If money and location wasn't a problem where would you live? It's a restless winter afternoon so it's time to let the Internet take me away to a different place and a unique space. The Internet allows us to check out what the inside of that cool house, condo, mansion, brownstone or loft looks like and we don't have to leave our own home. This can be a great way to get some interior design ideas from some of the finest interiors in the country.
My favorite place to go to a virtual open house is sellModern. Not only do they feature some of the most unique homes in the country their site also features a Contemporary Design Magazine! The images and information offer inspiration for those of us who are fascinated with modern design and architecture. You may not find items here that are in a garage sale budget but it can give you the tools you need to make the right purchases for that look you're seeking on a budget.Now if you really dream big, and I mean gargantuan, check out some of the most fabulous homes and estates around the world at Christie's Great Estates. I wonder if any of these people ever have garage sales??? If they do I am so there.
If you don't want to deal directly with an owner there is always an option to visit area consignment and used furniture stores. This can take the pressure off both the owner and the buyer. I am sharing a few consignment and used furniture stores. First up is Fred's Unique Furniture and Antiques in Warren, Michigan were you can find this stunning 6 piece hard rock maple living room set. Perfect for that lake cottage or cabin and all for $695.00. I would love to design a room around this set! In Fort Wayne, IN check out Finders Keepers at 2608 S. Calhoun St. Never under estimate the resale of hotel furniture. Check out Hotel Furniture Liquidators in Holland MI.
Christmas time doesn't need to be costly or stressful if you plan ahead, after all Christmas arrives on December 25th every year! So lets take a quick garage sale recap in room number one. The Hitchcock Limited Edition Christmas chair was purchased at a garage sale last spring for $20.00, the decanter set was purchased at a flea market for $25.00, the coffee table was $25.00 from a second hand furniture store, the leather sofa for $100.00 from Craigslist, the rug was $15.00 from a garage sale.
In the kitchen the maple table was $5.00 at a church rummage sale, the lamp was $10.00 from a summer garage sale, the white linen table cloth was purchased at an estate sale for $10.00 and the large silver punch bowl was bought at an outdoor flea market for $20.00 and was complete with silver cups! I made the Christmas tree centerpiece out of construction paper and crayons.
In the dining room this beautiful maple Hitchcock dining room set complete with 6 chairs and a large hutch was purchased for $250.00, the cake plate is made by M.Z. Austria and was about $25.00, the small green glass bowl was .50 from a garage sale, the gorgeous hand tatted linen was $5.00 from a local antique shop, the sculpture and watering can in the background were also garage sale items. The Lemon Cake was made by my son and it's priceless.So don't break the bank but do celebrate this blessed day with ease! Merry Christmas!
My family has passed down recipes from one generation to the next, I am sharing a poppy seed cake recipe from my aunt.Poppy Seed Cake 1 1/2 c poppy seeds, 1 1/2 c milk, 3/4 c butter, 1 1/2 c sugar, 3 eggs seperated, 2 5/8 c flour, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 baking powder Soak poppy seed in milk overnight. Cream butter & sugar. Add beaten egg yolks. Then alternately add flour and baking powder, sifted together and milk with poppy seed. Fold in beaten egg whites. Add 1 tsp vanilla. Bake in layers. Serve with cream custard icing. (If you can't purchase fresh poppy seed replace with canned) Icing: Cook 1 pkg vanilla pudding in 1 c milk. Cream 1/4 c sweet butter, 5 TBSP conf. sugar. Add 1 TBSP pudding at a time. Let pudding cool before adding butter mixture.
If money and location wasn't a problem where would you live? It's a restless winter afternoon so it's time to let the Internet take me away to a different place and a unique space. The Internet allows us to check out what the inside of that cool house, condo, mansion, brownstone or loft looks like and we don't have to leave our own home. This can be a great way to get some interior design ideas from some of the finest interiors in the country. 
