Hey there! Wanna see my latest deals? Here you go. A rustic piece perfect for the cabin that I got at Goodwill for $5.00. The Goodwill nearest our home is not known for their great prices. In fact, you can get things cheaper at Hobby Lobby than most of the things there, and in fact I did that last week, but I thought this particular piece was well priced and unusual enough to be worth it.
This little red vase is just another example of my attempt to introduce more red in the space. But that’s only part of the story. This was a purchase born of nostalgia. The bottom of the vase has a sticker on it from A&S. If you’re over 40, you may remember that department store. I certainly do. It was our ‘go to’ place for just about everything growing up. When it was time for something really special to wear, then my mother took me and my sister to Bonwit Teller, another great store long gone. I remember in detail two of the dresses from Bonwit’s when I was around 9 years old. One was a white pleated chiffon with a black velvet bolero jacket embellished with tiny white pearls and the other was a red dress that flared out from the waist with a white accordion color and a black velvet bow. Loved those dresses!
I’m keeping the sticker on the vase intact. Makes me wonder what this vase’s journey has been. Oh, and there’s a sneak peek at one of the 5 pillows I picked up at HomeGoods.
I’m trying to lighten up the interior but keep it casual and rustic at the same time, so I added some burlap to these planters that sit on the mantel.
I desperately wish there was something we could do about those vents on the facade of the fireplace!
I picked up some fabric at Joanne’s and made some pillow cushions for out little bistro table on the porch and took a night pic. Can you tell the difference between the two? The one on the right is too small and puffy, but the one on the left is just about perfect. I used the old cushions as templates, but the one on the left is actually covering the old one, where the one on the right is just using the filling. That was a mistake. Don’t try that with a pillow you want to use to sit on, ok? Live and learn, right?!
Remember my button bouquet? My brother-in-law and sister-in-law came up to the cabin with their granddaughter and she wanted to make some button bouquets to bring to her family and friends in Florida so we did just that. She’s quite the photographer too! We took her to a petting zoo and she took some adorable pictures of the animals, including a miniature horse and llama. As for me, I left my camera at home. Bad blogger!
I hope to take a short trip tomorrow to see my Aunt whom I haven’t seen in about 20 years, but it seems like I have a defective tire which potentially could be dangerous so I’m going to try to get that resolved in the morning and then take the drive in the afternoon. Tuesday is another busy day. My stepson is in a reality show airing Wednesday night and the premiere party is Tuesday. I haven’t a clue what I’m wearing! For some things, I’m good at planning ahead, but when it comes to stuff like that, not so much.
I better get busy…
Partying At:
CozyLittleHouse
Diane Massey, Broker/Realtor, Berkshires & Hilltowns says
Paint those vents dark grey to match the cement between the stones. That’s a start and it’s something different.
Doreen@househoneys says
Great idea Diane! I’m thinking a medium gray would be good. Definitely going to do that! Thanks 🙂
Andi says
Could you hang some burlap bows or something over the vents? That fireplace wall is amazing…and our Goodwill is higher than a cat’s back too. They had a blue vase (it was fairly large) for $20! I’m with you…I can buy one cheaper at hobby lobby. Love the bistro set. 🙂
-andi
Doreen@househoneys says
That’s a thought Andi. I was thinking some kind of garland would be helpful. I have to be careful about putting things that are too feminine in this space though, but I may give that idea a try.
Higher than a cat’s back…you crack me up!
Angela says
wow, I love your mantel and your artwork above it is awesome!!! So dramatic but still “cottagey” (is that a word?)!! It looks like everything is coming together! Drive careful today and enjoy your Aunt!~~Ang
Doreen@househoneys says
That’s the look I’m going for Angela. It’s not easy to find things that strike that balance, but the artwork definitely fits the bill. I’m looking to get away from the cliche lodge stuff like deer heads and kitchy stuff. That ‘artwork’ was done on the cheap. I did a post on it. It’s just a poster on insulation. 🙂
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Great finds Doreen! I love the red vase, and what you did with the white planters by adding the burlap is brilliant. Can’t you paint the vents so that they could blend in with the rest of the fireplace?
Doreen@househoneys says
I’m definitely going to do that, Vashti. A medium grey might work. It still won’t be ideal, but it’s got to be an improvement.
I actually JUST had an epiphany. This fireplace was wood burning when we bought the house, but we converted it to gas. I’m wondering if the vents are even needed anymore?! If not, we may be able to fill the area in with stones and mortar. That would be awesome!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
You may be right! I’ve never seen vents in front like that on a gas fireplace before. That may be your solution. Brilliant!