Stuff Mart

I've talked to you about this book before.  I even warned you about it. But apparently I still stink at taking my own advice, and against my better judgement I have been participating in a weekly bible study/book group in which we're not only reading the material, we are actually participating in weekly 'fasts' from areas overindulgence.  

This book, called "7", written by Jen Hatmaker  addresses 7 areas of 'excess' in her/our lives-media, possessions, clothing, food, waste, spending and stress. 

This past week we were focusing on fasting from possessions and where did I happen to end up? 

Here!!  

The devil made me do it! :)

Have you ever seen that sign..."Lead me not into temptation. I already know the way there". ?

Well, that's me. 

For those of you who raised your kiddos on "Veggie Tales" video when they were little, I felt like Madame Blueberry walking into "Stuff Mart the other day.  I even said that out loud to my 14 year old, Brecken (my accomplice or my accountability partner-whichever way you want to look at it)!  smile

This mash up between Ikea, Target, TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby recently opened in Jenison where the Old Target used to be. It's called "@ HOME" I had a couple friends ask me if I had been there yet, and what kind of designer would I be if I didn't scope it out for all of you Champs?! So, over a brief lunch hour before Brecken's ortho apt in Grandville, we checked it out. 

And what a lot of STUFF!!!

 Breck wasn't enjoying it quite like I was. This would actually be a great pic for Jen's book and blog!

 Oh, she's warming up to it now! Spotting a ceramic pig for her long -gone pig collection from days gone by.

 She's tempted too....

Initially walking through the doors, I almost hyperventilated looking at all the enticing patio furniture and cushions.  But as I walked up closer to many of the items, I could see that they weren't as high quality as they appear from a distance.  I was glad for that as it made it less tempting to purchase what I truly don't even need. 

We nearly made it out of there with NOTHING, (not as hard as I thought), but Brecken had asked for a mirror for her birthday and they had a nice sized one that coordinated with her room for $35. I could justify that as her birthday was Saturday. 

All in all, it's a fun place to browse. 

Just not highly recommended while fasting from possessions. :) 

And, ironically I'm supposed to be fasting from social media this week but I missed you Champs too much for that. 

This isn't going well.  :)

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MaNiC MoNdAy

Random thoughts on this Sunny Monday:

I spotted these gems when a client and I were shopping together at Huizen's Furniture in GR. Great place for sofa's, tables and accessories. 

 Put on a bullet proof vest before pulling into the parking lot. This place is in the 'hood, but who am I to judge? Z-town had another Meth lab bust three streets over from me a few weeks ago, so townies in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. :) 

Gotta get my hands on some yardsticks that I can stain.

Chalk it up to another great idea that I can pirate. :)

 Love this sign below (also from Huizen's). This project might be in my near future as well.

 Sneak peek of this  vintage armoire that would make a sweet shoe cupboard or load it with totes/baskets for odds and ends in a playroom.  Painted creamy white w/ charcoal grey interior and glazed.  I need to add hardware, but this piece should make it to the store in the next few weeks. (No, I still haven't made it back into my garage/workshop for painting).  I had several items pre-done luckily last fall and they've been in storage since then.

 Here are some items that were added to my booth on Saturday:
A scalloped drop leaf table. Check out those sexy legs!

 A charcoal grey double pedestal table.  

 Lots of little spring accessories.  Anything to remind us that winter won't last forever.

 This will be my mantra in a few weeks at Spring Break. We're heading down to Florida again to get us some long overdue sun and fun.

Typing fingers are officially frozen again, so I need to sign off and warm up in another part of my house now. See you back here when it thaws. 

(I promise it will be sooner than that).

:)

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Let there be light

I'm officially "over" winter! I'm literally bundled up in my knee length winter parka sitting in a cold metal chair in my front room/office.  These cinder block walls are frigid in this 100 year old bungalow but I am braving these harsh temps to meet with you Champs here and heat things up with talk of interior lighting. 

So many times clients are looking for inexpensive ways to breathe new life into a space and I usually turn to lighting fixtures as a way to do it. 

Here are some great design styles that work with a wide range of decors. I've been obsessed with pendant drum shade lights for several years already and am still not sick of the look. 
They add lots of character to a room and can push the style quotient further in a design direction (for example, making a traditional kitchen look a little more fresh or urban). 
I always tell clients that cute lighting fixtures are like adding cute earrings to complete an outfit. 

Check out the lighting choices below that can all be found at Joss & Main online. Great site for design inspiration and various accessory or furniture collections.

Take note of the table lamps below as well. Drum shades are still all the rage here, but paired with very simple, chunky bulb -like bases (which is another great way to bring color into a room). Or keep it subtle and classic with a mercury glass or clear glass base. Prices vary. 

I find most of my table lamps at Hobby Lobby. Wait 'til they're half off. They look like  exactly like the high end  ones that furniture stores carry. Trust me on this. 

You'll notice that I'm mixed in dining pendant lights, mini-pendants and table lamps. 
Happy browsing:

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