I Finally Thrifted The "V" for My "Oy Vey!"
What do you see when you look at this cheesy "LOVE" Christmas $1.99 Goodwill item? A darling lil' something to brighten up your mantle, maybe a sweet loving sentiment to share with guests?
NO!
It's the letter "V," ripe for the plucking! The perfect piece to finally complete my custom "OY VEY" stocking holders!
All it took was a couple minutes with a saw, a few drops of super glue and a silver Sharpie to cover the sides and the black platform piece. Plus a blank stocking holder piece that I also thrifted at Goodwill for a buck-ninety-nine.
The kind of project to do in the great outdoors to avoid nasty fumes. By the way, this is what I mean if you ever hear me describe myself as "outdoorsy."
May I present a project that took me literal years to complete -- my complete set of "OY VEY" stocking holders! Perfect for when Santa comes to your goofy half-Jewish home!
I've had a tremendously shitty year, please just let me take the win on this one.
LOVE IT! You absolutely had a shittay year - do what you need to do to give yourself a smile. (((Katy)))
Thank for the kind words and virtual hug!
This makes me unreasonably happy for you! When I saw those photo holder stocking hangers, I thought you might use one of those, but this is even better! Oy vey indeed for this year!
That would've been a good idea.
If you have a car, could I ask you to consider taking a few shut ins around the Christmas lights? Perhaps older neighbours who can’t drive anymore? It would mean so much more than a wrapped gift for those who don’t have much sparkle in their days. If you are chuch goer, perhaps ask if any older parishioners are missing out on festive fun because they are without transport?
https://youtu.be/1qwq01glhyA?si=BKtYPonWXvw7Y4Dx
From my hometown (about 45 minutes from where I live now). We often take friends and they are mindblown.
"V" for victory, Katy, in a year full of tsuris!
And I forgot to add, happy Chanukah!
Thank you!!!
And you don't even know the half of it!
You did it!!! Perseverance pays off, once again. Congratulations!!
Like the NYC library lions, it took "Strength" and "Fortitude!"
It's quite a "V"ictory, as A. Marie said. I love the creativity, and patience, you regularly employ and share. It is counter to the way most in the US operate these days.
So happy for you. Happy Chanukah! I hope 2026 is an easier year for you.
It was actually more satisfying that I needed to figure out my own creative solution than if I'd thrifted it when I first got the idea.
You did it. I love it.
You sound like Bela Karolyi -- "You can do it!"
Thank you!
Absolutely perfect! Happy Hanukkah
Thank you!
It’s so great when a project comes together!
Very satisfying!
You are tenacious! It's inspiring.
Tenacious or "weird?" Either way I'll take it!
Happy Hanukkah!
I love your project and the joy it gives you after such a year. May your coming year be much better!
Thank you, I have medium hopes for 2026!
That's what I call good decorating! Personal and touches your heart.
Thank you, it might be everyone's cup of tea, but it makes me laugh!
You have had not the best of years. Maybe finding the "V" for your stocking holders is God's way of saying "V" for victory - you held fast, stood firm, and endured. Now celebrate with your family and enjoy the holiday season, grateful for all the blessings this year has brought, as well as the sorrows, for the sorrows make us appreciate the blessings that much more.
Thank you so much for the kind words.
The perfect finishing touch. I love it!
Me too!
Oy Vey for the win!!! Well done Katy!
Happy Hanukkah
Brilliant!!! Love it!
1. I cooked fresh mustard greens and used chicken bones for flavoring instead of ham. I had leftover cooked pumpkin so I tossed it in as well.
2. I walked in the neighborhood.
3. It was 70 yesterday but fear not, it is going to be a high of 45 today!!! This weather is nuts. I have dressed in my old coat that I finally found and did not have to buy a new one.
My ex came down yesterday and hauled off outside trash I had in my backyard! Yay! He has a truck and a trailer and loves to play with his “toys.” lol.
4. I made deviled eggs again because I like them.
5. I am eating the last of the homemade chili made with ground turkey and dried pinto beans. Well, the last I have out to eat, I did freeze a couple of servings.
Our weather here has been crazy as well. Last week was flooding from an atmospheric river and then it was 60 degrees one day and I was able to turn the furnace off for a full three days!
This time of year, I drink coffee out of a holiday mug that has the words BAH HUMBUG printed all over it. And if our store manager turns the "Christmas (radio) station" up any louder, with its terrible music on repeat all the time, I may be turning into a Grinch. So, Oy Vey to that as well.
1. Our 70 degree weather didn't last. We got a cold front last night and it's in the 30s. Brrr. So yesterday afternoon, I put on the faucet covers on the outdoor faucets. I do 2 layers: the store-bought Styrofoam ones first, and then I cover those with some trash-picked thick Styrofoam boxes that Omaha Steaks are shipped in. I prop up the latter with rocks and bricks so they'll cover the store-bought faucet covers. Never hurts to have extra protection! And all of the items were obtained years ago and saved/reused many winters since then.
2. We still have some 69 cent cans of canned Libbeys-brand veggies in the store so I bought a dozen French green beans. I'm using up the older cans that we stockpiled for the Covid quarantine, and stockpiling more for later use. If the church has another "cold covered dish" luncheon, I will drain the French green beans, cover them with Italian dressing and marinate overnight. That makes a good cold side dish. But I have some older cans of French green beans that will be used first.
3. Frugal fail: the warden at our church is moving out of town. I'd bought a nice calendar at the store for $1.99 for her present, and I saw that I have a rosebud still on the rose bush that needs to be rescued from the forecasted hard freeze tonight. Two nice things to take her, right? Oops, I've just realized I overslept and church (and her going-away reception after services) was over more than an hour ago. My bad!
4. Will drop the above 2 items off at the nursing home for a friend.
5. Another frugal fail: Remember when I "painted" the inside of the bedroom window with buttermilk and it made it look like it was frosted? Per a DIY TikTok video, this is supposed to work great....and it did....for awhile, anyway. Somehow, with the cold weather and rain, the color has disappeared and you can see the cardboard that I'd used for insulation. Thankfully, I'd taken the mailing labels off and it doesn't look like there's any printing on the side that faces the outdoors. So it just looks cardboard brown. But still not as nice looking as the off white color it was before. I'm kicking myself for taking down the sideways window shade fabric that was previously there; it tore into little pieces when I removed it, so it had to be thrown away. (I didn't like it because there was a place where it wasn't completely straight. But it looked a lot better than the current cardboard color! Is it OK for a Protestant to say Oy Vey?)
Clear matte Contact paper, the vinyl kind with an adhesive backing, works great to frost glass. Just cut and stick.
We have a wall of glass with sliding doors that separates my husband's home office from the dining room. After I walked into the glass twice and gave myself a black eye, I put up big dots on the glass made of clear Contact paper. They are in a straight line at my eye level and give a kind of mid century modern vibe. It works great.
"Oy vey" is for everyone!
That will be my seasonal mantra: "Oy vey is for everyone." Can I get the t-shirt?
R E L E N T L E S S. This is a win!
Put on your yarmulke
Here comes Chanukah
So much fun-ukah
To celebrate Chanukah...the best Adam Sandler song ever.
The long slog of finally getting your "oy vey" is the epitome of frugal fun.
My favorite line is how William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are both Jewish. Makes this Trekkie laugh every time.
Huzzah!
Huzzah indeed!
As a jew married to a non-jew, I LOVE THIS! Mazel tov on your completed project!
So you get it.
It's great, Katy! No excuses needed.
Give yourself a break, girl -- and maybe a day off this week just to laze around and read a book. Really.
Happy Hanukkah AND Merry Christmas.
Keep in mind that I'm retired and you just described most of my weeks. Mwah!
You should be proud of a job well done.
I really am.
And you have letters left for your bullfighting room, just need to work out the punctuation: ¡Olé!
Took me a moment. HA!
Not only did you find a V but is was the right size and finish. That took some doing. So satisfying when you find a "missing link" for a project at a frugal price. Well done!
Oh, Katy, when you posted the LOVE on Instagram I immediately knew what you were going to do with the V. I've been working hard on manifesting for you, over these years of you lamenting NOT finding the final letter....
You have had a very sh#@$%ty year, Katy - losing a parent in the midst of it all just takes the cake. Thank you for allowing us to be present at your side and for sharing what you have - I, for one, feel very honoured that you would trust us with more than what you picked up at GoodWill.
Happy Oy Veying, Katy!
Frugal tenacity and ingenuity for the win, Katy!
I looked for years for a Christmas mouse figurine to match one I was given in the 1970s. Found it at a yard sale a few years ago and it makes me happy to see it every year.
Doing the Snoopy Happy Dance for you!
As someone who also lost her father and a beloved cat this year, I send you a big hug and a high five on the completion of your quest. I will think of you tonight when we light the first candle on our menorah, prior to our festive meal of...Thai takeout? Yes, there's a birthday girl in the house and that's what she chose. Plus, mama doesn't feel like cooking anyway, and the box of latkes mix in the pantry can wait. Whatever works, right? Chag sameach, mazel tov, and take care.
It's perfect!
So happy you found that elusive V!! Happy Hanukkah!
Yay, Katy!!! I think I was even looking for a V for you. I hope you find some peace as the year comes to a close and 2026 is a better year. Do you have at least one blue stocking you could use in the line up? Shalom and happy holidays!
Happy Hanukah,Katy !Thanks for sharing parts of your frugal life with us out here!!! Yeah, you've sure had your challenges this year. Some scary stuff, some sad losses.. I know there will be healing and happier times ahead.. and your OY VEH is a start!!!!!
Love this! Congratulations on completing the set. Wishing you a new year filled with peace and ease.
So happy for you!!! You deserve this win. I hope 2026 looks up for you and I extend my condolences. <3
Well if you lived in my area, you'd have been quite the trooper to do that task outside as at best, it was a high of *maybe* 10 today. P is for Peregrine (Thomas Tryon) but in your case, V is for Vey (pseudo Sue Grafton).
Celebrated with an alphabet memory match game as our first gift of Hanukkah with the littles tonight and had some much needed laughter as they attempted to learn to play. I have a feeling we'll play many many future games with the set and make more wonderful memories.
Katy - Now, ate you going to fill the Christmas stockings with dreidels and chocolate coins?
Yea! I’ve been looking for a V for you when I’m thrifting. Never found one. So happy you found one!
Dear Katy, It's been a really hard year here too. I can't wait to close the door on 2025 and bring in a new 2026 and get to put a few things to bed. I hope the next few weeks are good for you and your family. And yes, your V looks wonderful!
-Ashley