If you’ve been following me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that there’s been an on-going saga involving a china cabinet–otherwise known as a pain in my bahoony. It all started with my daughter’s room.
She had two pieces of furniture against one wall, and it was just taking up too much room. It came to me that I wanted to condense those pieces into something smaller. What I didn’t know is that I would sell both pieces in 22 minutes with a bidding war over the dresser. Woah.
So…the hunt for a china cabinet was on. Cabinet #1 was $50.00! I was in love! I was gonna marry it! Unfortunately, someone else proposed to it 30 minutes before I did. I was heartbroken. Would I ever find something I loved this much?
China cabinet #2. Well, hello gorgeous. You’re quite stunning, and for $75.00, I think you and I could have a beautiful relationship. Too bad your owner never got back with me. My assumption? It was sold. WHY don’t Craigslisters know that it’s a common courtesy to let inquirers know that it’s not available anymore?
In comes china cabinet #3. YES! I love it. It’s mahogany; it has beveled glass; it’s in perfect condition! It’s $200.00. Ouch. Well, I’ve been saving money. I can afford this. I work. I earn, darn it! My final e-mail with the seller tells me that it’s only 70 inches high. It’s a deal breaker. For that kind of money, it needed to be taller. Again—heartbroken.
At this point, I’m feeling defeated. Perhaps this whole china cabinet idea is not meant to be. Perhaps I—wait…what’s that? WOW! She’s beautiful! She’s only $60.00?? There’s gotta be a catch. There is. It’s 2 hours away.
What my little one doesn’t know is that it has a “secret” desk disguised as the top drawer. She’s been wanting a desk (hence the furniture sale I had), so this is brilliant!
I think my husband was so happy that I wouldn’t be spending $200, he actually agreed to make the 4-hour drive with me next weekend. We’re on week 6 of 8, so the fact that he’d take a day to do this means a lot. The moral of this story? Wait it out. Craigslist is a frugal buyer’s dream. It just might take a minute (or 120) to get there.
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I can't wait to see how you transform this monster!
Glad to see that you finally found your cabinet – and what a steal! And for any law enforcement hubby, let alone one in the middle of super-intense training – to drive that distance for a Craigslist buy – you know it's gotta be true love 😉 Congrats and I can't wait to see how you remake it! 🙂
This is going to be good! I can't wait to see the transformation.
Awesome score! Can't wait to see what you do with it. A Craigslist question for you – I've bought things before but never sold. Hubby and I were going to list several pieces of furniture. Do you have people come to your house to pick it up? I'm feeling unsure about strangers coming to my home.
Karla
What a great story! I love what you are ending up with. That first one would have made a great husband, though. 🙂 And like everyone else, I cannot wait to see what you do with it.
I have a secretary just like that and I LOVE IT! I think you will be really happy with it and I can't wait to see what you do with it! 😀
She is going to love it – can't wait to see how gorgeous you make it!
Patience always comes through – and the car drive could be fun. It will be beautiful once you get your hands on it!
Oh my…love it! It will be worth the drive. You will find something fun to do along the way, I am sure. I am a huge Craigslist lover. I bought a fabulous buffet for FIFTY bucks!!!! It is a solid wood, quality piece, that fit my space as if it were designed specifically for it. I am with you…wait it out!!! You go girl!!
I can't believe what I am seeing! I know EXACTLY where you bought that china cabinet. I went over and looked at it myself, but decided it wouldn't fit in the area.
Oh, I am probably going to be kicking myself after I see what you do with it. What a small world!
wow!! love that it has a secret desk…what a great piece!!!!!
I can't wait to see this makeover! Glad the CL person is willing to hold it for you. Some people out there are actually understanding like that 🙂
-Desiree
That is totally worth the drive and gas money! I agree with you about just doing a simple delete on your listing if you sold it, how hard is that? We get our hopes up, wait to hear back and nothing. Or you do hear back and they tell you it is sold. But you are right, wait it out and something bigger and better is bound to come along.
Wow! That's such a fabulous idea. Brilliant. Can't wait to see it in her room.
I can't wait
I'm having the same dilemma too, but in my case with a dresser/buffet! Either is too expensive or too big! The other day I found one EXACTLY like the one that you painted white in your craft room, but it was too big for my dining room 🙁 Can't wait to see the makeover!
Drive Baby Drive! Is this going to be a seen from Thelma a Louise with your husband as Brad Pitt? You know the journey is as important to write about as the final makeover. 🙂
Nice find! Craigslist is definitely a place that has to be constantly scoured to find things at the right place/time/price. I wish there was a rule book for some craigslister's though.. the common courtesy stuff…ugh! I am sure you are going to put your mark on this new piece. So fun!
I'm a frequent visitor to your blog but this is my first post! Where were you about 4 weeks ago when I inherited a china cabinet and decided to turn it into our dresser? I did it, posted it and love it! I can't wait to see what you do with yours. You are so creative…
I always travel far for craigslist finds. My husband says…"yeah you saved $100 but you spend about $20 in gas! lol
I love that cabinet! Can't wait to see what you do with it!
I can't wait to see the finished piece!!!! Thanks for the post, I have been so discouraged with Craigslist lately, need a lesson in patience!
What a guy- and only 2 weeks to go! I'm terrible company on road trips- I always fall asleep!
Oooowww can't wait to see this piece in question finished!!
Cant wait to see it- What is the color on your daughters wall? I am going to be painting my daughters room soon, and I am considering Harbor Fog a PB color collection. It looks similar to your daughters room.. do you remember the name of the paint you have in her room?
That's a great story – and a great piece of furniture. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
Oh yay! I'm glad you found one for so much less money! Looking forward to seeing the redo.
I was so sad for you when cabinet #1 didn't pan out! But I *love* the desk feature of the final one. How adorable – so perfect for a little girl! I really can't wait to see what you do with this!! 🙂
OMG! What a fun blog. You have beauty, mystery, and anticipation all bundled up like a good book. I can't wait to see this beauty's transformation. Olivia is going to be estatic. Does she know anything about it yet?? She's going to LOVE the secret desk. Any young girls dream. What a suspensfull post. I kept seeing pic after pic of what ALL seemed to be the perfect "One". Great find sweetheart. You did well, fun read. Love you….Mom
LOL, I have been on a similar hunt for a new buffet to transform into a TV stand–ARGGG, not as easy as I thought it would be! Can't wait to see you turn this into a gem, you little miss crafty pants, you!
ashley
http://www.littlemissmomma.com
Seriously, you AMAZE me! I dream of being as awesome as you one day.
Love your blog!
I love it!!!!
I like the one you ended up with the best…although the others were lovely as well… Good things come to those who wait… 🙂 Or are very determined.
Warm blessings,
Spencer
I'm giddy with you! Can't wait to see how it turns out!