A New Couch

I need new living room furniture.  Brandi and Kasi have been sleeping on my couch and love seat for the past few months, and they are getting worn out. They were in pretty bad shape when I got them, used, from a friend, so I'm thinking it's time to buy new stuff.  I love this modern couch:

And can you believe it's a sleeper couch? The girls can sleep on it and be somewhat comfortable, at least until I can get her to sleep in her room. We are still working on that with her therapist.

Kasi Broke My Couch

A few weeks ago, Kasi broke my couch.  She went to sit down, lost her balance, and fell, plopping down hard onto the couch.  Unfortunately, the bottom of the couch gave out and she ended up sitting almost completely on the floor.  I am now going to have to do some furniture shopping, and I can not tell you how difficult it is to make a decision.  The couches I have found that I really love do not go with my current furniture at all, which means I will have to buy all new end tables and a new coffee table.

I love the modern sofa bed in the picture above.  Can you believe that is a futon?  There are several reasons why I will never own this particular piece of furniture.  First, it's white and I have kids.  They are older, but they still spill things and make messes, so it would never stay white long.  Second, my end tables are wood, and the feet on this futon are metal.  Not a good combination in my book.  And third, as comfortable as it looks, I want something that has arms.  I need somewhere to rest my mouse for my laptop.  I hate having to use the finger pad, if that is even what it is called.

I am going to have to do a bit more browsing before making a final decision, but I wil let you know what I buy once I buy it.

Purple Couches

I have got to find a way to save money.  When it comes to buying groceries, I can find all the good deals, though I think my way of shopping will have to change for a bit until we move and/or I get my license and a car.  I used to go to several different stores, shopping the sales and stocking up for the entire month.  For now, I think I will start shopping weekly, and using all the things I already have on hand, that way when we do move, I won't have too much food to get into my mom's pantry. 

I also need to start remembering to use Savings.com, especially when we move into our new place and I will be looking to replace my bed and couch.  I plan on taking everything else, but I just can't bring myself to continue using those two things.  If I could afford to replace them now, I would, but I can't.  Brandi asked if we could get a purple couch when we finally get our own place, and you know what?  If I can find an affordable one, I think I will.

There is no one here anymore to tell me I can't.

New Living Room Furniture

Last night was our first official "school night" for the kids.  That means I enforced bedtimes, and my house was quiet by 10pm.  It was so nice!  The only glitch was finding somewhere for Junior to sleep.  He's been sleeping in our room, (you know, where he should be sleeping) but that is where Brandi sleeps.  For now he is back on the couch in the living room, and I know it is uncomfortable for him.  Our plan is to eventually get bunk beds for the girls room, or buy a sleeper sofa for the living room, so at least he will have a "bed" to sleep on, even if it is a pull out.

I was curious to see how much living room furniture costs these days, so I played around online for a little while.  I found this pretty nice sleeper sofa, and it is only $399.  I wasn't sure if modern furniture would fit in with my current entertainment system, but I think this sofa will because it's not too modern.  In my ideal world, I would be able to replace all the furniture in the room, and I am sure  would pick modern, contemporary pieces.

For now, though, Junior will have to tough it out on our current hand me down couch.  Poor guy.

Modern, Yet Inviting. A Great Combination.

Junior and I have been married for 15 years.  In those 15 years, we have never bought any furniture for our home.  Everything we own is a hand me down.  Our bedroom furniture used to belong to my parents.  Our couch is from a family friend.  The kids dressers and desks came from my sister and brother.  Our kitchen table even came from someone. 

We have been wanting to buy a new living room suite for a few years now, and I think we finally decided on one we both like.  Junior wants a sectional, and I want something leather.  I wasn't looking specifically for MODERN furniture, but when I saw this brown leather sectional, I knew it was what we have been looking for. I know Junior will love the recliner end with the built in drink holder, and I love the chaise end.  I can see myself relaxing there with my crochet or Ryan's laptop.  The overall design of the couch may be a little modern, but it is still very inviting.  Or at least I think it is.

Now I just need to convince Junior to buy it.

New Living Room Furniture

I love shopping at outlet stores. I don't mind if things are a little irregular, or if they were overstocked somewhere else. It just means that I get whatever it is at a great price. We have an outlet mall not too far from where I live, and Junior and I were just talking about making a trip out there this weekend, as long as it's not too cold, because it is an outdoor mall.

Now, as much as I love outlet stores, it never occurred to me that you could get furniture at an outlet. I know, it makes sense, and I bet they have really great prices. I went online and started looking around for good deals on living room furniture, because that is the one thing I want to invest in when we move next month. Wow, it just dawned on me that we only have about a month or so left in this apartment, and you have no idea how happy that makes me.

Anyway, getting back to the furniture. I found a Chicago Furniture Store that offers overstocked and floor model furniture at discounted prices, and I am excited to try and find something that would look good with my entertainment center and end tables. They claim that their selection changes frequently, so I am hoping that even though I didn't see anything today that I loved, I can still find something before the move. I would love it if we didn't have to take out old fashioned looking couch. I really want something a little more contemporary.

My New Desk...I Hope

I love my desk. It is simple, with only three side drawers and one small drawer I keep pens and pencils in. The only thing wrong with it is that it is only the bottom of a hutch. It used to be my brother-in-laws, and I don't think it was made to hold a computer, because my monitor, as small as it is, doesn't fit with the top on. So when we move, I want to find a desk that is similar in style, and I found the perfect one while looking at pine furniture.
This desk is small enough to fit in a tight space, and I have a feeling that I am going to only have a small space to work with. Right now my "office" is in the corner of the living room, and I am pretty sure the same situation will present itself when we move. In a perfect world, we would find an affordable place to live with five bedrooms; one for each of us and an office for me. But, we don't live in a perfect world, so I will just have to settle for the perfect desk.

Should It Rain INSIDE The House?

I was pretty embarrassed last night having buckets on the floor catching water from my leaking ceiling. It was really bad when one of the kids was standing in the living room, and he looked at me and said he just got wet.

Yeah, it was wonderful.

I was told by several people that we should just move, because the terms of our lease were broken when they refused to come out and fix things. I wish we could, but financially we are unable right now.

Four more months and we are out of here.

I have mentioned before that I have been looking at kids furniture, trying to find bunk beds to put in the girls room when we do move. I am having a hard time deciding which ones I like best, so I have no idea what they will end up with.

I was also thinking of getting Ryan a new bedroom set, because his futon is falling apart. I guess they aren't made to last long, especially this one that we bought at Walmart for $100. While looking at young adult furniture for his room, it struck me as odd that there aren't many choices when it comes to boys furniture. Most sets are designed more towards girls, with canopy's and flowing lines. I found the set in the picture for Ryan, and really like the clean lines of the furniture. I don't think "girl" at all when I look at it.

Hopefully we will have enough money to get this for him when we do move.

Couches

See that picture over there? I love that couch. I want that couch. I wish I could afford that couch.

With Christmas just two months away, I shouldn't even be looking at reclining couches, but I can't help it. When we move, that is one of the things I want to replace. The couch we have is an old hand me down, and while it is comfortable, it is very old fashioned. I have always loved leather couches, especially black ones. It looks like the one in the picture is a dark brown, but I am sure I could get it in black.

Junior has different taste than me. He agrees that we should get some type of sectional, he would rather get something with a hide a bed. This would be convenient since he sleeps on the couch every night. (No, I am not having marital problems...due to his back pain and sleep apnea, it is easier for him to sleep on the couch with his bi-pap machine) I have heard that couches with bed in them are uncomfortable. I think we might have to go sit on a few different types before we make a final decision, but I am confident we can find one we both agree on.

New Kitchen Set

Now that we have decided to move, I am all excited about maybe getting some new furniture. I know we need a new kitchen table, so I have been checking out dining tables online. The one we have now is old, and all the chairs are falling apart. Oh, and it only has four chairs, and we are a family of five.

I don't want formal dining furniture, because I am pretty sure we won't have a formal dining room. I am going to need something that will fit into a eat in kitchen.

I googled casual dining furniture and found this set, which is perfect for my family. It has six chairs and I love the matching china cabinet. It's narrow enough that it won't take up much space on the wall, which will probably be a good thing. I love the color of the wood, which will match perfectly with the rest of my kitchen accents.

I wish I could replace all of our furniture when we move. We desperately need a new couch, and I want a better computer desk. But, I know we won't have the money for all that. I am going to start with the kitchen set, and maybe next year we can replace the couch, and the year after that I can get a new computer desk...

The Perfect Bunk Beds For My Girls

Is it February yet?

I am so excited about moving. In the past, when we have talked about moving, I always went with my gut instinct. If it felt right, I knew we were making the right decision. If I was apprehensive about it, I knew things wouldn't work out.

I have always been right.

This time, I am 100% sure that we are making the right decision. The only things left are to find the right place to move into (trust me on this, I will know it when I see it) and finding kids furniture for the girls room. I have been scouring the internet for bunk beds, and have finally found some that I think say "girl". I love that the bottom is bigger, because I have a feeling Brandi is going to have a hard time leaving my bed, and might need to sleep with her sister. Kasi may not be too happy about it, but it is what it is. I don't even know if we will be able to afford this right away, so Boo might sleep with me for a while longer. But, when the time comes, this bed would be perfect. I can get free shipping, too, which is a great money saver.

The only thing I wish was different is the ladder. I would prefer for it to be at the foot of the bed instead of on the side. I wonder if Junior could find a way to do that? It is going to be so nice to have a bedroom for Junior and I again. I might rediscover what privacy is.

Bunk Beds For The Girls

Now that Junior and I have made the decision to move in February, I am getting really excited about the idea. I was telling him the other day how much I hate where we live now. I never invite people over because I am embarrassed by the water damage on the ceiling and walls, and the stained beyond cleaning carpet. It will be nice to be able to have my family over for dinner once in a while, and be proud of the home I live in.

The main thing I want when we move is three bedrooms. I know that three bedroom houses are kind of out of our price range, I have become okay with the idea of going back to living in a mobile home. We peaked in the windows of one the other day that was beautiful, and it has been empty for months. I am hoping it will be available in February. It is a little more expensive than what we pay here, but rent is on a weekly basis, which is better for us. Moving into a three bedroom will cause a little problem, though, because we won't have enough beds. As most of you know, Brandi sleeps with me, and I would like to change that. I want her to be in the room with Kasi, which means I have to get some kids furniture. I was thinking about bunk beds, because that would take up way less space than two twin beds.

I found this set, and really like the style. I love the drawers underneath, but I was really hoping for something white. Kasi's current bed, dresser, and nightstands are white, and I was hoping to still use everything but the bed. That means I would need white bunk beds to match. I will most likely check out some yard sales and thrift stores. Even if I find a set in the wrong wood, I could always paint it white. I have done that before with fantastic results.

Ryan will probably want new young adult furniture, but I think he will have to make due with what he has. The dresser he uses was actually Junior's when he was growing up, and it is still in really good condition. Plus he loves his futon. It's perfect for sitting and playing video games. Speaking of which, I will have to get televisions for their rooms. Man, this move is going to cost me a lot of money.

But it will be worth it.

I Want This Bed!

How cool is this? The bed lifts up to reveal storage space. That is such an awesome idea.

I am a huge fan of modern bedroom sets, and this bed is right up my alley. It has a black and white frame, which is the perfect combination for me. I also love the wall/headboard behind the bed. I think I have mentioned before that I am not a fan of foot boards. Even though I am short, I love the way it feels when my feet hang off the end of the bed when I am sleeping. I usually have to put my head about a third of the way down the bed to make my feet touch the end, but that's okay.

The important thing is that I am comfortable, because I am one cranky Mommy when I don't get enough sleep.

Loft Beds For The Girls

Last week, the girls and I were walking through our local BigLots, and we ended up in their furniture section. It had been a while since I had been inside this store, and was surprised at the amount of furniture they had on display. I don't think I would ever buy furniture from there, because even though the prices were great, the quality of the furniture left something to be desired.

The girls fell in love with bunk beds, of all things. This led to an argument over who would sleep on the top if I ever bought them a set. I decided to go online when we got home, and see what kind of bedroom furniture I could find. I searched for bunk beds, and found this adorable "loft bed". It's like bunk beds, but instead of a bed on the bottom, it has a desk. If I bought two of these, they could both sleep "on top" and there would be no more arguments. Well, no more arguments about bed, anyway.

I also found some Contemporary Bedroom Furniture that I would love to get for Junior and I. Of course, that is assuming we even have our own bedroom again. I prefer beds that Just have a headboard, as opposed to those with a headboard and a foot board. Junior would prefer I find Discount Bedroom Furniture and pick whatever is cheapest.

He has no sense of style whatsoever.

I Want A New Couch

When Junior and I were first married, we lived in a one bedroom mobile home. I think it was only about 40 feet long, but it was just the two of us, and we only stayed in it for about a year. We didn't have much furniture except for a bed and a dresser. We didn't even have a couch at first; we used a twin sized bed as a couch. Eventually we got a couple of Love Seats , because that was all we could fit in our living room.

Since then, all the couches we have owned have been hand me downs from family members. I would love to one day invest in a Leather Couch; black, of course. I found the one pictured at buycouchesonline.com. They offer discounted prices and free shipping, which is awesome because I love saving money. They have a pretty good selection, too.

It will be nice to have something brand new for a change. Hopefully it won't be long until we can afford it.

New Bed

How cool is this bed? I love the black and white, and how it lights up from underneath. I bet that looks awesome in the dark.

I was looking for beds online, and found some modern platform beds. I need to find something new for me and the girls. While this bed is awesome, I might need to wait until we get a house with three bedrooms before I buy it. It will be nice for Junior and I to have a bedroom to ourselves again. Right now, though, I am looking at bunk beds, preferably the type that has a full bed on the bottom. I'm hoping that will give the girls more room for all their junk. And yes, I mean junk. They have so much craft stuff and magazines, and not so many toys. I think they are growing out of the toys stage, and they like doing creative things instead. I love this about them, because I am a crafty kind of girl, too.

New Television

The television in Ryan's room has died. This means he has no where to play his Playstation, and he is constantly bugging the girls to use their television to play. Of course, this leads to fighting when they won't let him, and he starts yelling at them, and than I get ticked off and nobody ends up watching the television because I make them all do chores instead.

The solution to this problem is obvious. We need to buy a new television. The question is just what kind of television do we get? Do I want to replace the television in Ryan's room, or do I want to buy a bigger one for the living room, and give him the one that is in there?

If we decide to replace the television in the living room, which is what we will probably end up doing, we will need to look at new entertainment centers, too. The one we have now is great. It has two bookcases on each side that hold my book collection. It doesn't, however, have a middle place big enough for a wide screen television, which is what I would want to buy. Junior thinks we should look at TV Stands, but I'm not too sure about that. If we get rid of the center we have now and replace it with a stand, I won't have anywhere to put my books.

I was looking online and found beautiful Entertainment Center Furniture. I absolutely fell in love with the one in the picture. I love the curio's in the corner. It has open shelves for my books, as well as doored cabinets for DVD's and all the electronics, like the cable box and DVD player. I love the color of the wood, and the simple design along the top. Buyentertainmentcentersonline.com carries this unit, and all their entertainment centers, at a discounted price, and they offer free shipping.

Now I just need to convince Junior that I have to have it.

Relaxing Outside

Remember me telling you about our new pool? It should be here in the next day or so, and hopefully it will be ready to swim in by the weekend. Filling it shouldn't take too long. I think the last one we had filled in about eight hours, and this one is smaller, so maybe four hours will do. It will be interesting to see how much money the management company says we owe them for the difference in the water bill.

The kids will be wanting to go in the pool every day, and I probably won't let them go in it if I am not out there watching. That means that Junior is going to have to get me something comfortable to sit in. I was looking online, and found this cute little group. I love the black metal, and the stripes on the cushions are definitely my style. I love the Chaise Lounge , and would probably be happy just getting that. Of course, the more outdoor furniture I looked at, the more I found that I liked.

These chaise loungers are really nice, too. I love the design on the back, and the orange red color is great. It's going to be hard to decide which one I like the best. Both of these pictured can be found at buyoutdoorfurniture.com. They always have discounted prices, and they offer free shipping. Now, that right there saves you a ton of money, and I love saving money. My biggest problem is going to be picking out which Patio Furniture I need to talk Junior into buying for me. His taste is very different from mine, and he will probably try to talk me into something a little more feminine. I know that sounds weird, but I think he would prefer something wicker, and I just don't think anything made of wicker is comfortable. I will stand my ground, and I can almost guarantee that I will get the set that I want. I am the one who will be using it, after all.

I Need New Chairs

Our kitchen table is old. The table itself is still in great condition, but the four chairs are breaking. I want to buy restaurant furniture to replace the chairs, and found awesome ones at AffordableSeating.com. See the one in the picture, all pinkish purple? I love it! I want to get six of them to go around my table, but I know Junior would kill me. Let me assure you, though. If I lived alone, those would be my chairs in a heartbeat.

I know I have to pick a less flashy chair, and that's not a problem. They have lots of different styles to choose from, and I am sure I will be able to find some to compliment my kitchen table. Once you pick out the style and color of chair you want, you can preview it to make sure it is exactly what you want. If you are like me, once you order something, you have a hard time waiting for it to be delivered. These chairs can get to you in as little as seven to fourteen days, depending on the chair.

AffordableSeating.com also has a great selection of bar stools and table tops. They are all competitively priced, making them extremely affordable. Like me, you can use these chairs in your home, as well as in a restaurant. Chairs are chairs, and this site makes it easy to get exactly what you want.

Beautiful Bedroom Set

I am in love. How beautiful is this wood furniture? I look at this, and I think of a log cabin in the woods. The rough wood texture shows off the beauty of the wood, and the log bed posts are so rustic. While the bed, dresser, and tables are all beautifully made, I adore that bench. The simplicity of it just speaks to me. It's saying, "sit on me!". I know, I need to get a life. But seriously, I think Junior would love it too. Once we are able to get our own place, I am going to enjoy decorating it, and I think this bedroom set might find a new home with me.