First of all, I am a guest contributor over at The Design Confidential today, so be sure to check it out!
I know it’s cruel, but I couldn’t help sharing this picture.
I have taken a lot of flack from the teenagers who hang out at our home ( my hubby is a youth pastor) for having a “Fresh Cupcake” sign hanging in my dining room with no fresh cupcakes to back it up. So, I finally came through.
In addition to baking treats that I had to get out of the house immediately, I’ve been trying to unload some furniture (for a change) on Craig’s List. My furniture stash is out of control and overwhelming, so it’s time to thin the herd.
I put this Ethan Allen cherry wood dresser up for sale and yesterday I received an e-mail from someone who wanted to take a look at it. I recognized immediately that it was a couple from our church, so I responded and told them it was theirs for free. They suggested a “trade” instead. So, they got a dresser (that lived through middle school, high school, college, and ten moves) and I got space in my basement…
…fresh zucchini and fuzzy green beans…
…home grown potatoes and jarred preserves…
…farm fresh eggs…
…and a bouquet of flowers. All grown, picked, laid, and made on their property. I even received an invitation to enjoy their pool whenever I wanted. I think I was on the better end of that deal!
I also sold my husband’s old dresser to a sweet couple expecting their first baby. She is a DIY blog addict, checked out my blog, and realized she had been there before. These two are doing a total gut job on their home. I encouraged her to take lots of pictures and start her own blog. With a baby on the way, though, this girl does have enough on her plate already without my encouragement.
I put this headboard up for sale as well and was surprised when the first e-mail I received asked, “Is this Miss Mustard Seed?” How funny! And Heather, the new owner of the headboard, happens to be a finalist for my free design consultation! I put two and two together when we were talking about her blog. It’s such a small world.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to vote for your favorite design consultation finalist. The winner will receive a free full consultation from moi.
Marian, I love that you traded! I love when my clients share the fruits(or veggies) of their labor, lol. How awesome that people are recognizing your items and your work!! I think this(and those pieces you just shipped) will start to open new opportunities for you. Hugs to you lady! One question, where is my cupcake?
Bartering is always fun. We have friends that are good at helping us out with our cars(him) and designing my marketing materials (her). We trade back with free candles (me) and computer/electrical work (Warren).
I works out very well.
Becky K.
don't you love a good barter? that was so nice of you to offer. i trade with one friend for babysitting services- she gets new furniture, and i get a day at the auction! another friend makes hairbows and girl's dresses and cute clothes, so i trade with her. i paint her existing pieces and in return get hairbows and skirts and dresses for emmy. i love it! i have often thought about letting people know i am open to bartering because i am always happy with the trade! fresh home grown vegetables- nothing beats that! and don't tempt me with those cupcakes- i have to be in a wedding in 2 weeks and fit into a dress! (ok, you know where my brain is because i typed fit into a "dresser" and had to change it!)
I think you got a fabulous deal on that dresser. The produce and eggs look spectacular. I love fresh and local. Also you must be getting pretty famous to be recognized from Craigslist ads….Congrats! 😉
Sarah
i just commented yesterday on my blog about how awesome your house stays for being a mom AND youth pastor's wife… we've worked in youth ministry and those big kids can be rough on stuff almost as much as the littles!
I love how the dresser deal worked out for you! like a trip to the market with out leaving. yum yum yum:O)
I love the barter system! It really is a small world! So amazing that they recognized you and your work! Just goes to show you how you and your blog touch so many people!
~ Tracy
Ha! Of course teenagers would notice the lack of advertised goods!! Janell
YOU ARE SO SWEET!
Well….you know…anyone who make cupcakes has to be sweet….
and you are right, the trade was a sweet deal!
smiles.
Your fame has stretched far and wide!
I love the trade you made for the fresh homegrown goodies – that is a super exchange!
Cheers,
Laura
OOoh the cupcakes look great! Loved the photos today–so pretty!
That is a fantastic trade! I am jealous of your fresh veggies…
XO
Lenore
Wow! I would have traded for those veggies,flowers and eggs any day. I will say you got the best of both worlds fresh veggies, and more space. Jackie
What a heart-warming post. Where do I begin? I'm so glad you made some cupcakes for the teens ;). Receiving all of those fresh goodies in a trade for the dresser was such a wonderful bargain-in the nicest sense.
Craigslist is my go to source when looking for unique vintage and antique pieces. Although I've never traded there, that's a great idea!
Too funny! We often have cupcakes/cake in our house, but usually for only as long as it takes for my sweet daughter to bake, ice and take to her friends. She has lots of friends…wonder why? LOL
That is so funny about the sign and the expectations!
That is a beautiful dresser, and cherry… drool. I hope they don't paint over it.
I need to open up a few of my closets and get some things listed on Craigslist too. Lighten the load in this house so to speak.
Di
What is the secret to your success selling on Craigslist? I have had items listed forever, and it seems the only interest they get are from tire kickers.
I even added that purchases generate a donation to a local charity, something I was doing anyway but had not publicized, and… nothin'!
*sigh*
I agree–you definitely got a great deal from that couple at your church! Hope you enjoy all that wonderful produce and the nice flowers.
Blessings!
Aw, how sweet that you gave the dresser to the couple from your church. 🙂 And I also think how sweet of them to share their veggies and all. I think everything you sold is beautiful. Blessings,
Sandra
Goodness, couldn't believe it, but your last picture – I have that same bed cover on my bed! I have never seen another like it, but I love it. I like yours too! =-)
I've really got to work on my photography skills. Your photos are dreamy. Those eggs! Just lovely.
Beautiful photos! I desire a cuuupcake!
great post! small, small world.
Love this! When are you coming down for MORE junk??? Or I can deliver… I really want to see your store (and take you to lunch)! I too am clearing out. Shoulda entered for a design consult – I'm overwhelmed!
Always a reader, now a follower – bet you top 2000 any day- CONGRATS!!!