Hey there! Today I’m trying something new. I’ve joined a few friends and we’re sharing what we found online that you might like too. I’m calling it One For You, One For Me – Shopping with Cindy. I have to be honest, I am not a fan of shopping. The grocery store is the worst but a close second would be walking around looking for something specific only to be disappointed when it’s not there. Seriously, that’s complete torture to me. Now, if you ask me to go to a thrift or antique store I’d say, how fast can you pick me up?!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience and at no extra cost to you. For questions, see Disclosure Policy.
One For You, One For Me – Shopping With Cindy!
Online shopping has never appealed to me. I’m more of a touchy-feely girl. I want to check for myself if it’s scratchy or itchy. Or see if the fabric is thick or thin. And will that adorable pitcher be too heavy once it’s filled with lemonade? All important questions.
And don’t get me started on choosing the right color from a computer screen. I don’t have much luck with that either. Mustard colored shoes should be the color of French’s yellow mustard. Not brown and not orange (insert rolling eyes).
All that said, I’m trying again so let me show you what I found worth checking out. These are affiliate links for your convenience. I get asked all the time where I got something and usually I can only say at an antique store which is of no help. But today, it’s all on Amazon.
Tie Top Cafe Curtains
I’m trying to talk the Mister into painting the blue kitchen walls. Yes, that was a not-so-great decision but in my defense, that was way back when I was working with dog puke gold walls in the rest of the house. Anyway, with those new painted walls comes a whole new look for the breakfast area as well. I thought these Cafe Curtains would be super cute because they’ll let in a lot of light and hide the grill sitting outside on the patio. Winner winner, chicken dinner!
Brass Tension Curtain Rod
I know a tension rod isn’t the normal go-to for hanging curtains. The norm is hanging your rod 4″-6″ outside the window. But I have 4 reasons why this Brass Tension Rod is the way to go. First, if I used a regular rod, the poles will be the height of my stomach (hips for most people) and the area around the table is a little tight so stabbing myself on a daily basis with the end of the rod isn’t ideal. Second, the 1″ diameter size will give me a beefier look. Third, these will make the Mister happier because we aren’t drilling more holes in the walls which means less heavy sighing. And fourth, I like how close the edge of the rod will sit to the wall making the curtain go all the way to the edge.
Oval Jute Rug
We’ve lived in this particular house since 2009 and have used a rug only 3 times during the winter to help with the cold tile. It was always a cowhide I’ve had for years and it never really helped. This time, I’d like to try a real rug. Our table is oval shaped and because I’d like to keep things neutral and durable, this Oval Jute Rug fits the bill. And look how inexpensive it is! Definitely worth trying.
Peel-n-Stick Wallpaper
Anyone else have a bar area and the wall underneath looks like poop with scuff marks and dirt? I’ve practically scrubbed all the paint off trying to clean it. I’ve decided to do try Peel-n-Stick Wallpaper instead of repainting. It’s a small area so the cost will be minimal. It’s easy to install and because of the neutral color, it will make an exciting but subtle statement. I’m not worried about rips or tears since nothing has been that damaging in 15 years.
Y’all! It was like having a fairy godmother!
Once I sat down and thought about what I wanted the breakfast room to look like, the process was painless. It was as if my fairy godmother showed up, made the choices for me and I didn’t have to worry about messing it up! It feels sort of like making an inspiration or memory board. Best part is I’m not driving to multiple places, not trapesing around trying to find someone to help me load and unload the car and not having to drive back when I need to return a disappointing purchase. And I did it with messy hair and I may or may not have put on a bra.
Now, we don’t want to go crazy spending money but who knew One For You, One For Me – Shopping With Cindy would be so fabulous?! I suppose I’m saying that every once in a while, we could all use a little assistance in finding something we didn’t know we needed. ๐
Below is a list of what my friends are loving this month. Check them out too.
Living Large in a Small House – Lynn
Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner. If you are hosting or heading to someone’s home for the game, here are a few things you might need.
-
- I’m planning on making chili and I love my slow cooker and it will keep the chili warm throughout the whole day.
- Serving all the toppings in a chili bar style is my favorite way to enjoy this meal. I love these little white bowls for all the fixings.
- A charcuterie board is a must for us for any event. I love this board from Target.
- It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl Party without wings. I will load up this white tray with a few dozen.
Lora Bloomquist – Create and Ponder
- My friend Stacy from Bricks n’ Blooms just published her first gardening book and it is amazing! Her photography is gorgeous and she has the best tips for turning your yard into a flower bouquet-filled dream! I got a preview copy and have been soaking it up. You can find “A Beautiful and Easy Care Flower Garden” HERE.
- We have had no winter here in MN and now the grass is getting green! The birds think it’s Spring, so I’m ready to pull out all the bird decor! I picked up this cute Blue Jay paint-by-number last weekend at an antique store. Find vintage bird PBN’s HERE. Or get your own kit to paint HERE.
- I’m in the project mood and I’ve always wanted to learn how to reupholster. This little stool is getting a cottage makeover. This basic set of upholstery staple remover tools is going to make the job so much easier. You can find the set HERE.
- Springtime weather gets me in the mood for botanical art. I picked up these framed prints and this fern poster last weekend. Think it’s time to decorate the mantel with a botanical vibe. You can find botanical art HERE and HERE.
Reinvented Delaware – Cindy Rust
- My kids bought me some new jammies for Christmas and I had to share them with you! The fabric is unreal! Soft, not heavy and so warm & cozy! The company is called Little Sleepies and they make matching jammies for families. I have one pajama top and one pajama bottom in the Blue Rainbows. The best part is the tops and bottoms come separately which is perfect if you wear two different sizes like me!
- On Wednesday this week, I went thrift shopping with one of my sisters and she was telling me about these cool silicone freezing molds. One of my other sisters had told her about them so she got them in several sizes. The 1 cup size is in my Walmart cart now and I can’t wait to get it for the next time I want to freeze homemade chicken stock! It’s the little things that make me smile!
- My dentist recently told me the best way to keep plaque off of your teeth is to use a powered toothbrush twice a day. So that’s a goal of mine this year. I’ve used a battery-powered toothbrush for years but admittedly, I’ve only used it in the mornings. I use a regular toothbrush at night. The powered toothbrush has a timer and will remind you to brush for 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. It’s super helpful for clean teeth and so cheap at $25!
- Are you dreaming of gardening yet? I’ve been browsing the seed catalogs lately and I’m excited to start planting! Zinnias are on my radar so I will be needing some new flower snips. While I am at it, I think I will replace my herb snips too. I’ll keep those in the kitchen since my herb garden is just outside of the kitchen window.
Sky Lark House – Anna
- With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this Mango Wood Heart Tray with a gold leaf interior is perfect. I love the natural wood and the subtle nod to Valentine’s Day.
- This Natural Handled Farmhouse Cheese Board is gorgeous and can be used as a charcuterie board. Hello Valentine’s Day!
- My MIL gave me that hand lotion and I love it. Winter can leave your skin really dry. Udderly smooth hand cream absorbs fast without a greasy residue.
- If you do have a charcuterie board, I highly recommend this Divina Fig Spread Jam. Normally, I am not a fan of fig jam but this one I love. Plus it’s nice to use for a special occasion.
- Finally, I love using candles- especially those made by Antique Candle Company. This bundle of 4 large 12 oz candles is perfect as we transition to spring. Shipping is also free!
South House Designs – Diane
Last month, I refreshed our home, now I’m desperate for some closet refresh — Let’s start with the hardest part of our wardrobes. Yes, how about a collective sigh for pants shopping!!!
Pants — nothing worse to find, right? Until now — I’m excited to share my “Feminist Pants” (okay that’s what I call them). Finally there is a US firm that is designing and selling beautifully constructed pants (and I’m super picky) (made in China) in 5 lengths in every size and great pockets!!! Yes, we finally can order pants made for women but with all the features men have been enjoying for eons!!! FIVE lengths!!!! It’s like custom-tailored at ready-made prices.
- I love these joggers – perfect in between tight yoga pants and baggy sweat pants. I had to return mine for a shorter length forgetting that a jogger should end short of your shoes. Easy peasy return! And six great colors.
- And they have bootcut yoga pants that think they’re dress pants — comfortable enough for the gym, made for the office! 4 Colors, 5 Lengths
- And for on top, I’m loving this lightweight V-neck “Henley” — the buttons, the cuffs! I’m layering it over a thin long sleeve T, now. But Henley’s weight on its own will be perfect for me into Summer. With 18 colors, it’s hard to decide the next one (or two) I’ll order.
- I’m overdue for some waterproof puddle jumping, wading (and gardening) boots. Loving these, now to decide between the bright lake blue and the matte lake blue.
So happy to be shopping with you today. I love the cafe curtains and gold rod. They will look adorable in a kitchen window.
Author
I can hardly wait to get started on the kitchen! Thank you Lynn.
Hi Cindy – I would make the same choice for a tension rod for your curtains. It truly is annoying to continually dodge the end of a curtain rod day in and day out. Your tie top cafe curtains are adorable. Your newly designed kitchen will be fabulous! Thanks for sharing so many great resources.
Author
I am buying the paint today! It won’t be a complete overhaul but I think the small changes will be a game-changer. Thank you Anna.
We need the name of the pants company
Author
If you click on the description of the pants, the link will take you right to the pants and the name. Let me know if you need further help. Thanks for the visit Eva.
Cindy, that wallpaper looks fantastic for a spot like under your bar! What a great find!!!!
Author
I hope so! Thank you Diane.
Honestly, I’m happy with just the vintage, neutral, decorating vibes vs trying to sell products to readers.
Author
Thank you for your honesty Sandra. I feel the same but have been asked several times where I get so many of my things. When I buy vintage pieces in antique stores, I feel bad that I can’t say where you can easily get your hands on one. I can only say – keep looking. So when I come across something I’m enjoying that’s new or easily purchased, I want to mention it. It’s not about the small commissions. For me, it’s about helping others. Hope that makes sense.
Absolutely makes sense, Cindy. You’re a star blogger and love your ideas, photos and inspiration. Sandra
Author
I really appreciate you saying that Sandra. Thank you so much.
Those cafe curtains are definitely my style! I love a good striped anything! Great shopping with you my friend!
Author
Thank you Cindy. I’ll be ordering some soon and the walls get painted the week after our Super Bowl party. Woo hoo!
Iโm a major online shopper and loved this post. I completely understand about the wall under the bar area. I love the idea about the stick and peel wallpaper! I want to give it a try.
Author
Oh my gosh Deborah, thank you! You made my day. I’m hoping to get the wallpaper ordered next week. Fingers Crossed I love it. ๐
I knew I would love shopping with you;) The cafe curtains are adorable; so farmhouse! Yes, light with blocking out the ugly=perfect design choice! And who knew there was such a thing as an oval mixed jute rug? Way cool; I had no idea they existed. This monthly post is definitely going to be a favorite! Thanks for trying something new, friend!
Author
Well thanks for talking me into it. ๐ If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even tried. I did enjoy the process and it really helped my concentration for the breakfast area. Looking forward to seeing the finished room. Have a great weekend Lora.
This was a fun post. My favorites are the curtains and the tension rod! Maybe because we are almost to complete our home remodel, all that’s left is the kitchen! I’m marking these for my breakfast nook area. Thank you!
Author
My hubs will LOVE the tension rod. Years ago, I know they were so cheap looking but these days they look so much better! I hope to get the curtains in soon. Thanks for the encouraging comment and best wishes on finishing the remodel! That’s so exciting!