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!
yanina wehbe
I love your program Sarah!!!! I'm your fan....please send a copy....
Rebecca
When are you going to have another give away or something Special. I recently had a hip replacement and I am not back to work. I have learned to knit hats on a loom, including a variety of knitted headbands with yard sale, thrift store and some vintage ladies scarfs attached to the headbands. I've started a small veggie garden between the snow storms that continue to come my way. And now I'm getting ready to spray paint (?) two old wood dressers for my two year old twin grandchildren. I hope I haven't adventured into something over my head.
Val
Love Lara ..... Want the Book!!..... Love the Show.... trying to become
More crafty......:-)
Hilary
I love Lara Spencer!!
Kelsey
Sounds like my kinda' book! I stole stuff from the trash that 2 neighbors had tonight - LOL! I was walking down the road thinking... I never would have dreamed I would become a garbage picker! I scored a cart on wheels (I visioned a coat of spray paint and making into my fabric caddy!) and a terracotta planter 🙂
Erin
Would love to win! I am going to completely decorate my house over the next few months from yard sales and this would be amazing! 🙂 Please pick me! 🙂
Steph @ The Silly Pearl
Thanks for the giveaway, Ann Marie!
Marty
Ooooh, I had not heard of this book! I just *love* looking for treasures. Looks AWESOME, thanks for sharing!