiration with Leopard!

Low and behold, the beige, figure hugging, blazer fit! A classic staple in so many women's closets, I knew this jacket would get a lot of use if it were mine. 

I thought about changing to brass buttons!

Certain something was wrong, I searched the blazer quite well, hunting for the littlest stain, tear, or hint of cigarette smoke. I couldn't find a single mishap! Would you believe I then had to dig in my purse for enough loose change to cover the 2 Euro price tag?! 

Part wool, the blazer has turned out to be pretty practical during the start of fall. I really want to pair it with a hunter green plaid scarf! I love the look of blazers, skinnies, and heels but right now high heels are just not going to happen in the Land of Cobble-Stones. 

What do you think of my 2 Euro find? Also, can someone tell me why thrift shops cut out labels? Or why do some stores mark through brand names with black marker?

Make Fall Beautiful,