When I sit back and dream about things I would do if I had endless hours, pockets full of money, and a nanny I usually think about the following:
laying on a beach somewhere
a reality tv marathon on my couch
going to dinner at 9 and lingering as long as I want
driving around listening to my music
sitting in the aisle of a bookstore reading their magazines
SLEEPING IN!!!!
running errands with nothing but my wallet, not cups, snacks, passies, blankets, etc. frickin etc.
wandering a flea market
To be honest I would just love to be able to leisurely stroll through stores without having the fear of God in me that my kids are going to break everything in sight. One of my favorites is HomeGoods but this is just a treasure trove of disasters with little kids in tow. So when my husband wants to make me really happy he tells me to go “wander” while he does the evening duties with our boys.
It baffles me that there are people who don’t like shopping there. I get heart palpitations at just the thought of what little treasures can be found on those shelves. I guess the overwhelming amount of stuff can deter some people but let me help you understand how to do HG and walk out feeling like you just won the lottery.
1.) Don’t go with anything overly specific in mind. If you are looking for a silver lamp with a yellow shade chances are you are not going to find it. But then again chances are you might. Just go with an open mind and a more general wishlist. You may end up finding a much cooler lamp anyways…
2.) Go small or go home. I have found several pieces of furniture at HomeGoods but the real finds are the accessories. I could style bookcases all day long with the stuff I find there. I usually save the “home decor” section for last because it’s my favorite.
And if that section doesn’t hit the spot on a particular day I just scoot on over to the basket/storage area. Instant pick-me-up…
3.) Do not forget the clearance sections. Each department has one and you can find some great deals. This is a goldmine if you like a little DIY project. Most of the pieces are discounted because they are being sold “as is” which usually means they are in need of paint or minor repairs. I still regret not buying this upholstered bench!!
I’m dumb.
4.) Which brings me to my fourth and final tip: do not ever plan to come back to buy something. It will not be there. I cannot tell you the things I have left behind only to reconsider and go back to find that, sadly it has sold. They will hold things until the end of the day but that’s it so you have to be able to commit! Here is one of the many that got away…
a pair of these beauties, gone.
I don’t even want to bore you with all of my resolutions but I will tell you one of them is to make more time for HomeGoods. It’s time to take our relationship to the next level.
As always if you would like my assistance in choosing the “stuff” to fill your home I am happy to help. Shoot me an email: designpostinteriors@hotmail.com