Last week, I ordered an indoor/outdoor rug from Overstock.  This one, specifically.

I had high hopes it would look and feel nice and could work well in several rooms in the new house.  Well, it arrived yesterday and I’m probably going to send it back.  I’ve seen indoor/outdoor rugs that have a texture similar to jute or sisal rugs.  The gray areas of this rug are similar to sisal.  But the ivory design is almost a basket weave texture.

The rug is thin, which I expected, but the backing is coarse.  A rug pad could help, but I almost prefer getting my money back.  Ben hates this rug, too, so I don’t want to keep large pieces one or both of us dislikes.

It’s just frustrating because large good rugs are hard to find, especially in a modern pattern.  This smaller wool rug has a fun pattern, but it’s considerably smaller and more than $100 more.

I predict Ben and I will have a hard time agreeing on a pattern because he doesn’t like the pattern of that rug, either.

Have you recently purchased a rug you love?  If so, care to share a link?

A trip to Minnesota wouldn’t be complete with out a thrift store stop.  Between our December trip and now, a new thrift store has opened up near my parent’s home.  Curious, we stopped in one day, just to take a peek.  Obviously, thrifting is hit or miss, but I was pleasantly pleased with how many large furniture pieces they had.  Sadly, I couldn’t take anything home with me.  But, I had a good time browsing.  Kitchenwares are always abundant.  I loved this gold striped bowl.

Silver rimmed stem ware could also double as pretty candle holders.

These green ceramic canisters are cute, functional and cheap.  The large was $3 and the small only $2.00.

I spotted this $25 mid-century modern end table for my sister.  She’s been on a MCM kick for her new home.  She loved it, so we took it before someone else could.

Of course, we saw some junk, too.  Really, when was this creepy girl lamp ever acceptable?  I’d think your kid wouldn’t be able to sleep because of the distant stare.

Oh, look.  Another cat figurine.

I’m actually kinda undecided on this brass knight head.  With a coat of spray paint, and in the right setting, like a geeky man’s office, I think this could look cool.  Sort of how the bright Buddha head statues are all over.

What do you think of Sir Knight?  Are poppy painted knight busts the next big design trend?  Or flop?  Probably neither.

On one hand, thrifting is a great way to find cheap home decor and much more.  On the other hand, thrift stores are also a great place to find hideous junk.  Goodwill is the cemetery for figurines, it seems.  Like floral cats.

And people carrying water buckets.

Poodle perfume bottles and ugly mini busts.

Overly animated golfer statues are there, too. 

Beware, not all thrift items are thrifty.  Take this clear lidded jar for example.  You can snag jars like these at Target and other big box stores for $10 bucks or less. 

Thrifty price?  $15.00.  I don’t think I’ll take that with me.

Are you also impressed amused by thrift store figurines?  I always seem to find one that I just crack up over.  Quickly followed by one that makes me want to scream in horror.  Be honest, have you ever bought an ugly figurine?  Was it for you?  Or as a gag gift?  Or, did you donate an ugly?  Please share.

More thrifting is going on.  This time, not only at Goodwill.  We have a new, huge store in town.  Individuals rent out a section of the shop and can sell anything home related in their section, so the diversity is great.  I found this white gourd shaped lamp with a broken (as well as ugly and stained) shade for 10 bucks.

It matches IKEA’s Persika vase I picked up last summer perfectly, though the lamp looks a little blue in the photo. 

Here are a few things that caught my eye, but my wallet said no.  This mirror is exactly the same as the black mirror in our living room.  We bought ours from a garage sale for $5.00.  Price comparision?  $78.00.  One point for Ben and Amanda, zero for the consignment shop.  Really though, even at $78.00, the price isn’t bad for such a large mirror.  And spraypaint could definitely modernize it.

I thought my sister would like this modern buffet.  What do you think, Ash?  If I remember correctly, it was $250.

How about a Versailles domed chair for $900?  Similar to this chair at Restoration Hardware and half the price.

If I had the space for a tall bench, I would love something with similar function to this piece:

It’s an umbrella stand, coat rack, mirror, bench and shoe storage all in one, but for $1700, it’s not getting in my house.  I saved the best for last.

Oh, I kid, I kid.  That was a little ‘What Not to Buy’ moment, courtesy of Goodwill.  Last week, you saw my obsession fondness of maps and globes, but I have never seen this before:

A moon globe!  I loved it, but not $42.61 kind of love.  More like $12.99 kind of love.  Now that I’ve shared some items from the new guy in town, I thought I’d share some finds from oldies, but goodies.  Cue the thrift store.

I found that black hanging basket for $1.50.  If I ever finish organizing our entry, this will go in our closet.  While my sister was visiting, we stopped in TJ Maxx, where I scored a large footed hurricane for $6.99.  Has anyone stored powder laundry soap in an open container?  I’d love to use a pretty glass container for storage, but I don’t know if we’ll have problems with the soap out in the open.  Please share your opinions and experiences, thoughts and concerns! 

Vincent picked out this birdhouse for $9.99, also at TJ Maxx.  He’s a strange kid.  Rather than ask for toys, he asks for a birdfeeder, or a bright orange, long handled scrub brush with a face on it.  True story. 

As soon as we pulled in the driveaway, we took the feeder out and hung it on our birch tree.  It’s a little early, but I love the pop of color and I think Vincent will get a kick out of seeing the birds. 

Also, if you’re in the need for frames, Michael’s has a good deal for you.  Yesterday, I bought a four pack of 8 inch square frames for $9.99.  Then, I saw they had a three pack of 8 by 10 inch shadow boxes, also $9.99.  I think that’s a smokin’ deal. 

Have you found any steals lately?  Ready for spring and a side of garage sales?  Ever stored your laundry detergent in an open container?  Want to buy some birdseed?  It’s for the birds.  (One of my favorite commercials)