I was recently sent a copy of Lara Spencer’s new book, I Brake for Yard Sales to review.
And GUYS. I love this book. Like, I devoured it in one sitting and couldn’t stop.
You thought The Hunger Games was addicting? HA. This is my Hunger Games.
My first impression was that it would be a book on how-to “sale,” which I thought I knew a lot about.
But instead, the whole book is like a design book or magazine, filled with rooms decorated MOSTLY with thrifting finds. There are lots of before and afters of pieces, stories from “saling” and the history behind her pieces in the book, and specific tips on how to be awesome at different kinds of sales.
I’m sure you know Lara Spencer, she’s been the host on shows like Good Morning, America, Antiques Roadshow, The Insider, and is the creator of Flea Market Flip on HGTV and It’s Worth What? on NBC. But I never knew that she is also an avid thrifter and decorator, and has been her whole life!
Lara writes as though she’s talking to you, spilling her secrets like you’re old pals, sharing prices, and coaching you so that you can come along to the next sale. And I loved seeing photos of her super-gorgeous homes with the occasional “I got these for $2 at a garage sale!” scribbled onto the page. It makes me feel so good to know I’m not the only one who tells everyone where I scored, and how much I paid for everything in my house, haha!
She talks about homes she’s worked on, such as that of comedian Kathy Griffin, tells you the history of pieces, and what she did to repurpose and save them. Lara has an amazing eye, and she trains you to do the same. Many of the pieces she showcases I wouldn’t have looked twice at, but after seeing the after, WOW! Definitely a huge inspiration.
I’ve been wanting to incorporate color and more personality into my home, and this book is just what I needed! I wanted to lick the pages, they were so vivid - like beautiful flavors of ice cream. The styles highlighted in the book are very high-end, and different than my own, but they cost the same as the plain-jane stuff I find! By carefully editing and being patient, you can have a high-end home of your own.
After reading I Brake for Yard Sales, I realize I need to have a more trained and patient eye, step out more into the world of flea marketing, and make bold design choices. My favorite neighborhood garage sale of the year is tomorrow, and I can’t wait to put her tips to good use! I’m bringing my copy with me... 😉
If you’re still looking for a great gift for Mother’s Day, I Brake for Yard Sales would be perfect for the mom in your life! Whether she is an avid garage saler or is looking to start, you’ll score major brownie points. I have a few women on my list that I know would love a copy!
This giveaway has ended.
This post is a sponsored post and I was given a copy of the book for review. However, my opinions are 100% my own. I truly loved this book, think you will too, and was not paid to tell you that! I only share products on here that I think you’ll enjoy. Thanks!