Decorating : Wheeled Things

When do a few objects become a collection? Do you ever start to notice a new "trend" in your life? I've come to find that I like decorating with "wheeled things", especially if it is an animal or figure. So I guess you could say it is now something I "collect". 

A year after we moved in, I created a more permanent display on the corner hutch in the office. I was able to showcase 2 of my pieces there: the horse was a gift from my Mother-in-Law when Jon and I were dating, and the sheep we found at a flea market this Summer for $2.00. The vintage peacock fan I got at a garage sale this summer. The mini crate used as a riser is from Meijer. The 2 candles were wedding gifts from Pier 1. The 7 pound weight is a reproduction from JoAnne Fabrics. My Mom got me the dried lantern flowers and I found the metal tin to put them in at Target in their dollar section. 

 A stock photo of our new "old" coffee table. Of course we would have loved to have gotten an authentic cart or made one, but sometimes cost and convenience wins. We saw this at Menards several months ago. Between the peacock cards, and now this table, shopping at Menards has become a lot more fun! Of course I did my research on this brand/model after seeing it, and seeing how much it was going at other retailers made the bargain hunter in me want it even more. Over $300 here. We got it for $179 plus 11% off with rebate. We found the perfect burlap lined wire baskets for the lower part at Meijer (waited for sale of course) for toy storage. Seriously, I feel like I am ALWAYS coming up with storage for kids stuff! It is a never ending battle. Oh hey, look at that bicycle on the table.... wheels on wheels!

Grandpa's baby buggy.......

And that teddy on the bench? He holds many a wheeled things as the seasons change. This past Fall, Kristen and I were out thrifting for our booth and she found a really cute pumpkin on wheels. That's the only bad part about shopping with friends - sometimes you fall in love with the same thing. Luckily, I was able to find a similar one on a later shopping trip.



And speaking of Halloween, here's a sweet Prim Pumpkin on a cart that I bought from my artist friend Jennie at Ghoultide Gathering in 2014. I just love the little mushrooms on it! She loves hanging out with her other Prim friends!

For Easter, our bear gets a chick!

This wonderful Santa was a Christmas gift from Kristen. She got him at a thrift store we often shopped at in Battle Creek (The Charitable Union), which is obviously good enough to make the drive back for!

This 2-dimensional sheep (to hang or prop on a shelf) I found at my local thrift store, The Copper Nail. I decided to offer him up for purchase at our booth at The Antique Mercantile, and someone scooped him up quickly!

Speaking of our booth, we get monthly newsletter from the owner. There was a picture on one of them of a wheeled bunny, so I inquired if it was available and how much. Unfortunately, she had used a "stock" photo for the mailing, not something that was actually in store. But low and behold, a few days later she emailed me saying that someone had brought in one! Funny how the universe works! I was heading there that weekend anyway to bring in some new merchandise so I picked him up. 

This little guy driving an egg car was found at TJ Maxx.

And, when your home décor starts to blend into your clothes...... just happened upon this little number by accident - swans on bicycles!?!?!? From Modcloth

And, a few pieces that still need to find homes. Bike and Buggy gifted from Mother-in-Law at same time as horse in first picture. Bear found at our booth store (The Antique Mercantile). My boys, and their love of things with wheels, is obviously rubbing off on me!

Classic Casual

You can't go wrong with classic red, white and blue no matter what time of year it is! I just love the print on this blouse, with some pretty faces hidden in.

Yellow Bird Sporadic Stitches Pullover - Anthropologie

previously seen here and pregnant here

Maeve Tesni Swing Tank - Anthropologie

Mossimo High Rise Jeggings - Target

Minnetonka Mocassins - TJ Maxx

 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

11 Reasons to take a second look at Meijer!

So, I've been thinking about this post for quite some time, and I know 11 isn't really a catchy number, but it is what it is! Ever since moving to Michigan 13 years ago, Meijer has been our main grocery shopping stop. Within the past few years though, their clothing selection causes me to do a double take as I am cruising through with my cart. In such a competitive market, every retailer is trying to stay relevant, and Meijer is doing a good job. They have a style blog and often reach out to popular bloggers to guest post. I know some people have ideas of where they will (and won't shop) for clothing. Not me, I can shop just about anywhere! The great thing about all of these pieces that I have personally purchased is they are in the $20-$30 range. However, Meijer often has sales, clearance racks, and if you are an MPerks member like I am there are special coupons there. They have their own brands - like Massini and Falls Creek - as well as ones they bring in. Without further ado, here are the finds I am excited about!

#1: This white tulle skirt

Yes, I was shocked a few weeks ago when I found a tulle skirt at Meijer! A white skirt has been on my list for a while now and I knew I wanted a classic "circle" style, below knee length. I wasn't especially looking for tulle, but this one is not so poofy that it is silly. I was pleasantly surprised by this find (it comes in black too)! For comparison sake, here is a similar one at Anthropologie for $168.

#2: Chambray!
Since I used one of these shirts in the outfit above, let's talk chambray. I've become a complete chambray lover over the years, but there is no need to spend a ton on a simple button up shirt from places like J. Crew and Madewell. Since I know how much I wear these now, it seems I am always on the lookout for them. Long sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless...... they all have their purpose. The roll-tab tunic on the left is a classic tucked into skirts (like above) or thrown on over your skinny jeans or leggings. The sleeveless one on the right has a high-low hem and is so lengthy it could be a dress. Except it has large slits on the sides (which could be sewn up). Either way, it's going to be an easy, breezy summer staple. In addition to these, there is a cute v-neck tee style they are carrying right now. Want more detail on your chambray? I've seen some lace trimmed ones as well.

#3: Black Cowl Neck Tunic
 I've had this black cowl neck tunic for quite some time, and as you can see it is a great basic! I wore it tucked in (pregnant) on the left, and untucked on the right just this past Fall. 

$4: Knit Kimono
More comfy basics with this striped wrap! Another before and after baby comparison!

#5: Lace Trimmed Tanks
This lace trimmed tank is another great basic for layering. They seem to always carry these in a variety of colors.

 #6: Anthro-Look-A-Likes
It wasn't that long ago that I posted this "Get the look for less". And in this post alone, I've already referenced a few pieces that you'd see at higher priced store (the tulle skirt and the chambray tops). Craving more Anthro-like looks? I've seen a cut-out tee like this one there, as well as this cute tank.

#7: Marled Sweaters
I seem to be drawn to these funky looking sweaters. The striped one is from last year, and the hooded cardigan is from this year.

#8: Clearance Maxi Dresses
I did a few post at the end of last summer, when I scored these maxi dresses on clearance for $7!!! I wear these all the time!!! Creating a post of all of the outfit combos I have come up with for these is on my to do list.

#9: The "IT" Scarf
Moving on from clothing, let's talk accessories. If you search Pinterest for plaid scarf inspiration, 95% of the time this sucker is going to come up. It's been the "IT" scarf for a few years now, and it's popularity has brought it to many retailers including Meijer.

#10: Fun Jewelry
I love me some fun jewelry! I found both of these necklaces on the clearance rack. I swear I've seen the ombre braided one at Anthropologie. 

#11: Shoes!
So I've covered clothing and accessories...... off to the shoe section! From top to bottom, left to right. The flat black sandals I bought for my swollen pregnant feet (on clearance for $7.50). Sorry for the visual! But I have worn these so, so much even after having Carson. They are so comfy (probably because I stretched them out) and they go with dresses and pants alike.

The comparison picture is showing how I found a replacement to my favorite embellished strappy flats that are on their last legs. The in store picture are some wedges they just got in. That style (classic toe and ankle strap) is my favorite type of sandal of all time!

Black, strappy booties are so cute! In store picture of another new style they just got in. Strappy + Buckles = Heather Loves. I really like how the black pair has black buckles. Sometimes I don't want a silver or gold buckle standing out. I am anxious to try these on once we get into the warmer weather more. Coral colored lace up heels from a few years ago.

So, what do you think? Do you like shopping at Meijer for clothes? Or, if you haven't shopped there, have I convinced you?