Need a Mug?

Sometimes when you are antiquing/thrifting you start to focus in one kind of item; thus, the case of this mug collection.  I've been picking up some milk glass mugs for awhile, but this day I just kept finding great ones!  Pictured here are a mix of Fire-King, Pyrex, Federal, and Glasbake mugs.  I love how they all look together.  I especially like the Federal souvenir mugs, great prints and fun!
I'm slowly getting all of these listed in my store, but they all will be for sell.  They are all clean and ready to use! Cheers!

Spring is Near

Yes, spring is near and like you I am excited.  I was outside this evening and noticed some green sprouts under last year's fallen leaves.  Soon the tulips and daffodils will be saying, "hello" and I will be planning my garden.  Until then, here is a picture I Instagramed his winter and has been in my phone's camera roll since.  I like this wintery pic because I love vintage slides and who doesn't like to get cozy with their significant other at this time?

Pop Culture Finds

I love collecting antiques, but finding pop culture items from the past 50 years really makes me smile. Here are a few of my most recent treasures.  Can you list them from oldest to newest?

All will be for sale eventually on my Etsy Shop. Jurassic Park fabric has already sold. 

Beautiful Mustard Yellow Carry-on

Yesterday, I picked up this beautiful mustard yellow carry-on.  Just look at it! I love this bag!  I did list it in my Etsy shop, but I've already decided if no one buys this before my summer vacation, it's coming with me.  I rarely see luggage this nice and clean.  The inside is like brand new! I love the color and the durability is next to none.  Part of me hopes it doesn't sell.  This is one "difficult" aspect about being a vintage re-sell shop.  Will I regret not keeping this?  

Spring Blossom & Forest Fancies

I made it out to a couple more stores the other day!  The only items I found worth picking up were... yep, you guessed it: more Pyrex.  Trust me, I looked for other things!  Oh well.

The "forest fancies" mixing bowl set was the first thing I saw going into a store.  I looked the set over and brought it up to counter before looking around more.  It always excites to me find something immediately!  I've always thought the "forest fancies" set was cute in a very kitsch way and I know it would be perfect for someone out there!  They also look cute mixed in with other Pyrex patterns.  In the same store, I found more "spring blossom" I've never been crazy about the pattern, but I do like them as mixing bowls, these would also be cute matched with other Pyrex sets!
I currently have "forest fancies" listed on Etsy. I'm waiting to list the "spring blossoms" because I have another bowl coming. Stay tuned!

Pyrex! Pyrex! Pyrex!

I told you that the Pyrex addiction was real, though this really isn't bad compared to other Pyrex-ers I've seen out there on the web (Psst.. I'm jealous!)  Side note - I would really love a China cabinet now.  I should also state that some of the items pictured below are Fire-King, but yeah, obsessed with that too.  

As mentioned before, I started collecting Pyrex when I got my first apartment.
Look, there I am on move-in day and there's some Pyrex in that cabinet!

My first Pyrex piece was the smaller "balloons" pattern bowl.  I just fell in love with it. That was found probably six years ago, and today I don't ever see that pattern in antique stores, or any turquoise pieces for that matter.  At first, I thought it was a mixing bowl set after finding the larger bowl and I longed to find what I thought would be white "balloon" bowls.  Turned out to be the chip and dip set, which just made it way cooler!

I still collect turquoise, white, and a few other Pyrex favorites slipped in through-out. The first picture features my collect mixed with a major haul I had one day.  My thought was to take a picture of "the most Pyrex I've ever had" hahaha.  Again, not much compared to others.  I'm starting to think my husband is purposely stalling on getting that china cabinet I want... with reason, I guess.  Now that my collection is getting a little more personalized, I've started to let go of other pieces and condense.  My Etsy Shop is doing well.  I've sold a few things including Pyrex and Fire-King.  I was even contacted from a person in my city that stopped by to purchase my beloved "constellations" divided dish and to browse at what else I had.  My sister made fun of me because this is exactly what my parents do.  I had people "coming to the house."  Oh, bother.  It's been a ton of fun though.  My favorite thing since starting my shop (besides the "hunting") is researching what I find.  I've been wrong on some things and I've made a few mistakes, but I'm OK with it.  I really like doing this!  Like I said in my previous post, I feel like a personal shopper for you all!

Jadeite & White

Hellooo!

I'm back.  I've started antiquing again since I opened my brand new Etsy Shop. It's been fun.  I now feel like a personal shopper for all of you!  I'm going to use this blog to show you all my finds.  Most of the stuff I purchase will be going directly to Etsy, but I couldn't go antiquing without finding a few treasures of my own!  

Since opening my shop, I've had an even stronger desire to go treasure hunting.  All ready, I've had some success and some learning experiences. The learning experience I'll save for another day, but it involves breaking something I just purchased!

Today, I went out with a new friend that also likes to antique, but she's still a little new to the experience.  She found a few things, which made me happy.  She reminded me of myself when I first started picking up things for my first apartment.  I started by collecting things I thought were neat, and I even started forming color schemes.  Within a year I had a full-blown Pyrex addiction... she's been warned.  I'm excited to see how she incorporates her pieces though; everyone has their own style.  

Anyway, my new obsession is jadeite.  I never thought I'd like it as much as I do, but seeing it paired with white dishes has totally changed my mind!  I mean look at it.  It's so pretty! These items I picked up today are for resale, but now I want to redo my entire kitchen! Eeek! Maybe another day...  

All these items will be for sale in the shop:

Sleeping Chickadee

Beautiful Chairs

It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. These old lawn chairs were in pretty rough shape. In some places, they were rusted through. All they needed was a little TLC. Oh, and some scraping, sanding, and rustoleum. Take a look, let me know what you think!

Pie and Pastry Cookbook

I love this book my mom and sister picked up for me! So much goodness will come from this!

Beeritias and Flowers

After a wonderful visit from my parents, Eric and I did some relaxing on our porch. I picked some wild flowers. I didn't have a small vase but I had a Corona bottle! It ended up being pretty cute!  On a related note, I need to tell you about Beeritias and why I have so many Corona bottles!

My parents brought this amazing recipe with them when they visited.  

Neighbor Dave's Beeritias:

1 can frozen limeaid

2 bottles of Corona

1 cup tequila

Mix all ingredients  

Salt the rim of a glass using a lime (optional)

Serve over ice. 

Enjoy.  

Today's Finds

I found another picnic basket. I think I have four or five now. I really want to put this one on top of something else and make it an end table.

Pyrex. I'm keeping the divided dish. I've been looking for these. The "dots" is going to my future sister-in-law. I'm on the look out for the red dots ;-)

The movie light. I couldn't let that sit. Love the box. Also, some vintage movie books. 

Red golf ball basket. So cute.

Pillow!

I made a pillow! I just started sewing again. I haven't sewn anything since being a teenager, and even then it was very basic. Sewing is a skill I've wanted to pick up for a long time now. The hardest part about started something new is starting. So after about 40 minutes of getting it set up and winding some bobbins, I was ready. I started small with something simple and something I remembered how to do: a pillow. It's not perfect, but even this one project was a learning experience. Since then, I've mended my favorite skirt, and made some jean shorts and capris.  I have the tools. Now to practice them! Let the sewing begin!

Movies and Clothes

Found some random stuff at Good Will. A pretty floral skirt, a nice button up, a Big Lebowski philosophy book (who'd get rid of that?), and Space Odyssey beta tapes!    Yep, beta tapes!  I'm thinking the skirt and shirt might be cute together... What do you think? Stripes and floral? Too crazy or crazy enough to work?

Fresh Cut Flowers

I did it! I grew flowers! Don't they look lovely by our wedding memorabilia? 

Our Wild Home

We've encountered a lot of wildlife since moving to "the country". We love it. Many deer, one turtle, a cat, a possum (not pictured), and numerous others!  

Scrapbook Framing

I recently learned that JoAnn Fabrics is my everything. Here is a scrapbook-frame I made with the inspiration I found there. Pictured is my late Grandma Johnson. Even though I was young her cooking and hospitality made an impression on me. 

Thursday Beverages!

It's time for a new segment called Thursday Beverages!, because by the time Thursday arrives you're ready for the week to be done. Well, maybe that's just how I feel today, and since no other day begins with "B" to make it into a catchy phrase like "Movie Monday" or "Fashion Friday", I had to pick a day; thus, Beverage Thursday is born. On a related note, stay tuned for Movie Monday and Fashion Friday!
So, why beverages? Well, my husband always remarks to me that I love to have a beverage in my hand or by my side at all times, whether it be alcoholic or not. Also, apparently whenever someone remarks on drinks, drinking, sipping, pairing, tasting, or comfort I seem to always remark, "I looove beverages". So it seems appropriate that I devote a day to my subliminal love. Alcoholic or not, but today I start alcoholic, which I will admittedly say, will be most cases.
I present to you my favorite beer of all time: Chimay Triple from Belgium.

Chimay Triple, half drunk before I even thought about taking a photo.

First, let me tell you that all three Chimay beers are beyond amazing. Second, monks have brewed Chimay since 1862! It should be noted that a monk is a person that devotes their lives to serving others. Thank you monks!
I’m a firm believer that things shouldn’t be rushed. Chimay is a prime example of perfection through dedication with their latest beer, Chimay Triple.
Chimay Triple was introduced in 1966. It is a beautiful gold color and smells sweet. For future posts, it should be said that I love hops. The hoppier the better is usually my motto. This beer however balances hops and sweetness so delicately that I wish every beer tastes like this. Best enjoyed chilled.
If we ever get the chance to go to Europe you bet your ass Belgium is going to be on our list.

Gold

I never thought in a billion years that I would like gold jewelry. Maybe I always associated it with adults, but I have to say, I've taken a liking to it lately (maybe, I've grown up).
Matter of fact, I often mix gold with silver and white gold. There's something timeless and almost rustic about these pieces...

Ugly 90s Floral Dress made Fashionable

Picked up this gem at a thrift store for two dollars. Add a cardigan, belt, accessories, heels or boots and call it good.

Christmas Spirit

The Christmas tree is up! Eric and I decorated our fake tree tonight with many laughs and smiles. It was fun to go through all the ornaments I've saved through the years and apply them to our very own tree... in our very own house! What a great feeling. Some ornaments date back to when I was only five years old! Some people would say pack rat. I however, say brilliant!
We also enjoyed a favorite holiday drink (and family recipe), Brandy Alexanders. The first time I made these for Eric was before we were dating. His direct quote was, "you've combined my two favorite things in the world: ice cream and brandy!" I like to think it was at that moment he knew he had to marry me!
I really do love this time of year. I just want to say that it can become really easy to get caught up on how overwhelming the season can get, but if you just sit back and look around, it's also really easy to get back to what is truly important. For me, it's decorating sugar cookies with my mom, sitting around the table with family, and watching a plethora of Christmas movies. Most notably, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story.
I also recall waiting for my Dad to come from work on Christmas Eve sometimes. He was a UPS delivery person and in December he worked tirelessly, so I always remember him coming home snow covered and hungry (Ha). It can be humbling to reflect on these times as an adult.
These are things that need to be remembered and not taken for granted.