I Brake for Yard Sales

I have to give credit where credit is due. I've been inspired by many folks in my love for design and decor. Over the years I've gained a real appreciation for this industry and even started my Master's Degree in Interior Design which is currently on hold after becoming a Mother for the first time. That hasn't stopped me from wanting to transform everything around me over and over, so since I stay home now I need to find a way to do it and save money at the same time.

All that to say that my latest inspiration has been Lara Spencer and her new book "I Brake for Yard Sales." She is more well known for being a host on Antiques Roadshow and as a News Anchor on Good Morning America on ABC. I think that is all about to change for this extremely talented woman. I have pinned this book, facebooked it, read it, and recommended it over and over again already. I read it cover to cover in about 24 hours (a true feat if you have small children).

Enter into search bar on the right and get it for only $14.50 on Amazon!

Lara tells the story of her inspiration: her Mother, an avid yard saler who taught her how to shop for bargains, what to look for, and how to update old looking items into something fresh and new. Between her background and her sheer talent and eye for symmetry and color, Lara Spencer is truly an inspiration to those of us who want style but don't feel we can afford it.

I wasted no time in running out to the nearest Goodwill and you saw the fruit of that in my last post. Just $2 for two items that added a lot to start off the decor in my Powder Room. Thanks Lara! I also went to the local Flea Market. No luck there, but I did go on a bad day: Easter Sunday. So I'm going to go back on a better day and see if I have more luck. I also found another Goodwill, a Salvation Army, a City-wide Yard Sale, and military yard sale coming up later in the month on post.

She is all about the 3 Rs: Rescue. Recycle. Reinvent. Boy does she live that! I definitely recommend her book. The practical tips in her book will not only change your LIFE, they will also challenge you to see just how well you can do on your budgeting! I'm now in competition with myself.

TIPS FROM LARA:

I spoke with Lara recently via twitter to ask her for some tips.

AB: "What tip can you give for us military wives on a budget?" (or anyone on a budget, really)

LS: "Re-invent pieces you already own by re-painting with glossy paint. Just [don't] forget to lightly sand and use a primer!"

See what a little repainting can do? Gorgeous Green.

AB: "How about tips for rummaging through those overwhelming flea markets?"

LS: "I recommend going thru a flea market twice...you will see different things each time!"

This entire room is made up of garage sale, thrift store, and flea market finds simply 

painted and reupholstered

You can follow Lara via twitter: @LaraSpencer. She is also on Facebook. 

MY TIPS:

1. Find and join your local Freecycle Networking group online. www.freecycle.org

2. Craigslist has a "free" category. Check it out for some free pieces. Also, they have a "barter" category where you could trade something you do well for something you need. Even something like sewing skills for drapes if you don't know how to sew (yet!).

If you have never painted or even sanded a thing in your life check out her chapter "Refinishing School" in her book to get some more information. She also gives you real life examples of the many projects she has done for herself and others including the pictures shown above. MIND BLOWN.

Point is: Don't wait to order this book. It will absolutely change the way you think!