This post was inspired by my absolute love of the Land of Nod (Remember, I got Nadia's party activities from there?).  And my absolute reality of a budget. One that does not include $44 blocks.  Even on Christmas.  I love "look for less" posts!  And I love writing them; finding similar items in lower price brackets is such a fun challenge.  And pretty much my reality. (And all of our realities at some point right?).  Now of course I love the "look for less" features where one item is $5 and the other is $5000 and they look exactly the same.  I'm going to apologize in advance that this is not one of those posts.  BUT it's super realistic and all the price differences (from $7 to $30) add up--especially at Christmas time.  Not to mention that if you're looking for kids' gift ideas, I think you'll love some of these!





Now in some cases the differences are more obvious.  And they might be worth the extra $15.  But in others, the differences are minute...and while you might notice them, I'm guessing your two year old won't.  

I can't believe this sweet girl is almost 15 months.  It's just a tiny bit sad!  I can't believe she's all grown up.  Talking a TON. Walking.  Running. Growing teeth.  Copying me. Laughing. Cuddling. Even went poo on the potty a couple of times!  Where did my baby go?

No clever title here folks.  It's all I can do to pause for a moment and give you the sneak peek I promised a few days ago!  And to be clear it's not that I think you're anxiously awaiting the details and so I'm teasing with a sneak peek...it's more like I still have one tiny task left to complete on the dresser and can't bring myself to post full pictures of it with a missing knob.  Yes, it's missing 1 knob.  Why didn't I replace it before painting you ask?  That's a great question. Why didn't I? Oh right- I'm super impatient.  AND I didn't realize until just before I started prepping that the knobs were sort of dovetailed in (probably not the right term) and not screwed in. I'd always planned to replace them with cuter knobs with more personality. But, I couldn't get the dang things off.  So I just went ahead.  And now that it's 99% complete, I'm kicking myself for not running to Lowe's and getting that knob...

But without further ado, here's the "sneak peek" or "I'm not quite finished yet but I want you to know I haven't been lying about this project that took forever peek"  Hmmm, that doesn't quite roll off the tongue.

I meant to post this a week ago.  Key words: Meant To.  Here are just a few things I "found" at my last visit to a local thrift store.  Underneath each photo of the furniture finds I've written a  little blurb on my "vision," for the piece with a photo included--just one vision; there were many more floating around this head of mine.  This a scary peek into my psyche.  I can't help it. I see the potential in junk.  It's a blessing and a curse.  Oh and I'm sorry about the bad photos/lighting but let's face it--it's a thrift store, not a studio ;)

After this post fed to Taste{full}'s Facebook page, I got a question: Where do you get the furniture you paint? Here are my top sources for used  pre-loved furniture:

1. The side of the road.  Yes, it can be embarrassing.  You have to be fearless. Like me.  I seriously don't care what people think if I see potential in a cool piece of furniture for FREE! Unfortunately the husband is not like me so I've passed up some good pieces because he refused to didn't pull over.  (Although maybe it's good that he's less tolerant because my garage would be even more of a mess than it already is).  Here are the pieces I've found on the side of the road:
-magazine rack.
-nadia's modern rocker.
-cool vintage office chair kind of like this one (I never got around to painting it though and ended up selling it on Craigslist.  Easiest $15 I ever made).


2. Craigslist.  You have to be patient, willing to negotiate, and willing to drive.  Here are a couple of pieces I've found on Craigslist.
-genevieve's "new" dresser (to be revealed soon)!
-"vintage" wooden high chair (below).


3. Thrift/Antique stores.  This might be my favorite "source."  It's more convenient than randomly stopping on the side of the road, they'll hold furniture for you until you can pick it up (usually 24 to 48 hours), and while it's more expensive than "free," it's still pretty cheap. Here are a few pieces I've found at Thrift stores (I could list so many more!).
-Genevieve's 1st Dresser.
-genevieve's rocking chair.
-nadia's changing table.
-Quarterfoil bar- I can't wait to share this project with you.  I just have to start it first.



1. Bring a tape measure with you whenever possible.  And have your home/space measurements with you if you're looking for a specific piece (I keep a "note," in my phone).
2. Take your time to check out condition and if the item is real wood.  If it's in rough shape and you're aware of that, fine, but it's a bummer when you get home and realize the piece isn't what you thought it was or is more damaged than you realized--this has happened to me a few times!
3. Don't be scared to negotiate.  The worst that can happen is they say no.  The best- with 20 seconds of your time you just saved ten or twenty bucks!

Well I have to say, looking at all the furniture I've painted over the last few years (and I didn't include every piece) is so fun. It often feels like I never get around to projects but now I have proof! ha!