Cheap Doesn't Always Mean Cheap!

I am thrilled to share a recent find with you guys:

This may not look like a gem to you, but to me, it is absolutely gorgeous! It is a victorian-inspired love seat with queen anne details (the photo does not do justice to the feminine, cabriole legs). And I can't WAIT to pick it up from the good old Goodwill tomorrow. Seriously, the desk next to this love seat was equally gorgeous (ah to have both)... splash on a coat of turquoise or lime green paint and trim it out in white with brushed steel handles... gorgeous, stylish, and recycled).

I was not even searching for furniture. I was actually donating an entire car's worth of nice items as we are really paring down lately (less is so so so more). I saw it and listened as two other women eagerly discussed price with the employee. It was out on the floor for the first time today and had already been placed on hold twice. The lowest the manager would go is $50. Who wouldn't take it for $50? I felt bad (sort of) but I did bring out the cash first and money talks. So, I won!

Think you can't bargain at places like Goodwill? You totally can and should.

So I am already eyeing some fabrics:

This would be lovely in a nursery

This would be awesome in a quest room with a crisp ecru-colored duvet

This would be good for an entryway

This would be a good living room fabric

And while these fabrics are, for the most part, not traditional, they will add a nice modern touch to a piece that is a replica from the 19th century. Even in a modern condo loft (if we go that route) this piece will find a home.

Don't be shy about DIY projects! This one won't really take off until the summer, but until then, it will be in my bedroom with a slipcover.

Getting Crafty

Do you remember my post about that adorable nursery photo featured on The Little Green Notebook?

Well, I have an Anthropologie gift card (score) and was looking to purchase an addition to my wardrobe since they are having a 25% off already reduced sale items (another score).

I came across something remarkably similar to the zebra in the nursery photo. It is a bit on the pricey side, but would add a huge punch to a nursery. If you can't splurge on the item, you can try to do something similar using a paper mache (sorry, lacking diacritics) technique.

Check out these resources if you are interested in a DIY project (that also doubles as a recycling project):

http://www.planetpals.com/papermache.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaLmdRBvGG4

Good Clothing on a Tight Budget

So many of you know that I love to shop at children's consignment shops (Sarah and Steve love a good deal). Not only is it great for our pocketbook, it is great for the environment, too. Plus kids outgrow clothing super fast. We have splurged on the occasional item (I love the Robeez, See Kai Run, and Livie and Luca shoes). But more often than not, Dalia's clothing is cheap!

We recently got two new pairs of corduroy pants (tags still attached) for $.99 each. Yep, those adorable red cords Dalia modeled in her 1 year photos are from good old goodwill. And that hat? $2 at Gap on sale.

We always get compliments on how cute she is dressed. I feel like people must think we spend a fortune, but we totally don't. On an earlier trip to Once Upon a Child, we found these (but the embroidered version) for $3. A recent trip to kid to kid was super worthwhile. Check out some of the great purchases:

We got a catimini sweater (top of the line European children's boutique designer) for $5.

I had no idea it was a boutique item. I was drawn to its warmth and beautiful yet quirky design. I was showing Steve when we got home and we just decided to google it. Hello, deal??!? I think so!

We got a roots winter down vest. Apparently roots is a Canadian company, who knew?! And that was only $3.

We got a pair of snow pants for $7. These are usually very costly. Plus, it may only snow once or twice so we won't worry that they weren't worth it.

We got two pairs of shoes and each cost $3.

Another great item was a made in the USA like new LL Bean windbreaker in a beautiful lavender. These jackets are usually $50 and we got ours for $5.

So get out and get some winter clothing deals!