For the past few months I've been looking for a new (used) sofa. I've been scouring the pages of KSL.com in search of the perfect piece. I knew I wanted leather but most of the leather sofas out there have those hideous gigantic "puffy" cushions...ick! I wanted something streamline yet comfy. So when I spotted this gem for sale online for $600,Poopsie and I hopped in the van and picked it up. The upholstery is a soft and buttery Italian leather and it's the perfect neutral shade for our home. You can see why we needed to replace the old one. I love my kitty but she has such a destructive nature and I just can't bring myself to declaw her. What a cozy spot for me to watch "Mad Men" episodes!
I found a pair of nesting boxes this past weekend. They are in great shape and appear brand new. So if you've decided to take the plunge and raise backyard chickens you are in luck!
I have the large one priced at $99 and the smaller one is $89. And check out my cute new wire egg basket (from the hoarder's sale). This one I decided to keep for myself.
When my Great Aunt Helen died several years ago I became the lucky recipient of this wonderful dining set. A shout out to my sweet sister Dana, for hauling it all the way back from San Diego for me! The set originally belonged to my Great Grandparents. I believe the Duncan Phyfe dining set was standard issue for all post-war middle class families. I enjoyed the set for years but lately it has felt just too dark for my current tastes. The chairs, after years of abuse from my teenagers, had become somewhat rickety. I love this set but I felt it needed a little updating.
I scored a set of contemporary chairs at the thrifts for a reasonable $8 a piece. The chairs are very heavy and sturdy but they needed to be updated. The size of these chairs is more suited to todays "larger" lifestyles. As for the original chairs I now use them in my craft room.
I selected a soft floral fabric, from my stash, for the seats. I also painted the wood a nice shade of cream.
Check out my (lack of) upholstery skills! Just a few wrinkles never hurt anyone!
I decided to paint the table white just because I always tell my customers they can mix white and cream.
Some folks would not be okay with altering a family heirloom. I think that it's more important to live with and enjoy family pieces. Where do you weigh in on the issue?
Last weekend, about a block from my house was the most awesome yard sale. I spent most of the weekend there. The guy just kept hauling stuff out to the sidewalk and I just kept buying it. I filled up my van three times! These items are now available in the shop. Call or e-mail for prices. On a serious note, while chatting with the man selling items, I learned the owner of the house (a friend of his) had been evicted because he had been behind on the mortgage. He mentioned the poor fellow had some emotional problems and was a hoarder who had trouble keeping steady employment. It was a very sad story and I hope that he will pull through.
Hoarding is a serious emotional malady. As someone who frequents Estate Sales I have been a witness to some very disturbing situations. There is professional help available for hoarders.
So my gleefulness at finding such treasures is tinged with some sadness for this individual. Hopefully the proceeds from the sale will help him get back on his feet.
It seems I've been suffering from a severe case of "Bloggers Block". No doubt, you other bloggers out there can relate. The first sign of this modern-day malady is a few days go by and you become aware that you have not posted to your blog. Before you know it the days turn into weeks and by then you fear posting because you realize that you've got some 'splaining to do, Lucy.
As far as excuses go, I've got an excellent one. There's a gaping hole in the ceiling of Second Hand Chic. It's all due to the wet weather we've been having lately (and my landlords {read slumlord} refusal to replace decrepit old roof). So you can see why I've been preoccupied.
We are calling it our "water feature".
Anyhow, the roof is being repaired and it's business as usual down at Second Hand Chic.