AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Vintage Letterpress for Artsy Typeshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/11/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-vintage-letterpress-from/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/11/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-vintage-letterpress-from/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/11/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-vintage-letterpress-from/#commentsFiled under: ,

While perusing one of the many flea markets in Barcelona in December of last year, I stumbled upon antique hand-carved letterpress blocks. They varied in shape and size and spelled out "Barcelona." I've mentioned to you my fascination with letters and believe me, the details and the smell of these blocks completely bewitched me to the point that I was ready to pay 475 euros ($607) to give them a home on my already-cluttered shelving unit.

Luckily, my friend talked me out of the impulse buy, but I haven't stopped moping about the letterpress since.

Thanks to Alexandra Charitan, founder of Blue Carrot Shop, an online store specializing in vintage and antique goods, I can quit sulking and start my birthday gift list. Charitan devotes an entire section of her shop to (drum roll...) letterpress! And what gorgeous pieces there are!

Best part? They're very affordable, and if you mention Bargain Huntress' special offer code with your order, Charitan will send you a rebate.

Charitan's interest in vintage arose when she was a child. She shopped at thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets and auctions and loved finding "cool, vintage treasures." She has accumulated so many that she decided to start Blue Carrot Shop to pare down her collection, and as a hobby.

"I love finding strange, neat old things for myself and thought I might be good at doing it for other people," says Charitan, who works full-time as a graphic designer. The products she chooses to sell are generally pieces she'd pick for herself. "I love old advertising, typography and anything a little odd or strange," she says.

Well, the Bargain Huntress couldn't be happier! I found a lovely E ($8 for a pair) and a beautiful O ($15) for my future "Barcelona" collection, and I'll just wait until Charitan restocks the other letters, which seem to be going fast!

RS EXCLUSIVE!

Browse Blue Carrot Shop to see what vintage goods pique your interest and don't wait to buy them because for a limited time, you can receive a 10 percent rebate on your purchase when you mention offer code RS2010 in the details of your PayPal order! Offer is valid until May 31, 2010. Thanks for lifting our spirits, Alexandra!


Check out other stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>antiquesbargain huntressblue carrot shopexclusive discounthome decorletterpressrebatesalestypographyvintageJane Tuv2010-05-11T12:30:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Mother's Day Discount From The Organized Parenthttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/07/bargain-huntress-exclusive-mothers-day-discount-from-the-organ/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/07/bargain-huntress-exclusive-mothers-day-discount-from-the-organ/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/07/bargain-huntress-exclusive-mothers-day-discount-from-the-organ/#commentsFiled under: ,

What better gift to give to moms on Mother's Day than peace of mind? Those of you who think tranquility and sanity are not for sale, check out The Organized Parent, a site devoted to helping busy moms declutter their homes (and minds!), organize their lives and find "me" time.

You're not going to find tips on how to rid yourself of your many "mom" obligations on this site, but you will find an array of products that will help you complete daily tasks more efficiently: such as grocery shopping, meal planning, cleaning, and keeping up with your kids' schoolwork and activities

Use your gained "me" time for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Organized Parent founder, Stephanie Vozza, even agreed to offer an exclusive discount to everyone hoping to make Mother's Day extra special this year.

Vozza is no stranger to mommy stress. In fact, the idea for The Organized Parent came from her forgetting to pack a brown bag lunch for her son's field trip. As she watched her son's bus pull away with the peanut-butter-sandwich lunch still in her hand, she wondered how she could have succeeded at handling dozens of clients and deadlines but failed at this.

"I was certain that if I could get organized, I would have the key to a happy home," Vozza said. "So I searched for and found products that would help me organize the tasks that caused me the most stress: time management, meal planning and delegating.

"I was so excited about these products that I created a store called The Organized Parent, where moms could find products to organize their lives."

Vozza, who calls herself the "Time-Saving Mom," recommends the EZ-Stick Chalkboards (pictured; $19.95 for large) for moms who can't keep up with their "To Do" lists. The chalkboards easily stick on any surfaces and are quite pretty to look at. They're practical and add character to kitchen walls. The handcrafted chalkboards are not bad, either, and they're currently on sale for $13! Their design is simple and the inspirational phrases might put a smile on your mom's face.

The site has many gifts for under $15: from coupon keepers and kitchen timers to reusable shopping bags.


RS EXCLUSIVE!

Vozza knows what it's like to be overwhelmed with "to do's," so she hopes all moms will take a breather this Mother's Day and find a way to organize their lives. To help reach that goal quickly, she's giving RentedSpaces readers an exclusive 20 percent discount on all orders from now until May 31, 2010. Use special offer code RS2010 at checkout to receive your discount.

Thank you, Time-Saving Mom!

Check out more exclusive discounts here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntresschalkboardexclusive discountgifts for momkitchen timerMothers Daymothers Day giftssalesthe organized parentJane Tuv2010-05-07T09:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Mod Lighting From Gretel Home!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/04/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-mod-lighting-from-gretel/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/04/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-mod-lighting-from-gretel/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/05/04/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-mod-lighting-from-gretel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Know what it's like to shop at an online store that changes its look with every season? You will if you browse through Gretel, a Miami-based online design shop founded by British interior designer, Abby Kellet.

Kellet treats her store sections like window displays, and has her products photographed in different themes, hoping to make shopping at Gretel "inspirational" and "enjoyable."

"I love browsing in stores with gorgeous displays and wanted to offer a similar experience online," she says.

But 'window' displays aren't the main attraction on her site -- quirky, mod lighting and home decor designs steal all the attention. And Kellet's willing to share them with us at discount, just in time for Mother's Day.

While more than an adequate amount of modern design is available in the United States, Kellet believes much of it it lacks emotion and warmth. Wishing to change that, she opened her online shop in late 2009 and began selling "objects that would help customers make their homes personal and cozy."

"I love beautiful objects but I don't like clutter, so I intended to present a small but carefully curated collection," she says of the products she features on the site.

The Bargain Huntress has her eye on pendant lights from Iacoli & McAllister, which combine the appeal of nautical lanterns with the bold colors and elegant modernism of Art Deco. They range from $185 to $265, depending on size, but look marvelous hanging from the ceiling, especially, when grouped together.

The sleek, white votive holders designed by Arik Levy for Eno are also worth checking out, as they'd probably make it aboard Captain Flint's ship, if he had some style and grace and wasn't a fictional character.


RS EXCLUSIVE!

Kellett wants to help you buy the beautiful gifts your mom deserves, so she's giving RentedSpaces readers an exclusive 20 percent discount on all orders from now until May 17, 2010. You can even score free shipping when you spend $100 or more! Use offer code RS2010 at checkout to receive the discount.

Thank you for thinking of our moms, Abby!

Check out other stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>abby kellettArik Levybargain huntressbargainscandle holderEnoexclusive discountfree shippinggretel homehome decorIacoli and McAllisterlightingmodernmothers daypendant lightsalesJane Tuv2010-05-04T17:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Eco-Modular Furniture From Way Basics!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/30/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-eco-modular-furniture-fr/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/30/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-eco-modular-furniture-fr/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/30/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-eco-modular-furniture-fr/#commentsFiled under: ,

Building blocks aren't just math and science toys anymore. Thanks to Way Basics, an Irvine, Calif.-based producer of eco-modular storage and home furnishings, they've become furniture for adults, too.

The team at Way Basics uses 99-percent post-consumer recycled paper and turns it into durable zBoard cubes, which then serve as chairs, shelves and storage units. The cubes don't arrive at your door assembled, but don't worry, Way Basics provides a DIY kit for all its furniture construction. You can also check out their instructional videos if you're into a play-by-play.

Many of their fun, sustainable furnishings currently are on sale, but the company is giving an additional, exclusive discount to RentedSpaces readers!



Although you'll have to assemble the furniture yourself, don't think of it as a hassle you might experience with IKEA's goods. The zBoards weigh 62 percent less than particle board and are waterproof (in case you're worried about sweating on your furniture during construction). According to reviews on the company's website and Facebook page, fans actually enjoy building their bookcases, tables and chairs. Perhaps, the experience takes them back to their toddler years. Or perhaps, they even engage their toddlers in the building process.

"We've simplified our assembly process to the point that children can even assemble it. Our furniture requires no tools or hardware to assemble. Well-placed strips of 3M brand industrial strength tape adheres the furniture together making the process literally as easy as peel, stick, done," writes the Way Basics team on the site's blog.

Way Basics' eco-cubes are in such high demand, that fans are posting their requests on the company's Facebook page. Red seems to be the favorite among the fans, but due to low inventory, the only available colors now include blue, pink, orange, green, espresso, black and white. The Way Basics team assures, however, that everything will be back in stock in the middle of May.


RS EXCLUSIVE!

Starting today until May 15, 2010, you can get an additional 20 percent off all Way Basics products when you use special offer code RS2010. Happy building!

Check out other stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbuilding blockscubeeco-friendlyeco-modularexclusive discountfurniturepaper furniturerecyclablesaleshelvesstoragesustainableway basicszboardJane Tuv2010-04-30T13:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Stylish iPad Cases from Portel!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/27/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-futuristic-ipad-cases-fr/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/27/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-futuristic-ipad-cases-fr/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/27/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-futuristic-ipad-cases-fr/#commentsFiled under: ,

Whether you're an iPad owner or not, you've heard about it, thought about it and probably hope to get your hands on it. But if you plan on investing $500-$700 on a new gadget that the entire world can't stop talking about it, it's probably best you protect it.

Luckily, there's Portel, a Tallinn, Estonia-based sleeve- and case-manufacturer for Apple products. It makes super sexy and sturdy holders for the much-gabbed-about tablet. They're inexpensive and for a limited time, are sold to RentedSpaces readers at an exclusive discount.
The iPad cases --or "sleeves," as Aavo, Portel's technical director, calls them--are handmade from natural felt, stitched and fastened with a dark leather strap. Most cases cost $39, but if you want the new models with the leather shoulder-strap, you'll pay just $10 more. (I can totally see myself rocking one as a purse.)

Aavo says the idea for the holders "goes back to childhood." Piret, his partner and co-founder of Portel, was rummaging through old clothes in the attic of her childhood home and found authentic felt boots from the early 20th century, with high-quality leather details sewn into them.

Since she had been looking for a specific type of purse for herself and wasn't able to find it anywhere, Piret decided to make it herself, and the combination of felt and leather seemed like the perfect start.

Aavo, an avid Mac user, decided to transform Piret's idea into something that would appeal to a more general consumer, and since the iPad hype reached even Estonia, he and Piret launched the iCase product collection, which includes sleeves and cases for the iPad, iPod, iPhone and the MacBook Pro.

Although the sophisticated grey-felt, brown-leather and grommet combination has won over customers, and design and tech blogs, Aavo tells me that the team is launching a more colorful product series in a few weeks. Portel has already asked its Facebook fans to send color-palette suggestions, with light blue and violet in the lead so far.


RS EXCLUSIVE!

Although the iPad sleeves are reasonably priced, the Portel gang is throwing in an exclusive 5% discount on all its retro-mod holders. Just contact Piret and Aavo via Portel's Etsy store or Facebook page, let them know what product(s) you are interested in buying, and mention offer code RS2010! The discount is valid from now until May 23, 2010. Thank you, Piret and Aavo!


Check out more stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbargainscaseexclusive discountfeltfuturisticholderipadipodleathermodernportelretro-modsaletechJane Tuv2010-04-27T17:30:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Tradition-Rich Hebrew-Alphabet Postershttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/23/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-hebrew-alphabet-posters/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/23/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-hebrew-alphabet-posters/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/23/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-hebrew-alphabet-posters/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Bargain Huntress has a colossal interest in typography; I consider it one of the most fascinating and evolving art forms. Typographic art inspires and reveals stories and history. Just like any picture or painting, typographic art is worth a thousand words.

I once featured the haunting typographic embroideries from Hugo & Marie. Today I introduce you to a small -- but expanding -- collection of Hebrew-alphabet posters created by Tsilli Pines, a Jewish artist and designer. She merges traditional art forms with modern design, and intertwines her family's stories with work on her site, Alef Betty.

"I was aiming to design a set of posters that people would want to hang in their homes today, so that another generation could grow up looking at these letters," Pines writes on her blog. And those wishing to own a set of her posters are in luck: Pines offers RentedSpaces readers an exclusive discount.
You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate Pines' desire to share her culture's history and the detail that went into creating the posters. She designed two of the alphabet posters using letterforms based on typefaces from the Hebrew canon, and she also drew inspiration from contemporary Hebrew typographer Oded Ezer.

Pines prints each poster with soy-based ink on recycled chipboard.

The alphabet posters are all made in Pines' workshop in Portland, Ore., and sell for $24 each. They come in two color palettes: blue and red. And if you buy a set of three posters in the same color, you only pay $58 -- a great price for art that celebrates traditions and history.


RS EXCLUSIVE!

Alef Betty offers our readers an exclusive discount just in time for Judaism's Pesach Sheini (Second Passover) on April 28 -- a day that gives us a second chance to succeed (Bargain Huntress included). In celebration of current and future accomplishments you can get an exclusive 10 percent off all Hebrew-alphabet posters until May 15, 2010. Use offer code RS2010 at checkout to receive your discount. Thank you, Tsilli!

Check out more Bargain Huntress discounts here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>alef betalef bettyalphabetbargain huntressexclusive discounthebrewposterssalestsilli pinestypefacetypographyWall artJane Tuv2010-04-23T15:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Earth Day Discount on Recycled Home Decor from Elsewares!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/20/bargain-huntress-exclusive-earth-day-discount-on-recycled-home/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/20/bargain-huntress-exclusive-earth-day-discount-on-recycled-home/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/20/bargain-huntress-exclusive-earth-day-discount-on-recycled-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

What do most people do with old, damaged and broken goods? Throw them out and buy new ones. But not the folks at Resource Revival, who turn broken bike bits into tea-light holders and frames. Same goes for Jeff Davis, founder of Vinylux, who transforms discarded vinyl records into bowls, clocks and coasters.

We wish we could highlight all the inventive designers doing their part to upcycle, but there are just too many creative souls out there. Luckily, Elsewares, a NYC-based online emporium for modern goods from independent designers and artists, has gathered many of them in one place.

And in light of Earth Day's upcoming anniversary, Elsewares will sell all its recycled home goods to RentedSpaces readers at an exclusive discount!

Founded by Brooklynites Ryan Deussing and Audrey Aponte in 2004, Elsewares introduces a network of innovative designers, artists and entrepreneurs who focus on environmental sustainability. Products range from jewelry and clothes to plush toys and home goods, with the majority of products selling for under $50! The tea-light holders, made from bicycle freewheels and cogs, sells for only $12.99 and a set of six vintage-record coasters costs a mere 20 bucks.

Audrey and Ryan always offer special discounts on Elsewares' Facebook fan page and have put a lot of their items on sale.

RS EXCLUSIVE!

To make our countdown to Earth Day's 40th Anniversary more exciting, Elsewares is offering our readers an exclusive 10 percent discount on all recycled home decor products for one month! As always, please use offer code RS2010 when ordering online. Offer expires May 20, 2010.


Find more exclusive discounts here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>april 22bargain huntressbargainsbowlclockdiscountEarth Dayelsewaresexclusive discountframehome decorrecycled goodsresource revivalsalestea-light holderVinyluxJane Tuv2010-04-20T14:00:00 00:00Foreclosures Rise in Military, Army Wife Goes to Battlehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/19/foreclosures-rise-in-military-army-wife-goes-to-battle/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/19/foreclosures-rise-in-military-army-wife-goes-to-battle/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/19/foreclosures-rise-in-military-army-wife-goes-to-battle/#commentsFiled under:

While her husband serves his country, military spouse Nicole Rosen is fighting her own war to keep their home. The family moved to Washington State from Oklahoma in 2005 for Staff Sgt. John Rosen's military duty and purchased a home at a high interest rate. Soon after, Nicole quit her job after her now-4-year-old son was diagnosed with kidney disease. With the steep drop in income, the family fell behind on its mortgage payments. Now Rosen manages a tax office part-time, takes care of her two young sons, and fights to keep the family's Tacoma, Wash., house out of foreclosure.

In July 2009, after multiple requests for loan modifications, the family found out their home was slated to be sold at a trustee sale a mere 10 days before the scheduled auction. Frightened and outraged, the Army wife decided to fight.

Like the Rosens, an increasing number of U.S. military families are unable to meet their mortgage obligations, according to recent findings from RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosed properties that identifies a 10-percent foreclosure rate spike in military ZIP codes.

Before receiving notice of her property's sale, Rosen said she repeatedly sent loan modification requests to her mortgage lender, IndyMac Bank (now, OneWest Bank). Yet she received no response. When she finally reached an IndyMac employee via telephone, she was told that her loan modification "was being worked on." But a few weeks later, the Rosens were hit with news that they had only 10 days to vacate their property before the house was put up for sale by the Regional Trustee Services Corporation.

"I was not properly notified regarding the sale, and I immediately fought back," Rosen says, referring to her decision to get the sale stopped herself, since the Rosens couldn't afford to hire a lawyer. Calls and e-mails to IndyMac/OneWest Bank for comment were not returned.

Rosen requested foreclosure relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), intended to reduce the financial burdens of military personnel during a period of active duty; however, her request was summarily denied.

In such situations, individuals can turn to The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which offers a counseling program that the general public does not have access to, says Eli Tene, foreclosure expert and president of iShort Sale. Other than that, Tene says, military families have the same options as the rest of the U.S. population: loan modifications and short sales. "When a property goes to liquidation, lenders are taking the same position with the military as with the general public," Tene adds.

The Rosens' case was no exception. Even the involvement of elected Washington State officials -- a regulatory agency in Olympia, Wash., and the attorney general -- did in the foreclosure process with IndyMac.

So the Army wife took the only way out: She filed an emergency petition for bankruptcy. "I only needed the paper saying I had filed. I received that paper and then faxed it to the trustee. That immediately bought me another 30 days," Rosen says.

She then did her law homework, and went to court to present her case to a judge at the Pierce County Superior Court. She received an injunction for 90 days, during which her house was scheduled to be sold two or three more times.

At the end of the 90 days, Rosen went back to court and presented her case to a different judge. She won an injunction and a trial date for this coming July. "I have been to court on three different occasions and, as of yet, none of the defendants [IndyMac and Regional Trustee Services Coporation] have shown," Rosen says.

The Rosens stopped paying their mortgage in January and are currently $50,000 underwater. If the July court date provides no relief, the family may be out of luck.

Nicole Rosen admits it's tempting simply to walk away. "I'm so far behind now that the bank won't accept any payments unless it's a large amount," Rosen says. "Plus, why throw good money after bad? If I am unable to work out a modification with the bank, then a payment here and there would not do any good."

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Foreclosuresmilitarymortgage delinquenciesRegional Trustee Services Corporationservicemembers civil relief actJane Tuv2010-04-19T14:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: 4 Places to Shop Your Tax Refundhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/16/bargain-huntress-4-stores-to-spend-your-tax-refund/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/16/bargain-huntress-4-stores-to-spend-your-tax-refund/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/16/bargain-huntress-4-stores-to-spend-your-tax-refund/#commentsFiled under: ,

Phew. Tax Day madness is behind us, and now that you've appeased the IRS let's direct your attention to how you're going to spend your whale of a refund. Sure, you can be a responsible adult and pay off your credit card debt or your next month's rent in advance, but that is so stereotypical! (And heartbreaking too.)

You can either give away your only compensation for watching money disappear from your paycheck last year, or you can spend it on yourself! Call Bargain Huntress the devil on your shoulder, but this markdown maven thinks you should put your money where your couch is.

And here are four furniture stores that will help you get big bang for your buck....

  • The IRS reported a 10 percent increase in tax refunds through March, so use the extra funds in your bank account on stylish contemporary furniture from Fashion4Home. The German-based furniture retailer recently launched its U.S. online-only furniture store and features beautiful pieces at 50-70 percent off retail prices. Consumers will be pleased to know that their opinions influence the creative direction of the designers and inventory of the store, as the site urges shoppers to comment and vote on prospective designs. And, social media addicts, there are perks for you too! Fashion4Home currently gives away discount codes through Twitter. Interested customers should follow @Fashion4Home and tweet "Send me a discount code @Fashion4Home #design #furniture #deals." Let Bargain Huntress know the depths of the additional discounts!

  • There's still time to make your mark in the world without leaving a carbon footprint. Browse Bargain Huntress' environmentally conscious retailers and support Earth Day. If home décor doesn't normally strike your fancy, check out Carolina Girl Furniture--a North Carolina-based online store that sells eco-friendly, reasonably priced furniture. Use your tax rebate there to purchase limited edition pieces made of soy-based foam; fiber from recycled green plastic; hardwood frames; and 100-percent cotton and linen. All furniture is sold directly to online consumers and purchasers have the choice of changing their minds upon delivery---which, is free, by the way, to residents of the Eastern United States. Co-founders Pam Hughes and Kim Luther are also big on giving back to the community -- a portion of your proceeds will be donated to Flying Horse Farms, a camp for children with serious medical conditions that's scheduled to open this fall. And those planning on treating their dogs to a new bed should know that a portion of profits from sales of the Hippie Dog Bed goes to Carolina Girl's local Humane Society.

  • Bring Tinseltown to your living room via FormerFurniture, an online marketplace for celebrity-owned goods. These aren't your typical hand-me-downs: The used designer furniture is as good as new--and comes with a Bargain Huntress-approved price tag. Sisters and co-founders Lindsey Miller and Courtney Mack won't tell you which notable A-listers owned the home accessories featured on their site, but the pieces are definitely worth it. The prices are unbelievable! A 20th-century Italian painted-wood cherub mirror valued at $8,000 is currently up for bid at $750, and the never-used, funky, tufted wing bed (made for a top Hollywood designer, according to the site) is discounted to $4,200 from $12,000.

  • New York-based online home shop, Brocade Home, will leave you in awe from its romantic and sleek furniture collection. And although their prices may be steep for some, your tax refund should cover a few pieces on sale. The Bargain Huntress has been eyeing the shaped storage (at right, in coffee), marked down to $699 from $899, for about two weeks now and will soon have the funds to give it a home. Thanks, Uncle Sam!


Check out other stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture website? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbargainsbrocade homecarolina girldiscountsfashion4homeformer furniturefurnitureirssalesshoppingtax daytax rebateTax refundtaxesJane Tuv2010-04-16T12:07:00 00:00Shred, Baby, Shred. And for Free!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/16/shred-baby-shred-and-for-free/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/16/shred-baby-shred-and-for-free/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/16/shred-baby-shred-and-for-free/#commentsFiled under:

You've filed your taxes, now shred the evidence--for FREE!

Yes, you should keep tax-related documents locked away for a few years in case the IRS comes calling with questions, but for those keeping multiple drafts of their tax forms and any other sensitive paper documents, the Better Business Bureau is here to help. This Saturday, April 17, the BBB is offering free document shredding at 55 locations across the U.S. in honor of Secure Your ID Day, the BBB-hosted event promoting identity theft prevention. (After all, identity theft costs businesses money, as well as individuals).
Last year, the BBB helped U.S. consumers and small business owners shred 1.3 million pounds of confidential documents during two "Secure Your ID" days, and this year, it hopes to do the same.

"We all lead busy lives and fighting identity theft doesn't always make it onto our list of priorities even though it is extremely important," said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. "That's why BBB is making it easy this spring to get rid of outdated tax documents and other personal information while learning how to protect yourself and your family from ID thieves throughout the rest of the year."

Here's to a safe -- and clutter free -- spring!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>april 17better business bureauindentity theftsecure your id daysecurityshreddershreddingtax daytax documentstaxesJane Tuv2010-04-16T09:30:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Home Decor From Revival Vintage Design!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/13/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-vintage-home-decor-from/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/13/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-vintage-home-decor-from/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/13/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-vintage-home-decor-from/#commentsFiled under: ,

Revival Vintage Design Bargain HuntressLeave it to Helga Shepherd to turn scraps into decorative pillows and wild plush toys. The founder of the Los Angeles-based online shop, Revival Vintage Design, salvages drapes and dress material made of "fantastic fabric" from the 50s, 60s and 70s, then creates vibrant collections of accent pieces and huggable giraffes and elephants for children's rooms.

And in honor of Earth Day, Shepherd wants to share her new collection with you, at an exclusive discount!

Originally an evening-wear designer, the Welsh-born seamstress developed a love for interior design while renovating her Victorian house. "The common thread for both areas of work was a passion for fabric and texture. I always had a love for vintage clothes and continually bought unwearable things just to preserve the design," she says. When she moved from London to L.A. four years ago, Shepherd decided to leave clothes-designing behind and combine love of vintage fabric with a growing desire to do her bit to help the planet. So she founded Revival.

The designer says she gets a thrill when people purchase eco-friendly plush animals for a baby shower or their children's birthdays, having understood "that you can give the kids something great that has not harmed the planet in its production." And when customers buy a set of pillows for their sofas, they often cannot believe that the fabric is recycled from 1950s drapes. "A lot of people have an idea that vintage and recycled means 'dusty' and 'drab,' and I love being able to change that view," Shepherd says.

RS EXCLUSIVE!
On April 17, Shepherd will join dozens of eco-vendors to sell her goods at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica during the Earth Day Celebration. So that you won't have to wait until this Saturday, Shepherd offers our readers an exclusive 10 percent discount on all orders from now until April 30, 2010! You can browse her work here and order it through her Etsy shop.

Please note, in order to get the discount, choose your desired items and contact Shepherd through her Etsy shop PRIOR to making your purchase. Mention special offer code RS2010 and she will discount your order.

For more exclusive discounts, click here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbargainsdecorative pillowsdiscountEtsyexclusive discounthome decorinterior designmid-century modernplush toysrevival vintage designsalesthrow pillowsvintageJane Tuv2010-04-13T15:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Green Personal Care Products from Preserve!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/09/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-green-personal-care-prod/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/09/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-green-personal-care-prod/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/09/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-green-personal-care-prod/#commentsFiled under:

Recycle your yogurt cups, because they could become your family's future toothbrushes--if you buy them from Preserve, at least. The company makes its products from 100 percent recyclable content and finds itself added to Bargain Huntress' list of green online stores helping to promote environmental consciousness.

Although I usually alert you to discounts on furniture and home décor, I thought I'd shake things up a bit and highlight Preserve's personal care products. Not only do they help you reduce your impact on the environment, their vibrant colors will jazz up your bathroom! And of course, Preserve is offering all products to us with a special Earth Day discount.

The company offers an array of products, from cups and plates to razors and tongue cleaners. My favorite, however, are Preserve's toothbrushes, made from recycled yogurt cups. The toothbrushes range in price from $2.99 to a yearly subscription for $13.00. They're stylish, durable and come in beautiful bright colors. The best part? You have the option of recycling the toothbrushes via the company's Gimme 5 Program by mailing them in or dropping them off at these retail locations, helping Preserve transform these recyclables into yet another generation of new products.


RS EXCLUSIVE!

The kind folks at Preserve are offering our readers an exclusive discount of $5 off on orders of $25 or more from now through April 30, 2010! Stock up on Preserve's personal care products or shop for tableware and kitchen essentials.

BONUS: For three days only, you will also receive a FREE organic toothbrush in bright spring colors with each $30 order! (Free toothbrush promotion expires Monday, April 12, 2010 at 12:01 a.m.)

For more exclusive discounts, click here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!


 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>april 22bargain huntressbargainsdiscountearth dayeco-friendlyfree toothbrushgreenorganicpersonal care productsrazorrecyclablesaletoothbrushJane Tuv2010-04-09T14:00:00 00:00Bottles-Up! Wine Matures Into a Staple of Home Decorhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/08/bottles-up-wine-matures-into-a-staple-of-home-decor/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/08/bottles-up-wine-matures-into-a-staple-of-home-decor/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/08/bottles-up-wine-matures-into-a-staple-of-home-decor/#commentsFiled under: ,,

Wine complements dinners, keeps our hearts healthy, moderates weight gain--and it can also decorate our homes. Just ask designer and TV personality, Courtney Cachet, who brought home empty wine bottles from her trip to the South of France in order to repurpose them as oil and vinegar containers and candelabra stands.

"So many people out there are wine enthusiasts, and wine bottles and wine accessories provide a great way to incorporate a passion for wine into décor," Cachet says. "It's similar to book lovers who decorate with books," she adds, referring to luxury coffee-table literature and book shelves featuring vintage hardcovers.

Okemos, Mich.-based interior designer, Leslie Hart-Davidson says clients are increasingly asking her to fashion their homes around wine themes. "Recently, a client who enjoyed throwing wine parties for her girlfriends requested a room that was comfortable and had enough places for her gals to set wine glasses. She wanted a lot of charm and character, so I gave her a wine-tasting table," Hart-Davidson says.

To construct the table, the interior designer used recycled materials such as round, salvaged glass and an old wine cask. The glass was much larger in diameter and formed the top for the table. Hart-Davidson added wine stools, and a wine-tasting table was born.

Not everyone, however, has money to spend on interior decorators--especially in a recession--but Deb Barrett, trend strategist and author of the upcoming design book, What Makes A Couture Treatment, says all you need are a creative mind and time for bargain hunting.

Barrett suggests browsing flea markets for old wine labels and framing them to hang around the house or to display on top of a fireplace mantel, as she recently did for a client who is a wine aficionado. Although Barrett clustered the framed labels around a vintage art poster, she urges those with tight budgets to scour flea markets and antique malls for dealers who sell old magazines. "The advertising in old magazines for alcohol and wine [looks] very cool [when] framed," she says.
%Gallery-89994%

Do-it-yourself wine decor will give your home "a bit of an edge," says Cachet. If you're a wine-cork collector, she suggests buying an inexpensive, tall, cylinder glass vase from stores like IKEA or Crate&Barrel and filling it with your favorite corks. Then, you can purchase a few bamboo stalks and arrange them in the vase. Cachet says it will look "very funky and totally chic," and will be easy to work into any apartment décor.

Those who buy their wines by the crate, may have the makings of unique, eco-friendly kitchen cabinets or a new coffee table. In its April/May 2010 issue, ReadyMade Magazine profiles a couple in Barcelona who built kitchen drawers and cabinets out of their wine crate collection. And a friend of Cachet's--a wine distributor in Miami--saved a wine crate and used it as a base for his living room coffee table, which stands atop of a bear-skin rug.

If you weren't born with creative chops, however, a tasteful wine display will be enough to get your guests talking. When entertaining at home, pull out the wines from your cellar or wine cooler to excite guests' palates.

"A collection of wine bottles is a great decorative touch--even a small collection. It sends a message of sophistication and curiosity. It also presents you as a cook, and your guests with a nice menu of options to accompany your food," says Ted Allen, spokesman for Robert Mondavi Private Selection wines and host of Food Network's cooking competition show, "Chopped." Allen displays only the bottles he intends to serve at meals to his guests. "I pull them out, dust them off, and put them on the counter for people to see when they arrive--hopefully to tantalize them a little. Sort of like: "Today's Specials," he adds.

So if your significant other, family or friends ever question your wine-purchasing outlays, tell them to put a cork in it: you're decorating your home.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>candelabra corkcourtney cachethome decorinterior designlightingted allenwinewine accessorieswine coolerwine corkswine crate cabinetswine designwine rackwine tastingJane Tuv2010-04-08T18:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Earth Day Discount on Biodegradable Tableware from Branch!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/06/bargain-huntress-exclusive-earth-day-discount-on-biodegradable/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/06/bargain-huntress-exclusive-earth-day-discount-on-biodegradable/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/06/bargain-huntress-exclusive-earth-day-discount-on-biodegradable/#commentsFiled under: ,

April 22 will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and what does that mean? We need to celebrate--consciously.

Last week's unseasonably warm weather that broke records around the United States, including Chicago, Upstate New York and Springfield, Mass. was welcomed with delight. Children played with water guns, families fired up the grill. Even I put off my duties at home to to wet my feet in the ocean and warm up my pale complexion. I'm not going to lie, it was nice being able to wear a summer dress in the first days of April, but I couldn't shake the idea that global warming was to thank for the recent warm spell.

I'm not going to enter into a debate about the existence of global warming and knock the beautiful weather outside. In fact, we should all take advantage of the warm days: cook, dance, laugh, run around barefoot on the grass. Take your joy outside, but do so with the environment in mind. And Branch, the San Francisco-based online home store, dedicated to sustainable living, will help you set up a lavish party that will save you money and help you protect Earth.

You have a few weeks to go before Earth Day, so why not invite friends over for an eco-friendly outdoor fête or a casual picnic? Instead of buying paper and styrofoam utensils, opt for the Veneerware Party Kit ($48, pictured), which serves 16 people and includes plates and utensils from organically-grown bamboo, or the perfect-for-outside-gatherings Biodegradable Party Kit ($48), which serves 50 people and includes bagasse plates and bowls and utensils made from potato starch.

RS EXCLUSIVE!

To commemorate Earth Day, Branch is offering our readers $5 off any order of $25 or more from the Biodegradables section until May 5, 2010. As usual, type in special offer code RS2010 and stock up for the year ahead!


For more exclusive discounts, click here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>april 22bargain huntressbargainsbiodegradablediscountearth dayeco-friendlyexclusive discountgreen livinghome decorsalessustainabilitysustainable livingtablewareJane Tuv2010-04-06T16:00:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Wall Decals from STICASA!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/02/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-wall-decals-from-sticasa/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/02/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-wall-decals-from-sticasa/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/02/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-wall-decals-from-sticasa/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sleep underneath the New York City skyline or dine in front of the Roman Coliseum without leaving your apartment. STICASA, Milan-based wall-sticker producer, will transform your apartment into a desired destination with the help of its city skyline and landmark wall stickers. All wall decals are manufactured in Italy and then, shipped to the United States, Canada and a few European countries.

After gaining popularity in Europe in 2009, STICASA expanded its reach to the United States and Canada last month. Also, it recently launched an exclusive collection of vinyl graphics for kids under the name STIKID.

Why do we love STICASA? Because all of their decals are created by Italian designers in the fashion and architecture industries--and the price is right!For just $45, you can show off the New York City skyline to friends and family, even if you live on the Upper West Side or your window view is obstructed by another building. For $72, you can create an illusion of a headboard over your cheap bed and amplify your kitchen for only $24.

RS EXCLUSIVE!

Founder Marcello Zucchi wants to share STICASA's wall stickers with everyone, so he agreed to give Rented Spaces readers 10 percent off on all orders from now until May 31, 2010! Just type in promotion code RS2010 when ordering online. Happy shopping!



Find more exclusive discounts here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbargainsdiscountexclusive discountsalessticasavinyl graphicswall artwall decalswall stickersJane Tuv2010-04-02T15:45:00 00:002010 Census Deadline Hits, And NYC Lagshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/02/2010-census-deadline-hits-and-nyc-lags/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/02/2010-census-deadline-hits-and-nyc-lags/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/04/02/2010-census-deadline-hits-and-nyc-lags/#commentsFiled under: ,,

Did you mail in your census form? April 1 was the deadline to complete and mail back the 10-question, 2010 census forms. And the folks at the U.S. Census Bureau aren't fooling: Unanswered questionnaires will prompt Census workers to come knocking on your door between May 1 and July 10 to obtain the necessary information -- costing taxpayers more money, we hasten to add. City courts can also fine individuals up to $5,000 for not responding.

Although more than 50 percent of U.S. households have filed and returned the forms, New York City residents are trailing behind with only 37 percent submitting their forms as of the March 31 count. City officials are urging residents to complete and mail the forms on time to maximize federal funding.

But what if residents are not always at fault?

As reported recently by the NY Times, about 40 percent of Manhattan buildings are unmarked, and thus, addresses are unidentified -- causing problems for the mail man and potentially robbing New York City of federal fund allocations due to an erroneous headcount. Additionally, New York City is not a stranger to apartment-renting violations, with reports surfacing of homeowners illegally renting out ground- and basement-level rooms to help alleviate financial distress in a recession. Those hiding residents are probably not going to truthfully answer the census forms. It doesn't help, either, that the Census Bureau overlooked a 40-story, 900-apartment building when compiling addresses for mailings.

According to a recent RentedSpaces poll*, nearly 74 percent of our readers said they would fill out the census questionnaire. However, the remaining 26 percent said they would not fill out the forms because it is a "waste of time." Such attitudes toward the census, coupled with the aforementioned challenges, will no doubt muddy the picture that results from the 2010 census data. Your city might get short-changed of federal funding as a result.

*This poll reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2010 censuscensus bureaucensus deadlinefederal fundingnational census daynew york cityJane Tuv2010-04-02T10:15:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Huge Savings at Big Pagoda, SFERRA, Amenity Home and Property!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/30/bargain-huntress-huge-savings-at-big-pagoda-sferra-amenity-ho/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/30/bargain-huntress-huge-savings-at-big-pagoda-sferra-amenity-ho/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/30/bargain-huntress-huge-savings-at-big-pagoda-sferra-amenity-ho/#commentsFiled under: ,

Despite having lived in Indianapolis for eight years, The Bargain Huntress is not a college basketball fan, but she does get into a little March Madness--sale madness, that is. Here are The Bargain Huntress' "final four" picks for the biggest sales of the season:

A closing shop is a sad thing to see, but with store closings, come big savings. One of my favorite antique stores, Big Pagoda, is closing its warehouse doors and shutting down its online store on April 25, but before then, customers can score its gorgeous Asian-inspired wood furniture for 50-75 percent off!

Big Pagoda is known for selling everything from silver bowls from India to abstract Japanese art to an 1850s Chinese day bed. Owner Kurt Silver, who spent more than a decade in China, has a keen eye for fine Asian furniture. Just take a look at the gorgeous 1900s square cabinet (pictured left) from China's Shanxi Province, discounted at 50 percent to $1,000 or the red, lacquered cabinet from the 1700s, marked down from $15,000 to $7,500.

One down, three more super sales ahead....

Head to New York City's Chelsea Market next week for the SFERRA sample sale and get your hands on luxury linens that outfit the beds of the White House and the Vatican. You can purchase fine bedding and decorative pillows at 50-80 percent off! The sale takes place from Wednesday, April 7 until Sunday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday) at Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th and 16th Streets).

If you wonder what to do with your tax return, then stop by Property, a contemporary home-décor boutique located in NYC's Chinatown neighborhood, which currently features a promotional sale until Wednesday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to Time Out New York, you can find discounts of 20-50 percent on table lamps and wooden-frame sofas. Property is located at 14 Wooster St. (between Canal and Grand Streets)

Earth Day is just around the corner and you can show your support for sustainable living by purchasing throw pillows and bedding for 30 percent off at Amenity Home, a Los Angeles-based bedding and home accessories producer that promotes "modern, organic living." I love the Cove duvet cover in "cream + moss" (pictured right), made from 300-thread count organic cotton, which would pair very well with the throw pillows that are currently on sale at InhabitLiving and valid for the RentedSpaces exclusive discount.


Check out what else the Bargain Huntress dug up here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>amenity homebargain huntressbeddingbig pagodaclearancecloseoutexclusive discountfurniturehome decorlinensluxurypropertysalessample salesferraJane Tuv2010-03-30T15:29:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Furniture from Modlifehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/26/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-furniture-from-modlife-c/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/26/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-furniture-from-modlife-c/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/26/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-furniture-from-modlife-c/#commentsFiled under: ,

Would you like to own a piece of history, and then, be grouped in the same category as Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Brad Pitt and Giorgio Armani? You can, and now--at a discount.

All you need are good taste; an appreciation for modern furniture designed by Vladimir Kagan, a call in to the Chicago furniture shop, Modlife; and a little over $2,000 to spend, which is cheaper and less laborious than becoming a celebrity.

Ask Modlife proprietor, Robert Zizzo, for the aesthetically pleasing, aluminum, open-end cylinders table, designed by Kagan in the '70s. Priced at $2,400, the dining table will surely become the focal point of your rental, but will never leave you and your guests at a loss for words, prompting conversation about its remarkable design and reasonable price. Compared to this small cocktail table, the two- to four-person dining table is a wallet-friendlier choice.

Kagan's furniture adorns the homes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Roberto Cavalli and Giorgio Armani, among many others. You may marvel at his work at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Chicago Athenaeum.

Stumbling upon one of his vintage gems at a local antique shop is a rarity, which is why Modlife has made a big name for itself in the trendy Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The store sells one-of-a-kind, mid-20th century creations from world-renowned designers, including Kagan, Paul McCobb, Eames and Hans Olsen at modest prices.


RS EXCLUSIVE!
From today until the end of April, 2010, Robert Zizzo at Modlife is offering RentedSpaces readers an exclusive, 30-day, 10-percent discount on all furniture found on the store's site and in his retail store in Chicago. Browse Modlife's storefront, VandM.com, for item descriptions and pricing information.

In order to receive the 10 percent discount, please call Modlife at (773) 868-0844 or stop by the store, located at 3856 N. Lincoln Ave in Lakeview, Chicago, Ill; and mention that you saw the discount offer on RentedSpaces.com.

Check out other stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>angelina joliebargain huntressbargainsbrad pittchicagodining tablediscountfurnituremid-century modernmodernmodlifevintagevladimir kaganJane Tuv2010-03-26T12:05:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Typographic Embroideries from Hugo & Mariehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/24/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-typographic-embroideries/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/24/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-typographic-embroideries/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/24/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-typographic-embroideries/#commentsFiled under: ,

Any typography aficionado would do a double take when passing the typographic embroideries hanging in the office of Mario Hugo and Jennifer Sims, co-founders of creative consultancy and artist management agency Hugo&Marie. The hand-embroidered ivory wall pieces beg the passersby to stare at the silk-ivory-hemp mélange, gradually revealing the phrases "Nowhere to Go, Everything to See" and "Twilight, Gravity, and Our Many Impossible Things."

And now, RentedSpaces readers have the chance to own these limited-edition, signed embroideries at an exclusive discount.

Hugo--who has done work for big-name companies like Dolce & Gabbana, British Airways and Capitol Records--originally created "Nowhere to Go" and "Twilight" as illustrations for British design studio It's Nice That and The Mill Agency in New York, respectively. Later, he and Sims re-appropriated them as hand-embroidered wall pieces for Hugo's first solo exhibition at Barcelona's Vallery Gallery in 2008.

"Mario had been really engaged in line and typographic forms, and the ability to run your hands through these particular pieces seemed like a natural progression," says Sims.

After opening their Hugo&Marie online boutique in October 2009, Hugo and Sims (Marie), put up their embroideries on sale--along with other fascinating pieces from up-and-coming, international artists such as Deanne Cheuk and Jules Julien.


RS EXCLUSIVE!
Starting today until April 7, 2010, you may purchase the typographic embroideries from Hugo&Marie at a 20 percent discount! Just use offer code RS2010 when purchasing online or over the phone. The offer code is also valid on scarves and hand-made jewelry. Thank you, Mario and Jennifer!

Check out what else the Bargain Huntress is digging here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbargainsdiscountembroideryexclusive discountHugo and MarieJennifer SimsMario Hugosaletypographic embroiderytypographywall artJane Tuv2010-03-24T11:15:00 00:00Bargain Huntress: Exclusive Discount on Modern Home Decor at InhabitLiving!http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/19/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-modern-home-decor-at-inh/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/19/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-modern-home-decor-at-inh/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/03/19/bargain-huntress-exclusive-discount-on-modern-home-decor-at-inh/#commentsFiled under: ,

The last remnants of winter have melted, the delicate blossoms of Lily-of-the-Valley are peeking their heads from the undergrowth, and the Bargain Huntress is back from hibernation to reveal sales and exclusive discounts on luxe accessories, furniture and décor for your home.

This week, an urge to redecorate my living room sprang from my need to eliminate any trace of last season's unbearable cold and the depression that followed it. That included folding away fleece throws, hiding mohair decorative pillows and throwing out tacky snowflake coasters. After barricading myself in from last week's downpours and 70 m.p.h. winds, I finally crawled outside, delighting in the bright sun and the promise of a luxuriant spring. Birds eagerly chirped as I perused the Union Square Greenmarket for early spring flowers to liven up my apartment--but I left empty-handed and gloomy. Even the earliest buds were still too young to bloom.

Struck by spring fever, I hopped onto the Interwebs in search of blossoms and greenery, and stumbled upon a botanical print sale at InhabitLiving, which features pussy willow, morning glory, green grass and ailanthus prints. Owners Mike and Jennifer Tuttle are offering customers up to 75 percent off on select throw pillows, bedding, table lamps and wall art. (Even our favorite 3-D Wall Flats are going for less than half the original price!)

As you learned in this post, I'm a big fan of throw pillows and so my eyes fell on the Real Grass pillow (in white, pictured above), on sale for $25 from $60; the Tree pillow (in brown), discounted to $28 from $60; and the lovely Blossom pillow (in grass), marked down more than 75 percent to $15! The pillows are hand-printed and made in the United States.



RS EXCLUSIVE!
To celebrate the glorious days of spring, from March 20, 2010 until June 20, 2010, InhabitLiving is offering RentedSpaces readers an exclusive discount! Use special offer code RS2010 and receive 15 percent off on orders of $50 or more. Thank you, Mike and Jennifer!

Check out other stylish Bargain Huntress finds here.

Have a favorite home décor or furniture Web site? Let us know and Bargain Huntress will prowl for sales, coupons and exclusive discounts to offer you the best deals possible!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bargain huntressbargainsbotanical printsdecorative pillowsdiscounteco-friendlyexclusive discountflowershome decorinhabitlivingsalesocially consciousspringsustainable livingthrow pillowswall flatsJane Tuv2010-03-19T14:13:00 00:00