Deals, Steals, & Thrifting

Check(er) Book

Published on August 9, 2013August 9, 2013 by Our Humble Abode12 Comments

After sharing the tic tac toe board I got a crazy idea to make a checkerboard. Out of a book. While out looking for more bathroom stuff (tile and lights) I picked up a large hardcover book for a buck fifty.

Checker boards are 8 squares wide and lucky for me, my book was just a little wider than 8 inches. So I taped off the edges and marked my grid, using a pencil to draw right on the book.

Then I used craft paint to fill in every other box until I had a checker board. Twelve white rocks and twelve gray rocks from our yard serve as mini game pieces. At least for now. Maybe I’ll get glass pebble vase filler. Beach glass or seashells could be neat, too.

V still doesn’t completely understand how to play, but we’re having fun.

And when we’re done playing, we can stash the pieces, er rocks, inside. That’s right, I made a game board book box following these same steps. Yes, I realize I’m completely crazy.

Now we have a discreet checker board that looks completely at home on a stack of books.

And we can easily flip it over to play a game.

Who’s up for a game of checkers? And what are your weekend plans?

Three Thrifts Under 45

Published on August 5, 2013August 5, 2013 by Our Humble Abode21 Comments

Thrifting, obviously, is a game of luck. Often, usually when looking for something, I strike out. But sometimes, sometimes, I hit gold. And that’s what happened last week. While running around town sourcing the perfect tile for the impending master bathroom remodel, the boys and I stopped in Goodwill. Just as I was about to leave, I saw a folded wooden…thing.

Curious, I opened it. Turns out, it was a funky little table. With all legs hinging at a center point. I’ve never seen a base quite like this.

The table base (no top in sight) was priced at $17.99. I liked the lines and unique design, so I brought it to the check out counter and asked if they could give a discount because it was just the base. The nice gal lowered the price to $9.99 without a return. Sold!

Tip: when thrifting, pointing out the problems of a piece might get you a lowered price.

I’m nearly certain this neat base will live in the family room. On Facebook, a few people suggested a remnant marble top. While I really, really love that idea, I don’t think this base could support that much weight. Boo!

Instead, I think I’ll cut a piece of MDF to size, paint it a poppy color, and call it a day. Light weight, affordable, easy to change.

On Friday, we shopped for a countertop and stopped in another thrift store along the way. And that’s where I found a chrome X base and glass top dining table. For 30 bucks! I had to get it. On my way to pay for it, I saw a sign for 25% off all furniture. Even better, I had a $5 off coupon, so I got this beaut for $17.49.

Eventually I think this will be an outdoor table. Until then, it’s replacing the ugly but functional folding table we had in the dining room. Sure, this is smaller (way too small for the room) but it looks so much better.

After our countertop search, we popped in ReStore where I found a lovely brass and wood light fixture.

This too was marked at $30.00, but is missing a few pieces. Using my ‘point out what’s wrong’ method, I asked about a discount. How ’bout half off? You bet.

I had high hopes for this one, but now I’m not so sure. To use it in the dining room, I’d have to get a 13 inch longer down rod. Which would also require a new, longer wire. Is it worth it? Also, we’re 98% sure the bulbs are halogen, which isn’t ideal for a dining light. So, what do I do with this guy?

Those Little Red Stickers

Published on July 29, 2013July 28, 2013 by Our Humble Abode16 Comments

I can.not.resist. Target in general is a money and time suck, in the best way possible. But those clearance stickers get me more often than not. On my last visit I went in for extra long twin bedding (got it). The sheets were full price (maybe I’ll get a second set in the fall-after college clearance), but I did get Threshold down alternative blankets for 50% off. How awesome is everything Threshold?! Lurve.

Naturally, I couldn’t limit myself to the bedding. I mean, I have to walk by the home decor. Literally, have to go past to get to the bedding. And I spotted more clearance signs there. 70% off calls my name every time. Threshold’s metal cane-look table came home with me. Originally $89.99, I snagged it for $26.98. Now it happily lives in the family room, between the ReStore chairs.

Like a racoon, I’m instantly attracted to shiny things, so it fits. And that little red sticker made it all possible. While I made the pillow cases for the boys, I also made a new set of pillows for the chairs. The sit/stay commands gave me a little chuckle.

But here’s a little more Target goodness, on clearance. Threshold Diamond Pillow, Nate Berkus Brass Rivet Table Lamp, Threshold Monogram Mug.

What’s your all-time favorite Target clearance score?

Summer Playhouse

Published on July 22, 2013July 21, 2013 by Our Humble Abode10 Comments

For me, thrift store art is hit or miss. Mostly misses with ugly florals, but every once in a while, something great pops up, like this signed two color screen print titled Summer Playhouse:

There was a similar old man print, but I didn’t think I could talk Ben into liking it.

That print is precisely what prompted an art shift in the boys’ freshly revamped room. I had hung a constellation embroidery set above their bookshelf.

But it felt too top-heavy with the art a good six inches wider than the shelf. How lucky is it that this $10 print and frame was the same width as the shelf? Serendipity, people. Not the John Cusack movie, just a happy accident.

Especially because I had no idea where I would put it when I bought it. I just knew I liked it. And had to have it. The details and colors are great, and it’s a limited edition. And there are two boys, just like mine.

Now the sky maps flank the window.

One more wall to add art to. Still haven’t gotten around to de-uglying the little kitchen set. Whatever, the boys will probably out grow it soon. Buuuuut, their room is one step closer to being finished.

What rooms have you been working on lately? Finishing up a project? Just getting started?