HomeGoodWill

I wandered to Goodwill on Thursday, determined to find some decorating accessories. There wasn't a lot to choose from, but I was inspired by what I saw.

First are these antique bronze candle holders ($.99 each). 

I picked up a can of Krylon Metal spray paint and hit these babies with a coat of primer.

(Yes, I was in my garage in the middle of the night doing this. Hence the darkness.)

I decided to go with the nontraditional apples as apposed to candles. Quirky and fun if you ask me!

I also found these candle holders ($.99 each). I was planning on giving them a coat of paint as well, but kind of like the eclectic feel of the different finishings.

This bowl was $2. It will make a great centerpiece bowl for the dining table, but for now is being featured on my "buffet" in the dining room. No alterations required for this beauty.

I plan on hitting another Goodwill today (if they are open). Hopefully, I will have the same luck!

After my success at Goodwill, I headed to HomeGoods. This wasn't just any ol' trip though, it was something special. I had, thanks to my wonderful husband, in my own two hands, a gift certificate for $100 (he received if for doing a good job at work and I was able to convince him to get it to HomeGoods). I am a frugal shopper at heart, but on this day I decided to buy things I normally wouldn't buy. And here is what I got for $101.42.

Mirror: $24.99

Sheet set: $23

Fake tree and blue thingy: $14.99 each

Candle holders: $3.99 and $4.99

I'll have to admit, besides the mirror and sheet set, which were necessities, I don't feel all that great about my purchases. I think for the most part I feel guilty for spending $15 on a very mini fake tree, but it was just so cute. And as for the candle holders, I still haven't decided if they are cute or completely hideous. Only time will tell...

Most impatient person ever = ME! Guest Room Reveal

Before:

Goldenrod yellow & oak trim. Not my style! 

After:

Obviously the room still needs a few finishing touches (probably should have ironed the duvet), but I just couldn't wait to share. I am planning on making some more pillows and some wall shelves to go to the right of the window. 

Breakdown of projects:

DIY Upholstered headboard: $52

DIY Duvet cover: $60 (and now I have two sets of sheets for the bedroom)

Painted Craigslist dresser: Already had it

White wall shelves: have materials, need to make

Paint: Ace Hardware - Cityscape $25

Trim & Door Paint: Behr Ultra White Semi-gloss - $20

Costs:

Bedside table: already had it ($30 at TJMaxx)

Lamp: already had it ($30 at TJMaxx)

Bed: $80 from Craigslist

Dresser: Already had it

Framed Art: $10 from Homegoods

Blue vase: $14.99 Homegoods (bought with GC)

Mirror: $24.99 Homegoods (bought with GC)

Candle holders: $.99 Goodwill

And there you have it. I will update pics as I continue to add more items to the space. Hope you like it!

Linking to the DIY Showoff

Paint Color Picks

I have been dreaming in paint colors lately. I decided to put all my picks on paper. Here are some of my favorites...

Glidden - Clear Blue Sky

Behr - Cloudy Day

Glidden - Cornflower Bouquet

Behr - Veranda Charm

Behr - April Mist

Glidden - Pebble Gray

Glidden - Smooth Stone

Glidden - Whispering Wheat

Martha Stewart - Sea Glass

Martha Stewart - Rainwater

Behr - Venetian Pearl

Berh - Palm Breeze

Behr - Antique White

Behr - Swan Sea

Glidden - Natural Linen

Behr - Down Home

Because we are currently in our "starter home", I have come to the conclusion that spending more money on this house (and this area) does not make sense financially. This doesn't mean I won't continue to make upgrades here and there and accumulate good deals on decor (nobody can stop me from doing that!). I am, however, going to start thinking a little bit more about our future home. Gather paint swatches, inspiration photos, and decor ideas that I can break out when the time is finally here! These paint colors are the start of that. You might notice that I love blue, greens, and grays. Some look a little cold, but in the right space with the right decor they can all be warmed up. I am dreaming of white moldings, cool paint colors, and comfortable fabrics, ahhhh.

Giving myself an "A" for Effort

I was so determined yesterday to come home with loads of great deals. I tried so very hard, but didn't succeed. Here is the list of stores I hit...

HomeGoods/TJMaxx

Michael's

Off Broadway Shoes

Pier1

Target

Hobby Lobby

Joann's

Kohl's

Gap

Gap Kids

J. Crew

Banana Republic 

Clarks Shoes

Taylor Shoes

Macy's

Stein Mart

Gordman's

Express

JCPenney

The only thing left in each and every holiday section were candles and individual ornaments. Very, very disappointing. I have learned my lesson (again) and will be out there at 6 am next year on December 26th!

On a more positive note, here is what I did pick up.

Trees from HomeGoods - $6 each

Linen placemat from target - $2 each

2 linen/gold napkins from target - $2

Silver ornaments - $1 each

"Baby Sleeping" Mirror with ribbon from HomeGoods - $3.50

That is it! 

I did try on some gorgeous black leather boots that were on sale for $119 (down from over $200). I am thinking about going back and getting them today, we'll see!

I was encouraged when I got home from my all day shopping trip. I checked the mail and found that my DH had requested requested a HomeGoods/TJ Maxx gift certificate as his reward at work (just for me!). I'll be sure to show you what I pick up with that, too.

Shopping Extravaganza

Today, I am going to bear the cold and head out to find some deals. I am looking for...

- Christmas decor (the very on sale stuff!)

Pier1

- Black riding boots

Victoria's Secret

- Work clothes

J. Crew

(Yes, I get to wear jeans to work!)

- Dog beds (or fabric to make my own)

- Mirrors for the guest room and my bathroom

- Bathroom light fixture

- Black flats

And my favorite thing...

- BABY STUFF!

No, not for me. One of my good friends told me last night that she is pregnant! Needless to say I am very excited for her and will be on the look out for some cute stuff today.

Wish me luck!

To-do's for the New Year

The short list:

- Finish painting oak trim/doors (trim in 2 bedrooms and living room, 4 doors)

- Make duvet cover for guest bedroom

- Repaint peg legged dresser for guest room and buy crystal knob pulls

- Stain/paint bathroom vanities and buy stainless steel hardware

- Finally hang new towel rack in bathroom

- Decide on paint color for kitchen cabinets!

- Paint kitchen cabinets and attach hardware

- Make stencil for "wallpaper" in office

- Organize all closets in house

- Find/buy new mirror for half bath

- Find mirror/artwork for guest bedroom

Resolutions:

- Obviously, lose 20 lbs

- Make dinner at home M-F

- Follow cleaning calendar

- Have more fun!

Deals, Deals, and more Deals!

This beautiful Nicole Miller Gate Comforter set retails for $249-$299 + the cost for all the gorgeous pillows. I saw the comforter set at HomeGoods this weekend for $49.99. 

Gold/Silver Pine & Berry Wreath from Z Gallerie - originally $65 and now $32

Green and Yellow Roses Pillow from Pier1 - originally $40 and now $10

(this would be perfect for a nursery!)

Super Soft Microfiber Sheet Set from jcpenney.com only $29.99 for queen.

I particularly love the Ogee Brown pattern.

I just might venture out into the crazy shopping scene today and if I do I will be sure to let you know what other deals I find!