"Free your mind and the rest will follow!"

This is what I feel like shouting from the rooftops!  Has it really been five months since I last blogged?  Yes.  Yes, it has.  

BUT... I HAVE AN EXCUSE.  A PRETTY DARN CUTE ONE.

To celebrate our little comeback at The Tiny Abode, I am teaming up with Lamps.com in this blog post.  Lamps.com contacted me to do a review on one of their products.  I felt that this would be the perfect motivation to get me back into the joys of blogging.  More importantly, I cleaned my desk!!

I am reviewing the Adesso Graham Desk Lamp. 

I chose this lamp due to its sleek design and pharmacy / industrial style.  As you can see, I have a quite traditional French Provincial desk. I needed something to modernize the room... add a little pizazz, if you will.  I was not too familiar with LED lighting prior to using this lamp.  I was quite intrigued!  See that tiny circle in the middle in the pic below... that's it!  Crazy, I know.  It's so tiny!

 But check this out!

For such a tiny bulb, it gives off substantial lighting.  I purposely took this photograph at night so that you could see the real affect.  The lighting was not what I expected at first, and it took me some time to get use to it.  Most of the standard bulbs which we purchase in stores are more of a warm light.  Warm lighting definitely has its place.  However, having the right type of lighting in the appropriate setting is what makes a space work.  I might not choose to have an LED light in my living room; a space where I want to feel warm and inviting... cozy... go ahead fall asleep on my couch.   In my work space, I need something that is going to keep me awake!  It's not unbearable, by no means.   It's appropriate. My husband, who is a painter, is always proclaiming how essential it is to have the right type of lighting.  Any photographer would second that!

Here are some perks about LED lighting provided by Adesso: 

* Energy Efficient

* LED's last up to 50,000 hours

* SAFE: does not get hot

* SAFE: shatterproof, vibration resistant

Oh, and I added some original oil paintings by Jason Espey Art.  That wall was crying for some attention.  See what a little ol' lamp can inspire you to do!  The space really does feel so much more inviting!  We have a lot of work to do in the bedroom still, but this is definitely a nice start!  

Thanks Lamps.com!  

And here's a lil' something to get you motivated! 

Disclaimer:  The information provided in this post is based on my own research and experience.  None of the above should be considered as a substitute for your own product research.

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Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Where've you been?

Lately my Facebook page and Instagram is getting a lot more attention than what started all this madness, my blog.  Blog, you are not a middle child, like myself.  Well, maybe you are, but I will give you the content that your audience craves.  

It's Flea Market Season, Y'all!

Brooklyn Flea came to Philly, and they BROUGHT it!  

Ooooo... I love a pretty bird cage.  I'd throw a terrarium up in that!  The chair was $10.  TEN DOLLARS!!!  A seat cushion is the easiest thing in the world to reupholster and a quick and cheap face-lift.  I would use it as a desk chair.  Should of bought it.  Darn.

Here is some more flea market eye candy... 

 

If I had money falling out of my armpits (did I just say that... I'm going with it), this is what I would buy... 

 

My faves...

 

 

I know your eyes must be glued to that pink and black dress... think again... that's a jumpsuit!  LOVE it, but I am not that brave.  Well, not $130 brave.  Maybe if it was $30 I wouldn't feel so bad purchasing it, knowing that what it would take to convince myself to throw it on before work.  Yes, I'm the crazy girl that would actually wear this to work!  My non-profit agency would not know how to handle all this awesomeness.  Ok, I think you get that I love it.  I won't shut-up about it!

 

Don't skimp on the textiles... 

 

Most vendors at flea markets have prices reduced to wholesale value.  These woven textiles would easily sale for $100 at Pottery Barn.  I can't remember the exact price, but I do remember thinking, "What a steal!"  I couldn't justify buying it for myself, but I think it would be a great house warming gift!

 

Best Advice...

 

Shop with friends!  There's nothing like having a gal pal to keep you laughing as you rummage through vintage goods and imagine how your Great Aunt Sal used to make do with a rotary phone!!  What is that, anyways!?!

Friends can be inspiring also, especially when they kinda do this or are on there way of being artisans / designers for a living!  Having insight other than your own is a wonderful thing!  I love to listen to other peoples ideas on how they would dress-up an item. 

 And don't be intimidated by bringing a babe along.  They're fun and super cute!!

The Brooklyn Flea Market is going to be in Philly every Sunday in Northern Liberties at the Piazza at Schmidt's.  10AM - 5PM.  Rain or shine.

 If you just can't get enough of The Tiny Abode outings and need your daily fix, be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram.  Our favorite design styles are also collected on Pinterest.  I'll admit it, my Pinterest boards ROCK!

Pretty, Pretty Prints

Do you ever get a hankering for a little POP of pink?  Well, I'm tinkering with the idea. I've been tinkering with the idea for over a year now, but we won't get into my indecisiveness / afraid of commitment disorder.  I'll probably refrain from splurging on a retro pink sofa, but a applaud the gal who will. 

Photo: Jeremy Harwell via Decor 8

I am more so considering adding a pops of pink to a gallery wall above my dining area. I really like the idea of spray painting all my frames a brass and adding colorful prints.  Maybe I'll leave a frame or two black or even add a colored frame.

Photo: The City Sage

Photo: Pure Style Home via Little Green Notebook

Jaosn's "leftover" paintings from the Rittenhouse Art Festival in Philadelphia will soon be finding their way onto our walls!  I've always been a fan of leftovers, and free art.

Save the Date... Clover Market

Ahhh... the best time of the year!  I love everything about spring!  The weather, the pretty flowers and the awesome flea markets!!  Admittedly, the post is primarily a reminder for myself, but I thought you would be interested in marking your calendar too.  You can read about our adventure last year at Clover Market here.

We had a great time last year at Clover Market.  I did some shopping with Holly from West Pair Avenue.  Two of our favorite local artisans were there too, Laura from Modern Bird Jewelry and Jahje from Baby Jives.  We actually blogged about Jahje's awesome bird mobiles here. 

Here are a few pics from last year's Clover Market... 

Clover Market is one of the best markets around the Philadelphia area for sure!  The best news is that they are held on Sundays and don't compete with the Saturday Phila Flea Markets.  You can visit Clover's Market's site to take a peek at their schedule. 

Lovely, Lovely Lamps

One never really knows what he may stumble upon when entering the organized chaos of a vintage shop or thrift store.  Quite honestly, it can be rather overwhelming without a game plan in mind.  Often I feel like a kid in a candy store with ADD, not really knowing where to start or where to stop for that matter.  Last weekend, however, was different.  I knew what I wanted.

Lighting...

This, my friends, is a Paul Hanson Ginger Jar lamp.   I didn't really know what I was looking at while shopping, but I knew that I liked it.  That's all that really matters anyways. 

Here are some more lamps that I am more than just a little gaga over...

Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: adaanddarcy.com.au via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: assemblageltd.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: assemblageltd.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Below is a picture of my lamp in it's entirety.  It has some minor damage (See the base?), but overall it's in pretty superb shape.  For fifteen dollars, I couldn't let this piece slip by.  Jason thought I was insane at first, but after introducing him to 1st Dibs and showing him that we could very well have a $1000 lamp in our possession, he changed his mind rather quickly.  That is after we got over his idea of selling it and my cry back, "I want expensive things!"  Just this morning he told me how proud he was with me and my bargain of a deal.

Now, where to find a lamp shade that will fit this giant sucker?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!!  

P.S. I'm sure many of you were distracted by the nudity.  That is an original oil painting by Jason Espey, my awesome husband.  He has a facebook page, so you should go like him!  And for fun, you can tell him that I sent you!   If you enjoy reading The Tiny Abode please feel free to follow us on facebook or twitter.  Or you can use our little subscribe linky to the right. 

You Have Incredible Taste!

I really needed to hear this... I hope you find it just as inspiring.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of my faithful readers. This blogging business could not be possible without you. YOU are inspiring! YOU have great taste!  And if you're new here, I hope YOU stay awhile!!!

THANK YOU!!

~XoXO~

Design Sponge at Anthropologie!!

Eeeeeeee!!!  I'm very excited that Grace Bonney from Design Sponge is making her way back to Philadelphia to one of my (and I'm sure your) favorite places on earth, Anthropologie.  

Image: Design Sponge

I missed the first book signing at Terrain, *sigh*, but now I have another chance to get my new book (which I purchased from Vintage Now at Fete Noel) signed by Ms. Grace herself!   Not only is this a book signing event, but it's also a Wreath-Making Workshop!!  How fun is that!?  And you know how we here at The Tiny Abode are starving artist, and how I work in Early Childhood Education by day... yeah that stuff.  Well, we are happy to hear that they will be supporting a local charity, Fresh Artists, by requesting donations of new art supplies such as pens, markers, crayons, etc. for art education.  If this is anything like the Oh Joy workshop we went to August, tickets will likely sell-out in just a couple of days (if not hours)!!  If you are interested in reserving a spot sign-up here.

I realllly hope I can make it!!

Holiday Pledge... Shop Local!

This season, I have been doing a lot of thinking about where I will be purchasing presents for my ever growing Christmas list.   Should I just go to the mall and knock it out with one trip?  Possibly online... I love private sales!  Or should I wait and just cram all Christmas shopping in the day before Christmas Eve?  Crazy, I know, but we fly home to Alabama, and sometimes it makes sense to go this route.  Shipping can get expensive!!

Source: inslee.net via Robin on Pinterest

Last week I enjoyed Fete Noels' pop-up shop so much in Chestnut Hill, that I thought, "This is it!  Shop local and support small businesses!"  Hello!?  Of course!  I'm sure many of you already support local businesses and avoid the King of Prussia mall like the plague during the holidays!!  Being married to an artist, I should really have this mastered by now.  However, for me, going to the mall creates a nostalgia that I yearn for this time of year.  Regardless, I am pledging to show my support this holiday season at a more local level.

Source: tchochkes.com via Whitney on Pinterest

So, my friends, I would like to encourage you to also shop local!  One way you can do this is by supporting the Pop-Up Shops that are literally popping up all over Philly!  This weekend The Little Apple will be hosting Meadow Sweet Vintage at their shop in Manayunk.  You may remember Meadow Sweet Vintage from Clover Market (the most fabulous flea market of the year).

So go get your vintage groove on and support small businesses! 

 Photo: Meadow Sweet Vintage

Also, be sure to come back and visit The Tiny Abode tomorrow.  We'll be announcing a fab giveaway!!

Fake it Till You Make It!

Last night Jason and I attended the annual Studio Incamminati gala, an art benefit held at the Union League in Philadelphia.  This year's theme:  An Evening's Adventure in China.  Too bad I forgot my kimono!  That's me on the left sporting the bangs and my husband/artist Jason with the goofy smirk.

Rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, politicians and starving artists is becoming one of our favorite past times is not as easy as it looks!!  Let me tell you, it's enough to make you crash with no assistance of alcohol.  Talking about your very own artwork can be a little awkward.  Boasting about yourself can be awkward.  Smiling all night telling people they look lovely (and they do) is enough to make your cheeks fall asleep.  Imagine yourself at a job interview and responding to the following statement, "So, tell me about yourself?" times one hundred.  Not only that, some people try to make some profound meaning out of every piece of artwork they lay eyes on.  When in actuality, it's a painting of a nude figure.  It means nothing more nor nothing less than that.  It is beautiful for what it is.  

Dione, Artist: Jason Espey, All Rights Reserved

I imagine it to be comparable to one trying to find hidden meaning in the gospels.  The gospels are great for what they are and become less when meaning is added or taken away from it's original intent.  I probably have no business speaking of this matter since I myself am not an artist, nor am I rich and famous, and I do not plan on running for office any time in the future.  Not this year anyway.  ;)

I do not mean to come across as cynical or ungrateful.  The truth is, I am very grateful.  I guess the point I am trying to convey is that the artists who attend these benefits work their rears off throughout the year and rarely reap any monetary benefits.  They are GREAT at putting on a show!

  

Artists: Stephen Early, Natalie Italiano, Alisyn Kuntz

The Union League of Philadelphia

Artist: Stephen Early

Thankfully, Jason sold his painting below, Missed Opportunity?  But at the end of the day, we are all still starving artist.  If you would like to support the students of Studio Incamminati, please visit here to make a donation.  If you would like to see some more of Jason Espey's artwork, check out his facebook page here and his ebay store here.  

Support a Starving Artist!

Recap: Vintage Now

Why hello, lovely people!  I hope you have enjoyed your weekend and are ready for a kick butt Monday!  This is for all you homebodies who did not venture out Friday night to partake in Vintage Now's Open House.  Yes, I know it was in Norristown, and yes, I know it was raining.  However, you must check out the scene!!  

Trust meeee... you're missing out if you don't! 

It really felt like an "underground" party with only the people "in the know" attending.  Honestly, I felt a little out of place rubbing elbows with what I imagine to be established designers.  

Thankfully I had this gal by my side.  My artsy friend, Robin Frey.  Check out her eBay site... she's got mad talent!  And she has a love for vintage items... How awesome is this bird cage!?

My favorite vignettes: 

I loooove this settee and the gold chest.

And isn't this quilted table cloth amazing!?

This is definitely my go to design choice at the moment.  I don't really know why, but I love it!  It makes me happy!!

If I could get past the door with know one noticing, this rug would be mine!! 

Of course they had the latest of the greatest design books.

They were even sure to add a festive touch.

And look, Mom!  I hope you still have these lamps!

So what do you think?  Buying out of big box stores is so easy, but I feel that it lacks character.  Could you make vintage look good?  Or is your heart still set on Ikea?