Slowly but surely

So, let's see. Since my last update, I've done a fair amount of furniture buying.

I finally found a cheap coat stand on TradeMe, but somehow I managed to pick a seller that is a total dud. I paid two weeks ago and I can't get any response from them. They don't answer e-mails, and I've called three times only to get the run-around. I sent a complaint to TradeMe, so hopefully something will come of that. I mean, what kind of shady character cheats people out of coat racks, of all things? And how is it that I bought things off eBay in the States for years, and the first time I get ripped off doing this sort of online auction is in New Zealand, of all places? It makes no sense!

Anyway. A couple weekends ago, Jason and I went on a fun roadtrip down to Christchurch, partly to get out of Nelson and see some amazing scenery (check) and partly to look for furniture (check). We ended up only getting two desks, but they're fantastic! We've been searching for large, solid wood desks as opposed to shitty office furniture we'd have to assemble (which, by the way, goes for an insane amount of money in this country). After having no luck at the local used furniture store in Nelson, I was totally stoked to discover Mr. Pickwicks in Christchurch. Now there are two large wooden beauties headed our way, which should arrive within the next week. Jason is getting the nicer of the two - it's monstrous and beautiful, and only $250. They just don't make desks like that anymore. I'm getting a more table-like desk with two cute drawers (pictured), for only $150! It needs a bit of refinishing on the top surface, which I doubt I'll do right away, but eventually I'd like to give it some love. We forgot to measure before we left, so I hope they fit through the office door. Ha...

Today, I zipped over to Graham's Trading Post (previously mentioned local used furniture store) and picked up some items I've been eyeing for weeks now. I got a dressing table with mirror ($129), another small three-drawer mahogany dresser ($59). The design of both is very mid-century, and even though they don't match, they're both in quite good condition and were cute and cheap, so I just went with it. I also purchased a guest bed for $449! It's a queen sized wooden slat bed with a like-new mattress. Total deal - and now the friends staying with us will have a real bed to sleep on tonight!

The new stuff should be delivered sometime this afternoon. I'll take photos when I get a chance.