Weekend Thrift

Hey it's me, taking a break from my self-imposed blog hiatus. This summer has been so busy, I've barely even had time to thrift, which is just insane to me. So many garage sales, so little time. But I did hit a really crazy estate sale on the weekend -- the person in question had some pretty solid collections of random things -- mostly broken old toys and butter churns, but I did snag a couple of things.

Above, as you can see, is a decorative trio of golden nuns. If you wind them up it plays the song from the Sound of Music (you know, the nun one). I think this will come out every Christmas. I love it.


Since Aaron was busy, I had to drag the kids along and they went crazy over the mountains of crappy toys. They each snagged a lunch box (Henry wouldn't let me take his Snoopy box away from him long enough to photograph it, he loves it so) and Ruby also chose a bunch of She-ra toys. I'm about five years too old to have been a She-ra fanatic, but we did a google search to identify them. Good times!

Epherma

I hit an amazing estate sale yesterday -- I swear the woman who passed away did not buy a single thing after 1958. While I'm always a little sad to rifle though a deceased person's things (especially as their family looks on), I always assume that the previous owner would like the fact that her stuff is finding a new home. I know I would.

We found some other things, but I was absolutely thrilled to find a lot of vintage children's illustrations, in the form of books, comics and (get ready for it) paper dolls! I don't know why I'm so drawn to vintage children's epherma, but I can't get enough of it. I'm only allowing the kids to play with one book -- the rest is far too precious. I just get the shivers looking at it. I hope you enjoy it too.

Re-Gifting

Every year, Aaron's dad tends to be the hardest person to buy for on our Christmas list. He's a man of simple pleasures: he likes to spend his weekends cutting the lawn or washing his car, or in the winter watching sports in front of his fireplace. He likes golf, cigars, and a nice glass of Scotch. Which means that any gift related to any of these activities has been bought for him years and years ago. So it's tough. But this year, thanks to Aaron's mum, the perfect gift managed to materialize.

As mentioned, Aaron's dad likes to relax with a nice glass of Scotch and I've long admired his special glass he likes to drink from: a vintage bar glass with pictures of pheasants on it (you know the type). Turns out, the pheasant glasses belonged to his late parents, which makes them all the more special. Well, Aaron's mom spied a matching ice bucket in a ridiculously overpriced small town antique store. So yesterday, we drove down and bought it. Perfect, no? The picture doesn't do it justice, but it is truly a beaut.

And yes, I did not blog yesterday. NaBloPoMo was in my sights and so close to the finish line I bailed. That said, I have a lot on the docket, so hopefully the frequent posts will continue into the upcoming months.

Hoot

I'm usually not the type to buy vintage stuff on etsy (I'm a thrill-of-the-hunt kind of gal), but I couldn't resist this little treasure that Tracy had in her shop. It's a napkin holder, but my plan is to keep in on the table next to the door so it can hold unsorted mail. I'm aiming to be tidier in the house (it's a challenge), so I hope this will do the trick.

I've been noticing a lot of owl-themed things in my house lately -- it's like etsy circa 2007. I'm not collecting, I swear. Maybe I just like Henry pointing to them and saying "Whoot, Whoot!"

Weekend Thrift

I wasn't planning to stop at that estate sale. It's just, I had some time to kill because I was running early to where I had to be. And there it was, right on my route. It's not my fault there was some choice Pyrex, plus some Melmac. I couldn't help it. I only paid $20 for the lot.

I am not addicted. And I swear I am not on my way to becoming a hoarder.

Weekend Thrift

Okay, so I'm officially calling the 2009 garage sale season over. I will still probably hit the thrift stores periodically and stop by the odd estate sale (those tend to pop up throughout the year), but this weekend was my last real hurrah, I think. Between my favourite regular rummage sale and three estate sales, I did very well for myself, though we are definitely starting to seriously lack storage space for this stuff.

Above, my big splurge. Two Fire King Tulip Splash bowls. I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but one is larger than the other. I've never seen these bowls in real life, but have coveted them forever. I had no idea these suckers were so big, but they're huge and really heavy. Even though the decal is really scratched and faded, I was willing to pay fairly top dollar for them (though, I know mint versions can go for about $80 each). $30 for both, at an estate sale.


You know I can't resist the vintage Tupperware. Four dishes, $8 for the set at an estate sale.


This is labeled Royal Canadian Art Pottery, which I think is pretty much the same as Blue Mountain Pottery but not blue. I don't know as much about this stuff as I'd like to, but I do have a soft spot for it because it appeared often in my childhood. $5 at a garage sale.


Pyrex. And this isn't even all I got (there's another JAJ piece, but I have to scrub it down). I freaked out when I saw the 3 quart Designs (or "Arches") casserole. It's pretty much mint. And, a Blue Horizons bowl to boot. $2 each at rummage sale.


And, rounding out the pack, this pretty china plate. $5 at garage sale. Over and out.

Weekend Thrift

Hey! I'm telling you, this September thing has been a kick in the butt this year. I'm excited that we're busy again, but with both Henry and Ruby enrolled in various endeavors, I've been running around like crazy. Not all of this stuff is from this past weekend, but here's the latest edition of Weekend Thrift:

First up, a new clock for the kitchen. It matches almost perfectly, and I loooove the date/day of the week part. $2 at the thrift store.


Perhaps not as practical (okay, I have absolutely no use for this thing, but it was too awesome to resist), a hot dog plate! Yes, a hot dog plate. $3 at the thrift store.


And, finally, some Pyrex. This is the really old Pyrex, which feels heavier than the stuff from the '70s and '80s. It's plain, and the cradle is in near perfect condition. I need to find a small lid to make it truly functional, but I think I'm actually going to get a fair amount of use out of this baby, which is what the thrift should be about, right? $3 at a garage sale.

Weekend Thrift: Vacation Edition

Whenever I go on a road trip I have grand visions of hitting every flea market, garage sale, thrift store and antique shop on the highway. Of course, since Aaron is usually (read: always) driving, this never happens. This year he tried to be somewhat sympathetic to my cause, but since Henry was not having a great time in the car, stopping was not an option. But, I did acquire a few things on the road and I'm ready to play show and tell.

Above, a blue mountain pottery owl! This doesn't actually fall into the "thrift" category, since I got it at an antique store in Seattle and it cost $35. But it was the last day, I had some American cash burning a hole in my pocket, and I really wanted it. And did I mention the next day was my birthday?


Speaking of owls, I first passed on this cookie jar because I didn't want to haul it around for the rest of the trip, but it haunted me, so I went back to the Salt Spring Island thrift store to get it. A steal of a deal at $3.50.


Pyrex! I got this Pyrex space saver and a Fire King Peach Luster square casserole for $3 at a Sally Ann in Victoria, B.C.


And, this isn't technically from my vacation -- it's from Leena's! She picked this adorable boat cookie jar up for me while on her own summer travels. What a mother-in-law! Thanks Leena!

Weekend Thrift (and Cupcakes)

I haven't been thrifting for a while -- summer gets so busy and I'm usually with Aaron on the weekend and he generally frowns at the idea of bringing any additional objects of any sort into our home (understandably, really). So, it's been a while. But I've recently picked up a few things:

Above, some teacups in the Federal Glass Golden Glory pattern. These match some soup bowls that I picked up earlier this spring, which is the only reason I got them, as I try to keep my teacup collecting at a minimum. $2 at a garage sale.


Next, some really cute glasses. I don't know why, but I'm a little obsessed with really tiny glasses of the '60s/'70s vintage -- I don't even know what one would use such tiny glasses for (juice?). My grandma used to have a lot of glasses in this style, which might be why I love them so much. Anyway, I thought these could come in handy at Christmas. $10 at a small town junk store (for 8 glasses).


And, some Fire King ramekins, which I actually kind of need, because we've been living in a ramekin free zone in our house. No ramekins! How would I make tiny souffles? Anyway, $5 for six at a garage sale.

Someone commented a while back, asking where I found most of my weekend thrift items, so I'll try to include that info for the curious. She also asked how I go about finding good garage sales, which I know can be hard. The answer is, I don't really know. I try to just go about my business and stop when I see a garage sale sign and hope the fates smile on me. Sometimes I actively go driving around looking for them, and I generally try to stick to older neighbourhoods where the sales will be more likely to have vintage stuff rather than kids toys. I generally avoid the "professional" sales, because they price gouge, but you can find good stuff too, even if you have to pay a bit more. Oh, and Aaron and I have an understanding that if it says "estate sale" on the sign we have to stop, no matter what.


Finally, I made some more cupcakes from the Martha book and we finally have a cupcake that was a total hit. They don't look like much, but these are the Chocolate Mint cupcakes, which are basically individual brownies with a York Peppermint Patty baked in the middle. Genius.

Weekend Thrift

Corn on the cob set! I've been looking for a decent set like this for ages. This one has never been used and includes a warming dish, four corn plates, a salt and pepper shaker, and a bowl for corn holders. I'm mildly obsessed with corn on the cob accessories (or any accessories that are this food specific) so I freaked out over this one, even though I'm pretty sure you can easily buy stuff like this brand new. Still, it seems to be made of a nice thin bone china rather than thick old modern ceramics, which makes me feel it may be vintage. $10.


A celery salt and pepper shaker. Very summery. $1


A Fire King baking dish. I believe the pattern is called Diamond Burst or Candleglow (it goes both ways). I have a burning desire to use this to make meatloaf. It's so atomic. 50 cents.

I didn't go thrifting too hard this weekend, so I think my mojo is still strong. Honestly, last summer I'd be out for hours at the garage sales and come home empty handed, but this year I've been doing well. Perhaps too well, as I think we'll be having a sale of our own pretty soon. But I'm not complaining.

Weekend Thrift

Spring Blossom Pyrex -- $5 for three. Great condition, a nice small size, and with lids! There's a third (green on white), but it's in use as we speak.


A pretty pink lady -- $1. I've been quietly collecting pretty figurines for Ruby's room (to be presented once there's less danger of them being destroyed). This lady is particularly lovely.


Pretty birds. $1 each.


And, a couple of teacups, gifted by Aaron's great aunt, Betty. I have a small, but beloved collection of china teacups. I don't buy them, but willingly accept them from relatives and close family friends. These ones will be treasured.

Weekend Thrift

My first pieces of Butterprint! Not in perfect shape, but $3 each.


I have no use for this, but could not resist. $2.

Bad weather this weekend, so not much thrifting. And I'm starting to realize that my new kitchen does not have 4000 cupboards ready to be filled with stuff. I've got to devise a plan...

Weekend Thrift

Rounds (green Pyrex -- $1, plain Fire KIng -- $2)


Amber Glass (nesting chicken -- $6, chip and dip -- $4)


Pretty mugs (10 cents each)

I actually had a really depressing weekend at the garage sales. You know, the kind of day where you're forcing yourself to drive around, dragging the kids with you, desperately trying to find some good stuff, but mostly stumbling upon crap. Buying stuff you don't need or even really want (I just can't put down anything that says "Fire King"). No magic this weekend, friends. I promised myself that I would let the garage sale mojo find me this season, rather than trying to chase it. I broke my own rule and I suffered the consequences. Still, a few nice things above, plus a few little (overpriced) Golden Books for Ruby and a small bag of (also overpriced) Little People. Overpriced, but appreciated.

Weekend Thrift

Pretty blue bracelet, $1.


Pyrex. Gifted by my beloved sister-in-common-law.


Blue Mountain elephant and deer, $4 and $2 respectively.

So, I'm a little late on the thrift show and tell this week. May has been crazy busy already and will just continue to be nutty. Plus I've been taking some extra work assignments and, well, writing for pay is just more luring these days. Sorry. Anyway, more blogging soon... but not next week, because I'll be out of town. You know how it is.

Oh, and yes, these pictures were taken in my kitchen. My awesome, awesome kitchen. There will be photos of that too, once everything is 100 per cent finished. Also, hopefully next week. Hopefully.

Spring, She's A-Sprung

I wasn't expecting to hit the garage sales this weekend. In fact, since there's no green on the trees here yet and it's expected to snow again later this week, I'd forgotten that garage sales tend to start sprouting up the weekend after Easter. So, I was a little surprised when I saw some handmade GS signs as I went about my business on Saturday. Being curious, I stopped in at a few and baby, I scored!

Up top you've got some old school Tupperware in brand-new condition (this stuff does have a lifetime warranty, you know). I have no idea what era this is from because I think Tupperware tends to choose a design and stick with it for decades, but I love the Brady Bunch colour palette.


Pyrex! Pink Pyrex! This is a set of Pink Daisy Space Saver casseroles with a cradle, a glass lid and two metal freezer lids. Not in minty condition, but that means I can use it without feeling like I'm destroying a historical relic.


More pyrex, this time a '80s-era gravy boat. I really needed a gravy boat, so I feel no guilt for buying this one.


And, a little birdy salt and pepper shaker. I did buy some more stuff, but I'm not going to go overboard here. Next week I have a rummage sale in my calendar, so we'll see if I'll have more treasure to share.

Groundhog? What Groundhog?

One doll down, another project already started! I don't know what it is, but I'm feeling uncannily productive this week, despite the stress surrounding a major renovation project. I'm blaming it on the faint whiff of spring that's in the air. This comes as a bit of a delusional denial, since I know that we have at least another stretch of weather in the -20s on the way. It's inevitable. But still, spring is in my heart this week, so I'm willing to go with it.


And in my heart, spring also means thrifting. I hit a decent estate sale last week that netted me a pair of lamps (that were passed on to one of Aaron's co-workers) and this amazing pressed-glass bowl and plate set, which I've already used to serve salad. It's Anchor Hocking, in the Sandwich pattern (thanks for the ID, Flickr glass people!). Henry and I also made a little jaunt to the thrift stores today (the weather was so nice, we couldn't just stay inside) and I scored some Blue Mountain pottery to add to my collection. Don't tell my husband, I don't want to get in trouble.

Really?

Has it really come to this? Am I really showing you pictures of my lunch? Well, after I felt confident enough to confess to anyone who'd listen that Henry is a magical baby who has slept through the night since he was a month old, I went and jinxed myself. We've had some tough times in these parts with the sleeping thing: he's up as many as three or four times throughout the night and I often can't get him to sleep in his own crib and have to bring him into bed with Aaron and I, which totally destroys my sleep. He also won't nap in his crib anymore. I'm running out of tricks to try and I'm rapidly losing my marbles. So, not a lot of blog worthy fodder.

Still, look at this lunch. When I lived in Toronto I used to frequent a breakfast place that served something called Sunny's Grilled Cheese. It was a grilled cheese with avocado and red onions and it is so good that I'd often stay up at night thinking about it. Throughout the years I've gone through periods of making them at home, but for reasons I'm not sure of, I've been on a Sunny's hiatus for a while. But I'm back, baby, I'm back. This one was made with gouda, which made it extra good. And if you're going to try this one at home, the red onions are essential. Essential.


And, here's a little vintage pin that I ordered from this etsy shop. Word to the mothers. If anything, the last couple weeks have reminded me of how tricky this job can be.