Tattered to Treasured!

It was more of the usual (i.e. stalking craigslist). As a scrolled along, I came across an ad for a "Cabinet - $10". The next ad, "9-Drawer Dresser - $10", listed from the same seller. With lightning speed I contact her saying I am interested in both! Her reply? That I can have the the pair for $10. That is right! BOGO! I call my dad and we are off the next morning for Oregon, IL.

Ok...definitely not love at first sight. Actually, I felt a little sick to my stomach, but then I can't buy myself lunch for $10! Therefore, into the Tahoe it goes!

Scratched and dirty, dull and warped, rusted and chipped - $5

Sanded and shiny, mended and useful, clean and stocked - $100

Usually I try to DIY, but this was way beyond my capability. I make a call and within minutes I deliver the pieces to Brian Rawson of Rawson Custom Woodworking here in Rockford, IL. He did an excellent job. So so happy!




For $105, I now have this awesome cabinet that is stocked with my silver-rimmed tumblers, ice bucket and fixings!

I am working on the overall space, so watch for more to come.  Dresser pics coming soon!

Take a Risk and Be Pleasantly Surprised!

When I saw the ad for this chair on Craigslist (this will be a common disclaimer) I got all excited on the inside. I know some of you get that feeling, too. You know that feeling that you have to "pop" on something, but may not know why. This happens often. If I ignore it and don't go for it...the result is utter disappointment (e.g. I fret over it and go back to buy it only to find it GONE). I then have to trust that the item in question landed in a loving home.

Anyway, when these pair of chairs were up for sale, I had to jump on it. It was like I couldn't deal if these didn't land in my home immediately. Some people don't get it...they don't understand the wild color. But what can I say, when I placed them as the host chairs to my dining table...well it all just felt right.

Bright orange and a little tattered, but brillant nonetheless - $40 for the pair.

I'm blogging!

I love a good deal. I love things that have some architecture...you know that vibe that says that an item has some craftsmanship...not that look of being mass produced. Lately, I've been combing Craigslist. When I say "combing" what I mean is that I look to it at least 10 times a day. Here are some items I've found that I've incorporated into my living room.

1960's Black Vinyl Chair & Ottoman in excellent condition ($90)

Mid-Century Design - I love love love the swoop arm ($60)

My little conversation area with a white table from Target and decorative storage box from Pier One.

The art is my family along with the kids framed artwork. That's Honest Abe behind the black chair done by my son, Grae (7). The lamp is from TJMaxx. The coral pillow is from Pottery Barn and the bluish graphic pillow is from Marshalls. That small item on the floor...well that is a Tinkertoy. :o)