Shop Goodwill Online?!

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you had a great weekend.  We went to a small birthday party for our neighbor at a Mexican place Saturday (we ate vegan tocos and they were great!) and Sunday walked to our little farmers market and took Mateo swimming at our friends pool. Lots of fun!

In other news, yesterday I stumbled upon a website that could be serious trouble for me.  Goodwill has an online auction site.   The only person who might like this more than me is my sister, a self-proclaimed Goodwill addict.
Within 5 minutes of finding this site, I registered and put a bid out on this beauty.

It was only at $21 with several hours left to go.  Funny enough it was listed in San Diego....and we just happen to be going there this week!  I could pick it up and save on the shipping!  I put a bid in for $25 but alas I was beat by $1! UGH!   The auction ended and forgot to put another bid in. Yes this beauty sold for just $26.  Im so bummed that I missed out.  That would've been a serious score.
Here are some other interesting things I saw. 

This coat: Currently at $81..leather and fur (so not vegan, I know!)

this gold watch: currently at $26. Beautiful and vintage looking.

this gorgeous persian rug is currently at $56 .. I really want this one.  (mom, if you ever see a rug like this while thrifting please get it for me ok?)

this sheep skin (4x8) is only $11? hello? draped over a chair??

this 1950's aqua glass pitcher with gold would look fabulous on a bar cart.

this jadite juicer is so cool and would come in handy when we make ceviche!

Attention shoppers in Akron Ohio...this red fur coat would be so perfect for your cold winters! There is actually a matching red dress under the coat.  2 pieces! You could pick it up and avoid shipping charges. Gorgeous!  Can you say Mad Men?

This awesome antique mirror would look great above a mantel.

Ok...it seems like I could go on forever.  I just thought I would pass this on for all you bargain hunters out there.  I will be definitely be adding this site to my favorites!  What about you? Any interest?

[Another] New Rug!

Happy Monday! Guess what? I have a new rug!!
I wish I could say it was a steal from Craigslist, but alas, it was full price at HomeGoods.

I saw this [Ikat] beauty last week and couldn't stop thinking about it.  I love the subdued colors.  What about my huge orange rug I scored on CL? It is still awesome and Im not getting rid of it....I can just move it upstairs to our bedroom.  (Which will be FILLED with color!)

Now one the first floor, all of our "big pieces" are neutral.  A good backdrop for colorful accessories. 

One thing is...I just wish it was a tad bigger.  It's not quite 8 x 10 and compared to the orange West Elm rug (9x 12) it seems small.  But really, either size works. With the larger, furniture was sitting on the rug, and with the smaller, just the front legs.  Both "legal" in the design world....yes, I checked!

I rolled it out in the living room and Ernesto approved. It is much softer than the orange rug. Mateo did a scoot test and approved as well.  Then he amazingly started doing yoga!
Downward dog!!!

The downstairs is really coming together, and I love how bright and airy it looks. I'll take pics this week.  We should be ready to host a housewarming/meet Mateo party in the near future!

Trip to IKEA

I love IKEA.ikea.com Do you feel like the most unorganized person after leaving there? I know I do. I am so inspired to change every time I go!

We had a list of things to pick up for my sister in law and several things to buy for our home.  Problem was, we only had about one hour and, if you have been inside IKEA, you know that it is almost impossible to get through in less than two.

First on the list...curtains.  I can only imagine what all the neighbors have seen through our [uncovered] windows in the last 6 months.  I thought maybe I would sew the curtains myself, but after spending over 4 hours in Fabric World and not finding the right fabric, I turned to Ikea's MERETE curtains. At $25 a pair, it would be hard to make these for less.

MERETE curtains

 I'm so pleased with the quality of these. Also, I didn't realize how nice the grommet style is.  When you open them they create perfect folds.  The white looks beautiful and fresh against my gray walls.

The back door in the kitchen is a solid window and I love how lets in so much light.  At night though, it would be nice to know that you can't see in.  This ENJE roller blind is awesome for just that.  It actually still lets light in, and is see-through to the outside, but from the outside you can't see in.  Privacy for $18.  Not bad.  It matches the gray paint I put on the door too.

ENJE roller blind

I have a lot of artwork that has never been hung or even framed.  I wanted to take care of at least one picture I have for Mateo's room.  It's called Maternidad by famous Ecuadorian artist Guayasamin.

It will fit perfectly in this 19 x 27 RIBBA frame.  Simple gallery style for $20.  I bought white.

{RIBBA frame}

I saw these dog butt hooks and could not resist.  Take one guess at which color I chose.

BASTIS hooks

I have seen so many creative ways to display kids books, but I am still stuck on this picture I saw a year ago using picture ledges.

I was going to buy some at Ikea.  I would like to have 4 shelves.  They were $10, so $40.

When I saw them, I thought...Ernesto can make those.  Really,  I could make them.  Just 3 pieces of wood to nail together, sand and paint. Easy!  Anyhoo, I bought the wood and had it cut at Lowes yesterday and it only cost me $11 for 4 shelves.  I'll share them with you...just as soon as they are done.

Another thing that I went to Ikea for, but didn't have time to find and pick up [during our short trip] was the RAST dresser.  There are so many make-overs out there for this plain dresser.  It is solid wood, and perfect size for a nightstands and cost.....wait for it..... $35!!  

RAST dresser

Here is one of my favorites DIY's

I bought two of these JARA shades for my grandma's vintage lamps, but they didn't work.  Ikea does have a HUGE version of this shade that would look really nice over the dinner table.  I thought I could paint the inside gold and hang it from a pendant with a ceiling medallion.  I have had my heart set on this huge drum shade from Crate & Barrell, but can't pull the trigger with the $200 price.  It is just a lamp shade after all...surely I can find something cheaper.  I may buy this one and see how it works.

JARA shade

Do you guys love Ikea too??

San Diego Part III: A Little Shopping

When I was pregnant and still didn't know the sex of the baby I kept hoping I would have girl.
Why?
1.  I liked more girl names than boys

2.  I thought dressing a little boy wouldn't be that fun.

Boy, was I mistaken.  I was surprised that once Mateo was born, I was able to find such cute clothes for him.    My two favorite stores, Target and TJMaxx have a great selection.  I usually buy at least one outfit every time I go.  These are from my latest spree:

Not that my little papasito needs clothes to look cute....I mean really...come on

{notice his cute bubble butt}

Could he be any cuter?  Oh those cheeks (all 4 of them) make me crazy!
The lobster outfit is a swim suit and came with a matching sunhat.  So cute!  As you can tell, I am really into stripes....and it doesn't stop with clothing.

I painted stripes on Mateo's ceiling and I will be painting stripes in my hallway when we get back from San Diego.

Another kick I am on [along with everyone else] is chevron.  When mi suegra and I were at TJMaxx the other day I spotted this 6 x 9 wool rug for $99 and immediately put it in my cart.

It's funny how I will hesitate to spend $10 or $20 on something...but not question the cost of other things.  Sometimes you just know when you have to have it, right?   Nonetheless, I thought it was a pretty good deal.  I wasn't even sure where I would put it, but have since decided it will go in my bedroom.   It will look great with my newly painted campaign dresser and my West Elm Moroccan duvet.

Inspiration board coming soon!

The Weekend: Scott's Antique Market

Hi Everyone! I hope you had a nice weekend.  Mine was relaxing, hanging out with friends, shopping and walking/house hunting with Ernesto. (nothing yet...)

On Saturday, Smita, Lucy, Liz and I went to check out Scott's Antique Market.  Ernesto and I went a looooong time ago when it was still at Fort McPherson.  It's now located south of Atlanta in Jonesboro at the Atlanta Expo Center.  Held on the 2nd weekend of every month, the market is an event.  It is so big, it took us 4 hours and we only got through one building.
Ernesto's last words as I stepped out of the house with my girlfriends was "Don't bring home and shit!" ha!
I did see several things I wanted to bring home, but I resisted, because really I don't have anywhere to put new things. I will, however, be coming back to Scott's with a truck once we buy our house.

It's probably harder when you have a certain something in mind. For example lucy wanted a milk glass cake stand and an old gold watch.  Seh didn't find either.  I wasn't looking for anything specific, but I went home with more inspiration for decorating.  Like I need any more.....

LOVE this chandelier!  And the one below, wouldn't it be sweet in the baby's room?

One vendor had a huge stack of coffee bags from around the world.  Only $5 each.  I have been seeing tons of upholstery projects using burlap.  Wouldn't this make a great footstool?

Once we have an extra room for our office/my jewelry studio, I am buying one of these old map drawers! 
I saw this white one and was sad that I couldn't get it....although the price needed to be bargained down from $300 asking price. 

I am always on the lookout for rugs and Im in love with antique persians (or replicas) This one was a perfect mix of orange, pinks and gold, which you don't see as often as all the shades of red. (not my color) It was a fair price too at $100.

This wire chair would look so great with my little sheepskin over it.

I would love to redo this tufted bench with a bright color. Vendor was asking $90 but I'm sure whe would have come down.  You must bargain!

These chairs were the coolest.  I nver did get a price which is probably a good thing.  They were heavy, I would say solid brass and the leather was soft.  I think they are so unique.  I love the greek key shaped arms.

Of course the tulip chairs caught my eye, but these, along with much of the mid-century pieces I saw there, were quite expensive.  With constant stalking on Craigslist  though, you can find some good pieces for less!

There were also a TON of vendors with jewelry.  There was inexpesive [but fun] costume jewelry and then there were all the antique dealers.  I scanned those booths for Art Deco pieces and this caught my eye.
A platinum Art Deco beauty from the 1920's-30's.  It has 3 center diamonds and sapphire accents.  You know we are having a sapphire baby, right??? Wouldn't this be a great gift for the new mother?  This is definately the shape I am looking for, but I would rather have one or two of the center stones be sapphire instead of diamonds.  (just in case you are reading this mi amorrrrrrr :)

If you live in Atlanta,or close to it, you will want to check out Scott's!  It's the second weekend of everymonth.  You can find all the info on their website.

IPAD AT TJMAXX FOR $399

WHAT???  Yes, you read that correctly!  Earlier this week there were rumors of TJMaxx (and/or Marshalls) carrying Apple Ipads for $100 less than Apple retailers ($399).  This is just one more reason why I love these stores!  I guess the sale was supposed to be for Black Friday shoppers, but TjMaxx tweeted about the promotion saying they are in [select unadvertised] stores NOW!

Needless to say I went to several stores searching for this ipad deal.  At $100 less than retail, how can I NOT buy it??  I was just telling Ernesto the other day that we NEED one for the Christmas Light Pros.
Yes!  It's a business need. (and a business expense!)

One store in Atlanta confirmed that they did have them and sold out (shocker!) but will be getting more.  Im sorry I can not tell you which store for fear that you will go and buy it and I won't get one.  I know where I will be bright and early Friday morning!!! Check your local stores!

The IPAD was already on my short xmas list, and if I buy it for myself before Christmas,  Ernesto can just get me the other small item on my list.  A VitaMix. The Rolls Royce of blenders.  They are about the same cost as the ipads @ $500.   Look at this beauty.  The motor is unstoppable and worth the money for how often we use our blender.  It will last a lifetime!

OK, back to TJMaxx.  You know that I have been a faithful Maxxinista for over 15 years!  That is a long time! There is no other store that satisfies my "love of the hunt" more.    I must make the rounds every time I visit.  Bags, jewelry, shoes, toiletries, lounge wear, gourmet food, housewares and then on to the clothing!  Whew!  Maybe that is why it takes me 2-3 hours to get through the store. 

"Never the same thing twice."  I have learned that the hard way over the years.  If you like it, you better buy it.  Chances are it will be gone when you come back later.

Over the past month, I have got some unbelievably great finds at TjMaxx / Marshalls.  Would you like to check them out?  Ok, the first thing on my list [even though it was on clearance] was not really a good deal [to me].  Im sure if you are a woman who spends hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a bag, it would seem like a steal.  To me though, it was a total splurge, and look how gorgeous!

FURLA LEATHER BAG

Big enough to hold anything and everything:  ipad and kitty?  What else do I need?

TITI THINKS MY NEW BAG IS VERY COMFY

 TJMaxx and Marshalls are carrying a ton of Cynthia Rowley lately.  My birthday boots make the list.

CYNTHIA ROWLEY BOOTS  $130

Ever since Treffry bought me a cute little mercury glass votive, I have seen it everywhere.  I have started a little collection.  The Christmas trees and ornaments will be packed away with other holiday decor, but the candle vases and orbs will stay on our shelves year round.  The candlelight glow shining through is beautiful.

MERCURY GLASS $3.99 - $12.99

I even found this owl ornament of the mercury glass and it reminded me of my Grandma Eve (born on Christmas Eve).  She loved owls.

MERCURY GLASS OWL ORNAMENT $4.99 

I may be a little late on the decorating bandwagon with these fu dogs, but when I saw them there was no question that they were coming home with me.

CHINESE FU DOGS $12.99/SET

Besides being a beautiful color, they are supposed to neutralize any harmful element from entering the home or office and bring luck.  I had no idea about the good fortune they are sure to bring until I Googled them.  Im not going to turn down any extra good luck, that's for sure.


This beauty is for ........all the parties I have??  I just love it and it makes me want to entertain.   Can't you see stacks of pretty Christmas cookies here. The white Mexican wedding cakes (or snowballs as my mom calls them) would really look pretty against the silver.  Who wants to come over?

STAINLESS 3 TIER SERVING TRAY -$19.99

Won't the tray look really nice on my new silver and gold tablecloth?

HOLIDAY TABLECLOTH $12.99

Although the clothing is on serious clearance right now, I haven't been buying too much.  (If I was still working in an office I would be going hog wild)  But alas, I am a lighting pro and dress a bit more casual.  I do however like to look chic and nothing helps that happen like a cashmere scarf in a bright color.

YELLOW CASHMERE SCARF

This graphic print shirt looks great layered under my black wrap cashmere sweater. 

MAX STUDIO GRAPHIC PRINT TOP- CLEARANCE $10

KENAR TISSUE WRAP - CLEARANCE $11

This dress was a birthday gift from Smita and I am in love with it.Stretch lace with a nude color slip underneath.  Perfect to wear out for a nice dinner, which is what I did on my birthday.  Hotty-hot!

MAX STUDIO LACE DRESS -GIFT

This last piece is really fun, and must be worn for a fun holiday party or happy hour.

CALVIN KLEIN SEQUIN TANK

You can run your hands along the sequins and make them either silver or black, how cool is that?

What great finds have you guys found at TjMaxx and Marshalls lately?

Ps.  Wish me luck on my ipad search!