Thrifty Thursday

Forgive me guys, I know I’m suppose to continue the Victorian Charm home tour, but I wanted to interrupt it with a quick post of thrifty Thursday.. I have to say one thing for sure …. it’s been a freaking thrifters’ paradise out here.   I can envision us (fellow thrifters) sitting in the anonymous cyber circle and admitting to our guilty pleasure of being a “thrifterholic”, meanwhile showcasing our fancy finds,  giving the reason behind the addiction.  So with that being said.. My name is Jamala and I’m a “thrifterholic”.   Anyone else ready to step inside the cyberbox and confess with me?  Don’t be afraid..there’s a lot of love in this group… chuckles…. we’re birds of a feather that flock together… 🙂

Okay.. now that’s over and done with.. let’s jump to all the goodies that were found!

I heard about a new Goodwill that opened in Lancaster and decided to take a visit.  Glad I did, because I found this loveseat for $50.00.  Excellent condition – no stains, smells or damages.  So this came home with me for my son’s house.  He just purchased his first “starter” home and he’s pretty excited.  Woohooo to him!!  This will be perfect for his living room.

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I’m no wine specialist or sommelier but when we popped into another off the beaten path thrift store, I stumbled upon what looked like swizzle stick with a cork thingy..and did a quick research and found out it was a Winecicle.  They sell for in the range from $8.00 (without an Aerator) to $50.00 (with an Aerator).  If you’re like me and hadn’t heard of them, you simply freeze it approximately one hour before using your wine.  Once frozen, place the icicle in the bottle to keep your wine perfectly chilled  Wait for 10 mins and it is ready to pour at right temp.  They’re easy to wash and clean and it’s dishwasher safe.

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The one I found has an Aerator and it was $4.00.  A perfect accessory for the bar cart

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If you’re following me on Instagram, I posted this gorgeous crystal cut pitcher that was another thrifted find for $2.00  –  They make my fresh cut hydrangeas look so beautiful

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another look… because they’re just so darn beautiful… (I loooooves me some hydrangeas!!!)

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insert another smile   🙂

I got an email from the Goodwill Blog letting us know of another Goodwill grand-opening in West Columbia. Me and my musketeers got up early and headed there and boy are we glad we did.  I found this set of Threshold gold flatware for $10.50.  They had 6 boxes  – so needless to say… you know what I used my contest giftcards on (yippppeeeee !!)

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A thrifting diva Toni found this snazzy club chair for $12.46.  I can’t wait to see what she does with it.. High-5 Toni!

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and fellow Instagrammer Marla found this fabulous pair of metal & lucite lamps at a local thrift store.. (She really peeped these bad-boys out!!) she spent a whopping $6.00 on them..lol..  High-5 and a hip bump to you girlfriend!)

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and last but not least – Up next – is one of the grandest mirrors found by another thrifting diva Shelly and it was “THEEEE best” $45.00 spent.  You know my mouth dropped open and eyes got big as pool balls.. lol… She gets 2 high-5’s, a hip bump and a heel kick on this score.

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She’s using it in her boutique and as you see, it adds the perfect chic-ness for her decor- WAY TO GO Shelly!!!

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Now you see why I was soooooo excited to post a Thrifty Thursday???  It’s really fantastic seeing all the gorgeous finds out here and how everyone is thrifting their house into a home.  As always, it’s not what it costs, but how you style it.   Happy Hunting and have a wonderful weekend!  (up next is the Victorian Charm home tour continuation 🙂

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

 

Victorian Charm

 

I’ve always been smitten with Victorian Homes and their grandeur.  From the high ceilings, wide verandas, to the ornate details, these homes always seem to capture my attention.  It was after watching Gone with the Wind for the first time, is when I encountered my first fantasy of living in an old Victorian home.  South Carolina has many quaint towns and  in them is where you’ll find some of the Victorian-era homes nestled in the neighborhoods.  As you travel through them, you tend to get mesmerized by the charming looks of these southern comfort homes.  Such is the historic town of Chester.  Chester is where my dear friend Elizabeth, Inn Keeper of the Inn Upon Moon River Bed&Breakfast resides and it is through Elizabeth that I was fortunate enough to meet another wonderful new friend name Jan, and she and her husband Terry are added to my list of the sweetest people I’ve met since living in the south.  Their friendly personalities blended with their zest for life really makes being in their presence so pleasurable. They welcomed me into their lovely Victorian home with open arms and a glass of Prosecco.  After having a few glasses, talking and laughing – it was like we were long time friends.  After several visits to their lovely home, I decided to ask “can I share your home with my readers” and when she said “Sure” I got excited, grabbed my camera and began my story.  So, grab your tea and croissant, and come join me because I’d like to invite you into their exquisite “painted Lady” Victorian Home.

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As you enter through the grand foyer you’re stunned with this beautifully designed Living Room

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Jan is the master-crafter behind the lovely decor and she reupholstered every item in this room and created all the custom draperies

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Each piece she placed in the home adds to the victorian charm of the beautiful home

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The border trimming the walls was all hand-painted using a stencil.  Adorning the fireplace is her collection of USA Roseville Pottery and the most gorgeous tiffany firescreen

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As your eyes wander the room you’ll find all the details and everything is meticulously place.

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The antique light fixture is another attention grabber.

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Opposite the Living Room is where you enter the grand Dining Room with vibrant cherry red walls.

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The first stunning  sight is the most beautiful crystal laden chandelier mounted against her metallic gold ceiling.  This is her crown jewel of the home – which has been with her in every home she’s lived (and I see why!!!)

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The way it glistens in the light and the faceted colors that are reflected makes it so glamorous.  Reminds me of something you’d see in “Gone With the Wind”

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The custom gold drapery adds to the charm of the room blending the gold, red and blue decor

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And here again – is her hand painted stencil.  (it’s all in the details)

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Victorian brass wall sconces adorn the fireplace

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while crystal lanterns and decanter drink set adorns the buffet

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As you see, this lovely home was decorated to reflect the natural charm and keeping with the grandeur of the home.  I’m sure this is making you want to see more, and there is plenty more to see.

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So to give you an eye candy break from this overdose of sweetness, I’ll be sharing the rest of the tour in three different posts.  I can’t wait to show you more of the details and love they put into restoring and decorating their home.   They scoured several thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales and auctions to find the right pieces to accent the home.   Looking at all the beautiful furniture, art work, collectibles and accent pieces, one would think it’s been handed down to them in the family.

Next up will be the kitchen, parlor and study… so tune in for the next episode of the charming Victorian treat.

Until next time – enjoy thrifting your house into a home.

Jamala

 

Boudoir Refresh

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Hey all!  I hope you’re doing well and feeling great! I’m so happy Spring is here and I’m almost  complete with my indoor projects because it’s time to be outside.  So I’m working on two projects at one time..   The Foyer and the Master bedroom.  The bedroom refresh is complete.. I chose not to paint because I painted about 3 years ago. (Besides, I don’t want my brother to strangle me…lol).  But, I will say just changing a few items and rotating two pieces of furniture not only gave me more space, but I was able to add two more pieces and the room appears more spacious. Hubby thought I took something out.. (Chuckles, Goes to show how much he really pays attention.. Smh).  Since this stuff doesn’t phase him much, I hope you’ll sit, relax, sip and enjoy the view of our vintage suite (a girl can dream right ?)

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Everytime I think about switching our furniture to something more modern, my inner being just can’t part with this set.  I love the bed plus it was custom stained for me. I spotted it in a pile of unfinished work and it had been stripped and a few of the embellishments were missing.  My dear friend Joyce was the craftswoman behind this creation.  I brought her the drawer of my nightstand and asked her to match the bed stain.  When she finished it I’ll never forget how excited I was to see how beautiful the bed looked.

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So,  that’s my bed story, it’s been with me for almost 20 years and I dont’t think I’ll ever change it.  Now moving along, it was an extremely bold move to choose white as my scheme, because my husband is an auto mechanic..(eeeeek..). But when I snagged the crochet coverlet at an estate sale (for $30.00.. what a deal)  I knew I wanted to accent it with white.  I later found the fur bedspread at another estate sale for $20.00.

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I found the the perfect white pillows at HomeGoods, except the purple one.. That’s my special pillow (read here), which is why I chose to paint the headboards purple, because that pillow will always sit on our bed.

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Last year I had them monogrammed, but they hung on the wall as window toppers..(see here) Well I’m super excited because they’re actually cornice boards now. Me and my upholsterer worked together and crafted the ends to extend the width, then attached to more wood.  This was not a hard project, but it did take time.  (kick me in the butt for not taking pics along the way, but you can see some below

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I picked out a fabulous champagne color satin fabric for the panels and she made the pleated panels and we attached with Velcro.  The sheer panels are equally beatiful., they are embellished with a satin circular pattern.  They are on extension rods inserted inside the cornice board.  I knew the design I wanted and working with her, it was awesome to see we the accomplished look and I honestly love them.  So, if you’ve got or saw some cute twin headboards, here’s a DIY project, designed by yours truly.

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(You see why I have the purple pillow)

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Sheba came in here for hubby’s dressing  corner.

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The satin panels are so soft, they actually feel like a designer ball gown.  The lucite bedside lamps were purchased from HomeGoods.  They were marked down to $25.oo and were perfect for my “vintage glam” design.

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Do you notice the beauty of the crochet coverlet..  I still haven’t found the right nightstand, so the hat boxes still serve as nightstand/storage.

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I made up my mind to not keep my dresser cluttered.  It took some time, but, I actually went through all the jewelry I don’t wear, got rid of receipts and the other “stuff” I tend to throw on there.  I want to keep it simple.. This vintage candy dish has always been a favorite of mine. My grandmother (and I’m sure many of yours) had one on the coffee table,  and I  always liked it.  I chose to use mine as powder puff jar.. It fits perfectly

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Yea, I kinda feel like a starlet when I use it.. (Giggles… Hey I’m still dreaming)

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A picture of my besties stay close by too.. The french ladies chest was another antique find I purchased from my friend Joyce some 20 years ago too.  I can’t say enough how she had so many gorgeous pieces.  This holds the organized jewelry clutter (gorgeous piece isn’t it) .  The antique brocade slipper chair was a sidewalk special.. You can see the before/after here.

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My vanity (which I call glamour girl station ) adds to the vintage glam feel of the room.. After all, there’s one in the boudoir of all the Turner Classic movies – so, I have to have one in mine ☺️

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When my nieces visit, they love playing dress up in front of this, I have to keep my eye on them or they’d have the room lit up with perfume.  The vanity chair got a new look as well…

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For a girl with a chair fettish, I came across this cute little lighter and was nice to have just for show – (not a smoker).  The only thing I’m still contemplating is taking down my dolls. I haven’t found anything to replace them so, I just decided to keep them out a little longer.

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Our room doesn’t have a certain era of furniture pieces, but they’re all blended.  That’s mostly the advantage of working with antiques.  I’ve never been the matchy-matchy kind of person, so, this allows me to use Victorian, French, Art Deco, midcentury and new items to complete the look of the Vintage Glam bedroom suite.  I hope you enjoyed the “fresh” new glam look.

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 You see, there’s beauty in vintage and I truly adore working with them.  If you ever decide you want to incorporate a bit of vintage into your decor and feel stuck.. Feel free to ask me for a bit of advice.. I’d love to help.

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I found the right mirror, so, the doll has been retired.

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 As always .. beauty doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Happy hunting and enjoy thrifting your House into a Home

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 Thanks for stopping by!  Smooches

Jamala

Living Room Makeover

After Saving Grace, and getting excited about her new look, I decided it was time to make a few changes in the Living Room.  I initially was going to put her in the foyer, but realized #1 she’s too big … Continue reading

Pillow Talk

I know there’s a lot of  pillow talk going on right now – and why?  Because pillows are the easiest way to update the look of any room or furniture.  Now it’s time for me to join in the conversation – I began my pillow talk this past week.  Spring is coming and I wanted to add a few of them around the house.  After having new pillows on Grace, I realized it’s time to refresh pillows around the house.image

My story began with this gorgeous fringe I found while clearing out a closet.  I actually forgot I had it and when I saw it that’s when it hit me.. Pillow Time!

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Can’t let good fringe go to waste..  So next stop.. The fabric shop.   I’ve been on my animal print kick for a while, and luck be the lady, I found the perfect fabric that satisfied my wild side.   The fabric was $15.00/yard ( I know.. Ouch) but I couldn’t resist.  My savings came in the pillow forms.  Again, I got lucky (on the thrift side) and found feather down pillows at Goodwill for $1.00 each.  I removed the old fabric and created 3 new pillows for less than $20.00   Here are my new pillows:

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Not bad right.. The fringe really gave the pillows a high end designer look. I’m loving my “J” style pillows, and there are  few that I’ve been fiending over that I’d like to share with as well.

Interior designer, LindaG, makes some of the best pillows.. here are a few of my favorites

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Visit her blog to see more of her creations… You’ll truly be inspired

If sewing isn’t your thing, I found this gorgeous fur pillow here  .. I’m really considering this style in the master bedroom.

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And to mix it with some champagne bling would be great.. Like these here babies

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And if you’ve got money to burn (unlike your thrifty girl) tickle your fancy and check out the pillows featured on Chairish.

Here’s one last swoon-worthy pillow to talk about  .. Gotta love it..

imageTo see more fab pillows follow my Pillow Talk Pinterest Board

I’m taking it room by room for a Spring re-fresher .. But pillows are definitely in the making.  What are you up to for getting Spring ready?   Oh and I hope you enjoyed my little throwback Pillow Talk tune.. It’s one of my all time favorites.. Up next.. My One Room Challenge – Living Room $100.00 makeover.. Stay tune  .. Until then Happy Hunting ! Smooches!!

Jamala