Hello There!

So...I think it's safe to say that blogging has fallen by the wayside for me. I started this blog fresh out of college when I had nothing to do but dream up new projects. Then, reality set it and I had to get a job(s)! Needless to say, I've been BUSY. Between working, and planning events for my brother's upcoming August wedding, I just haven't found the time to write. BUT! I am going to try and change that and get a couple of posts a week up. After the wedding I hope for it to be more!

No worries though, today I have something to share. Remember this post where I showed you a picture of a nightstand I snagged for $9?! Well, 6 months later, I finally decided to tackle it and give it a nice coat of paint.

In case you forgot, here is the before:

And here is the after taken with my iphone. I had all intentions of bringing it outside and photographing it better but alas, that didn't happen!

Clearly, Marley was trying to steal the show here. But overall, I love how the matte black paint which is 'Black Suede' by Behr really allows the brass details to stand out. I've been dying to add a bit of mid century design to my room and I think this fits the bill!

Have you refinished anything lately? Who is going to Brimfield this year?!

Versatile Pieces

This morning I was scrolling through my local Craigslist looking for a buffet for Adam's dining room that I could make over. I didn't stumble upon anything I loved but I did find this piece:

I know it doesn't look like much now, but I think with a little bit of lovin' it could be a great piece for a great price of $40! The lines and shape of this table are so sweet and it instantly made me think of a series of posts done over at Good Bones Great Pieces.

I would use it as a vanity table in a bedroom or bathroom but Lauren from GBGP has a great spindle table similar to my Craigslist find in which she demonstrates just how versatile a piece like this can be.

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Here it is used as a night table and vanity/dressing area paired with a fabulous Venetian mirror and lucite bench.

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Here is it being used as a desk area, paired with a simple chair and statement lamp!

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Lastly, here it is again being used as a vanity!

In addition to a vanity or desk, this table could be used as a side table, console, or nightstand! Thinking about how versatile a piece of furniture can be before buying it is a great tactic to have, especially when furnishing for a not to permanent residence.

Have you purchased any versatile pieces lately? Scored any great finds on Craigslist?

Belated Christmas Decor

How was everyone's Christmas? I became violently ill and my poor mother had to cancel the celebrations at our house. I know right, who cancels Christmas? I was THAT sick. No fear, we are making up for it this Thursday by getting together and exchanging gifts. I still feel awful about it though, I kept saying how I ruined Christmas all day!

Anyways, I know Christmas is over, but I figured I would share today's post with you on how to take ordinary thrift shop finds and turning them into festive decor for the holidays! I actually purchased these two ceramic owls at a thrift store for $4 to use as everyday decor, but I so happen to love them as Christmas decorations! I also may have a slight obsession with ceramic or brass animals...I don't know why but they're irresistible to me.

Here are the owls in the state that I purchased them during the summer:

I simply gave them a light cleaning, and sprayed them with Rustoleum semi-gloss white spray paint, making sure to give them light, even coats. After letting them dry, I gave them a quick coat lacquer clear coat to give it a ceramic appearance. Here's the after:

crappy cell phone picture, need to get on that!

And here are the both of them set up at their home for the holidays!

As soon as the Holidays are over, they will be residing on Adam's bookshelf, but for now I like where they are.

Do you have a thing for ceramic animals? Have you ever spray painted a thrift store find?

Chair Before & After

Today I am going to share a chair makeover that I completed a while ago. I found this chair sitting on the side of the road. Actually there was 4 of them, but I only snagged one (stupid). And what I mean by 'I snagged' is actually, 'I made Adam snag'. But anyways, I forgot to take a picture before I started working on it so here it is with the seat removed and partially sanded:

Please excuse the mess in the background

 It's actually supposed to have a rattan seat but the people who threw them out had already removed it and replaced it with a very poorly upholstered piece of plywood.

See the remnants of the rattan?

I don't have step by step instructions but what I basically did was sand it, then cleaned it up with a tacky cloth, primed it with gray spray paint primer, then painted it with some black semi-gloss spray paint. I then took the piece of plywood, added some foam and reupholstered it with about a half yard of fabric! Here is the after!

Not bad for a free chair! I use it as my desk chair for now and added a little orange pillow for some extra comfort, and I have to say, I love it!

Have you made anything over recently? Or maybe you have a piece that you found on the side of the road that you love too?!

Can't Stop Thinking About It....

So, remember that green console I blogged about yesterday? Well, my Aunt Sandra bought it! I am so happy to live vicariously through her because I absolutely love the piece. It's so fun, and I think it really breaks up the all black furniture she used to have there before! She sent me some pictures as soon as she got home. Take a look:

I'm seriously in love, and can't wait to see it in place in person. Luckily, my Uncle Mike was able to haggle the price due to a few dings and I think they got a great deal on a statement piece that will be in style for years to come.

Have you bought any statement pieces that you love recently? Fill me in!

Weekend Recap

Last week was such a whirlwind, which explains the one post!

I don't know if you have a Tuesday Morning store near you, but I went for the first time with my aunt this weekend. It's basically a huge store with a modge podge of stuff crammed in it. You name it, they got it. Here's what I snagged up:

A burlwood frame. Wish I grabbed another! $6.99 people!

A black and white candle you can personalize yourself for $5.99.

A Waverly desktop organizer that my aunt bought for me for $7.99 I think.

I love everything that I got there but had my sights set on a buffet/console piece that was amazing but the price a little out of my reach at $699

It had a beautiful carerra marble top and a great kelley green crackle finish. I am going to try and convince Adam that we need it as a buffet in the dining area! My aunt was also contemplating buying it as well, so we will see!

When I got home I was anxious to place all my new items in place in my room. I rearranged some things and snapped some photos to share.

I know the picture aren't the greatest, but you get the idea! After my mini shopping spree my aunt treated me to a manicure and pedicure for my efforts in helping her paint a room in her house. She's the best.

I went for a colored french manicure, something I typically would never do, but I wanted to try something different and I kind of like it! I'll spare you the picture of my toes, however. If you're curious the color is "Don't Mess with OPI" by OPI.

I know that was quite the random post but..

How was your weekend? Despite Christmas shopping, did you pick anything up for your house or yourself?

New York Trip

So this past Saturday I went on a little day trip to New York City with some of my family. I would love to share some pictures, but I can't find my camera cord right now! We spent the day walking around the city,  shopping, and eating! Our first stop was Barney's where we shopped and then visited GaGa's Workshop on the 5th floor which is filled with Lady Gaga merchandise in which the proceeds from your purchase goes to one of her charities. I will be posting pictures of it tomorrow, once I find my camera cord.

I was pleasantly surprised that there was some very fun pieces as part of her collection. I wish I had made a few purchases, but since it was our first stop I held out. These are the two pieces I am coveting and may just purchase online!

A fabulous metallic leopard print journal/notebook!

Chic playing cards!

and just because I love and collect teacups...

I'm mad at myself for leaving without the teacup, because I really do love it so I may just have to buy it online for myself! Notice the diamond at the bottom of the cup? So fun!

What did you do this weekend? Was anyone else part of the holiday madness in NYC?