Magnolia Street Style

The week in review

2010-11-07T18:45:00.010-05:00

Sorry it took so long for me to get back on line. I know you have been anxiously waiting to find out who said that famous quote. For those inquiring minds that want to know, the one that takes credit for the quote "Orange is the happiest color" is non other than "old blue eyes", Frankie, or for those that are too young to know...Frank Sinatra.

Look at me. Hubby snapped a photo of me while I was busy assembling the vintage aluminum Christmas tree. I know, it's a little early, but when I found this tree it was after Christmas and I never took it apart or put it together to see what it looked like.

So this morning, I was thinking, I wonder what this looks like. I wasn't sure where to place it. So I tried the side table in the dining room.

I thought it looked nice there.

It can really spread it brances on the dining room table.

But I am going to put this on sale on ebay starting tomorrow...just in case you are in the market for a vintage aluminum Christmas tree.

I was going to post this on ebay also, but a co-worker was interested so I sold it to her. How convenient. I wish it was this easy all of the time to sell things.

I will have another busy week, as every day is an adventure. Too busy to invest alot of time buying at the moment, just selling. So for a change, I am focusing on the selling part of the buying and selling maze. I have had a habit of just buying and getting attached to things, but no longer. You see, you can't take it with you. So I'm having fun, offering for sale some of the items that I have that are just lying around the house, stuffed in drawers, collecting dust.

Thanks for visiting.

"Orange is the happiest color"

2010-10-30T17:28:00.000-04:00

Do you know who said that "famous" quote?

Do you agree?

The color of the season.

Is orange really the happiest color?

So...who really said that?

Just add wood

2010-10-26T22:17:00.005-04:00

In preparation of the winter months ahead, you need a mantle for your fireplace.

You don't have a fireplace you say. No problem, just pretend.

That is what I was going to do. But there's no room in my home anymore. So soon to be on Craigslist for sale to one lucky person.

A million rays of sunshine

2010-09-30T20:53:00.004-04:00

Back yard sale update

2010-07-18T20:15:00.002-04:00

I had my back yard sale this past Saturday and it went well.

I wasn't sure if I had the time or the energy, but pursued.

See all of this below...

And how about these...

Almost all gone.

I wasn't in the market for making a mint. The goal was to lighten my load, to clear out my house, to declutter. This is just the beginning of the things that I have bought that I thought I had to have and realize that I don't need them after all.

There's more where these came from and if all goes well, I will have another sale next month. I will let you know.

the break in the silence

2010-07-13T22:55:00.004-04:00

Today is my oldest son's birthday. He is 28 year's old. He is a great young man. That is the best thing a parent can say about their child.

But that is not why I'm posting today. I'm breaking my silence to let you know that I'm having a sale on Saturday. It is time to sell off those things that have accumulated over the past year. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello and you will receive the friends and family discount.

Below are some of the treasures that I'm selling. Better pictures are to follow later.

What I've found

2010-05-23T21:12:00.006-04:00

Over the past year I got rid of all of my extra furniture and accessories, I didn't buy too much, only things that I could use for myself, and tried to be very selective with anything I bought. Now I find myself falling back into my old habits. For the past 2 weeks I've been out buying more with Dona. What the heck am I doing?

I guess I'll have to redecorate again.

new curtains

I found this hand made table cloth, I think it is so beautiful, I couldn't bear to hide it in a drawer. I know that most people would put it on the table, I would if I knew that it would stay clean.

I found this drop leaf table a while ago, and I continue to change the display.

With the addition of new candle holders from this weekend.

Look at that odd globe. This is another find from this weekend.

You'll never guess what this is. It is an antique children's tool bench - or at least that was what I was told.

As with much of the furniture that I find, I had to clean off years of dirt and grime, but what's left is a beautiful patina.

Also with much of my findings, I try to repurpose them to fit today's lifestyle and decorating style. The size of this table is perfect as a side table or even coffee table. The larger workbenches are being used as consoles, bars, or kitchen islands. They also go for a small fortune. I don't have plans on selling mine at the moment, but I do have to make a decision about what to do with the extra furnitre that I have accumulated and culled from rearranging and redecorating. I'm torn between getting back into to buying and selling or not. I'm going to ponder over that for the next month as I continue my spring cleaning.

But in the meantime, I will be checking Craigslist and the newspaper for sales for this weekend.

Just like old times

2010-04-12T05:37:00.007-04:00

It did feel like old times last weekend. Oh, it feels sooo good to be back outside working in the yard, digging in the dirt. Dona and I went out yardsaling on Saturday and between the both of us we got a full load of finds. The SUV was packed to the top. It was so much fun. We always have a good time when we go out. We even had fun the weekend before when we went out and I came home with 5 free candles and she came home with only a handful of miscellaneous items.

I'm getting ready for the summer back yard bar-b-q's. I found this Thermaster Refrigerator, complete with accessory box, and I thought how cute it would be to fill this with ice to keep the beer nice and cold. Hubby doesn't have the same vision that I do.

I'm not sure if this jug was made for a purpose or just for decorative purposes only. I'll see if I can find out any history on it. I just liked it.

This old dirty dusty 3 drawer side table was in a garage and I knew exactly where it was going to go. I've been trying different side tables that I had next to my new chair and nothing was feeling "right". When I saw this table I knew I found what I needed. And it has 3 drawers to boot. I don't know about you, but I am always looking for storage options. I always seem to fill up an empty drawer.

I found some concrete planters for my garden area.

I found even more wonderful finds this weekend. Those will have to wait. After clearing out my house last year of extra finds, I feel I'm beginning to getting filled up again. I think a sale is in my future. I need to pair down again. That too will have to wait for another day. I'll keep you posted.

The color of rust

2010-04-03T17:55:00.001-04:00

The snow has melted and look what I found.

I am attracted to all things rusty.

These poor neglected treasures.

They call out to me... take me home and make me new again.

Some may see this as junk.

Should I paint?

Should I leave them as is?

If I paint...what color? White, black, red, green?

Rust is a color...right?

This is one of the dilemmas that I have been pondering all winter.

As I have been relaxing in my den.

Now with the change of seasons, brings the the sunshine, the energy, and the time to put all of these projects on the agenda.

Oh...but the possibilities are endless.

Just chillin'

2010-03-07T17:05:00.002-05:00

I'm still here. I'm not doing much. Just relaxing in the den with my new comfy chair that I found. It's just what I always wanted. The only thing better is if I found two comfy chairs that matched. My daughter thinks I've lost my marbles. Arranging and rearranging to fit in new finds and moving finds around the house.

A room of my own

2010-01-03T15:02:00.007-05:00

The new year has begun with bitterly cold and windy weather here on Magnolia Street. Yesterday's high was 30 and today the high is expected to reach 25 with a wind advisory until tonight. Wind gusts are expected around 50 mph today. Talk about wind chill. We can't even light a fire, it's too windy and smoke comes into the house. Who wants to go out in this weather? Not I. So I put away all of my Christmas decorations and set up "my room" for nesting for the rest of the winter.

This is the room where I can sit and read, watch TV, work on the computer, until the days are once again long and warm. My little den, where I am surrounded by my books and special finds.

Originally, this room was an outside porch. At some point someone enclosed the porch, using knotty pine paneling, which I love. It's a teeny tiny room, but big enough for me.

I love how you have to step down into the room.

And the window that looks into the living room.

I have found that it is very important for me to have a space just for me. Where I can find solitude. It seems that I am not alone.

I found a wonderful book called A Room of Her Own, Women's Personal Spaces by Chris Casson Madden. This is the perfect book to curl up with on the couch... in your slippers... with a hot cup of something or a glass of red or white.

How about you...do you have a room of your own?

Farewell 2009

2009-12-30T19:46:00.004-05:00

Angels and Ragdolls

2009-12-06T19:31:00.006-05:00

Christmas decorations are going up a little at a time. Each year I decorate just a little differently from the year before, because each summer I find new additions to my collections. This year, my decorating theme is simple, natural and not too cluttered. Each tub of decorations that I open, I think do I really want to put this out? And I answer that question by putting the lid right back on. I like to put greens all around the house, so today we went to buy a tree to cut up. I am going to cut the tree in half for a table top tree and then fill pitchers and vases with greens.

I found this little tree made of twigs this year. My mother-in-law has a large one of these and I have always liked hers so much, but didn't know where to buy one. I knew that if I wait long enough I will find everything that I want at a yard sale or estate sale. I tried more than one set of decorations on the tree until I was happy with the angels.

More angels on another table for now.

Decorating was on hold for the past week as there has been some adjustments to our household. My son moved back home along with his cat, Luca. You may remember Luca from earlier this year.

We have all settled in now. I'm enjoying having my son home again. He appreciates my cooking, so I'm a happy woman. I didn't know if the cat would be climbing up the Christmas tree, but he doesn't bother with it at all.

Let me tell you about Luca. He is a Ragdoll, an amazing breed of cat. He is smart, beautiful and loveable. I know that when I decide to get another cat, that I will get a Ragdoll.

To learn more about Ragdolls check out the this website and enjoy some photos of our grandkitty.

What's for dinner?

2009-11-22T16:34:00.006-05:00

Are you ready?

Are you ready for Thanksgiving dinner?

Dinner won't be ready until the gravy is made and the bird is carved.

A full course turkey dinner can be alot of work, mostly last minute tasks.

The pizzelles are made. Enough for snacking with coffee and tea during the week.

And enough for dessert.

These are in a secret hiding place or there won't be any for dessert.

The wood has been stacked and ready to light the fire.

Decorations are natural, a little of this and a little of that.

Nothing to distract from the blessings at dinner.

All of the tasks have not been completed yet, but I am so ready for Thanksgiving.

How about you?

Oil & Vinegar

2009-11-15T15:18:00.006-05:00

For when one oil and vinegar cruet just isn't enough...

buy another.

I found a new set of dishes and accessories a few weeks back. I had the first opportunity to set the table with them yesterday.

I didn't know that there were 2 patterns when I bought them.

but the set came with 2 sizes of plates and soup bowls

A total of 17 plates, wow

I think what really sold me was the bowl.

Leftover penne and meatballs tonight anyone?

Visit this website to find out more about Deruta ceramics.

That's a crock of ...

2009-11-08T17:53:00.002-05:00

Oh now relax.

Crocks are appearing to me everywhere I go.

I stopped at an estate sale very close to my house a couple of weeks ago. The weather was miserable that morning, I parked in the mushy grass and just prayed that my little Honda was going to get out of the mud. The house was very small, the sky was gray, the lighting was poor but the house was packed with antiques. I was quickly scanning everything, trying to take everything in. There was only one other couple there when I walked in. I always check to see what they have in their hands, to see if they have the same tastes as I, and if they are going to be competition. I was safe that morning. When I found this crock

my heart skipped a beat. I picked it up and told the seller that I was interested. Nothing was priced, but it didn't matter I wasn't going to leave without this. I picked up a picture frame, cut glass mirror, and a butter crock (I found the other one the week after)

and started to make my pile. I found a piece of furniture in the kitchen, told them I was intersted in that also. That piece of furniture I will save for another posting.

So here walks in a dealer. I can smell a dealer a room away. He is in the kitchen and opens the drawers of the kitchen piece that I just bought and asks how much, the seller tells him it's already sold. He was a little dissappointed. I'm smiling on the inside. I pay for my smaller items and start taking them out to my car. I'm carrying out my crock, and the dealer opens the door for me. and asks me if I'm interested in selling my crock. I ask him how much he was willing to offer. He says what price would make me happy. I'm thinking, you aren't dealing with a stupid run of the mill yard sale shopper here. I know what I have in my hand and I'm not giving this up, because I won't be able to replace it and I have wanted one of these like forever. So I tell him $300. He chuckled and knew at that point I was no dummy, his cover was blown. He said he was thinking more of $100, he took a closer look and says oh it does have a crack. I tell him I'll think about it as I walk to my car and do you have a card? He didn't have any with him.

I never went back and I now proudly display this by my fireplace with the other crocks that I've accumulated.

Here's the part that is so special. The woman that lived in the home died at the age of 90+. Her granddaughters were holding the sale. She was not of means, but she had a house full of antiques. She slept on an antique double brass bed. She ate on an antique table. Prepared meals on an antique cupboard and sat on an antique sofa. She also had antique tables, dressers, and mirrors. These were the items that her and her family used day in day out, year in year out, passed down from one generation to another.

They are now part of my family. I hope that I can pass them down to my family.

Life lives on.

To learn more about early American stoneware click on the reference below.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/early-american-crocks-and-jars/

Magnolia Street Style or Napa Style?

2009-11-01T11:56:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much for the kind words welcoming me back. I've been fighting a sinus infection, so I haven't visited like I had hoped to. I'm done my meds now and feel so much better.

But I'm confused. I thought I was so clever. I thought I was so original. Here on the Napa Style website they have my finds for sale. How did they do that?

The silver pitcher was black when I found it. Now look at it. It's lovely.

I must admit the lights made from the insulators is a great idea. When I bought mine I knew that there was something that could be done with them. I wasn't that creative to think of the hanging light...but how genious. Just think my $20 investment could net me about $4,000. Should I copy off of them?

And the box, basket, whatever you want to call it. I thought I had an original. Little did I know.

I may not be original or creative, but I know one thing...I'm a thrifty shopper. I only spent $24 on all of my finds.

Summer vacation is over

2009-10-23T19:20:00.008-04:00

I have been away from my blog all summer. Life can be so full sometimes that something has to be delegated to the back burner, and for me it was my blog. My time and energy have been focused on other aspects of life. And here it is Autumn already.

I haven't been buying to sell this year, I only buy for me, and I actually don't buy much at all. I have been doing just the opposite, I have been giving away things to friends, donating to thrift stores and bringing boxes of items to sell at auction. All because I am pearing down the "things" that I own and I defining the collections that I want to keep and the ones that I am letting go of. And you know what? It's ok. It's actually liberating. I guess my tastes are maturing. I would rather spend $100 on one investment piece than $10 on 10 different things. Yes, I am buying the rare and investment quality items now. That may mean I only buy one thing a month.

Another reason I haven't been buying much is because Dona has been recouperating from a broken leg and ankle from a crazy accident so we only went out one time together this entire summer. I think it was once. Can you believe that? We used to go out every Saturday and fill her SUV once, twice, maybe 3 times. And that is how I ended up with so much "stuff" in every corner and drawer.

I guess blogging is like riding a bike. Once you get in the seat and get going it all comes back to you. I hope so. I feel like a newcomer all over again. I think I will first tackle updating my blog. It is so stale looking.

The back yard

2009-06-07T10:01:00.008-04:00

I've been neglecting my blogging responsibilities. So much has been happening lately that all I can do is quick visits about once or twice a week. I told you about the projects going on around the house this spring. I can happily say that the outside is completed for this year and I have lots of photos to share with you.

This is the view from the den. I originally would have been happy with steps but I got a stone covered landing instead. I LOVE IT!

I wanted something different...of course. My husband wanted to lay a brick patio which I was ok with, but I thought that the money could be better spent somewhere else. So we put in a driveway instead.

To be different, I also plant hardy perennials in pots instead of annuals. I have two reasons for this one is that I'm cheap and two is that I'm lazy. I potted these red day lilies and cone flowers in this pot 2 summers ago. Plant once for years of pleasure. I have hostas in other pots. I'll show closeups another time.

This is the overview of part of the back yard. We've been waiting for over 10 years for these home improvements. We had to get the children though college before we could redirect our money on us. We are not ones that buy things on credit. We did that years ago and it wasn't worth it. So now we wait until we save the money before we spend it. My brother laid the stone retaining wall. It is just what I wanted. It reminds me of the stone barn foundation from my childhood home. We also put in the concrete retaining wall so we could put in a new driveway.

And I laid this stone retaining wall on the other side of the driveway. I learned alot from my brother and I'm very proud of my work. And guess what...stones are heavy, very heavy.

If you look very closely you can see where the original stone wall stops and the addition starts. In the process of laying the stone, I noticed that there was this small stone sticking out. My brother said he needed to come back and make some small refinements, with one of these things being to cut off the end of the stone and morter it in. We both looked at it and thought the same thing at the same time...we liked how it looked and of course I could find something to hang on it. The stone is loose and I'm not going to ask him to secure it. It's just one of those surprises for people to find.

I was going to take more photos but it has rained AGAIN today. I am so sick and tired of rain. I can't wait for the heat and humidity. Summer bring it on. This project started at the end of March, and 2 months later it was finished due to the rain delays.

And then there are the inside projects...that's another story for another day. I won't let a month go by between postings before I share the inside with you.

In about 2 more weekends the inside projects should be complete for this year. I hope that the rains will have stopped by then and I can spend some time in the back yard with lit tiki torches and a cold beverage.

Thanks for visiting.
Connie

Dollar Days

2009-05-03T16:26:00.007-04:00

It was dollar days at the yardsales this weekend. I went out alone on Saturday, another rainy morning, but the leaves on the trees have finally openend and spread, there were beautiful shades of green everywhere. Did you ever have one of those days where everthing you bought was no more that $1, but they were special finds? That was Saturday for me.

I found this box last week. I didn't know if it was really an antique or a reproduction until I had time to take a photo of it and inspect it. I do believe now that it is old. No one takes the time to make small dovetails like this anymore. I think this box is worthy of some more research.

And it's a good thing I found this box, because I've been finding books and CDs lately...all $1 each and I've just about filled the box with new books.

I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but here in PA it is rainy, rainy and then it rains some more. We were teased with a weekend of 90 degree temperatures and sun and then boom, back to the 60s and 70s. I'm ready for it to get back to 90 and then just stay there. The rain has made the back yard project drag on and on not to mention the fact that the project has expanded to not only a retaining wall and steps, and the steps will be covered with stone, in addition a second retaining wall, a concrete pad by the shed, a new addition to existing steps and the grande finale...a very soon new driveway. Here are some exciting photos of the construction on that weekend of heat and sun, before the rains started.

The forecast is for more rain and then a few days with thunderstorms only. I'm looking forward to the day when this project is complete and we can get started with the good times in the back yard. Of course, you will be invited.

Stop by my other blog Colonial Revival Home to see how I've been spending my rainy days.

I'll talk to you soon.

High Hopes

2009-04-14T20:56:00.004-04:00

We love you too Harry.

We are a baseball family here on Magnolia Street. We were there for this game and he will truely be missed.

Project update

2009-04-05T19:32:00.007-04:00

Before I get to the projects, look what $4 will get you. Yes, I spent a whopping $4 on all of this. All of these items are things that I collect or will use. The mini red vases went on the shelves with my other red glassware, I cleaned the silver tray and kept that in the bathroom, the tapestry has been handwashed and I will decide where to hang it. I have plenty of new books to read while I relax on my new patio area.

The bamboo shelf is adorable. It was in the land of misfit furniture. $1 price tag on it. Nobody wanted it. It was dirty and faded. A good washing and some Murphys oil soap and the color came alive. The shelf is now in my bathroom and I had fun filling up the shelves with things around the house. It is fun to shop in your own home.

So now the update on the projects. Well...the cat situation didn't work out. Precious just couldn't accept the new cat, Luca, so my son agreed to take Luca. Those two are a match made in heaven my son and the cat. I have been cleaning carpets all weekend to get rid of the urine smell. Oh yeah, it has not been nice.

The wall is coming along, one stone at a time. My brother is building the wall, and I was the helper (if you can call it that) on Saturday. See the corner cap stone? I laid that one. Just in time to make some sun tea.

The estate sale that I am coordinating which was scheduled for today was canceled by the family and rescheduled for next Saturday. I'm looking forward to that. It's very satisfying to be able to help a family go through the process of letting go of their loved one's possessions.

And my other blog Colonial Revival Home is coming along. It's my outlet for random snapshots of my thoughts on a what country living state of mind can be. I hope you will enjoy.

I'm a glutton for punishment

2009-03-29T19:37:00.006-04:00

I heard a rumor that the winter is over and Spring is here. I have so many things I want to accomplish this Spring and this year that I got very impatient. I started too many projects at once. Why did I do that to myself?

This was the year that I wanted a retaining wall built in my backyard to level it and define a patio area. My husband wanted a deck, but I didn't. Decks need maintenance and I don't want to do maintenance on anything anymore. I wanted the wall built and then I don't need to worry about that again in my lifetime.

It has a little higher to go. The retaining wall on the left was original to the house so I wanted to just continue that.

This is a view that will be seen from the patio area. As you can see the arc of the lawn, I had no level ground outside the back door. I'm going to add dirt, plant more grass, and then add all of my patio furniture that I have collected for the past years. My husband wants a hammock that we never had a spot for before. I hope he has many happy evenings swinging in his new hammock with a cold Corona in hand.

SO with this project going on, I decided I should add another member to the family. This is Luca, he's a ragdoll and was lost and needed a home. Isn't he beautiful? How could I not bring him home.

This is Precious and she is pissed that Luca is here. Sorry for the language, but I never thought she would behave this way. It's is so bad that they are separated for now and hopefully someday they will get along.

I know that many of you are dog lovers, and I love dogs too, but I don't want to have to walk a dog, so cats are my pet of choice. I have had cats all of my life. At one time when I was a kid, we had about 15 cats and kittens. With initials of CAT how could I not love cats.

I didn't go out to sales with Dona this weekend. She found a great find, go and visit her to see what she found. I was too busy refereeing two cats, but I will go to a sale tomorrow and then I am hosting a private estate sale on Saturday. This is something totally new for me, so I'm learning as I go.

And, yes there is more, I started another blog called Colonial Revival Home. I know, why start another one? Well my new blog is another avenue for me to express my creativity of what inspires me. It will be a different format, more photos and less writing.

That is about it for now. I hope this time next week I can report that my wall is done, my cats have made friends, my sale is a success, and you are inspired by my new blog.

These 3 things

2009-03-03T21:43:00.004-05:00

I am reminded of the Sesame Street segment of One of these things is not like the other.

I found this blue and white gravy boat from my neighbor's sale this weekend.

To add to my collection of blue and white.

These three things have nothing in common with each other than their color. A Willow ware plate, a Royal Essex Ironstone tea pot, and my favorite of course, a Deruta tea pot made in Italy.

You can tell by my current header and this post...that I just love blue and white.

How about you?

Yardsale abstinence

2009-02-23T19:31:00.010-05:00

I cannot believe that I have not been to a yardsale since the beginning of November. I should rephrase that as saying I have not driven out of my way to go to a yardsale since November. The last time I took a Saturday morning drive with Dona was so long ago. It has been a difficult few months. I am so looking forward to the Spring and all of the possibilities. That doesn't mean that I haven't found anything. Oh my gosh, I don't care how bad things are, I can always find something...somewhere.

In honor of Spring I picked up these pressed flowers. This is my first framed pressed flowers picture. Did I say that correctly? Spring is coming soon, right??

I also found this tray and 5 plates made in Italy. I'm a sucker for anything made in Italy.

Each plate has a different fruit on it

The colors are dark and autumny. I'm not sure if I'm going to use them or decorate with them. It's one of those things that will come to me.

We needed a fireplace grate terribly. We burn our fireplace almost everyday and the metal on our grate was literally burning away. Before hubby went in for surgery he bought a new one... against my better judgement. I told him I would find one at a yardsale, but of course he couldn't wait, he had to have everything in order before he went into the hospital. He spent $85 on a new grate. 3 weeks later I found one for $10. And ladies, that is why I don't shop retail. But anyway it came with andirons. I didn't really want the andirons but I didn't want to insult anyone so I took both. The problem is I can't use them because we have glass doors on our fireplace. I offered them to a friend at work who has an old house, she has 4 fireplaces. She had this great idea of laying decorative logs on them and wrapping little lights around them. How cute. Guess what? She can't use them either. She tried them in all of her bedroom fireplaces, her house is so old that when they built her home they made fireplaces very narrow, they were built to heat. She's going to give them back to me and I think I will use her idea come spring time. If I do, I'm sure to take a photo.

I can't wait until Spring. I mean I really can't wait until Spring!!

How about you?

A trip to Wawa

2009-02-16T18:18:00.006-05:00

I left work and took hubby to the doctor this morning, his first post surgery visit. The doctor told him could drive now. That's all he had to hear, he took the keys and sat is the driver's seat and drove home. Driving was the easy part, you should have seen him get out of the car, it was not pretty. So while I'm back at work, you know he just had to take a ride. And where does he go, after being stuck in the house and not driving for 3 weeks, well to Wawa of course. He had to get a Wawa coffee and a Tastykake.

If you've never heard of Wawa or Tastykake, then you have never made a trip to the east coast. If you do know what I'm talking about then you can understand why he just HAD to go.

I'm not speaking another language, Wawa and Tastykake are correct spellings. As kids we never ate Twinkies and learned very early what Wawa meant. Any ideas??

I've missed you all

2009-02-15T15:41:00.002-05:00

I've been gone a long time. Thank you so much for your kind words and concern while I was gone. It was a tough few weeks, but hubby is much better. He has now graduated to a cane. He still has a long way to go until he is pain free and has his range of motion is back, but the worse is behind him.

Look, he can stand.

Life is getting easier, I'll be talking to you soon.

I should be painting

2009-01-14T20:06:00.005-05:00

I know, I know, I had big plans of painting. I haven't been back to my son's room to paint the ceiling yet. I got as far as scraping the ceiling. Then I thought since I was painting windows, the bathroom window could use a sprucing up. So I painted that instead. Then hubby decided that he was going to give the concrete basement floor a fresh coat of paint. So he did that. I had to make myself available for moral support. And it is so darn cold here, that I'm useless after the fire is lit and I park my *&^ on the sofa watching American Idol.

But look what I found this week. Beautiful things to put other things in. You can never have enough storage...of all sizes. I know the locket is a pill case, but I can't figure out what the other box is for.

It's tin. It's got a hinged lid.

With a very unique clasp. I couldn't wait to get it opened.

Even the bottom has a design.

When I finally did get it opened, I found that it is rusted on both top and bottom. I wonder what is was meant to hold. It is from a bygone era. I was thinking maybe incense. Any other suggestions?

The window looking in

2009-01-12T21:22:00.007-05:00

Vickie from Sand Flat Farm and Barbara from Oodles and Oodles shared with me that they too have scary rooms within their house. In my last post I didn't want to be too graphic, I didn't think anyone could relate. But it looks like I'm not the only one who has sons that are slobs. This room was definately a candidate for Clean Sweep. I had appointments after work today so no painting tonight.

We can pretend that this is the same window with a view looking in. This is actually outside the dining room but all the windows look the same.

I'll be back at it tomorrow night.

Projects Coordinator

2009-01-11T17:34:00.006-05:00

Can I meet my project deadline? I'm trying...believe me. I have 2 1/2 weeks before hubby has his surgery. There will be little time for much other than care giving for the first 2 weeks. I can't take time off of work, fortunately I live close to where I work, so I will come home on my lunch breaks to tend to his needs.

Painting project #1. Paint my son's room. It all started with 3 hours of cleaning, straightening, and picking up trash. Yes, trash in his room. The windows were scraped, washed clean, painted, and windexed.

Looking out of a clean window makes the world look so much better.

Onto project #2...the ceiling.

a formal expression of opinion or intention made

2009-01-02T11:06:00.008-05:00

I'm looking forward to the new year. The Christmas decorations are packed up and put away, the house is taking a deep breath and a big stretch with all of the extra room. The holidays were quite busy, it' seems like it was weeks ago.

I don't dare make any resolutions...other than I publicly announce that I will learn to have more patience and not get so stressed over things I have no control of. You heard it here first folks. Now of course, everything in life is relative, enough said about that.

My blogging break was much needed. Thank you to those who visited and left a comment, I really appreciated your kind words. I've been "lurking" around and I'm going to take the next two weeks to get back in touch with everyone before I take another break beginning the end of the month. I have a deadline...to get all household projects completed...before my husband receives his new knee. We went through this 3 years ago with his other knee, so I know what to expect.

So while I have some time for myself, I gathered some books for my reading material for this month.

I left the candles in the windows...for ambiance.

It is so nice to be able to redecorate and edit even more.

Blue and white replaces red, green, silver and gold.

I'll talk to you soon.

Connie

What is the purpose?

2008-12-09T19:26:00.003-05:00

I have enjoyed visiting everyone blog's this holiday season. Everyone has wonderful decorations, decorated homes, wonderful food and memories to share. I was participating, I even joined Wanda's 25 days of Christmas and posted for 7 days in a row. With working a full time job and having family responsibilities...that is alot for me. But suddenly, I am not feeling "IT". You see I have lost 2 family members this year and a good friend and neighbor. I am in a very reflective state of mind now.

I look at photos of Christmas' past, last year and the year before, and now there will be empty spaces. If we had only known that it would be their last Christmas with us, would we have spent more time with them?

I know that the most precious gifts in life can NEVER be found underneath a tree, so how can I get excited shopping at a mall. It's ridiculous. It's meaningless.

I realize that I am blessed with gifts more precious than gold and silver. I called my 4 brothers that live in the area to invite them to my house on Christmas Eve, and they thanked me, and each told me they will make sure they are there. My father asked me to call his brother, my 91 year old uncle, to invite him, because he had such a good time last year, and my 82 year old father will do the driving. My mother-in-law assumed I would again be entertaining and she will be there.

Although I mourn the loved ones that are no longer with us this holiday season, I celebrate those that are still in my life.

In answer to the question, What is the purpose? family and friends is the purpose no matter what the religion or even lack of it.

So I am going to take a little break from blogging to spend time with family and friends. I will check in from time to time to visit everyone, and even post when I feel I have something to share. I wish everyone the best that the season brings.

I wanted to share with you the photo of the Italian paper mache nativity set. This has been in my family since I can remember. I took it with me when I got married, 28 years ago, and I'm glad I did, because I saved it from being destroyed. This is all that is left. One of these days I am going to purchase all of the missing pieces on ebay. But I still have Jesus, Mary and Joseph all in good shape.

Question...I was told only in the last couple of years that Jesus shouldn't 't be put in the manger until Christmas day, because he wasn't born yet. My family never did that. Did any of you?

The singing angel

2008-12-05T21:12:00.005-05:00

Is she an angel or a choir singer? Maybe she's both. You know there's a story behind every purchase. This little beauty was found at a yard sale, for $1 as most of my things are. The woman who was having the sale, told me that it was her grandmother's.

Answer me this...if this belonged to your grandmother and you remember it being dispayed at Christmas...could you sell it for $1?

I'm calling her my singing angel.

A Mexican angel

2008-12-04T19:50:00.006-05:00

Since I do almost all of my shopping on what I like to call the secondary market. You know, yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores and the such, I find the most unique items, at the absolutely best prices.

I found this hand made angel bell/candle holder one day this summer. I picked it up and then put it down. Sometimes when it's 90 in the middle of June it's hard to think about Christmas decorations, but I quickly came to my senses and bought it.

You may have noticed that I am attracted to anything handmade. All of my angels are so different and varied but they share one thing in common, made by human hands.
And how do I know that this angel was made in Mexico?

It says so.

Murano glass angel

2008-12-03T20:26:00.005-05:00

My mother-in-law went to Italy years back and she brought me home an angel from the Murano glass factory. Someday I hope to go there myself.

I didn't have the nerve to take off the sticker.

I love glass. You can tell by the glass Christmas tree and crystal lamp behind the angel.

Glass is so fluid and organic.

This is just one of the international angels that I have. Tomorrow...an angle from Mexico.

Angels of a different medium

2008-12-02T18:00:00.005-05:00

My Christmas decorating is as varied as my moods. My moods can be dangerous, but my decorating is harmless. Except for the fact that my collections have multiplied over the past year.

I joined Wanda's 25 Days of Christmas and today is posting day #3 for me. I do not post on a daily basis so this is a challange, but I will do my best to show you something different for the next 22 days.

These are pottery angels that I purchased from a pottery sale where I work.

Each year I buy one or two new angels.

I love the simple, natural, earthy look about them.

I have more angels to share and will feature a new one each day this week.

Napco & Lefton

2008-12-01T19:49:00.007-05:00

I don't know how it happened...that I ended up with all of these angels.

Let's meet them, starting with the NOEL sisters.

and how could you not just fall for these cuties.

Those candy canes are heavy but it won't erase the smiles on their faces.

it's time for more shopping...

Sing it loud ... we can never have enough angels in our life.

Wanda from Just Vintage is having a Christmas decorating party, The 25 days of Christmas Pictures and she would like everyone to join the party. Check out her blog and join in the fun.

Ceramic Christmas trees don't need to be watered

2008-11-30T16:11:00.009-05:00

Low maintenance Christmas decorating. Is there such a thing, because that's what my decorating theme is this year. I am putting my collections out a little at a time.

In the kitchen I put one of my nine ceramic trees.

Some of my Lefton holly and berries items under the tree.

I often mistake Napco and Lefton so I found this website as a resource.

Rather than putting away the copper in my kitchen, I'm just adding my collections to them.

A trio of trees in the living room.

A group has gathered around these trees.

I'll show you a closer look at this group of Lefton and Napco in another post.

There's no hurry, we still have 25 days until Christmas.

3 Reasons

2008-11-27T19:54:00.006-05:00

Shopping, cleaning, prepping...

Setting the table just so.

And why do I go to all of this trouble? I'll give you three reasons...

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a Seat

2008-11-22T16:46:00.003-05:00

I didn't get a chance to go out to the sales this Saturday, I had family priorities. I am also not ready to post any Christmas decorations, as they are in the corner of the attic and I won't attempt to tackle that project until next weekend. As soon as I get those tubs out I will have losts to share. But I wanted to show you some chairs that I've had for a little while now. They are projects waiting to happen. I told you about how I had a thing about chairs, these are just 2 of the chairs that I rescued recently.

I couldn't leave them. They are really beautiful. They just need some TLC. They will have to wait until after the holidays.

I want to share with you some of the previous projects that I have completed. The intent with all of these projects was to rescue and repair and then sell. But after the project was complete I couldn't part with them. This chair I found a couple of years ago, it was in terrible shape. A good cleaning, a new seat with new padding, paint and reupholstered and it is now the desk chair in my den.

This bench was one of those items that I found in the back of a garage at a garage sale that really wasn't for sale. I seem to be attracted to those items. You know the ones that are not for sale. So when I inquire about that forlorn item, the seller looks at me like I'm a nut. I do this all the time. The seller usually turns to their spouse in their confusion and asks for their permission and/or their advice. I usually get the item for a great price, I think they are stunned, like a deer in the headlights.

This bench just needed a good cleaning, oiling and waxing, a new seat and reupholsted this one in the same fabric as my living room curtains. We can't live without it now.

Here is another bench that was also in terrible shape. I just reupholstered this one last week. Another keeper.

Are you beginning to see a pattern? A method to my madness? This love affair has evolved over time. So I have started a new blog where I will feature my design projects called Magnolia Street Style Designs. I hope you will visit.

Sitting Pretty

2008-11-06T19:07:00.002-05:00

I have a thing about chairs. I don't know why, but I love chairs. Pairs of chairs or single lonely ones. Maybe I love chairs so much because, I love to sit and do nothing, because I have little time to sit and do nothing, that's just another dream of mine.

I found this cute chair this past weekend and the price was great so although I had no idea where I was going to put it, I brought it home. It was another piece of dark wood furniture, that I love.

I initially thought that I would put the chair next to this table. Wouldn't that look nice? But the chair had other ideas.

It wanted to go in my dining room to hold a basket of dried flowers and pine cones.

I'm ok with that.

Oh, by the way, the turkeys are multiplying.

Chocolate and Milk Glass

2008-10-30T17:41:00.009-04:00

Mary from The Little Red House recently posted about her milk glass collection. She finally got around to counting how many pieces she had. She inspired me to take a look at my collection. I need to dust anyway. I'm not big on dusting, so I need an excuse and this seemed like as good as one as any.

I just acquired a few new pieces last week that I have to squeeze into some nook or cranny in my red cupboard. I am going to have to sell some to make room for my new ones or buy another cabinet devoted just to milk glass. It's easier and cheaper to sell my extras.

I think I will set my Thanksgiving table in white this year. I had an idea, with Pottery Barn as my inspiration.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Catalog

This is a different look for me for Thanksgiving which I like to call chocolate and milk glass. But I kind of like it. To contrast the white, I found a chocolate brown table cloth, add a little crystal along with the white. What's best of all, I am putting to use the treasures that I have. They were intended to be used. They weren't intended to sit on a shelf and only collect dust.

Here's a little milk glass lesson. Did you know that there is a National Milk Glass Collectors Society? I'm not a member but it is a great resource.

Ok, so how many pieces do I have? I'm ashamed to say that I packed away a whole tub and forgot to count. I did leave 18 pieces in my cupboard and I realize that my favorite is Fenton Hobnail. Check out this website for more Fenton than you thought possible.

If you like milk glass, what is your favorite?

That darn Country Living

2008-10-25T19:49:00.011-04:00

I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I've posted. Life is so darn busy. You folks that post every day, I don't know how you find the time and energy. So by now of course I have alot to share, too much for one posting, so I will start with one thought at a time. It seems that I have bypassed Halloween decorations

and gone straight to Thanksgiving. It's all Country Living's fault. I told you about the November edition of Country Living and the turkey platters that got me all excited.

Well I also have vintage Country Living editions. Years ago I had a subscription but had to stop it because I literally had 100's of magazines and it became too, too much. I have gone years without a subscription but I started again recently.

I saved these copies from 2001...

...and this edition is from 1994. Who keeps a magazine for 14 years? I fell in love with the photos, couldn't bear to cut out pages, so I saved the entire edition.

In this edition was featured a collection of turkeys. I can remember that long ago time of 14 years ago thinking who has a collection of turkeys and where on Earth can you find them?

These people must know antique dealers or be millionaires or something because I never even knew of Thanksgiving decorations. Fast forward to now and guess what?

I have found my own turkeys ...and I'm not even a millionaire.

I'm beginning to think that I have what it takes to be featured in Country Living? Even though Country Living doesn't know anything about it yet.

Let's talk turkey about turkey platters

2008-10-14T18:16:00.012-04:00

Dona called me one day last week, after she got her latest copy of Country Living, and said "You've got to read this. There is an article on turkey platters like the ones you have." Well she got my attention I just had to see the magazine. Being cheap, excuse me, thrifty, I asked her if I could borrow her copy. I'm thinking, what good blogging fodder, I'll really have a great posting.

On this past Sunday during her barn sale, I leafed through the pages, looked at the article on antique and vintage turkey platters and with such confidence I told her "Oh I have this one and I have this one". Later that day I actually read how much these platters were going for...over $400.

By now I'm so excited I wanted to go home and dig out my platters from their safe hiding spots. I'm thinking about how I have such good taste and I really know my stuff. By the time I pack up after the sale and go home and put things away and clean up the house, I have to tell my husband about this article and how I have such good taste and I really know my stuff. Hubby is not one to take that at face value so as he is holding the magazine he says "SHOW ME".

I dig through one dresser and amongst piles of linens I pull out platter #1 - no match. I dig through dresser #2 and again - no match.

He even turns the platters over to check to see if it is marked - I've created a monster. I then have to pull up a chair to stand on to get the other 4 platters that are on top of the cabinet over the stove - remember I have the smallest kitchen in the world

- again no matches.

So it turns out that I don't have platters that are worth much more than the few dollars that I paid for them, but I still think I know some stuff. Wait until I show you my vintage turkey salt & pepper shakers and turkey planter. I'll leave those until later.

You know...I just might write to Country Living to tell them all about it.

Fine fall morning

2008-10-13T11:20:00.004-04:00

So I'm back at work this fine fall morning. Why does the weekend have to go so fast??
I bought on Saturday and sold on Sunday.

I met Gloria from Vintage Home. Her and her husband stayed and talked with Dona and I for a spell. She bought 2 of my tables. I can't wait to visit her shop to see their magic.

On my way out of the door this morning, I thought how I would miss having my hydrangreas around me...so I brought some with me.

More hydrangea love.

The many shades of hydrangeas

2008-10-11T16:47:00.007-04:00

Dona and I went out to a few yard sales today. I found some pillows that don't match my chairs, a Christmas needlework pillow that I put away to bring out in another 6 weeks, a mirror that I don't know where I will hang, a frame that I need to find a painting to put in.

Yeah, I had a great time.

So of everything that I found, what do I love the most??? The pumpkins that I bought at one yard sale and the hydrangeas that I cut from Dona's house.

Do you love hydrangeas as much as I do?

More autumn decorating

2008-10-05T13:57:00.006-04:00

I have been waiting patiently all year to bring these items out of storage...

for use,

and for display

I've been waiting to use this pinecone wreath as part of a centerpiece.

Adorable pumpkin floating candles, picked up at a sale last week. How timely.

Natural elements

2008-10-04T20:53:00.005-04:00

Gourds, dried hydrangea, wild flowers, and pine cones.

Natural elements make the most beautiful decorations.

Someone spent alot of time placing the pine cones just so. This is one of the two pine cone wreaths that I bought this year at yard sales.

This is the original bringing the outside in decorating.

I've been tagged- ouch

2008-09-30T20:15:00.003-04:00

Wanda from Just Vintage caught me and tagged me. Thanks Wanda. Now, I have to tell 7 things about myself. A whole 7. I'm a private person being the only girl with 5 brothers, so this is going to be difficult. Hey there's one...

1. So yes, I have 5 brothers. I never had to share a room, clothes, shoes or boyfriends, with a sister. I was the apple of my daddy's eye and I never really appreciated that until I had a daughter of my own and realized the special bond between a father and a daughter. Now my daddy is the apple of my eye.

I thought I would have a theme for my next 6. So here are some random facts about how I came to love antiques.

2. When my younger brother #4 was born, the house that we lived in was too small for a family of 7 so we moved. Since I was the age of 4 I grew up in a historically significant old house. It was built in the 1700's and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. It was magical to play in the basement and root cellar, stone barn foundation, make a play house in the chicken coupe, and make haunted houses in the old attic. I couldn't understand why my friends thought my house was special. To me it was normal to live by fireplaces, even 2 fireplaces in the basement, and have servant quarters with back steps.

3. My appreciation for antiques and anything old started at an early age. I got a box of old clothes, jewelry, scarves and gloves from my grandmother to play dress up with when I was about 7 or 8. I still remember that these dresses were flapper dresses and rhinestone necklaces. That started my love for vintage jewelry. Oh to have that box of goodies again.

4. My father had friends that would go to auctions and bring him furniture. My father took anything. I guess that's where I got that problem from.

5. I went to my first auction when I was 16 years old. I rode my bike down the road (I had no car) and bought a box of misc items for $5. I had no idea what I was doing, ignorance is bliss sometimes. In that box was a ruby red depression glass vase that started my life long collection of ruby red.

6. I have never lived in a house that didn't have radiator heat or plaster walls.

7. I like the Three Stooges better than the Marx Brothers. I know this has nothing to do with antiques, but I just wanted to share that.

If you have been tagged, here is what is requested:1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog. 2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a post on their blog.

I would like to tag the following...

Swaddle Cottage - Dena
Somewhere in Time - Linda
Oodles and Oodles - Barbara
The Tattered Nest - Gail
Antekin - Dona
A Charming Life - Jennifer
Dreamer Jean - Jean

OUR PHILLIES - NL EAST CHAMPS

2008-09-27T18:44:00.008-04:00

Cole

Jimmie - J Roll

Pat the bat

Jamie, my hero

Chase

Ryan - MVP

our beloved Phillies

This is why we have season tickets

We were at the game last year and

I will be at the game tomorrow

World Series ...here we come

Giving Back Give Away Winner

2008-09-25T18:02:00.009-04:00

It is better to give than to receive. We've all heard that, right? What's better than that is giving and getting at the same time. First of the I want to share that Vickie of Sand Flat Farm is the winner of my Giving Back Give Away. Congratulations Vickie, if you email me your address, I will get your gift off to you in the mail.

Secondly, I also received something. Marie from Creations From Marie Antoinette gave me this "I Love Your Blog" award.

If you haven't visited Marie, you need to, she is a real doll. She's one of those people with more creativity in her little finger than I have in my whole body.

Here are the rules for this award:1. Please put the logo on your blog. 2. Link the person from whom you received the award.3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. 4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog. 5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

I would love to pass this award onto:

Lynn - Swamp Girl

Kacey - Wine on the Keyboard

Nikki - The Hunt for Vintage

Michelle - I'm a Little Teapot

Tara - Days Missed on a Hammock

Barbara - Oodles and Oodles

Mary - Little Red House

Giving Back Give Away

2008-09-21T17:39:00.008-04:00

I'm beat. I'm always beat after a flea market. I'm not as young as I used to be. Today makes the 5th sale this season. More sales than I have attended in the previous 3 years. I have 2 more sales scheduled before the end of the year, but I think I will pass on another flea market at the college campus next month. Dona was talking about having a barn sale at her house. That would be easier for me and my old bones. My last sale of the year will be in December at the AGIS Country Christmas.

Well, I sold alot of big things today, and the smalls were 1/2 price so they went too. I came home much lighter than when I left, and that feels soooo good.

Thank you for your thoughtful comments regarding my last post. I feel very proud of myself that I pursued my dream of approaching my hobby as a business. And now I have approached a crossroads. I have achieved most of the goals that I set out to do, and it is time for new goals. I'll wait until the new year to work on that. For now I am going to enjoy my home and all of the new found space and sleep in on alot more Saturday mornings.

As a thank you to everyone for their supportive comments and advice I am holding what I am calling a Giving Back Give Away. I would like to give away this cut glass dish full of buttons. All you need to do is to leave a comment on this posting. I will choose the winner on Thursday.

So you may be asking, what did I find this weekend? Even if you weren't wondering I'm going to show you. A little of this and that, nothing vintage or antique or priceless, but just fun things.

As I become more educated on American antique furniture styles I will make sure that I don't commit a feng shui fau pas.

Another Madonna to add to my collection. This one I bought from a family friend.

A milk glass vanity dish. This is the first one for me.

And last but not least, a wine decanter and 4 wine glasses for my daughter. She asked me on Friday to find her wine glasses, because her and her roommates have to drink their wine out of jelly jars. I know that times are tough, but I didn't think they were that tough. She was looking at wine glasses in the big box stores and didn't want to spend $15. She knew that Mom could find them cheaper, which I did on Saturday. I found the entire set for $1. Wine not included.

Don't forget to leave a comment for the give away.

Cleaning House

2008-09-20T20:21:00.007-04:00

Life is busy. Life is full. I never in my whole life thought that I would think that yardsaling and treasure hunting would be wasted time. But since this spring time I have cleaning house, purging, selling everything that didn't fit into my style. I guess I have changed...or is it that I have finally grown up and am confident enough to know exactly what I want? I guess the reasons that drove me to get up early EVERY Saturday morning to search out other's cast-aways no longer exists. My home is 99% the way I want it and the dreams that I had...have come true. That is a profound thing. So I am attending another flea market on Sunday and will bring items to sell. Some that I have never brought before, others that I have been carrying from one flea market to another. Those items will be at bargain basement prices. Of course I hope to sell everything, but more importantly, where do I go from here? I am trying to decide what it is that I want to do when I grow up. I went to yardsales this weekend, Friday with my daughter and then Saturday by myself. I know that driving around the country side is more than just the find, it is the social aspect that I love. Of course when you find that special thing it makes it so much sweeter. So I hope that I will always have that thrill of the hunt. With that thought I will show you photos of my kitchen, the smallest kitchen in the world. I have been cleaning my copper from my copper collection and bringing in my herbs one by one.

Who else has a phone message center from the 1930's??

Amongst friends

2008-09-10T20:16:00.005-04:00

Tara from Days Missed on a Hammock has honored me with this lovely award.

Thank you Tara!!

I love to visit Tara, after you visit her you will feel like you have known her all your life.

It is so nice to be listed among a wonderful group of bloggers.

The rules are the usual ones as follows:
1. Please put the logo on your blog.2. Link the person from whom you received your award.3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.4. Put the links of those blogs on to your blog.5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them!

Since I love everyones' blogs, I can't just pick 7, so if you are reading this post, consider yourself tagged.

Tag Sale Memories

2008-09-08T21:57:00.006-04:00

The 2nd Annual Tag Sale has come and gone...just like Tropcial Storm Hanna. How can the weather change so much in 24 hours? I don't know but I was glad. I was a little worried though, it's hard to put your trust in the weather persons, but this time they did good. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Of course, I am up at 5:30 and had everything set-up by 7:30. Dona strolled over about 8:00 and unloaded her SUV. We couldn't do anything until the morning, which meant we didn't set-up everything that we could have.

A few of my larger items found a new home, which makes me feel good. I am going to start listing more on ebay and I will provide links in case you are interested. In 2 weeks from now it will be time to pack up the car again for the next flea market on September 21. In addition, Dona was talking about having a barn sale at her house in October . Won't that be fun? I'll keep you posted.

Now a time for reflecting...it was a year ago at the 1st Annual Tag Sale, that Dona and I met Collen from Fresh Vintage. Colleen encouraged us to start our own blogs and so here I am a year later. Who would have thunk?? I can't even imagine where blogging. buying and selling will lead me to in the next year. Who will I meet? What kind of treasures will I find? What new project will capture my heart? Who knows, but where ever I go, I hope that you will follow me in this journey. It's no fun going alone.

American Farmhouses

2008-09-01T20:25:00.006-04:00

While on vacation I had the chance to do some reading, like real books, not magazines. Before I left I stopped at the local library and picked up a few books. I love farmhouses and thought that this book would be interesting.

I'm actually reading the book and looking at the beautiful pictures and stop at this page, I notice this white chair that looks familiar. They are described as " a pair of refined French chairs from the 1940s". WELL...

Hey, they are my chairs. And my chairs have the original fabric, (I think). I guess I'm refined too. But seriously, what are the chances.

That's not all,

I start to read about this farmhouse below and realize it's not far from where I live and I know the man who owns it. I'd love to tell you more, but you need to get the book and read the story.

I highly recommend this book. The homes are beautiful and the furniture is breathtaking.

You too may see something that is familiar.

The Tag Sale has been advertised

2008-09-01T20:07:00.006-04:00

The Marketing Department has been hard at work getting the word out about the Tag Sale.

If you happen to miss the signs, you can always check out Craig's List.

Now the Merchandising Department will be working into the wee hours of the morning to make sure that all items are tagged and priced to sell.

The only thing left to do is to schedule the weather man to bring us a sunny day.

There's no place like home

2008-08-30T21:57:00.008-04:00

My husband and I have just returned home after a week's vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I'm part Carolina girl now. I've been to many New Jersey (that would be Jersey shore), Delaware, and Maryland beaches and Virginia Beach, but by far we have enjoyed North Myrtle Beach the best. I'm not sure if the fact that we haven't taken a vacation for about 5 years, has anything to do with that decision, doesn't matter, we had a great time.

I wish I could say that I stayed here, but unfortunately I didn't...maybe another visit.

Even the Army Core of Engineers beach renourishment project didn't bother us.

So I brought some books and magazines to read, in between watching the waves meet the shore. I actually read an entire book...one with no pictures.

Even a day of cloudy rain didn't deter our fun. There was always something to do, like go shopping.

and it was way bigger than I thought.

It's a shame, I didn't find a thing I wanted.

I have so much to share with you, and so many of you I need to visit, that although I LOVED our vacation, I am so glad that we made it home safe and sound. Considering that we had a tire blow flat on the outer loop of I95 around Washinton DC. If you have ever driven that stretch of the road, you can understand that I really thought that was the end for us.

There really is no place like home.

The Mushroom Festival and Tag Sale

2008-08-25T21:30:00.002-04:00

You are all invited to my little town in Pennsylvania for the Mushroom Festival. This started out as just a small annual celebration each year for us locals and now has turned into a nationally known destination which attacts 100s of thousands to our little town. In the weeks to come I would love to share my town with you and you too may want to plan a trip to visit.

I live in town and walk up to the festival, several times a day. I don't cook on those days, we eat all of our meals from the food vendors...mushrooms are on the menu of course.

Three years ago I broke my ankle about this time in August and was in a cast and on crutches the weekend of the Mushroom Festival. I sat on my side patio, watching all of the cars go past my quiet little street and all of the visitors walking towards town, and through my pain, misery and depression, I couldn't even walk across the street, I had a brilliant idea. Why not have a tag sale on that weekend, and maybe some of the thousands of people coming into our little town would like to stop and buy something.

So that is what I did. Dona joined me.

We had a great time, met alot of people. It was actually the first time that we met Colleen from Fresh Vintage and she encouraged us to start a blog.

You are also invited to the 2nd annual Tag Sale on Magnolia Street, more on that to come.

"Today"

2008-08-22T15:59:00.004-04:00

Everything is in it's place, at least for today. I am happy with the way my new chairs fit into my living room.

I love all different styles of decorating, and rather than clutter up every room of my house, I finally decided to decorate each room in a different theme with my more traditional and country pieces limited to my living room. This room has only dark furniture with a more formal feel, even though it is the room that we watch TV in.

The fireplace and the shelves kind of set the tone for the entire room.

This dresser was intended for my son's room, but after I got it home and cleaned it and inspected it, I decided against it. Now I have 3 more drawers to fill up with finds.

The detail in craftmanship cannot be reproduced.

And a special find for the day, as I left work early, I found a yardsale on the way home.

Words to live by.

Enjoy the day and every "today".

How did this happen?

2008-08-12T21:15:00.006-04:00

The finds are literally falling into my lap this week. I didn't tell you about the drafting table that I found for my son's room for $1. A vintage fishing rod that I found for free or the boxes of treasures that were given to me.

Now I don't usually advertise how much I spend, but I think I can make an exception.

This was free, nobody wanted it...the ironing board that is.

The linens that need ironing were mine.

My husband laughed at me, my co-workers were nice and just smiled, but I did a search on ebay and who's laughing now??? If the auction is over by the time you read this, I just want you to know that the seller was asking $69.99 buy it now price.

It's an ironing table to be exact.

I found something pretty too, a pair of these adorable chairs. I imagine they are from the 40s. The upholstery matches my living room exactly and they are in great shape. I do need to clean them and then I can place them in their final decorative location. I can't decide yet where to put them, there are so many possibilities. If I told you the pair were $15 would you believe me? Well they were, and yes I'm excited. Who needs Raymour & Flanigan? Not me.

I still need to pick up a chest of drawers. I don't know how old that is, but the back is made up of boards, yes boards. I can't wait to pick it up. I have run out of wallspace so I told my son he has a new dresser for his room.

I'm off to straighten up a little bit more.

Just in time

2008-08-11T21:44:00.004-04:00

I made room for more...

I found these prints at a sale and I thought that I had a real find. After doing some research on the Internet, I found out that they are not original 1870 French antique fashion & costume plates but reproductions made in the 1950s. They still have value as reproductions, and now I know what to look for because I never know when that original might happen to turn up. I'll be ready.

I found a chenille bedspread and I love the look on my daughter's bed. But I know that she will not go for it. She can only take so much vintage and antiques in her room and then she gets "old stuff overload" and she needs a Linens and Things fix. I'll enjoy it now, before she comes home from college.

I have a thing for chenille bedspreads. I have 6 white bedspreads and I use all of them.

My dear neighbor lost her husband recently and she is having the task of going through his belongings. Her children are helping but it is no easy task. She is also clearing out items that she inherited from her mother. Her children have taken what they want and she knows that I buy, collect and sell and so she gave me boxes of treasures to do what I want with.

Part of me knows that I only have room for so much and can display only so much, but it is so difficult to sell these beautiful things. Yes, they don't have lids, or they are tarnished beyond repair, but they will always remind me of my dear friend so how can I part with them? I can't.

.

Behind the Scenes

2008-08-09T11:11:00.007-04:00

That's where I've been, behind the scenes, organizing my house and my life. Cleaning out closets and drawers is more that just cleaning out closets and drawers, it is cleansing one's soul of all of the unnesseasary things cluttering up one's life. Do we really need that old coffee maker that no one uses anymore, just because the other one MIGHT break?? NO, let it go... It's gone.

You know how when you start one project it dominoes into another and then another? The dominoes haven't stopped falling yet. That's a good thing. I'm completing things that are long overdue. I'd love to show you pictures of my organized linen closet, basement, misc. drawers, and kitchen pantry, but you would be bored to tears. But I can show you what I found this weekend.

It seems like forever since I've been out treasure hunting on a Saturday morning. This weekend I took off Friday morning and I went shopping two mornings in a row. YEAH!

I went out by myself, Dona is vacationing, and although it's not the same, I did enjoy the time by myself, riding back roads on two absolutely beautiful mornings. I live in a beautiful part of the country and I cherish the undeveloped areas.

I found a tea set with dessert plates, creamers, and covered bowls, all made in Italy. What a surprise I found something made in Italy.

The tea cups have stains which I haven't tried to get out yet. All I did was wash them in soapy water. The next step is baking soda and bleach.

So rustic, earthy, bountiful.

I had this lone tea cup and saucer that I found a while ago. I thought they were the same, similar, but not the same.

There are 2 cups with a white background and 2 with a mustard yellow background.

I had the pitcher on the right and found the creamer on the left.

I like to shop internationally, so I had to add this linen made in Scotland.

I also found some other items that I have yet to photograph. That will be for another day.

I'm off to another picnic tonight. I'm averaging 2 picnics a weekend. It's a wonder I have time for anything else, busy, busy, busy.

Have a great weekend.

Dog "tired" days of summer

2008-08-03T20:38:00.008-04:00

Friday, August 1st was the beginning of a very busy weekend. I told myself that July I was going to slow down a bit with buying, too hot, too few and far between sales, and too much for the price of gas, but in August I was going to get down to business and prepare for 3 September sales, 1 October sale, possibly 1 November sale and 1 December sale. I'm tired just thinking about it. So August is here. I haven't stopped since Friday after work. I've been cleaning every closet and drawer, nook and cranny, and I even cleaned the basement and made myself a storage area and workroom complete with work bench, not to be confused with a workout bench. Now Dona you won't hear from me anymore that "I love it, but I have no place to put it" because now I have someplace to put it. YAH.

I'm just now catching up with blogging from the last week.

Michelle from I'm a Little Tea Pot gave me this lovely award. Michelle and I share a love for milkglass. If you haven't checked out her collection, you should. She must have 100s of beautiful pieces. Thank you Michelle.

The rules...1. Please put award on your blog. 2. Add link to the person who awarded you. 3. Nominate 5 fellow bloggers for this award. 4. Add links to recipient. 5. Leave a comment so the recipients know they have received an award.

Barbara from Oodles and Oodles - she's got oodles and oodles of the things I like
Jean from Dreamer Jean - I'm dreaming of a garden as nice as hers
Dalia from Stokes Chic Antiques - and chic it is
Marie Antionette from Dolls By Marie Antoinette - she is the doll making queen
Gail from the The Tatterd Nest - she's made a lovely nest for her family

Also Glenda from Many Fond Memories posted about a rug that she had just found at an antique store. I just found her blog and I'm glad I did, I love her finds. She has such a pretty blog. So I'm looking at her rug and thought that how pretty it was ...well it turns out that I thought I had the same one. So after I took this photo and took a closer examination, I see that they are similar. Here's a photo of mine. Click on her link to see a photo of hers.

I'm wishing a wonderful week to everyone. I will try to visit during the week when I can, but there is more cleaning to do, closets to clean out, and my work room to fix up so I can actually work on a project.

Time to pick a winner

2008-07-27T13:29:00.009-04:00

What happens when I have social engagements scheduled one after another on the same day that I am supposed to choose and post the winner of my 100th post giveaway? I postponed the posting for the next day. So without any further delay I would like to congratulate Carol. Congratulations Carol from No Reason Needed you are the lucky winner of my random drawing. Please email me with your address so I can mail your gift to you. I just met Carol, she has a wonderful entertaining blog. Stop by and visit her.

What kept me busy on Saturday was that Dona and I went to a few sales in the morning. I bought 2 lampshades, spent $3. Wow. I'm excited. But seriously I have many lamps that are shadeless, so this was a good thing. After I got home and did a few things around the house, got ready to go to La Famiglia Day picnic at our local Italian-American Citizens League otherwise known as the IACL, or as us locals refer to it simply as The Club. It was an afternoon of eating, drinking, music and spending time with family and friends. The most important things in the world. There were people that traveled as far away as Florida to attend. My husband and I saw friends that we haven't seen in YEARS.

My father and uncle had a good time. Aren't they cute? They are 82 and 90 years young. The picnic was in honor of these original members.

Don't wait for a picnic to embrace those around you that you care about. Everyday is la famiglia day.

Florentia

2008-07-25T16:59:00.007-04:00

The ancient name of the city of Florence.

Also the name of gold gilded and painted boxes and other decorative items made in Italy.

I have been collecting these items for years before I knew what they were. This happens to me often. There is an energy that emits from certain items that attracts me like a moth to a flame or like a magnet to metal. I can't explain it, it just happens. I have always said that I buy what I like...period.

This is part of the collection that I have. What a nice surprize when I saw on the Country Home newsletter a story of the "Thrill of the Hunt" in New York where they highlighted a Florentia box.

I am so glad that others share the passion for similar items that I do. Sometimes I think I'm a little odd because of the things that I like, and then times like this, and the world that blogging has opened up to me, it occurs to me that there are other like minded individuals that appreciate finds that are out of the norm, that can't be bought at the local big box, that can only be found by treasure hunting.

I'm not sure if it the treasure or the hunt that I love the most. I'm sure it must be a combination of both. And none of this would have any meaning what so ever if I couldn't share it with a friend. Dona and I have been spending Saturday mornings together since I can remember. If you don't have a friend to drive all over creation with, I encourage you to find one. It makes the journey so much sweeter.

A Fresh Clean Look

2008-07-23T06:00:00.002-04:00

A while ago, way back in May, I had asked for any advice with formatting and HTML code. And as bloggers are a generous group I got alot of good advise from Tracie from My Petite Maison, Sherry from Edie Marie's Attic, and Glenda from Many Fond Memories. Thank you ladies. Now, I'm a slow learner when it comes to computer code especially trying to learn something new late at night, so it has taken me this long to have enough courage to make so many changes at once. I wanted a fresh look for my next 100 posts, well maybe the next 50, or until I can finally figure out how to put a wallpaper background on the blog. Oh yes, I have read the steps and checked out the websites, but it is just not clicking yet.

I did learn how to use paint and add text to my photos. I'm a secretary and I am on a computer 8 hours a day, but I deal with letter correspondence and spreadsheets, nothing as much fun as blogging. I know that I will be playing around with margins and font colors and such, so bear with me. It has only taken me 100 posts to finally figure this out.

If you haven't already left a comment on my posting for my 100th post giveaway, there is still time. I will pick a winner on Saturday.

100th post giveaway

2008-07-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here are the items that I have chosen for my 100th post giveaway. A vintage crocheted linen, a flower vase, and a glass candy dish. I hope that you like the gifts I chose. You are automatically entered by leaving a comment on this post. I will choose the winner on Saturday and if I plan it just right Saturday will be my 100th post. I'm excited. I remember when I never thought I would have enough to say to post 100 times. Good luck and I hope to hear from you.

My Magazine

2008-07-21T13:05:00.001-04:00

I just had to try it.

I was encouraged by the creations of these publications.

Sherry from Edie Marie's Attic

Mary from Little Red House

Vickie from Sand Flat Farm

Tara from Days Missed on a Hammock

Try it, it's fun.

Nothing in Particular

2008-07-20T19:53:00.006-04:00

I am in an in between stage of almost everything right now. My job, my home, my blog, it seems like everything is just pending. My oldest is moving out at the end of the month and I have been boxing up household items for him to take. I have enough pots, pans, and casseroles to outfit 4 kitchens. So boxes are piling up in the dining room and spare bedroom. As soon as he moves, I can then help my second oldest rearrange his room, and for the first time in his life he will have a room to himself. It will be another 2 months before I have another flea market to sell at, but then from September until December I will be busier than I can imagine. There are not many sales this time of year, and with the price of gas, I am not going to drive 15, 20 and 30 miles for 1 or 2 sales, so I am staying local. This post is my 94th post and I have been struggling over what to select as my 100th post giveaway. I want to pick something special that I hope will be appreciated. I am taking advantage of this in between time to edit the house and work on some projects.

This is a page out of Country Living, July 2000. Before we moved 10 years ago I had to make a decision of what to do with the many issues of magazines. Rather than throw them all away or move them all I compromised and tore out pages that inspired me and put them in a binder. I am now editing my pages once again and making a journal.

I remember saving this page. I'm not sure what caught my eye in 2000. It could have been the country cupboard, the farmhouse table, the deep autumn colors. As I was deciding if I should add this page to my journal, something in the photo caught my eye.

Look what I found earlier this spring at a yard sale. Is that weird or what????

I think I will keep the page and the pitcher.

Feel the "soul"

2008-07-14T08:00:00.004-04:00

Dona and I went out yardsaling on Saturday as usual for most Saturdays. There were about 20 sales that we went to. We went on the usual path, roads that we know well, and planned out perfectly to go from one sale to another. I did find a few new finds, not alot, and for not much money.

What an assortment of items I brought home. Items that have nothing in common with one another, yet together they can tell a story of lives.

How many dinners were served on this platter? What doors did these knobs open? What treasures did these boxes hold? Who's initials are on this bottle opener and what celebrations was it used for? Happy times or sad times?

If I am feeling the "soul" speak to me through the finds that I brought home this week, I have an unfortunate reason.

This is a difficult week for myself and others I care about. We have lost a member of the family unexpectedly. Loss is never easy, especially the loss of a life taken too soon.

Thank you for listening.

Black & White

2008-07-13T16:54:00.009-04:00

I have been collecting vintage metal patio furniture for a while now. It is usually white, dull and rusted you know, very shabby chic. I have sold a few pieces over the years, some white and some black. I have left all of these untouched for a while now, I was hoping that they would "fit" in my home. I know that many of you enjoy the shabby chic look , and I too think it is very pretty.

But unfortunately that look just doesn't work with the colors of my house. My home is a 1935 Colonial Revival. It is the closest thing to a country home I could find at the time that we were house hunting.

So this weekend I decided it was time to turn the white to black. I started with the new bistro table and chairs that I bought.

I am happy with the results.

In the shadows

2008-07-08T20:27:00.004-04:00

I live in the shadows of mighty trees. Planted over 70 years ago when the house was built, their branches embrace the yard like a blanket.

Being only trimmed when uncomfortably touching the roof.

Standing watch, guarding and shading everyone who has lived here.

Did those owners many years ago every imagine that someone would appreciate their efforts?

As long as there are leaves on the trees, we have falling leaves. It gives the a new perspective to Fall vs Autumn.

Yes, I even plant hostas in my pots. No sun loving flowers for me.

I have been spending time with family over the long weekend, and attended no sales. In the J months, January, June and July, there are not many yard sales in my area. I'm not sure if Dona and I will go out this weekend. She has alot of things going on at her house, visit her and give her a few words of encouragement. I do need to spend time getting together my 100 post celebration gift. It is coming up SOON. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone? WOW, what a year it has been. I should be posting my 100 post celebration gift this weekend. I'm looking forward to picking out just the right gifts, special gifts. And like the mighty trees, I hope to choose gifts that will endure the passage of time.

Summertime

2008-07-02T20:21:00.003-04:00

Summertime is moving fast, closer to the 4th of July than I would like. I hope you are making memories...from the summer of 2008...to remember a lifetime.

I am not posting any photos on this post. I know this is different for me. If you click on the links, well they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I think the links will speak for themselves. Kacie at Wine on the Keyboard is holding a June Photo of the Month Contest. The theme this month is SUMMERTIME. You should see these photos. Stop by and vote for your favorite.

In celebration of summertime, I would like to share with you...

"Yes, I remember those summer nights out in the yard; the smell of lilacs, the feel of the firefly jars and the blue mumur of voices...and during that moment all that is remembered joins and lives - the old and the young, the present and the past, the living and the dead...And leaving us, great God, with only this...knowing that this earth, this time, this life are stranger than a dream."

Rea Redifer The Prairie

Rea, our neighbor and friend

Monday's Bouquet

2008-06-30T20:31:00.004-04:00

Uh Oh...I was running late this morning for work and I didn't get out into the flower garden to cut flowers for my Monday bouquet. My husband took a week's vacation and he has disrupted my usual morning routine. You girls know what I mean.

So I would like to share with you a previous photo of flowers I picked for a Spring bouquet.

They are not from my garden, they are violets growing wild from the field behind my house.

There is beauty in everything, if we just open our eyes, mind, and heart.

Happy Monday.

I'm in that mood again

2008-06-29T15:30:00.002-04:00

Before you jump to any conclusions, I'm talking about a blue mood. Although Saturday was not a very good day for yard sale finds for Dona and I, I did find a few things the previous week at various sales. I couldn't pass up more blue and white. The single plate is called Birds of Paradise. I am trying to be more selective with the china I buy, not buying anything that is damaged, and even though this plate has a crack and small chip, the colors are so delicate and the scene is so graceful that I made an exception.

I also found a set of five dishes called Tulip Time made in England by Johnson Brothers. They too are not "perfect" with a few chips, but again I enjoy the scene.

I can envision a light Spring meal being served on these dishes.

Check out this cutlery. Now, I need some help. I have searched the internet and I can't find the name of this pattern. I hope I'm searching correctly. I'm assuming that this is vintage Corelle.

And what is china without a lovely linen. I bought an entire box of linens last week. The sale was a few blocks from my home so I walked up. You know I'm trying to do my part for the environment. I also thought if I walked I would think twice about buying anything big or expensive. It didn't work, rather than digging through the entire box, I offered them a price for everything. It was too heavy to carry home, so I ended up walking home and driving my car back for my finds. These are the linens that I have ironed so far.

And these are the ones that still need ironing. I'll get to them soon.

I did find something practical. A set of dishes for four for me. What do you know, they're blue.

For the love of wood

2008-06-24T06:13:00.003-04:00

I love wood. Old wood.

There is a history that is to be imagined. It has a soul.

It is organic. It is sensual. It begs you to touch it.

The details tell a story.

Wood with patina. Wood with age. Wood with character.

Yes I love wood.

Monday's Bouquet

2008-06-23T06:32:00.004-04:00

Day lilies, each bloom only lasts one day, so you must enjoy them as they bloom.

Just like life, enjoy each day for what it has to offer.

Happy Monday

Connie

The back story

2008-06-20T18:57:00.001-04:00

Dena from Swaddle Cottage asked me about the story of the rug that Dona posted about. Now it's been a few Saturdays ago that Dona and I left the flea market that we were selling at and we stopped at an estate sale that had started the day before. Dona had been there the day before and couldn't believe the prices, cheap, practically giving the stuff away, so we went back to see if there was anything left. Now that day it was HOT, like almost 100 and my Honda was packed with my things that I brought for the flea market. And yes, I can pack alot of stuff in my little Honda Civic. Even Dona couldn't believe it. So anyway, we are walking around the house and yard at this estate sale and I found a rug on the back deck. It was $3. Ok I'll take it. Now how the heck am I going to add anything else in my car? Well the rug rolled up and folded and we stuck it on top of everything else putting it through the back window and diagnally across bringing it out the front passenger side window. Just a little, but I couldn't close my windows and the rug was face level and near my face and stunk and I did mention that it was about 100 degrees. By this point I was down right tired, sweaty and miserable. I just wanted to get home, get a cold glass of iced tea, unload the car and sit in the AC for the rest of the day.

I had to ask my son to get the rug out of the car, I just couldn't do it.

After all that...the colors didn't match the room I wanted to put it in and it was to big for the room that the colors did match. I called Dona and said if you want this rug, COME AND GET IT. I told her I don't deliver...it stinks. Of course it looks great in her library.

In a totally unrelated story, I went to a Thursday sale and bought some items I could handle easily.

This vintage necklace and pin. They are not a set, but the colors do match.

More silver. I can't get enough.

I couldn't leave this pin. Could this be the key to my future?

A sneak peak at the colors of a tole tray. This tray is in the best condition that I have ever seen, and I have had alot of tole. Not nearly a scratch on the front.

Have a good weekend and I will see you in a few days.

Connie

Come along with me

2008-06-19T16:13:00.013-04:00

Welcome

I took a few days off to spruce up the place before I had company.

I see you found the side door.

follow me

watch your step

It's cool in the shade

And even cooler sitting and talking a spell.

As you can see it can be challenge to garden in the shade. Color is secondary to shades of greens and whites. Hostas, hydrangeas and daylillies are my friends. The day lillies are budding and just waiting to pop. I hope you can visit again when the colors are blooming.

More lucky finds

2008-06-15T20:09:00.010-04:00

I can now show you what I've been up to this weekend. This is the chest that I found Friday that I had to go back and pick up. It has alot of character, meaning that it has seen alot of use, and maybe abuse, but I knew I would find a spot for it. This replaces the chest that I had in my dining room. I put that in my bedroom (another project which is not entirely done).

I love the patina on the wood. I know that alot of you are probaly thinking. Why isn't she painting that? Well I just can't paint good wood.

I found more books for the bookcase.

Now this table may be a contender for painting if I can't get the wood to look any better.

The wall sconses are just what my living room needs.

I would love to hang this chandalier in my power room. I'm not sure if I can do this myself because of our plaster walls. My second option is in the hallway.

I think I will put this in my powder room instead. There was only one fixture so the price was right.

I was not so fortunate to find these items for free like Dona. I spent my allowance for the week. I wish my budget was bigger, I could have filled up a truck with some beautiful things. I guess it's just as well. I'm going to be busy all week completing these new projects.

My lucky day

2008-06-14T19:30:00.009-04:00

So who believes in bad luck on Friday the 13th? Not me. There is no good luck or bad luck, it's just a matter of being at the right place at the right time ...or the wrong place at the wrong time.

There was an estate sale on Friday morning, that I was itching to go to. I took a couple of hours off of work, went in late and Dona and I went to the estate sale. We really wanted to get into the house. The ad said A 130 year old house came with it's contents and the new owner needed to sell items to make room for their things. Now tell me, wouldn't you take a few hours off of work to go too? It was far away enough that Dona drove because if we found something big it was too far to go back to pick up your finds. Well we didn't get to go into the house and everything although very nice, was too overpriced for me. But on the way back home, we found about 6 yard sales and I did find a thing or two at them. Now she is telling stories about me, don't believe a word she says. Who is the one that finds the free stuff in the trash and does wonders with them? Dona. And who is the one who finds the big stuff that you need to go back and get the next day? Me.

It's 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night and I just got home from picking up the chest of drawers that I bought on Friday morning about 8:00 a.m.

The best I can do today is this picture of some pitchers that I found on Friday. The drawers to the chest, the chandelier, wall sconces, and crystal wall light fixture are still in my car. Hubby had a busy day and I think the chest of drawers is enough for him to handle for one day. After all, tomorrow is Father's Day.

I will share with you tomorrow the full bounty of the weekend.

Wishing all the fathers out there, a Happy Father's Day.

Connie

Monday's Bouquet

2008-06-09T11:35:00.009-04:00

May the day be blooming with possibilities.

Happy Monday

Working for a living

2008-06-06T17:12:00.006-04:00

Confucius say: Love what you do and you will never work again.

I am one of the many women that must work 9-5 for someone else, yet long to work 12 hour days/7 days a week for myself.

Even though I sit at some one else's desk by day doesn't mean that I can't bring some Magnolia Street Style with me. I live and breath antiques, vintage and collectibles, I want them around me at all times, so I have started to bring my style with me where ever I go.

I started simply enough by bringing in a bouquet of flowers from my garden...in a different vintage vase each week. Everyone loves the flowers and the vases.

I bought these items that were donated at work, the basket too, and made a little vignette that I left on my desk for a couple of days. It was so adorable I didn't want to bring it home. Where would I put these things if I did? Everyone loved it. I didn't realize how many people love linens.

It makes people stop and comment, and of course I LOVE to talk about what I do, you know as "my business" . I also get a pulse on what these women are interested in. I am getting more confident in my business ventures with each sale, each new connection, each customer that I meet.

The tea cup and saucer are just adorable. I think a tea party is in the near future.

This cute vase doesn't have any marks on it so I don't know it's history. Although it doesn't matter I fell for it anyway. It's white you know.

I could call this market research. Or I could call it my escape from the everyday grind.

I've been a bad blogger, focusing more on selling than on buying or blogging for the past couple of weeks. I will be getting things together tonight to bring to a Saturday flea market tomorrow. It's really tough to be selling on a Saturday and not buying, but that's business. More market research, I say.

I hope to take pictures to share with you. I'll visit with all of you soon.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Connie

Milk glass - love it or hate it

2008-05-27T21:26:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday Dona and I went yardsaling. Oh yeah, so what's new?

I found more milk glass. Again, nothing new. I need more milk glass like I need a hole in my head. That's what started the project of the day. You know those kinds of projects. You have plans to do something and before you know it you end up doing something entirely different. All I needed to do was to find a spot for this milk glass in my red cupboard. I started moving things around and thought I should dust also - now that is new.

So I took everything out of the cupboard and put it on the floor so I could dust and rearrange.

Don't you just love the milk glass lamp? I do.

Since the cupboard was empty, I thought I would move the cupboard to another wall for a change. Then I put everything back with the addition of my new pieces.

I am on a spending freeze. I am not going to buy any more milk glass for a while. I really mean it.

When it comes to milk glass I have found people fall into 2 different categories. Those that don't have any particular care for it, and those that love it, are addicted to it, can't get enough of it. I don't know why I fell for milk glass. I don't have any memory of my grandmother or mother having any. I also like stoneware and marble, so maybe I'm confused and am just attracted to anything white.

I never knew there were so many others that love milk glass too until I started blogging. You should check out Mary at Little Red House and Michelle at I'm a LittleTeapot if you want to see some serious milk glass lovers.

If you have a milk glass collection, I'd love hear from you.

as a postscript:

For those serious collectors there is National Milk Glass Collectors Society. I haven't joined them as yet. I'm not sure if I can commit to anything like this anymore. At my age I change my mind as often as I change my socks. Although in my earlier youth, I was a member of the American Gourd Society, but that is another story.

Buy, sell, buy some more

2008-05-20T21:16:00.007-04:00

I sell on Sunday and then buy more on Monday. It's a sickness. But what am I supposed to do when an estate sale is right around the corner from work on Monday morning and then a yard sale is on the way to my part time job on Monday afternoon. I HAD to go. Now I have to decide what to sell next. Do I keep the new items and sell the old ones? Do I just stop now and sell the new items before I get too emotionally attached? Oh my... decisions, decisions.

I picked up this Victorian chair. It's actually a child's size. I also found this stool. It's hard to see the detail of the stool, but it is old, with the original blue leather and stuffing. This is a perfect example of how 2 items from 2 different styles can look good together. At least I think so.

I also found this metal picnic can and can you guess what the white table is?

It's a shoe shine kit. I looked on e-bay and the iron shoe holder alone was selling for $20. I got a bargain.

I also found this cermaic basket of fruit. Made in Italy of course. Just one more thing for my collection.

I also found this lamp which I think is McCoy but I can't prove that. The clock is a Hammond. I did a little research on the clock and found this website. I can't decide if my clock is Paris #1 or Paris #2.

I love learning about the things that I buy.

I will have to let my new finds settle into place and see if they "fit" and feel "right". No decisions will be made yet.

I will be be tuning in to Dona's blog on Wednesday night to learn all about re-wiring lamps. Good stuff, check it out.

We can learn something new together.

Rainy day flea market

2008-05-18T20:25:00.006-04:00

Here are a few pictures of my space at the DCCC Flea Market. The day started out cloudy, turned sunny for a short time, cloudy for a while and then poured. Dona and I can pack our vehicles in 15 minutes. We left about 1:00. In those short hours, I am very pleased that some of my larger pieces sold. I met alot of people, heard some funny stories, learned a few new things about collectibles, and talked flea markets with some other dealers.

There are some nice dealers out there. I can understand that they want to get a good price, but I'm in business too. It's about professional courtesy and respect.

I came home exhausted, soaking wet, muscles aching, but still had to unload the truck and put things away. I took a shower, then a nap, then a cup of tea.

And tomorrow I will start to make plans for the next sale.

Running out of time

2008-05-17T21:34:00.003-04:00

I have a flea market that I am selling at tomorrow. I'm not quite ready. This is the first time my dear husband has let me use his truck. I am taking advantage of his unselfish gesture to bring as much furniture as I can to sell. Actually I told him he wants me to get rid of my "goods" then I need his truck. Did you figure out that he loves his truck? I usually just sell smalls so bringing furniture is a new approach for me. Dona and I had a great day of buying. Her SUV was packed to the ceiling with our finds. Check out her blog, I think she will post pictures. I am partial to the color blue lately. I found this metal chair and wooden box today. I thought I would color coordinate my finds to my blog.

I also found a box of insulators. About 30 years ago you could find these about a dime a dozen. I know, I had a dozen. I think there is interest in them again. I bought them because I liked the color.

I also found this petite pitcher. It is only about 3 inches high. Do you see the color pattern?

Ok, so here is the find for the day. A pizzelle iron. I make pizzelles each holiday and sell them at Christmas time. For those that don't know what a pizzelle is, it is an Italian cookie made on an iron. Irons are either for making 2 or 4 cookies at a time. A very time consuming process. This is the very first square iron I have ever seen. I didn't even know that they made square irons. Now the weird part, because you know I believe that there are powers beyond my control guiding me with my purchases. As Dona and I are walking around the tables of items for sale, the older woman who was having the yard sale, says to me out of the blue. "You may not know this, but that is a pizzelle iron". I stopped, looked at the iron, which I walked right past, and said I know about pizzelles, I make them and sell them. The iron looked so different, I asked her "are you sure?"

I thought that maybe she didn't know what she was talking about. She tells me that she will go and get the box. Sure enough, it's a pizzelle iron, and a good one too. Then she says, "I don't know why I felt I had to tell you this." I told her it's because I was meant to have it. You see, if she didn't tell me that, I would have not looked twice at this. I wouldn't have realized what it was.

True story.

This is my 3rd pizzelle iron. Each of my children can now have a pizzelle iron when I no longer can make them. What can I say, I'm of Italian decent and stuff like this is important to me.

You're not seeing things

2008-05-15T11:34:00.003-04:00

Your eyes are just fine. Like I have nothing else to do with my time, I am playing around with the colors of my blog AGAIN. I'm partial to blue right now. I'm not sure about this blue, but I will live with it for a few days. Let me know what you think.

I'm also playing around with the HTML code and I can increase the width of the columns now. But I don't know how to increase everything yet so I haven't published any changes.

Does anyone know any tips that are easy? Real easy?

Thanks for your help.

Connie

School's over

2008-05-11T15:47:00.005-04:00

My daughter will be home from college for 5 entire days before she heads to the Outerbanks and then to her new apartment at school. I have cleaned and organized her room in preparation of those 5 days. I had to take pictures before she gets home. It will not look the same afterwards. If you have a girl you know what I mean.

Bed is made.

Dresser top is empty.

No matter what age, she will always be my little girl.

If you have a girl you know what I mean.

Time..does anybody really know what time it is?

2008-05-11T10:15:00.002-04:00

Obviously not me. I know that today is May 11th, Mother's Day and I know that my next flea market is May 18th. Then why did I think there were 2 weeks between now and then? I don't know, I lost a week somewhere. My husband reminded me yesterday. I need to change into fast gear - quick. So from now until Saturday I will be completing all of the projects that I can to bring to the flea market. This deadline has gotten me off my butt to get things done. It is very easy to bring something home and then hide it in the attic, never to be seen again. I found a table I had completely forgotten about in the corner of my attic. No more of that nonsense for me. It was making me crazy, I am starting to run out of room in my attic and that is not good.

I'm glad that I got a chance to visit with many of you last night. I will visit others tonight.

Things that I can finally mark off my to do list.

I finished this chair.

The vanity seat is done.

I sanded and painted this table.

and painted these 2 chairs.

What is left on the to do list:
paint a wicker chair and table
recover 2 bench seats similar to the one above.
fix 4 small tables with nails, glue, and screws.

I did manage to find a few things this week. I just need to make a spot for them.

You may not have noticed a color scheme to the furniture that I redo. As I've said before I buy what I like and if the furniture doesn't sell, I am going to bring it home and use them. You know what would be nicer? If I had a place to bring my furniture in between flea markets where I could have them on display for sale. It would be like home away from home. Where everything is for sale. Hmmm...I think I will work on that.

In honor of the day, find a mother, any mother and give her a hug. And if you are a mother, I hope you get your hug.

Have a wonderful day.

Connie

2008-05-08T11:25:00.007-04:00

Here it is Thursday and I haven't done much on the computer but check my e-mails and comments and I only get around to checking in on one blog per day and then I don't have the time to comment. I am going to make time this weekend for visiting. I love hearing from everyone and I can't believe how much I missed everyone's news. I have to get caught up on what's happening.

I had a wonderful anniversary weekend, it was busy, but of course I get nothing done at home so I had play catch up the rest of this week. I'm not as young as I used to be and I'm not as fast either.

I'm also getting my painting and reupholstering projects done for my next flea market on May 18th. Here is one project done. I thought it turned out cute.

I'm working on completing this chair. It has it's second coat of paint.

and the chair seat is reupholstered.

I'll take more pictures after it's done.

I have a habit of buying unwanted and misfit chairs and benches. I don't know why. And it seems like all of the furniture that I buy has been unused, and sitting in someone's basement or garage for years. I buy the dirtiest and most pathetic furniture that you ever wanted to see, covered in cobwebs and spider eggs sacks. I always have to wash off whatever I buy with soapy water outside even before I bring it in the house. But I don't see the grime. I only see the beauty. I see the piece completed. The time consuming part is bringing the beauty out. Tomorrow night's project is to start painting 2 wooden chairs that I've had since last year. I am on a mission to complete all of these projects and to see for myself if I can create the vision that I see in my mind.

I'm not much of a crafter, but I love, and I mean love doing this type of furniture restoration if you want to even call it that. I love fabric, but I don't sew and I love to paint so put them together and I could do this all day and every day. I hope to share the projects with you as I get them done.

Connie

May Day and a day in May

2008-05-01T18:34:00.005-04:00

This weekend my husband and I will be celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary. As I look at our wedding photos, I realize alot of living and loving has happened in the past 28 years. There are so many people that shared in our special day that are no longer with us. I'm glad that they were a part of our lives then and they always will be in our memories.

So here's to the first 28 years.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I will talk you next week.

Connie

The moral of the story

2008-04-27T08:42:00.017-04:00

It has been a full week of gift swapping and buying. Try to stay with me on this story because I may ramble.

It started on Monday when I took a day off from work and went to visit Doris the "Tea Pot Lady", that is what she calls herself. She is the woman that D ona and I met who has the collection of over 400 tea pots. I have kept in contact with Doris since we first met, I had emailed her photos of the tea pots that I picked up because I wanted to know more about them. She had never seen anything like the Pyrex tea pot. So on Monday I went to visit her and swap tea pots and other finds. I came home with these.

I also came home with this crib that was in her garage and if I didn't take it she was going to throw it out in the trash. Oh no, I couldn't have that. My family thinks I'm nuts for bringing home a crib but that's another story. I know I will need the crib someday, not for babies, but for my business.

I stopped at a consignment shop thrift store called "The Women's Exchange" I fell in love with this adorable little store. The ladies working there are volunteers and they were so nice and personable I wanted to stay all afternoon, but I had other things to do so I took their card and I know I will go back when I have more time. If I could work it out, I would even volunteer there, I liked it that much. But anyway, they had a small white chest of drawers full of their linens for sale. I remember making a mental note that I would like to do the same thing if I had a small white chest of drawers.

What do you think I found on Tuesday?? A small white chest of drawers. Just a coincidence? Maybe...maybe not.

On Thursday, in conversation with Carol from work, she mentions that she collects pewter. She recently bought an old house from the late 1800's and displays her pewter on her fireplace mantels. It just so happens that I have a full tub of pewter that for some reason I didn't bring the the flea market. I knew I had it, I just felt that I shouldn't sell it quite yet. Just a coincidence? Maybe...maybe not.

On Friday I brought in the tub of pewter for Carol to look through. As Carol is digging through the tub, Michele stops and wants to look too. So I sold enough pewter to pay for the chest of drawers. Just a coincidence? Maybe...maybe not.

Friday after work, Dona and I go to 2 barn sales that had started on Friday and accommodated my working hours. It was so thoughtful of them. As we were leaving one of the barn sales we are walking through the grass and I commented that there were all of these baby red maple trees growing under the mother tree. I say to D ona, I would love to have a Japanese maple tree.

On Saturday, there are like 100 yard sales listed in the paper. I am not exaggerating. There was one neighborhood sale that had 22 families alone. So anyway, guess what this woman has for sale??? A Japanese maple tree. I almost couldn't believe it. She had 2 potted trees. I took the bigger of the two. For only $10. Just a coincidence? Maybe...maybe not.

We also stopped at a sale where the man was cleaning out his grandmother's items that had been in storage for years. I didn't want to do it, but look what I bought. More tea pots.

I did manage to find something else besides tea pots, like more milk glass.

I remember at one time saying I had no intentions of starting a tea pot collection.

These coincidences happen more often than you would believe. Actually almost every week. It's almost spooky. I will think of something that I want or need and then I find it. Sometimes I tell Dona, what I am looking for and ask her to keep an eye out for me and she does the same with me. This happens to her too. She had just said about a week before that she wanted a wrought iron patio set for her patio. So what happens? She finds a whole set being thrown away. Free. I don't know if this is a common thing for everyone else. Let me know if this happens to you too.

I read once that our present thoughts are our future unrealized.

I do have my secret and then not so secret wishes. I think we all do. What I most wish for is that I don't ever take these gifts for granted and that no matter where my life takes me, that I will be ready, willing, and able to enjoy the ride.

The moral(s) of the story...be careful what you wish for because it may come true and never, and I mean never say never.

Spring redecorating

2008-04-19T22:33:00.010-04:00

It's Spring redecorating time. Most people Spring clean, I redecorate for Spring. I clean along the way but redecorating is much more fun. It's time to lighten up, declutter, and pare down.

Here are a few of the things that I bought over the past two weeks. The week before the flea market I found all of this blue willow. I had full intentions of calling my neighbor who collects blue willow and ask her if she was interested. For some reason I couldn't bring myself to call her. I wasn't ready to give it up. You know I have trouble letting go. In the spur of the moment I decided to keep it, and I brought almost all of my toleware to the sale instead.

I have gathered together all of my blue and white and now they have a place of their own. My den "I call it my office " now feels right. It's a very small room. It was orginally an outside porch way back when. I would like to make this my room with no men allowed, but that won't happen. There's a TV in this room. Where there is a TV there is a man sitting in front of it.

I wish the TV would break.

For now, I have my chair.

Memories for Sale

2008-04-13T18:05:00.007-04:00

Who would have guessed?

The weather cooperated, the shoppers showed up ready to search for treasures. Dona and I are thankful that they chose to search with us. We both had a successful day.

I brought a selection of everything I had and I have acquired many things. But I only buy what I like and hope that others like the same things. I even sold the picture frame that I use for my advertising. Advertising was no extra charge. The woman that wanted to buy the frame had family photos that she needed to frame. She said her daughter has been bugging her to display the family photos and she didn't have enough frames. This one frame meant a great deal to her and I felt that. You might think that the frame was made of gold.

Then it occurred to me...I discovered something about myself and why to me, this business is more than just about making money. Making money is nice, but when I see the faces of people when they buy something from me and they are so happy almost like a wish of theirs came true, that is priceless. I see something in their eyes that tells me that what they just found is more than just a set of bowls, a flower pot, a plate, or whatever. I see how they pick it up, hold it, almost caress it, something sparks in their memories, they are transported to another place and time, for those few seconds, if I'm attentive, if I can catch that moment, I can make a connection with them. I know that item means more to them than it does to me and it's important that the finds that I have gathered go to the right owner. I shouldn't really care, but I do. I have felt this from the beginning that I am rescuing the unwanted things and that I am only a caretaker until the right owner is found. The people that I buy my finds from do not want them for whatever reason and it's not any fault of their own. Alot of the times I get my finds, because a loved one has died, or gone into a nursing home, and the family is burdened with all of these possessions that they cannot deal with. Or people are moving, leaving one life behind and wanting to start anew. Some people are strapped for money and need the cash.

But you know when I first find that treasure at the bottom of a box underneath a table, in the pile stored in the basement, or in the corner of a dark dirty garage, I know my eyes light up and something sparks my memories. It is a circle of memories that is passed from one owner to another. I have enjoyed each and every find that I own or have owned and I hope the new owners enjoy them too.

I am going to rest and regroup and search for more treasures and memories...until the next sale.

You are Invited

2008-04-08T06:12:00.006-04:00

You are cordially invited to attend

the Magnolia Street Party

at the Delaware County Community College Flea Market

on Sunday, April 13th.

I have a special gift waiting just for you. All you need to do is stop by and say that you are "here for the Magnolia Street Party".

So all of you local bloggers, I hope to meet you. And to all of you not so local bloggers, I will take photos to share. Maybe next time you can come.

Letting go.

2008-04-06T16:23:00.007-04:00

I have a hard time letting go. I have to purge, edit, clear space, just plain get rid of things. I have been going through the nooks and crannies in my home, gathering up those precious items that I bought, but no longer have room for, to sell at the flea market. My first flea of the year is coming up next Sunday. Of course no matter how organized I am, it will still be a week of long nights sorting, pricing and packing. At last count I have 8 plastic tubs of merchandise. It's alot of work, but I am really looking forward to the Delaware County Community College Flea Market on April 13th. Dona and I are going to share a space again this year. I hope we have room for everything. I will also be experimenting with displaying and merchandising in creative ways. This is in preparation of a larger and greater plan, but that is for another day. I must take one sale at a time.

I went through my dining room and removed all miscellaneous dishes, candle holders, and trays. Now doesn't this look organized?

How long do you think I can keep it looking like this?

Now this is in total contrast to my red cupboard. I display all of my white items here. I have milkglass, iron stone, Italian ceramics, and there is even a white metal pitcher stuck in there somewhere. I just don't know when to quit. If it's white, I buy it.

Sometimes I think I should just close the doors.

Here is an example of two items that I will have for sale next Sunday. I have no room for them, although I think they are adorable. I bought these two vases at two different sales and I knew that they had something in common. They are made in Portugal. I have never seen any vase quite like it. There are holes in the top to hold the flowers. How cute is the iron.

The colors are just perfect for a Spring table.

I just bought these cups and saucers, but I'm afraid that I will have to let them go also. I will try to convince myself that I have a good reason for keeping them. Like I'm going to find cups to match the saucers and saucers to match the cups. Then I'm going to have a tea party, invite all of my friends, and we'll have a grand time. Like that will really happen. But you know, I might find saucers to match the cups and cups to match the saucers. That's the whole point of it, isn't it? So I better keep them...just in case. I have lots of room in my dining room, I'll put them there.

The Country Life

2008-03-29T21:09:00.014-04:00

Deep down I am a simple country girl. I have always loved to decorate with country finds. But country means different things to different people. It is personal. You can go rustic to sophisticated, simple to elegant.

My decorating style has definitely changed over the years, from a very rustic, colonial country to a more sophisticated country. That must be because I am so darn sophisticated now.

There are different country decorating styles. There's colonial country, English country, Italian country or Tuscan, and the very popular French country and different variations within each.

If I had to define what country means to me and why I like the country style, I think it is because when I surround myself with country things, they transform me to a different place and time. When life was simpler, unplugged, slower paced, more natural, more meaningful. Things were made by hand with purpose for a purpose, whether utilitarian or decorative. The purposes may have changed now, but the beauty of handmade things will not change. A new use can make these things as useful as always.

All of these finds in these photos were found this weekend while yardsaling with Dona. I don't care how many linens, pieces of ironstone or milk glass I have, I will continue pick up more.

What does country mean to you?

My Style

2008-03-29T17:19:00.003-04:00

I have passed the 60 post milestone and the 6 month mark. The infamous 100th post will be here before I know it. I am taking this time to look back on my blog and reflect on where I started from, where I am now and where I want to go. Although it has only been 6 months, I feel I have grown so much, learned so much, doors of awareness and possibilities have opened. I have taken many steps towards my goal of owning my own business. They may have been baby steps but at least I took the steps.

In addition to selling at sales, which I have been doing for a couple of years now, I have ventured into selling on ebay, I have brought items to auction, and just starting this blog is an accomplishment. Through this whole learning experience I have been trying to find my niche in the business and blogging world. With so many people doing the same thing, yet in their own way, I kept asking myself, how do I fit in, what can I do and how can I do it. What should I blog about? Do I have anything to blog about? What can blogging do for me? There are bloggers that have the gift of crafting and could teach Martha a thing or two, bloggers that are photographers and should be photographing for world famous magazines, those that could write professionally with the wonderful stories that they tell, those that have a great sense of humor and make you laugh, those that celebrate their love of their faith and family first above all, those that balance their business on their blogs, those that post everyday, once a week, here and there.

I have been trying a little of each, trying to find my niche, my style. I now realize that I have been trying too hard, that I shouldn't be trying anything, I should just be, be me. This was my intent in the beginning, but I didn't trust my gut and got sidetracked. I started Magnolia Street Style to share my style of decorating. Not only do I love to shop for treasures and I love the interaction when selling, but I also love to decorate with my newly found treasures. So you will begin to see a difference in my postings. I will continue to share my finds with you, but in a different way. I will be focusing on my decorating style of incorporating finds. My hope is that others will enjoy my sense of style too, my Magnolia Street Style.