Friday, January 29, 2010

Farmhouse dresser mini-makeover, and a mini-pity partayyy...

I've been lazy with writing (and in finishing my dining chairs-they have only received their first coat of paint...If I had been on the ball they would have been done!) this week due to the reality/crash that I have gone from an intense, fulfilling nursing job in a neonatal intensive care unit to not getting a job offer after my one and only job interview since our relocation. (for my husband's work) The interview went really well it seemed, it was a position in a dollar store the next town over. Perhaps she didn't believe me when I said that I could tie a balloon? Yes, this was the first time I've been asked that in an interview...LOL! The only nursing jobs are over an hour away, and they are only hiring for short calls (be here in 20 sort of thing) so I have been looking elsewhere as financially I need to be working right now. It's been a bit of a wallowing week. I have a few leads so hopefully something will pan out soon. I'm prepared for any new challenges and career paths! Once I start working again I want to get busy planning my online store too, but one needs to come before the other for that to happen! We have our family, our health, a roof over our heads, and things will come together. This time next year we will be in a much better position, and after the past year that will be a welcome relief. The dream job came with a not-so-dreamy pay cut the first one to two years, but the lifetime of experiences it offers will be priceless.
We had great news today, though-we're in a house owned by the corporation my husband works for, and they are replacing the kitchen next week-top to bottom! We'll get to enjoy it the next four years we're posted here so it was a great call to get. I had some say in the layout of the cupboards, they added a broom closet and raised up one of the counter tops so little people fingers won't be able to pull things off-more usable counter space! Wooo hoooo! I have absolutely NO idea what type of cupboards, counters, colours, they are bringing in...Should be interesting!!!!

OK, so enough of my pity party...Seriously, I annoy myself too, sorry!

I found this dresser on Craigslist for free♥free♥free♥free♥free....It is so cute! Rustic, sturdy, and it keeps Kara's clothes from the floor. (the one year old just discovered how much FUN it is to rip all her clothes off her bedroom shelves...not so fun for me...Her big brother also liked to "help" her out once the party started...grrrr)

It came from a gorgeous acreage and had been in their family for years, so I says it's "Farmhouse Chic". Cute little caster legs, it has some rugged handsome-ness...It needed some glue, clamping, a few nails, and we're in business! All I changed in it's appearance was adding some new hardware, I had some extra oil-rubbed bronze handles kicking around, I think it made a big difference though! The brass/wood handles are what it came with. The colour is cute, so no hurry to paint it yet, still too many projects to finish first! I will probably take the mirror off and hang it on the wall instead, those mirror "harps" are just held in with screws so easy-peasy.
^I got excited about changing the knobs and had to stop to take some "before" pic's.
In it's new home!
The same day we went "in to town" I made my ritual thrift store stop-and found this beeeeeautiful silver plated vanity tray-perfect condition-for $2.49! It cleaned up like a dream! The tray bottom is engraved in a floral design, but I put a doily on the bottom to protect it from scratches. It is now holding my perfumes, my Grandmother's silver compact, the choker I wore for our wedding, the brooch that was on my bouquet, some vintage inspired hair pins from one of my besties, and some faux pearls for glamour.
This is a better view of the choker. Loved it!
The brooch I put on my bouquet. I found it in the gift shop of the hotel our reception was at! We bought the flowers at Costco and made the arrangements at home.
A little of everything this week! Must get back to business with the dining chairs, I am thisclose to finally being done...
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29 comments:

  1. love that dresser. And, wow the tray was a steal. I can't believe your choker...it is really neat. And what a job on those Costco flowers. Blessings, DM

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  2. You dresser turned out great. You should show your bedroom at my new meme "Bedscapes and Beyond" every Tueday staring Feb. 9.

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  3. Can't believe that dresser was free! Looks great!

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  4. My motto is if it's free, it's for me! Ha! Great find!

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  5. Oh that dresser is a fabulous find...you totally scored! Thanks for sharing and for linkin' up to Frugalicious Friday!

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  6. Hi Desiree...

    Girl, you scored BIG this week between that beautiful dresser that was...ohhh my gosh...FREE!!! Lucky girl!!! And...that fabulous silver dresser tray for just $2.49! Wowzer!!! Great treasure finds, my friend! I love that dresser...it's darling!!! Thank you for sharing your treasure finds with us!!! Ohhh...and by the way...I love, love, LOVE your choker...it's gorgeous!!! What a grand way to showcase it...along with the bouquet of flowers! Love that idea!!!

    I'm so sorry that your week has been tough! Looking for and landing a new job is so stressful! I wish you the very best in your endeavours!!! Stay "positive"...I know it will come!!!

    Warmest winter wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  7. Great find on the dresser and I love the silver tray! Nice kiss too ;)

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  8. Yes, your dresser turned out well and I like the knobs. It's always so interesting to have a story with our items we post!

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  9. Nice dresser and best of all, I like the price. Beautiful checker and great buy on the silver tray. Good luck in finding a job soon!...Christine

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  10. The dresser is so cute! Hoping next week is better for you in the job hunting. Hopefully something that uses your skills will come available. Have you looked into opportunities for home care or labs in your area? A busy practitioner? Good luck!

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  11. How wonderful to have such lovely pieces to wear at your wedding. They are beautiful! Happy SS!

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  12. I remember those days- of kids pulling everything out of the dresser- the baskets are cute, too.

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  13. yeah for free...lucky lucky you! Your silver is just sumptuous as well....Thanks for being part of Silver Sunday....see you next week~
    {{gypsy hugs}}
    Beth

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  14. your dresser looks beautiful and the tray and all the pretties on it look wonderful!

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  15. The free dresser was an amazing find!! I love how you have everything so organized on your silver tray.
    Good luck with the job search.
    Jane

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  16. Very nice dresser. The tray looks great. Thanks for sharing.
    Nancy

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  17. Gorgeous dresser and I love the tray. What a fantastic find it was!

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  18. First time here and really I love the dresser and that beutiful choker (the photo, too!)
    I will come back and visit again, so I will "follow"! Good luck on the job hunt...
    ~Nancy

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  19. Great dresser! Good luck on your job hunt. Good things come to those who wait.

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  20. That is the cutest darn dresser ever, what a wonderful find and it looks so wonderful and the tray, wow, what a find, I have to look harder....I am a new follower of yours and would love for you to come for a visit,,,,Phyllis

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  21. Wow, for free? That is a really great find. Good luck on your job search. It's pretty tough out there right now!

    Christi @ A Southern Life

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  22. I need to look at the free things more often - great re-make !
    Kammy

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  23. Lovin the dresser and ya can't beat free!
    Cindy at Lakewood

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  24. What a great dresser! And free? What a find!!

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  25. Desiree...your dresser project at any price would be great! Love the Met Monday projects...found yours through Between Napping on the porch. Wishing you all the best in your job hunting. Nurses are special! I have a nurse friend who works from home as an Advice Nurse for a insurance company. Knowing Canada has universal healthcare...do they have healthcare "concults" to determine if a ER visit is necessary?

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  26. The dresser was a steal!! You were lucky to grab it before someone else did. I love it. It does look farmhouse/shabby!! I also love your vanity tray. It took me forever to find one I liked. And I love the choker you wore on your wedding day...beautiful!!

    Happy MM and good luck with everything!!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  27. I can't believe that was free! Score! It is a great piece and looks so nice in your home.

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