Estate sale-ing adventures

Estate sale-ing is something I love but rarely have time for these days. Last weekend there was a nice one not far from home and we all three managed to stop.

I always look on the Estate Sales site before venturing out so I can see the pics in advance and get a feel for whether or not there's going to be anything good.  I usually have something in mind that I'm looking for but not always. In this case it was a lovely wooden antique bar cart that I saw in the pics online, but when I got there I found it to be wobbly and over priced and a not so friendly lady that wouldn't budge on price. So instead of a bar cart I went home with this lovely brown leather weekender bag!  Much more practical. And something I've wanted for awhile to be honest! Win win! Oh and I did manage to talk her down by $5 on this.

Easy Photo Ledges

So these might have a lot of stuff on them, but that stuff happens to be near and dear so I'm fine with it! In this case, bring on the clutter!

The resident handy man cranked these out in two nights (with his lil helper). He combined various tutorials on the Internet (because they are EVERYWHERE) and modified accordingly to fit our needs.

The jist of it...

1 inch screws (15 total)
2 1x4's (8 feet)
2 1x3's (8 feet)
2 1x2's (8 feet)

Kreg Jig - to help drill the pocket holes
Chop saw
Drill

You may need to trim up the pieces slightly using a circular saw as they may not all be exactly 8 ft when purchased from the store.  Oh and then paint all of the boards (this is where I helped alittle).


Start assembling once the paint is dried.  Attach the 2 in board (which will be your front ledge) to the 3 in board with your screws that you will recess into the 3 in board with your Kreg Jig. The Kreg Jig acts as template and helps you create a perfect pocket to insert your screw.  Once you have those 2 pieces together, you can simply screw the 4 in board into the 3 in board from the back since this will be the part against your wall.  Then, align your new shelf with the studs in the wall and attach.  Once attached you can paint over the screws that you see and decorate with all your fave memories!

Voila!

IKEA LATT Table Makeover

I finally got around to painting the IKEA $20 Latt table we picked up in Chicago over the summer. Luckily we have a lot of leftover paint in our house so I didn't have to purchase any new colors!

A little black, a little white, a little chalkboard paint for the table top and some gold spray paint for the tips!

Voilà!

BEFORE:

Disassemble with an Allen wrench set and paint!

AFTER:

Check Out Chairish!

So. . . I've been a little MIA lately, but I'm back!  The latest project under our roof has been finishing the basement in time for Layla's 1st bday party.  It's amazing how hosting a big event like that will kick you into high gear and get it done! Ok, well maybe not DONE, but livable.  Next up is continuing to decorate a fun and colorful playarea down there for Miss Layla!

All of her toys have moved to the basement and out of our living room. SUCCESS! It's time for me to start taking some strides in making a pretty sitting room on our main level. Sticking with the style of the rest of our house, I've slowly accumulated some vintage/used furniture over the last couple years via Estate Sales and Craig's List, but there is still a lot of potential for this room.  I recently stumbled upon a site called Chairish (www.chairish.com), and I'm in love.  The concept is simple.  Buy. Sell. Adore. Every day people, like myself, can now buy and sell vintage furniture, decor, jewelry, and accessories to one another online from all over the country.  The shop features curator-approved treasures in a full-service and trustworthy environment.

I've had a lot of fun window shopping the site lately, and picked out some of my favorites as inspiration for my sitting room.  I want a room that is fancy, fun, and functional.  The pieces I found on Chairish.com encompass all three of those.  Fancy is the Vintage French Settee with New Linen Upholestery, Vintage Victorian Round Mirror, and Curved Golden Mirrored Side Tables.  Fun are the Adjustable Barbara Berry Brass Floor Lamps, Early Brass Bronze Finish Globe, and Antique Inspired Antlers on Plaques.  And functional is the Vintage Jajim Rug and Belgium Game Table.  The game table opens into a real table!  Throw a linen table cloth on it and voila! You have an extra table for entertaining guests!

If you're a lover of design and vintage furniture, I highly encourage you to visit chairish.com ASAP!  You won't be disappointed!



Happy Hunting!