Dirt Road Adventures: Thrifting, DIY, and The Healing Power of a Beach Trip
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you donโt miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey Friends,
Last week’s blog was filled with thrifting adventures, easy DIY projects, and more. In addition, we managed to get away for a much-needed beach trip. We were actually supposed to be on a two-week trip to Italy; however, my cancer diagnosis resulted in a cancellation.
Last Monday, it was 8 weeks since my surgery, and after being at home without many outings, I was so ready to get away. It’s amazing what a change in scenery can do to boost your spirits. We had not been to our beach cottage in over 10 weeks, and I immediately felt more like myself after we arrived.
I felt well enough for some thrift store shopping and some meals at our favorite restaurants. My health has improved, and you can read more about my progress in My Healing Journal.

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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
I was excited to share two new blog posts with you this past week. One is from our Thrifting With The Gals series, and the other is a nature-inspired DIY that I think you will love because there’s something for every taste. In addition, you will see some of my favorites from years past. So in case you missed it, take a look at the links below.
In Case You Missed It

Vintage Farmhouse Table Decor For A Rustic Friendsgiving Brunch
Hey friends! Looking for a fun, effortless way to entertain this fall? Why not plan a rustic Friendsgiving brunch? Iโm going to show you how easy it is to create a charming vintage farmhouse table setting using items you already own.

20 Easy Thrifty Makeovers: Before And After Thrift Store Finds
If you are a thrift store junky, you will love seeing these 20 easy before-and-after thrifty makeovers. You can transform ordinary thrift store finds into stunning, budget home decor.

Adorable DIY Pumpkin Craft With Wool Dryer Balls
Itโs that time of year for everything pumpkin. Wait until you see this adorable DIY pumpkin craft using wool dryer balls. This inexpensive idea is so easy that you can whip up several pumpkins in minutes.

The Ultimate Guide To Thrifted Brass & Silver For Shining Holiday Decor
Hey friends, are you tired of spending a fortune on generic holiday decorations? If you are a thrift store junky like me, a high-end vintage holiday style is more affordable than you think. Learn how to shop for vintage brass and silver pieces like a pro.

5 Natural DIY Candle Rings In Under 10 Minutes
Hey friends, are you adding warm, cozy candlelight to your home as the days get shorter? Would you like to elevate those simple candles with creative, natural candle rings?

Upcycle A Thrifted Decorative Tray In Minutes With Napkin Decoupage
Do you ever find great decorative trays that could use a little updating? You will be amazed at how easy it is to upcycle a thrifted decorative tray with a no-wrinkle napkin decoupage technique.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and Iโm sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- My friend CoCo shared these Last Minute Halloween Ideas that are so easy and fun.
- And if you are looking for more easy ideas, check out KariAnne’s Easy & Simple Fall Decorating Ideas.
- Have you seen Kim’s stunning gardens? You have to see her How To Plan A Stunning Cut Flower Garden Layout and you’ll see why they are so amazing.
- If you love vintage, cottage style, check out Kim’s Cozy and Warm Fall Cottage Home Tour.
- Since we didn’t get to travel this fall as planned, I’m living vicariously through other bloggers and enjoying their travel adventures. I love reading Marian’s post – Bibury, Barnsley & The Pig.
What’s In My Cart
These green and beige block print pillow covers are so gorgeous. I have three patterns and love each one. They give the sofa all the fall vibes.

I wore this coral button-down blouse while at the beach. I love the fit and comfort of the material. It comes in several color options.
Did you see these Pinecone Flicker Candles last week? They are perfect for fall and Christmas decorating.
This silver cleaner came in handy last week for my post on thrifted silver. It’s so easy to use.
Thrift Store Adventures
I mentioned that I did a little thrift store shopping for the first time since my surgery. I love all the shops in the Wilmington area. Here are my treasures from this past week. I’ll be removing the floral arrangement in the hand-painted planter with the cover lid because I have other plans for this piece. I found this great piece at P.A.W.S., located in Wilmington, close to Monkey Junction. The large brass vase will get a little buffing and shining before I use it during this holiday season. It’s a great heavy piece that I found at Primrose Cottage at Monkey Junction, Wilmington. The heavy brass leaf dish was my first find at Spruce in Wilmington. Not pictured are two cylinder glass vases from the Habitat ReStore, Wilmington. They were less expensive than the Dollar Tree versions. I’ll be sharing a DIY project using them soon.

Coming Soon
Are you getting ready for Christmas ideas? Well, they are coming soon! I also have a few more fall decorating ideas for those of you not ready for Christmas. Plus, I’ll be sharing an easy Thanksgiving table and stunning centerpiece idea before long. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy last week’s inspiration.


Rachel I am so grateful you are feeling more like yourself. Time is on your side and prayers are powerful. I love the idea of the wool dryer ball pumpkins. I’m going to see if it would work for a pin cushion. LOL Stay rested and sending hugs.
Diana,
Thank you for your encouragement and I appreciate your constant support. Let me know if you make the dryer ball pumpkins.
Rachel, I am so thrilled to hear you are feeling better! Praise God! Thank you so much for sharing my cozy fall home tour. I really appreciate it! Praying for your chemo treatment this Friday! xo
Kim
you are very welcome. I hope you are having a good week.
Hello Rachel!!!! Yay you!!! Progress is happening and Iโm so happy for you and Brad both. Prayers continue of course. Some great things on the blog and especially loved the brass info and the Christmas content. I so regret getting rid of brass candlesticks years ago! And the nudge to begin the holiday thinking and doing was motivational for sure. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas as always. You are so faithful girl!!! Cheering you on Rachel!!
Katy,
Thank you so much! I’m getting there slowly and I appreciate your message. I’m so excited about Christmas and hope to be cancer free to really celebrate the season. I hope you and your family are doing good and look forward to sharing more of my ideas soon. Have a blessed day.
It’s amazing what some time away can do, Rachel. I’m so excited you had a chance to get to the beach and soak up time with your friends and family and visit some of your favorite spots. It’s hard to believe it’s been 9/10 weeks since your surgery. I continue to pray for you and lift you up. I know your birthday and Thanksgiving will be extra special this year. Sending you so much love and thank yous for sharing my last minute Halloween ideas, CoCo
CoCo,
Thank you so much. I’m getting stronger everyday and am so bless by God. Just taking it day by day.
It is so good to hear that you were able to spend time at the beach. There’s nothing quite like the sea air, am I right? Thank you so much for sharing my garden post this week. I appreciate you so much, my friend. Sending hugs and continued prayers, Rachel.
Kim
Thank you! I appreciate your prayers and friendship.