FRIDAY ETSY LOVE

Here are some of my favorite finds today. Some are a little pricey, but a girl can dream :).


Peace Eco Recycled Cotton Tote by EcoWorks



Linen Pillow Covers by ErnstandThistle
De Wolfe Bowl by jillrosenwald



A Little Piece of Heaven Necklace by Arete

Paris Postes Mail Stamp Print by scarletbeautiful

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE REALLY BIG BUTTON

Ok...you caught me. I've been dying to use that title since I bought my really big buttons.

See this giant thing on my lap? Here's the story.

I was shopping with my mom in Utah, and had just been explaining to her that I only buy things I really, really love. If I just like it I'm not going to spend money on it. Then I turned around and saw 5 ginormous wooden buttons that can be hung on the wall, and it was love. I think I had little hearts floating out of my eyeballs. So I bought them - even though I wasn't entirely sure at the time where I was going to hang them.

The biggest button was trying to stow away in my suitcase when I went back home, but when I had to remove 3 pounds from my suitcase to get it under 50 pounds (or pay a $90 fee...seriously?!) she came out, and I gingerly carried her through the airport and on the plane.

Funny story (I know, I'm writing a lot here)....a little girl on the plane looked at my button with a very perplexed look on her face. I said, "Yep, it's a button. It goes on really big pants." She looked a little afraid, until I told her I was joking and showed her the hook on the back and explained that it's meant to be hung on the wall. I'm not sure that completely cleared things up for her.

Anyway, as soon as I got home I knew the perfect place for my buttons.

See this big empty space between the nightstand and the window? I've been wanting to put something there, but didn't know what. My buttons were the perfect answer.

See? Aren't they perdy? I'm not totally sold on the placement. I was hoping for a more random arrangement, but I couldn't figure it out...so they'll stay where they are for now.

THE TRADING POST

I thought I'd take a moment to show you my favorite new store. Well, it's not new, but it's fairly new to me. It's a little flea-tique store in Jenks, Oklahoma, and I swear it's better than TJ Maxx...and for me to say that means it's pretty darn good. I've bought some of my favorite items in my house from this little gem, and I'm tempted to go there every Saturday morning just to unwind and see what new treasures have been unearthed. Although...I've started avoiding eye contact with the clerks when I walk in in hopes they won't recognize me and say, "Really? You again?". Anyhoo....

Here are a few items I've found there that now reside in our home:

Table: $30 (I literally snatched her up the moment I saw her and raced her up to the cashier)

Memo Board: $10 or less

Topiary: $8

Bureau: $40 (She was well built and perfect for holding DVDs in our living room, so I pounced on her...in a nice way)

Painting Behind Lamp: $5

And here are a couple items I was tempted by last weekend, but didn't buy...I was being very good:

Chairs....aren't these sweet? They kind of have a Swedish vibe to them that I love. The price is $75 for 4...which is a little more than I'd like to spend, but don't you love them?

Look at this little lady. I might have to go back and buy her for my mom.

Vintage plates...lovely.

And I kind of felt bad for this guy...really...is the cage necessary?

I know you don't have this particular store in your town, but most cities have antique stores or flea markets or something similar. If you haven't checked them out before, I'm telling you, it's probably worth your time.

The Cottage

KITCHEN (part 1 and part 2)

Paint Colors: Walls - Restoration Hardware Cappuccino

Wainscoting - Sherwin Williams Dover White

LIVING ROOM

MASTER BEDROOM

Paint: Walls - Behr Paint+Primer Silver Tinsel

Guest Room

Paint: Walls - Color Place Bleached Wheat (available at Walmart)

More coming soon!

About Me

"I believe everyone deserves a beautiful home regardless of their financial situation. With a little creativity and elbow grease anyone can create beautiful surroundings that make them happy and feel like they're HOME."

Hi there - I'm AnNicole: A design nerd, Diet Pepsi luv-ah, and bargain hunter extraordinaire. I could stare at fabric samples all day, and I have a collection of paint samples...and pillows...that rival Imelda Marcos' shoe collection.

I'm a single mom of a wonderful teenage son (and an adorable poodle, Kingsley), and since our move into "The Cottage" in April of 2008 I've been steadily transforming our house into my own version of a dream home.

I'm a firm believer that you don't have to live with things in your house that drive you batty, and that creativity and determination are more powerful tools than money. It is possible to make changes inexpensively...and by yourself. Believe me, if I can do it you can do it.

I'm a Utah native living in Oklahoma. I'm a professional business gal by day and a decorator/mom...well...every other waking moment. I started "Our Suburban Cottage" in December of 2008 to document the transformation of our home and to serve as an outlet for my decorating passions. I've been overwhelmed by it's growth since then - thanks to YOU. I love inspiring others...and I'm incredibly grateful for the inspiration I receive in return.

XOXO