Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Delightful Dining Room Detail

Have you ever had to sell your husband on a piece of home decor that you absolutely love, but that he wasn't quite sure about? I recently had this happen at TJ Maxx.
Our conversation went something like this:

"Oh my gosh! This is soooo awesome!" (Layla)

"Really?" (Kevin)

"You don't think so?" (Layla)

"Yeah, I guess...I'm not sure. You know more about that stuff." (Kevin)

"I think it's awesome!"(Layla)

"Really?" (Kevin)

"Totally! Should we get it?" (Layla)

"Let's go home and look for place to use it, and then come back if you decide you want it." (Kevin)

"It'll be gone the next time we come back." (Layla)

"Really?" (Kevin)

"Yeah- this thing is awesome! I think we should get it." (Layla)

"Alright." (Kevin)

"Yessss!" (Layla)

So here is our "awesome" new accessory, happily hanging on a little chunk of wall space between our living and dining rooms...









And I'm pleased to announce that Kevin thinks it's pretty "awesome" now too.

:-)


A couple of days after we hung our bell, I saw this photo on Brooke's blog and I could hardly wait to show Kevin...




Moral of the story:

There is no instinct like that of the heart, so listen to it.
And if your husband can't hear what it's saying-
send him over to Brooke's blog for further confirmation.

:-)

Happy Wednesday y'all!
Layla



This post brought to you by...



And speaking of Whitewash Sundries- if you'd like to help my friend Sarah win a Valentine's Day contest over at Etsy, click on the photo below to cast your vote!




And if you've been looking for herb crates like the ones we have in our kitchen- she's sells those there too!

96 comments:

  1. Oh that is sooooo cool!
    Your home is beautiful. :)

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  2. That's just too cool! And, yes, always go with your heart.

    I can just see you ringing everyone to dinner... how fun!

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  3. sweet little bell! I agree, it was a find you just couldn't leave the store without. My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on Valentines day and I think, after all that time, I finally have him convinced I know what I'm talking about when it comes to buying things to decorate with.....he doesn't question my "crazy" buys anymore. :) I'm sure it won't take you as long to "convince" Kevin. :)

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  4. I need one of these!!

    Beautiful day to you ~~
    xoxo Laura

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  5. I love it! It totally goes with the decor of your house. I have made that mistake of going back "later". It is always gone!
    I have also awarded you the "Sunshine Award" Check out my blog to grab it and give it to others that aspire you!
    Love your blog!
    http://sunshinesdesign.blogspot.com

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  6. PERFECT for your space! A little nautical...a little shine. LOVE IT! Girl, you have some great "gut feelings" when it comes to decor! ;o) ~mary~

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  7. Layla, that is so cute. I would actually use it (not just as decor) to get my kids to the dinner table. They seem to tune my voice out when they want to but who can ignore a bell calling you to supper.

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  8. I LOVE it! And I know what you mean- I just recently talked my husband into knocking out a wall in our laundry room to make for a larger mud-room. He wasn't sold on the idea, but did it anyway. Now he LOVES it (esp. when he comes in from the garage all dirty and messy and can clean-up right there!)
    Thanks for all your wonderful inspiration!

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  9. I agree Layla it's awesome and perfect for your home.

    LeAnn:)

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  10. Too funny! I'm just impressed that you got Kevin into a TJMaxx with you! Doug won't go within 100 yards of that store!

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  11. That is pretty awesome--now I want one for myself-- how fun to use at dinner parties to let everyone know the dinner is ready!

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  12. I love that bell! Maybe if I had one in the kitchen I wouldn't be yelling all the time lol :)
    Kristin

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  13. Oooo...I've been looking for a bell to hang outside to call my kids into the house. That one is sooo pretty!

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  14. Agreed, Awesome is THE word to describe it!!! I want a bell, although my kids would ring it ALLTHETIME and it might drive me into the insane asylum.......but I still want it!!!!!!!
    I love talking my husband into things!
    You picked a perfect place for it.

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  15. Layla - you put a smile on my face as I read your latest post. I think we've all been there before. I think we just need to stay strong and trust our gut instincts. Your instinct was right on target! Love it!

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  16. LOVE IT! My grandmother had a dinner bell in her house when my mom was growing up. I remember ringing it when I was a kid & would go play at her house! I think we may have to get one! It was SUCH a special memory of my childhood! Wish I could find a deal on one at TJ Maxx. LOVE The Maxx!!!

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  17. omg! Layla, I bought that same thing from TJ MAX! My husband wasn't sold on it either, he really could not think of a place we could put it. I went back a few months later and they were sold out. Then on a recent trip there, they had the bell's in again. I snatched it, and at only 14.00 dollars, I certainly wasn't worried about where we would put it. I ended up putting it in out side entrance, it looks great and gives a simple elegance to our space. Love what you did with yours!

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  18. Ooohh! I want one too! I've never been in our TJ Maxx but after seeing all the great things all you ladies find there, I think I'll have to go.
    It looks perfect in that spot - do you use it?
    Sarah

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  19. I LOVE it! I have been wanting one of those as well for quite a while. Now I have a good reason to make a TJ Maxx run! Thanks for sharing!

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  20. That "is" awesome and I'm glad you were able to help him see its "awesomeness!" Every kitchen/dining room should have a dinner bell! Now, if we could just get someone to make dinner then all we would have to do is ring the cute bell to announce that it's ready...now that would be Awesome!

    Kat :)

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  21. Your bell is awesome Layla!
    Steve and I bought our bell when we were on a family trip to Carmel by the Sea. We both loved it, but we also looked at each other and asked "Are we crazy?" Fortunately, like you, we went with our gut and brought it home.
    I can't believe how much yelling it saves me :)
    Each child has their own signal (Charlie is 1 ring, Nick is 2 rings and Leila is 3).
    Thank you for including the image of my kitchen!
    xo
    Brooke

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  22. This same situation has happened to me to many times than I can count, Hubby and I are always disagree on little decorating thing and then I don't end up getting it and come back and it's totally gone. I've told him now, that I'm just going to buy stuff and return it later if it doesn't work! :) good job, the bell looks beautiful!

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  23. I love it and have never thought of using one on the inside, we have a black iron one hanging on the front porch. The kids love ringing it. I think it feels that space so nicely, and glad to hear I am not the only one who has to talk there husband into things. Have a blessed day,
    Cha Cha

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  24. I Just LOVE that bell! When it speaks to you, get it! That is my motto too. You have such a good hubby too!

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  25. Love it! Trust your gut...it looks adorable there!

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  26. TJ Maxx, really? I've been looking for one of those bells for our school room. Hmm I'll have to check out our Maxx.

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  27. Thanks for all the wonderful comments!

    I'm really glad we got the bell now and I've learned not to question my bride on home decor decisions! Ha Ha :)

    Hope your all having a great week!

    Kevin

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  28. I like the way you sweet talked your hhubby into seeing it your way.
    Good job girlfriend.

    Looks great, your instincts were right. Don't you just love it when you see something that you know is perfect for your home.

    Sissie

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  29. You are correct. It would have been gone if I had seen it first. Love it (and love TJ maxx)!

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  30. Love it! Can you even imagine how much quieter (and calmer) I'd be in this crazy but wonderful home filled with seven children! I cannot stand that TJMXX is a whole hour and 15 minutes away or I'd be there right about NOW!

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  31. Love it! Can you even imagine how much quieter (and calmer) I'd be in this crazy but wonderful home filled with seven children! I cannot stand that TJMXX is a whole hour and 15 minutes away or I'd be there right about NOW!

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  32. Thomas replies just as Kevin did: "Really? Where are you going to put it? Once you decide, we can come back and get it..." But like Kevin, if I am truly smitten, he will give me the thumbs up and end up liking it just as much.
    I love the dinner bell!
    Another beautiful detail added to TLC.

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  33. We had a bell that was rung for dinner, my mother wasn't going to search us down throughout the house...it brings back memories! Thanks for sharing.

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  34. I wanted this EXACT bell at TJ Maxx. My husband didn't get it either. I hinted to my mom about giving it to me for christmas, but December has come and gone and no bell. :(

    I just hope TJ Maxx sells them again.

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  35. That looks great. I would always go with YOUR gut--you style is AMAZING.

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  36. whaaaaa! That's me whining because I didn't give into *my* instincts when I saw that cool bell at TJMaxx a while back. I love it... so perfect in every way.

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  37. Layla.
    I think Kev knew deep down it would be grand!
    The moral of the story is also;
    "Here today..Gone tomorrow" or in 5 min." with both TJ Maxx and Home Goods.
    I just love it and where you put it.
    It's always a Happy Anyday when I read your blog.
    geri.

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  38. P.S.
    I offen buy things that I can't decide on and are a great deal and return them if it isn't just right.
    Saves second guessing and being bummed.

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  39. I'm heading to TJMaxx right now! That bell is awesome and I know right where I would put it. I think it's too funny Brooke had one too. I just read her post about her kitchen and didn't notice the bell. Sometimes things are just meant to be. Glad your husband finally "got it."

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  40. and if you had hated it you could have taken it back..... Love it!

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  41. I love that bell! I love that kitchen!!!

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  42. SO CUTE! I would ring that thing every time dinner was ready. And did you have to show me that kitchen? It's killing me, here. That is pretty much my dream kitchen. Bell and all. :) I had the TJ Maxx debate over the summer when I found a chair I loved there. I took pictures of it, walked around it for an hour, called Michael about it, and sent camera phone pictures to him. He ended up saying no it it, but still found it hiding in the guest room under a sheet when he got home! Now he likes it :) He just didn't share my vision at the time.

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  43. Super cool! Off to check out Brooke's blog.

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  44. I agree~ No way could you have passed that up! I'm looking for one too, we had one growing up! You know, the days when you were allowed to 'roam the hood'? This is how my mom managed to communicate dinner time! (no cells phone then...ahh simplicity)!

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  45. I just love your fresh looking kitchen! Your bell is an awesome find. We have a cast iron rooster bell hanging in our kitchen near our back door. We use it to call the dog in! LOL! Enjoy!!!

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  46. OMG, I bought the same exact bell at TJs over a year ago. I too wasn't sure what to do with it, but knew I loved it. My grandmother had one in her kitchen so it brought back good memories. I have intentions of hanging it in our pool house to rally the friends and family to come out of the pool for dinner.

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  47. I love the Bell!! Fits in perfectly! Thanks for the link on Houzz to my Burlap Placemats post! I really appreciate it! Love your blog and all the work you've done and shared with all of us.

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  48. You were so right. It is fabulous. Hugs, Marty

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  49. I grew up in a big family with a good-sized house and we had a dinner bell similar to that! It was hanging in the kitchen, next to the door to the dining room, and we would ring it to let everyone know to come downstairs for dinner! See, you can tell Kevin it not only looks great, but it's practical too!! And the rope handle thingy looks like something that would be your style!

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  50. I love your thoughts about following your instincts but yours seemed far more honed than mine. I want half of the stuff I see!

    Nice pick.

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  51. Love it! Such a simple detail making a big statement. Love your decorating style & home :)

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  52. I would have probably never picked that up... but now that I see it in action, I want one too!

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  53. I love your bell - wonderful.

    I'm afraid similar conversations in our house are more like:
    "Oh my gosh! This is soooo awesome!" (me)
    "Really?" (him)
    "You don't think so?" (me)
    "No, I hate it." (him)
    At which point I go home in a sulk :)

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  54. I love the bell, I love the idea of the bell, and I love great finds at places like TJMaxx. But if it were mine, I would have to change that pull. I get that it's rope, but I just can't help seeing something else there. Maybe a loop of rope would be more pleasing to my eye.

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  55. haha, me and my husband go through the same ordeal. He thinks I'm a looney until I get everything done.
    Oh, there WILL be a bell in my house, too. I'm just trying to convince my mom that the awesome antique one rotting away in her basement should be mine ;)

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  56. Ahhh!!! I saw that at Marshall's a few weeks ago, but unlike Kevin, my hubby said NO... I can't wait to show him this and prove that I was right!!! Now I need to go back and see if it's still there!

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  57. Love! Oh, and I've had those conversations many, many times with my very trusting, albeit often skeptical husband. ;)

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  58. Hands down, Layla, you win the most adorable contest.

    oxox
    Jennifer

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  59. I LOVE it and it looks great there...hmmmm I bought one at the end of last summer, I thought I'd hang it outside you just gave me a GREAT idea...

    Thanks...and the hubby should NEVER ? our nesting instincts...LOL

    Ding Ding....
    Kathy :)

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  60. I have that same bell and hung it up about a year ago and am now feeling kind of smug knowing it's in your home too. I ring the bell when a meal is ready - really handy when the kiddos are playing outside!

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  61. Darling story, Layla! I'm crazy for that fabulous bell. TJMaxx?! I've not seen anything like it at the one near me. *pout*

    I just posted a subtle valentine's day hints for hubs...show it to Kevin! ha! ;)

    Have a lovely week!

    Cheers!
    Tina

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  62. Ah, but the real test will be if you two can agree on its use...what wonderful bell ringing games will issue forth?

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  63. Love that bell. Layla, What color is the wall ? So pretty It was well worth you talking Kevin into that bell.

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  64. I love it...you should ring the bell when dinner is ready :)

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  65. The theme I grew up to, listening to my parents when we were on vacation was this: if you find something that you love, something that speaks to you... get it. Get it right then and there. Don't plan to come back for it later if you can find a spot for it. Don't think that you can talk yourself out of it. Because once you get home after talking yourself out of getting it, there it'll be--the most perfect spot in the whole wide world, and now you don't have that something which spoke to you before. Even if it's 10 years down the road and the spot turns up then, your mind will go back to that special thing and think to itself, "My, oh my, how lovely it would have been to have that special something right here for this very special spot," and you will frown and be sad about it!

    So, um, in other words, I agree with you getting the bell! And, you found the perfect spot for it!

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  66. Hey Layla,
    Went to TJ Maxx today.....my honey went with me........bought a pink plaid table cloth and colored eggs for easter..........got strange looks from honey, but I bought the stuff anyway. :) He knows I'll do good things with them.. spring is on the way and I NEED to find fun stuff so I'll be ready! right??? tell me I'm right! LOL

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  67. My husband is the same way. I might need to send him over to Brooke's blog, lol.

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  68. Love this idea - I have one of those triangle bell thingies (come and get it) and yours seems like an upgrade.

    Hop over to my blog for a Valentine GIVEAWAY,
    Sylvia

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  69. i didn't know about being included in your idea books too , thanks
    so much
    chris

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  70. ummm...i generally can't even sell my husband on going INSIDE tj maxx!

    i think the bell's pretty great too. but you better believe my little boy would wear that thing out in no time!

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  71. I love your bell. What a nice addition to your home. Love & blessings from NC!

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  72. My husband bought me a brass bell 2 years ago for Christmas. It next to the front door and serves as a doorbell. We love it!

    And, you are so right about it not being there the next time at TJ MAXX. A few months ago I actually found the herb boxes you have in your kitchen at TJ MAXX. I didn't buy them because I wasn't sure where I would use them. I went back the next day and both sets were gone. Lesson learned- I just buy it if I love it

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  73. Love the bell!!!! I found the same one at our TJ's before Christmas and it's in our guestroom.
    Hmmm...which reminds me I forgot to blog about it...LOL
    Maybe we should have a TJ Maxx Bell meme...LOL

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  74. Wow, yes you have to go with your inner voice!! It is beautiful!
    Karena

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  75. I love it! The doorbell didn't work in our last home & we bought a bell just like that, when we took a trip to Santa Barbara, that we put by the front door.

    It looks great!

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  76. Haha! I literally just woke my fiance up to have him read this post! We find ourselves in that same situation a lot! So glad to hear there are others out there!

    Love the bell! I'm glad Kevin trusted you!

    Melissa

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  77. AWESOME IS RIGHT! ~~~SCORE~~ ~lulu

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  78. Very sweet and you're right of course--about husbands and blogs and oh so much more.

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  79. That's what I'm talkin' about!!!! As always, if you love it....it's GREAT!!

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  80. Great little bell isn't it? I've been grappling recently with a decision to remove one similar to this (but with a more rustic look) it has this little strutting rooster on top... It just needs a new location I think...
    The TJ Maxx dialogue is one I think I know well ; )
    Ciao~

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  81. Great look, terrific state of mind and passing on kind words and acts is superb and meaningful! Come visit some time...Jennifer

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  82. this happens to me about EVERYTIME i go to tjmaxx! but i never can convince him that we need whatever it is! props to you! it looks awesome!

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  83. It is awesome - love TJ Maxx! And my husband and I have had a million of those same conversations! Trina

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  84. That is so cool there...Now you KNOW we will all be running to our local TJ's looking for it;)

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  85. Love it! Although I was waiting for you to show us a piece of furniture! I'll so be looking for it at mine!

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  86. Those are adorable! I'd love to win!

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  87. TJMaxx/Homegoods is one of my most favorite stores and I will be checking out a couple to see if I can find this bell. It's a great find! Love it!

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  88. That's so funny and yes, I think it's awesome! My husband is the same way - never sure but always on board once he gives me the thumbs up. :)

    I'm not sure if it's too late but I think I voted. I clicked over. Good luck to Sarah!

    Have a great weekend!
    Roeshel

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