Little Updates

I managed to fit in a few small updates to the bedroom this 

weekend in between yard work and more yard work.

First, I painted my plain white lamp shades dark teal and I'm really liking the effect.

I felt like this side of the room needed some dark, saturated colors 

so I whipped out some acrylic paint I had stashed away and painted it on with a foam brush.

My next little bedroom update is I finally hung some art above the dresser.

I found a set of vintage metal wall frames while thrifting and used one of the free print outs I posted about last week to fill them.

 

So there's my little update.

Teal lamp shades...

Horse art...

And a sleepy cat.

He's not really an update, just more of a lazy blob.

Office Progress

As promised, here are a few pictures I snapped with my phone of the office.

It's still a work in progress but I'll keep you posted as I go.



Thrifty Tips

Has anyone picked up a copy of Laura Spencer's, I Brake For Yard Sales?

I'm still waiting to get my hands on it but MSN Living featured

a few rooms she put together using vintage/used items all while using a limited budget.

These are honestly my favorite types of makeovers because it takes true talent to turn something old and ugly into new and refreshing.

Here are a few of her rooms:

She offers a lot of great tips on what to use while on a budget.

Here, she found original art for $75. Compare that to a well known artist who charges in the hundreds or even the thousands and you've saved yourself quite a bit.

Another trick up her sleeve is hunting for deals on the Internet.

She found these designer nightstands on Ebay for only $135 a piece.

Everyone knows a great solution to unattractive fabric.

Reupholster! (Just like I had these chairs redone here)

And here the chairs are in a fun plaid print:

It's hard to believe that almost everything in this room was a thrift find!

I need to be more like this woman!!

Last but not least, the coveted campaign furniture...

(Very similar to my dresser, here)

Loving the inspiration!

Everyone needs to own a copy of this book!

Click here to buy it at Amazon.com



New West Elm Favorites

If I had lots and lots of money, I would go crazy in this store.

The problem is, they would get even better stuff the next week and I would have to go back and do it all over again.

Oh well, it's at least fun to do some virtual window shopping.

Here are a few favorite items:

Everett Striped Chair

Crewel Diamond Pillow

Dip-Dye Floor Mat

Dhurrie Ottoman

Paper-Mache Animal Sculptures

(I actually bought the one on the bottom left. I'm still deciding where to put it)

Humming Bird Pillow

Gold Flatware

Chevron Pouf

Turning Pendant

Table Top Reading

I recently picked up a few more books for the living room coffee table.

She was looking a bit bare and some good reading material was on my watch list.

Lucky me, I stopped in Half Price Books where I found some great books for only a fraction of the cost.

Some of the bigger books cost up $75 brand new!

I think the most expensive book I purchased that day was $10.

I loooove me some deals.

Just a few others from around my living room.

Happy Monday!

West Elm Look-a-likes

A few look-a-like items I've been eyeing at my favorite go-to store, West Elm, have been popping up at TJ Maxx & Homegoods as of lately.

Who doesn't love this ikat woven basket?

Well I found an identical version for half the cost at Homegoods.

 

I also loved West Elm's felt storage bins.

(They also have monogramming available for this item)

Here's the look-a-like I got in the clearance aisle from TJ Maxx

Sometimes it's worth it to check out the bargain stores before you fork over the extra cash for name brand items. Most the time you can't even tell the difference.

Now go check out your local TJ Maxx & Homegoods!

Bedroom Update

This past weekend I was able to pick up a few things for our bedroom.

Granted, a lot of these things are on a trial basis because I have a disease called "Indecisive."

Here's the before:

 And here's my attempt at adding some color.

It all started with our new bed blanket.

For the past few months my husband has been telling me he wants one of those thick wool blankets that were mass produced for the army back in the day.

I knew our chances of finding one while thrifting were slim and to be honest, I don't think I would've wanted a used 70 year old blanket.

Luckily, we were able to pick up a recreated version from Faribault Woolen Mill Co.

With our new blanket to work around I added a few throw pillows from West Elm as well as their Ikat-Stripe organic pillow cases. ((LOVE them)) 

I also picked up this red one that I like to call my grandma pillow.

It's a little outside my usual aesthetic but I liked that it had a bit of whimsy to it.

We'll see if I end up keeping it.

Next on the list are lamps and art to go above the side tables.

I'm considering wall sconces if I'm able to find the right ones.

Etsy Ikat Pillows

I truly do love a good ikat print so I searched one of my favorite sites, Etsy for pillow options for my living room. I love how this site offers affordable, handmade items for a fraction of the cost that department stores offer.

Here is a round up of some of my favorites.

1. $50
2. $32
3. $48.95
4. $35
5. $34
6. $40
7. $45
8.  $16

Rug on Order!

Last week I mentioned a certain rug that got away.

Well thank you Overstock for bringing it back! And at a 15% discount no less.

It was originally $335.99 and with the new discount it came to $285.59. I googled around for a promo code and found one for $10 off any purchase over $250 so my grand total came to $276.59 including the wonderful $1 shipping fee.

Not too bad for a 7'6x9'6 rug.

With the new rug I'll be about 90% done with the living room (for now).

 And I was FINALLY able to finish painting my campaign dresser so I will share that later this week as well.

Happy Monday!



Butterfield 8

I'm obsessed with the powdery blues, golds and peachy pinks throughout this film. It's how I wish my flat (and my life) could be.