Another Day, Another Tchotchke for the Console Table

As I've told you before, I've been on the hunt for reasonably-priced, child-friendly decor for the console table I got for a steal from Pottery Barn a few months back. It's not like I go out of my way to find these kinds of things, since that strategy rarely works for me. To those that it does work for, I am immensely jealous and demand to know your secrets.

One day not so long ago, I decided to take a whirl around the clearance rack at Target (aka "Tarjay" for us fancy folks) for kicks and grins. I was pleasantly surprised to see this cute little number sitting there looking pretty. Checked the price tag, and it was originally $20....marked down to $5.

Ohhhhhhhh yeah. Come to mama.

Here's how the entire kit 'n kiboodle looks so far. Not to shabby, eh? I'm thinking one or two more decorative items should do the trick for the time being.

Anyone else find any steals/deals from Tarjay (or anywhere else) lately? Have any strategies on how to actually find what I'm looking for when I want/need it?

Decorating the Console Table

I'm slowly working away at decorating the console table that lives behind our sofa in the living room. I knew I wanted something basket-like for the lower shelf (like this overpriced version at Pottery Barn) but didn't want to spend an arm and a leg for it.

Well, while cruising down Route 59 recently, I wanted to stop at Garden Ridge because I was on the hunt for some garden decorations. Well, as it turns out, it's essentially a Home Goods on steroids. Seriously. The place was HUGE and a mecca for reasonably-priced indoor and outdoor home decor.

I found a couple of baskets that were pretty much what I was looking for. The price per basket? A cool $14.99. Yessssssssssssss.

I'm not quite sure about the burlap inside the baskets - I'm thinking I'll probably switch them out for something prettier. We shall see.

I also found a nifty globe that Owen seemed to enjoy spinning 'round and 'round. Only $29.99. What what?!

It's still not quite done yet, but it's a start. Let me tell ya, it's a challenge to find attractive, relatively unbreakable decor that will withstand little hands for the next few years...but I'm determined not to give up!

Anyone else ever check out Garden Ridge? Find any child-friendly decor lately? Share with the class!

We have a winner!

Before we get into the nitty gritty of today's post, let me just say one thing:

TEETHING SUCKS!!!

Seriously, what do we need teeth for anyhow? Can't we just have dentures and avoid the unnecessary pain of incoming teeth?! Is it really worth putting a child through that agony?! I say NAY!

Poor Owen has two(!) of his molars coming in, and holy moly are they causing him pain. My normally easy-going guy has turned into a hot mess of red cheeks and tears. I hate seeing him in so much pain and wish I can make it all better. For the time being teething rings, children's Advil and cuddles have been helping, but we just have to continue weathering the storm until those suckers finally break through his gums.

Anyway....

Remember awhile back when Owen wasn't teething and was able to use his sweet temperament to help us get a discount on a sweet piece of furniture? After moving the console table around and debating where it should ultimately end up, we have decided that its permanent home will be directly behind the couch.

So here she is, ladies and gents! Ta-Daaaaaa!

Ain't she purdy? It's a little tall for the couch, so we may remove the wheels, but for the meantime it works. As for what's going to go on it (other than the puny flower pot currently gracing it) I'm not quite sure yet. I want to make it pretty and stylish, yet toddler-friendly.

Here's a taste of what I have in mind, and will (hopefully!) serve as inspiration for what to put there:

Driftwood Lantern, Pottery Barn, $55 - $119 

Chalkboard Globe, Pottery Barn, $91.99 

Palmetto Painted Lanterns, Pottery Barn, $79 - 95 

 Wood Star, Restoration Hardware, $109 - $295

Vintage Soda Crates, Pottery Barn, $99 each

Wire Mesh Storage Bin, West Elm, $39

Vintage Fan, SundayTown (via Etsy), $45 

Vintage Scale, DustyJubilee (via Etsy), $45

Do you have any other ideas for kid-friendly - yet chic - decor? Any tips for weathering MolarGate with the little guy? 

Why is it....

....you ALWAYS find the one thing you're looking for when you least expect it?!

Seriously, am I the only one this happens to? Like when we bought our couch. We searched for months for the perfect one and failed. Miserably. Then, one day at the mall we happened upon a Pottery Barn and fell exhausted onto the first couch we could find and it was like God Himself smiled down and said "THIS IS THE COUCH FOR YOU!!"

Source

Well, it happened yet again last Saturday when we happened upon a floor sample sale at our local Pottery Barn. We wandered in with Owen in the stroller and stumbled across a glorious console table that would look perfect behind our couch (or in our dining room, or as a media center...let's just say it has possibilities!).

The price at the store was $479. My smart, wonderful, handsome husband asked the saleslady if we could get it for $400. She checked and I think she was going to refuse us the discount until....

She saw THIS face.

And melted. We didn't get it for $400, but she did mark it down to $440! The lesson here folks? If you want an extra discount, bring something cute with you for the salespeople to gush all over, like a happy baby or a puppy (okay, maybe not the puppy...but you get the gist).

For those of you wondering how we were able to use our child's cuteness to score a decent discount, here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Before entering the store, make sure your child is fed and content, otherwise instead of getting a discount you could get kicked out and have no chance in hell at getting your dream piece of furniture. And we don't want that.
• Be polite and friendly – say hello to the salespeople, exchange pleasantries, talk about the weather, etc. But let’s be real – the true purpose of this is to let them get a gander at your adorable munchkin. Bonus points if you’re able to convince your kid to smile and wave.
• Wander around the store, peeking at price tags while simultaneously tickling/making goofy faces at your offspring. This will continue their good mood (see bullet #1).
• When you find the one you want, have one parent grab a salesperson while the other takes off with the baby. Again, going back to bullet #1 – you gotta keep the kid amused. You can also use this as an opportunity to change his/her diaper, further enhancing their mood and lessening any potential stinkiness.
• Go back to said piece of furniture while the other parent is in the heat of negotiations. Introduce yourself and your child.
• Watch your child work his/her magic on the salespeople.
• Achieve additional discount.
• Give your child a cookie and a toy with the money you saved from the discount.

Once we figure out where the heck we want to put it - and whether or not we want to remove the wheels - I'll post some update pics.

 In the meantime, any suggestions on where it should go?