In true Huntress fashion: You won’t hear from me for 2 years, then all of the sudden, I’m just chock FULL of content!
This has been one that I’ve been working on a for a few months – every day at work (and in my personal life) I’m looking at inspiration images of beautiful spaces and trying to recreate them on a smaller budget. In the spring, I came across this monochromatic, textural ad from CB2:
I’m not a Wayfair ambassador – yet. But, I really love that they sell so many things.
Since the new year, I’ve been inspired to take this blog more seriously. But more than that, to fill in the gap with what I feel is needed. I am NOT an Instagram Model, and I don’t aspire to be. I want to be a Role Model. There are so many opportunities to compare yourself with others on social media, and it’s seriously exhausting. I’m hoping to take an alternate approach and tell it like it is: with humor, honesty, and a realistic budget for the everyday single woman. At this point, I don’t get anything for free. I buy everything myself. On one salary. And I want to show you how to “live an abundant life” the same way. It IS possible to live fabulously AND save at the same time, and never feel like you’re missing out!
Having said that – I’ve been sitting on this post for several months now. Half of me wanted to share all of my secrets, the other half wanted to keep it all to myself. But, I went to the Sisterhood One Night event at my church in September, and the guest female Pastor was speaking about when you’re vulnerable and share your struggle with other women, they can share in your miracles too. And it got me thinking, “I’m never ashamed to talk about the deals I’ve scored, so, why should I be ashamed about the other things I do to keep myself feeling good?” If y’all can share in my struggle of trying to keep up with all of the other women, then y’all can share in the joy about having it all. Suddenly, we are all on the same team! And instead of trying to out-do each other, we instead share in the sisterhood bond of taking advice and tips where we can, so we can be the best versions of ourselves. The best women to get tips from are the women we admire – The women who ask for help when they need it, women who live the lifestyle we aspire to, women who have the relationship we desire, women who have scored the boss-job we crave, and yes, women who admit that they go to Hair Cuttery for trims to save money. Today, I’m hoping I can be the sister that shares her vulnerability, so that we don’t feel alone in our struggle to do/be/have it all.
Do you ever see Instagram or Pinterest photos and think, “I didn’t even know women existed that could look like that?!” Every contour is perfect, hair is flowing, clothes are endless, bodies are incredible, homes are out of a magazine, engagement rings are the size of a small car, oh, and their husbands are usually millionaire models.
How do they do it?? Well, I can’t answer for everyone, and I surely have some things that could be improved (currently working on snagging all of the above). But, I’m going to speak some truth and tell you my tricks for making me feel like a goddess on an everyday budget:
Beauty
SAVE:
I paint my own nails. I like Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure line, with her Gel Topcoat. I can usually get 3-4 days out of that!
I purchase my services in packages. I like to say that the only Italian trait my mother gave me is thick body hair. So, waxing is a MUST. For my Philly fans, I used to see Annie Morris at Salon L for the past 12 years! They used to take a percentage off of your visit if you “checked in” on Facebook. They may have updated their policy, but you could always ask if there’s a “bulk” discount. And just this past week, I just started seeing Liz Bailey at Bikini and Bronze by Liz. She gave me a great (and *almost* pain-free) wax, and I bought a one-time spray tan session to be used at a future date, since it was a little cheaper to buy them together! Same thing with purchasing mani-pedis together, if I feel like treating myself!
I buy some drugstore makeup products. In the winter, I mix my usual Lancome foundation with a drugstore brand, and I use drugstore mascara. I’ve tried expensive brands, but I think I get similar results with cheaper brands!
SPLURGE:
I REALLY REALLY REALLY need to have a skincare routine, and if I did, it would be in this section. Currently, I’m still in denial that I’m at an age where I need a skincare routine. Also, feeling overwhelmed with my options and the cost. I’ll need to resolve this sooner than later 🙂
I use Rodan + Files LashBoost. Using Rodan + Fields LashBoost isn’t cheap. I usually pay $135 per tube, but it lasts me about 4-5 months. However, it beats the cost of getting lash extensions every 2 weeks. *Note: There’s TONS of reviews, likes and dislikes about this product. I’ve had great results and I love it, but there’s a few other options you can look into if you’re still feeling unsure!
I buy a few good-quality makeup products. I love Lancome, Makeup Forever, and The Balm for my splurges!
I had Invisalign. OK, so this could be an entirely separate post by itself. And it will be. But I did spend the money to get my teeth to where they are now. However, I was able to save in a few ways – my orthodontist generously gave me a discount because my ENTIRE family (Step-dad, mom, brother 1, brother 2, ALL got their braces there) and I paid for everything up front, which saved me an additional 10%. Altogether, I paid less than $2,000 to get a straight smile.
I got Zoom Whitening. I probably would have wanted to get this anyway, but, after the Invisalign, I wanted to get my bonding re-done. Bonding only lasts 10 years, and I was running up in the 15+ zone, so it was time. It doesn’t bleach, so, in order for the new bonding to match white teeth, I had to get this done before the bonding.
I have bonding. Genetically, the two teeth on either side of my front teeth are extra small. This is called peg laterals. “Thanks, Mom and Dad!” So, bonding, which is *kind of* like an acrylic nail for your teeth, has really been helpful to create a seamless smile. This only needs to be updated every 10+ years, so it’s definitely not a normal splurge item.
Hair
SAVE:
I go to Hair Cuttery/Great Clips for all hair cuts. *Insert shocked face* I know…Can you believe it? Since I only ever get a trim anyway, it doesn’t make sense for me to pay more than $20.
I only get balayage 3x a year. By choosing a method that doesn’t require too much upkeep, I can keep my costs down, but still feel bright and sunny.
SPLURGE:
I go to a good stylist. When I DO get my hair colored, I don’t mind paying a bit extra, especially because I only get it done every few months. Side note: I was enjoying a rare third mimosa at a restaurant this past fall, and couldn’t help but stare at a woman at the table next to me with perfect hair. I went over and asked her where she got her hair done, and she said she does it herself. SHE’S the stylist! Not only that, but SHE’LL COME TO YOUR HOUSE! Shout out to my girl, Jenna Frontiero #networkingwhiledrinking
Clothes
SAVE:
I shop at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and outlets. With so many bloggers linking their clothes to LikeToKNow.IT, and listing all of the sales, it makes it easier to navigate so many stores. But let’s face it, I cannot afford Nordstrom every week…even if the items are on sale. My post on my favorite jeans for “petite height with normal thigh width” girls is coming soon – but TJX always has my favorite brands. Going to outlet stores and/or signing up for their online notifications has allowed me to score some pretty great deals., especially at J Crew Factory.
SPLURGE:
I’ll *occasionally* get a few key pieces at a boutique. Sometimes you just need a few unique, good quality pieces. And I think it’s important to mix expensive and affordable items together. As I get older, I have a little more money to spend on myself, so sometimes I splurge. But, it’s funny, because there’s times when I still can’t justify spending money on clothes that I think I can find at a better price elsewhere. Case in point: The $108 Pistola boyfriend jeans that I did NOT buy, which I featured on my Instagram Stories today. But, I’m sure to check out the sales rack first to see what deals I can score. I never really did boutique shopping in Philadelphia (no idea why…) – I’m sure there’s PLENTY of cute shops there, but I do have a few favorite around Charleston. Post to come soon!
Fitness
SAVE:
I paid for a package gym membership. By paying for a 2 year membership in advance, I was able to save some money. Bonus, it includes ALL of the classes I want to take, so I have full-access!
*Note: I’m not a fanatic about these, I just do them when I get bored.
I don’t drink too much alcohol. I’m not much of a drinker…I mean, if I could get drunk on Betty Crocker brownies, then I might have a problem, but I’d ALWAYS rather eat my calories. I’d say I might have 2 drinks a week. Maybe more, if mimosas are involved…
SPLURGE:
I pay for personal training. I see Tom at Pivotal Fitness 3 times a week for weight training. This cost was separate from my regular gym membership, but I really wanted some one-on-one time with someone knowledgable. Now that I’ll know how to use the machines, I’ll feel more comfortable doing this on my own, intermixed with classes.
MENTAL HEALTH
SAVE:
I listen to Abraham Hicks on YouTube. This is totally free and has helped me way, way, way more than anything has ever helped me before. It has opened the door for my relationship with God and to see the abundance around me every single day. Abraham has calmed me down and opened my eyes to the fact that every day is made for my enjoyment. And it’s true for everyone, which is so wonderful!
I go to Church. Now, this is something that’s kind of new for me. I mean, I was raised Catholic but would hardly consider myself “religious”. In Philadelphia, I occasionally attended Epic Church, but in Charleston, I’ve become really involved in Seacoast Church. It’s my time to reflect, pray, and mostly THANK God for everything I’ve been given.
SPLURGE:
I work with Jacki Crawford from Everybody Energy. Jacki has seriously turned my life around. I highly, highly, highly recommend talking to a therapist, meditating, going to yoga, reading, listening to inspirational speakers, going to Church, or whatever else gives you some mental peace and clarity. I can’t say that I would have always been ready for the kind of work that Jacki and I do – I had to get to a certain place of healing before she could help me be more “bright and shiny”, as she likes to say. But I can always talk to her about what’s going on in my life and we work on how to overcome any obstacles.
Home
SAVE:
I shop at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Target. I’ve found SO many pieces of furniture, accessories, lighting, bedding, dishes, and candles at these stores, that I can’t even imagine going anywhere else to buy things!
I repurpose hand-me-downs. I’m lucky to have some really great antique pieces that my family has given me. I love that they tell a story. My home feels so much like me, because it’s filled with my history.
Through my profession, I’ve been able to use my trade discounts on furniture. Everyone has a skill that they use to help them. I can get discounts on furniture, but I pay to get my taxes done…so, we’re even 🙂
SPLURGE:
I buy a few key pieces from brand name stores. A few years ago, I bought the Montclair sofa from crate&barrel. My first “Big Girl” piece. I love it and it was worth every penny.
Travel
SAVE:
I fly Frontier as much as I can. Frontier has awesome deals, so I check their site first when I’m booking my flight. Sometimes I even book one-way trips, since it can be cheaper to mix-and-match flights.
I choose all-inclusives. Let me just say that I’m a super snob when it comes to hotels. I never want to stay at a place that isn’t as nice as where I pay to live every day of the week, so I can be picky. However, I’ve found some excellent all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean, and even better, I could budget the entire tript by paying for everything together and upfront.
I stay with friends/budget hotels. Sometimes I’ll stay with friends or a cheaper hotel for a majority of my trip, so that I can stay 2 nights at a really fancy place.
SPLURGE:
I’ll stay at a nice hotel for a few nights max. By treating myself to a 2-night stay in a fancy hotel, I still feel like I”m living my best life, but not depleting my bank account!
I allot portions of my paycheck to savings/bills. This is one of my FAVORITE tips to saving money. I have a direct deposit to my savings account so I’m constantly saving with every paycheck. I also figured out how much of my paycheck needs to go to my bills, so I have that direct deposited into another account, meant only for bills. Anything else is for me!
I negotiate pricing for living arrangements. Often, apartment complexes will run holiday or seasonal specials. Look for them! If you live in an old house, like me, sometimes you can negotiate the cost, especially if you agree to stay for a longer term, or pay more upfront.
I take on side projects. I take on some side hustle if there’s something important that I’m saving for. I’ve been blessed to have some great, repeat clients that have helped me!
I cook most meals at home. I do go out to eat, but by cooking at home most of the time, I’m able to save some money there! This is SO hard to do in Charleston, because literally, every restaurant is unreal!
I really hope that spilling ALL of my secrets has been helpful. And, go ahead, tell everyone. These are the kinds of secrets that are meant to be shared!
Now, I want to show you my Bedroom. First, I want to share some overall photos, so you can get a better idea of how the room looks!
How do you feel about those green walls?? And the tiny sink in the corner, because there’s no sink in the bathroom 😳 But the fireplace is SO cozy! So, let’s see the BEFORE and AFTER.
I’m thinking of having the walls painted bright white, along with the trim – and I guess the fireplace too (still figuring that out) and painting the upper part of the walls above the picture rail in a soft blush. All of the furniture is my own, with the addition of the same long white linen drapery that I used in the Living Room. The ceilings are super tall and my current curtains are too short! I’ll replace my bedding with a fresh, white duvet or quilt, and crisp shams. See that little gold pineapple mirror? I just snagged it on sale from Michael’s a few weeks ago. And it’s currently on sale again for $11.99! I thought it was so perfect for Charleston, but still looks classy, not kitschy.
I’m thinking of using Velcro to add a beige linen skirt under the sink to hide a basket with my straighteners, curling irons, and brushes, since I’ll be getting ready in my bedroom. You’ll understand once I share my bathroom reveal…
Thanks for staying on for the tour! Stay tuned for more soon!
I decided to make the 2 hour trek down to Savannah on Sunday. I have to be honest, it was no Charleston.
I’d like to finish on a positive note, so instead of “cons”, let’s begin with what I will call-
CONcernS:
The parking situation was insane. I drove around for 45 minutes just to find a parking spot. I had wanted to visit a few shops a few minutes drive away, so I didn’t want to park in an all-day garage.
Downtown wasn’t as historic as I thought it would be. The city plan is actually really beautiful, however, I kept wondering if I was in the right downtown. The main strip’s buildings had more of a 1950’s feeling than 1850’s (which I happen to prefer) Maybe there were more historic neighborhoods if I had walked around side streets, but without being familiar with the area, I didn’t feel comfortable walking around like I do in Charleston. I did take a few photos of some of the older buildings I passed by on my circling to find parking 🙂
Most of the shops and restaurants were closed because it was Sunday. This was just poor planning on my part. I tried to follow this guide on 24 hours in the city, but most of the places weren’t open. (Including the author’s place, Back In The Day Bakery)
I ended up going to Goose Feathers Cafe, because it was one of the only places that was open and I read about it on a review site. It was an “express cafe”, which means you order at a counter and then they bring your food to you. This would have been fine on any other day, but I had really wanted a different experience. It felt a little too college cafeteria for my mood. But I was so hangry, that I knew I needed to eat something. Immediately. Upon describing my experience to Iron Man, he said, “I’ve experienced you being hangry, first-hand. You just needed to be fed fast!” The sandwich was fine and the service was good-They were so friendly. It has great reviews, so don’t judge it based on my gnaw-my-arm-off attitude at the time 🙂 If I hadn’t been so discouraged, I would have stayed around for a fancy dinner at The Olde Pink House at Planters Inn, which was written up in all reviews, and happened to be open.
There weren’t any plantations to visit. However, I stopped by Wormsloe Historic Site, which has “Tabby Ruins”. I walked through the whole museum, and I’d hoped they would have a description of what exactly “tabby” is. I just looked it up now, and apparently it’s a kind of concrete from shells, sand, and water…but the real showstopper was the beautiful oak allee with Spanish Moss in all of its Southern glory 🙂 In hindsight, I should have walked through the cemeteries, which are supposed to be beautiful…
This photo was taken AFTER I ate 🙂 And yes, The Charleston Dress made another appearance!
PROS:
The shops that were open were lovely! One recommendation was The Paris Market. It was SO cool in there and really reminded me of one of my faves, Terrain at Styers.
Also downtown was 24e Design Co., which was pretty cool, as their sign proclaims…This ;little “loft” was on the landing between the flights of stairs. It had a low ceiling and reminded me of an adult tree house 🙂
And finally, I did a quick run-through of 2 Women and a Warehouse (which was also recommended in the 24 hour guide). I was a little skeptical, because of the kitschy things outside, but it ended up holding a few treasures. Another narrow dining table 🙂
Check out that inlay!
The ice cream was quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. If you ever find yourself in Savannah, please, please, please stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream. The line was out the door and I know why. As always, I was torn between two: Lemon Curd vs. Rum Bisque, both 2 of the original flavors from 1919. I’m usually a caramel/mocha girl, as opposed to a lemon/raspberry girl, but they recommended the Lemon Curd and it really was the right choice. It was just a tiny bit lemony, a lot a bit sweet, and very creamy! It may have made my trip worth it!
The drive was really relaxing. The scenery on the way down was really beautiful. Lots of open fields with flowing grass. The weather was perfect and featured clear blue skies and lots of fluffy white clouds. The clouds were so perfect and low, they looked like cotton candy and something out of a movie. It really reminded me of the trips my cousins and I used to take to our grandmother’s house in Canada. She has since sold the 75 acre property, but the memories stay.
There was a sweet country shop that sold cider. I passed the Carolina Cider Co. on my way down, and noticed that they had another location across the highway on the other side, so I stopped on my way home. Secretly, I was hoping it was alcoholic…but they let me try it and it was SO tasty. I bought the Peach AND the Black Bing Cherry! Not pictured is the Moscato that was purchased later to top it off!
Right after my trip to Page’s Okra Grill, I stopped in Elizabeth Stuart Design. Not only is the shop an eclectic mix of old an new, but they also sell some very unique jewelry. Tim was working in the shop that day and he was really kind and explained several pieces, while also talking to me about some of their design projects. He encouraged me to take photos for the blog, so here you go!
That emerald green velvet with the crisp white and natural rattan. In Love. Tim told me that the lamp above and it’s matching friend were vintage Ralph Lauren. Why haven’t I thought about a round desk? Well, I’m thinking about one now, and how convenient and lovely it would be!
Their jewelry was all from individual designers. Here are some of my favorite pieces:
Although you may see me on lots of adventurous trips, I actually have been working for my job back at home quite a bit. So in between answering emails, directing my Maintenance staff in Philadelphia, putting out more “fires”, reviewing invoices, and selecting ceramic tile, I’m trying to peruse shops and try new restaurants here in the late afternoons.
I’m seriously cramming as much in as possible, which means that when I get home, sometimes I just can’t bear the thought of getting right back onto a computer to sum it up again in a post. So, I’m slightly overdue for including you on my adventure this past week…I walk past Acquisitions every time I’m out and about, so I thought I’d finally check it out. After an embarrassing pull on almost every one of the 5 doors around the building, I finally walked around the entire place only to discover that the entrance was the very last door in the very back of the building…
Here are my treasures!
Some of the pieces were brand new, like this white bamboo dresser. I would love to see this nestled in between 2 twin beds in my “daughter’s” room. I just loved the pom pom/fringe blanket. I’ve seen these more and more recently, and I’m totally feelin the trend. This sectional was not only good-looking, but also really comfortable. Imagine that! All of their newer furniture was made in North carolina
This pretty chair was a beautiful mint green color. I t was hard to tell in this photo, so I took another one with a discontinued Dash & Albert Rug. The rug was so soft, I could only imagine how snuggly it would feel on bare feet 🙂
And some were antiques!
This was a Swedish daybed, and the intricate carving was just beautiful 🙂
There was something about this old chair (and it’s matching friend) that I really liked. I think it was the worn arms. You have to wonder about the people who touched them so many times that the paint wore away. The cane seat definitely needed to be redone. Even with the cushion, I sunk down a little too far into the seat.
As always, I know you want to know what I wore 🙂Embroidered Top: J Crew Factory
So, on my way to the beach today, I stopped by the Antiques Market to see if I could pick it up. I checked my cell phone photo to see if I could find where it was, based on the other items that were near it and…
It was gone.
Only the ceramic dog and decorative bowl remained. Gahhhhhhhhh! I even went to the cashier, who regretfully informed me that it had sold. Why didn’t I hide it amongst the other crap??? I looked at all of the other treasures that I posted, and everything was still in EXACTLY the same spot! Nothing had sold. I’m convinced nothing in the whole place sold, except my beloved alabaster lamp base 😦
I did find very similar ones online, but the point was that this would be a souvenir from Charleston. It was the special hidden treasure that I found. Uggghhh! That’s what happens when you don’t buy a one-of-a-kind item right away…
Today I slept in (way later than I’ll ever admit to), then finally made my way over to Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island.
I wanted to find a restaurant that was recommended online (future post to follow), but I had some time before they opened back up for dinner, so I stopped at the Antiques Market.Upon walking in, I realized that it was one of those “antique malls” that my Dad likes to say is “mostly filled with junk!” He really does have a way with words, doesn’t he? 🙂 Well, amidst the junk, you know I was able to find some treasures!
Some Asian furniture, that were pretty good prices, considering I bought something similar to this for work and it was 3x the price…
Didn’t love the piece below for my personal home, but I had to admire the ornate detail of the mother of pearl carving 🙂
I thought the hardware on this piece was one of the prettiest things about this piece. It’s so delicate!Look at this campaign style dresser for only $169!! In my mind, I had repainted it a beautiful lacquered black. Or sweet lavender. Or kelly green. Or coral pink.
Here are some metallic pieces
This reminded me of a miniature Ark of the Covenant…
I’m just LOVING these traditional mirrors, like maybe over top of an acrylic console?
All polished up, this wooden bead chandy could be lovely!
These are curtain tie-backs, which I have already mentally “installed” in my Charleston apartment’s living area, when I redid the place. LOL Look at these mini candlesticks. Aren’t they cute? They were only $14.50 each!
This XL copper bucket would be beautiful filled with firewood. It was only $50, which is a steal! If I had a fireplace, this may have come home with me.
More trunks:
Imagine this wood tool chest opened and filled with sky blue hydrangeas!
Some fun animal inspired trinkets:This little fox hook would be perfect in a little boy’s room for jackets and hats 🙂
Several ginger jars:
And more generally cool stuff…I would just LOVE to host a party where all of the glasses were this rich plum shade!
That’s an old tobacco basket!
A beautiful NARROW 33″ wide farmhouse dining table
Cool doors and windows:
Sometimes, the best pieces are actually display pieces, like this cool bamboo shelf. I mentally put it in an all white bathroom, complete with mosaic marble tiled floors. I cleared off all of the crappy things and placed fresh, fluffy, white towels rolled up, next to artisanal soaps and glass apothecary jars filled with cotton balls. On the walls are small, framed John Audubon prints. If that didn’t give you a visual, I’m not sure what will! Sometimes, the display pieces are not for sale…like this beautiful mantle.
Headboards:
How cool are these old scuba masks? The kind of thing I would just love to incorporate into a kid’s “underwater” themed room!
Sometimes you see funny things too, like this rope chandelier: HA!
But the funniest thing happened when I was looking at these old photographs:There weren’t a ton of people in the store, so it was strange when this elderly woman came right up to the small corner where I was standing looking at these photos. She remarked, “Wow! I’m sure all these people are dead!” Then picked up one of a woman in Victorian clothes and said, “Well, I know SHE’S dead!” And then proceeded to thumb through the stack of photos proclaiming, “Dead…Dead…That one’s dead…” So I actually started to walk away when she called out, “That’s where we’ll all end up…in an antique’s shop!” HA! Well, that made me chuckle!
This alabaster lamp base was the one thing that I really hated to leave behind. It was a little bit more than I want to spend when I’m on a limited budget. Especially when I don’t really need a lamp. But it was SOOO cute. Such a sweet size, so perfectly carved. I was worried about the wiring, but that’s something that could easily be fixed, right?
First stop, the Charleston Farmer’s Market in Marion Square (Every Saturday from 8am-2pm, if anyone’s interested!)I had a delicious lemonade that was made right in front of me, and then finished it off with the Thurman Herman roti roll from Roti Rolls CHS. It consisted of a light, flaky, chewy “pita” type flatbread stuffed with pulled pork, kimchi, and Creole mac and cheese. It was the first thing I ate all day, but was totally justified, since it was 1pm 🙂
Afterwards, I strolled down to Open Door Shop, which I tried to visit last weekend, but it’s closed on Sundays…I bought the sweetest pineapple bowl for all of my future soirees I plan on having…
Open Door is on Line Street and at an end of King Street (the main shopping street) that I never frequent. So as I was thinking I should turn back and go home, I spied a sign saying “Antiques”. Well, nothing bad ever happened at an antiques shop, right? I figured it would be worth it to find out. And I’m glad I did.
The kind ladies at Antiques and Interiors Market on King told me about a great Happy Hour event going on mid-October, where all of the design shops on one end of King will be having wine and cheese in the evening. As my cousin, Margot, would say, “Doin’ it!”
Here are some of the treasures there:
I imagine this fab antique chest with clean lined lamps and a modern mirror or colorful piece of art, to keep it from looking too “museum-y” Can you imagine this with all white dishes like these from Open Door? Or some family heirloom china? That bow in a preppy little girls room? Kind of Kate Spade, right?I imagined that chair reupholstered in a fun floral fabric with the frame painted a high gloss white 🙂 I just loved those ram candle sconces. I would seriously consider getting them wired and having maybe modern bulbs put in like these options. My imagination really does run away with me, but that’s the fun in antique shopping. You get to imagine that every piece has a great story, like this basket, which maybe held sweetgrass for baskets! And although that dining table seems a little country, it was such a cute size for a small apartment. Yes, just a new fabric, but keep the carved wood. Talk about a Throne!
And finally, 2 sweet cherubs that looked like they just needed to be loved 🙂
To my delight, an architectural salvage store called Encore was right next door!
Seriously, my grandmother has one of these in her basement and I totally called dibs on it (not that anyone was really fighting for it anyway…) It belonged to her grandfather and I like that it has some family history. These were going for $650! I would have loved somethign like this for my bedroom in Philadelphia. But at $1,600, it didn’t look like it was going to happen… And THIS little fellow! His human mother went into the back room and he patiently waited by the door. I tried to talk to him, and even requested that he trot over to me, so I could pet him. This was the response I got. No eye contact. As if he just pretended I wasn’t there, I’d go away! A shy guy 🙂
Next, I walked to Circa Lighting with features some realllllly beautiful fixtures at prices just as big as their chandeliers… Loved how they added more storage space by installing these sliding barn door displays!
Because these are SO overdue, I’m posting the Before and After, so you can see the real transformation. These are “true to life” photos. No “staging”. You know that was KILLING me!!
LIVING ROOM:
DINING ROOM:
KITCHEN:
MASTER BEDROOM:
My Sweetie loves his home, and I love it too. It makes visits even more enjoyable!
For more info on the finishes and colors, check out this Before post and this During post!
I walk past 
Upon walking in, I realized that it was one of those “antique malls” that my Dad likes to say is “mostly filled with junk!” He really does have a way with words, doesn’t he? 🙂
The Huntress Blog 