>Hand-me-downs for the win

>I totally forgot to go back to my beautiful view from Prospect and snap a picture for yesterday. Darn it. I have a few pictures for today.

Anyway, we have this plaid couch that my parents gave us when I moved out. It’s at least 15 years old, and in great condition. I need to steam clean it, but other than that it’s still a great place for a nap. I have thought about slipcovering it and decided that would be too expensive and too time-consuming. So, I’m going to make the plaid work. We have a loveseat that’s all navy, and a Lazy Boy that’s a tannish color. At least our furniture matches! The Lazy Boy is at least as old as I am; my mom rocked all three of us in that chair.

So. The fabric on the left I got for $1.26 at work. I want to use it for a pillow, or pillows, and to recover a lampshade. I got the other two fabrics today that I think will work for pillows, too. And you can see over to the far left that I have a printed pillow.

This is the hideous lamp I want to re-do. I want to spray paint the base and get a wide cylindrical shade that will be recovered in the beige fabric. Any tips on how to refinish the base? I’ve been looking for a cheap shade at a thrift store or garage sale.

I also want to redo those tables (there are two). Any ideas? I’ve thought about sanding them down and staining them a really dark brown, like espresso. Those were purchased with the couch. I remember going to Leath in Pekin with my parents. It was such a big deal to get brand new furniture! It was always a big deal back then to get brand new anything.

I am so looking forward to making a home again with Aaron. I think no matter how long we’re married or how much money we have, our style will be eclectic. Why get rid of perfectly good furniture if you can make it work? I hate hate hate having boxes packed and more than once have thought about unpacking them. I know I’ve said that before too. Haha.

Along the same thoughts of home dec, it’s almost time to retire the Yankee summer candles. I burned down the Island Guava pretty fast, and still have half a medium Juicy Peach jar. I worked there a couple summers ago and can attest that yes, these are the best candles ever. I just printed off a coupon for $10 off $25, so I might go in and get two medium jars. (Don’t tell him I told you, but Aaron loves that store too.) I will probably go for at least the Pomegranate Cider if they have it. I surely miss the discount!