Very Bad Things

I probably shouldn't complain about our cushy soft middle class life, but when one of your two (old and paid for) cars blows a head gasket and the other is taking in water fast enough to sink an Italian cruise ship, it hurts. Right now I am adding up couches and upholstery and wallpaper and getting very very very sad, because something has to give. Maybe food? Prenatal care? Preschool daycare?

Oh hell no. Anything but daycare.

In other news, I really like this color:

With this couch:

Our front room/study is painted almost that exact shade of peacocky teal (thank you, Sanders!), and Alexis is currently presiding over the room in all her 70s raggedy oatmeal tweed glory. You remember that bitch, right?

Yes -- despite many reservations I kept her, and actually she fits perfectly into a tight space. So maybe if I eat wonderbread for a year I can afford to have Alexis recovered in some fabulous salmon velvet.

Say it with me: wonderbread grows healthy babies.

Things are going to be just fine.

[interior via Christian May's fabulous pinterest]

TV is the Scourge of Humanity (and Decorating)

Yesterday we thanked The Rev for such a beauteous day off, and then we hit the San Marcos outlets in search of treasure. Because shopping is about cultivating peace and understanding, right? If we hadn't actually found something worthy of the trip, I would be depressed that I live such a miserable and shallow existence. On the other hand, have you seen what was happening with our tv situation?

RAGE. ANGER.

Also, WOW I really need to take some new pics of the house. But I am lazy and Ike is home sick, so no pictures today.

I suck.

Anyhow, this is what we bought to disguise our components and "blend in" with the wall. Say hello to the West Elm Niche buffet. It usually retails for $699, but we got it for $199 because it had a few tiny chips here and there. High five.

While I kept holding out for some amazing antique to come my way, it actually fits the space fairly well. And it was cheap, so when Better Half Ben figures out how to hide the components by running cable through 2x4s and bricks (probably never), I won't feel bad about abandoning ship.

Now I just need to figure out how to style this sucker.

I shamelessly stole this image from Naomi of Design Manifest's pinterest, which is a total douche move because she was probably planning to post it tomorrow but I need it NOW.

To put myself back in Naomi's good graces (fingers crossed), I'm showing her Ikea Rast hacks that she used as a tv credenza. Crafty as all get out. I'm thinking I should paint the hardware on the Niche gold, and then steal the shelf idea. Because I am a thief.

I find Celerie Kemble's tv set up both charming and hilarious. Should I just put a giant vase full of flowers in front of the tv, cross my fingers, and pray no one notices it's there? Awesome.

And then there's fabulous Laura Day. No matter how many times I post this picture, it's never enough. My take away from this image is to make sure I tune the tv to 2001 or A Clockwork Orange before I photograph it in situ. Oh, and to buy an amazing Ello mirrored credenza, stat.

File that one under #thingsthatwillneverhappen.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some Downton Abbey to watch. Later, taters.

Where's Waldo: Badass Lamp Edition

Hey All, it's Karly!  I've come out from under the demolished-kitchen-shaped rock from which I've been hiding under to seek your renovation assistance.  Since I'm standing knee-deep in rubble over here and icky dust has settled in my brain, I'm having a hard time finding the light I'm lusting after at an affordable price.  But I know I can.  Despite the mess crumbling down around me I still hold strong to my motto:  I will buy it for half the price.  Also to my other motto:  no more horses. So, can you help me or what?

I'm looking for a light sorta-kinda like this one.  It's baby brother.  A wee bit shorter.  I have a very large window over my sink and want to mount a light like this on the wall beside it.  For less than $1,000,000 ok, less than $1,000.  who are we kidding, less than $10.

Certainly not $2,700, otherwise I would buy this:

Yes, this Serge Mouille light would do the trick if only it were (say it with me now) half of half of half of the price.  half it again.  yep, that should do it.

So, any ideas on where I can find something similar with a nice wingspan?  3 feet would be amazing.  okthanksbye