Bargains and Blue & White

This Saturday I drove up to McDonald's to get my daily fix of iced coffee (I'm an addict) and noticed a yard sale sign on my way home.  My neighborhood is shaped like a U and only has about 40 houses in it.  We have one house in my 'hood that is for sale, so I decided to drive by to be nosey see if it was that family that was having the sale.  When I did, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks.  That something was a Louis Phillipe mirror.

I sped drove home, grabbed some cash and immediately walked down to check it out.  (Okay, I'll be honest, I had to change out of my pajamas first.  Yes, yes, I went to McDonald's in my PJs.  Don't judge.  Or judge if you want to, but I don't care.  I had a bra on so it technically was like an outfit.  End Oversharing).  I had no idea how much she would want for the mirror, so I took about $50 with me, still thinking it would be a score.  When I got there, I saw something just like this:

via LGN

It was in great condition and was a really good size.  I asked the nice lady what she wanted for it and she said...$5.  SOLD. 

If you follow me on Instagram, I shared a sneak peek of my yard sale find.

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this beauty and, since I was dressed, went to the store immediately to get my supplies.

 
Decisions.  Decisions.  After getting what I needed, I went home and got to work.  First step, a good cleaning.  Second step, a red undercoat.

When it was nice and dry, I brought the mirror inside and began the gold leafing process. 

As you can see from the mountain of unfolded laundry in the background of this photo, my priorities are totally in line.  When I was done, I put her up on the mantle and fell absolutely in love.    She is perfection.

 

 

I have not yet decided on how I want to decorate the mantle yet.  That is one of the toughest places for me to do and be satisfied.  And that is the key, I think...being satisfied. 

I played around with some design boards to see what I like best.

Do you like a pair of topiaries?  Clean and classic?

 
Or do you prefer mixing in my favorite blue & white?  Please help me decide.

Linking up to Jennifer at The Pink Pagoda's Blue & White Bash. 

xoxoK