"Splurge A Little"

Rooms & Gardens 

Blue & White Bedroom

Livingroom

Something special out back

     My very first post into this enormous creative world of "blogging" featured a post on this gorgeous shop Rooms & Gardens. There's not one thing in this shop that you wouldn't want to take home but that will depend on your wallet and budget. I've purchased some smaller items and despite most things over my budget it doesn't detour me from drawing inspiration each time I step inside. 

     So what's my philosophy on decorating my home? I mix and match new pieces along with quality thrift store finds. Furniture is one of the largest investments we make in our homes and so choose wisely. You'd be surprised at what you can find at thrift stores, consignment stores, estate sales and even a yard sale. Remember choose quality, mix and match the vintage with the new and then own it. 

     Every home is personal to it's owner and no two are alike. Your home is different from mine and my home is different from yours and I'm positive that both are beautiful. So whatever I may have or can afford there's an abundance of inspiration at our fingertips...just waiting to help us make our houses beautiful.

     Until next time happy decorating, thrifting and go on "Splurge A Little"...if you can. Thank you for dropping by and I hope you will visit again.

     The Blue Farmhouse

Goodbye Old- Hello New

Vintage yellow hutch 

Time to unload

New thrift store find...Antique cabinet

It's huge and beautiful

Still some work to do

     It was in July 2012 when I first laid eyes on my first vintage hutch. I wouldn't necessarily choose the color yellow however this one was reminiscent of ones you'd find in Tuscany or Provence. In fact it reminded me of something you'd find in a home of the 1960's. As you can see I've had it for 3 years now and frankly I don't ever see myself parting with it.

     And recently I came across what I lovingly refer to as "the beast"...this beautiful antique cabinet. I was immediately smitten with its' intricate detail on the top and the feet.  You know that feeling that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you contemplate it and go back and look at it. Well I did that a couple of time and fortunately was able to get it for a "song and a dance". That means cheap! 

     I will admit that I miss the yellow hutch (it's in the garage) but I'm having fun decorating my latest find. I think all I want to add it an big white tassel on the skeleton key and that's it. 

     Thank you dropping by and until next time happy collecting and thrifting...

     The Blue Farmhouse

"Thinking Outside The Box"

Pinterest image

Pinterest image

My Tuft Shed...full of stuff

My garage...full of stuff too

     I've always harbored this dream to have my own retail space. I've sketched it out on paper, talked about it and in my mind's eye I can see it. But the reality of my circumstances is this..I'm great finder with a good eye but my dreams are larger than my budget. Some other avenues I've tried with good success are vintage shows....well actually one and rental space in a local antique store. I actually prefer the doing vintage shows and I'm happy to be participating in The Remnants of The Past Vintage Show Santa Barbara.

     So now I must begin to think outside the box or shed in this case to make my very own space. Yes, I need a woman cave! I love being surrounded by all my stuff... the mirrors, the frames repurposed to chalkboards, the chandeliers and vintage light fittings. But I plan go a little further than dream but sell too. The shed on the property is perfect. It already has 2x4 framing, extra stone tile for the floors and my husband has plans for windows. He's even gone as far as look at some Pinterest images to help me see the possibilities. Of course, he'll need to add insulation and drywall and I have the rest of the stuff.

     I'm really excited and hopefully he can get started soon. I promise to take lots of pictures during this process so that if you to are dreaming of your own space...you can begin "thinking outside the box."

     Thank you for dropping by and until next time happy collecting and thrifting....

     The Blue Farmhouse

"Vintage Twin Beds"

This bed with

This mirror

For this special girl

[Photo by Ryan]

     Today was a short and sweet visit to a local thrift store which yielded this incredible find. I found a matching pair of vintage twin beds. The carvings, details and craftsmanship are just incredible and not to be compared to what you might find in today's store. 

     I can see actually how I would decorate the perfect little girls room...great white bedding and a dash of color with pillows. And just so that she can see herself everyday this beautiful ornate mirror propped against a wall. If I was an artist I'd draw it actually as I see it but since I'm not I hope you can just imagine with me. Thanks for dropping by again...today. Hope to see you again!!! 

     The Blue Farmhouse

"Cinderella"

"She spins...

...and she sways

Another BFF (Blue Farmhouse Find)

Thank you for dropping by....

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays/Without a care in the world

And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day and there's still work to do/She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited/And I need to practice my dancin'

Oh please, Daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella/While she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I will dance with Cinderella/I don't want to miss even one song

"Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

(Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman)

     I just happened to drop into a store just to wind down after a long day at work...and the rest of course is history! As I head to the back of the store I notice a backroom door opened and saw this mirror. I wasn't sure if this was a place allowed for customers so, I politely inquire from the owner if it where possible to take a look at something that "caught my eye". She cordially responded, "Sure honey, for you." 

     I knew immediately I had found another treasure in this ornate old vintage mirror.  There's just one thing...as much as I love it I know that I'm planning to sell it here at "The Remnants of The Past Vintage Show" in beautiful Santa Barbara.

     If you're an interested buyer let me know and I hope to see you at the show in November...I can hardly wait!

     The Blue Farmhouse