4 Men 1 Lady

a lifestyle blog about the persuit of bringing beauty to a house full of men.

My new 4:20.

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About a month ago I spent some time with my go-to pal, Craig and thought I found a score. The ad read something to the effect of, “Elegant all-wood dresser with great bones. Gently used.” Looks very similar to a certain dresser I recently did a makeover on. I drove all the way across town 1 1/2 hours round trip…yadi, yadi. (When you’re a busy mom, finding 1 1/2 hours to do some “luxury” shopping, alone, is what we call a momentous occasion).

When I arrived at the Blue Lagoon Apartments I really should have just kept driving. The tenant next door gave me a good look over and was sporting a yellow-stained wife beater, an unlit cigarette hanging out the side of her mouth (yes, I said her), and a pit bull drooling all over the sidewalk.


Interesting young couple met me at the door.

“Married?” The male asked.

“Where’s your husband to help me carry this *&%$?”

I hadn’t even seen the dresser, let alone made any committment to buy it but from the looks of the situation, these were the type of people you don’t say “NO” to.

I opened and closed every drawer to see how good the bones were. When I got to the last drawer the girl asked me if I could turn around because she didn’t want me to see what was in the drawer. At that moment, “GET THE HECK OUTTA HERE!” was running through my head but I was in to deep now. Like it or not, that dresser was coming home with me.

“What does ‘4:20’ mean that’s etched in the top”? I innocently asked.

They laughed.

I Googled it.

Now I know.

I’m thinkin my new $25.00. dresser was a rip off.

We’ll see.

Comments

  1. did you check for things that might be taped to the bottom? or underneath the drawers? your new 420 might be worth more than you think! 😉

  3. I am sure you are going to make it look like it come from Beverly Hills & not from the hood. :)Can’t wait to see the “after”…

  4. I can’t believe you only paid $25 for it! Even with the 420, I think it’s going to be beautiful and want to know what you’re planning for it. Pretty exciting stuff!

    p.s. Your post on dresser painting inspired me to do some of my own. I’ll come back to let you know when I get pictures up!

    –totally random blog stalker: leslie!
    http://www.smallwoodenflute.blogspot.com

  6. Yikes! What a story. I’m glad you survived! lol I think if anyone can rescue the 420 dresser, it’s you. (It’s okay. I had to google that too.)

    Good luck!

    Roeshel

  7. Girl you did it again! And you think I find great deals. I’ve been looking for a dresser like this ever since you posted the last one! Great find now don’t go back there! BTW, what does 420 mean?

  11. Craig’s List is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure! I had to Google 420 as well. Ah-ha. Love the dresser and I would’ve gone through that for it as well. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

  12. Oh, oh, oh!!!! Before you do anything to it, put some charcoal briquettes in every drawer and let it sit for at least a few days. I purchased a dresser {from such an adorable girl that it kills me} that REEKS of smoke, and all the clothes I put in it STINK too! I didn’t notice it until my stuff was in there for a few weeks. But the charcoal will help immensely!

    And I love how innocent you were about the 420! lol! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  13. Kind of a great story though. Also, I know what you mean about feeling like you’re in too deep with these purchases. I have a little trick I use to get out of buying things. First of all I never go alone. the minute I know I don’t want the piece (usually at first sight) I say I just need to measure it and make sure it fits in the space..as soon as the person I’m with (usually my husband or a friend) hears that it’s their code that they have to help me get out of there fast. I measure and go. I know it’s silly but It’s easy and no one gets hurt.

  14. I’m sure you can just envision us all googling it! Great story, glad you stayed safe + can’t wait to see what you do with it! xo

  20. What an experience! I am sure glad you survived. I guarantee you can take that mistreated dresser and make our jaws drop like usual. You’re a pro at that!

  23. LOL wow!! When I saw the post title I was like “say whaaaaaaat!??!” Hahaha, too funny. Can’t wait to see what happens with the dresser.

  27. Ah, the joys of Craigslist. I put my sofa and chair up for sale on it yesterday and have already gotten three suspicious replies…ya know, the kind that want your full name, address and telephone number so they can send you a “certified check.”

    That dresser is beautiful though. Even if you did have to risk your life to get it. I’m sure you can take it from Hillbillie to Heavenly! I can’t wait to see the results!

  30. I love Haydee’s suggestion! I always google the area and occasionally use familywatchdog to see what I’m getting myself into!!

  31. You are serious about a bargain! I don’t think I would have been brave enough to go in. (And, I haven’t heard that term since college!)

  32. I had to laugh when I saw the title of the post – I am well aware of what 4:20 means. I probably would have taken off as soon as I saw the apartment complex. I think you’ll be able to sand out or fill in the 420 and no one will ever no it was there. I can’t wait to see how it turns out 🙂

  33. I am laughing so hard I’m about to pee.
    I have this VERY vivid image of your adventure.
    $25 is still a good deal.
    I’m sure that you’ll make it sparkle like brand new.
    Just make sure that no paraphanelia is left in the drawers….LOL!

  34. LMAO!!! At least you can say this piece has a story behind it… A real good story… LOL

    I have been searching for this style dresser EVERYWHERE and can not find it anywhere. And especially for $25. I do not think that in Florida anyone owns this syle dresser or even the one in your bedroom.
    Cant wait to see what you do with it.. Go and pimp out your new 420 Piece.

  36. Haha, that reminds me when I was at work giving a customer some change. “And your change is…four twenty”
    Darn kids starting giggling. I googled it too.
    Now I always say “Your change is four dollars and twenty cents”
    lol

  37. That is hilarious!! But I’m sure you’ll be able to turn it around. A little wood filler, a quick sand, and some paint and that baby will be good as new. 🙂

  38. Don’t you just love Craig?? Beautiful piece!! Apparently someone local to me thought so too as they posted a Wanted item using your pic LOL!! You’re truly an inspiration, can’t wait to see the transformation of this beauty!

  40. I can’t wait to see what you do with that – because i swear, my grandmother has the same dresser in her house – i’d love to get my hands on it and do something fun!

  46. I just came across your blog today, am thoroughly enjoying it. Scary story about your new acquisition…I am sure it will be gorgeous once you have transformed it. I am another that had to look up the meaning of 420…….I would take all the drawers outside to air/sun them out for a week or so, then close them up with charcoal!

  47. OMG! I am dying at this story. But at least it will always make for a great conversation topic once you complete your “After”. I think you should leave the etched in “420” just to give the piece some character, haha.

  50. You may be able to work some magic on it, and if you do I know we’ll all love to see it. Next time bring hubby, or bodyguards or borrow someones really big dog…you never know who or what you will run in to;)

  51. Haha! That dresser is almost identical to the one I had growing up…and still use…the pulls are an exact match to mine and the structure is very much the same! Mine is painted a creamy white and has a matching mirror and side table. Funny to see a “sister” dresser here!

    -Grace

    P.S. I just googled 420 too…didn’t know that before!

  53. I would have left real quick. It’s scary when you arrive at a place like that. I always tell my husband where I am going or get on the phone with my girls or sister while I am there.

  55. Hi Michelle

    I was wondering if you can tell me what you use to paint your furniture? I recently purchased a 2gallon aircompressor similar to what Holly from In the Fun Lane usses. And I see that it says it can be used for airbrusing. Is that what your’e doing?

    thanks
    Lakeitha_duncan(at)yahoo(dot)com

  56. Oh my! I know I came across this post a little late but, how
    hilarious and scary at the same time! Where did you
    travel to Apache Junction? LOL! No offense to people
    who call it their home but I have experienced enough
    of my own funny business there!

It is nice to meet you!

Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!

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