Dear Hive Friends!
After a long break, I returned to Hive a few months ago, and today I’m happy to share my very first post in this wonderful community!
I’m delighted to be here, learning from the insights and reading the interesting stories shared by fellow members about their everyday lives. A special mention goes to my very dear friend 
Sometimes, the simplest things we do over the weekend bring us the greatest satisfaction. This weekend was one of those occasions for me: I finished a DIY project, solved a small problem with my art collection, and prepared some delicious homemade meals for the coming days.
Turning a Secondhand Cabinet into an Extra Pantry
Last week, while browsing through a charity shop, I came across a small cabinet with a glass door. It was originally priced at €18, but I managed to get it at a discount and paid only €12. What a bargain!
I immediately saw its potential. My idea was to transform it into an additional pantry for my kitchen. Although my kitchen is rather small, I thought I could make it work by adding wheels to the cabinet. This way, I could easily move it aside whenever I needed to open the shelves and doors of my existing kitchen cupboards.
You could call it hoarding if you like, but I simply wanted some extra storage space for my reserve canned goods and other pantry essentials. After all, having a few supplies on hand is always convenient!
I headed to the hardware store and bought the materials I needed. I had a wooden board cut to fit the bottom of the cabinet and purchased four wheels and the necessary screws to attach them to the wooden base.
Today, I finally finished installing everything, and I am happy with the result! It is always satisfying to give a secondhand item a new purpose, especially when a little creativity can make it more useful for everyday living.
Completing My Collection of Copper Etchings,(broken glass repleaced)
I have collected several copper etching arts including a series of four big ones created by the Czech artist Michael Coudenhove-Kalergi. Unfortunately, one of the frames broke while I was cleaning it; the glass needed to be replaced.
I ordered a new piece of glass earlier from the same hardware store where I bought the materials for my diy cabinet. However, five days passed without the glass being ready, I decided to follow up with the sales supervisor.
Fortunately, he responded immediately and asked someone from the Gallery Department to take care of it right away. I was able to collect the glass yesterday and the problem was finally solved!
Now my complete series of four framed etchings is back together again. I am delighted to have them all in good condition once more. Sometimes, a little persistence is all it takes to get things sorted out.
Making Good Use of Leftover Vegetables
By the afternoon, it was time to turn my attention to the kitchen again.
I still had several vegetables left from last week's grocery shopping, and I didn't want them to go to waste. So, I decided to use everything up and prepare some meals for the coming days.
First, I made a spinach, mushroom, and garlic soup. Then I shredded the zucchini, carrots, squash, and potatoes and turned them into vegetable fritters. It will go with a yogurt dip, which I´ll have to make tomorrow so that it´s fresh.
Lastly, I sauteéd the green beans topped with mushrooms.
The dishes turned out delicious! I was especially pleased that I could use up the remaining vegetables while preparing food that would be ready to eat tomorrow.
Having a homemade meal waiting in the refrigerator means one less thing to worry about. It also gives me more time to attend to other errands and perhaps enjoy a little leisure time without having to think about what to cook.
Small Accomplishments, Happy Moments
Looking back, it was a weekend well spent. I gave an inexpensive secondhand cabinet a new purpose, completed the repair of a treasured art collection, and prepared delicious meals while making sure my vegetables didn't go to waste.
These may seem like small accomplishments, but they bring me a sense of satisfaction and happiness. I enjoy finding practical solutions, being creative, and making the most of what I already have.
And that is one of the lovely things about everyday life: we don't always need big plans or expensive purchases to feel productive. Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination, some effort, and the pleasure of seeing things come together.
How about you? Do you enjoy visiting charity shops and giving secondhand items a new lease on life? I'd love to hear about your own thrifting finds and DIY projects!
Until my next little adventure, happy creating and happy living!
Best regards,
Mers
@gremayo. All photos are by 
@mers