Our current sofa is GORGEOUS and super comfy but it's linen which apparently you can't touch. I have 3 rambunctious kiddos and while we don't eat in the living room, it's literally 3 feet away from where we do eat and a few more feet from the kitchen. Let's just say my kids aren't rule followers and I need a sofa I can wipe down or wash. Enter slipcovered sofas. While I love modern decor and clean lines, slipcovered sofas have the casual look I'm craving. They now come in low and deep styles with track or shelter arms that make my heart go pitter-patter. Per usual, my budget is smaller than my appetite (is that a phrase? It should be). So here are the best, slipcovered sofas I could find for under $2000...and one over that. Couldn't help it!

It's been a few months, ahem 4, but this party is too cute not to share! You guys know I have a running list of party themes I want to use and a space theme birthday party has been high on that list for years. When Dax couldn't decide what he wanted I jumped on it since a) he loves outer space and b) there were so many cute possibilities! Here are the details to look for:

You guys. I can't even admit to you how many hours I've spent looking for a stylish outdoor sofa that will withstand the elements here in the south. I'm talking full sun for days, 100-degree temps, and plenty of rain to boot. While I LOVE the look of wood outdoor furniture, it's just not practical here. I was ready to pull the trigger on this sofa when I shared it on Instastories and the feedback was unanimous- only buy wood patio furniture if you're okay replacing it in a year or two. Spoiler alert. I'm not. So that began the search for steel, aluminum, faux wood (usually aluminum painted to look like wood), or an all-weather wicker stylish outdoor patio on a budget. I've spent way too much time searching for the best all weather outdoor sofas on a budget to just file it away. Sharing makes it a bit more worth it! So here are my picks for modern, stylish, and affordable outdoor sofas that can withstand long, hot summers!

You guys. It seems like it recently became a thing to find cool stuff at Wal-Mart. But that's been my world for a long time. I'm kind of mad that I didn't come up with @whoawaitwalmart or @walmartfinds (check them both out on Instagram. They are so fun!). I have a strange attachment to Wal-Mart. I can't explain it. I think it comes from growing up without a lot of extra funds and knowing we could get what we needed at a low price at the local Wal-Mart. I was oddly grateful.

I could have used the word loot, or spoils, or treasures, or finds...but booty is so much more fun to say isn't it?  Recently my mom gave me maybe the best gift I've gotten all year (wait a minute; it's only January--most definitely the best gift I've gotten all year).  A day to myself.  Thank you mama! I started it with a trip to Hobby Lobby.  Usually when I go, I have two children in tow and it's just not the same experience I had last week.  The one of wondering the aisles somewhat aimlessly.  Getting ideas for future projects.  Leisurely looking through the clearance aisle, completely lost in thought.  It was amazing.  You know what else is amazing? The things you take for granted before you have kids!  I never would have thought I'd appreciate a trip to store quite so much! Anyway, I was so excited about what I snagged and even more--the prices at which I snagged these items--that I wanted to share.

Forever ago, I saw these centerpieces at a corporate event.  I vowed that I would replicate it.  A few years ago, I did.  This is the easiest and least expensive tabletop decor ever.

What you need:
Glass dish--you could get fancy but mine were .97 from Wal-Mart.
Cranberries-- somewhere around $1.50 for a bag.
Water--free ☺
Floating candles/Tea lights--$1.97 for lots at Wal-Mart.

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.  

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!