A Couple of Affordable Finds of the Day

Well, the countdown for back to school has officially begun at our house.  This is our last week of freedom, and my kiddos are trying hard to enjoy the last few days.  Secretly, I think they're ready for some routine and to see their friends.  I know I am!!  I'm really craving some normalcy and routine.  So,  with that in mind, here's an installment of my "Finds of the Day" series.  I wanted to show you a couple of wonderful things I've found lately.  Both are super affordable and perfect gift ideas.

The Southern Cook

First, a great friend/mentor of mine, Margaret Agnew, has just published a new cookbook - The Southern Cook.   Margaret worked for Southern Living for years as a cookbook author, and then took a break to raise her son.  Now, she is back in the swing of things with a brand new cookbook.  I'm told this cookbook includes lots of traditional southern recipes like Hoppin Johns and Spoonbread as well as my "go to" recipe for Christmas Eve - Shrimp and Grits.  I've ordered my copy and can't wait to see what it includes.  No doubt it's going to be a wonderful addition to my cookbook library.   Also, it is the perfect price point for Christmas gifts for all your girlfriends.  Do something different this year and give your friends something they can use.  Who knows?  They may even invite you for dinner!

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Sweet Home Sewn

I spotted these precious dishtowels this summer and instantly fell in love with them! 

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Paige Willcut started her business when she was desperate to find some cute, simple teacher and neighbor gifts on the market.  After looking around, she decided to make her own!  Once friends saw them, they all started asking her to make them for their friends, and so the business began.   These dish towels are NOT monogrammed which Paige says is hard for some to overcome!  But rather they are truly Southern from the flour sack dish towels that all Southerners KNOW are the best dish towels! With the 7mm block lettering reminiscent of hand stitching.  The wording and embellishments are all customizable. Keeping the design simple is key to being able to keep the price low. Plus sometimes simple is better!  

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She has more than just the state of Alabama - she does fish with the name of your lake house and even holiday themed towels.  These make the perfect hostess gift and since they are customizable, they really show you were thoughtful in the gift you selected for your hosts! 

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If you are local, you can run by and pick these up at Marguerite's Conceits in Mountain Brook Village, A Little Something in Cahaba Heights, 3rd Street Promenade in Cullman, Homewood Antiques in Homewood, and The Paisley Pig in Bessemer.  Also, she has shops in other areas carry them - Moxii in Auburn, Freshfully in Avondale and even Ocala Traditions in Ocala, Florida!

I hope you have a marvelous Monday! M.

Find of the Day - Paper Placemats

I have this friend who always finds the most interesting gift ideas.  She is a master at it.  This year, my birthday present was no exception.  She knows how much I love entertaining outside, so she gave me these!  They are from this wonderful shop in Mountain Brook village called Marguerite's Conceits.  Marguerite seems to find the most fabulous items.  She also carries completely divine linens of all kinds.  So, if you have time, her shop is definitely worth a look see.

If you don't live anywhere near Birmingham and can't make it to Margarite's Conceits (I'm very sad for you, her shop is something special), but you can still access these cute placemats by clicking here.

They come in lots of patterns and colors.

click here to order these

I also love this one with a beach theme - very fun.  What I love about these is the convenience of creating a fun table setting instantly.  

click here to order these

Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

PS: Many of you have asked about my Mom, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  (I posted about her here).  She had surgery on Monday of last week and is slowing recovering.  Your thoughts, prayers, calls, emails and texts have been very uplifting.  The good news is her caner has not spread to the lymph nodes, so her treatment following recovery from the surgery will be much much easier.  But, her surgery was long and involved complications, so I would much appreciate your continued prayers for strength for her.

Find of the Day - Nailhead Chest

I've had my eye on this fabulous chest for the last couple of years.  It is oh so yummy . . .  I will always and forever be a sucker for nailheads.

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But at $1,724.00 for a such a trendy piece, it's difficult to justify.  Like most pieces, if you wait long enough you will begin to see knock offs.  Spotted this while sourcing bedside tables for a client . . . 

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Is it exactly the same?  No.  But neither is the price - $349.95.  It is also the perfect size for bedside tables and has the linen upholstered texture that adds so much to a space.  I think they have potential.  What do you think?   Happy soggy Tuesday! M.

Find of the Day - Table Lamp

 I just finished a design plan for a little girl's bedroom, and will be presenting it to my client this week. While sourcing items for the space, I found this great lamp for $49.99.  

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  Although I didn't use this one in my design plan, I do think it's a fabulous lamp for the price.  Such a great option, if you need a lamp with some width for a certain spot.

 Happy Monday! M.

Find of the Day - Ikea Rattan chairs

Just ran across these while sourcing a design plan for a client.  I love it when January brings some new products to consider!   I think all of these have tons of potential for the price - all from IKEA.

High Back Rattan Arm Chair

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If you recall, I mentioned natural bamboo chairs are a huge trend right now (click here to read the post) and these IKEA chairs come in a natural color for a similar look.  

Here are some images for inspiration.  Look how great these IKEA chairs would be to give you a similar look for less. 

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See the painted chair to the left - a bluish green?  That would be a very easy "hack" to the natural version of the IKEA chair.  Yummy.

The Ursula Throw

only $29.99  

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I'm thinking I need a couple of these  throws for our playroom.  I know it sounds crazy, but the room always looks so messy.  Then when I fold up and put away all the random miss matched throws my kids pull out, it feels neat again.  With these, it won't seem as messy.  Don't you love how I rationalized that!? My husband calls it "crazy logic."

Here's a very similar throw for $79.00.

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Lack Table

I've always liked this table in espresso, but now it comes in this slate gray for only $12.99.

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These tables are so inexpensive and can be transformed into something spectacular.  Just to get your ideas flowing, here are two of my all time favorite "Lack Hacks."

Nailhead Goodness

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Moorish Flare

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That's all I have for today.  Hope your week is off to a great start! M.

PS: Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Shabby Apple dress! 

Click to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Find of the Day - Louis Mirror

They are beautiful . . . 

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But the real deal can be very expensive.

Found this knock off for a client's entryway.  When I saw it in person for the first time, I gasped!  IT IS STUNNING.  

The price - $257.99 and it's 42" high (not kidding).

Enough said. 

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 M. 

Find of the Week - Ashley Terrell

Today is your day to snag an amazing piece of original art for a fraction of the price.  I mean it!! 

If you are in Birmingham, and have a free moment, grab a friend and swing by to take a look.  

Art Within Reach

Thursday, September 29th

10am-7pm

At the Home of Betts and Lauten Johnson

2201 Shades Crest Road

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Here's a sampling of her work.

What I love about Ashley's style is it's very easy to incorporate into traditional or modern spaces.  

It adds a high end element that you just can't get with a giclee print.

This wonderfully talented artist is not paying me a dime to say these things about her.  She is just that good. 

Ashley is my find of the week! M.

PS: If you are reading this and a little mad (smile) you don't live here in Birmingham today, you can visit her website to see more of her work.  She is more than happy to work with long distant clients! 

Here's a link to her page - Ashley Terrell

Find of the Day - Flower Artisan & New On Line Magazine

Usually, my finds of the day tend to be objects - an affordable accessory, a piece of furniture that I think is smokin' hot, or a really neat website.  Well today, I am revealing a person - Sarah Winward of Salt Lake City, Utah. 

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I stumbled upon Sarah on Pinterest and found her incredible little flower shop Honey of A Thousand Flowers to be simply delightful.  

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Her site is ultra hip, and she has some very interesting links to photography and food blogs BOTH of which will melt in your mouth.

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  While exploring her site, I saw a post she did on a new online magazine - Kinfolk Magazine "A Guide for Small Gatherings" which was totally new to me.  Sarah was actually featured in the magazine.

And suffice it to say, I am totally smitten with it.

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 This magazine has such a sophisticated home grown feel to it.  I know that sounds contradictory, but trust me, it is not!! You will just have to see it for yourself - Kinfolk Magazine.  When you have some time today, click over and check it out.

I hope you make the most of your day.
It's Wednesday, and we are on the downhill to the weekend!  M.

Those Extra Little Touches Add Up

I recently surfed across this picture; and although the blogger was discussing something totally different about the image, I stopped in my tracks on how the mirror was hung.

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So, I starting thinking . . . this would work in so many different places where you want the artwork to have more impact.  

Look at this divine example.

 Hard to tell, but I think it's actually hanging from the frame of the mirror.

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I love the layered look in this image on a wall of mirrors.

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Hard to tell from this one, but I think the small starburst mirror is actually suspended from chain on all four sides.

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I think the chain adds tons of interest to an otherwise basic artwork installation. 

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Another fabulous example of this idea - a mirror on a mirror.

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Well, needless to say, I was smitten with the idea; and since it is such an inexpensive detail, I had to have my own! 

Here's the Before . . . (sorry for the glare, you know I am not a photographer).  This is a wall in my living room that  has never really seemed "finished" to me.  Sort of feels like you need  a piece of furniture underneath the artwork.

And the After . . . 

It was such an easy DIY project - took all of about 25 minutes.  And now it feels like gallery artwork and the wall feels "finished."

This is all I have time for today. But promise, later this week, to post a tutorial on how to do this and where to find the materials to make it happen in your house!  Have a great day. M.

Look-A-Like Desk

On the heels of my "Rock My Boat - Offices" post, check this out.
 
I know this look-a-like is not exactly the same, but neither is the price.

Channing Desk 
$1,750.00

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Josephine Desk 

$199.99

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You Look Just Like Someone I Know

 I found these great look-a-likes while sourcing furnishings for a design plan and thought I would share them with you.  

Formal Dining

These classic French chairs will never EVER go out of style.

The original in all it's yumminess. . . 

Danielle Chair

($350.00 each)

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Now for the look-a-likes . . .

Vintage French Square

($199.00 on sale right now at RH)

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Preston Carved Oak Side Chairs

$194.00 (with $2.95 shipping on entire order!)

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Inspiration . . . as if you need any for these beauties!

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Informal Dining

Wicker chairs add so much great texture to a casual dining area both inside and out.

The original - love the gray tones of the wicker.

Laila Arm Chair

($425.00 each)

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The look-a-like . . . 

KooBoo Wicker Chair

($149.99)

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Some inspiration . . . 

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No one will ever know the difference! 

Happy Monday. M.