Shopping... Old School

So I did a little shopping this week and not the kind I actually like... this shopping resulted in NO purchases!  What the what?!?  That's the worst!  I've been trying to get my retro vibe on so I hit up all the antique malls around Big D and left feeling excited and frustrated.  I found lots of good stuff I don't need and nothing that I actually do!

I found a beautiful trestle dining table... too bad Hootie won't let me get rid of what we have currently.  I guess I technically could, but then we would be without chairs and that might be a problem.

To everyone else this might seem dumb, but I am a stickler for organization (understatement).  I love this vintage letter holder!  It would be fabulous next to our soon-to-be-again blue door with all our new mod hooks.  (Details coming next week!)  

However, we do already have something that does that, but it isn't nearly this cute & with a price tag of $75 I think it is a bit much for our junk holder.  I wonder if they would take $20?!?

Technically, this little number was on the to do list, but it is a little too cheap for my liking.  They were practically begging for me to name my price.  Does that make anyone else nervous?  Or am I being Negative Nelly about a good deal?

This dresser was in much better condition, but not quite as much storage OR as long as I would have hoped.  Boo!

This mirror was too precious.  It had the right amount of wear & tear, but still looked sassy.  It was a steal with no where to live at our house.

Lastly, what shopping trip isn't complete without finding a life size Jesus?  This too can be yours for a mere $1500.  Who knew Jesus was so expensive?  Quite frankly, I think he would be appalled. 

I guess that is the joy of antiquing.  You never know what they may turn up!

Cheers,
Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

With the few cooler nights we've had here in Big D, I've loved getting into my cozy jammies a little extra early.  But it's got me thinking I need to update the PJ wardrobe a bit.  Don't worry, I'm not headed into Confessions of a Stripper territory here.  However, I think it is probably time to retire the 1999 Kappa Take-A-Date t-shirt that occasionally still makes the rounds.  (Go Kappa!)

I've had my eye on these.  I think I would look cool and sophisticated.  Plus, they are eco-friendly.  Why that would be important for my PJs I have no idea?!?

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Can't go wrong with good ole Target.  I do love all things metallic!  However, they do say Juniors which is what I am trying to leave behind.  Hmmm!

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I LOVE this sleep shirt, but slightly concerned that my bobo would be hanging out in the middle of the night.  Yikes!

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What about you?  Please tell me that I am not the only one still rockin' mismatched pajama bottoms with frat t-shirts.  Perhaps it is time to update a little.

Cheers,
Jessie

Mid-Century + Me = Love

It's no secret that I tend to obsess on things whether good or bad.  For some time now, the object of my obsession has been a mid-century modern dresser.  I feel that my life would be complete with one of these bad boys...

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It is perfection in a box!  In the same way that Anthropologie is my clothing sole mate... I think this style of furniture and I were destined to be together.  The problem is I want vintage and I'm not rich.  I recently found this gorgeous little number on Craigslist claiming it was worth $18,000!

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Seriously, you must be kidding!  I'll continue to keep my eye out, but in the meantime I'm hoping Santa will put one of these in my stocking.

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Better yet... any of you have one of these laying around?  I'll be happy to take it off you hands.  

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Cheers,

Jessie  

Bah Humbug!

Yep, that's right... I'm officially over my thankfulness from last week.  Anyone else get out all their Christmas decor to discover that half the lights no longer work and you dislike everything you've chosen for the last 9 years.  Well, that's how I felt for the majority of last week, but after a lot of turkey and a mini dessert OD I'm feeling much better.

However, does anyone else feel the need to switch up all holiday decor on a yearly basis?  Like every year should bring about a new theme and a new level of creative genius.  The goal being you should look stylish and chic without being too formal or fussy?!?

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Well, I for one am still struggling with that.  I think I am stuck between what we have and what I would like us to be.  I would love for us to be an Anthropologie Christmas in real life!

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I mean who doesn't create their Christmas tree out of hundreds of wooden boxes displaying precious vintage toys and strings of lights tossed about - never once thinking about the handsy toddler roaming about?!?

For now, I guess we are stuck with what we've got.  Nine years of Christmas decorations I could take or leave, but they have a special place in my heart for all the memories.  (All right, I guess I am not totally bah humbug, but don't tell Hootie.  He still thinks we need new stuff and that is just where I want him!)

Cheers,

Jessie

Thankful... Day Five

By the time you are reading this, I will be very thankful for my haul at Anthropologie's 6am sale!  Yes, I am officially joining the ranks of the Black Friday shoppers.  I am ashamed and excited... can you blame me?

Here's hoping I score BIG!

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Cheers,
Jessie

Thankful... Day Four

All right, I'm sure my Mom will be utterly embarrassed if I am not truly thankful today so other than family, friends and blah, blah, blah- I am most thankful for this...

My two boys!  Just watching them together makes my heart happy and for that I am truly blessed.  Now go stuff your face.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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Cheers,

Jessie

Thankful... Day Three

Something tells me that I am not alone on this one... today, I am thankful for my iPhone specifically Instagram, Words with Friends, Pinterest and Facebook!

Instragram... you make my life look so much cooler than it is.  I could never say thanks enough!

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Words with Friends... you are about the only thing keeping full blown mommy brain at bay.  And a special thanks to my Mom who still plays me despite having lost every game... you really know how to boost my self esteem.

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Last, but certainly not least... my friends, Pinterest & Facebook!  I think this says it all perfectly.

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Cheers,
Jessie

Thankful... Day Two

In observance of all thing superficial and petty, today I am thankful for Sharpies, spray paint and movie stars!  I realize these are probably not things you were hoping to hear, but each make me equally as happy.

Seriously, who doesn't love a Sharpie?!?  Look at all the colors.  I'm hoping Santa will leave a few new ones in my stocking this year.  (And yes, Santa still visits.)

I really need to devote a whole post to the joys of spray paint.  It is fun.  It is cheap.  It is great.  I did go through a mild OCD phase where I spray painted everything, but how else am I supposed to get a gold Baby Jesus?

Lastly, how can we not give thanks for movie stars?  After seeing these two men on the big screen last night, I am extra thankful.... and they should be doubly thankful for looking like that.

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Cheers,

Jessie

PS - In case you don't follow Flat 200 on Facebook or Instagram, I am also thankful for these bad boys.  

Thankful... Day One

Don't worry, I'm not going to get all sentimental and cheesy.  This week, I have decided to give thanks for totally superficial and extremely awesome things - just what our Forefathers intended.

Day One... I'm thankful for Rub'n'Buff!  If you don't know this product, then your life is about to change for the better.

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I discovered this little gem through House of Fifty.  I was super excited to give it a go so I immediately started looking for something to transform.  (Of course, Hootie was out of town during this process... I've discovered it is always better to simply surprise him with changes than to get his opinion.  I guess I am also thankful for this!)

Anywho, the first thing I spotted was our dining room chandelier.  

I know.  I hate it too.  :(  The dull brown finish in combination with the fake candle wax is a doozy.  What can I say?  It came with the house and other things have taken priority over this, but this was my chance to give it a little facelift without spending much.  

I purchased some new candle sleeve & globe bulbs at a lighting store and picked up a tube of Rub'n'Buff at Michaels.  There are a ton of colors to choose from.  I went with Antique Gold.  

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The application is super easy just swipe it directly on & let dry.  I wore gloves due to the size of the project.  Plus, I didn't want gold fingers for a week.  After putting it all back together, we were left with this... 

Awesome, huh?!?  The only problem now is figuring out what to Rub'n'Buff next!  Something to be truly thankful for!

Cheers,

Jessie 

RIP, Nate Berkus

Let's clarify, RIP to the Nate Berkus SHOW.  Seeing as my days are now filled with Jake & the Neverland Pirates, I was a little slow to learn that his show had been cancelled.  So sad! I realize it wasn't ground breaking television, but it did make me smile every time he pulled out his furniture magnets and would do space planning on the magnetic board.  Who doesn't love that?

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Anywho, the show is no more, but I thought we could honor its passing by highlight his new line at Target.  Please tell me you've seen it.  Too great!

Here are the goodies I've had my eye on...

Always need more metallic in my life.

Green & gold... need I say more.

Love a good box... an absolute MUST have accessory.

Love the grommets & the colors are fabulous.  Definitely need one of these!

I'll leave you with these images of his work... wow!  Simply stunning!

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 RIP, Nate... it was nice while it lasted.

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Cheers,

Jessie

Confessions of a Stripper

Don't worry, Hootie and my mom both know and they're okay with it.  Before you get too concerned, please remember that we are talking about paint, people.  I seriously don't know where your minds are at most of the time.  Anywho, let's start at the beginning....

Remember when I painted that really awesome accent door in a beautiful peacock blue.

  Well, it doesn't quite look like that anymore and here's why...

1. It didn't feel right.  I'm not talking feelings.  I'm talking texture.  The paint seemed to have a gritty texture and not a smooth finish like you normally find on your trim or doors.
2. I was concerned about the durability.  When I removed the painter's tape from the door handle and hinges, the surrounding paint peeled right off.  
3. The color was a little splotchy despite 3 coats.  

With all of those issues, I decided to ask the experts at Home Depot where I went wrong.  The general consensus was that I should have used an oil-based paint instead of a high sheen latex.  There was also some concern that the paint & primer-in-one was causing the gritty issue.  

The simple solution was to strip the door and repaint with the oil-based paint.  I was actually a little excited.  I'd never stripped before (or at least not that I will claim on here).  Anywho, I gathered my supplies and set off.

I do highly recommend gloves & a mask for this process.  I also wore some chandelier earrings, but I don't think those were necessary.  Basically, you slap up the stripper.  (Poor choice of words, I know.) Let it sit for about 15 minutes and get this... 

The paint begins to bubble up and peel off.  All that's left to do is scrape it off... which is where things took a turn for the worse.  This is where we are at today...

I want to keep things real on the blog so I'm being honest when I say I feel stupid.  :(  The problem is it was an old door to begin with so various layers of paint were being stripped away, but not consistently. I tried sanding everything down, but it just wasn't doing the job.  We officially declared the door dead last Wednesday evening at approximately 8pm.  A moment of silence, please.

The good news is a new door has been ordered and interior doors are not terribly expensive.  The bad news is my $10 project has now turned into a $100 project.  Hopefully, I've been able to save at least one door from the terrible fate that befell mine last week.  Either way, I should have a shiny, smooth, NEW blue door hung next week!  Something to truly be thankful for!

Cheers,

Jessie  

  

Monster Mania

Well, I believe I promised the start of a home tour last week and I hate to disappoint.  A few things to note before we start:

1. I have a flair for the dramatic.  (That's assuming that you haven't already noticed.)
2. I believe that things should always be a little off... rooms, clothes, life, etc.
3. When planning this room, we didn't know the little monster would be all boy.

So let's begin in the monster's den...

First off, the stripes!  I know they are a bold statement, but that is what I wanted.... a graphic statement without being babyish.  I wanted something that could grow with them and still feel relevant.  Whether you love it or hate it, they are certainly a talking point and that I LOVE.

The bookcases were custom made and painted in a chartreuse green to coordinate with the bedding. They offer tons of storage and continue to be put to good use.  So far we haven't had any climbing related accidents.  (Fingers crossed.)  

For artwork, I wanted something personal without being cheesy.  The one on the left is devoted to Hootie and his favorite Mister Rogers t-shirt and book growing up.  Thanks to my MIL - she has every trinket of his childhood and youth!  The one on the right is mine.  Let me introduce you to Mr. Rabbit.  I realize he is pink and owned by a girl, but his name in Mister Rabbit and he was my BFF for the better part of a decade.  I couldn't think of anything better for the monster's room than our fond memories of childhood.

I opted out of the changing table and went with a custom dresser that would work well moving forward. (Hootie... do you see how thrifty I am?!?)  We did a mini wall gallery above with his initial and a few mementos.

And lastly, what baby room isn't complete without a reading nook?  The wall shelves are actually magazine racks from CB2 and I swear the Martini table from West Elm is the best side table ever invented.  Try it for yourself.

I guess you could say we were only missing one thing... a monster.  Love that little head!

Cheers,

Jessie