I could spend all day on Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge soaking up all of the amazing ideas and inspirational mojo!  One of AT's regular posts consist of the latest finds on Craigslist- they find the best stuff!  I scour my small town's craigslist regularly for such diamonds in the rough, but rarely turn up with anything worth throwing down this hard working girl's mint for.  Still, occassionally I like to scrunch up my face and close my eyes really tight and make believe I am in NY or SF and have stumbled onto a DIY's paradise :)  Above pictured is a couple of finds from my local CL- the midcentury sideboard is exactly what I've been looking for!  I kinda even like the color, I would just need to replace the hardware.  And the royale looking set of tufted chairs are in pretty icky shape, but with a deep cleaning and if I used a worthy fabric to reupholster (like the crimson damask printshowed on the right) I am confident my houseguests would be sitting pretty!  What do y'all think?

Ok, so maybe it won't break any guiness records, but to me, its quite the upgrade!  yesterday my family of five went from a WORN down, el cheapo dinette set, seating for FOUR, and finally made the plunge so that we could all eat dinner at the same spot like the quinticential modern day leave it to beaver family we strive to be ;)  After months of research, and an hour in the store where I sat in, wiggled around, extended, jostled, altered seating, and inquired the opinions of every store employee and passerby, and one mass text to some faithful friends who's opinions I trust, the Lugano was purchased, brought home, and set up in time for our spaghetti sunday feast!  Unlike the picture shown above, I chose the more practical second bench instead of four chairs (we purchased just two for the ends).  Each bench can hold 3-4 adults or probably up to 5 children each (birthday parties)!  The table space is substantial!  The whole set swallows our dining area, but we're a few short years from outgrowing our first home anyways, so pat on my back for me always thinking upgrade! (do you see how my mind works?)  I'm pleased as punch over this purchase and the only thing left for me to figure out- is the perfect everyday centerpiece, since I officially have room for one! Any ideas?????????????

  What I love right now is mixing and mismatching prints and textures.  I fully embrace this age in style-era where anything goes, but in my opinion that's easier said than done.  The colors <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/fall-color-combo-red-yellow-and-green-098612">here</a>, the designs themselves, blend so well- an art I am far from mastering.  But I think if you would ask any interior artiste they would say "don't try so hard."  I also love the painted wrought iron day bed, I'm forever scouring <a href="www.craigslist.org">Craig's</a> for such finds :)