BOOK LOVE: BUILDING YOUR LIBRARY ON A BUDGET

Ironically, even in the digital age we're in, with e-Readers and Pinterest, books are still highly sought after. From community centers to schools to home decor, buying books to create a library can be taxing on the bottom line, however, there is hope. Over the weekend I learned about wonderful non-profit organization here in Phoenix called VNSA - Volunteer Non-Profit Service Association, which holds a huge Annual Used Book Sale. No, this years number one design books weren't stacked on the many tables inside the Exhibit Building at the AZ State Fairgrounds, but there were tons of good condition, even some new edition books selling starting at just $1. Yes, this used books sale event was similar to thrifting for books, however, the organized categories are much greater. In a thrift store, you may find one or two design or art books at a time - or maybe even a Time / Life Photography book set - but this was bigger than that, and with some serious book shoppers too. Many book buyers knew of the event earlier (as in a year earlier) and lined up outside two hours before doors opened at 8 am. Some buyers bring their own totes, some even brought suitcases to cart off their haul. Shopping carts were provided (mostly from Target) and the event was quite an experience! Although I was focused on finding art, fashion, photography, interior design and architecture, Jeff found at least three business books for himself, and one to give to an associate at work. Here's some of what I saw....

 

 

Some of the books I found in the Architecture section, I also found over in the Decorating section, for $1 - $3 LESS and still in good condition. Period style books are a good find and a great addition to add to a student or designers library - it's a period of style, meaning its history, so it's not going to change, but can still be a source of inspiration (think going back to the sometimes forgotten roots of interior design). If you love movies, art and design, using these books in your decor can also help tell the story of you in your home.

 

The VNSA used Book Sale isn't just about buying books at a dirt cheap price -  The proceeds of the annual VNSA Used Book Sale benefit Valley human service agencies. The dollars donated to community programs has increased significantly over the years. Since the first VNSA Used Book Sale in 1957, VNSA has returned close to $7,500,000 to local nonprofit human service agencies in our community. Since 1987, VNSA Used Book Sale proceedes have supported these organizations: 

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County

The VMSA sells over 500,000 gently used hardback books (75%), paperbacks (25%), video tapes, CDs, DVDs, books on tape and CD, puzzles, and games.  The books are arranged into 27 different categories and hundreds of sub-categories.  The average price of a book is between $1 and $5. VNSA is comprised of 150 volunteers who work year round to provide shoppers with great books at a spectacular value.  Over 14,000 people attended the sale in 2012, which I'm sure was topped this year!

VNSA Facebook page photos from opening morning (above) and opening day Sunday - which most books went for HALF PRICE!!

Admission to the book sale was free, although we did need to pay $7 parking to the Arizona Fairgrounds -- BUT IT'S WORTH IT - After finding a stack of books, the last thing we wanted to do was carry them too far. Planned for large (heavy) purchases, staffed book stops were stationed at the exits of the sale space, to allow buyers to bring up their vehicle and load their haul! Within the 27 categories at the book sale, on was called "Treasures" which included vintage books / magazines, school yearbooks, blank journals and something really cool (I wish I would have known, would have loved to have seen) called "Ephemera" - all the forgotten fall-outs tucked away inside books from old love letters to post cards to stamps, coupons, receipts and photographs.

Speaking of treasures, here are a few of the books I picked up while at the VNSA Used Book Sale...

 

The most expensive (at $8) but well worth was a book of a the dresses of a fashion icon: Jacqueline Kennedy. The book tells the stories behind the dresses, and includes a mix of photographs of Jackie O in the dress at an event plus the dress on display image from the National Museum...

 

Remember Metropolitan Home? That had to be one of my all time favorite shelter publications. The cover style reminded me of Thomas O'Biren...

 

One of the things I like to do when I'm shopping (used) books is flip the dust jacket off... sometimes the hardcover itself can reveal unique art work, again telling the story of you (I'm Leo - a SUN sign, and I LOVE the look of black & gold!)

 

If you live in the Phoenix OR you plan on being in the area next February, here are the dates for next years event (held at the same location):

Saturday & Sunday

February 15 & 16 2015

For additional information about donating books, drop-off sites, and more, visit:

www.vnsabooksale.org

 

Collecting books to fill bookshelves can be a pricey expense; an alternative to buying all new books is to buy used - via used book sales, book fairs, vintage and thrift stores and even some used book versions are available through Amazon. Splurge & save on books to build your library on a moderate budget plus express your personality. Give your hand a rest from scrolling Pinterest - sip wine / coffee and surround yourself with  inspirational books!

Image from Coffee*Soul*Wine - Facebook page.

Have you ever been to a used book sale?

What treasures have you discovered?

Thanks for stopping by,

WELCOME FEBRUARY WITH THESE ROOM #LOOKSTOLOVE

February. It's not quite Spring yet, but the hope of it is lingering in the air. A new month, with new events and new journeys await - and even time to make a Valentines date! With Valentines just two weeks away, now is the time to get inspired. Usually, Valentines can get a little too fluffy and crafty, however designer Jennifer Brouwers uniquely designed a living room and dining area to be anything as such. These rooms have a graphic & bold wow factor that is sure to give your heart a jolt. Jennifer even cleverly and tastefully included a few DIY projects you too can apply to your own space with a little paint, a large canvas plus a few cut out hearts as art...

 

Beyond LOVE for the oversized painted heart canvas, especially paired with plaid pattern wall...

 

The black and white pattern mix is perfectly balanced in the space, allowing the red accents to pack a powerful punch... 

Clever idea to apply: If you already have a capiz chandelier, shade, or light fixture, weave in a few red hearts...

 

 The simple fireplace design is topped with a heart patterned canvas, making this a cool modern, family friendly living room with a pink heart theme...

 

 

 The X O framed prints pop against the lively pink and white zebra print wall in this dining room - and the fifth wall, the ceiling, is not overlooked by being painted red...

 

Again, how simple is this to apply to the Ikea Maskros pendent lamp...

 

Simply amazing - and amazingly simple for Valentines!

What a way to Welcome February...

 

 

Love how bold these uniquely shaped mirrors in white contrast against the black walls - Again, allowing the simple red accents quietly refer to Valentines, without the fluff, plus this look is bold but simple enough to live with everyday...

 

There's more to love of Jennifer's beautiful Valentines Room and design work - just visit her site at

Jennifer Brouwer Designs.

 Speaking of designs to love - I saw so many showrooms, furniture + accents, and wall decor I fell in love with while I was at the Las Vegas World Market, I'm still sorting through all the pics I snapped to share with you here on the blog. I have, however shared albums on Google+ and Facebook, plus a few images on Twitter at #LVMKT. My recap of my first Vegas market experience will be coming up this week - so stay tuned! 

This month I'll also be sharing #LooksToLove and #BooksToLove...

Thank you for stopping by and Happy February!

 

THANK YOU HOMEGOODS & NEW FAB FINDS!

In August, I had shared with you my upcoming collaboration with HomeGoods. The pinterest partnership has been a fantastic collaboration of 10 Interior designers sharing their Tips & Tricks for home styling using products from HomeGoods in their projects. The partnership is really taking off - having been shared from HomeGoods through their 750k email connections, tweeting images & tips from the board, and even highlighting some pinned images onto their Facebook page. While inside my local HomeGoods this weekend, I not only saw the Happy By Design in store poster, but I also heard the announcement on their store music system, which I happily shared with a nearby HG Team member: "I'm one of the designers pinning to your board!" She said - "Wow! How cool is that?! Will have to check it out!"You can too - See all the contributed pins at Happy By Design on Pinterest...

 

 Here's my most recent fab finds I spotted and picked up at HomeGoods using my HG gift-card. Some other fab finds have been strong color statements like yellow (Read: Hues You Can Use: Get Happy By Design With Yellow) and great on-trend prints (Read: Pattern Play at HomeGoods)

 

Designer Program - in store poster at HomeGoods - Chandler, AZ

While inside HomeGoods - Listen for the announcement about the Pinterest Partnership!

Link to Pinterest board from the HomeGoods website... 

 

Email Blast sent to 750,000 HomeGoods connections!

 

I've been a loyal HomeGoods shopper for well over the past 10 years - I'm very happy to be participating in their designer program - Always love to 'go home happy' with new finds from HomeGoods - for our home and client projects too! 

 

 My Style Savings Tip: Shop the bedding section in stores like HomeGoods to find great deals on EURO sham covers - A great way to update larger sofa pillows for a seasonal change!

The above image is one of my photos I shared on the board which has not only been repinned 433 times, but HomeGoods has also shared the image on their HomeGoods Facebook page - where it has been shared over 775 times and  received over 12,000 Likes!!! (See at HomeGoods Facebook Page)

I'm blown away - THANK YOU!! 

Thanks for the likes, repinning and stopping by!

 

Note: This post is sponsored by HomeGoods and the Happy By Design project. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

5 TIPS ON HOW TO ARRANGE FURNITURE

style & photo by NYCLQ

Just moved and don’t quite know where to begin placing furniture in your new space? Looking to revamp or restyle your existing space? Here are some tips to help you arrange your furniture in a new or existing space. Sometimes, a simple shift is all that is needed. Also, keep in mind your color selections to work with your furniture arranging. Painting a wall a dark accent color, similar to the oversized piece, can help make it disappear into the wall. This can help to make the space feel more open. After you've painted and cleared the space, here are a few suggestions you might consider when confronting your furniture placement and design dilemmas:

style & photo by NYCLQ

1. Plan & place large area rugs and furniture pieces first. Your frustration level will definitely increase if you try to start the process with small tables and accent pieces. Think of it this way: they’d always be in your way and would need to move it and move it back again. How exhausting would that be?

style & photo by NYCLQ

2. In rooms with cathedral, vaulted, or industrial ceilings, place your largest furniture pieces close to the highest wall. Furnishings such as oversized entertainment centers or oversized bookcases will work best on the tall wall to help anchor the space. It’s about balance, scale and proportion.

style & photos by NYCLQ

3. In loft, long, or open spaces, try angling your furniture. When your key furniture pieces – sofas, lounges, and chairs are all lined up flat against a wall, you lose the opportunity to create intimate conversational groupings. Take away the look of a room resembling an office waiting area, and add interest to your space.

style & photo by NYCLQ

4. When selecting furniture to be placed in a smaller room, try these thoughts on for size:



• To make larger objects feel less obtrusive, paint the wall the same color as the item. It will ‘appear’ to disappear, and thereby open up a space.
• One large oversized piece can work in a small space to make it feel large (as long as all other pieces are in proportion to the space.)
• Try to find case good pieces that are tall and shallow to give your small space more height
• Try tailored styled upholstered pieces with rounded corners.
• Include transparency: Lucite and glass tables can give needed surface space without taking up ‘visual’ space to your eye. These surfaces will also help bounce light around the room, making it feel larger.

style & photo by NYCLQ

5. If your largest wall consists of all or mostly windows, you can create a ‘soft wall’ by installing a ceiling track for panels. If space permits above window, you could also try installing a double-hung rod for layered sheers and panels. The rod, after well anchored to wall, can give the ability to hang artwork from.

BEFORE

Also to consider is how you will REALLY best utilize the space. When we purchased this town home, the dining space was naturally set adjacent to the kitchen and living area, but it felt forced and cramped when furniture was placed. But our layout has another space at the entrance of our town home.

AFTER (just ONE version)

BEFORE

WHY anyone would sponge an already stucco textured wall is behind my comprehension.

AFTER

SOLID modern neutral helped anchor the space.

So rather than cram the dining space next to the already existing kitchen counter, I purchased bar stools and converted the front area to the dining room, which helped give more space for a functional living room. To further unite the spaces, two same styled ceiling fans replaced the chandelier and builders white fan.

One last tip: To help SAVE YOUR BACK (and floors) invest in SLIDES to help move furniture with easy... Grey carpeted ones for wood floors, and the plastic for carpet or tiles furniture moving.

Happy Shifting!!