Giveaway Winner and Pottery Barn

I hope everyone had a happy 4th! We spent a very relaxing day at home. I spent most of the time cleaning the house, sitting on the couch and painting the mudroom. Then some friends came over for a cookout. Perfect day in my opinion.

The mudroom is almost done! We have one little project left and then I can show you everything. I think it looks great and very close to our original inspiration picture:


We actually made a few changes to the style of this one including an enclosed bench with a lift top for concealed storage and used very chunky corbels.

I can’t wait to show you, but I think I’m at the point that I need to wait until everything’s done.

On a completely unrelated subject (cohesive posts are not something that I really strive for), I received a Pottery Barn email this week with a link to their “Fall Preview” while I was there. I started noticing a theme and not one that PB would appreciate. I noticed a lot of things that could be easily made or purchased for much cheaper if you’re willing to look.

Exhibit A:

Left: Pottery Barn Calhoun Glass Pendant (12” diameter, $149.00)
Right: Allen + Roth Bronze Pendant Light with Clear Shade (12” diameter, $119, available from Lowes)

The only difference that I can see? Price and PB’s has a cooler name.


Exhibit B:

Left: Pottery Barn Frances Extending Dining Table (84x42x30, $1799.00)
Right: Shanty 2 Chic’s Fancy X Farmhouse Table (96x37x29 3/4, homemade, plans from Ana White, $65)

Similar, right? Can you believe that table only requires $65 of materials and a little handy work? I feel a project for John coming on.


Exhibit C:

Pottery Barn Olive Oil Crate Candle Holder, $149

So I don’t have an example of this one anywhere else, but seriously, this is literally an old wooden box hung with rope and filled with candles.


Exhibit D:

Pottery Barn Sea Glass Bottles (Set of 4 for $49.99)

For this one, pick up some cheap clear glass vases at Goodwill or a yard sale in shapes that you like. Then do a quick coat with Rustoleum’s Frosted Glass Spray Paint in Sea Glass.

Of course, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t shop at Pottery Barn and if you hit an outlet or a sale, then you can sometimes get pretty great deals. I have no doubt that I will shop at Pottery Barn again many times in the future. I’m just saying that sometimes it amazes me that they charge the prices that they do.

Since I’m a terrible blogger and forgot yesterday, here’s the winner for the My Memories Suite Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Congrats Shelley! For everyone else, don’t forget that you can use the $10 off code STMMMS7439 (part of the My Memories affiliate program, I get paid for it, so USE IT!)
Have a great day!