Sunday, November 23, 2008

Stray Dog Strikes Again!

Brooke will quickly tell you that I'm not usually much of a bargain shopper. But, it seems in the last few weeks, the bargains have found me! I'd been searching for almost a year for 2 lamps for our buffet in the dining room. I wanted them in a soft blue/green, something that would match the kitchen walls. I thought they'd go well with the coral, and also help to merge colors between the kitchen and dining room and maybe even let me decorate with a little McCarty in the dining room. After looking high and low, on the internet, in little gift shops and big stores everywhere---I found them at the Stray Dog Designs warehouse sale. I walked in on Wednesday, and there they were---with my name on them! Math isn't my strong point, but if I had paid retail for them, I would have paid $410 a piece, equalling $820 total, and that doesn't include tax and shipping! I got 1 lamp for $30 (including the shade) and the other for $45. So, $75 vs. over $820. I'd say that was a pretty darn good deal! :) The one that was $45 was only more because the shade still had the plastic wrap around it. The owner quickly told me that I couldn't even buy 1 shade for $75. Yes, I know. Wow! And, I really like that the 2 shades I got have green silk trim on top and bottom, that will help bring more green into that room, as well!

Miguel lamp on Stray Dog Designs website: $410 x 2 = $820.

Miguel lamps in the Fore house: $30 + $45 = $75 total!

The flash on my camera didn't work so well on this one, but they look great with the coral! Now, those lamps are making my chandelier look even more shabby. That's another project!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Fun things!

I FINALLY had topiaries put into the McCarty vases to sit in our kitchen window. I had them done at Sophie's. I really like how they turned out!
A bit dark, but you get the picture!

And, I got a couple of new pieces of McCarty. A small basket bowl and a "signature" McCarty piece, their candle plate. The candle plate will actually sit on our breakfast room table. I just need to pick up some candles. It would also be a great "Advent plate!"

And, who says I can't find deals?!?! Stray Dog Designs is based here in Chattanooga and they're having a warehouse sale now through the end of November. I stopped in on Wednesday and was a bit overwhelmed at the fabulous selection. I will be going back next week as I think I might be able to find some lamps for the buffet in our dining room. They're quite pricey normally, but there were some steals there. $500 lamps for $40!!! YES, that's correct. And, absolutely nothing wrong with them. See how I was overwhelmed?!? Anyway, I picked up this adorable paper maiche bird that retails for $50 for $9. Looks cute on the new table! Like I said, I will be going back!

This was probably the best deal I found. This tole Christmas tree retails for $105. I paid $20! The color matches our kitchen perfectly.

This again!?!

Well, we slacked off all summer, so here we go again...the beginning of the fall project season! We're hoping to get the entire downstairs part of the house painted by the end of the winter. First, we start with the hallway. Once again, priming in between those little grooves, and 2-3 coats of paint on the walls. We're painting the hallway in 1/2 strength peanut shell (the living room color). So, it'll be a bit lighter than the living room. Brooke's favorite part is painting the doors. They require 1 coat of primer and 3 coats of white paint. LOTS of fun! I've taken some shots below of the "cave!"

The hallway closet...before paint...
Standing in the hallway looking into the dining room and up the stairs. The carpet on the stairs will also be pulled as there's gorgeous hardwood underneath. But, that's a project for another day!
And a view down the hallway towards the bathroom, guest room, and office. Lovely DARK paneling!
I primed all of the grooves. What fun!

And, another view of the grooves primed, looking into the living room.
Primer on the closet door! The first coat of 4!
Primer on the ceiling!

THE loveliest light fixture you've ever seen!

And, the first coat of white paint on the closet door!