My Little Sunshine...

This weekend was supposed to be full-on baby preparation.  Meaning, get the crap out of the nursery and organize or else TRASH (I would donate it... don't hate) everything!!  How in the world did we accumulate so much anyways?  Prior to our big move, we donated many items for the sake of not having to haul our junk across the eastern coastline.  Somehow it seems like we have more stuff!  I miss our basement.  At least we could hide our mess.  This is forcing me to become a minimalist. Something I aspire to be, but my parents could potentially be on Hoarders!  Just kidding, Mom.  Well, maybe.  

I decided that the best way to spend this Saturday was to organize the nursery in my head rather than  physically removing our crap from the nursery only to stuff it in some closet somewhere in which would more than likely be moved 15 more times in efforts to "organize."  Sorry for the massive run-on.  

I'm a visual learner.  Just looking at a mess gives me anxiety.  Where to even begin!?  Do you feel me?  For me organizing my ideas on paper, or in this case by creating a mood board, helps me know what steps to take.  Starting with the end in mind really is motivating!  Here's the direction I plan to take: 

Click on the image above for a better view.

Resources: 

Window Treatments - Santa Maria Desert Flower by Waverly

Vintage Lucite Lamps - Thrift store find

Vintage cocktail table - Philly curb alert

Vintage Faux Bamboo chest (not this exact one) - Atlanta Craigslist find

Lambskin rug - Atlanta Craigslist find

"Bee Happy" print - Spread the Love (Etsy store now closed)

Crib sheet - Rosenberry Rooms Petite Dots in Navy

Crib - Jenny Lind DaVinci Crib

Smile pillow - Pillow Talk

Crib skirt - Doodle Stripe Lime / Pure Organic Bright Pink by P. Kaufmann

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!

West Philly Home... Living Room

Hello ladies and gents, here is a glimpse of what we've been up to at The Tiny Abode. Tiny spaces are tricky! Figuring out a layout does not only need to look good, but its got to work too.  We do not have a lot of Benjamins to be throwing around, so most of the furnishings are the same we had at our previous apartment in East Falls.  Now that a layout has been established, we're starting to consider accessorizing options.

I know its hard to tell with these dark pics!  It was broad daylight.  Maybe it has something to do with East facing windows, or it could be that I am relying on my iphone.  Regardless, this girl needs to add "awesome camera" to her Christmas wish list.  Sorry for the giant tangent!  

Anyway, I am not sure what color curtains (or patterned curtains) to use in this room.  As awesome as this Persian rug is, I think I may have made a boo boo purchasing it.  Who am I kidding?  It was an AMAZING deal, but I am not sure if it is the kind of vibe I want in this room.  I would love to bring in some graphic prints!  Vintage Modern, if you will.  I will also be adding some greenery and a gallery wall for those finishing touches. 

Okay, here is a look at the before. Gross, right!?!

Any ideas on paint colors?  Better yet, anyone want to come help me paint!?!  Painting to me is such a task and seems like such a big commitment.  In reality, its the simplest and one of the cheapest ways to spruce up a space.  I must just be lazy over worked. 

In West Philadelphia...House Tour

I may not have been "born and raised" here, but for now this is HOME.  The teacher inside of me wants to say, "We moved at the beginning of the year."  (School year that is).  It has been a hectic time at the ol' 9-5, so I'm just now getting around to posting a tour.

Here's the outside... and yes, that is a a google maps pic.  How'd you guess?  Our's is the one on the far right with the cute little window box.  Flowers come with the house, score!

Living Room

The house is on the small side with only 840 sqft of design space available (that's including the basement).  On the bright side, we have a basement!  No more shared washing and drying!!!  I was the worse!

I'm not digging the modern fan and some of the remodeling choices, but the wainscoting is a nice touch.  I'm not too sure about the Navajo-ish fire place either.  It's not my jam.  I'd prefer a white brick fire place like this one.    I toyed with the idea of fauxing something up, but I'm sure I'd just %@# it up.  

  Source: unknown

Kitchen

 Again with the modern lighting... why!?!  Not only that, but the cabinets practically match the hardwood, and white hardware reminds me of connect the dots worksheets from elementary school.  Boo!  On the up side, check out all that cabinet space!  Major step-up from our last place.

This is an odd space and really the only option I have to add a table.  So long farmhouse table.  You are just too big for this space. Here's a picture of it in our old apartment.

I'm thinking a banquette setting would be nice due to the limited space, but that's only if we plan on staying more than a year or so.

 Photo via Apartment Therapy

We are only renting, so heavy investing and hardcore construction are out of the question.  One of the best things about the house is the outdoor space (a treasure in the city).

Backyard

So there you have it.  This was only the first floor.  We have two bedrooms upstairs, but that will have to wait till another day.  All in all, I am so grateful to be living in an actual house rather than a tiny apartment!!  Four years and four places later, I finally feel settled.

Peace.

Fave Find @ Golden Nugget Antique Market

Flea Market season is sadly over.  Have you been experiencing the same type of  withdrawals as I have been experiencing?  Luckily, there are a few places near town that know flea market season is something that should never cease to end.  Golden Nugget Antique Market in Lambertville, New Jersey is open year round!!

My Fave Find: a goody box full of designer scarves 

Photo: The Tiny Abode


The first person that comes to mind when I think of framing scarves is my blogger friend, and a Philly local, Naomi Stein from Design Manifest. Naomi's loft design actually appeared in the June/July Lonny magazine. 

Photo: Courtney Apple via Design Manifest

Jessica at The Aestate did a feature on framed scarves which can be seen here. 
I am particularly fond of the Hermes scarves.

Photo via The Aestate

And just how adorable is this framed Vera Neumann scarf in this nursery which was featured in Apartment Therapy?

Photo via Apartment Therapy

I ended up buying two scarves which I hope to frame.  My sister bought three which she plans on sporting at the shore later this week.  What would you do with vintage scarves?

For your entertainment... 

What's a flea market adventure without a lil' dress-up involved?  Here's a pic of my sister and I reverting back to our childhood days.

Are there any flea markets that you love going to in the off season?  I'd love to know your secrets!  What do you look for when you go to flea markets?

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. 

It's a Monster!

Hi, my name is Jessica, and I am a hypothetical decorator.  Shew!  I’m glad I got that one out.  Just for fun, here's a picture of one of my favorite designers, Mary McDonald, toasted at a party in 1979. The photo was taken by Remus Lupin and can be found here.

Ok, so where are you going with this, you ask.

First off, I’m a real estate whore, pardon my French, but it's the truth.  I absolutely LOVE it!  Seriously, I can't get enough of it.  It is my guilty pleasure.  If you are moving to Philly just ask me where the deal is cause, Baby, I know where to find it!  I know Philly like the back of my hand.  For only living in the city for about 3 ½ years, I’d say that is pretty dang good.  Who needs a GPS when you got Jess?

 I don’t even think real estate agents spend as much time researching real estate as much as I do.  No joke.  So when I tell you I have found a gem, you better believe it.  

This house has some serious swag.  Five bedrooms total with two and a half bath in a "developing" area for less than 200K, ummm... yes, please!   Not only could this be a pretty sweet investment opportunity, but it's gorgeous!  Take a peek inside of this monster.

 The hardwood floors look to be superb condition, and the staircase is oh so pretty.  Check out the boarder inlay. Hello details, I love you.

Right now I am imagining myself living here, raising a family and having a cup of tea.  I have found myself pondering how to decorate the mantel.  And just how might I arrange the furniture? 

 My mother-in-law, asked me if it has a kitchen.  Maybe she couldn't tell by the pictures, but this is it.  It could definitely use a face-lift in my opinion.  However, compared to the square inch we have right not, this is definitely an upgrade.

Speaking of extended family, this place has FIVE bedrooms!  Holy Moly of a Row Home!  We would never have an excuse to not accept company, and besides we would love it!

 It is a bit surprising, even for me, but I could potentially see myself in this city for another 5 years or so. I’m probably really freaking out my parents right about now.  Just this past December we were all about moving back down South, but now that the time is getting closer to make a major decision such as relocation… I don’t know if we are quite ready.  Can you relate?  Anyone?  Do you find yourself decorating houses that don't belong to you?

All images can be found here.

I have a dream... Painted Floors

Whoa!  Where'd you guys go!?  It's been weeks if not months since we last spoke.  Ok, maybe that's a bit my fault {totally my fault}.  After the holidays, I crash!  Onto recovery!  After being spoiled in Alabama, I am forced to come back to Pennsylvania only to be submerged in my career.  Day jobs...pshh.  Who needs them?  {I do!}  Speaking of careers, I hope you are all off enjoying this beautiful holiday in honor of a truly great man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr!  Jason had to go to school... what's up with that?   If you are interested in ways you can serve and are in the Philadelphia area, go here.

Long weekends like these give me time to take a good look at my unconventional apartment and start dreaming up ways to make this challenging space swoon worthy!  Like say... painted floors!

Source: racheleisner.com via Donna on Pinterest

I wonder if my landlord would go for it!?  Highly unlikely, but it's fun to dream!  What are you dreaming up for your space?  Feel free to send me an email with pics and I'd love to share!

Fabric Choices... Galbraith and Paul, Anyone?

One thing I need to be sure to put on my new years resolutions list is to familiarize myself with beautiful textiles!!  And where better to start than with one of Philadelphia's very own, Galbraith & Paul.  Can you tell that I love local businesses?  I really am a sucker for it.  You may recall seeing Galbraith & Paul textiles in Style at Home's May 2009 From A to Zoo article. Yes, I know that was ages ago, but these little birds have decided to stick around my friends!

Photo: Daniel Harrison via Style at Home

Mark your calendars, cause a sample sale awaits you!!  Fortunate for us, Galbraith & Paul is only a hop-skip away to 116 Shurs Lane in Manayunk.  The sample sale will begin on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 5pm. 

Source: Galbraith and Paul

I owe it to my friend Laura Flavin from Modern Bird Jewelry to thank for this helpful tip!  Not only will the sample sale include fabrics, but you may also be fortunate enough to score some fabulous wallpaper at a whopping discount!

Source: galbraithandpaul.com via Cathe on Pinterest

I'm really hoping to find some fabric to spruce up my farmhouse chairs that were a curb steal back in October.  I'm thinking the Seville Medallion (bottom left from samples above) may make the cut.

Guest Post : Phila Flea Markets

When Tony from Phila Flea Markets contacted us about posting the upcoming indoor flea markets events, we said, "Abso-fleamarket-lutely!"  I am so grateful that there is a place for me to get my flea market "fix" in the cold winter months.  I mean just look at what you can create with flea market finds!

Source: twighome.com via Jessica on Pinterest

  Have you decorated a room in your home with flea market finds?  We'd love to hear about it!  Email us at thetinyabode@gmail.com for a chance to be featured!  Here's what Tony has to say... 

PHILA FLEA MARKETS PRESENTS

THE SPRING GARDEN INDOOR FLEA MARKET

If you liked the Faimount Flea Market around the Prison.......
If you found some really cool treasures at The South Street Flea Market This Past Spring & Summer........
Then You'll Love The Spring Garden Indoor Antique & Vintage Flea Market This Fall & Winter
More than 60 Vendors Featuring Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Furniture, Jewelry, Glassware, Pottery, Art Work, One Of A Kind Items You Won't Find Anywhere Else & Just Plain Fun Junque!
Go On A Treasure Hunt! Bargains Galore!

Indoors - Now every Saturday thru April, 28, 2012
8AM til 4PM But Early Birds Welcome!

The Former Fed-Ex Warehouse
820 Spring Garden Street (9th & Spring Garden) 19123
Free Parking / Free Admission / ATM / Food Court / Handicap Accessible

Tony

215 - 625 - FLEA (3532)
www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Hope to see you this Saturday!!!

Thanks for sharing, Tony!  Check out more of our flea market finds here!