New Dining Room Chandelier

My friend Julie and I take bargains very seriously. Frankly, it’s one of the things that first bonded us to each other. When she uttered these words, “Sometimes you just have to buy that $10 pair of jeans even if the zipper is just a tad off centered” I knew we would be BFF’s.

I’m a proud bargain hunter. I’m not afraid to dig around or rummage through or drive to several different locations to find the best deal. And if you come to my home and admire ANYTHING I will promptly tell you it’s full history including divulging the amazing deal I got, because we all know that’s the best part the story, right?

But sometimes, just sometimes, a pair of jeans with the zipper off centered is a pair of jeans with the zipper off centered.

I’m sure that is the MOST profound thing you’ve read in a long time. 😉

You see, that pair of jeans might be my size and they might only be $10 and I might be able to cover up the off-centered zipper with a long shirt, but the fact remains that they just aren’t quite right.

When we moved into our home 7 years ago, I was still trying to figure out my style. And I was trying to figure it out while on a tight budget. So I made trade offs. There were things that HAD to be done. Things like putting on a new deck. And replacing carpet. And patching and painting the exterior.

These larger projects took priority over light fixtures. So instead of replacing the large brass chandeliers in our dining room and entry, I spray painted them. And I’ve been fairly happy with them for the last 5 years.

(BEFORE)

I always knew that someday I would replace them, but I never wanted to spend the money when they were just…fine.

But, here’s the thing. Not too long ago I tried on a pair of jeans that were a little bit more than $10. And the zipper was actually right where it’s supposed to be. Go figure! And in that moment I realized that there are times where ‘fine’ just doesn’t cut it. These jeans weren’t the most expensive ones out there. Frankly, they weren’t even close to being the most expensive ones out there. But they were nice. And they fit really well. And I didn’t have to worry about wearing shirts that would cover the zipper.

My husband told me once that for all of those $10 pair of slightly ‘off’ jeans, I could have purchased ONE really great pair! I may have done a dramatic rolling of my eyes when he said that but the fact is, he’s right.

And just like those jeans, there have been moments in decorating my home when I’m faced with the reality that no amount of rummaging and digging and driving around is going to get me exactly what I’m wanting for a space.

When I’m faced with knowing that I’m going to have spend a little bit more than $10. And, even to humbly accept the fact that sometimes I’ve actually…gasp…WASTED money on things that were just ‘fine’ but were never quite right except for the fact that they didn’t cost too much and I ended up either totally unsatisfied with the final results and/or replacing them quickly.

Does this mean I’m not still going to take my time and save my pennies and be a good steward of my resources? Of course not! I mean, once a bargain hunter always a bargain hunter, right?

But, there is something that happens when you realize you’ve finally added that one touch to a room that it was so needing. It’s like the room lets out a giant “Ahhhhhhhh”.

Kind of like the “Ahhhhhh” that I let out in the dressing room when I tried on the pair of jeans that cost more than $10 and had the zipper in the right place.

Something happens when you realize that the room was ready for something a little bit lighter. A little bit brighter.

A lot more…you.

And you rest easy because you know that you squeezed the life out of that 20+ year old chandelier.

And that you will be squeezing just a tad more out of it when you sell it at your garage sale this summer! 😉

Thanks so much for meeting me at the Fence today,

This chandelier is from Wayfair but I did not receive compensation for promoting it.

If you liked this, here are some more updates I’ve made to my dining room!

Wood Corbels

 Buffet Table and Oversized Clock