Happy DECEMBURRRRRR!
And quite chilly this morning too.
Well, November ended with a BANG! And December started with a BANG!
Let me explain…
Yesterday, I was on Craigslist looking for a Christmas gift for Eric. And guess what I came across? A beautiful couch- for a crazy good price. I immediately emailed the seller and asked if we could take a look at it. I figured that it would be gone already because good deals sell so fast on Craigslist, especially in Toronto!
It was a dark brown sectional couch with a chaise (always wanted one!) and it was only a few months old and in mint condition. The owner was selling it because they were moving and it didn’t fit in their new condo (it is a BIG couch!).
Eric stopped by on his way home from work and…
We bought our very first couch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every couch we have had up to this point has been a hand me down which is absolutely awesome, but we have secretly been longing for a couch that fit our new family room. After looking at prices earlier this year, we knew we couldn’t afford one.
He was shocked that it wasn’t gone already. He had to drive all the way to his brother’s to pick up a van, then drive back and put 1 part of the couch in the van, then drop it off, and then drive all the way back to Toronto to pick up the rest!!! He didn’t get home until about 11:30 last night. Poor guy!!!! I was at home waiting anxiously for it to arrive. Luckily, S & B kept me company. ;)
We are absolutely in love with it:
It’s incredibly soft and comfy…
and will be great for entertaining!
…it is like brand new to us and our wallets are very happy. We figured that THREE lucky friends can crash on this couch at once! hahaha. ;) We are still university students at heart…
We will probably end up buying most of our furniture on Craigslist. You really can’t go wrong, 1) You save huge, and 2) You are recycling!! They have lots of cool antique pieces on Craigslist. Yes, there is a lot of crap to sift through, but it is so worth it. I also check out the FREE page a lot too! You’d be surprised how many people give away amazing things because they are in a rush.
The only thing we are not sure of is where to put our other brown couch. Right now it is here:
and it looks kind of odd…but we were thinking of keeping it around for our Christmas party.
We also tried here:
and it looked even more odd…
So we aren’t really sure what to do with it! Ideas????
I also want to find a coffee table off Craigslist as I don’t really like the one that is there now.
And why did Decemburrr start with a bang?
We have roofers here this morning and it sounds like an EARTHQUAKE in this house today! I swear they are going to fall through the roof on me. I woke up at 6am to BANG, BANG, BANG!!! I hit my alarm but it didn’t stop!
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US Yoga Mat by Aurorae Giveaway!
To my US readers: I know that Canadian only Oral-B contest was tough to swallow yesterday! I really wish I could have opened it up to US residents too, but I was not able to. Well, today we have a US resident only contest because all is fair in love and war on OSG.
The wonderful people from Aurorae are willing to giveaway one new yoga mat to a lucky US reader!
I can’t review the mat myself as they do not ship to Canada, but I’d be curious to hear what you think of it should you win one.
You get to choose the COLOUR of your mat should you win!!!
How to enter:
- Leave a comment on this post telling me what you would do with our extra brown couch (hahah) AND what colour of mat you would choose.
Rules: Open to US residents only please. Contest closes Thursday Dec. 3rd at noon EST.
Goodluck!
Canucks: Don’t forget to enter the Oral-B Giveaway!
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Ok, now that this home reno stuff is out of my system, I promise to get back to my health posts and hot topics!!!!
This might sound corny but my sister had an extra couch laying around so she covered it in plastic (didn’t look icky at all) and it now sits on her back patio along with an oudoor rug and fire pit. Looks really cool. Great for outdoor entertaining.
I would choose the violet mat. the description had me at hello!!!!
Yes, I agree with your thinking to be healthy, you need to feel sometimes what your body truly needs! I find that if I always make no exceptions to my workout, or work in general, I start to get to my breaking point, and then much more is lost than a workout or few hours of work. I think you made a great decision to just kick your feet up and indulge. Go balanced life!
I would donate the couch to a school (teacher’s lounge or maybe for the school play?). You could also ask to see if any friends want it or keep it in your basement in case you ever need it. Of course, selling it is always an option!
I have 2 dogs that aren’t allowed on furniture so I would definitely use an old couch as a dog only couch. And I would chose the Seamist mat it describes me well.
oh, and violet is soooo pretty.
i am so desperate for a new yoga mat – fingers are crossed. :) i think i’d choose the violet mat – the color looks so soothing.
is there space in your bedroom for the couch? i had a couch in the bedroom of my last apartment (clearly not in nyc haha), and it added a nice homey element to the room. otherwise, i’d probably sell it on craigslist – your new one is so big!
Do you have a patio or sunroom? It could be a really nice addition to an outdoor area – as long as it’s protected from the elements :)
Or could you give the couch to Sketchie as a Christmas gift? I’m sure it would go to good use!
I’d love the Solar color; I’m planning on starting the New Year with the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge, and I don’t have a yoga mat yet. I love oranges and yellows, and the bright color will keep my spirit going when I get tired during the challenge!
Move out that couch piece in the corner, replace it with the new couch piece from the middle of the room, then put the old couch there. Then work in that end piece somewhere.
Seamist for the mat color!
ahh i would totally pick solar :)
mmmmm put it outside on nice days! so you can relax in the sun haha
Totally I would pick the yellow one! It’s detailed description is sooo me:) I never thought about having your yoga mat reflect your personality…mine right now is blue and falling apart! My cat has found a new scratching toy in it haha! As far as your couch, when I got my new couch we put the oldie (but goodie) into the office, as some extra seating. It ended up looking like a Therapy session so we then gave it to some friends in need. I love Craigslist! Good find!
like lots of others, my idea was to put the old couch on craigslist! i love the new one though – being able to sleep so many people on one couch would be so helpful (and much appreciated by your guests too!) and oooh the seamist mat looks lovely :)
I’d put it on craigslist for a really good deal or even free just so that you could give somebody else as good of a deal as you got. I like the ocean color
Sell it…if it isn’t going to fit might as well make some money on it:) i like sea mist…
I would sell the old couch on Craigslist…and let someone else have a stellar day because they found such a great deal! Plus, I’m all for not ‘overcrowding’ a room…
I would choose the Seamist, definitely! Just screams soothing to me :)
The old couch should obviously be used as a new bed for Sketchie. A throne fit for a king :-).
I’d LOVE the violet colored yoga mat.
I agree with some other posters–chuck the couch after the holidays, i.e., move it to another room or unload it on Craigslist. I would leave that space bare or get one of those “behind the couch” tables that you can decorate and whatnot. :)
As for the yoga mat, I’d rock the “Infinity” color. :)
Can you turn the sectional to face the other couch? Then you would have a great conversation area.
If you do not have room for the couch donate it to charity.
You could always take the couch apart and use the cushions to make a fort a la Mama Pea (http://peasandthankyou.com/) and family? ;-) But, really, I’m going to have to agree with most others. Donation or Craig’s List is probably the way to go.
I’d choose the Seamist. I could definitely use some SOOTHING RENEWAL in my life.
I would choose OCEAN as my mat color since it’s so relaxing! I think you should try to find a needy family and donate the couch, or give it to a charity and they can find it a home. How awesome would it be to get a couch for Christmas?!
I would go with Solar for the yoga mat. :)
As for the couch…If you’re only keeping it around for a little while until the party I would line up the new couch so the side opposite the chaise is lined up straight with the rest of the couch against the sliding doors. Then move the other couch so that it is basically placed how the other piece was.
I would love me the Solar. A pick me up during the winter blues!
As for the couch, I’d either put it in the office/basement or resell it on Craigslist and have that money for a rainy day!
If you have a basement or guest room, maybe the couch would work there? Or craigslist it. Someone else would probably love it. :)
The seamist mat is calling my name. :) Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks for this awesome give away. First, I’d choose the Ocean mat because I group on the beach, and it has always been my calm/happy place.
Also, for your old couch, I would consider putting it in the guest room. When visiting someone, it’s always nice if there is a place to lay out your clothes and rest (aside from the bed).
I think the couch didn’t look too bad when it was back to back with the other couch. I see that you have a Christmas tree on the other side of the room. Maybe try putting the couch on that side of the room.?? I am not sure what else you have over there but that way none of you guests will feel left out. I hope you find a way that makes you happy! love you site by the way!
I believe the Solar one is a good choice. Thanks!
I would choose the Infinity mat, I love black! For your old couch, I’d keep the Craigslist karma flowing and put it on there. You could either trade it for a coffee table or use the money to buy one you like! :) Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Angela,
That’s an awesome find on Craig’s list! Always makes my day when I find a great deal especially around the holidays!! I think you could find some really cool fabric and reupholster the old couch. You could match it with anything in your house and use it in any room and give it a whole new look! I found a great deal at an antique store on an old chair that was really original. I got it for $20 bucks and had the same idea to reupholster it. We have kept that chair for almost 10 years now! And it has a great story behind it too :) You can do it for cheap and I think it’s pretty easy to do.
As for the color of the mat I would do seamist. I need a soothing color when trying to do yoga as I am a pretty high anxiety person! I need all the help I can get to get into the Zen zone haha! It reminds me of nature and it I always love having earthy green colors around during the winter season when there is not much color outside to look at! Hope this idea helps!!
I think you should recycle it back to craigslist! Or do you have an extra bedroom to put it in? Or you could be super creative and a cut new cover for it.
I love the seamist color for the mat!
Save the couch through the holidays and than maybe a guestroom? Or back to craigslist – full circle :). Seamist would be my absolute first choice.
Wow, your new couch looks fab-o-lous!! I think your old one should be sent to me :-) We need a couch badly!
Thanks for the giveaway! I would go for violet as it is a healing color and I am suffering from autoimmune disease & am trying to get into yoga to help heal my body!
sell the old couch on craigslist! Violet would be my pick!
Hi Angela!
My vote is to sell the old couch on Craigslist.
Great new couch; it looks so soft and comfy!
I would love to have the violet yoga mat. The color is so pretty.
Hmmm, Do you definitely need that much seating at the xmas party? If not, I say try to find another room for it if you can. Or sell it on Craigslist and make someone else happy!
I would go for the Seamist color if I won that awesome mat!
Hi Angela! I have just started following your blog, and I love reading about how you find your motivation to live healthy, and it’s always so uplifting to read about whatever shennanigans you are up to. Congrats on the couch! My sister just got a sectional as well off of craigslist over here and I can totally relate to the excitement/luck!
I think you should keep the good karma going and put the brown couch up on craigslist. But if there is special need or attachment I like the idea of putting it where the christmas tree is and making a circle of couches, because you want your new and old couches to connect so that the people sitting in them connect too :)
And I pick violet!
– A poor student in need of a yoga mat!
I definitely agree with selling the mat on craigslist. In the meantime, what’s on the other side of the Christmas tree? Maybe you can push it up against the wall for extra holiday seating.
I would love either the black or violet mat.
Thanks!
I would burn it! We always look for old furniture to light up at bonfires around the holidays, it would be perfect for your Christmas party! It may not be that old, and sure someone could probably get a couple bucks for it on Craigslist, but it would make a huge flame and keep everyone nice and toasty for a while!! A little lighter fluid is all you need…
I would definitely pick Ocean for my first yoga mat!!
Have a glowing day!
Maybe a soothing violet mat would be just the thing to turn me into a yogi?
Keep the couch until the holidays are over wherever it adds the most seating opportunity and is out of the way, then post it on Craigslist. Yay for karma!
I say donate the old couch! I’m sure there are shelters that could use it. I have even heard or organizations that will pick up donated furniture. And if I won the giveaway, I would want seamist!
Call a local church or shelter and see if anyone needs it. We were SOOOO blessed to have people give us their second-hands when we were first married…and then as we acquired newer things, passed those second-hands onto others who were in need.
I would LOVE LOVE the mat. I’m just getting back into Yoga. And I want to GLOW too.
And yes, I’d pick Sea Mist too. Such a pretty colour.
I’d say either sell the couch on Craigslist and buy another piece of furniture in the proceeds (maybe more living room things?) or donate it to to local community center. Animal shelters usually take them too but that one looks a little too nice to sacrifice to the kitties =)
I love the Solar color!
I would sell your brown couch on Craigslist and buy something else for the living room. Like maybe a coffee table like you were saying. I bet with that fancy camera it would look like new! Oh and I would pick the Seamist. Looks so relaxing!
I would donate the couch to the needy… Salvation Army or some other charity. It is the holiday season and a needy family may need your old couch! Plus it makes you feel good to donate…I donate all my old clothes and furniture (and some electronics)
I would choose Solar!
I would give the couch to the salvation army or some other charity. Around this time of year, and especially this year with unemployment passed 10%, a lot of people go without some of the basic staples of life that we take for granted. Give the couch to someone you know that needs a little help or a total stranger. Either way, it will be good karma for you and your husband!
As for the yoga mat, well I would adore a new mat, as mine is not think enough at all!I adore the green color, Seamist, because it is very earthy, and not to mention matches my dorm room decor ;) and who does not love color coordinating!
I love your blog! I am so glad I found it!!
i would sell the couch back on craigslist! then your new one is even cheaper, you have plenty of room now with the new one anyways. the black or solar colors are pretty funky. iv enever seen a black yoga mat before!
That is a fantastic couch! It looks like 10 people could sit on it all at once. I’d host an Amazing Race season finale party and serve Vegas-themed foods to match with the location of the final episode. Amazing Race is my absolute favorite show, so it’s fun to invite friends over for couch/television time.
I love the Solar color of the yoga mats. The color is bright and reminds me of the sun, which at this time of year in Seattle, is a pretty rare sight. :)
If it is really important for you to have the couch for the party I think back to back is the way to go. I want the Ocean Yoga mat, please!!!
I would go with the violet- spiritual, healing, calming… that is what yoga is all about for me. And for the couch, keep it around for the holiday parties and then maybe try to sell it for some extra money which usually comes in very handy for after Christmas Sales :)
I say donate the couch to a good cause/ organization like a homeless shelter or Goodwill. And the solar mat was totally made for me =) I love anything orange and yellow!
Ohh that’s an incredible couch you guys found! You both must be so happy; it looks elegant! As for your old couch, I think back-to-back with the new couch is best–it’s efficient, as you have more seating space, and it’s also quite a creative placement. Cool giveaway! I’d love to win the seamist mat!
I would choose Seamist – I feel zen just looking at it!