Craigslist and Thrifting

So after starting our marriage in a furnished residence hall apartment for three years, we had some purchasing to do as we have moved into our first home here in Blacksburg. It has been a busy two weeks of stalking craigslist round the clock trying to be the first to jump on deals. We also have a handful of Thrift Stores in Blacksburg that I was able to find some great gems at. Vanessa tells me that some of these items are Granny Chic- which is a great way to describe what I am telling Jonathan that we "can totally pull off." =)

After putting our brand new (well 2 years old but sitting in storage since purchase) couches and end tables and coffee table into the living room, I was beginning to feel a little stuffy. Like this would be great in a show room, but I wanted something comfortable that reminded me of a warm home, not unlike stepping into your grandma's house. So here are the finds thus far. Some will get some TLC and refinishing, others will be surrounded by awesomeness in a room that will really allow it to pop. (After photos of our set up/unpacked home will be coming soon!)

Craigslist: Set of 4 metal folding chairs with black velour padding $40

These are a steal in great condition after searching for new quality metal ones like this that sell at Bed Bath and Beyond for $39/a chair!

The Humane Society Thrift Store: Granny Chic Dining Chair $20

The most comfortable chair you will ever dine in- and very similar to the one actually in my Oma's house.

The Humane Society Thrift Store: Granny Chic Reading Chair $25

This will be J's study chair in the guest room/office. I'm telling you- just wait til it is next to a great modern lamp and brown panel curtains, it is going to pop!

Craigslist: Desk $30

Craigslist: (Heath's) Dining Chair $2

We are wanting to do a collection of different style chairs to go around our dining table. The Ryerse home inspired us on this one! We needed something stable and basic to set Heath's portable high chair onto. For TWO dollars- um yes please!

YMCA Thrift Store (back lot): Drop Leaf Table $20

So I have been scouring for a drop leaf table that will allow us to maximize our living/dining shared space. They are not easy to find. There is a beautiful one in the Crate and Barrel magazine for $300, and an antique one on Craigslist a couple towns over for $100, but I kept looking. When dropping off our recycling at the Y this week, I spotted this little gem underneath two other furniture pieces in the back lot donation area. I hopped out to examine and saw that it was just the right size I was wanting- with two drop leafs on either side and legs that swing out to support it. I inquired with the loaders in the back and a guy said he would let me buy it and bring it inside the store, if I wanted it. I said well I think I do- depends how much? He said 'um $20?' Yes- I'll take it!! So we swooped it up! Some refinishing for the top will be in its future, but I am so excited about this find.

Here is another view of the table.

The Humane Society Thrift Store: Lace Valance $2.50

The Humane Society Thrift Store: Lace Valance $0.50

The Humane Society Thrift Store: Fabulous Lamp $20

I took her away from a shelf filled with porcelain dolls, I think the dolls were sad, I think this gem was more than happy to come home with me.

Craigslist: TV Armoire $350

This was our splurge item. But one that we have been in the market for and watching prices for over a year now. We enjoy being able to hide the tv and not have it be the focus of the room. This woman had already come down from $500- so even though I wanted to spend between 200-300, this was still a great find and so dang heavy, very solid piece that will last us.

(Not Pictured)

Craigslist: HP Printer/Scanner Copier $20; 1 year new.

I am amazed at the things we were able to fit into our Altima. Having my in-laws here this past week with their Lexus SUV was another big help in bringing home the chairs. And for a warm welcome to Virginia- the armoire we brought home in a borrowed truck. As we tried to fit it in the SUV and realized it was not going to work, the next door neighbor of the person we were purchasing from came outside and said you can take our truck if you need it! Seriously, just like that. I guess we did leave my in-laws Lexus as collateral, but still. It was a manual truck which I loved getting to drive, even if it broke my back and cramped my thighs from having to push the clutch in so far. Thanks to all the transporters and lifters!