Homegoods Find

I've said it before and I will say it again - love me some HomeGoods!

Our friends Christy and Will recently moved into their new house and hosted a really fun Mardi Gras party. I wanted to get them something for the new place and while browsing HomeGoods this week, found a gorgeous crudites platter! Of course I had to get myself one too.

Isn't it so cute? I love that the bowl is also like a cabbage leaf. Can't wait to incorporate this with an upcoming baby shower I am hosting.

Secretary Desk - Craiglist robbing

There are times in your life when you just absolutely know you completely underpaid for something, and you almost (ahem, almost) feel bad for not paying more. I have had a few experiences with bargains where I  literally check the price tag a gazillion times to make sure I am not dreaming. My club chairs and new sofa, and now my secretary desk and hutch.

If you remember from here, I was determined to locate a secretary desk and hutch last weekend. We hit everywhere, and I just felt like I really needed to stick with my narrow dimensions and be vigilant on the price I wanted to pay. The Walkers have been flying through cash on furniture lately, so I really challenged myself to a) find the right dimensions, b)find serpentine drawers and Chippendale woodwork and c) find a deal.

I was a bit discouraged from our weekend shopping (everything was either way too big, way too expensive or not in line with the style I wanted). I committed to refreshing Craigslist 19485748 times at work and low and behold, Monday night my dreams came true.

You have to understand that when you know what the general market cost is for a secretary desk with hutch, and you find one that is about 1/8 of the price, you have to absolutely jump on it, even if it means you look at it and it's not what you thought.

In comes my Craigslist steal - after giving it a ton of TLC while also neglecting my wifely duties of preparing dinner, I genuinely feel like I've robbed this poor couple of their family's piece. The wife did say to me she could tell it was going to a good home - do you think she noticed the drool on my face?

Khaner maneuvering it in the car. Let's just say we had a silent car ride home.

Love the serpentine drawers! My plan this weeekend is to get at the hardware with brasso, but the pulls are screwed on like Fort Knox.

My hope was to find Chippendale style doors, and Chippendale doors I got!

And we all know K is so excited the shelf can house my Ginger jars.

I initially wanted Mahogany but I think the Walnut shined up just as nice!

You can see the drop leaf has to be re-hinged on. For the price I paid I am willing to have that done at a later time.

And as I had hoped, it really complements the new runner I bought last week. The hall looks so much more pulled together!

New Etsy towels and promotion at work

I wanted some new monogrammed hand towels for the guest bath as my old one had my initials with maiden name.

The lady is actually local in NC and though they took a few weeks, they were more than worth it! I chose Ecru font color. This is making me want to paint the tile -the yellow looks so dated! This will likely be a summer project after our England trip!

In other news, the Walkers are on the rise and  both Khaner and I received promotions this month. I am so excited for a new chapter within CA. Both Lenovo and CA have been incredible employers to us. Lots to be thankful for and many blessings to count! This does mean that all my recent (and future) purchases are totally justified, right K?

The Weekend Hunt...

A secretary desk with hutch. I am obsessed with these and need some way to house towels and linens (apparently linen closets weren't a thing in the 1940s). ALSO I can store books, ginger jars and picture frames on the hutch portion. Khaner actually agrees with me that we need something more centrally located for guests to retrieve towels, extra blankets, etc. Am I getting him to see my viewpoint of things or just wearing him down? Probably the latter.

Some of my favorites online:

Watch out Raleigh, I am on a MISSION this weekend.

Table Skirt and Vietri Steals

Months ago I decided I was going to incorporate a box pleated table skirt in the family room and began my typical hunt online. Boxed pleats are actually really hard to find and the closest I found to my vision was on Etsy for a whopping $320.00. This included fabric but my total cost to have this made was roughly 1/4 of this.

Two of my best friends' moms in Raleigh had sent me to a lady who had retired from sewing as she'd had hand surgery, and I am so glad I asked her about anyone else in the area who could make a table skirt.

Mary Sherron stepped in and created this beautiful piece for me. She was horrified when she saw the fabric was cream but I assured her I  had a white dog and couldn't choose anything with a lot of color.

I think mine came out just as nice as Etsy one, if not better!

So excited to have one more project wrapped up!

Etsy inspiration - very pretty but out of my price range

Because I  never registered for fine china, (I was lucky enough to persuade my mom to share her massive set with me),  I decided it was okay to splurge on a couple of extra Vietri pieces for entertaining purposes. They were also 25% off!

Isn't it beautiful? Love the gold edge

I thought these were fun and am considering the chargers too!

SOURCES:

Mary Sherron, Seamstress in Raleigh

thebowlcompany.com - use code BRINGITHOME for 25% off orders

What are some entertaining items you can't live without?