drove along HWY 127 stopping and shopping
at the plethora of yard sales along the way.
We were on a big time mission that
involved junking, decorating & a surprise.
Even Vivian Pickard who is the President of the GM Foundation was there helping out
and decorating a room.
Disclosure:
I have been a big sappy mess of happy tears
thinking about this trip and what it means to be a part of it.
This is the second time I have gone on this trip and seriously-
I would go every.single.year. if they would let me.
It’s about not the shopping or the decorating.
It’s not about driving in that beautiful new 2015 GMC Yukon Denali-
though yes, that is definitely an amazing part.
It’s being a part of doing something for someone that you don’t know
It’s the moment that the family walks in and their faces light up
and the tears well in their eyes as they see their once empty house
looking like
a
HOME.
You simply cannot go on this trip without crying.
We were all crying even before the family arrived just thinking about them arriving
After arriving in Atlanta and meeting all the other bloggers~
furnishing our rooms on a budget- but we were all up for it.
I looked each day on the yard sales and wasn’t finding anything the right price
or size for the small space.
On the last day of the yard sale trip- the day before we were decorating
literally down to the wire
showing a trestle table with 4 chairs.
Rocks.
Quick note:
Did you know that we don’t actually see the house until the morning of the install?
Nope. We have a simple drawn floor plan and a couple photos to try and decipher what we are working with.
The basement was one of those areas that we weren’t 100% sure if it was a living space or a utility space so we went with a few simple pieces that could easily be moved if need be.
I picked up this large rustic bench made from barn wood for $15 at a sale
and made a coat rack/wall hook area with an old board and new hooks for a drop space area.
A couple of baskets for holding hats, gloves and scarves and a few pillows and throw to plop on the floor for play time. There was a television and some pictures on the wall
and probably the biggest hit of all was the foosball table.
With the basement basically wrapped with a few pieces
I focused on the dining room and that was where the rest of the budget went.
I had an idea of what I was hoping the room would look like but I wasn’t sure if I would find
the right pieces at the right prices to be able to do it.
that I mixed with old books wrapped in paper
A bundle of firewood found at a yard sale went in the fireplace opening
for a realistic feeling~ and to also give them a start for their wood burning fireplace in the living room.
Yes, you can even find a bundle of firewood on the 127 sale.
The crowning piece
It was the perfect piece and I literally sighed when I saw it.
I had searched and searched and searched for a mirror or a frame that had the vintage look
and brassy old gold that I wanted for the room- but to no avail at the right price.
I ended up bringing home that pretty round mirror that was a little on the small size.
Vivian had found this one which she couldn’t use in her room and so she sweetly offered it to me to use in the dining room.
Of course, I had to find some pretty flowers for the centerpiece
– my gift to the homeowners.
Note: It’s not so easy to find fabulous flowers at 11:30 pm on a Saturday night in Ohio
but these gladiolus were perfect for the room.
I also picked up a loaf of fresh french bread to welcome them and a bowl full of apples to enjoy.
After everything was in place, I was so thrilled to be able to put together a place for them to sit and gather together for special occasions and everyday
Do you know that when Immaculee first walked in
she reached out and touched the table and smiled and commented that
they had a place to sit at a dining table and chairs now
Her family didn’t have one before.
Yep, tears over here.
Though this is an amazing experience on so many levels, it truly is about so much more
than just shopping yard sales and decorating a room for someone.
It is an emotional experience for each of us as we think about the family
what they need to make their house a home
and how we can give them all those pieces and then some
while making their rooms look pretty and inviting at the same time.
That beautiful gold framed mirror, that collection of interesting books and bottles for the fireplace
and even the flowers on the table-
those were all just little extras
that came with
that dining room table and chairs for this family.
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Burlap Luxe says
Giving hearts are so blessed. Love all that you at habitat are doing for the joy of giving.
It's all so beautiful Courtney.
Xx
Dore
At Rivercrest Cottage says
what a great trip and great family to support with all that talent.
Rhonda says
What an incredible journey and story, so moving. I truly believe there are angels on earth when I hear stories like this. xx
Sherry at The Rusty Pearl says
NO matter the mission my friend. YOU are top notch on that decorating and finding beautiful treasures. JUST love them all
shabbyfufu says
You are not only a wizard of shopping & styling, but have a huge heart. It looks fabulous my friend…xo
J
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Beautiful, Courtney! The mirror is amazing.
xx,
Sherry
Heaven's Walk says
Bless you all for being such huge blessings to others, Courtney! What wonderful, life changing experience that must have been for everyone. 🙂
xoxo laurie
The Painted Drawer says
Just beautiful – the rooms and the effort put into it. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience.
Sandy says
Absolutely beautiful room! What a great experience to give someone the gift of helping to make a house a home. a true blessing for everyone involved.
Shabby soul says
Marvelous reaching experience, Courthney!
Beautiful results for eyes and soul!
Silvia
Amy {The Idea Room} says
Your room is amazing! It came together so perfectly! Loved being a part of this with you this year! xo
Mrs. Shockley says
That is fantastic!!
Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie says
I never thought a dining room would bring me to tears… but you did it! Even my sweet hubby read your post and was so moved. Our home is full of vintage, recycled, upcycled, family treasures and the occasional road side pick up. lol It's so amazing what can be created with very little $$ and you are such a great teacher of that. So important in this age of throw-away. You have been such a blessing to those people Courtney!
Hugs & blessings, Edie Marie
Donna says
Looks fantastic! You did a great job. So happy for them. God bless.
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Well I have tears too 🙂 Lovely room and story 🙂
Anne says
Wow……it looks amazing Courtney! I can see it in those eyes…they speak of happiness and joy! What a beautiful thing to be a part of!