Jubilee Furniture weekly post for Friday, June 14, 2013

June 14, 2013 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Note; I’m heading to a seminar tomorrow morning so am posting my normal Friday post Thursday night!

I hesitate to share something I did recently for fear – if you’ve been reading the blog for a while – that you’ll remember the whole lock-keys-in-still-running-car post of several weeks ago and seriously wonder about my mental ability, but I forgot my cell phone when I left for work on Tuesday.

I realized it was missing once I got into the office – and could see it in my mind’s eye quietly charging on my dresser – but I had several meetings scheduled and too much going on to go home and get it.

At first I felt a little panicky and – this shouldn’t surprise you – other than my mother’s home phone number (the same number she’s had for 40 years) I haven’t a clue anyone’s number.  But once I realized there wasn’t anything I could do about – and if someone REALLY needed to reach me they could by calling Outreach/Jubilee Furniture – it actually felt freeing.

Woohoo – no one could call me and complain about their day; lack of food in the house; or ask where the bike pump is (there seems to be a bit of a black hole in our garage).  I could head out to shop after work without checking in – since I couldn’t – and I began to feel a little like someone who’d managed to slipped their police tracking ankle bracelet off!  Not that I know exactly what that would feel like – but you don’t have to jump off a bridge to know you’re gonna get hurt if you do, either.

Though you do have to physically come into Jubilee Furniture to really understand and appreciate the 30,000 square feet of quality used furniture just waiting to be purchased!  Remember we’re open Fridays from 1 to 8 and Saturdays from 9 to 4!

What follows are photos of some of the pieces which were donated this week:

This is an amazing three piece sectional – I’m guessing dating from the 1980s – you’ll need a LOT of space to fit the curving “S” sofa – but if you have the room this sectional is a show stopper!  Upholstery is great except for the back of two of the sections which is quite faded and the fabric is actually ripping in a few spots.  It’s surprisingly comfortable.  Priced $250

these two swivel chairs are also comfortable and it’s too bad each of them has a rip in the micro-fiber – they’re priced $75 each

gorgeous Ethan Allen sofa priced $185

both of these Vanguard camel-back pieces are lovely – the sofa is priced $225; the loveseat $175 and I found two spots on the loveseat which look like they’d be easy to clean

this is a fun silver painted trunk (top lifts up) priced $40

wonderful sleeper sofa priced $85

it’s always nice when we receive multiple matching bookcases – in this case their a natural wood with a white back – there’s one permanent shelf and three adjustable for each bookcase.  Priced $65 each

sofa by Sealy priced $125 (needs to be cleaned)

Benchcraft sofa priced $40; matching loveseat for $20 – in fine condition just super dated upholstery

lovely two piece lighted china cabinet priced $165

another set of three bookcases – though these have added features (drop down writing surface, drawers, and doors)  and they’re priced together – all three for $135

3 piece sectional – showing a fair amount of wear – priced $85

another three piece sectional – this time the third piece is a corner table and one end holds a recliner – also priced $85

wonderful butcher block pedestal table for $60 – surrounding it are some of the many chairs made in Italy for Target which are priced $15 each (and they’re stackable!)

speaking of stackable – these chairs from Chromcraft are also stackable and have an upholstered seat and wooden back – solid, heavy and in excellent condition (those I saw a stain or two on some of the upholstered seats) – priced $20 each and we have about 50 of them

this is a lovely dining set which consist of a table, 2 leaves and EIGHT chairs – priced $245

fabulous rolling cart with two shelves – priced $35

black loveseat priced $60

two rocker/recliners – both in excellent condition and a great color too – priced $175 each

sweet roll top desk priced $95

another very nice dining set which includes: table, three leaves and six chairs – all for $150

lovely moss-green side chair for $125

gorgeous table, 2 leaves and EIGHT Chippendale chairs – all for $395

sofa with wood trim priced $95; matching loveseat for $65

this is a great size dresser – just needs some paint/love – priced $65

another sweet dresser – also needs some paint/love priced $50

excellent dresser with mirror – priced $150; matching armoire for $175

I did remember one other phone number besides my mom’s – my daughter’s (because it’s only one digit different from my own number) and I left her a message explaining I was cell phone-less. 

When I got home that evening I mentioned to Abby how weird – yet sorta exhilarating – it was not having my phone with me all day.  She said, “Yah – I got your message and texted you back.” 

“Texted me at what number since I didn’t have my phone?”

“Oops, I texted the phone you told me you left home.”

And with that single, simple sentence, dear reader, spoken by my master’s degree holding 24 year old daughter – who is as fresh and bright as the morning dew – I suddenly didn’t feel so old and stupid any more!

Jubilee Furniture weekly update for Friday, June 7, 2013

June 7, 2013 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I ended up helping with several donation pickups this week – due to various reasons – and it just so happened all of the donors were significantly downsizing and moving after a long tenure in their homes.

Having recently done the same thing myself – at the age of 54 – I have a new admiration for someone in their 70s or 80s going through both the physical and emotional upheaval that emptying a home, deciding what to keep and what to give away and living with the chaos which comes standard with moving.

Yet each of these donors were absolutely thrilled that their treasured possessions where going to help an organization like Outreach Community Ministries.  One sweet donor kept exclaiming, “Oh Susan, I wish I’d known about you sooner!”.

It’s not unusual to hear an identical sentiment from first time customers.  After over seven years of operation – Jubilee Furniture – is still, somewhat, struggling with getting word out about both sides of our business – donating and shopping in our store.

Thankfully, both happy donors and equally happy customers have been telling others about us – and word is spreading!  Actually, spreading fast enough that we’re scrambling to keep up with incoming donation calls and having enough volunteers to help our customers!  It’s an excellent “problem” to have!

And what did those amazing donors donate?  Great question!  What follows are photos of SOME of what was donated this week.  Remember Jubilee Furniture is only open Fridays from 1 to 8 and Saturdays from 9 to 4.

this is a gorgeous dining room set by Metz – includes a table with 2 leaves, six chairs (the armless chairs have plastic over the fabric seats – so they’re in perfect condition) and table pads – all for $895; matching two piece, lighted china cabinet is $495 – all in excellent condition except one leaf has a small chip in it

comfy, oversized chair for $55

wonderful blue/gray leather? chair and ottoman for $195

great sofa for $195

two matching Room & Board sofas – both just need some “adjusting” and plumping – priced $175 each

great Pennsylvania House 3 piece sectional and ottoman priced $245 for all

fantastic glass topped bamboo table with six chairs – all for $150

Tara?  Sweet low footstool for $8

this is a cool, flat drawer file/end table priced $50

amazing “gear” coffee table spins like a lazy Susan priced $35

in addition to the RJ London sofas and chairs we already have in stock – we now have matching loveseats!  Sofas are $60 each; loveseats $45 each; chairs $30 each

gorgeous dresser with two mirrors priced $185

my photos do not do this brass and glass étagère justice!  It’s priced $495

sweet two piece hutch/buffet for $75

neat small teacher’s desk priced $85

wonderfully fun ornate chairs (total of 6 of them) with table and one leaf – all for $125

excellent condition retro loveseat for $40; matching sofa is priced $60; glass topped coffee table with pedestal base is $25

nice blue checked sofa – too bad about rips on both arms! – priced $20

fabulous sleeper loveseat with ottoman that opens for storage in excellent condition priced $135

great smaller table, one leaf and four chairs for $125

excellent oak pedestal table with one leaf and six chairs priced $275

one drawer white end table or night stand priced $35

white writing desk for $45; white painted chair for $15

Homegoods chair priced $195

three drawer dresser in wonderful condition priced $45 (and there are two of them); matching five drawer lingerie chest for $65

we received a fantastic donation of about 50 of these gray, armless, rolling desk chairs – and we’ve price them $10 each

here’s a whole room of matching furniture!  Sofa is $50; loveseat $25 (shows the most wear out of all of the pieces); chair and ottoman $30

amazing “butler” chair priced $20

fabulous glass topped side table (looks like a telephone table where you’d put your fat phone book on the open shelf) priced $50

GORGEOUS driftwood lamp priced $250

We’re phasing out our TVs and have priced those still in the store $5 each.  Excellent price for a TV for your child’s gaming system, the garage or spare bedroom!

As we wrapped up our donation pickups, I expressed my thanks and appreciation to each of the donors and every one of them said, “Oh no, Susan – thank YOU!”  Helping someone during an especially hectic and challenging time in their life – while knowing their furniture will be much loved by one of my amazing customers – and the proceeds of that sale will help those most in need in DuPage County…

…that, dear reader, is why a wild haired, middle aged woman can – occasionally – be found flipping sleeper sofa onto dollies.