Lookie Loo & The Emporers New Clothes

Got an email this week from Jonathan Adler appropriately titled: “Liven Your Loo.” How do those advertising campaigns always come exactly when I need them? I was just thinking this morning how very dull our downstairs bathroom is. It’s our guest bathroom, and it’s one of the few spots in the house I’ve yet to tackle. I’m still thinking about color scheme and trying to find ideas…

How quirky and cool would one of these rugs be?

Zebra bathmats available at jonathanadler.com

Being that I’m ALWAYS on a budget, I decided to check out what else Jonathan Adler had to offer me at this “bath sale.”

Love the rugs….I get the price tag on those ($88). I wouldn’t pay that much for a bath mat but I get why someone else might: they’re one-of-a-kind!

However, the more I perused the site, the more I wondered if I could find affordable equivalents at one of my usual haunts…..say….Target?

Target carries designer items….certainly I could find something there. Well, friends, you know I did! Target’s version was their own basic brand “Room Essentials.” Not designer, but my in humble opinion, comparable.

Target Room Essentials Wastebasket $9.99

Round Lacquer Wastebasket $68.00 JonathanAdler.com — Round Lacquer Wastebasket $68.00
JonathanAdler.com

No comparison you say? Well, maybe this one’s a stretch. The Jonathan Adler version is better looking. I’ll give you that. But stay with me for a moment: remember we’re talking about bathroom accessories here. I won’t remind you what goes IN TO the trashcan. When you remember its’ primary function, the materials and finish don’t quite seem to matter as much.

Check out this close call:

Target Room Essentials Bathroom Tray $4.99

Jonathan Adler Orange Hollywood Tray $48.00 — Jonathan Adler Orange Hollywood Bath Tray $48.00

This $48 bath tray reminds me of the story, The Emperors New Clothes.

The difference between the above bath trays (besides the glaringly obvious difference in price) is materials. Target’s tray is made with plastic, J.A’s with acrylic.

Do you think your bathroom items will notice the difference? Do you think your guests will turn the tray over to determine it’s maker? Um…no.

Will your bank account notice the difference? It certainly will.

My little adventure in comparisons this week serves as an excellent reminder that you don’t have to spend gobs of money to dress up a room. Don’t be a dumb diva. Shop around. 😉 A friendly reminder from my home to yours.

Finders Keepers Estate Sale

Earlier this week, I blogged about Finders Keepers Estate Services and how I was honored to get to preview a very upscale estate’s sale they were hosting. I’d like to give you more information on how to get there for yourself.

It’s where I got this beauty:

Courtesy of Finders Keepers Estate Sales

Here are some pics of what has already been snapped up by an out-of-state company who KNOWS it’s value: (P.S….If I were the owner of the estate, I’d be delighted by the clout this sale has brought out)

Danish Teak everywhere you look. Psssst! That tall lamp in the corner is now mine too...more on that later! — Danish Teak everywhere you look. Psssst! That tall lamp in the corner is now mine too…more on that later!

NOW! There is more to be had and seen….the sale begins tomorrow, Friday the 21st in Hemet, CA. Property will be shown by appointment only and you should email Finders Keepers for best results in obtaining an appointment. Make it happen! These guys are waiting for you:

For more information, photos and how to schedule an appointment, please visit: http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/440382.aspx

Seeking Solace

Where do you want to go most when the world chews you up and spits you out? For me, it’s home. Lately I’ve felt that way. I’ve desperately needed a place to curl up and drink my tea, read a book, and otherwise tune-out the rest of the world. Sometimes people can help us do that. But…when your 4 year-old tires of your pathetic neediness, who will cuddle with you?

This chair.

I prayed for this chair. No seriously, I did. Here’s the scoop: I was absolutely honored to be invited to preview an estate sale hosted by Finders Keepers Estate Sales. Thank you, Finders Keepers! The catch was (much to the estates’ delight) that everything was off limits until the big out-of-town buyers came through; claimed and paid a high price for the fabulous furniture they wanted. Walking through this home was like being in another time. A better time. A fashionable time. Absolutely everything was in mint condition and the owner had impeccable taste. As I walked through, I spotted the orange chair. I coveted it…just like the bible says we shouldn’t. I’ll admit. So I said a little prayer. “Please, God….have ’em leave that one behind, will ya?”

And so it was…I mentioned my prayer, made my intentions known and much to my delight and surprise, the chair was left!

There's no denying you belong with me... — “Loooovin’ you, is easy ’cause your beautiful…. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH AAAAA AAAAAHHhhhh…”

So this beauty has been keeping me company during my time of need. I’m ever so thankful….and ever so in LOOOOOVE.

“No one else, can make me feel, the colors that you bring….” la la la la lah! La la la la lah!!!! Dooodundoooo dooo deeee dooo! AHHHHHHHH aaaaaahhhhhhAAAAAAAH!

There’s more lovin’ and story tellin’ to follow….la la la lah! For now, enjoy the music and the view. Click on the link above. It’ll take you back. Thank me later.

If you’d like to attend the Finders Keepers Estate Sale-it begins later this week. For more info visit:

http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/440382.aspx