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?

Mod-ing Up a Traditional Rug in the Dining Room

I have a GIANT red rug.  I found it on Craigslist a while back thinking, "OMG... I have to have that!"  Sound familiar?  The rug really was quite the steal.  I even spotted it's fraternal twin on One King's Lane for $$$$ more than what I emptied my pockets for. You can take a peak the version I scored here.   This all sounds dandy I'm sure, but there is a problem.  It's SOoooo traditional.  Bleck!   Since having this blog, my taste has had a tendency to change.  I think I was in the process of figuring out my style.  This is something that will forever be adapting, as it should.

 

It's All About the Chair

It's easy to style a room in a traditional format unintentionally.  Especially when you grew up in a very traditional style home.  I haven't quite figured out how to describe my taste, but if I were to name it I would say that I am more inclined to gravitate towards a Frenchy Boheme composition than anything.  What the heck is that anyway?

Image: A Cup of Joe

 

I think my best solution to tone down the trAd is to go for a much more modern chair and skimp on the French Country.  I really like how the Eames style chairs above are intermixed into an otherwise country farmhouse setting. 

 

Image:  Unknown

 

Ok, so this rug is not a traditional Persian, BUT the colors are very similar to the colors in my rug (red, blue, gold, navy), and the farmhouse table is nearly an exact replica to mine.  Thus, I am inspired!  My artsy hubs keeps telling me that there is too much white in our space. He's right.  How awesome are these blue Bertoia chairs above!?  If I could only score these on CLs or Goodwill for pennies... my life (or at least my dining room) would be complete!

Image:  House Beautiful

 

Ok, this may look familiar.  It's been floating around the internet for at least a year now, and I may have even featured it on the blog once.  So there is no rug here, but I'm eyeballing the chairs.  What do you think about the industrial look with a traditional rug underneath?  I almost scored these charis on Craigslist, but the seller bailed on me.  Errrr.... we had a time / location, and she sold them to someone else!  I think there needs to be a Craigslist Etiquitte 101 course.

Still bummed.

 

Image:  Overstock

 

They're still priced very reasonably on Overstock, but I was going to get them for 1/2 the cost.   Bigger and better chairs await me I'm sure (I hope).



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!!

Make a Statement with Barware

Image: Charles Dickens Fine Jewelry

This is the barware that the hubs and I picked out for our wedding registry about four years ago. If my personality could be cloned into barware, this would be it.  Fun, funky and bubbly all wrapped up in a one package deal.  There's only one problem... I hate it!  You know that irritating behavior that you possess that, let's be honest, kinda even drives yourself crazy?  Well let's just say, I'm ready to give this barware the cold shoulder.  If it gets too cold it cracks.  Too hot it cracks.  Sitting in the cabinet being ignored all together... CRACK!  Who knew barware could have such a bad temperament?  The set above is made by TAG, which for the most part carries a great product. Let me be clear, I LOVE TAG!!  However, this barware has to go!

Images: here and here

Fun and funky can always win my heart, but this time around I am on a search for something a little more sophisticated, a bit more glam.  This weekend I stopped by one of my favorite stores, TJ Maxx, and spotted Lauren by Ralph Lauren Barware in Aston for quite the steal!

Image: Macy's

Aren't they pretty!?!  Best part, the highballs were only about $7.00 a pop.  You can also find the
Lauren Ralph Lauren Four Aston Highballs on Amazon  for $50.00, which is a great deal in comparison to Macy's $130.00 price tag.

I also get a hankering for anything in cobalt blue.  I lurve the Classic Lismore (above) by Waterford!  These will never be in my price range! 

Image:  Pinterest

Cobalt, however, really has a way of peacocking itself right off the bar cart, don't ya think?

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Erica on Pinterestt

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!

Be Thankful! Plus Gilt Giveaway Announcement!!

I have so much to be thankful for this year!  In the past two weeks, I have made more connections with fellow bloggers and designers than I have over the past two years!  I am very grateful for every reader that finds The Tiny Abode worthy of reading!  Blogging has definitely been a growing process for me, and by no means came easy.   It took a really long time to get a grasp on my aesthetic... and it's still changing, but I feel like I am closer than I have ever been before.  Below, is a picture of a Thanksgiving table that was put together from Naomi at Design Manifest.  Naomi was one of the very first bloggers I started following from Philadelphia, and might I add... she's got mad skillz! 

  

Source: designmanifest.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

So thank you ALL for the follows and support!!!  And now it's time to announce the lucky winner of the $25 Gilt gift card giveaway!!  Is it weird that I'm nervous!?  We're using Random.org to choose the winner.  Congratulations lucky number... 7, Stacy!!!

Snowing in October... Trick or Treat?

It's a snow day in Philadelphia and along the rest of the East Coast. 

Photo:  Debbie Czarnecki-Lapinksy via Action News

Therefore, my butt was inside!  Snow!!  Already!? Noooooo!!!  Being stuck indoors on a Saturday is not my ideal weekend.  I was bored to say the least.  So bored that I decided to set the table just for fun. 
Sorry in advanced for the low quality pictures... it was a dark day.

The hubs got confused with all the "missing" silverware.  It's rare the table is preset.

I even lit the candles.

I'm not sure how I feel about my creme and mocha plates with white chairs and accessories.  Maybe I should just change out the center pieces and runner.  Hmmm?  The plates are by Casa Fina, and they are 100% awesome!!

Working at golf courses while in college proved to serve a purpose.  Everything may not match, but at least I know how to set a table!  And if you want to get really fancy check out this diagram. 

Photo: One Hungry Mama

Apparently my water glass and wine glass should be switched.  

Shh.... don't tell.

Above are my freshly painted curbside chairs.  What do you think?  The seats still need to be recovered, but I"m happy with the high gloss finish.  Ideally I would have faux bamboo chairs, but those suckers are not cheap!!  The zebra rug will be moving to my office soon, and the pictures/art will be taken down eventually and replaced with a plate wall (or so I say.... it's always changing around here).

Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

The more I think about the color scheme, the more I'm convinced that I need a set of white plates.  What do you think?  I love all the white with the farmhouse look.

My Pseudo Farmhouse

It's a beautiful day in Philadelphia!  A nice 68 degrees, with only a slight autumn breeze, enough to make you want to crawl up on your roof top!  

So that's exactly what we did!!

A quite unique perspective, and it gives you an idea of just how close we are to our neighbors.

(Please excuse the lack of make-up... it's Sunday, peeps!)

A little rooftop therapy, if you will.

 Farmhouse Table Update:

Today is only two degrees shy of perfect spray paint weather.  I think I am safe to give it a go!  Besides, there are very few days ahead that will offer this type of weather perfection.

Backstory:

 I found four of these matching vintage chairs on, you guessed it, none other than the curb!!

The chairs are covered in dated upholstery and what I'm guessing to be cat scratches.  Overall they're in pretty good shape.  Sturdy, just the way I like them!

Besides, it's nothing a few cans of spray paint can't handle. 

I simply lightly sanded the chairs, wiped them clean, and Kilzed away the ugliness.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but the chair on the left is slightly darker than the chair on the right.  I was going for antique white, but it turned out to be more of a buttercream... no thank you.  So, I will be spray painting all four today in Krylon's High Gloss White. 

Here's a reminder of the Restoration Hardware-like table I found at Impact for a steal at $35!!

 And the Restoration Hardware table currently on sale for $2295!!

Courtesy: Restoration Hardware

Just for fun, here's a farmhouse table in a chic city apartment.  Farmhouse chic is not just for the country!

Be on the watch for my reveal!

Painted Chairs

Inspiration:

Source: blog.effortless-style.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Must BUY this...

Source: definingdesigns.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

For those of you who are saying, "What the heck!?"...  it's a hand sander.  Lucky me spotted four vintage chairs on the curb and thought, "Project!"  I always fear painting really old antique furniture, but perfectly free vintage chairs do not scare me.  I have never attempted to paint chairs, and a girl has to start somewhere.  Wish me luck!

Sunday Brunch at Sabrina's Cafe

Sabrina's has been on my hit list for about a year now.  Since they are known for their brunch, and since I am not a morning person, it has taken me quite a while to check out the scene. 

However, it is sooo worth the crawl out of bed! 

It's local. It's hip.  And it's good!!!

 Check out the monthly menu specials!  It was meant to be!!

 

Jason and I decided that our next guest will get a special treat to Sabrina's... 

 

 

 ... so come pay us a visit!

 Do you have a favorite place to eat breakfast / brunch?  I'd love to hear of other local hot spots!

Casafina: To Splurge or Not to Splurge?

Photo: Ideeli

Ideeli has a current sale going on for Casafina stoneware.  All of our plates, bowls, coffee mugs, etc. are Casafina.  Jason has been very insisting that we are in need of a creamer and sugar set.  The set above doesn't necessarily match our Vintage Port collection pictured below (except ours are creme and mocha rather than creme and green):

 

Photo: Katie J's

Although  it doesn't exactly match, it's about as close as you can get while paying half the price!  Plus, it comes in more than one color.  Jason and I like the plum.  We figure with creme and mocha plates you can't go wrong mixing and matching.  Go to Ideeli's website for more great deals and let me know what color you prefer!!!

Where Have I Been!?

Whew!  Where did May go!?  Summer so far has proven itself to be ruthless!  No time, no blogging, no nonsence.  :(  That said, I've been having a blast!  Here is a little picture show of what's been happening in the life of moi!

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Philadelphia locals swarm to Rittenhouse Square for the fashion and food, but mostly the food.  If you haven't participated in this city event you are truly missing out.  Trying five star restaurant food for pennies may very well be my new hobby.

Oak Island, NC... My Birfday!

For those of you who have never heard of Oak Island, NC, get wit it!  In actuality, none of us had ever heard of this family friendly shore destination either.  This just so happens to be the halfway point to the shore for Philadelphia, PA and Birmingham,AL.  Thus equaling a multi-family vacation (and new tradition) all for little 'ol me.  Here are some snapshots.

My dad and sister...

My mom and sister...

My husband...

And my favorite!

Jason's parents also made the long 10 hour journey, but unfortunately I don't have those shots on my camera.  :(  But we all had a blast!

Rittenhouse Fine Art Show

Have I mentioned my husband's an artist?  Oh yes, I have about umpteen times.  Being married to an artist can be a tremendous amount of work believe it or not!  The very next weekend after returning from vaca was the Rittenhouse Fine Art Show.  I think we are just now recovering from all of the madness.  Professional artist travel from across the country to participate in this event.  The show formally known as the "Clotheline Show" actually got it's start by students displaying their artwork on clothesline throughout the park, hoping to make a dime. 

 Photo: Philadelphia News

Keeping with the 80 year old tradition, students continue to participate in the center of the park.  And I may be biased, but I do believe that Studio Incamminati students had the finest work!

Jason Espey and Sakiko Shinkai

Peter Kelsey

Josh Breslin

Irish Pub

We did allow for some time to throw back a few brewskies in between the art show extravaganza.  I'll be the first to admit that I am no beer connoisseur, but if you like the "where everybody knows your name" feel, then 20th & Walnut is where it's at!  Yes, I may have only ventured to this place at noon, but the atmosphere had that classic feel.  Cheers, anyone?

 

Studio Incamminati Exhibition at the Markiem Arts Center

This weekend I managed to make it to the Markiem despite New Jersey's confusing highways.  Can I get an Amen?  Towns like Haddonfield are well worth the u-turns.  Friday night was the opening night of a 7 day exhibition at the Markiem Arts Center.  We were fortunate enough to hear the talented young pianst of the Steinway Society's Young Pianst Competition!  Unbelievable! 

Jason did a painting demonstration that night which is up for bid, and he also has his painting Missed Opportunity? on display.  Special thanks to Katya for the pictures!!

06.14.08

 If that wasn't enough for you, Jason and I are coming up on our three year anniversary.  What is it this year? Paper? Cotton?  No, it's leather.  Jason and I will be sporting leather jackets and pants and celebrating at a motorcycle bar.  Not really.  Does anyone actually follow the tradional gift giving anymore?  We'll actually be dining out in the city.  We're having a hard time narrowing down our choices, so if you know of an excellent restaurant to celebrate our loooove... please let me know!

Photo: All Posters