living room

I think my most exciting part of the holiday weekend was the purchase of my new silverware.  I've been eyeing the Maxfield flatware from Pottery Barn for a couple of years now:

I couldn't justify the $95 per place setting price tag so I never moved ahead on purchasing it.  Then I got to thinking...why do I have to pay this much money for something that is new and made to look old and mismatched?  I should just buy old, mismatched flatware that has the same effect at a much more affordable price tag.  I floated the idea past my husband who, much to my surprise, liked the idea.

Now, $68 dollars later, I have a whole 12 piece place setting of beautiful, vintage flatware!  (The pictures don't do it justice!)

While I'm on the topic of finding better bargains than Pottery Barn on new-old things...may I remind you of our purchase a few months ago while visiting my grandmother in NC? 
Our soda crate fits just perfectly under our coffee table and holds magazines and remotes just perfectly.  And for the bargain buster price of $5!

Have you seen that Pottery Barn is selling the same thing for $24?!

Bought.

Back from a wonderful weekend in NC visiting my grandmother.  We were able to visit the Hillsville, VA Flea Market - a four day extravaganza of miles and miles of flea markets and the biggest conglomeration of hillbillies I have EVER (and I mean EVER) dreamed of seeing.  I took some pictures but will try to upload those soon.

A lot of what was for sale was junk but I did get this painting which I am super excited about.

They were asking $65 but I got them down to $20.  It is an original oil on canvas painting.  My husband used the Google Goggles app on his phone and quickly found the artist who is from Mexico and well known for his clown paintings.  They go for well over $100 so I was pleased with myself.  Plus, I think it will be really cute in a child's room one day.  I'll have to reframe it with a brighter mat and a fun frame (right now it just has a big clunky wooden frame) down the road.

I also found a great fabric and sewing warehouse up off of a windy mountain road and stocked up on some fabric for my new found sewing hobby (that I have yet to do anything with).  Look at all the fun prints!

Ahead of My Time and Much More Affordable!

Did you see this print for sale yesterday at One King's Lane? It's now sold out.

Oh I did.  And I noticed the price tag of $199 (and this was the OKL price). 

And do you see what is hanging in my dining room? (Sorry for the shoddy pic.)

Only I bought mine for $15 on a trip to Italy and then had it custom framed for $75 dollars.  Go me!!  I have another beautiful one of butterflies that is also framed in my house that my friend Reeves gave me when we were on that same trip together.

Here is a close up of the gold leaf frame that I love:

If you have no idea what I am talking about when I say One King's Lane then you are missing out.  My brother's sweet girlfriend, Sarah, told me about it and now it is a site that I check with somewhat of an obsession each day.  If you aren't already a member (it's free), you can click here to sign up.  You'll get $10 free credit to apply towards your first purchase (and I got a little perk too!).  And while we're on the subject, you know Overstock has started a members only site too, right?  Also free and also great stuff.  Visit and sign up for Eziba here.

Overstock Inspiration

I am an avid bargain hunter but I usually only search my local TJ's (not Trader Joe's but TJ Maxx), Marshall's, thrift stores, Home Goods and Tuesday Morning. After seeing Jamie's blog post on I Suwannee today, I was inspired to check out Overstock (I knew about it but never spent too much time searching on there). So, I made my own faves compilation. Yes, I've officially been missing out.

Bargain Buster

I - as my father would always proudly say - am a Bargain Buster! Check out what I snagged yesterday.

First, I negotiated 40% off this floor mat I've been eyeing for quite some time. My kitchen mat was dirty and no matter how many times I cleaned it, it still looked dingy. This one looks cute and ought to hold up well since it is made of wooden slats. I got it for $20 from one of my favorite stores in Alexandria, Decorium. Huge sale going on right now, fyi!

Second, I got the next two things - a nifty vintage metal basket and the olive oil dispenser - for six bucks. I think I am going to use the basket to organize things in my craft area...whenever I get around to organizing that.

Do make sure to note the adorable salt and pepper shakers that my friend Reeves gave me for Christmas!

I also got this stone mirror for $9. I haven't decided if this is its final resting place but I love it just the same.
Today I found a pair of these cool lamps. They are $59 each. We need new living room lamps but I was sensible and took a picture to mull them over.