Things I Found While Thrifting Around

I thought I'd try something new for the blog and introduce a series which may or may not become a regular thing, we'll see how it goes.  If you know me, you'll know that I am a consummate shopper.  And there's nothing more that I like than finding great treasures at unbelievable prices.  I live in an area of Salt Lake that has at least 10 thrift and consignment stores all within a two mile radius.  I try and hit them up as often as I can because you never know what you're going to find.  And so I introduce to you: Things I Found While Thrifting Around.

Now I know that the majority of my readers do not live anywhere remotely near these stores, but I will be posting finds that may spark your imagination such as great chairs that can be reupholstered.  Who hasn't come across a ratty old chair and dismissed it as grubby and ugly?  With a little bit of elbow grease and some imagination, these finds can sometimes turn into gold mines.

These chairs were gorgeous as is.  The fabric was a lovely buttery yellow velvet with minimal wear and tear.  They were a lovely shape and petite size which you don't find these days.  And look!  They even have nail heads.  I'm going to make a guess and say that they're from the 50's or early 60's.  They really knew how to make furniture then.

Look, remind you of something?

How much do you think they cost?

An incredible price of $10 a chair, and there were 5 of them, which is kind of awkward, but you can't pass that up.  Unfortunately I wasn't the only person to think so because someone had already purchased them!

Here's another petite upholstery piece, again in excellent condition.  But I would reupholster in a fun geometric or floral fabric and probably paint the wood either black or white, or keep as is, depending on the fabric I chose.  The label said it was from ZCMI (Utah's original department store) and was dated 1956.  I can just imagine it coming from some lovely grandma's house who took excellent care of it.

There was no price, but the rest of the sofas were priced between $30 and $40.  If only I had somewhere to store all these treasures.  I really could have fun with a staple gun and some cool fabrics. And these shapes aren't too challenging.  Umm, now I'm thinking.

You know how brass is totally in right now.  Well maybe some types of brass, not your shiny 1980's type.  Anyway, take a look at these chandeliers.

Both huge, both really solid looking. And both under $100!

Look at the detail on those arms.  This much brass might be still a little too dated and I know some bloggers that would run for the spray can, but how could you cover up that lovely sheen.  I think it would take a certain style of house to be able to get away with these fixtures.  Don't think they would look right hanging from an 8 foot ceiling.  But just imagine the large one with black shades.  It might make it look more edgy and sophisticated.

Seriously, I just found this one on the internet for $3000.  Looks very similar wouldn't you say?

Source

Since having been hired to help decorate an MCM style house (that ironically was built in the 70's), I've been noticing MCM furniture everywhere.  I really love it's simple, unadorned style.

Looks just like the reproduction chairs that they sell in Urban Outfitters but obviously much better made.  Only $59.99 and in excellent condition too.

This table was only $15.  But it was in pretty bad condition.  The legs were amazing though.

And finally, this made me laugh.  I was tempted for a split second.  I think the boys would have hours of fun playing on it.  Alas, no room in my humble abode.

And that concludes: things I found while thrifting around.  Hope you had as much fun as I did.  And if you want me to find you some special treasures like this for your home, send me an email.  I'll be taking on new clients starting September.

Roman & Callum's First Official Gig

Roman & Callum had their first official gig in a bar!  Yes I'm so proud.  Sounds weird doesn't it?  Fortunately the bar was full of parents and kids and only a few unsavory types.  The boys' band that they were playing in is called Sound Chase and is made up of a bunch of kids from 3rd to 6th grade.  It was a Halloween themed gig so they performed Monster Mash & Ghostbusters.  You can barely make Roman out on the drums and Callum is playing guitar on the right.  I thought all of them did an awesome job.  Unfortunately I only got half of the last song because my camera was playing up, but here they are.

Rock on!

Music Room in Action

Doesn't the library/music room look calm and serene here in the photo that I submitted to Apartment Therapy?

Looks can be deceptive.  Here's what it was like two hours ago.

It's the boys performing a new song they wrote last week called "Gumball Machine".  They've composed songs before but that was with the help of their old music teacher.  This one they completely wrote themselves.  I think it's quite catchy.  What do you think?

Those with a keen eye will notice how I managed to store the amps in the bookcase.  Always trying to find design solutions for everyday life.  Now I just need a separate room to store all of Callum's lego models.

And if you like the room, then please do me a favor and vote for it on Apartment Therapy's Room for Color Contest here.  Thanks!

Salt Lake City Street Pianos

For the past two weeks a really cool art installation has graced the streets of downtown Salt Lake City.  A number of pianos were donated, painted and setup on street corners all over town with a sign that encouraged people to sit and play.  The boys had some fun trying a few of them out.  Some sounded better than others, but all looked really fun and unique.  The art installation or movement (not really sure what you call it) originated in Britain and has been all over the world, but surprisingly to not that many places.  I'm so pleased they picked Salt lake City.

And here are some videos of the boys playing said pianos.

Roman playing Coldplay

Roman playing Nyan Cat theme tune

Callum playing something classical

The Dingley boys playing some kind of boogie woogie song

Roman playing Downton Abbey

Roman playing an original song

You can read more about this amazing art installation here.

I was trying to encourage Roman to play a tune by the British band Keane, who played at the Gallivan Center on Tuesday.  There was a piano actually just outside the concert venue.  The Keane song was one of the first tunes that Roman's old piano teacher taught him to play on the piano.  Unfortunately he'd forgotten how to play it.  But, we were fortunate to actually meet the lead singer and piano player from the band before they did their sound check.  The boys got their autographs, but despite the fact that I had just filmed Roman playing one of the street pianos, I forgot to get a photo of the boys with the band.  Ugh I was so annoyed with myself.  Anyway, the lads were very nice, and we chatted for a short while before security kicked us out.

We surprised the boys with tickets to see Keane perform later that evening.  The show was fantastic of course.  But what I really love is when we get to see famous (in the UK at least) bands play smaller venues, it makes it so much more personal.  The boys are doing quite well for gigs this year.  Last month we saw The Shins at Red Butte Gardens, and next week we're all going to see Ringo!  Rock on!  Peace and Love, peace and love.

The Boys Perform at the School Talent Show

This morning I attended my boys' school talent show.  It's so much fun watching all the different talents.  There were a couple of pianists, some mime acts, lots of hula hoops and then The Nothings!  They performed an original song called "Let's Go Crazy" that  they co-wrote with their old music teacher.

Roman also decided to show his sensitive side by playing The Downton Abbey theme tune on the piano.

I seriously don't know how they get up in front of a bunch of people and do what they do.  I was never so brave.  Let's hope they keep this confidence.

And here's Roman's performance from the talent show last year.  Notice he's wearing the same t-shirt, purely a coincidence I think (although it is a Beatles t-shirt which happens to be his favorite band).

Roman Performs for School Talent Show

Roman had his school talent show this week, and I just had to post the video because I am one incredibly proud mum!  He did brilliantly, even in the face of technical difficulties. 

And if you're not familiar with the song, it's Secrets by OneRepublic.