At around 19 months (last month), we decided to begin transitioning Mr. Tate to his own room and a bigger bed. I know, it seems a bit early for the bigger bed, but he wasn’t utilizing the crib at all and we are thinking a very slow transition to it – starting with naps (for a few months) and then adding in nights. Our older two kiddos used and slept in their cribs so much more than Tate has by this age so we weren’t in any rush to transition them to a different style or kind of bed.
We’ve pretty much co-slept with Tate since birth. And while it’s a little bittersweet to know that the nighttime cuddles will be becoming less and less, our little man is getting big and we are running out of room for the two of us and our crazy horizontal sleeper.
With that being said, naps (we are down to just one a day now) in his own room and his own bed are going so-so – he still likes having a sleepmate. 🙂
All except for a few things in Tate’s first bigger boy room are previously loved (hand me down) items. His bed was his older sister’s up until our move last August. A couple of months ago, I painted it with a blue jean colored chalk paint that I found on clearance at Target and then coated it with a semi satin polyurethane. It was originally a $40 purchase off of Craigslist nearly ten years ago. We have definitely gotten our dollars worth out of it!
Estate sales are most definitely one of my favorite “stores” currently. I’m fascinated at being able to get a peek into how others lived, their travels, their collections, their dreams. I feel like it’s an honor to be able to browse and enjoy others belongings and essentially be able to enter into a summary of their life within walls.
Other finds:
The bottom art is a miniature framed painting I purchased at an estate sale for a couple of dollars. The top print on wood I thrifted for some odd cents.
The below wardrobe was from a thrift store in Alabama. It was gray until I painted it green. 🙂 The rocker is a hand me down from my parents. They inherited it from a great Aunt. The heart pillow I made. The hanging basket was made out of a thrifted basket and some rope.
The fawn pillow, sail boat stacker toy, school bus and hobby horse were newly purchased. The toy top was a gifted thrift store find from my sister. When it’s spinning, this is probably still Tate’s favorite toy. The soda bottle crate (night stand), I purchased several years ago from a flea market.
I thrifted the lighthouse painting several years ago for a couple of dollars (it was framed when I bought it, but I removed it). It reminds me of the northeast and the time I got to spend there when I was a tween/ teen.
All of the blankets were thrifted or found at an estate sale except for the blue/ cream gauze coverlet and gingham sheets. All had hardly been used and were in great condition.
I took the below photo while traveling along the historic Route 66 here in Missouri (outside of The Mule Trading Post). Although a “kitschy” landmark, I liked that it was unique and something that is native to the portion of Route 66 close to where I grew up. And my Father-in-law gifted me the boat diagram prints that he found a garage sale in their retirement community near the gulf in AL. The framed crewel seaside scape was another flea market find I purchased while living in Alabama.
The holtztiger wood animals and figurines are new and we have been gifting them to Tate thus far for special occasions (Christmas, first birthday, baptism, etc) throughout his little life. And my plans are to continue to do so for at least a couple more years. The small barn shelf they are in was thrifted for just a few dollars.
Although it’s a little bit of a hodgepodge, it feels cozy and like home. A little bit like this post (wink, wink).
Just in case you’re not familiar with thrifting and estate sale going, here are a few easy tips or tid bits.
- Go often. Or in reference to Estate Sales, get items you just have to have on Day 1 and then go back if you can on Days 2 and 3 for any optional items. Prices drop on Day 2 and even more on Day 3.
- Go alone. Or without kids if possible. Lately, I always have my youngest side kick with me but if you can go alone so that you can actually really think about your needs vs. wants.
- At flea markets, look for booths that have an extra percentage off or holiday sales.
- Think about gifts! I know you might be apprehensive about buying used items to give as gifts, but you can find some really nice meaningful items (especially at Estate Sales). Just keep in mind those you are buying for – would they prefer old vs new?
- Be patient. Eventually you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for! Don’t just buy something because it’s “sort of” what you needed/ wanted. These are the things you will be selling at a garage sale in less than a year.
Links to the newly purchased items in Tate’s current room: Opal house Gauze Coverlet // Fawn Pillow // Boat Stacking Tower // Hobby Horse // School Bus // Holtztiger Wooden Figures // Rising Clouds Print
P.S. – Bed rails will be added when he begins sleeping in it overnight.
plaid pockets & pink shoes 