The bench

I've been wanting a bench for our entry way. I was sure it would look very cute and make a very nice welcome when you come through the door. I've been looking here and there for a nice bench, but was overwhelmed at how pricey they are! I really liked a few from LL Bean, but I would have to save for months to get one of them. What I most interested in was instant gratification :)

So, I was walking around Kmart a week or two ago and saw a "storage bench". It was part of a bedroom suite, but was exactly what I was looking for. It was a Martha Stewart piece and was originally $149.99. At that price, I wouldn't mind saving up for an LL Bean bench. However, I saw that it was on clearance for $90. Hum. Good deal. So I called Patrick and asked what he thought. He wasn't interested and voted for a plastic patio table. I was bummed, but bought the table and resolved that there was a better bench for me. (oh the drama!)

I stopped by Kmart a few days ago to check on the bench status. I had enough money now to get it and thought I would walk home happy. They were sold out! Out of desperation, I called two Kmart's within driving distance this morning and found one in Latrobe! YEAH! Not only did I get the bench, friends, I got it for $59.99. What a steal! I was super pleased with this find. After assembling it (all by myself, thankyouverymuch!), I was so glad I didn't pay more for it. It's a great bench and serves it's purpose well, but it's not incredible quality. Hopefully, it will last for many years because I have no desire to put together another bench in my life!

Enjoy the process: (Yes, I took self timed pictures to record that I did, indeed, assemble the bench and for my blog...no shame here!)

The beginning. It took me awhile to get started. There were little things that I had never seen before!

Ah, reading the directions. I've never really done much of this, but I think I handled it well.

I was so excited when it really started to look like a bench and not a bunch of random pieces of wood.
The finished product!
The finished product in it's happy home. I am VERY pleased with the outcome and how cute it looks! It's just how I imagined it! I've added a few wicker baskets to the cubbies and I filled them with fall and winter essentials...hats, gloves and scarves!