Reduce, Reuse, Recycle–Part 2

We have enjoyed a relaxing weekend here in Managua.  Kevin is (hopefully) finishing up a little stint of dengue fever.  Not fun at all!  It is also called break bone fever because of the intense joint and muscle pain.  Poor guy!  We have enjoyed following the Olympics and were proud to have six Nicaraguans representing this incredible country.  As they wrap up tonight it is neat to reflect on what inspiring games they have been.  It is so good to see human beings showing, through sport, the kind of respectful engagement we are capable of, all in pursuit of excellence and peace.

Okay, now onto the second-part of our home series, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Can you hear a little Jack Johnson here?  If you aren’t familiar with the song, check out the Curious George Album.  I am continuing my “Home, Sweet, Home” series by sharing about how we are reducing, reusing and recycling as we transition and live within our new walls.

All of our furniture with the exception of our table and chairs (which we bought for an amazingly low price from a North American who was leaving Nicaragua) are “hand me downs” from other MCC workers.  We did not have to buy a thing and are so grateful that our organization promotes and provides this.  This does come with a couple of down sides, some which we can change (staining and painting furniture pieces) and some that we can not (figuring out how to live with a “kid-size” mini-fridge for the next three years). 

This table is is one of my favorite hand-me-downs. I love the worn look and fun, bright color.

 

I have reused and recycled many items in decorating our house.

The majority of our curtains are made out of old bed sheets, as well as extra fabric pieces (possibly table cloths?) that I found at a second hand store.  I also found a good deal on the paisley print below.

 

All of the decorative pillows that I sewed are made from leftover sheets and fabric that I used for the curtains.  Using the same fabrics has helped to tie in the colors from the window to the chair and it was at no extra cost.

 

I love having simple linens/fabric pieces around the house.  They add a little burst of color to a room.  Several of the fabric pieces that I have around the house were found in a second hand store, they are actually upholstery furniture samples.  I love all of the patterns and colors and I found them for about twenty-five cents a piece.

 

Lastly, my favorite DIY/recycled crafts were made by my friend Alyson and I (she did more of the work).  For the earring board, we took a old Hannah Montana poster/wood frame that was left at our house when we moved in, wrapped left-over sheets around it, hooked on chicken fencing and tada, we have this! The second is a necklace board.  We took an old piece of wood, wrapped it with the old sheet and put in the knobs.  I love the functionality of these pieces as well as the cute décor that it adds to our room. The total? Two dollars at the market for the chicken wire. Not bad?!

     

And yes, I realize that the blue wall color looks a little awful in these pictures.  I promise that is looks much better in person.