She Called and Said This:

"How can I help you spend your money? "

My frugal daughter, and partner in DIY, is on a spending freeze this month in order to save for a family vacay. I wanted to be helpful in any way I could.  So when she called one Saturday morning, asking me how she could help me spend my money...

"Well..." I said, smiling. "We could look for  bedside tables."  

She knew that I've been wanting to update our 1980's, skirted night tables for a while. I'd already collected some clearance paint in a lovely, Spring Rain blue that I picked up at ACE a few months ago; and I had some knobs I found on clearance at Marshal's that have been waiting for a new home.

We were off within the hour to snoop the acreage of a resale shop called Annabelle's Attic.  Annabelle had some great stuff, but it was too expensive for this project and not just-the-right size.  On our way home, Kelly spotted a store called "The Girls' Estate Sales and Shop.  We spun the car around, while bribing our 3 1/2 year-old passenger with the promise of a tasty snack. The 5 space car lot was full, so we parked next door, in front of the brightly colored and fun looking daycare center, assuring our little friend that the obviously kid friendly "store" was closed, but the one with the furniture outside on the sidewalk was open.

And there it was, right inside the door.  Well, a bit further in, somewhere past the giant lions that were right inside the door.  It was old and tired and abused (and I discovered later that its drawer was a tiny bit stinky)but its size and shape were perfect. And the price, at $20 bucks and 25% off! Even for someone with buyer's remorse (who, me?) this was a no-brainer.  The shop surprised us with an adorable snack bar, plentifully stocked with brownies and cookies and cold lemonade for the hungry child in tow.  I love how the little shops are bringing back some old fashioned personality and hospitality!

All my little night table needed...I thought...

was some love, some sanding, some paint and some knobs. And notice the hands of the person that did all the messy prep. work...yup, my prince!

The next weekend Kelly and I went to Goodwill, where I found a new lampshade -- never used!  I repainted the shiny 1980's brass lamp base and added my grandmother's "lovely lady bust" my books, a few pretties, as well as some hand-smoothing coconut oil in the drawer, along with a few dryer sheets.


At this point, the table on the other side of the bed cried out for an update as well, so the following weekend we stained its legs, pulled a color out of the bedding for the top; found a roll of ribbon for the table's edge at the craft store for 99 cents, and added a wicker hamper from the guest closet to hide the lamp cord and provide book storage. ( I dislike seeing cords.)

It turned out pretty cute...

don't you think? And the best part is the satisfaction of the conquest...so little spent -- about $25, total!

Now my prince is inspired to make a headboard...Kelly, what are you doing next weekend?  Oh, one last thing...we also found a use for the old lampshade...

Joining the fun, once again, at the Farmgirl Friday blog hop