Let’s be honest, moms: how often do we actually get “me time”? Between the endless to-do lists and always being on the go, it is a rare miracle. For me, things had gotten so hectic that my last pedicure had practically grown entirely off my toes. I was desperate for a break!

Armed with a gift card my sweet nurses blessed me with for my birthday, I finally snuck away to the nail salon. I walked in ready for some serious pampering.

Instead? Every single chair was packed.

I felt like a celebrity with how many eyes turned to look at me when I walked through the door. The nail tech smiled, asked what I needed, and when I said “just a pedicure,” her face dropped. “Oh, long, long wait,” she said. “Like several hours.”

I politely told her I’d come back another time and walked out. There was absolutely no way I was waiting hours. I figured I would just paint them myself at home. So much for self-care, right?

The Thrift Store Detour

As I headed to my car, defeated and thinking about the massive to-do list waiting for me at home, I spotted the thrift store right across the street. Welp, why not? I thought. I told myself I would just do a quick browse.

Then, I rounded the aisle.

There they were, tucked away in the corner: two absolutely giant grapevine wreaths. They literally called my name. Did I need them? Nope. Clearly, no one else wanted them either, given how huge they were!

I went and grabbed a shopping cart, but these things were so massive they wouldn’t even fit inside. That didn’t stop me. I ended up filling that cart with all kinds of unexpected treasures. By the time I checked out, I was so excited. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with those giant wreaths. They were going to look perfect on our entry gate!

The Craft Store Struggle (Time to Improvise!)

There was just one problem. I needed some 4th of July ribbon.

Have you ever tried to find patriotic ribbon just a few days before the 4th? Let me tell you, it is completely non-existent. I searched Hobby Lobby. I searched Michaels. Nothing. Empty shelves when it came to ribbon. I did however, find a few fan flags that would look perfect on the gate along with the wreaths.

I had to shift gears and improvise fast. I managed to find the very last single roll of mesh that looked patriotic (pretty sure sure it was Christmas mesh). I also grab a blue mesh and headed for the checkout counter. That was it. I had to stretch that one single roll across both of these massive wreaths!

Here is what I came up with:

I carefully stretched the mesh to frame the wreaths, and then I created custom wooden signs to hang right in the dead center. Voila! Beautiful, festive, and perfectly budget-friendly.

What Matters Most

Looking at them hanging on our gate, I realized I love these wreaths so much because they completely encompass what is truly important to me: God, faith, family, and country.

Though, if you didn’t notice my brilliant idea to hang fan flags all down my gate did not go exactly as planned! The wind around here has been absolutely relentless. Honestly its like gale force winds lately. I don’t know why I thought thin fabric would survive the rural life in the open outdoors. Now wait, thats an idea for a blog! Interior design problems: RURAL EDITION! Anyways…..

My self-care day didn’t go at all according to plan, but I think the thrift store angels knew exactly what I actually needed that afternoon…..and you know what. I’d rather be crafting anyways, if I’m completely honest.

What do you think of the final look?

Have you ever had to completely improvise a holiday craft at the last minute? Let me know in the comments below!

There is nothing quite like seeing this wreath hanging on the gate against the warm glow of a Gods beautiful sunset. A perfect reminder of our blessings at the end of a chaotic day.

---