Why Patience & Persistence Pay Off When Decorating on A Budget

Sometimes decorating on a budget is tough.  You either have a sparse space because you're saving up for the perfect furniture and decor or you've purchased temporary stuff that works...for now.  It's tempting to purchase inexpensive and sometimes low-quality items just so your room isn't bare - because nothing is more daunting than a bare room, but it tends to be a method I try to avoid.  Perhaps it's my picky personality, but once I set my sights on something no temporary replacement will ever do. Plus it just seems like a bit of a waste since you're just going to replace it down the road.  Don't get me wrong, I definitely do use temporary fixes from time to time but I try really hard not to. 

Our living room is no exception.  With only two east facing windows, our living room is the darkest room in the house.  It's a place where I spend LOTS of time writing, watching the ol' boob tube and getting my fill of house porn.  The switch for the overhead light is WAY across the room plus there's no convenient side table to place my coffee cup, so you can imagine the inconvenience that I have had to endure on a daily basis.  I've been on the hunt for a floor lamp and a small side table to remedy this bothersome situation for what seems like ages.  I was looking for styles similar to this, this, this, or this but you know....for a lot less money!  Those are each beautiful lighting options but YIKES!  I can't even imagine spending that much on a lamp.

Shop 'Til You Drop

Well folks, I've finally done it.  Last Friday I opened up my Etsy shop!  I can't even begin to describe how nervous, excited - and just a wee bit terrified - I am.  But with 1 million other shops, I'm sure a few of you know what I'm talking about.

The shop is pretty sparse right now.  There's a few prints, a set of cork trivets and the Octopus Triptych.

I hope to have quite a few more items up in the near future, but for now I'm reveling in the fact that I FINALLY opened up shop.  I don't know how long I've thought about doing it, but just haven't taken the plunge.

So what about you guys?  Have shops of your own?  How do you get your items in front of the masses? 

BLEND Interior Design Studio Deal @ Living Social

As I mentioned yesterday in my interview with Michelle Dirkse of BLEND Interior Design Studio, here's the deal offered by LivingSocial for interior design services by BLEND Interior Design Studio.    What can you get?  Color Consultation for Up to 1,000 Square Feet ($69), Furnishing Renovation Package and Consultation for Up to 500 Square Feet ($99), or Concept Package for Up to 500 Square Feet ($199)

Specifics:

• Hone in on a hue with a color consultation that matches your armoire to an accent wall, plus get tips on furniture and accessories selection
• Or, leave the planning to the pros and spruce up your space with a furnishing rearrangement 
• Or, let the talented team maximize potential with a concept package that includes an in-home consultation, floor plan, and inspiration page of budget-friendly fixes

Hope you score this awesome deal.  And if so, I'd love it if you'd share your before and afters with me!

Craigslist, Goodwill, Freecycle...Oh my!

Haggling aside, I absolutely heart thrifting.  I am addicted to craigslist, goodwill and yard sales, but my most beloved of all is freecycle.  Why?  The stuff is straight up free.  I love finding unique treasures and bringing them home to my exasperated husband just to hear him ask, "now, where the heck are you going to put that?"  Luckily, he's the most frugal guy in the world so when I tell him it was free his protests typically end.

Here are some photos of my most recent scores. The can on the left is a vintage 50 lb. Armour Star lard container. 50 LBS!  Yikes, that's a lot of lard.

Lard container & large basket from flea market