So, I was sent a Tuc Away Table to review, and I have mixed feelings about it. When I first was approached about the review, I said yes because I thought it’d be like the Pier 1 Imports hayworth C-table that I love so much. And it’s not. I use my Pier 1 table to type on my iPad, put my beer/dinner, or put a bowl of popcorn. If I do those things on the Tuc Away table, I risk knocking them over if I have a sudden arm movement. Also, the low height makes it super easy for Pee Wee (my pooch) to steal my food.

As you can see, compared to the Pier 1 table, the Tuc Away Table is really short. And if you’re not used to having a table there, you may you will get up all of sudden and scratch the beejeezus out of your knee on said table. I should know, I have a nasty scratch that is healing because of the table. I didn’t put it on the side of the sofa because I don’t have room, so I wanted it to be more like a table for guests to put drinks/food on.

I will say that the quality is FAB. It is beautiful, it is high quality, but I do think the height and the overly complicated, yet seemingly simple-ish, set-up instructions take away from it. The table, which is heavy (in a good way), comes with a little ruler contraption that you use to measure the space under the couch where you’ll be putting the table. Using that number, you put the bracket into the holes on the back of the table that match that number. However, if you’re like me, you’ll measure wrong, put the bracket in 2 holes that aren’t the same number, and fiddle with it for about 10 minutes until it’s snug and secure.

Not a huge deal, but a tad inconvenient.

Also, it’s expensive! They run about $70+, which is a little steep. With a few improvements, this could be a great product. The one thing I do love, besides the finish/quality, is that the top folds down and then it almost just kinda blends into the profile of whatever furniture it’s attached to.

To sum it up…

The pros:

• Good quality
• Pretty wood color
• Semi-easy to set-up
• Good for dorms/low profile beds/kids room/accent chairs/recliners (if you have room on the sides)

The cons

• Too short
• Overpriced
• Semi-complicated set-up
• Limited options for the wood finish
• It’d be nice to have a pocket for remotes or something

So, there ya have it. You can view their set-up videos and check out the finishes at http://www.tucawaytables.com/

Do you have similar tables in your home? Do you like accent tables?

Today’s Friday Lust post is all about dining tables and chairs. Ooh la la.

In my post earlier this week, I told you all about how much I hate our dining set. It was absolutely perfect for our apartment that we lived in from 2007-2010, but now it’s just not what I envision for my home. It’s also hard to scoot the stools/benches in once you sit down, and it’s just…not me.

It’s got 2 stools + 2 benches (and a wedge we’re not using that connects the 2 benches to form a L shape), so it sits about 6 people. It’s counter height and nearly impossible to find a table cover for. Sad face.

Here’s what I’d rather have:

Traditional Dining Room by Burnsville Design-Build Firms Highmark Builders

Contemporary Dining Room by Lewis Center Interior Designers & Decorators Instyle Interiors

Traditional Dining Room by Centreville Photographers Buchanan Photography

Traditional Dining Room by Vancouver Architects & Designers Kerrisdale Design Inc

I want a gorgeous, weathered pedestal or trestle table with really beautiful chairs that have tufting or nailhead accents. The overall vibe I am wanting is sort of like if Restoration Hardware and ZGallerie hooked up for a one-night stand and had a baby. I WANT THAT BABY. Rustic, glamorous, classy and timeless. I also love the weathered, hand scraped table look because if a friend slams a glass on the table, or I drop a fork onto it, it just adds to the character. I don’t want a normal, super smooth finish, cherry or espresso dining set.

And that may be why I can’t find anything I can friggin afford. Here’s what I have found so far. In a perfect world, I’d buy this table:

$1295 from Restoration Hardware

And then I’d buy 6 of these chairs:

$449 each from Restoration Hardware

And then I’d move on with my life. But unfortunately, I don’t have thousands to spend on this endeavor, so onto the copycat versions of these pieces. This table from World Market is a strong contender, but the finish is too dark…

On sale for $499 through 9/30/13 @ World Market.

Then there’s the Cane Dining Table from Home Decorator’s Collection- I called to get the specs, and it seems like it will only seat 4 because the overhang at the edges is only 9 inches. Although, in a pinch, I don’t think it’s awful…but then again I wouldn’t be the one sitting at the edge. I’m also iffy on the color since it looks gray washed in one photo and really dark in another. On sale through 9/30/13- $599.

And another potential table from Home Decorator’s, but I wonder if the 48” size would be too small for my space? I’d like to be able to fit 6 people, so this may not work. I’m also not 100% on board with a circular table.

On sale through 9/30/19 for $359.

 

However, I’m about to contradict myself because I LOVE this round table from Ballard Designs:

$1199 at BD.

 

Chairs are easy enough to find, and although they’re cheaper than RH’s version, they’re not that cheap, KWIM?

 

$301 for a pair at Overstock.

 

Sigh. I don’t know what to do. I want what I want, and I know this is not a project I’d ever want to DIY, so do I just save up for my dream dining set? I’ve thought about freshening up my current set with some slipcovers or something, but finding slipcovers for the 2 benches is proving to be quite a task.

 

Advice, thoughts? If anyone cares to sponsor my entire dining set, please let me know. (Hey, it never hurts to ask) :)

This post is going to have a ton of pictures, so I totally apologize in advance if I cause you to go over your data plan for you mobile users.

My dining room has kind of stayed as is, plus or minus seasonal décor, ever since I did this reveal post last year. Well, the hubster and I have been lusting after a new dining table, so we rearranged the space a bit to see what it’d feel like in a different configuration. Ok, and I sort of lied…I’ve been lusting after a new dining table while my husband is 100% OK with the set we have.

It is the bane of my existence. But more about that in a post later this week.

We flip flopped the layout and now it looks like this when you walk in:

Now the dining table is what greets you when you walk in (before it was the sofa), and I’ll admit I despised the layout the first few days…Now I LOVE IT! It flows nicely, the room feels more spacious—which is a challenge since the room is about 10 feet wide and 30 feet long. Yeah, seriously narrow and long.

The chandelier is centered beautifully over the table, and mercury and jewel tone accents add drama to the space.

The candlesticks and mercury glass pumpkin are from one of my top 5 favorite stores: ZGallerie. The blue and magenta pumpkins are from Hobby Lobby, and the flocked damask runner is a wedding leftover from Kohl’s holiday collection back in 2008. Silver chargers are 98-cents each at Walmart.

Past the dining table, is a comfy, luxe seating area perfect for cocktails with the gals. Plus, there’s a doorway that leads straight to the kitchen, so that it’s easy to get refills on drinks or check on the puffed pastry in the oven.

And if you haven’t noticed, I finally splurged on some curtains with COLOR. My other ones were 5 different shades of beige, and these are STUNNING. They are a gorgeous peacock blue color, but when the light hits them, they can morph into having more green or blue. I am in love! The price is oh so right—these gorgeous SIlkana Teal Curtains are only $52 for a pair, and they are worth every penny. They do not totally block out the light, but they do filter it so it just softly embraces a room. Highly recommend!

And now onto more pictures and less of me talking…

 

Pee Wee always comes into my blog photo shoots to give his approval.

Or to lounge.

That mirrored table off to the left developed a HUGE crack out of nowhere. Ugh. So now a nice serving tray from World Market covers that sucker up.

I’m still obsessed with my ghost chair. I’m writing this very sentence right now while sitting in my ghost chair from Overstock. It’s so comfy. I think my circa 2008 Dell PC is an eyesore. Maybe Santa will bring me a new all in one PC this year…or maybe a Mac? Hhmm.

This frame is one of those fugly gold frames you can find at garage sales. While the gold may be old/ugly, a coat of spray paint can work wonders! Plus, look at those gorgeous, ornate elements on the frame.

These flocked damask pillows were a great score at JCP a few years back. I got 4 of them for $6 each.

The mirrors are from Kirkland’s and were about $10 each. They always have sales and coupons (plus you can use coupons from your phone), so I always go to Kirkland’s for affordable home décor such as mirrors, vase filler, and pumpkins for fall.

There you have it! Again, the primary “makeover” aspect of this simply involved moving around furniture, and bringing in accents from other rooms, but in the interest of full disclosure, I did splurge on the following:

• New Silkana Teal Window Panels (4 panels, $100 total)
• New trellis patterned pillow ($15 at Ross)
• New magenta pumpkin ($4 at Hobby Lobby)
• New black lamp shade ($10 at Ross)
• New bright white bulbs ($12 at Walmart)

Total: About $150 for a whole new look!

I have this obsession for pumpkins, so I love being able to scatter them throughout my home. The dining room won’t get to enjoy the fall décor too much since I have been selected for a super awesome opportunity that I’ll tell you about later this week. IT IS EXCITING!! I am so over the moon about it and can’t wait to gush all the details to you lovely people.

There are a few things I want to change about the space, in addition to getting rid of the dining table. I’d love a luxe throw with a fun geometric or damask print, a bar cart, wine fridge, recessed lights, a tufted storage ottoman, more wall décor, mirrored/acrylic serving tray, metallic pillows, and a less “beige” wall color. Oh and a gorgeous arm chair! I’ll be working on those during the next phase of my dining room facelift. :)

What do you think of my “new” dining room? Like? Love? Want to come over and have drinks with me?

If you have any questions about anything in my dining/office/living room area, please feel free to leave a comment and I’ll reply to you in the comments as soon as I can.

But here are some questions I am anticipating and will just answer now:

• Where is the sofa from? Macy’s: Chloe Sofa in Granite
• What is the wall color? Sahara Desert Sand by Glidden
• Where are the chandeliers from? Home Depot: Maria Theresa Chandelier
• Where is the “C” table from? Pier 1’s Hayworth Collection

Everyone has a family heirloom, right? For some people it may be grandma’s old rocking chair or grandpa’s favorite foot stool. These are priceless, timeless pieces that seem to always fit into our heart and homes.

Above: A memorial candle I had in honor of my granny at my wedding. That candle is now an heirloom in our family; it’s in my mom’s possession.

The priceless heirloom that I have in my possession is my grandma’s collection of costume jewelry. My granny was born in the 1920’s, so her collection is very vintage and chic. I remember when I was younger I loved to sit with her and try on all of the jewels. I felt like a princess of sorts with all that bling. And honestly, I just don’t see that kind of jewelry anymore, unfortunately.

Above: Me looking like a princess…as usual!

My mom gave me the collection after my grandma passed away in 2006, and I have it tucked away safe and sound. However, I thought I should display some of it, so I am officially inspired to do a DIY project. I know traditional heirlooms tend to be antique furniture pieces or family quilts, etc. but really I think any item that is treasured deserves the designation as an heirloom. DIY projects can help bring these heirlooms to life. In my case, my grandma’s vintage jewelry has inspired me to create a piece of art that I’ll enjoy for many years to come.

Above: My mom, my granny and me. :)

You can see the  priceless value of a dining table/heirloom in the YouTube video below by True Value. Warning—it’s a tear jerker, but I really want you to watch this video. It’s good! I got all misty eyed during the video, but it’s a good reminder of the power of DIY and the True Value of life—those we love. Family heirlooms can keep memories alive, and I think that’s what most of us want to do to honor those we love. I look forward to sharing with you my finished DIY project honoring my granny and her love of fabulously gorgeous baubles.

Video by True Value

So in honor of keeping memories and heirlooms alive, both in our hearts and homes, True Value is sponsoring a $50 gift card giveaway on my blog to help with your project. You can enter below on Rafflecopter, and there are several ways you can enter. Good luck! True Value is also hosting a Pin to Win Sweepstakes--You can find more information about that over here. Two exciting contests for you to be able to enter. Contest is open from now until July 22, 2013 at 12 am CST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I am also being provided with a $50 gift card in exchange for a post/giveaway promoting the True Value brand and their Pinterest contest.

During the holidays I love to bake, but I love to bake things that aren’t too complex. I don’t want to spend hours baking after spending hours at work…not my idea of fun. That’s why I love simple, delicious holiday recipes. I made cookies for a holiday baby shower, and boy are they tasty. Not crunchy, not too chewy + they have a nice sweet, yet salty flavor thanks to the Butterfinger Jingles.

I picked up a bag Butterfinger Jingles and Crunch Jingles at my local Walmart for about $2.78 a bag, and each bag comes with about 30 bells. You’ll need about 20 Butterfinger Jingles to make these simply delish Jingle Sugar Cookies. In about 20 minutes, including prep time, you’ll have tasty cookies.

Chop ‘em.

Next, mix your flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. In a large mixer, beat your butter and sugar until they’re totally blended.

Add in your egg to the butter/sugar mixture, and continue to mix together. Slowly add in the dry ingredients.

Now your dough is ready for Butterfinger Jingles! Use a spatula to mix in all the pieces of Butterfinger into the dough.

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out your cookies onto a greased cookie sheet. You should end up with about 24-28 cookies.

Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees until golden brown and enjoy! You can view the full recipe for the Jingle Sugar Cookies over here.

Now, I love to eat candy, but I also use it for decorating my living room! While entertaining, I like for guests to be able to munch on stuff while hanging out, so I take some simple vase filler crystal gems and layer them about 1/3 of the way up in a glass votive holder or hurricane. I sprinkle a generous amount of Butterfinger/Crunch Jingles on top of the gems, add in a festive LED tealight and…

I end up with an instant décor piece that serves as beauty and function. The LED candlelight bounces off the crystal gems and the foil from the Crunch Jingles makes it sparkle! Add a cute little bow, and it’s instantly snazzy. They’re affordable enough to make a few to place in common areas such as living, dining, and family rooms. Each one is roughly about $3 (glass, LED votive, candy).

And by using an LED tealight my chocolates won’t melt and my guests won’t burn themselves while reaching in for a treat. One bag of Crunch Jingles can easily make 1 large centerpiece or 2-3 small ones. These are also great hostess gifts since the hostess can use the glass, gems and LED tealight long after the holidays! I currently have 3 of these in my living room, and it may explain why my pants are fitting snug these days.

As always, Pee Wee is trying to see what in the world is going on. If there is food, Pee Wee is there. Wonder where he got that from?

Nestle candy is great for baking, but don’t forget about how it can be used as décor, too. Hang candy canes on a tree, make cookie ornaments, use candies to designate/jazz up place settings at the dinner table…the options are endless and affordable. For more great holiday recipes and ideas, check out www.nestleseasonalrecipes.com

Do you use candy when baking cookies? Do you ever use it to decorate your home?

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Nestle #CBias #SocialFabric #HolidayCandy