A whole new world was opened to me when reader Caroline tipped me off to a great resource: used and returned items on Amazon. They are usually brand new or the box has been opened and you can get some steals! And I thought I knew Amazon in and out!

She said in the comments of this post: “Our dining room light was originally over $500 when I found it (and thought I can't live without this light!), but I was able to find a returned one on amazon for around $150. Such a steal!”

So, I kept my eyes peeled for items we still needed needed to purchase. For the master bedroom, I was looking at 2 oval Moen mirrors – they were $65 at home improvement stores and on Amazon. But if you look below you can find “used” ones which for the ones I wanted, meant the box was damaged but the product was fine. Many times, it means the product was returned.

When the boxes came, the mirrors were fine, and were packed inside another larger box with cushion and I was completely happy.

It may take some searching and patience, especially if you want more than one, but it could pay off! Just another little money saving trick to tuck in your home shopping belt --

** Updated: many of these are out of stock but we have an updated outdoor lighting post here **

Hello, friends! We have talked about pendant lights here, and sconces here, don’t you think it’s about time to talk about outdoor lighting??

As you can see, I love lantern styles, so I rounded up 10 of my favorites under $100 – most are about $50. I think they are just the finishing touch to the outside that say, “my owners care about me enough to pick out pretty lights – and I look expensive, but you’ll never know how much I really cost…well, unless you go look it up online.”

1. Barrie $52

2. Jamestowne $78

3. Parsons Field $99

4. Sutton 4 Light $100 (you can go smaller for less money)

5. Sea Gull $83

6. Brayden $55

7. Harbor $70

8. Transitional $56 OR see this 2 pack for $35!!

9. Castle Creek $40

10. Satin Black Motion $35

Which is your favorite? Or leave a link to one that you love.

I finally picked one out for our new home – do you want to guess which one? I’ll let you know in the comments tomorrow – I need to do a house update post, it’s moving right along!