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!

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. 

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.