Project #1

Back in November, I found some dining chairs on Craigslist that were from a hotel in Wilmington.  The designer of the dining room at the hotel was remodeling the room and therefore, selling the old furniture no longer wanted.  I on the other-hand, really wanted these chairs.  I've been looking for a new dining room set for a long time but hadn't settled on a particular style.  The chairs are traditional but I have seen them in several more "modern" rooms.  It depends what type of fabric is on them and the table they are paired with, to get a particular style.

I like the dining set we have now but it's too small for us (seats 4).  Yes, there is only 2 of us but we like to entertain.  Our space is too small for something bigger than a 6 top, so that's what I've been looking for.  Anyhow, I bought 6 of the dining chairs the designer had for sale.  They definitely weren't "ready to use".  The wood had some scratches and spots where the finish was rubbing off.  The fabric was old and dingy looking.  My husband and I took them to a few upholsters and wood-workers but got quotes that were far out of our price range right now.  We'd only be able to get one done at a time.  The good thing that came out of going to those places though is that we found out the chairs are really well made and it is hard to find 6 of kind in this style.  We decided to save some money and un-upholster them ourselves.  My husband actually completed this process... and complained most of the time (but it was his idea!)  He did feel very accomplished afterwards no matter what he says.  We also decided to refinish them ourselves.  We are still working on this process.  We have to strip the current finish that is on them, and then do a little sanding, and then of course stain them again.  Once we're done with that, then it's time to reupholster them.  I haven't settled on a fabric yet.  I've been to all of the fabric stores in the area and haven't found anything that jumps out at me.  I may end up
buying on the internet.

Any of you ever complete a project like this and maybe could offer some tips?

Ode to Etsy

Oh how I love Etsy.  If you aren't sure what that is, shame on you!  Just kidding... but if you have been living under a rock, please do check it out!  Etsy is a community website where sellers set up shops to sell their items.  I love all of the handmade, vintage, and revamped items.

These are some things on my want list:

Printed dish towels and towels with hooks

via Urbanposture's Shop

A few trellis pillows and greek key pillows like these from Willaskye's Shop.

As well as a bright Schumacher print

I love the "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters and these are especially unique with the print on vintage book paper (in many colors) and pineboard from the CantonBoxCompany Shop

As well as vases, utensil holders and trays from Jill Rosenwald's shop

Other things found on Etsy include jewelry, furniture, clothes and accessories, paper goods, candles, art and so on!

At Home Meals, Cont.

So, a few of my prior blog postings were based around eating on a budget because we were starting to spend too much $ on food, plus when you cook at home you usually eat a healthier meal.  The goal was to buy food for the week, cook most of the meals, and do it under $100 (for both my husband and I).  We are starting back again this week after being sidetracked during the holiday season. We went grocery shopping yesterday and bought enough food for 4 dinners, 5 lunches, 5 breakfasts, and snacks for 2 people.  Here's what we're making:

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Stir-fry with pork (1lb lean porkchops, 1 bag of carrots, shallots, pad thai noodles, teriyaki sauce)

Spaghetti  (1lb italian sausage, noodles, tom sauce, onion)- There are a few other ingredients but I had them already at home

Mexican Pizza with Green Chili Soup (2 pizza doughs, mozz cheese, corn, black beans, BBQ sauce, tomatoes, green chilis, cream cheese)- Already had a few other ingredients at home as well

Salad with Sandwiches- (salad mix, caesar dressing, wheat bread, pepper jack cheese)

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Foods for breakfast, lunch and snacks when not eating leftovers:

Yogurt

Blueberries

Crackers

Water (for fish tank)

Turkey slices

All of the food bought is either natural or organic, we spent a total of $92 and some change.  So, I know if we can do this, and we love to eat, then you can too!

More about food to come soon... Oh and ps... I will be updating about those house projects... again was sidetracked by the holidays!!