beach and a good book

The countdown in our house has begun and the beach is just a few weeks away. I've decided this year instead of packing up a bunch of magazines for the trip, I'd rather get one great new design book. Apparently Emily Henderson has been listening to my inner most thoughts as she's thinking the same thing.

Any recommendations of good books you've read recently? (And Luke, if you are reading this, this doesn't eliminate the 'core' magazines I need each month in order to live.)

need vs want; summer edition

This week my oldest has camp, so my 1-year-old and I have been enjoying some alone time together. And since she isn't old enough to say she otherwise, I've decided dragging her to store after store was the way to go. She is one fab shopper and just a general 'go with the flow' awesome baby, so she appeases me. As long as we stop to pet the occasional ceramic dog, we are good.

It has been a while since I've checked in at my favorite antique mall (don't let the word 'mall' fool you, its good loot) so of course it was on my list of places to visit. And as always, there were a million and one things I wanted.

There are four of these chairs although he would let you buy them individually. Die.

One saucy ice bucket. This would turn my cocktail hour into something a bit more respectable.

Sorry, this seat is saved...for someone with a clean house. Considering most surfaces in my house have sticky finger prints and dog hair on them, I don't think the dealer would allow these to go home with me.

Hello luva!

It was obviously a chinoiserie kinda day at the mall.

And lucite.

And this one is neither chinoiserie nor lucite, but made me smile.

It is the Mary Katherine Gallagher of owls.Another great day at the ol' mall. And the cherry on top was the old lady who went on and on about all the things should would buy if she didn't have "so much junk in my trunk." Don't we all lady. 

Do you have a favorite spot you like to go to for inspiration? A place to waste time? A place to laugh at other people while eavesdropping on their conversations? Me neither. I would never do such a thing!

flea market fun

I hope everyone enjoyed a nice and relaxing weekend. Even though we had an extra day I feel rather behind this week. Does that ever happen to you? Anyone?

Anyway, on Monday I was able to make it to the annual Gypsy Caravan - one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the Midwest. I got there a little later than in years past but there was still plenty of good things.

This old prayer table would be so fun in an entry or as a bedside table. All you would have to do is unscrew the candle holder top thingy (is that sacrilegious?). It had the best patina.

A great old lamp for only $20. You know I love me some green.

I have no use for it, but really, who doesn't love a disco ball?!

This is the very same awesome teapot I saw back in December at my favorite antique store. Exactly the same as I recognized the guy running the booth. Only problem is - he'd marked it up. Bastard.

Wonderful old shutters.

A great selection of unique chandeliers. Love the one in the very back.

This set was in pristine condition and even had a whole for an umbrella.

By far the funniest thing I saw. This dude had 16 packets of this - you could easily do your whole room. Groovy.

Beautiful vintage milk bottles make for a lovely vase.

This booth had such amazing things.

I did walk away with one treat. This awesome vase (from the booth above) for $8. It is huge and lovely.

I will reward myself by filling this thing with some hydrangeas from the yard...as soon as it stops raining.

This gloomy day does make a perfect day for cleaning and laundry though. Oh joy.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the 'wahoo my bedroom is done' party.

garden stools for everyone

The more I see garden stools, the more I want one. They have been around forever, and I'm a sucker for a good classic.

Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers via Boxwood Terrace

With all the fresh colors and finishes though, maybe mixing up the traditional is the way to go.

Wisteria

Red Nook

Wisteria

Neiman Marcus

Do you have a garden stool? Know a great place for a budget friendly option?

treat yourself friday

I try to do a little something fun for myself on Fridays - get a tea at Starbucks, buy a new magazine, etc. (I know, I live on the edge.)

One of my favorite things to do is get my nails done. However, I often find myself without the time to go to the nail salon, aka 'mommy's special place'. And as a result, I have more bottles of nail polish at home than I care to count.

Last Friday I was feeling particularly cheap but still wanted my Friday treat, so I picked up a bottle of Sinful Colors at Target for $1.99. Can't get any cheaper than that.

 


Turns out this is the BEST nail polish I've ever used (with the exception of my Chanel). This stuff stays on longer than a RHOOC marathon. No chipping. Bright colors. So much fun.

Treat yourself this Friday and pick some up.

mom, are you digging in the trash again?

It happened again. I find myself innocently driving down the street, minding my own business, when something catches my eye. That something being someone else's trash.
My car stops, and before I know it I've coerced my husband into helping me lift this into the trunk.

A great old built in. As we were trying to squeeze the odd triangle shape into our trunk a lady pulled up next to us and said, "if that doesn't fit in your car, I'll take it".
Paws off lady! Find your own trash! 

This detail is on both ends and I love it.

Even a little extra fun at the bottom.

But as you can tell, it needs A LOT of work. I already know where its going to go - in the family room. It screams toy storage to me. And the fact that its a corner cabinet, that is just the space saving cherry on top!

So now for the big question - what color(s)? White and navy? White and black? Pink and purple? Just kidding, although that was my daughter's suggestion. (she's 4 so we'll let it slide). I'm open to any and all ideas you can throw at me.

estate sale strikes again

Good morning all! How are you on this almost spring morning?

I'm finally getting out of the weekend haze. I woke up Saturday morning to find we were out of dog food. And as anyone who has a Beagle knows, meals CANNOT be missed. So I quickly put a coat on over my PJs and ran out to the store to pick up a bag.

On my way home I noticed a sign for an estate sale. I didn't really have the time to go in, and I was certainly not dressed to be out (I'd already pressed my luck in an empty grocery store) but I couldn't resist.

"I'll only stop if it looks like a good old house", I told myself. As I got further down the street, and saw how insane the parking was I got even more excited. "If this many people are here, there has to be some good stuff." I considered the dog at home, who at this point was probably wining uncontrollably, but I couldn't resist. "She can wait five more minutes. I'll just run thru. Fastest run thru ever." I slipped into a spot close to the house as someone was leaving. I jumped out and was in a full speed walk sprint.

Quickly I weaved my way thru each room, finding some things that perked my interest but nothing worth stopping for. Actually, it was a good way to go thru a sale as it made me really prioritize what was 'worth it'. I thought it had been a wash, nothing good to nab. But luckily, two old ladies stop in front of me to argue over a quilt which blocks my way to the front door, which makes me back track and go thru the garage...where I saw them.

Two little (dusty) side tables who said "We are light and oh so cute. You can carry us under your arm and still be home before the dog starts to chew on your child's arm." They need some love, which always makes me like something even more and then I saw my very favorite words -

'As is'. $15 later, these babies were in my trunk and on their way home. I mean how often do you ever find a pair of anything?

I love their little stars.

And their arrows. Wahoo!

And I know just where they will be going...

After a good cleaning they will need some attention. What do you think? A big pop of color? Black? Wood?

Oh, and a paint color was picked for the bedroom. More on that this week.

How was your weekend? Do anything exciting? Torture any dogs with promises of breakfast?