Bamboozled

I was on an ebay winning streak last week.  Luckily, I'm not in the market for anything else at the moment because I definitely just jinxed myself.

Look what I got for the baby's changing table/dresser:

I'm not sure what color I'll paint it, but I like it's versatility and see it as a dresser or entry way credenza down the road.

The sellers have another bamboo piece if you are interested:  I paid $202.50 plus $99 shipping (which seems to be the flat rate of east coast deliveries).  *Note the laminate top which mine has, too.  I'm hoping it will blend with a good coat of paint.

Mod_Design  is one of my favorite sellers and always have great deals and shipping prices.  I've purchased a few sets of chairs from them in the past and they are great.  

I am loving this dining set, which I am picturing in a breakfast nook.  Paint the chairs, maybe replace the fabric (but kind of retro cool as is), and substitute the table for a tulip table (Saarinen or IKEA)

It is currently listed at $9.99 with 0 bids and about 3 1/2 days left.  Somebody please get this!

Foundation Work

This video was taken last month, but I thought it would be a good lesson in how slanted old Charlestonian houses are.  We had to raise portions of the floor by 7.5 inches to make it (almost) level.  If we wanted it perfect, it would have been 10 inches, but that caused more issues with the walls and ceilings.

I like the charm of the slanted porches and floors, but husband wanted the house stable.  Wouldn't it be great if the baby could play catch all by her/himself?

Under the Angel Tree with Anyone Else But Me......

I went to the doctors yesterday and I am 37 weeks, 70% effaced, and a fingertip dilated......whatever that means. I'm assuming my days of doing whatever I want will be over soon, so let the adventures continue.

This morning I went to visit the Angel Oak Tree.  Some say it is 1,500 years old. others claim 400 years old. Either way, it is majestic.  The tree is named after the original land owners, Mr. & Mrs. Angel.....how appropriate.  I could see entire religions dedicated to this haunting structure.

Add this to one of the many magical sites Charleston, SC has to offer. 

Happy Weekend!

Deal of the Week

I have not been taking many photos of the house renovation project because I don't think much is happening.  But, I also have thought the same about my belly for the last few months and I know that is not true......so, I promise to be a better blogger. (Thanks, Diane, for calling me out)


To help with the (sometimes) daily posts, I've decided to add a "Deal of the Week"  to the line-up.  I know you are all frugal shoppers, especially in this economy, but it never hurts to get a free tip every once in awhile.


I've already made you privy of the Farm Sink on ebay, but I'll share another find this week.  It may not be appropriate for you all, but you just never know who is in the market for a new crib and mattress.


I've fallen in love with the Jenny Lind DaVinci 3-in-1 convertible crib seen everywhere from Land of Nod (not currently listed on site) to CSN Baby for $267 (original price $446.98!) to Target for $199.  I was almost enticed my a craigslister who was selling hers (with mattress, blah) for $250.  I was no fool.   No siree.  After a little more digging, I found the exact same one (NEW mind you) at Walmart for $149 INCLUDING a mattress AND free shipping.  Magic to my ears.


I am digging the white for now, but would love it in black or even gold a la Erika at Urban Grace.  We just have to see what comes out......I'm bidding on a changing table that ends soon so cross your fingers.

Score!

Not only for the US Soccer Team, but also for me.

32" Farm Sink from Ebay for $439!!!!!

They are listing another one with a starting bid of $399 if anyone needs one.  Happy Bidding!

I'm Dreaming Of This On My Porch

IVAN MEADE - What should every room have in it?

JONATHAN ADLER - The hanging chair. Every house should have a hanging chair. There is a constant battle over who gets to sit and swing.


I saw this at Pier 1 this week......

Yes please.

Happy Friday!

Small Spaces Solved.....

...at least for now.  Once you see the big reveal you'll notice that my mind changed on almost everything I've posted about so far.  Oooh, the mystery of it all.

2 of the bathrooms we are putting in to the house are small.  I don't mind the guest bath being that small because you never want to make your guests THAT comfortable or they'll never leave.  The baby's bathroom requires some vision, but it is for a baby so how big do they really need?

I have never been a fan of vessel sinks, but when space is limited they are a good option.

I found this sink on OverStock.com

It is only 19" l x 11.5" d x 5" h - pretty small.  But, could be lovely on this

The only problem is that the plumbing will show.  I could always place a tall laundry basket under there to hide the pipes. I'd paint it a lighter color, too - grey or white -  just to keep with the light tones of the house.

What do you think?  Too fancy?

My First Adventure to World Market

Have you ever been to a World Market store?  I've read about it on other blogs, but we never had one in Boston.  I was so happy to see it only a few miles down the road here in Charleston.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  It smelled like Pier 1, but sold booze.....who could ask for more?

I was first won over by their fun, ethnic jewelry.  My husband bought me a similar bracelet for a wedding present and spent 10x as much as these almost identical ones:

Then I came across a little section of hardware and wished they had more of these for the kitchen:

Next, I saw tables and tableware.....

i love all things bamboo ($2.99 each)

These will be perfect for the open shelving in the kitchen

Very Anthropologie.......would really jazz up white dishes for a summer soiree.  

Love this chunky wood table.  Unfortunately, I think we have to go with a drop leaf for the space.

Great price on seagrass chairs.......I already have too many chairs at the moment :)

Last, but certainly not least, I never thought I'd be so drawn to animal print......but, hello lovah.  I'll take 2 of these by the fireplace, please.  This arguably could be chevron print, too.

Go find a store near you.  You won't be disappointed.

An Apron In The Kitchen

Funny how one thing leads to another.....I was perusing the interwebs and visiting a newfound friend on the blogosphere, when I discovered Julie over at Milk and Honey Home.  She has an AMAZING kitchen backsplash from Walker Zanger and I just had to ask details and add it to my growing list of possible backsplashes.  BTW - The scalloped mosaic sample came in the mail the other day and we nixed it.  Too fancy for a simple kitchen.  Thank you for all your comments!  Decisions are halted until we find a countertop we like.

Julie also introduced me to a very important google search keyword, "fireclay", when searching for cheap internet deals on farm/apron sinks.  Who knew this would make all the difference in the world?  One can easily obtain said beauty for under $500.

This makes me very happy, because now we might be able to get a real live range hood instead of a microwave above the stove!  Of course this new plan throws a major wrench in the kitchen design.  As I said, one thing leads to another :)

HomeGoods is Good for the Home

I went to the local HomeGoods today (which BTW is associated with Marshalls instead of TJMaxx here, weird) and fell in love with so much stuff.  It will definitely be my go to place for most of the home decorating.  Something tells me that the prices aren't as cheap as they could be though.  I think we get suckered in by the "discount" store idea...but is it really at a discount?

I've been saving this image taken from My Favorite And My Best a few months ago:

I love the simplicity with unique pops of shapes and color.  We are putting a tub and pedestal sink in the baby's bathroom so I am using this as my inspiration photo.

AND....I saw this mirror at Homegoods today for $49.99

Not identical, but still conjures up the same feel of whimsy.  I think it would look very cool in a pop of coral or green. I have a metal bin that I plan to stencil a la Jenny at LGN and her monogrammed umbrella stand.  We just have to wait for a name and sex.......4 weeks to go!

Globe Lamp Re-do

I hate when I'm feeling crafty and don't have any of the supplies I need to carry out the ideas.  So, I'll share this one with you until I can actually try it out.  Or....one of you could try it out for me and tell me if it works :)

We've all seen this kitchen image over the past few months and drooled over those pendant lamps.  My sister and I found them online for about $900 each.  Too exy for us. (Hello dreamy backsplash.  GO comment on yesterday's question)

Photo courtesy of Styleathome.com

After browsing IKEA for new pendant lights, I saw this and was immediately reminded of the above image. 

 

Now, I can afford $40 (on most days).  But, per usual, I can't just take it as it is; I must transform it somehow and make my life more difficult.  I did some quick online research and found that you can, indeed, paint glass lamps.  And, luckily, the dark color would be on top of the globe as to not obscure the light coming through.  I could probably do a gold/bronze band of paint to mimic the metal accents and perhaps glue (?) on a few pointy things.  Or maybe on one of my treasure hunts I could find actual bronze strips and adhere them somehow.......ah the possibilities.

One could also use this pendant as another option:

Somebody please go do this so I can see if it works.  IKEA is 3+ hours away now and it hurts a little to think of all the things I am missing out on there.  Namely, $0.99 breakfast!