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

An Impromptu Gender Reveal

Posting regularly has definitely been a challenge for me.  Sometimes I don't even know why I try to maintain a blog.  Then I remember that this is a creative outlet for me.  This is a way I am able to express my love for design, art, gardening, and well, life.  I have been thinking about life a lot lately seeing that I am carrying one inside of me.  It's a crazy wild experience, and it's not always an easy one.  The back pain and penguin walk are in full swing!  I will be 26 weeks pregnant on Monday.  

Moving to Atlanta from Philadelphia has been a very challenging experience.  New job.  New home.  New people.  New city.  We will soon add "new baby" to the list.  None-the-less, it is a blessing to be within driving distance to family and a few close friends.  Here's a little snippet on what's been going down at The Tiny Abode.

Gender Reveal

 This party was definitely impromptu!  I wasn't even sure if I was going to do a gender reveal.  It just seemed like a lot of unnecessary work and planning for a tired pregnant woman.  Almost everything you see in the pictures was stuff we had lying around the house or stuffed in moving boxes.  This just goes to show that you can plan a party without spending a lot of dough.  Here's what we did...

With the help of my mother and sister, we were able to make a cute pendant banner out of scrapbook paper and twine.  The fabric on the tables was purchased years ago at Jomar in Philly and was in the hub's box of fabric that he uses for still-life backdrops.  Jomar has a huge selection of fabric at wholesale prices.  I'd recommend it to anyone who is willing to dig.  I purchased the teal Mason jars from a vendor at Phila Flea Markets about 3 years ago for only $2 each.  That's a steal!  I was lucky enough to find the vintage Fiesta Ware at B & R Thrift Store here in Atlanta.  I bought it for myself weeks before the party with intentions on reselling it on Etsy (I'm considering opening an online seller's account... hasn't happened yet).  Throw on some pumpkins and add some florals... BAM!  You are ready for a party!

I am very fortunate to have talented to friends that I can call up on a moments notice.  My childhood neighbor who has her own business, Charlsie's Catering and Cakes, made my cake as a gift!  I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

All of the photos were taken by my very talented friend Ashley, the husband of my college roommate.  If it wasn't for them, I may not have been reunited with Jason back in San Francisco May of 2007. We'll save that story for another day.  

It's A...

GIRL!!!

Sorry Jason.  Better luck next time.

 We took the photo shoot above prior to revealing the gender to our families.  The BIG gender reveal actually happened during the cutting of the cake!

My mother's expression was priceless.  I'm not sure I would want to see her expression if it ended up being a boy.   We would have been happy either way.

 Lastly, I couldn't have pulled off this impromptu party without the help of my family.  We only invited immediate family with the exception of my college roommate.  I swear she's got my blood in her somewhere!  Keeping things simple eliminated the unnecessary stresses when it comes to party planning (in the matter of a moment's notice might I add).  Each person contributed in some form.  Whether it was bringing triangle tuna sandwiches or helping a preggo climb up a table to hang a paper banner.

Thankfully, Blount County is beautiful.  The pictures were taken at Palisades's Park in Oneonta, AL where the party was also held.  It was great for the kids to have a place to play while the adult's mingled.  I had some of my childhood parties here as well, so it made it a bit sentimental. 

Our little one is expected to arrive February 17th 2014.  Let's hope and pray that she stays inside her incubator for that time-frame!

Craigslist Crawl: Atlanta

As you may know if you've been keeping up with the blog post, I am in search for chairs (again).  My farmhouse table has had many different styles of chairs accompany him over the years.  While in West Philly, Mr. Farmhouse had to spend some hard time in the basement.  He just would not fit in our eat-in-kitchen.  Now that we are back in Atlanta, we are once again trying to find some friendly and sophisticated company to surround him.  I spotted this set on Craigslist for $100!!

Image: Craigslist

I would more than likely paint the backs white and reupholster the seat cushions.  This isn't exactly what I'm looking for, but they do have a few things in their favor: 

1.) Super Affordable - 6 chairs for $100 (table would go in storage or resale)

2.) Faux bamboo backing - hard to find

3.) Mid-Century Modern look - give some balance to my traditional rug.

What do you think?

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!

Attachment Theory... Houston, we have a problem.

It's a bittersweet day in this tiny abode.  My Brody dinette sold today on Craigslist.  

 

Brody, you were a stud.  You just weren't doing it for me. It's not you, it's me.

Time to go shopping!!

Phila Flea Feature... Butcher Shop Rehab

Phila Flea Markets vendor list has boomed since PBS airing Market Warriors.  This weekend I was excited to meet Butcher Shop Rehab!  

 Photo: Butcher Shop Rehab

These guys were so cool!

 

Photo: The Tiny Abode

L (on the right) and I could have talked about design and furniture all day, but we refrained.  Afterall, he and his buds had customers crowding in their corridors.  This was by far my favorite vendor at the Phila Flea Market this weekend.  What drew me in was the vintage modern chair in the top right.  I didn't get a chance to check out the brand, but it looks very Eames like to me. When I asked, "How much?"  I was informed that it was not for sell.  Butcher Shop Rehab picked this piece up from another vendor to add to their personal collection.  At that moment, I knew These guys got style!  (at least similar taste to me).  The next item I spotted was the shag rug made of Llama fur.  Here you can see how B.S.R. used it as a chair throw. 

Photo: Butcher Shop Rehab

Styling this is a very simple concept and works really well with Eames reproductions such as this White Cradle Chair designed by Baxton Studio Letterio available on Amazon.

 

Here's how interior designer Jenn Hannotte from Hannotte Interiors softened up a rocker in a nursery by using a sheep skin throw.  

Eclectic Kids by Toronto Interior Designer Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors  

So there you have it!  Flea Market design is an easy way to style-up any room.  Be sure to check out Butcher Shop Rehab in Wilmington if you are in the area. 

 Photo: Butcher Shop Rehab

They also travel, so keep your eyes out at the next market in your town.  Follow Butcher Shop Rehab on Facebook and be sure to check out their blog!

Must-have-coffee-table... Stat

It is time to introduce my living room (as seen here) to a new friend, and to give the hubs something other than the floor to place his finished yogurt container.  For the love!  Seriously, the garbage can is ten steps away.  He's wonderful, I can't complain.  Heck, it's my fault that I've gone this long without a proper piece of living room furniture.  Yes, my friends, I'm talking about a coffee table.  But I don't want just any coffee table.  No, no, no. That would be too easy.  I want a beautiful wood carved Moroccan coffee table with intricate details that cost a bazillion dollars.    

 Such as...

 Photo via Saffron and Silk

Or like this one which was placed in a living space designed by one of my favorite designers, Windsor Smith.  

Photo: Windsor Smith

Then there is always the option to explore stores like West Elm, Anthropologie  or even Material Culture (if you are lucky enough to live in Philadelphia). The table below is from West Elm and is nearly perfect in my opinion.  It could really work in my current space.

 Photo: West Elm

Although these stores are really great, this girl is on a budget.  So, I'm hoping the Land o' World Wide Web will meet me where my pockets end.  That or a flea market.   First stop, Craigslist.  The closest piece I could find that had that Moroccan style was this one.  However, I need a coffee table, not an end table. 

 This table is a small in scale, but has some nice details.  It could definitely be painted.

Then there's this one that could also use some fixing-up. Right size and shape.  Some detail, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

I know they are not totally the same, but it's the closest I could find on Craigslist.  I think with a little TLC, they could possibly work.  Could I do a DIY?  Would I even dare?  Eek!  I love the spirit of DIY-ers, but as I've mentioned before, I'm a self-proclaimed BIY-er (BUY IT YOURSELF)!  I don't know where people find the time and energy.  Oh how I wish I was a teacher again and had my summers off!   Dream on, sister! I think if I were to purchase any of the above, it would have to be the first one.  Even though it's not a coffee table, it has the look I'm going for.  Maybe I'll have better luck at Clover Market tomorrow!!  I want the real deal!  I hear they are going to have a lot of antique dealers at this upcoming market. 

Wish me luck!

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. 

Kill / Steal: Persian Khorasan Rug

I was checking out One Kings Lane Beneath the Feet rug sale, and my jaw nearly dropped when I spotted a Persian Khorasan rug on sale for $1169.  I would kill to have a beautiful Persian rug.  However, my pockets currently do not run that deep.  

 Persian Khorasan Rug   

Kill:  One Kings Lane (sold out)

Instead, I scavenge Craigslist as though I am in search for a long lost family member until I find the identical twin that I always hoped for. Now, I'm not always successful, but there are times when I come across amazing steals!!!  Take for instance this nearly identical Persian that I scored on Craigslist for only $100!!

 

Steal:  Craigslist Find (Doylestown)

I'm hoping that I can find a way to modernize something so traditional like this rug by incorporating more contemporary furnishings.  I have not been able to find an inspiration photo that I really like, so I'll be working on a mood board to help direct my attention.  Any ideas on how to make this piece work in a contemporary living space?  Have you used a Persian rug in your home?  I would love to hear / see what you came up with. 

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?