Jubilee Furniture

Tuesday's Customer Inspiration - Jennifer's sunny chairs!

2012-01-31T16:10:00.000-06:00

Jennifer grew up with a mom who is incredibly talented around design and re-purposing pieces with "good bones" and obviously - based on the following photos - has developed that muscle herself. Here's Jennifer's email:

Hi Susan, My mom, Amy, helps out at Jubilee occasionally (and alerts me of any great deals she sees when helping out/shopping...not sure what she does more of!). Anyway, she bought a table/chairs set and she only needed the table...so I lucked out and scored the chairs! Yay! So I thought I'd send you some before and after pics.

They were a little beat up and the fabric was definitely not for me, but I loved the sleek style and thought the unique "squiggle" backs and medallions gave them such personality. I had originally planned to lightly sand and stain these, but they had some kind of super gloss finish to them and rather than spend hours sanding I opted to paint.

I used a mustard yellow paint (to coordinate with some artwork and other accents in the adjacent living room) and several coats and a topcoat later...here they are. I added some new foam for padding and picked out a neutral (but interesting) fabric for the seats. I'm loving my happy "new" dining room chairs.

Sincerely,
Jennifer
P.S. I also bought a children's table/chairs set for my kids and I plan to use the leftover yellow paint on those chairs. My husband is a little concerned I'm going to paint all the wood furniture in the house...haha, I just might!

Wouldn't it be fun to gather around that great looking table in that sunny spot on those amazing chairs?! I absolutely love what Jennifer did!

A big THANK YOU to Jennifer!

Have you purchased something from Jubilee Furniture that you've transformed - as Jennifer did - and you'd be willing to take some photos and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org with the thought of inspiring others to see used furniture in a new way? Or, have you purchased something from Jubilee Furniture and done nothing but dusted it off and gave it a new home in your house and you'd be willing to take some photos and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org with the thought of inspiring others to see used furniture in a new way? If so - that's great! Whatchawaitingfor?

Enjoy this good day, dear reader!

Restoring hope. Providing opportunities.

2012-01-27T08:51:00.001-06:00

What a difference a week makes! Last Friday after I left for the store and before my husband returned home in the evening – a water line to our refrigerator – which had been incorrectly installed through our attic and had frozen – unfroze and burst bringing down both our kitchen ceiling and our family room ceiling and soaking the wood floors in the kitchen and the carpeting in the family room (which had been replaced about a year ago due to another water related incident).

My normally optimistic outlook first kicked into high gear (This won’t lick us! What’s a little water damage in the big scheme of things!) but then deserted me last night and I found myself feeling incredibly sad and hopeless.

Thankfully, my husband was feeling hopeful enough for both of us but it really hit home how important hope is and how it impacts…everything!

Which is why I love working for Outreach Community Ministries. Outreach has this beautiful tag line – restoring hope and providing opportunities (to those most in need in DuPage County, Illinois).

You’ve heard this many times – but it’s worth repeating – the proceeds of everything we sell at Jubilee Furniture are helping to support the amazing work of restoring hope to men, women, children and families who are feeling hopeless, through the programs and services offered by Outreach. By shopping at Jubilee Furniture you are helping others. Simple concept. Life-changing results (to read some of the stories of those impacted by Outreach’s work visit our sister site – Hearts of Grace).

So, you ready to shop? Good! Here are some of the things you’ll find in our 30,000 square feet of warehouse today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4!

gorgeous Empire style antique chest and highboy – had been in donor’s family for over 100 years – some minor veneer damage on both pieces – highboy also has a mirror but there’s some missing hardware (which we hope to replace). We’re selling each piece for $395

Klaussner sofa w/chaise – chaise can be flipped to other side of sofa OR replaced with a spare seat cushion and you don’t use the chaise part at all – all this versatility for only $145

lovely wingback chair priced $75; matching love seat for $65 (love seat seat cushions are worn and there’s some spot cleaning that needs to be done on love seat – thus the lower price)

oval coffee table for $50; matching oval end table for $40

this fabulous retro sofa is tied with the antique highboy and chest as my favorite piece this week – great low lines, actually very comfortable, amazing button back, tufted style, excellent condition (second photo is trying to show you one small rip on arm) priced $195

this sofa is covered in a lovely muted color fabric – appears to be reupholstered by a novice – looks okay but when you sit on it you sink pretty far down and I’m thinking either I need to lose a ton of weight or there might be some structural issues – so priced only $30

Lazboy leather/pleather (some parts are real leather some parts aren’t) sofa – both ends recline – some wear but not bad – priced $95

the guys made several trips back to the Hampton Inn in Carol Stream which is under-going a complete remodel and donating their old furniture to Jubilee! We have more of the green upholstered chairs – priced $30 each – and matching ottomans (not sure why the ottoman in my photo looks like a different color from the chair – it’s not) priced $15 each. Further down you’ll see several photos of more of the dining room style chairs we picked up in early December which sold out very quickly

Bauhaus sofa priced $85; matching over-sized chair for $50

sofa with two ends that recline – needs a thorough cleaning – priced $25

as promised - here are photos of the Hampton Inn chairs – chairs with arms are selling for $25 each and the arm-less chairs are $20 each – fabric is green. In the last photo the chairs are gathered around an oval table with three leaves and table pads (pads are a bit larger than table – but workable) priced $65

did you ever in your wildest dreams think you could purchase a leather sofa for $3? Structurally great – needs to be completely reupholstered – if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at reupholstering but were afraid – this sofa is for you – minimal cash out-lay (actually now that I think about it I think we have a couple of other sofas that are structurally sound but need to be reupholstered and have incredibly low price tags on them)

photo does not accurately capture this gorgeous square glass coffee table – it’s beautiful and I normally don’t like this style – priced $135

sweet striped side chair priced $55

Smithe Craft sofa – need some general cleaning – priced $65

wing back chair – I noted some pet hair on it and overall it’s worn – priced $20

great retro pleather chair priced $35

I’m still struggling with the massive repairs it will take to put our house back together (order is very important to me) – but I’m thankful for insurance, sunshiny days, fulfilling work, an upbeat, caring husband and the knowledge I’ll connect with fabulous customers later today!

Maybe you, dear reader? That would be super nice! I’m suddenly feeling much more hopeful.

Tuesday's Customer Inspiration - Wendi's lovely sofa/hall table!

2012-01-24T13:05:00.001-06:00

I love so many things about today's customer inspiration. First, that Wendi was introduce to Jubilee Furniture by her sister (love when happy customers tell others about us!) Secondly, that her transformed hall table was inspired by another Jubilee Furniture customer inspiration (Rachel's). Sigh. Smile.

Here's Wendi's email:

Hi Susan! My husband and I had the good fortune of being introduced to Jubilee by my sister, Kari, and have had such great experiences every time we walk through the door thanks to you, your staff and the amazing finds there. We moved from Tokyo to Chicago recently and are decorating our very first American home from scratch and on a budget, which is where Jubilee has shone.

We've picked up chairs, amazing artwork, frames, an antique lamp, Christmas ornaments and books, as well as this gorgeous sofa table. It features great quality and craftsmanship, and was a steal at just $65. It was nice as is, but we wanted to add a modern touch that would pop against all the wood and bright walls in our living room.

I love the finished product, which cost about $10 in paint supplies. I threw a stack of beautiful hardbound books and a fresh flower arrangement on top and it's pretty perfect.

Thanks for your wonderful store (which makes me feel good about supporting such a good cause) and staff. See you next time!

Sincerely,

Wendi

In additional email exchanges, Wendi shared that the wall color is Benjamin Moore's Mountain Laurel (picked on a whim without so much as a test sample. But it was a winner; I love how it changes with the light, sometimes green, sometimes blue...) and she got the black and white idea from an earlier customer inspiration post that I fell in love with.

The crisp white paint on the great lines of the table against that gorgeous wall color is a winner! I also love that Wendi used the original hardware but painted it black. Fantastic!

If you've purchased something from Jubilee Furniture and would be willing to take a photo (or three) and email them to me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org with the details - I'd be grateful and you just might inspire someone else!

I hope you have a great week, dear reader, and I'll see you back here on Friday!

Verbal ticks and fabulous furnishings!

2012-01-20T08:30:00.001-06:00

I was driving with a friend recently as he was telling me a story about something that had happened to him that week. He very much wanted to get the day this event happened correct and kept backtracking – No wait, I think it was Tuesday night. No, no, Monday evening. Then again it WAS Tuesday because I had had tacos for lunch and that was on Tuesday! – and the whole time I sorta wanted to laugh.

Don’t get me wrong – not at him – at myself! This is something I do all the time! Though the actual day/time whatever I’m talking about often doesn’t matter at all to my listener – somehow it’s super important to me that I get it right – like there’s some accuracy police listening in ready to bust me!

I also find it virtually impossible to leave a one sentence voice mail message. Seriously, I explain why I’m calling – in detail – and then often run through it a second time before I can hang up! No wonder most people simply phone back and ask what I wanted instead of listening to my message! Is there some kind of name for that? Like when you check to make sure a package or envelope REALLY did go into the mailbox?

Thankfully, my many quirks aren’t as noticeable when you’re simply reading the blog. Unless I point them out – which now that I think of it – I do often! Oh well – they say recognizing you have a problem is the first step toward change!

Speaking of change – there’s a lot of new-to-us furniture in our inventory since last weekend! Let’s take a look!

amazing mission-style double rocker priced $175

sweet black computer desk (drawer opens and front panel folds down for a key board) priced $65

very dark, dark, dark brown four piece leather sectional – one piece an armless chair which could be used to make either side longer or as a separate piece – leather torn in two places – one not visible, one on one of the seat cushions – otherwise in excellent condition priced $295; leather ottoman priced $75

fabulous leather chairs – badly stained – priced $45 each

bluish purple loveseat in so-so condition that opens to a bed – priced $45

great leather sofa with nail-head trim – back seat cushions were originally attached to the back part of the sofa and they have come away (ripped – but it’s not noticeable) priced $195

fabulous old teacher’s desk for $65 (not original hardware which is too bad)

wonderful IKEA Varde kitchen island/cabinets (probably technically NOT an island since there is no overhand to pull stools up to – isn’t that part of a kitchen island definition?) – drawer hardware never installed but included – tons of excellent storage and counter-top space – priced $325

fabulous Guzzini rolling cart – each tier has a lift out server – priced $65

here’s another IKEA storage piece – narrower than the Varde one – but again provides excellent storage and counter-top space – priced $165

though chairs need some refinishing/cleaning – this is a very nice oak table with two leaves (when both leaves are installed – there’s a noticeable bow – some added leg support is really needed) and EIGHT chairs – all for $225

sweet wicker sofa with five throw pillows – priced $75

lovely painted writing desk priced $50; matching wall hanging shelf for $20 (shelf is on it’s side on the desk – couldn’t stand it up properly without actually hanging it)

crappy photo of a very nice Lexington full or queen head board, foot board and side rails priced $125

sorta butcher-block style twin head board with foot board, side rails, and under-mattress support rails – priced $95

amazing dressing table with sweet mirror priced $125

very nice sofa priced $65

Schweiger sofa for $75; matching love seat for $85 (love seat is in better condition than the sofa)

Room and Board 80” Clarke sofa in “ink” – excellent condition, no fading that I could see, really no issues at all! R & B original price $1,999 Jubilee Furniture price? $425 (that’s a little more than 78% OFF the original purchase price!)

I hope whatever snow they’re predicting doesn’t stop you from coming out to the store either today (Friday) from 1 to 8 or tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4!

Again, drive carefully if we do get all the snow they’re predicting for the Chicagoland area and remember our hours are 1 to 8 on Friday and 9 to 4 Saturday.

Yikes – my repeating is spreading!

I know, embarrassingly corny and somewhat predictable, eh.

Take care, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Cherri's beautiful home!

2012-01-17T15:04:00.000-06:00

Cherri is a regular customer with a discerning eye and so much creative ability that it doesn't seem quite fair (that she has so much and I have so little - that is!). She gravitates toward classic line pieces and antiques and has purchased tons from Jubilee Furniture over the past few years.

Every time I see her I gently nudge her about taking photos and emailing me and she always smiles and say - "I know. I'll do it some day!" (maybe our new Jubilee Furniture tag line should be "quality used furniture with a liberal dose of guilt!").

Well, Cherri was in on Saturday with her daughter, Jaclyn, and it turns out Jaclyn is the photographer in the family and all it took was a quiet - but whinny - plea from me for Jaclyn to go home and take lots of photos and immediately email me (seriously, she did it super fast!).

A lot of what's in the following photos looks familiar to me - but I'm not totally sure what came from Jubilee and what didn't - though you might remember the curved armed chairs that we received from the Glen Oak Country Club - originally had green upholstery and were pretty dinged up - well Cherri re-finished and re-upholstered the ones she bought and they look amazing!

I also love how Cherri cut down a full-size mattress (it was a foam one from IKEA) to fit an antique spindle bed!

Wow - I'm completely in love with Cherri's home! It's beautiful! Many thanks to both Cherri and Jaclyn!

And thank you for stopping by, dear reader!

Mama Jubes & Auntie Jubes

2012-01-13T08:13:00.001-06:00

today’s guest blogger: Abby

Hello again! I’m so glad many of you liked my last blog post! It was fun to write, as I’m sure this one will be as well. I’d like to formally thank my parents, my 7^th grade language arts teacher Mrs. Volkmer and my high school English teachers for teaching my how to write. (In case you were interested, if I ever publish a book, something like that last sentence is going to be on the dedication page.)

In my previous post, I recall talking about how great it is that the employees and volunteers of Jubilee Furniture generally remember customers and are so wonderful and friendly. Other things that make Jubilee awesome are the employees and volunteers themselves! So without further ado, I present to you the star staff member/volunteer of the week: general manager Susan Galbraith aka my mother who will from now on be known as “Mama Jubes”, and Connie K. aka my mom’s friend who will from now on be known as “Auntie Jubes”.

You have no idea how much time, planning and energy go into making Jubilee Furniture run – because Mama and Auntie Jubes make it look easy! Calls, scheduling, pick-ups, pricing, arranging, talking, cashiering… obviously they don’t do all of this alone, but they do a lot!

Mama Jubes and Auntie Jubes work well together, kind of like Laverne and Shirley, Lucy and Ethel or Romy and Michelle. Only more awesome. Next time you come into Jubilee Furniture say hi to Mama Jubes or Auntie Jubes and remember that you are in the presence of awesome!

I hope you find some good stuff today at Jubilee Furniture!

Ahh shucks, Abbers – thanks for naming me staff member of the week! By chance does the title come with an engraved plaque? A loving cup? Academy Award type statue? Just kidding – the sweet words are enough!

Abby mentioned she hopes you’ll find some good stuff today (from 1 to 8) or tomorrow (from 9 to 4) and there’s no way you wouldn’t find – not just good – but AMAZING stuff since the store is chocked full. Seriously. Let’s take a look at just some of what you’ll find:

four Pier 1 dining chairs for $200 (for all four); matching bench is priced $75; table for $135

these two micro-suede pieces are more rusty in color then these photos make them look – both in excellent condition though the sofa is a little more worn than the love seat – sofa is priced $145; love seat $125

truly lovely plaid side chair – one arm has been fixed and you can see where it was broken – priced $85

McCreary over-sized chair $85

lovely art-deco side chair priced $95

amazing like-new, blue checked, two person recliner (wall-hugger so it can sit super close to your wall) priced $185 (very comfy); Room and Board sheepskin 2 x 6 rug for $95 (also like new, retails for $219)

very nice tan micro-fiber love seat for $135

amazing Crate and Barrel golden/tan micro-suede sofa priced $425 (the LAST of Olga’s afghans is shown on the sofa – cost for this lovely hand-crafted afghan is $25 and goes directly to Olga – one of our seniors)

mid-century Hooker walnut desk (top needs some minor refinishing) priced $495 (found same desk on ebay selling for $949)

fantastic, amazing, two piece sectional in a lovely sunny yellow fabric with wood trim – some spot cleaning needed – priced $295

truly fabulous library ladder – brass hardware, each step has leather insert with brass nail-head trim, top rolling hardware adjusts – I could go on and on about this amazing piece – library ladders are selling on ebay for up towards $1,000 and aren’t nearly as wonderful as this one – Jubilee Furniture price? $625

two piece sectional – one section opens to a sleeper – priced $125

gorgeous golden yellow silk curved love seat – two small rips on back – wood trim needs some minor repairs – priced $175

cool round table with white metal pedestal base, one leaf and four white metal chairs – priced $195

sweet greenish love seat for $75

antique white finish on this table, two leaves and four chairs – whole set needs to be refinished and seats need to be reupholstered – priced $65

gorgeous, rumpled-look fabric Craftwork Guild sleeper sofa priced $425 (one small tear at top back corner) priced $425

lovely floral sofa for $125

very nice Plunkett chair priced $85

tweedy sofa – needs to be thoroughly vacuumed otherwise in great condition – priced $95

over-sized chair for $65

table, one leaf and four chairs priced $125 for the set

creamy yellow 8’ long one armed sofa for $55 (fantastic deal if you don’t mind that there’s only one arm, originally was probably part of a sectional)

neat-o retro 7’ long sofa priced $95

suitcase coffee table (drawer pull out for storage) priced $55; matching end table (also with one pull-out drawer) priced $45

super nice Mobilia desk priced $245

I sorta think Connie and I are like Cagney & Lacey – minus all the police drama – and me and my Thursday design team are very much like The Golden Girls (though none of us are as witty as Bea Arthur!).

Regardless, Good Times are always had when shopping at Jubilee Furniture and Happy Days are whatever day you stop in and even if your taste runs to Diff’rent Strokes you’ll almost always find something that fits the bill at the store where we’re upfront with you about the condition of our inventory though leave The Facts of Life discussion to someone else!

Ack! Stop me, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Christen's creative kitchen corner and re-purposed TV stand!

2012-01-10T17:24:00.001-06:00

It's a bit late in the day so I'll get right to today's customer inspiration! Here's Christen's email:

Hi Susan, I promised (more than once) to send some photos of some of our recent purchases. I've attached a few here.

The table we purchased was such a lucky find! We were in the middle of remodeling our kitchen and had added bench seats in a corner near the windows. We came into the store in hopes of finding a small round or square table that would fit the corner benches. Imagine our joy at finding a table that fits like it was made for the space. We painted it a lovely, pale aqua blue to coordinate with our white and vintage-y kitchen feel and we love the results!

The second piece of furniture we purchased from Jubilee recently is a former buffet, which we've turned into our "entertainment center" or tv stand. We cleaned it up, punched a hole through the backside and removed one drawer so we were able to house our cable box, dvd player, etc., inside without cords overflowing everywhere. We love the way if fills up the space and fits our tv perfectly. (And it's sooo much more attractive than our old tv stand).

Thanks for all your incredible work at Jubilee and for always greeting us with a smile! I'm sure we'll see you soon, as I'm always on the look out for more interesting and unique finds!

Christen, Frank & Crosby

Wow! I LOVE the painted corner piece (which was really awkward in the store and yet works perfectly in Christen's kitchen) and how she and Frank re-purposed a buffet into an entertainment center! Well done.

Have you purchased something from Jubilee Furniture that you'd be willing to photograph and email me with the hopes of inspiring others to see used furniture in a new and creative way? If so, please do so at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org.

Until Friday then, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Lisa's lovely home!

2012-01-03T13:45:00.001-06:00

After a few weeks without a single email from anyone with photos I was beginning to think Tuesday Customer Inspiration was dead. Truthfully, we've arrived at this place several times in the last year and a half I've been trying to get customer inspiration off the ground and though there have been times when I've had three - and once even FOUR - emails w/photos ready to go - those have been the exception not the norm.

Yet, each time I've been ready to throw in the towel, some wonderful customer comes through - as Lisa did this week!

Before showing you Lisa's great photos, please allow me to remind you of the point of customer inspiration. By showing you photos of what Jubilee Furniture customers have done with their purchases - either how an item has been transformed - or - just how amazing it looks in a customer's home exactly as it looked leaving the store - my hope is you might be inspired to rethink whatever you currently think about used furniture (unless you already think used furniture is fabulous and you'd never buy anything new even if you life depended on it - well, maybe if your live REALLY depended on it but you'd still have to think long and hard before consenting).

My further hope is you'd be inspired to specifically shop at Jubilee Furniture (we're open Fridays from 1 to 8 and Saturdays from 9 to 4) where the proceeds of everything we sell are helping to support the programs and services offered through Outreach Community Ministries (restoring hope and providing opportunities for those most in need in DuPage County, Illinois). However, if Jubilee Furniture is too far from where you live or work - that you'd stop in at a local resale store where, chances are, their proceeds are supporting an equally wonderful not-for-profit.

If you've purchased something from Jubilee and have been meaning to take a few photos and email me, since Lisa has saved Tuesday customer inspiration for another week - you're in luck and can still do so (sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org) - but please don't tarry!

Here's Lisa's email:

Hi Susan! Happy New Year!!! Thanks for all the wonderful work you and your team do at Jubilee! We LOVE Jubilee Furniture and have found some great pieces of furniture we love and use all the time! So I have been meaning to email you and finally I am, not sure how to format it but hopefully the attachments work..or what to say, so you can add anything else but we love all the things we've found!!

The first is the long mission style cabinet we put our tv on (purchased for $60)

Second, are the Crate and Barrel couches with an ottoman we bought and then I found some turquoise flower pillows at Home Goods that matched perfectly!!! I think the couch set was around $150

Third is the office chair and the table with books and drawers. The desk we got from a neighbor but I've seen identical ones at Jubilee and it makes for a great little office (I think the chair was $20 and the table $30)

And lastly, our kitchen chairs!!! They're a light turquoise (which is the color they were when we bought them) and add a fun touch of color to our table (purchased for $75 for the four of them)!

Jubilee is amazing, thanks again!

Grant, Lisa and Jaedalyn

Wow - I love how Lisa re-purposed a dresser to put her TV on and how great it goes with the rocker! The Home Good pillows really turn a somewhat nondescript sofa and chair into something fabulous! Their home office makes me want to sit down and work knowing I'd work well in such an attractive and organized space. And the light turquoise chairs add a touch of whimsy to their dining space. Love. It. All.

I also love the number of exclamation points Lisa included in her email! Makes me smile.

Thank you so much, Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope to see you, dear reader, back here on Friday for my weekly update post!

JUBILEE FURNITURE WILL BE OPEN TODAY FROM 1 TO 8 AND TOMORROW FROM 9 TO 4! REPEAT, JUBILEE FURNITURE WILL BE OPEN…

2011-12-30T08:52:00.000-06:00

As much as I love the holidays, when you manage a store that’s only open two days each week, at this time of the year it’s super confusing for customers to know when we’re open and when we’re not. No matter how many signs I post, how often I mention it here or how many times I change the phone message (“Hello! You’ve reached Jubilee Furniture and general manager, Susan Galbraith…our store hours are Fridays 1 to 8 and Saturdays 9 to 4 and we WILL be open Friday, December 30th and Saturday, December 31st our regular hours.”) – inevitably someone will mention next weekend how they desperately need some piece of furniture that we’ll sell today or tomorrow and they’ll glare at me and exclaim how they had NO idea we were open New Year’s Eve day (or the day before NYE day) and I’ll feel horrible. Failed. Again.

Overall, I’m fairly confident in my abilities and don’t usually feel like a big loser but I hate disappointing people, hate them feeling like I’ve let them down. Yet now that I’m thinking about it – this job regularly lands me in that position. It might be someone who had furniture to donate and didn’t know about us or someone needing to buy something and paying full price when Jubilee Furniture had a less expensive option for a better quality piece.

Thankfully, before I get myself too tied up in knots – I realize I’ll never be able to communicate to everyone who might want to donate or shop about the store (not that I won’t continue to improve at getting our message out) – and I take a deep breath, square my shoulders and mentally prepare my response – “I’m so sorry you didn’t realize we were open on the 30th and 31st! Next time I’ll personally hand-deliver the engraved invitation to you.” Maybe no? *smile*

The worst part is there’s so much amazing furniture for purchase this week! Lots for unaware customers to get angry over! Let’s take a peek:

fabulous Ethan Allen oversized chair for $145

great round, tufted ottoman for $45

Flexsteel chair for $65

fantastic Room and Board sofa – a few fabric pulls on the back cushions – priced $225

nice Bauhaus sofa for $135

unbelievable, retro, chartreuse colored velvet, curved sofa for $195 – in excellent condition

we received THREE sets of bunk beds this week – this first set is priced $145 (does not include the mattresses) and includes two bunky boards

super sweet bedroom set by Pilliod Furniture includes: twin size sleigh head board, foot board and side rails priced $145; one drawer night stand for $35; chest of drawers (taller piece) priced $125; dresser priced $95; twin mattress and box spring is $135. The furniture is a creamy off-white and each knob is different. Excellent condition.

wonderful twin size captain’s bed priced $165; twin mattress and box spring for

$135

older maple bunk beds priced $125 (does not include ladder or top safety rail) – twin mattress priced either $25 or $35 (forgot to write it down – sorry)

final set of bunk beds – oak in excellent condition – this set also includes two bunky boards (and a ladder and top safety rail) priced $225; twin mattresses shown are $95 each

neat Sligh & Lowry chest of drawers for $55; matching desk is also $55

nice Thomasville bedroom set includes: long dresser with mirror for $195; tall armoire (top opens and there are shelves) priced $145; night stand for $50 (only one night stand)

massive oak table with three leaves and six chairs for $135

this Broyhill set includes: table with 1 leaf, table pads and 8 chairs (some of the caning is pulling away from the side of the chairs) for $150; two piece lighted china cabinet for $95; buffet for $45

this is a pallet of brand new boxes that Dan wrapped into sets of five – the smaller banker’s boxes we’re selling one set for $3; larger boxes are $5 for a set of five

very nice Room and Board sofa – only problem the seam in the middle of the seat cushion has come apart – so sad – sofa is priced $85

fabulous Howell retro table with one leaf and two chairs for $60

lovely old desk with leather top priced $145

So, in case you’ve read this far and are still unclear on whether Jubilee Furniture will be open today and tomorrow allow me to clarify. Hot chocolate. Starlight. Orange – both the color and the fruit.

Dear reader, I would never insult your intelligence!

Wishing you an amazing and marvelous, growing and learning 2012!

'Twas the day before the day before Christmas, when all through the house

2011-12-23T08:53:00.001-06:00

Need a break from pesky baking, cleaning, wrapping and decorating? Then plan on heading over to Jubilee Furniture today between 1 and 8 and stroll through 30,000 square feet of warehouse jammed-packed with amazing, quality used furniture! Seriously, we’re going to have to start hanging furniture from the rafters!

Arrive between 1 and 3 and I hope you’ll find a red-coated, white whiskered, jolly gentleman waiting to greet one and all with a hearty, “Ho, ho, ho!” (I had a hard time getting a hold of Mr. Claus – not surprising given all that’s on his plate at this time of year – so I’m a tiny bit worried about him not showing up – yikes).

Remember, Jubilee Furniture will be CLOSED tomorrow – but back to our normal Fridays 1 to 8 and Saturdays 9 to 4 on December 30th and 31st!

What follows is a small selection of what’s currently for sale and some of the “new” stuff picked up this week:

this is a gorgeous down-filled cushioned sofa – with a unique high skirt around the bottom – in excellent condition (the only thing I could find wrong was the hem is coming out along the front) priced $265

this is a five piece sectional – overall needs to be cleaned – priced $135 for the whole shebang

very nice corduroy sofa – only issue is two of the back cushions are pulling away from the back of the sofa (they’re supposed to be attached) – priced $95

fantastic McCreary/Room and Board two piece sectional (two cushion section pulls out to a full-sized bed) in micro-suede for $375 (donor told me they purchased it in ‘07 for $2,800) – needs some spot cleaning

there are two of these amazing side chairs – there’s a cool pleat in the back of each – and they’re a greenish/blue color – by Brayton International – priced $75 each

very nice Smithe Craft sofa for $165

elegant rolling chrome and glass cart for $45

unbelievable McCreary sofa – in like-new condition – a taupe/gray twill (only issue is with one of the legs, the screw got striped and we used wood-filler to reattach) clean lines, sits low to the floor – priced $495

great retro leather and chrome swing chair for $95

lovely table, two leaves, table pads and six chairs all for $235

sweet round oak pedestal table with four chairs for $165

moss green sofa priced $50; matching love seat for $35

wonderful glass and metal coffee table for $75; two retro folding chairs, one is priced $5 and the other $2 (vinyl seat is ripped)

neat retro china cabinet – extensive water damage on one side (side away from the camera) – also missing some hardware – priced $18.50

nice table, 2 leaves and six chairs for $125

fantastic Krueger and Howell fiberglass stackable chairs in black – Krueger chairs are priced $50 each and we have ten of ‘em ; Howell chairs are $40 each and we have five (little oval drop-leaf table is from last week and it’s $25)

nice chair and ottoman for $95

super clean – hardly used – sleeper sofa – faded but overall faded so it looks like that’s the way it’s supposed to be – priced $65

cream leather love seat (wear on seat cushions) priced $45 and there’s an identical one also priced $45

wonderful wrought iron table base with mirror top and two wrought iron chairs priced $75 for the set

two piece Vanguard sectional – on a couple of seat cushions the fabric is starting to fray/tear (rest is in good condition) priced $95

I’m taking a couple of days off next week – so there’ll be no Tuesday post (don’t have anything to share with you anyway – hint, hint – email me photos of your Jubilee Furniture furniture at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org – PLEASE!) – but I’ll be back a week from today with another Friday update post!

Until then, dear reader –

“But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

2011-12-20T15:33:00.000-06:00

It's a busy time of year - I'm very aware - so to ask customers to take photos of some of the items they've purchased from Jubilee Furniture and email me for Tuesday customer inspiration (with the hopes of inspiring others to see used furniture in a new way and so consider buying used instead of new the next time they have a furniture need) - I simply won't do. No guilt. Everyone who has ever thought to email me their photos - but hasn't - is off the hook. Seriously. Relax. Make yourself some hot chocolate. Top it with whipped cream. Sit down in a comfy chair - maybe one you bought from Jubilee Furniture? - and watch this very fun rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas as sung by the men's a capella group - Straight No Chaser - from Indiana University.

Remember, Jubilee Furniture will be open this Friday from 1 to 8 and a certain jolly ol'elf will be making an appearance for a couple of hours starting at 1:00 p.m. so hope you can stop by with young ones in tow!

I'll be back Friday morning with my usual weekly post.

Until then - ho, ho, ho, dear reader!

All I want for Christmas is…a Jubilee Furniture Gift Certificate, please!

2011-12-16T08:18:00.001-06:00

With just over a week until Christmas some of you might be panicking about what to purchase for a certain hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Well, your worries are over because I’m here with the perfect gift idea! A Jubilee Furniture gift certificate!

Yep, we’re now offering gift certificate in whatever amount you desire and each comes with a handsome mailing envelope! Phone orders accepted (630.337.1467 and have your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card handy) and I’ll mail the gift certificate – with your personal message of good cheer – to the lucky recipient!

To give credit where due – I’ve looked into Jubilee Furniture gift CARDS off and on for several years and was always stymied by the cost when a co-worker (Hi Lynda!) mentioned her stepson had recently moved out and she’d love to give him a gift certificate to the store. After telling her my gift card woes, she said, “No, not a gift CARD but a simple gift CERTIFICATE.” Well, you don’t have to hit ME with a 2 x 4!

Hence, the Jubilee Furniture Gift Certificate was born (and isn’t the world a better place because of it! Okay – maybe not).

But the world IS a better place since my sister, Peggy, used this old photo of us kids as her Facebook profile picture.

I’m guessing this photo was taken around 1964. Mindy is behind me and she’s the oldest, followed closely by Peggy, then Jimmy, me and Betsy. So, was there any question in your mind which one was me? Nope, didn’t think so.

The world is also a better place due to the vast amount of amazing furniture available for purchase at Jubilee Furniture today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4. Allow me to show you some of the new-to-us furniture received for donation this very week!

great old teacher’s desk priced $65; vintage desk chair for $45

lovely sofa or hall table for $65

really nice café height table with one large self-storing leaf and four chairs (love the inlaid wood accents) priced $325

three piece leather sectional (one section the leather is somewhat worn) – both ends recline (hall-huggers) – great dark brown color – priced $325

massive two piece china cabinet for $50 (this is a DIY project just waiting for YOU!)

excellent condition Rowe sleeper sofa priced $125

denim sleeper sofa and matching chair – both very faded and need to be cleaned – sleeper sofa is priced $35; chair $15

super sweet blue plaid love seat for $125

here’s another blue plaid love seat and matching sleeper sofa – this time by Jamison – the love seat is priced $50; sleeper sofa is priced $85

this is a gorgeous plum colored velvet sofa with great lines (don’t you love the swoopy back?) priced $175

this fabulous leather chair has a secret – it’s a recliner! – construction, comfort – it’s a winner in every category…but there are some hair oil, skin oil discoloration. So, the $165 price tag reflects the stain issues

lovely oversized chair and ottoman for $95

nice matching sofas by Sherrill – great color, some fabric worn sections (like fabric is going to tear soon) – priced $85 each

Master Home brand blond wood (photos almost looks like the set is painted yellow and it’s not) table, one leaf and FIVE chairs priced $165

cool square table (top almost seems to be chalkboard paint) priced $125; four folding chairs for $50 (for all four – great extra sitting for the holidays)

brand new, took it out of the box, two drawer night stand/end table by Sitcom – priced $175 (purchase price was $400)

bedroom set by Carlisle Collection includes: dresser (no mirror) priced $125; armoire (shelves and drawers no clothing rod) for $145; night stand (top needs refinishing) priced $30

this retro Bassett set includes: dresser (again no mirror) priced $65; armoire (again shelves and drawers no clothing rod) priced $125

Remember our store hours for the next couple of weeks are: normal hours today and tomorrow; OPEN 1 to 8 on Friday, 12/23; CLOSED Saturday, 12/24; OPEN 1 to 8 Friday, 12/30; and OPEN 9 to 4 Saturday, 12/31!

My hope for you, dear reader, is that you might experience the magic, joy and excitement of the holiday season like you did when you were my age in Peggy’s old photo!

Today's inspiration is courtesy of the Tip Junkie!

2011-12-13T16:14:00.000-06:00

Inspiration comes in many forms. Today's post is from the Tip Junkie site and features 16 second hand furniture make-overs (before and after) and one - or all - is sure to get you thinking about how you can transform something blah from Jubilee Furniture into something fabulous!

REMINDER our store hours for the next few weeks are as follows:

12/16 Friday 1 to 8
12/17 Saturday 9 to 4
12/23 Friday 1 to 8
12/24 Saturday - CLOSED
Merry Christmas!
12/30 Friday 1 to 8
12/31 Saturday 9 to 4 (come ring in the New Year early with us!)

So plan now on coming out to the store real soon, dear reader!

Jubilee Furniture weekly update post

2011-12-08T20:42:00.002-06:00

We received a shocking phone call last Saturday shortly after I’d gotten home from the store from my husband’s uncle. Mark was letting us know of the death of his 45-year old son. Paul had been working in his back yard, apparently fallen down a steep slope, hit his head and died.

After much back and forth with the rest of the family – we’ve decided to make the 11 hour drive to Asheville, NC – leaving early tomorrow morning – so we can attend Paul’s memorial service on Saturday.

Thankfully, I have an amazing team of volunteers to fill in for me. Additionally, Warehouse Manager, Dan Snyder – and Assistant, Chris Jackson – are no slouches and can handle whatever arises.

The only thing I haven’t figured out how to have someone else take care of is updating the blog. So, without further ado – and a good 12 hours earlier than normal – I give you photos of some of the amazing new-to-us furniture available for purchase Friday from 1 to 8 and Saturday from 9 to 4!

lovely moss green velvet-like sofa (some minor stains) priced $115; butler coffee table for $55

this is a gorgeous drop-leaf table (no leaves) and six chairs priced $195

photo doesn’t accurately show the pretty muted colors of this very nice sofa priced $65

this might be the steal of the century…I couldn’t find a tag identifying the manufacturer of this linen-like sofa with down-filled cushions that is amazingly comfortable and classic – but I think it’s Room and Board (that’s my educated guess – but I could be wrong and I was too tired to lift it up and see if there was a tag on the bottom of the sofa). I was also alone when it came time to price it and I couldn’t be sure if there were some bleach-like stains on one of the seat cushions (our lighting is so terrible that sometimes it’s the light and there’s nothing on the fabric – good grief). Also, some minor spot-cleaning is needed on the bottom in the front. So, ASSUMING there are some bleach-like spots on the cushion – and knowing there are some small stains on the front towards the bottom – I came up with the low, low price of $165! Whew

denim sofa for $50 and matching loveseat for $45 (donor does have a cat – FYI)

black leather sofa priced $95; funny ottoman (don’t think it’s leather) for $12.50

retro brown vinyl recliner (you have to push back – hard – to recline) priced $20

look at this cool coffee table! The top raises to dining height – so you’ll never spill a blob of mashed potatoes from your TV dinner on your shirt while watching I Love Lucy reruns again! Sweet. Priced $60; Klaussner red sofa for $30

I am so in love with this retro yellow formica top table priced $65; yellow and chrome chair is actually a rolling desk chair and priced $30; each of the other miscellaneous chairs around the table are $5

here’s another great table – this time priced $135; four fab retro chairs (need some TLC) all for $75 (comes to $18.75 each!)

very nice green leather sofa for $145

amazing corner vintage table for $50; side chair for $20

very nice dining set by Universal Furniture – table, two leaves and six chairs all for $185 (two leaves have some water damage); two piece lighted china cabinet for $145

another fun retro table for $10; four great chairs for $95 for all four

two deep blue velvet side chairs (very worn on the arms) priced $20 each

here’s our third or fourth Room and Board (for sure this time) two piece sectional – it’s dark blue, not gray (you’re going to have to trust me on this – it’s blue not gray) that we’ve received in the last year. This one is in excellent condition – some minor fading but no other issues that I could see – priced $295 (retails for something like $1,800)

fun three piece sectional by Wesley Hall priced $65

lovely seven piece Nativity set priced $50

We’ve been meaning to visit Paul in Asheville for several years now and are finally going. Too bad he won’t be there.

There’s an Eskimo Proverb that states:

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”

Take care, dear reader.

Update: Safely home! Though long, actually a beautiful drive especially once you get out of Indiana! Service was a celebration of Paul's life and afterward his home was packed with family, good friends and tons of delicious food! His work was something he was passionate about (owned Asheville School of Music and taught piano there) and he lived his life focused on connecting well with people. Truly an inspiring and uplifting time - which is sort of a funny thing to say about a funeral - but the warmth, love and graciousness of all we met, was amazing.

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Kari's gorgeous chair links!

2011-12-06T15:04:00.000-06:00

It's Tuesday which means it's time for my customer inspiration post where I show you something someone has purchased from the store and how amazing it looks in their home - either exactly as it looked leaving our store or how it's been made even better!

This week there's a bit of a twist. I received an email from Kari with a couple of links to some very inspiring photos of gorgeous chairs that look an awful lot like some we have in the store. Here's Kari's email:

Hi Susan,

I have been to Jubilee a couple of times and LOVE it!

I saw those black dining chairs you have for $70/ea that came in a few weeks ago... there were still 4 there last time so I thought I'd send you a couple of amazing links I found to them online. Not quite the same as a reader makeover -but inspiring nonetheless!

(note we only have two of these chairs left for purchase)

Sweet and shabby white

(photo from Shanna Michelle Photography of Ashley Russell's beautiful Thanksgiving table)

Gorgeous painted shiny red

(photo taken from Kiki's List by krista salmon of kitchen designed by Windsor Smith)

How amazing are both these photos? VERY. AMAZING.

Thanks so much to Kari for sending the links my way!

Have you purchased something from Jubilee Furniture that you'd be willing to take a photo or two of and share with me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org? I'd be grateful and you just might help inspire others to see used furniture in new and fresh way!

See you later in the week with my weekly furniture update post, dear reader!

Another “illuminating” Jubilee Furniture post

2011-12-02T08:59:00.001-06:00

As I was waiting to pull out of the Jubilee Furniture parking lot last night I noticed a car heading west on North Ave. that didn’t have its headlights on. I thought to myself, “Whoa, that guy (coulda been a woman driving – but I thought – guy) is gonna get himself killed or kill someone else.” You see it was 6:15 p.m. and though there are lots of street lights along North Ave. – it was dark. Really dark.

Eventually, I pulled out onto North Ave. and proceeded to turn south onto Schmale when I realized the headlight-less vehicle was going in my same direction.

Typically I pray for green lights on that section of Schmale which is stop light after stop light – but last night I was praying for a red light so I could maybe let the driver know they didn’t have their lights on. Sure enough as I came up on the light at Geneva it turned red and I thought, “perfect”, since the driver was on my right and should have pulled up practically next to me.

Did you notice the foreshadowing with the words “should have” in that last sentence? Yep, the driver in front of the headlight-less driver left a semi-trailer length between him and the guy in front of him (I know, I know a lot of people do that and if I were rear-ended I would wish – and the driver in front of me would wish – I did the same thing). Now there was nothing – short of jumping out of my car and probably scaring the driver behind me – I could do to get the light-less driver’s attention.

Surely you aren’t surprised that that’s exactly what I did (after safely putting my car in “park”)? Turns out it was a male driver though I was surprised it was a younger guy. After a quick, “Sir, your lights aren’t on!” he turned his lights on and we all went our merry ways.

Now you could analyze all the various stereotyping that occurred (why did I assume it was a male driver? why was I surprised it was a younger guy? why was I not surprised that the driver that left so much distance between his stopped car and the vehicle in front of him was approximately 102 years old?) – but you’d be missing the main question if you did.

Why did no other driver – of which there were many on a busy road at a busy time of night – notice this guy was driving without his lights on? And if another driver did notice – why did no one else try to alert him? There was the guy in front of the light-less driver who the light-less driver had been following for a longish time (though we’ve already noted he was one million years old – so maybe he’s automatically excused). Then there was the car behind me who was right next to the light-less driver (and who didn’t seem too fazed when I got out of my car yelling and gesturing) – why didn’t they do something?

Or is the question – why do I care so much? Who am I the headlight police? Is it my job to make our roadways safer? In my defense I really was worried there might be an accident – the guy was almost invisible in his dark colored car – but, really Susan?

So, is it no wonder I come home exhausted most days? It’s challenging being me and feeling responsible for the whole world. Makes you wonder who I put my faith in – myself or God? Grrr…I hate it when it turns out it’s about me and not someone else.

Thankfully, what follows is all about the amazing furniture for purchase today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4. Here are a few photos of some of the new-to-us things donated this week to Jubilee Furniture!

very nice Lazboy sofa in great condition EXCEPT front frame needs repairs (doesn’t look like a big issue) price reflects damaged frame – $95

amazing Moore of Bedford retro chair in excellent condition priced $125

lovely floral sleeper sofa for $125

suede and camouflage fabric Rowe sleeper sofa for $35 (suede needs cleaning)

fantastic Room and Board tannish sofa in great condition priced $225

nice table with one self-storing leaf and six chairs all for $125

here’s another sleeper sofa in great condition priced $75 (there’s a matching swivel/rocker that I forgot to take a photo of that priced something like $35)

wonderful Smithe-Craft rolling side chairs priced $95 each; Bombay Co. petal side table (doesn’t the top look sorta like a flower?) priced $65

nice pine table, 2 leaves and six chairs (only one of ‘em has arms) priced $125 for the whole set

very nice plaid wingback/recliner chair for $85

neat-o tile and glass coffee table for $65

very nice round glass table with four chairs priced $145

excellent condition dark blue plaid sofa priced $145

greenish striped love seat for $35

this is a gorgeous light green velvet sofa the size of a small landing strip – needs some overall cleaning (though surprisingly the seat cushions are spot free and in excellent condition – more the arms and back cushions that need sprucing up) by Shenandoah Furniture – priced $145

very sweet retro maple desk for $45

another neat student desk priced $35

large bookcase/storage/display/room divider piece priced $45

lovely cream colored love seat for $65

What follows are some photos of a fabulous donation that came our way this week of brand new, plastic, shoe-box sized, lidded containers filled with plastic toys. Again brand new.

We have tons of several different kinds (wild world animals, bugs and reptiles) and then just a few of others (fire truck, birds, dinosaurs, etc.). They’re two different sizes – but after examining reptiles which comes in both sizes – I realize both sizes contain the same toys and the same number of toys, one is just packed tighter.

I was told these retailed for $25 each (manufacturer is Awesome Kids – but they are no longer in business). Jubilee Furniture price? $8.50 for the larger box and $7.50 for the smaller.

These toys are suitable for children older than 3 years of age and they were made in China. The donor did some research prior to donating and could not find any recalls or problems with them.

That last photo is sorta gross but I was trying to show you the contents

Would you have noticed the car without its lights on? If so, would you have tried to let the driver know? Please tell me I’m not a total freak, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiraiton - Naomi's stunning chair makeover!

2011-11-29T16:57:00.000-06:00

Wow - what a makeover I have for you today! I'm so excited - obviously so much so that I failed to tell you what Tuesday customer inspiration is all about (in case you aren't familiar with it).

Every Tuesday - if my wonderful customers take the time to snap a photo or two of something they've purchased from Jubilee Furniture and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org - I show you said photo(s) with the hopes of inspiring you to see used furniture in a new and creative way. Not every post is a complete makeover - many of the things at Jubilee Furniture are fabulous just the way they are - but wait until you see what Naomi did to a very sad chair she found at the store.

Here's her email:

Hi! I had been looking for a cute chair for my "crafting nook" to no avail (I didn't have much to spend, that always slows me down!) - I found your blog/website and was excited to read about what you do for the community AND some of the cute makeovers your customers had done.

My husband and I have a few goodwill finds we had made over - mostly painting furniture - but I hadn't done a chair before - so stepping into the store on Saturday, we were looking for something CHEAP (so if I ruined it it would be no big loss!) - we found the perfect chair FOR $5.50! And took it home for a makeover!

I found some clearance fabric at Wal-Mart, so total, the project was less than $45!

So attached is my picture of the makeover (I saw you were asking for inspiration posts), I hope to come visit again soon for more furniture :)

I cannot believe how someone - with what sounds like no re-upholstery skills - was able to create a multi-fabric job with contrasting trim! Wow. So. Impressed. The chair looks amazing!

Thanks to Naomi for turning our ugly duckling chair into a swan!

Stay warm, dear reader! See you back here on Friday!

Hold onto your hat–’cause I’m planning on blowing you away with Jubilee Furniture’s fabulous inventory!

2011-11-25T08:29:00.001-06:00

No time to dilly-dally this morning. I have tons of photos to share – and they still aren’t every new-to-us item Dan and Chris picked up this week!

Yes, yes, yes – Jubilee Furniture is open today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4.

And yes, we’d love it if you found time to stop by.

And no, we aren’t having any special black Friday deals – since at Jubilee Furniture every time we’re open it’s like a black Friday event – with free cookies!

So, put your comfortable shoes on since you’ll be scrolling through our showroom for quite a while taking in our extensive and amazing inventory!

fabulous green leather loveseat priced $225; coffee table (that needs to be dusted!) priced $30

this is an unbelievably comfortable, expensive leather chair by Baker Furniture – needs some spot cleaning – but otherwise is great – priced $175

this wood trim leather sofa was donated by my brother and sister-in-law and though has some stains and one small hole (see white spot in right photo?) is super cool and unique and is priced $225

gorgeous stenciled drop leaf table with six ladder back cane seat chairs (two chair are out of camera range in first photo) all for $250

beautiful oak dresser from the 1930s (best guess) priced $125

these are really lovely carved pieces that you need to seen in person to appreciate – but there’s a lovely accent chair for $125; matching bench priced $95

this just might be the largest sectional we’ve ever had in the store and though it’s too late for Thanksgiving – many other holidays are just around the corner – and with this three piece beauty in your home there would be seating for ALL! The upholstery needs to be cleaned – but other than that – it’s really a fabulous sectional – fabric is sorta gathered (not sure what that’s called) for a textured feel and it’s a great gray color with clean, low lines – can you tell I really, really like it? – priced $265

amazing retro bookcases – priced $85 each (there are two of them)

leather sofa from IKEA – mint condition – priced $195 (they sell for new for $395)

lovely nesting tables with artwork on top (under glass) priced $95 for the pair

amazing table with inlaid wood and one self-storing leaf – priced $185

two unbelievably wonderful swivel/rockers by Sherrill – priced $145 each

there are four bentwood chairs that look just like these two and we’re selling all four for $100; small oak end table (which also needs to be dusted) is $25 and there’s another one that looks just like this one and is also priced $25 (how weird is that?! *smile*)

two piece United Furniture retro china cabinet priced $125

two cool bar stools – $50 for the pair

words are going to fail me as I describe this fabulous two piece light china cabinet by John Widdicomb – the shape, the metal work that’s in front of the glass – so creates neat shadows and depth – I. Love. It. There are some missing circle pulls (hardware is still there – but the pull to open the drawer is missing) and one of the doors on the lower buffet piece is missing a pulley thing to open it. Also the glass shelves for the middle display part are missing and behind the two doors on the buffet there should be one or two adjustable shelves and those ain’t there (and, of course, it needs dusting and some minor surface touch-ups). The wood color is most accurate in the first photo. Get to the price, you say? $395 which is an absolute steal!

three piece Ethan Allen floral sectional – some fading in the front and some fraying in the back (fraying in the back looks like cat claws – but I didn’t see pet hair on it – so not sure) priced $95

really beautiful glass top, wrought iron base table for $185

denim sofa for $65

table, one leaf and four chairs for $65

very nice round outdoor table with four chairs (and their like-new cushions) priced $75 for the set

hip, retro pink vinyl chairs – priced $5, $10 and $15 depending on condition (and there are two of each style)

The Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving last year Jubilee Furniture offered some gorgeous, hand-crafted afghans for purchase and we’re doing the same thing this year – I’m very happy to report!

Here’s the sweet story – Olga, an area senior, loves to crochet. Not only does crocheting keep her busy but – as we all know – there’s great satisfaction in creating beautiful things. Unfortunately, all of Olga’s friends already have one of her lovely creations and – let’s be honest – yarn ain’t free and Olga’s on a fixed income (like a lot of seniors). Olga’s friend, Henny, remembers that wacky furniture store connected to Outreach Community Center (OCC) – where she met Olga – and wonders if Olga could sell her afghans there. The rest as they say, is history!

Olga isn’t looking to get rich off the sale of these beauties but rather is simply asking for $25 each. Cash and checks only (checks made out to “OCC” since the center helps Olga with her finances and budgeting). I hope Olga will leave the 16 or 17 she made this year until we sell ‘em all – but she wasn’t comfortable doing so last year (you know how something you spend that much time and energy making become special and it’s hard to let it out of your sight? That’s how Olga feels).

I bought one for my daughter last year – and she absolutely loves it – and it appears in the photo Abby took of herself that she included in her guest post here – which resulted in more comments than anything I’ve ever written – and yes, I may have had some hurt feelings – but I’ve since recovered. Sorta. :-)

Don’t you love all the colors?

God’s peace to you, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Judy's transformed night stand!

2011-11-22T16:43:00.000-06:00

Gosh, here we are again with another installment of Tuesday customer inspiration where I showcase something someone has purchased from Jubilee Furniture with the hopes of inspiring you to view used furniture differently than you might have before. Some of my Tuesday posts show furniture looking exactly as it did leaving the store and others how the piece has been transformed into something even better!

Today's post is how something lovely became even lovelier with a simple color of white paint!

Here's Judy's email:

Good morning, I have attached before and after pictures of my most recent purchase at Jubilee. I saw this little table while shopping for a couch for my son's first apartment. I fell in love with the shape, and didn't know what I would do with it. I even told the kids don't let me buy it, because I have no where to put it. But bought it anyway and thought is would look better white. So that's what I did. It is now in my bedroom as a night stand and just love it!

Thanks - Judy

I, too, was drawn to the shape of this piece and love what Judy did with it! I wouldn't have thought of using it as a night stand but thinks it works really well in that function.

Hat's off to Judy and many thanks for the inspiration!

Reminder: Jubilee Furniture will be open this Friday (from 1 to 8) and Saturday (from 9 to 4) and I'll have my weekly post up Friday morning as always (my goal is to have it online by 9:00 a.m. CST - and I've made that goal for months with the exception of once when blogspot had an issue and there was nothing I could do about it but groan - and groan I did. A. Lot.).

Until then, may your turkey be tasty and your potatoes mashed just the way you like 'em, dear reader!

long hours + no fun = cranky, crabby, peevish, peckish me (though not anymore in case I’m scaring you and you’ll never ever enter Jubilee Furniture!)

2011-11-18T08:45:00.001-06:00

The last few weeks I’ve been working a million hours (give or take an hour *smile*). Things at Jubilee Furniture are so busy that I find myself doing nothing but working and then going home and eating and immediately going to bed. Though in some ways it’s wonderful (store’s doing really well and my boss loves our high sales) – it’s not healthy for me.

Don’t get me wrong – I love what I do – but when I don’t have time to take care of: myself (I need alone time and especially love to read), my house (order is very important to me and though I’m not a super neat-freak – I like a fairly clean house), and family and friend connections – I begin to resent work and the sound of a ringing phone makes me snarl.

Recognizing I was running on empty (do you remember that song?), this week I’ve deliberately stopped worrying about completing every last thing on my desk and left work at a normal hour. I got my hair cut and went home and colored it (oops, cat’s out of the bag if you thought my hair color was natural!). I’ve had some great conversations with my husband and my son (my daughter and I keep missing each other – but we had a funny text exchange – my, how times have changed!) – and I feel human again!

And ready to have a fabulous weekend at Jubilee Furniture! Remember we’re open today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4! We’ll also be open next Friday and Saturday (two days after Thanksgiving) our normal store hours (so add us to your crazy list of places you’re going to shop at).

Here’s what’s “new”!

great plaid oversize sofa $185

swivel rocker $55

this is a very nice leather sofa – but probably wasn’t super expensive to begin with (unlike a couple of other pieces we received for donation this week) – priced $195

this leather set is in good condition and very comfortable – chair and ottoman are priced $145; matching loveseat is $195

here’s a lovely sofa and loveseat by Rowe – photos don’t show how much both of these pieces need to be cleaned – sofa is priced $50; loveseat $30

fun curved two pieced, loose pillow back sectional by Style Line – priced $75

amazing oak and upholstered two person rocker for $175

here’s a top-of-the-line leather sofa in excellent – like new – condition priced $595

this two piece sectional is microfiber and should clean up well (and it needs cleaning) and both ends are wall-hugging recliners priced $195

great retro melon-color side chair for $30

cool vintage sofa and loveseat in wonderful condition except both pieces need to be cleaned (not sure what’s with all the needs to be cleaned stuff we got in – maybe because I ask about stains and there are no stains on either piece but instead just overall wear/dirt?) loveseat is priced $35; matching sofa for $50

no cleaning needed on this gorgeous sofa priced $195

two great wingback chairs priced $95 each

this is a fabulous McCreary sofa – but it’s faded and also needs to be cleaned (you starting to hear a theme in today’s post?) and is priced $30

great brown sofa (note the cool shape of the back) priced $95

green slip-covered sofa priced $65

two Pottery Kids flower rugs – larger one is priced $15; smaller one $8

amazing bedroom set by Crane & MacMahon – there’s a tall five drawer chest priced $125; six drawer dresser with mirror for $95; nightstand (only one of ‘em) priced $35

here’s another great set – this time by Fancher Furniture – with includes: two nightstands priced $40 each; tall armoire/chest for $95; long low dresser with mirror for $125

great three drawer dresser for $50

excellent twin size captain’s bed for $195

If you – like me – have found yourself all work and no play then I hope you’ll stop in at the furniture store where a warm welcome, free cookies and 30,000 square feet of fantastic furniture will recharge your battery and renew your sense of adventure and delight!

Until Tuesday customer inspiration – blessings to you, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Melissa's back with another fantastic make-over!

2011-11-15T16:45:00.000-06:00

Thanks for stopping by for Tuesday customer inspiration where I show you something purchased from Jubilee Furniture and how fabulous it looks in someone's home with the hopes of inspiring you to see pass our concrete floors and bad lighting to the amazing finds available for purchase every Friday from 1 to 8 and Saturday from 9 to 4! Whew - that was a rather long sentence! Did you catch it all? Hope so!

Melissa is a semi-regular customer and one of the most creative people I've ever met. If you click on the customer inspiration tab at the top, you can scroll down and find two other times I've showcased things Melissa has purchased and transformed from the furniture store.

This time it's a sweet roll-top desk and it actually started off looking pretty good. Nice oak - not bad at all - but definitely lacking some pizazz!

It certainly has tons of pizazz now!

To learn more about the transformation and see other creative and cool things Melissa has done, check out her blog here!

Here's hoping you have a wonderful week, dear reader and I'll see you back here on Friday for my weekly update post (spoiler alert - unbelievable furniture donations this week!).

Thank you for your service to our country

2011-11-11T08:49:00.001-06:00

I freely admit to being a flag waving, parade loving individual who cries when those who’ve served in past wars drive by in old timey cars. I embarrassed my kids two years ago when we were visiting the World War II Memorial in Washington DC by going up to everyone in uniform and thanking them for their service to our country. So, it should come as no surprise that I’d want to acknowledge and thank our service men and woman today – Veteran’s Day.

To individuals who willingly put their lives on the line to protect my freedom – and to those wounded and killed doing so – I’m left without adequate words to thank you except to simply thank you from the bottom of my heart.

There’s one particular veteran who’s so woven into the fabric that’s Jubilee Furniture that our store wouldn’t be nearly as fun if he were absent.

Bradley Nathan – Nate – served during the Vietnam conflict and came home – as most others did from that war – to a country who scorned and hated him for serving. There was no hero’s welcome for our Vietnam vets.

Today from 1 to 8 and tomorrow from 9 to 4 I would like to honor Nate – and all others who have served (or are currently serving) in the military – with words of thanks and appreciation for their service.

I’ve set up a table near the register where you can write a note of thanks to Nate or any other service personnel and I will deliver them (any general notes of thanks will be dropped off at the Midwest Shelter for homeless veterans in Wheaton).

Personally thank Nate and find out where he has shrapnel from being shot in Vietnam and come tell me and have your pick from our candy bowl!

If you are a veteran, married to a veteran or have a child who’s a veteran (or who’s on active duty) – please accept 25% off your total purchase from Jubilee Furniture today and tomorrow as a small token of our appreciation.

So, what’s available to buy? Let’s take a look at some of the new-to-us things Dan and Chris picked up this week!

cool retro chair priced $30 (and there are two with arms and one armless that’s priced $20)

neat-o round pedestal round table for $40 (needs some TLC)

slip-covered sofa priced $65

gorgeous, amazing Walter E. Smithe/Bernhardt oversized chair (part leather, part fabric) for $295; matching sofa for $445 (some minor wear on both – but overall in excellent condition)

I am totally in love with these chairs – we received six of them for donation – they’re heavy, cool, wood chairs – all six have arms – with lovely fabric on the seat cushions (which is covered in plastic – so the fabric looks like new). I don’t normally do this – but I priced ‘em individually since they might work better as an accent chair instead of a dining room full of them (not to say you couldn’t buy all six…) – priced $70 each

three piece sectional – overall needs cleaning and there’s some sagging – priced $60

8 sided glass coffee table priced $65 (I guess that would make it an octagon!)

super lovely (awful photo) lighted curio cabinet with etched glass – priced $225

this is actually a great four piece retro sectional that if cleaned would be amazing (though some fading) priced $45 for the whole thing (cripes that cheap!)

sweet antique dresser priced $125

so fabulous are these metal and wood chairs and painted pedestal table that words fail me! Six chairs (two with arms) priced $165 for all six; lovely painted round pedestal table also priced $165

this is a huge, gorgeous buffet with tons of storage (one sectional has drawers, other two open with one adjustable shelf in each) – needs works but original hardware is fabulous – priced $95

lovely blue Lazboy rocker/recliner priced $85

unique marble topped entry table? sofa table? wherever you think best table – priced $125

very nice leather sofa – originally part of a sectional but if you place an end table by the armless part it’ll work super great – priced $85

wonderful leather top end table priced $65

lovely yellow hutch (originally part of a two piece china cabinet but hutch works pretty well by itself) from 1969 – priced $85

great table with two leaves (wood on leaves are lighter in color – like the wood of the table darkened over time due to ??? sunlight?) and six rolling chairs priced $165

unbelievable Chromcraft brand chrome and suede cushion side chair $50 each and we have two of them

Nate needs to get some screws to secure the wood top to the wrought iron base of this very nice table, one leaf and four chair set – priced $185

painted antique garden bench and chair (the ornate pieces) priced $195 for both; glass top table with two chairs priced $195 for the set

looks like new Room and Board chair frame (just add cushions!) priced $65

As you can see we have unbelievable inventory right now (though that’s not unusual for us – praise God!)!

In closing, I again want to thank everyone (and their families) who has served, or is currently serving, in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, Coast Guard and Reserve and National Guard. Your sacrifice is noticed and greatly appreciated. God bless you.

And God’s blessing and peace to you too, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Jessica's fantastic chair make-over and Mandy's great reading corner!

2011-11-08T15:51:00.000-06:00

Greetings and welcome to Tuesday customer inspiration where we hope to inspire you to see beyond our less than fabulous warehouse/showroom to the amazing discoveries to be found within (some of those discoveries require some lovin' before they're revealed as the gems they are and some don't!).

This first inspiration comes from designer Jessica Jones (learn more about the very talented Jess here). She took a very tired looking chair and made it fabulous. Click here to learn more about Jessica's Jubilee Furniture chair transformation.

before - ho hum

after - amazing!

And then Mandy stopped in a couple of weeks ago and purchased two armless chairs for her classroom's reading corner. I love how the two gray/blue chairs go so well with Mandy's other chair and the great striped pillows certain fun 'em up! She wrote that her kids love the space!

A big thank you to both Jess and Mandy!

Have you purchased something from Jubilee Furniture that you'd be willing to take a photo (or two or more) of and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org to be used for a future Tuesday customer inspiration? I'd be ever so grateful if you did!

On Friday I'll be sharing about a special discount, this weekend only, for all veterans in honor of Veterans' Day!

Until then, take care dear reader!

Jubilee Furniture = excitement galore!

2011-11-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

I ended up at the emergency room with a friend last night and got to thinking about people who work nights. My friend told me her dad worked the 12:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. shift unloading trucks for the post office for 41 years and though long retired stills sleeps during the day and is up most of the night.

Thankfully, we were on our way by 10:15 p.m. and I was home and in bed by 11:15 p.m. (which is very late for me – I’m often in bed by 9:30 p.m. – is that embarrassing to admit? In my defense I am up by 6:00 a.m.!).

Have you ever been up and out at a time you normally aren’t and are sorta surprised there are people driving around and all sorts of living is going on? I’m not naïve enough to think everything comes to a stand still when I put my pjs on – but I like to think I’m not missing too much!

Ah, there’s the real issue – fear that I’m missing something. I’ve always wanted to be part of whatever action is going on. No children’s table for me – I wanted to be at the adult table since I just knew they were having more fun (and I a little bit suspected better food). There are several black and white photos of me looking grumpy while sitting at the kids’ table. Same mop of wild curly hair, same freckled face but with a scowl on it that I hope none of you have ever seen (well, my mother reads my blog – and I know she’s seen it. Oh, and two of my sisters read it – and I’m sure they’re fairly familiar with my crabby face. And my daughter probably knows too – okay a bunch of you know exactly what I’m talking about!).

Lucky for you no crabby face today! I’m thrilled and excited about all the amazing furniture we currently have in the store! Remember we’re open today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4. Let’s take a look at some of our inventory:

great reddish/orange Smithe-Craft sofa for $125

unbelievably gorgeous hand-crafted, old bench with storage priced $325

here’s a couple of pieces from the Hampton Inn donation that I mentioned last week – upholstered chair is priced $30 and the ottoman is $15 (have many of each)

though this Isaac’s Upholstery three piece sectional needs to be cleaned – it’s fabulous and I love it! Priced $225

I also love this button-back sofa from Plunkett’s – it was new last week – priced $195 (needs spot cleaning)

and how amazing our these French Country style chairs? Very amazing! Priced $85 each (again – not new this week, but came in last week when I was on vacation)

I had to look at this picture for a minute to determine what I was taking a photo of! It’s the Crate & Barrel mirror – can you see it behind the wingback? – love the lines of it and the size! Priced $195

very nice Chase Upholstered sofa for $165

wonderful wingback chair priced $95

lovely plaid sleeper sofa by Karpen for $85

this is a gorgeous dining set – couldn’t find a name, made in China – that includes a table, one leaf and six chairs for $395; matching lighted two piece china cabinet for $275 – all super nice

and then this retro set by Bassett makes me swoon – it’s a table, three leaves and six chairs for $275; two piece lighted china cabinet for $165

gold-ish fabric makes this a royal looking chair that’s super lovely – priced $95

I smiled when I saw the Marshall Field’s tag on this lovely sofa with wood trim (can you see the wood trim along the top/back?). Remember how angry people were over Macy’s buying Field’s? I do miss Marshall Field’s. You can have a piece of history if you buy this sofa, priced $85 (some minor pet hair on sofa)

two pale yellow sunny side chairs priced $65 each (by Vanguard)

nice leather/pleather (some parts are the real McCoy – some parts aren’t) priced $135

wonderful wicker chairs (see the swan heads on the arms?) priced 85 each

super great bench for $85

excellent condition (except for rip in back of the sofa) loveseat and sofa by Guildcraft – loveseat is priced $135; sofa only $145 (because of rip)

great comfy sofa for $60

wonderful retro chair for $35

excellent sofa for $195

this gorgeous coffee table has a drawer that pulls out for you to put all your lovely things for display on (items can been seen through the glass top) priced $125

I promise you everything exciting in the whole world will be happening at Jubilee Furniture and no where else – and you, dear reader, are cordially invited to join me at the adult table!

And if by chance something cool and amazing does happen elsewhere – please don’t tell me because I’ve been told – if I’m not careful – my cranky face might permanently stay that way! :-)

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Margaret's lovely entry and living room!

2011-11-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks for stopping in for Tuesday customer inspiration where I showcase something a customer has purchased from Jubilee Furniture and how it looks in their home - either exactly as it looked leaving the store or how it's been transformed into something even better - with the hopes it'll inspire you to give ~~peace~~ used furniture a chance (sometimes I crack myself up!).

So, without further ado, it's my pleasure to introduce one of my favorite customers, Margaret! This is Margaret's third time submitting photos for customer inspiration (check out her first customer inspiration here and numero duo here)! Here's her email:

Subject: some more pictures...

...through my embarrassingly dirty camera lens. Or is it supernational phenomena? Nope, just dirt.

The first picture is that two piece painted table we found at Jubilee. Remember, when I came in the store three times and kept stealing your tape measure? It serves as an entryway table with some knickknacks on top. Notice the glass panel on our front door, which explains why we bought the second piece (giant curio) in the next photo. We're pretty sure that this is someone's homemade brainchild, but since it went so well with our front door, we figured it belonged at our house. We removed the casters that it had on the bottom, but unfortunately, this made it tip forward. We then stuffed some balsa wood under the front to steady it, and anchored it to a wall stud with a child safety furniture strap. Hopefully, it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Crystalware and old books rest on the shelves inside the glass doors, while hand-me-down board games hide in the cabinet below.

The pine bench is also from Jubilee. I like the rustic hinges and unfinished look. It holds our mittens and baseball hats and the occasional stuffed bear or human child sits on top. One day it might go in one of the kid's rooms and hide toys and books. Who knows?

Just as soon as I took these two pictures, I changed things. So, the last photo is more of the same, just a rearrangement of the furniture to make the room feel bigger. It isolated the one armchair in the corner, but makes for more walking/playing room. I can't decide which way is better and will probably move it back and forth every once in a while.

That's all of our Jubilee stuff, hope to see you soon!

I find Margaret's home to be so warm and inviting! It's also very cool that she and her husband have Jubilee Furniture furniture in so many rooms of their house (Jubilee Furniture furniture in your home = tons of feel good vibes knowing your purchase helped those most in need in DuPage County through the programs and services offered by Outreach Community Ministries).

Have you bought something from the store and are willing to take a photo (or two) and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org? If so, that would be supery-duper!

I'll be back on Friday with my weekly post which will include photos of some of the fantastic stuff the guys are picking up this week! You won't want to miss it!

Take care and a great big THANK YOU to Margaret!

Off this week…

2011-10-25T16:50:00.001-05:00

not doing anything exciting – unless you find yard and house work exciting – but I’m not working at Jubilee Furniture. No Tuesday customer inspiration. No Friday update post. Sorry! Some day I hope to have someone else take photos and fill in when I’m out – but until then, I got nothing.

Though I’m not working – Dan and Chris are – and there are tons of pick ups scheduled and they all sound amazing! Also, tomorrow the guys will start a complete hotel donation from the Hampton Inn in Carol Stream (the hotel has been purchased and the new owners are remodeling) – and the furniture is fantastic (and all matching which is something we don’t often have available for our customers – so I’m excited!). This week we’ll pull out one floor – about 20 rooms – of furniture and then another floor in a couple of weeks.

Though I won’t be at the store this weekend, Connie, Linnea, Anne and Ginger will be covering for me and we’ll be open our usual Friday from 1 to 8 and Saturday from 9 to 4.

I’ll see you back here next Tuesday, November 1st!

Until then – God’s peace to you, dear reader!

There’s nothing unwanted about the fabulous furniture found at Jubilee each week!

2011-10-21T08:47:00.001-05:00

Several months ago I started getting unwanted emails offering me things like: free credit scores, dating for people 50 and older, how to make $600 a day from my home and auto deals. Instead of simply deleting these emails – because I was afraid they would multiple if I did – I careful opened each one and politely unsubscribed – both to the company offering the deal and the company sending the email.

And thus started a feud I’m still having with spam email – and I am not kidding, and you won’t be surprised, when I tell you spam email is winning. However, I’m too invested –and too stubborn – to stop.

A week ago I went 24 hours without receiving an unsolicited email and was a very happy person – only to find three in my inbox the next morning and I was bummed and irritated. You know what bugs me the most? The fact that usually on the bottom it says, “This email was sent to you because you requested we contact you about updates and promotions” (no, I did not!) and after you unsubscribe it often responds that your request will be processed in 8 to 10 business days (what the? isn’t it all computerized and can’t you immediately delete my information?). Grrrr….

Mid-growl this morning I looked up from my laptop and glanced out into the back yard and my eyes landed on a red oak tree I received as a birthday present from my husband and kids about four years ago. Though still smallest – it’s easily 25 feet tall and its leaves have turned a deep red/brown color and with the sun shining on it, it’s simply magnificent! There’s a bird house in its branches that Michael and I bought on a quick 25th wedding anniversary trip to Door County two years ago and there are birds flying in and out. Sigh – lovely.

I can focus on my frustration around unwanted emails, computer generated, that no one cares if I’m upset or not about – or – on other, nicer things (which there are, thankfully, plenty of in my life – if I only see).

There’s a Tanzania proverb that goes, “I pointed out to you the stars and all you saw was the tip of my finger.” which I heard many years ago and it’s always stuck with me. Obviously, it didn’t stick quite well enough though!

Well, let me point out some of the amazing – and we have a ton of amazing – furniture we received for donation this week. Remember, we’re open Fridays from 1 to 8 and Saturdays from 9 to 4.

this evergreen color sofa is soft and comfy and oh so touchable and priced $85

lovely square glass top table with four chairs (upholstery on chairs needs to be spot cleaned) priced $135

sweet desk – issue with front part of top that sorta curves up – priced $35

super nice armless side chairs in excellent condition priced $125 each (last photo is an up-close of the pattern)

gorgeous Ethan Allen dining set includes: glass top table and six chairs for $425; matching lighted china cabinet could also be used alone as a curio cabinet priced $395; buffet priced $175

this amazing set is by Drexel Heritage and includes table, two leaves and six chairs (two have arms) for $495 (photo shows table with both leaves in it); fantastic, huge, two piece lighted china cabinet priced $395 (it’s a gorgeous piece – love)

then look at this fabulous dining room set by Richardson Brothers Co. which includes an oval table with FOUR leaves and six chairs for $395; matching two piece lighted china cabinet for $295

wonderful baker’s rack priced $175

fun wicker framed sofa (upholstery needs to be completely redone) priced $30 (back is also upholstered)

nice Pennsylvania House sofa for $135

Lane cedar chest for $85

fantastic side chair for $95

flash on, flash off – neither photo captures this way cool wicker chest priced $145

though these love seats look white – they aren’t – but rather a cream and tan stripe pattern – priced $75 each (some spot cleaning is needed)

green wrought iron table with four bouncy chairs for $85; umbrella and umbrella stand for $40

lovely outdoor tile top table with six chairs priced $125; umbrella and umbrella stand for $60

gorgeous lighted three piece Drexel Heritage bookcases/storage – one part is a drop down desk – priced $245 for all three (which is a steal)

lovely table and four chairs for $225

very nice Pennsylvania House sofa – in a southwestern pattern – priced $195

this is an amazing McCreary sofa – soft floral pattern in gray/rose and green – excellent condition priced $345

gray sleeper sofa on wheels – priced $50

this leather/pleather love seat reclines on both sides and is browner in real life – priced $125

amazing hard maple swivel stools by Meubles Canadel (a Canadian company) priced $150 for all three

Though I know myself well enough to know I won’t give up trying to eliminate unwanted emails – I also promise you, dear reader, to see the stars more often!

More stars, less finger tip. Got it.

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Kathy's daughter's fun dorm room!

2011-10-18T16:22:00.002-05:00

It's Tuesday which means it's time for customer inspiration where I show you something which has been purchased from Jubilee Furniture and how fabulous it looks outside of our dumpy warehouse in order to inspire you to see pass the concert floors and bad lighting to our amazing inventory! If you have purchased something from the store you'd be willing to take a photo of and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org - that would be ducky!

Here's this week's email:

Susan! Greetings! I finally got a photo of my daughter's adorable dorm room. You probably remember the piece that came from Jubilee...no, not the bunk beds...the darling dusty salmon velvet tufted love seat! It fits perfectly in the room - size and style. :)

There are two other pieces from Jubilee in the room that cannot be seen...a side table at the end of the love seat and a "candy/mint/almond table" across from the love seat. It all makes for a cozy and inviting space. :)

I'm hoping to get a few shots of the off campus house that my eldest lives in also. The girls have several Jubilee pieces there! We all love Jubilee and the wonderful things we have found there...and the lovely people that volunteer at Jubilee make it fun to come in even when we don't find "just the right thing"...not to mention...it's for a great cause! (run-on sentence, lol. Don't show Connie!) :D

Thanks for all you do!

Thank YOU, Kathy!

Wow - I love how a somewhat "formal" piece was transformed into something very colorful and fun simply by adding a ton of great pillows and the fabulous orange shag rug on the floor! Super inviting and I'm guessing this is the "hang out" room on the floor! 'Course having a candy/mint/almond table might also help (as long as there are always candy, mints for almonds on said table!).

See you, dear reader, back here on Friday for my weekly update post!

Jubilee Furniture–a piece of the back story of helping transform lives!

2011-10-14T08:47:00.001-05:00

I was without a book to read earlier this week (something which rarely happens) and I asked my daughter if she had anything good I could borrow. “How about Anne of Green Gables?” floated her voice from her room. Though Abby’s middle name, Anne, is in honor of Anne Shirley the heroine from L.M. Montgomery’s book – I’ve never read it. Instead I fell in love with Anne from watching the film aired on PBS in 1985.

The next day Abby asked how I was liking the book and I enthusiastically responded – “I love it”! “That’s not surprising,” she answered, “the story includes a plucky orphan. Who wouldn’t love a book with a plucky orphan?” I had to laugh at the word “plucky,” but Abby nailed it. I love reading about courageous Anne – who overcomes a very tough start to her life with imagination and ongoing amazement at the beauty of the world and the people in it – and think she’s a character worth admiring. “But really, Marilla, one can’t stay sad very long in such an interesting world, can one?”

Thankfully, plucky – courageous – people aren’t just fictional. Nicole – one of the single moms in our Jubilee Village program – shares her story of overcoming odds and working hard to create a life for herself and her son, Asher, here.

The proceeds of everything we sell at Jubilee Furniture – minus our expenses – are helping to support Nicole, Asher and others through the programs and services offered through Outreach Community Ministries. The fact that you also go home with some amazing furniture in the deal is almost too good to be true!

But true it is. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll find at Jubilee Furniture today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4:

sofa where both ends recline priced $75; matching recliner for $40 (both pieces show more wear in person and need to be spot cleaned)

we received a number of barrel chairs this week for donation and they’re all lovely! This matched set has cane backing and are priced $50 each

this barrel chair is upholstered all around and is priced $65

cool black velvet sofa for $65

great leather insert game table for $125; brown leather chairs are $4 each (this design tends to rip along back on each side where you’d grab as you’d be pulling them out)

this rosewood set is the same one we had in the store several months ago – it was too big for the customer’s space – but came back with more wear so the prices reflects that – $165 gets you the table, 2 leaves, table pads, six chairs and 12 chair cushions (two different sets). Such a deal!

another cane backed barrel chair – this one is priced $40 (you’ll see where the wood is cracked along the back)

this gorgeous buffet is probably my favorite piece this week (though there are several things I really love) and is priced $295

the donor told Dan she won this sweet writing desk on Wheel of Fortune 25 years ago – how cool is that? – priced $135

four swivel bar stools priced $80 for all four

lovely mustard color small wing back chair for $75

these ottomans/storage pieces are on swivel bases so they turn every which way – priced $45 each (note the fun country fabric)

here’s another I LOVE IT piece – plaid flannel covers this great side chair priced $125

grayish sleeper sofa for $65

sweet bench with two throw pillows priced $145 (fabric matches the two swivel ottomans)

Here’s another I LOVE IT piece – amazing gold/green sofa by Century Furniture priced $365

Oh, and I love this piece too! leather insert writing desk for $165

who won’t love this sweet round child’s table with two chairs – priced $50 for all

this love seat is two separate pieces (makes moving it easier) and both pieces are recliners – priced $95

nice wood trim on this green sofa priced $85; matching chair and ottoman for $65 (both show a medium amount of wear)

lovely chest of drawers with a mirrored side storage piece priced $145; dressing table with triple mirror (attaches along back) for $165

gorgeous pale yellow and floral Crate and Barrel chair for $65 (needs to be cleaned)

lovely wing back priced $135

black six drawer dresser for $75

chest of drawers with side storage priced $65; two night stands (they’re stacked one on top of the other) priced $25 each

sweet as pie Ethan Allen student desk for $65

I’m not in the depths of despair this morning. I never can be in the morning. Isn’t it a splendid thing that there are mornings?

Ahhh Anne, how I love you and your eternal optimism!

Here’s hoping this is indeed a splendid morning for you, dear reader!

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Sherah's beautiful home!

2011-10-11T16:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Tuesday customer inspiration where each week - God willing and the creek don't rise - I show you photos of furniture purchased at Jubilee Furniture and how wonderful it looks in a customer's home - either exactly as it looked leaving the store or how it's been made ever more fantastic-er - with the hopes it'll challenge you to think differently about pre-owned (hey - it works for cars!) furniture. How I get said photos is like so: you take your digital camera - or iPhone - and take a picture or two of whatever you've bought at Jubilee Furniture and then email them to me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org! It's that easy and if you do this, you will totally make my day!

Onto today's inspiration! Here's the email:

Hi Susan, My name is Sherah -- and I'm a huge, silly fan of Jubilee Furniture :) You might remember me: I come in with my little one-year-old, Charlie, every once in awhile. He runs around the store, munching on your cookies and trying to fit inside all of the china cabinets, and I look around at all the awesome furniture! It's a win-win ;) Anyways, here are a few pictures of Jubilee furniture that we've bought over the past two years - the brown chair and white couch are both in our living room and the dresser is in our bedroom.

We love Jubilee, and we're so thankful for the work you do there! I've told my friends and family about Jubilee too - my cousin just bought a house, and she went to your store last weekend and found incredible deals on tons of furniture for her home! It was exciting!

Also: I'm a freelance photographer, and I put up a post about Jubilee (with a few more details about the furniture we've purchased there).

So, thanks again! I'm sure you'll be seeing Charlie and me again very soon :)

I continue to be blown away by how fabulous furniture looks once it's been removed from our dumpy warehouse, cleaned up and installed in a lovely home! Wow - truly looks amazing, Sherah! Thank you - I can't wait to see you and Charlie again!

I hope you, dear reader, have a good week and I'll see you back here on Friday for my weekly update post!

Steve Jobs 1955–2011

2011-10-07T08:47:00.002-05:00

I was surprised at how sad I felt when I learned of Steve Jobs’ death earlier this week. Needless to say, I didn’t know him personally and I don’t even own an Apple product (though my kids do). Was it because he was only a few years older than me? Similar to the passing of any iconic, innovative, creative individual? The end of a man who was a pioneer and visionary in creating and improving technology– personal computers, digital music and cell phones? The knowledge that ultimately – no matter how wealthy or smart or business savvy you are – death will find you?

All of the above?

Death makes me think about what’s important and what’s not so important. How I want to live my life. How grateful I am for today – this moment. How relationships should trump “things” and how we’re all connected – through our humanity – to each other and thus have a responsibility to one another.

That’s a big reason why I work where I do – because I value relationships and desire to help others in my small way.

Many of you have been on the receiving end of my “how shopping at Jubilee Furniture is impacting those most in need in DuPage County through the programs and services offered through Outreach Community Ministries” spiel. But no matter how many times I say it – it shouldn’t diminish the fact that it’s true. I would never want anyone to buy something at the store just to support Outreach – but when you find something you love and can use in your home – PLUS – you’re helping area kids and families – well that’s the icing on the cake!

Speaking of things for your home, let’s take a look at some of the new-to-us merchandise available for purchase today (Friday) from 1 to 8 and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 4!

moss green micro-suede love seat for $125

lovely blue floral Knob Creek sofa priced $135

Berne camel back sofa (photo makes it look better than it actually is) priced $95; oval coffee table with glass insert for $30

amazing, unusual curio cabinet priced $185 (last photo is of the back)

excellent bookcases – two matching – one permanent shelf and three adjustable shelves – lovely trim at top – priced $125 each

another set of very nice bookcases – again one permanent shelf and three adjustable – note nice curved detail at top – priced $125 each

sleeper sofa – needs to be cleaned – priced $40

micro-suede sofa priced $95; lovely round coffee table for $125

set of four, hand crafted, solid wood, comfortable and well made chairs priced $200 for all four

amazing Crate and Barrel sofa – down (or down like) filled cushions (excellent quality – you feel the difference the moment you sit down) – only problem is tears along the back where you’d lean when sitting – almost looks like a two-year old took a pair of scissors and cut out pieces of fabric (someone tried to patch – but the holes are still pretty obvious). This is a seriously gorgeous sofa but priced $125 due to rips

This End Up sofa for $145; matching chair for $85; add on shelf/table for $20

extremely nice leather and suede four piece sectional by Plunkett Furniture – one rip and some structural damage on one arm (you can kinda see what I’m talking about in the last photo) priced $325

here are photos of the Pottery Barn rugs I mentioned in my Tuesday post – starting with the blue/reddish one it’s 8 x 10 and priced $175; green/tannish rug is 5 x 8 and priced $125; rusty red/tannish is 8 x 10 and also priced $175 – all are in very good condition

cool older sofa priced $65

twin size futon with mattress for $145 (in excellent condition)

three piece sectional – one part is a sleeper – priced $65

gorgeous king size head board, foot board and side rails priced $375; king mattress and box spring for $225

one-of-a-kind (because it’s hand crafted) twin size bed frame over 10 drawers (yep, TEN DRAWERS) – quality built, oak, heavy, super nice – priced $365

here’s another amazing king size head board, foot board and side rails priced $350

very nice, wing backs that also recline – there are three matching priced $135 each

rolling kitchen island priced $50

IKEA desk in excellent condition priced $60

dresser with hutch priced $40; matching night stand for $15

we have a bunch of Phillips 26” color TVs (no remotes) which we’re selling for $10 each – they haven’t been tested (donor said they all work) but we’ll provide a full refund – one week from date of purchase – if it doesn’t work once you get it home. Ten dolla for a TV? Can’t beat it!

In a commencement speech given in 2005 at Stanford University, Steve Jobs told the graduates:

“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

And that’s my prayer for you, dear reader – the ability to listen well to your heart and intuition and then the courage to act on what you hear.

Tuesday's customer inspiration - Rachel's transformed show stopping dresser!

2011-10-04T16:07:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this week's installment of customer inspiration were we showcase something purchased from our dreary warehouse which is teeming with fabulous furniture finds and amazing people (both my volunteers and my customers!) and how wonderful it looks in someone's home (either exactly as it looked leaving the store or how it's been transformed into something even better).

Today I bring you a lovely dresser that Rachel and Ben bought a while back and though it wasn't bad - it also wasn't their style until a simple coat of paint changed everything!

Here's Rachel's email:

Hi Susan, My husband Ben and I came into Jubilee a little while back and picked up a beautiful 9-drawer dresser. The dresser is so big and our rooms are so small that it only fit in our living room. Which is nice because we really did not have any furniture in there. The dresser was in great shape, and the paint job was not terrible, just not our taste. So after a little sanding and a few coats of white paint we have a beautiful new piece with TONS of storage! The pictures that now hang above the dresser are of the Museum of Science and Industry building before it became the museum it is today and went through a renovation of its own. We love this dresser and get tons of compliments. We surely will be back at Jubilee searching for our next project soon!

This last photo includes Rachel and Ben's Whoodle (Wheaton Terrier and Standard Poodle mix), Hank (isn't he adorable?!).

Many thanks to Rachel for taking lots o'photos and email me at sgalbraith@outreachcommin.org! I love the transformed dresser and your home (what I can see of it) is lovely!

Make sure you head back here Friday morning when I'll have photos of some of the unbelievable things Dan and Chris are picking up this week including several Pottery Barn rugs! Sigh. Love.