Archive for the ‘decorating’ Category

Thrifty!

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

I went thrifting in what feels like the first time since hell froze over and was feeling a bit rusty after an extended break from being out on the streets patrolling for vintage goods. I spent most of the day trying to find a groove but only found jack squat while wadding through packed thrift stores listlessly and a bit distracted. I hit all the usual spots and nothing – not even interesting smalls. It was like a wasteland of overpriced crap out there.

On the way to hit the last store on my route, I spotted a sign for a new thrift store that ended up being tucked away in an industrial storage facility in a total no-mans land of warehouses and despair. I can not explain how nice it is to find somewhere new, somewhere fresh, somewhere very well priced. Inside was great – just that perfect mix of jumbled furniture, racks of clothes and strange electronics, disgruntled employees and that very distinct thrift store smell.

Smells like victory.

There is nothing like 50% off day, and nothing is as good as a comfy vintage chair that swivels and rocks and only costs $10.

I’m calling it “The Captain’s Chair” and The Captain approves.

Thrifty!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Oh my.

I just checked and the last time I went thrifting was in May – and come on that didn’t even really count. I mean I went to one estate sale and one thrift store on the way home which is pretty much like not going at all, you know, like dog years are to human years – two months not thrifting is like two years to me. Damn you crazy day job schedule!

On the way home from a botched trip of fun I made The Boy stop at my favorite Salvation Army in hopes of beating some traffic. I blame him. He found this painting of Captain Seaman or whatnot and pointed it out to me. Even though a moratorium was placed on buying any new art, I just couldn’t resist.

Look at that wee little child molester mustache and the lazy eye. Classic.

In order to show off Captain Cool Guy’s installation here is a sneaky peek at how the master bedroom is shaping up. The new dresser is chillaxing, waiting for an oily rub down and the bed is in some desperate need of attention. Still have a lot to do, but hopefully it turns out all right.

Anyone have a source for a perfect light gray duvet? That is super affordable and awesomely simple. Speaking of, why are bed linens so fugly and expensive!?

HUNK of Burly Love

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Remember when I went all bonkers on that Craigslist guy and his stupid driftwood tables? Well, I’ve been on the hunt for some of those chunky organic looking burl wood root coffee tables for awhile now and finally scored. On Craigslist of course, different guy though.

We immediately had to take them outside for a good scrub down. Both were chock full of years of dust and dog hair, a snickers wrapper, push pins, and gum. Yuck.

BTW, these things weigh a fucking ton. I almost passed out trying to get it out of my car with The Boy, saw stars and everything, and skinned up my forearms pretty good. Great vintage always comes with pain! Speaking of pain, this Craigslist guys wife just kept yammering in my ear about kids clothes and her sister and their impending bankruptcy the entire time we were there, like one long LOUD ass run-on sentence. TMI bi-otch. I’ve had a run of a few pretty painful Craigslist visit lately, just another reminder of the crazies out and about in the Inland Empire.

It’s so hard to photograph these things. The den is like a vortex for bad photos since the space is awkwardly laid out and dim to boot. The weird curvy glass is reflecting all horrible and driving me bananas. I kind of want a square piece of glass for this thing and I’m thinking the cowhide rug is not working so well, plus I kind of am starting to hate those shelves. Now I gotta rethink this WHOLE room. Jesus Christ.

I liked the Eames elliptical table we had in the den before, but that thing is so goddamn low. How do people do it? I got tired of needing to crunch my whole body into a yoga ball every time I wanted to set down a drink.

When I talked to the Craigslist guy on the phone I originally asked just about the coffee table. He had it listed and languishing at $250 for a month. Of course I asked if he would be willing to negotiate on the price of the coffee table and he stated that he pretty much just wanted these beasts out of his house. We agreed to sell both tables to me for $100, even though I didn’t really have a place for or want the side table, but, I did take it off his hands in the end.

I stuck the side table in the pit that is our master bedroom to function as a temporary nightstand. We sold almost everything out of that bedroom and now need to redecorate, so you know that big plans are a-brewing! Too bad my sketch-up plan for it crashed and didn’t save and now I gotta start all over like a stupid jerk that doesn’t save a few hours worth of work…