My $20 Rug!

Those of you who know me know #1 I love a deal...more than just about anything and #2 I love estate sales.

So we went to an estate sale run by Plum Estate Sales on Saturday.  I do not enjoy being in the crowd waiting to get in...I've done that a few times and it's just not worth it to me.  So I try to wait at least an hour after opening to  let some of the hardcores get on out of there.

I entered the house and walked through the dining and living rooms and didn't see anything that caught my eye.  Then I went to the family room...and there it was.  An 8 X 11 Jacobean wool rug...straight from Target..just like my runner I have in my entry hall.  They want $100 for it.  I quickly look it up on my phone and find that it sells for a mere $379 online...I knew there was some reason I only bought the runner.

I grab the ticket and pay for it.  I ask the woman running the sale to assist me in getting it.  She moves the corner of the couch and it is then we discover...

...the chewed up corner.

Dang!  I should've known it was too good to be true.  I told her I no longer wanted the rug.  She offered it to me for $80 and I still couldn't chance it at that price...I declined.  She stood there for a second and said how about $20?  Heck yeah!  I'll figure something out for $20.  So we rolled it up and hauled it out of there.

When we got home, we rolled it out and I knew I had made the right decision!  The chewed corner was only 4 1/4" into the rug so we decided to cut it.

I knew my trusty Cutco scissors would be able to gut through all of it

Ron set up the laser level so I could get a straight cut.

And I commenced to cutting that rug!

Look at that $20 rug!!!!! I LOVE ESTATE SALES!!

Craigslist...don't be afraid!

A friend of mine said the other night that she is afraid to shop on Craigslist.  I have both bought and sold items on Craiglist and have met fabulous people.  People trying to make or get a deal...just like me.  We have all heard of "The Craigslist Murder" and unless you are selling massages in hotel rooms, that is unlikely to happen to you.  I did recently hear of man being shot multiple times selling his fiance's necklace.  He met some shady characters in a non-public area and then ran after them when they grabbed the necklace and took off.  Hence my rules for Craiglist transactions...

Rule #1 - It is best to meet in public, if the item allows.  If you must meet at your home or theirs, take someone with you.

Rule #2 - Don't meet them unless they are willing to give you a phone number.

Rule #3 - ALWAYS get a picture first.  There is NO reason for someone not to have a picture.  Doesn't everyone have a cell phone with a camera?

Rule #4 - never deal in anything except cash transactions. 

I have gotten some FABULOUS things from Craigslist ads.  Most recently I found my new bedroom chairs  from this previous post...upholstered swivel chairs that look BRAND NEW for $200 for the pair.  I don't know if you've price upholstered chairs lately but they run anywhere from $300-700 each.

These classy doors my dear husband installed were absolutely FREE.  They even came with the crystal door knobs. The free section is awesome and I check it daily.

My couch and loveseat were purchased from a Craigslist ad.  I did spend a little on new foam cushion inserts but it was still a third of the price I would've paid for them new.

And my coffee table.

My daughter's bedroom furniture came from a Craiglist ad...it was sort of a pickled color but it was cheap and I loved the curves and details.  I painted it white and it is now fabulous.  You can see my post about painting it here .

I have also sold MANY items via Craigslist and have never had a problem with anyone.  You are smart...just go with your gut.  If the person sounds shady, just say thanks for your time and go on to the next ad.

Happy New Year

The beginning of a new year always makes me take a look around at my unorganized life and attempt to fix it. 

I organize the junk drawer, clean out the kids' toys and plan some sort of home improvement project.

I moved the desk out of my bedroom into the guest room and gave myself a place to sew and scrapbook.  Right now my sewing consists of mending and hemming, but I want to do a project...a pillow or a jumper for my daughter...I'm not sure, but I'm inspired by my new space!

And this gave me lots of room in the master bedroom to redesign.  I searched for a month on craigslist and finally found the perfect chairs.  They look brand new and I grabbed them at $200 for the set.

I paired them with two new bookcases from Target and artwork I got at a yard sale a couple of years ago...

And I have a beautiful new sitting area where I can enjoy my new Nook!

It's a new year and I have a new resolve to blog and open up my etsy shop again.  While I didn't make much money, it was a lot of fun to look for vintage items. :) 

My next blog entry preview:  Craigslist...don't be afraid.