My Favorite Earrings

I found these lovelies at a thrift store in Florida for $3 (with no missing stones)! I am in love with them, therefore, I will keep them till I die. And to beat all, I have never worn them. I just don't have an outfit worthy enough. I picture wearing them with a feminine white or cream dress...to a spring wedding or garden party (like I ever go to garden parties). Anyways, I keep them in this little box that I also found at...somewhere... I think it was Goodwill. I take them out once in a while to cherish them. Keep in mind that these earrings are only worth $15-$20, but they are worth so much more to me. I LOVE THEM!

When I was younger, I refused to where clip-ons. I don't know why, I guess it was a pride thing. But now, it doesn't bother me. I where vintage clip-ons and screw-backs more then anything. Read with a salesman voice: They are relatively cheaper, better quality, and cuter.

These earrings were made by a jewelry company called Leru. This company made a bunch of other dainty jewelry in the 50's and 60's. If you like dainty and feminine, keep your eye out for Leru.

You're mine...allll mine!

I found this adorrrable tea mug at an estate sale the other week. I say "tea mug" because I'm a tea drinker. When I saw it sitting on the shelf, I thought "Oh that's cute." But when I picked it up and looked inside I thought, "OMG That is sooooo cute! A frog!" I loved the speckled exterior in blue and green, but the best part is the cute little frog hiding inside. I held on firm and knew it was mine...forever!

Oh, I just realized that I have tea in this mug waiting from me. See ya.

Yay! Zach finished it...

Welp, Zach finished my vanity, not in a timely manner, but it looks wonderful! He painted it white and I changed out the nobs for ribbon bows. I had planned on buying glass nobs, but when we took the old ones off we noticed that there were two holes. Poo. So I looked for ideas on Pinterest and found those ribbon pulls. PERFECT! And I had the ribbon already. I am very pleased!

Before...

...After!

The Perfect Estate Sale

My life-saver!

I just have to tell yall about the estate sale I went to today. It's hard to find a good one, but this one was excellent.

I had plenty of fruit snacks for Cayden, so he was set to just follow me around and eat his snack. As I walk in, I notice everything is well organized and priced. Almost immediately I find something. YAY! I am walking around with things in my hands trying to find a worker to ask if I can start a pile somewhere, when a worker approaches me. She says, "Let me help you," and then led me to the garage where they had shelves with a sign that said,"On hold." They had tons of shelves where you can place your finds and then go get more. GENIUS! I have never seen that before. It was great! So I kept going back and forth. Find something, go put it on the self...find...shelf. And Cayden just kept following me around while stuffing his mouth. lol. 

What a great experience! They have 50% off on Sunday, so I am definitely going back!

It's a Gamble!

When you think of "Estate Sale," you think of tons of stuff (goodies) that a family wants to get rid of, right? Well, that is what I think of.

So we went to this estate sale a couple of weeks ago. We drove thirty minutes to this sale. I was so excited! Eek! I almost left Zach and Cayden behind at the car to go find those sales inside. But I refrained, yet again. We all walked up to the garage. I took one look at a price tag on a jar, and I knew we aren't going to find much. Walking, I'm walking through. Yah, there is some great stuff, but the prices are outrageous! What are these people thinking! Of course the workers were hired to sell this stuff for the family. But come on! Don't you want to get rid of this stuff! hhh. We didn't buy a thing.

That's all I have to say.

Our Personal Collections

We finallyyyy got a curio cabinet for our personal collections. I'm the kind of person who will wait a long time until I find what I want at the right price. So I have been waiting a while for this curio. I found it on Craigslist and jumped on it. It is just perfect for us. YAY!

On the top shelf we showcase our vintage lighter collection. We don't smoke, but we just like lighters. Zach and I both collect them. On the second shelf is Zach's taxidermy collection. He likes the weird and unusual taxidermy. He is nuts. I will probably put my vintage compact collection on the third shelf. I just looove dainty compacts. I collect mostly Stratton compacts, which are the best in my book. I don't know why they don't make things like they used to. hhh.

Kangaroo and baby made from rabbit fur. Rockin' Duckling.

A few of my favorites.

Giveaway!

Ok ladies (and gents if you want these for your special lady)! I am doing a giveaway for ya. 

All you have to do is get your friends to follow my blog. Whoever gets the most friends to follow will receive these adorable stick pins. In order for your friends to count, just have them comment on this post telling me that you sent them. This giveaway will last two weeks. Good luck and may the best lady (or gent) win!

Men...

Zach is going to paint it white, and I am going
to add some glass knobs to the drawers.

Where to start. As yall know, I have been working on redecorating my guest room. It is all painted and cleaned. Now I just have to hang up my curtains and pictures and add some nicknacks. BUT! I can't do that until my HUSBAND finishes repainting my vintage vanity. I got it at a yard sale for $22! YES! I love it. It has a art deco feel. I got it months ago and have been waiting patiently for my dear hubby to finish it. He is a very busy man. I told him I can do it, but he told me not to touch it because the old paint could contain lead. uhhh. What is a girl to do? 

I guess I will have to try a different strategy. "Hmmm," I say to myself as I look up to one side and tap my finger on my puckered lips. Compromise, or maybe renegotiation. Or this line..."You can have "this", as soon as you finish my vanity." That is what I will use. Works every time. I'll let you know how it goes.

Vintage Jewelry

I am not one to just go out and buy jewelry at a store. I have a lot of neutral jewelry which goes with just about anything. And I don't go anywhere without earrings. Lately, I've found some great vintage earrings at thrift stores. Studs are what I really look for. Big studs. Most of the vintage studs I find are clip-ons or screw-backs, but that doesn't bother me at all.

I bought these studs for only $1! Since they are mustard color, which I loooove, I wear these a lot. Most of the studs I buy are $2 or less. YAY!

Vintage jewelry usually is better quality then newer jewelry, especially for the price. So if you are a jewelry lover and are on a budget, try searching for vintage!

Decorate with things around your house

If you collect or sell vintage like we do, it is so easy to decorate without having to purchase much. Today, I just finished up painting my guest bathroom. So while the paint was drying I googled "whimsical gray bathroom." These pics are what I found that inspired me. I love the tattered and worn look to the first one. There are a bunch of different items in that bathroom, but they are in the same color family so it goes very well together. In the second inspirational picture, I adore the placement of the two mirrors and the little portrait behind the faucet. What a great way to smooth out that corner. I hate corners and I always have to put something in them to keep the eye moving smoothly across the room. Learned this in interior design class.

So I did stray away from these pics, but they did give me ideas. I found some things lying around the house that I had planned on selling, but decided to keep. This happens quite often. 

My bathroom isn't quite as extravagant or luxurious as the inspirational pics, but I'm on a budge and less is more in a small guest bathroom like mine.

Got the wire basket and things on the counter at yard sales. That TP basket I got as a gift. The frame I got for free and then just whipped up a little saying and printed it out on my printer. I guess I did pretty good at saving moolah. YES!

 Here it is!

Subtle and Simple.

I just need to add a couple more pics to the other walls, and I'll be done.

The little frame says, "What I love most about my home is who I share it with." Love that!

How we got started!

When we were newly-weds!

We started picking up vintage and used home decor when we were first married. Being young newly-weds, we didn't have much money. So buying used items from thrift stores and yard sales really made our little apartment a home. Even now that we have been married 5 years, I still don't see any reason not to buy new over used, on certain things of course. I think it is more exciting to find a really amazing item at a yard sale for really cheap, then to go to a nice store and buy the same item for tons more. I tell ya, it's the thrill of the hunt!

To keep or not to keep...

We had an amazing time in Florida last week! I picked up a bunch of linens and a few other household items. I also got this amaaaazing plaid chair and matching stool. It was made by Kroehler in the 60s and is in excellent condition. I would love to keep it for myself, but I just don't know if I have any place to put it. I am soooo in love with it, though! Well, we shall see. It really doesn't go with my curtains. hhh. I know if we decide to let it go, it will go to a good home and will be enjoyed just as much. I mean, who could not enjoy this retro chair!

It's coming along!!!

Here it is! My new comforter on my guest bed. I also picked up some cute vintage pillow cases at a thrift store for $.50 each. YESSSS! Now I just need to paint the walls, buy some sheets, curtains, and wall hangings, paint my vintage dresser, and add some accessories. Shoo. Still so much to do, but I love doing it!

We are going on vacation to Florida next week, so hopefully I will be able to find some vintage stuff down there. So when I get back that will be my project. TO GET THAT ROOM DONE!

huh...Used bedding is ok!

I used to be against buying used bedding, but vintage bedding is so much cuter and cheaper than the new ones you find in the stores. Of course the quality for the price is better too. I figured, I buy used clothes... I wash them and they are as good as new. So why not used bedding... I will definitely wash my bedding in HOT water, just for peace of mind.

So I am redecorating my guest room, and I always start off with picking out the bedding first. I let it be my inspiration. I found this adorable vintage chenille bedspread on Etsy for only $48 with shipping. It is unique and ADORABLE! Now I just need to go to the thrift store and buy some cute floral pillow cases and sheets. Mix and match, Girls, mix and match! I can't wait to show you my new guest room. It might be a few months, though.

This is the chenille bedspread I got on Etsy,
but this is not my bed or room.

A Classic Look

Lately, I have been watching a ton of Mad Men. I started with the first season, and have been watching episodes everyday. The CLOTHES! Ohhh I looove the clothes. And the decor! uhh. Gorgeous! Anyways, I love the classic feminine look of 60's dresses. So I went to a few thrift stores and I found a couple of adorable dresses. One is a pink and red rose print on a white background, straight and sleeveless. I just need a red or pink belt to go with it. And I got it for $5! YAY! The other one is a blue floral print, full at the waist. It was $5 too! I can't wait to wear them!

Top-notch Flea Market

This is one of the great flea markets I love going to in West Virginia. It is held at a drive-in movie theatre. That morning we got up at 6am. We are NOT morning people, but for the love of vintage we got up early. We stopped at a gas station to get breakfast on the way. Yay! Gas station breakfast! JK Yuck! But I do love Honey Buns! Anyways, when we got there the sellers weren't even all set up yet. We walked around the place once, and then we went and sat in the car until all the sellers were up and ready. Of course, there were sellers who thought their stuff was worth gold, and others who thought their stuff was worth dirt and I thought it was gold. lol The joys of hunting. It was more like a huge yard sale, considering the prices and all. And this flea market wasn't one of those Chinese merch ones. Thank God! I'm telling you, the North is the place to go to find good old stuff. The backwoods North to be exact! 

Melrose Place

I have soooo much to tell yall! Our trip to West Virginia was a blast, and we found sooo many treasures. I didn't think they would all fit in the car, but Zach made it work. I was very impressed! 

The first time we went to WV we shopped by this junk/antique store. It was closed, so I called the number in the window. The owner came and met us out there twice that week so we could do some hunting. We found tons! The place was packed top to bottom with everything you can think of. 

Anyways, we went back there this time and there was no number in the window to call. Oh no! So we asked the older lady that lived next door, no luck. And we asked around at some other antique places, still no luck. Hmmm. "Let's leave a note in the door," I say. The neighbor said the owner stops by the place every once in a while. All week we were worried we would not get in there. lol (that sentence had so many w's) We kept checking to see if our note was still there. Finally, on Friday she CALLED! YAY! Again, we found tons! And this time, we knew a lot more of what to look for. Welp, that is just one of our stories from the week. I'll be back later to tell you more.

Melrose Place

Valuable yard sale finds

It's funny how we go to these yard sales and we find things that we think are going to be worth gold. But then we bring it home and research the internet and it's worth a good bit, but not gold. Then, after we look up "the gold stuff," we look up the other treasures that we found but weren't reallllly excited about, and they they ARE worth gold. LOL 


For instance, I found this Cathrine Holm enamel coffee pot at a yard sale. I didn't know anything about this maker before. I just saw it and thought it was cool and mid-century looking. I started researching the maker online and my eyebrows go up. OMG Her enamelware is very sought-after and rare. SCORE!


I love learning about new vintage brands and makers. I always look them up on Wikipedia and read about how they got started and their whole life story. I bet these people never dreamed back then that their product would be so collectible now. 


So remember Cathrine Holm when you go out yard selling. I know I will!

The joys of estate sales

We went yard selling/estate selling on Saturday. We arrived at this one estate sale a little early, so we decide to walk up to the house and see if maybe they will let us in. The first thing the lady says to me when we walk up is "We don't open till ten" in a snooty voice. I smile and say, "Ok." (Tip- no matter how rude people can be, kill 'em with kindness. They might give you some good deals) Anyways, I am telling you about this estate sale because the house was HUGE. From the outside it looked like a 1800 sqft home, but it just kept going and going. This maze of a house was more like 3000 sqft. Annnnd it was made in the 1970s and not updated. LOVE! The architecture...well... they just don't make houses like that anymore. hhhh


There was about 15 people waiting to get in when they opened. I expected people to run in, but nope. No running. I did walk briskly. I say, Be aggressive! (not rude, there is a difference) But who cares if you look like an idiot when you are going to get the good stuff. Its not like these people will ever see you again. And besides, you will regret it later if you lose some great finds just because you were being shy. GO GET THE GOOD STUFF!

Yard sale tip

Of course, I have been going to yard sales every weekend lately, and I have found that the community ones can be all or nothing. I have a rule when going to community yard sales; when you go to three houses and don't find a thing, move on. Don't waste your time weaving in and out of the cars in the neighborhood when you are not finding anything. There is nothing more frustrating when cars are parked on both sides of the street and you can't get by. Yard selling is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. And going to dud yard sales is not fun! 

Older homes/neighborhoods are great! And when you see that older folks own the home, you prrrobably will find something. Older people, of course, will have older stuff.

Don't be scared of being aggressive and friendly to the sellers. Last week, I was told of this really great yard sale. It was rainy out, but I still went. I drove up to their house and noticed that no one was outside and all the stuff was covered in plastic. I saw some things I wanted, so I knocked on the door. I almost didn't, but I am glad I did. The sellers (who were older folks) were really nice, and they gave me some great deals. I just wish I had gone the first day they were out. They said they did really well the first day. Oh well, I always have to remind myself that there will be others.

I got this table at that yard sale! Love!!!

Auctions and patience

Rachel - So... you know how I told you a couple of weeks ago to buy your child a cheap toy to keep them occupied when you are out on a hunt? Well, now Cayden wants to go to "ard sales" all the time! He says, "Go to 'ard sales and get some cars! Yeah." lol Well, at least he doesn't hate yard sales. I was worried about that. I just don't want his to grow up hating yard sales, because I drag him to them constantly. I hope he will be a great hunter one day!

We went to an auction on Saturday and boy was that auctioneer slow! I thought we would never get through all of that stuff. You have to watch out for those country podunk auctions, because it might take a while. You must have patience! We went to one about 30 minutes away a couple of months ago, and the auctioneer would just start telling stories and going on and on about how this item was so valuable and nice and blah blah blah. Yah, so we won't be going back to THAT auction. I think everyone was friends there, so they got kinda distracted. I think we will just stick with our trusty ole auction down in Jackson. It is kinda podunky, but the vintage and such is reasonable and unique. And you gotta love the friendly atmosphere!

I never would have thought...

Rachel - So I have been looking for a couple of things for a little while now. I wasn't expecting to find them so soon and at one place!

At one of our contacts house a couple months ago, I saw this white wire laundry basket that I looooved. But it cost a little too much for my taste. So I thought, I will keep looking. It might take me a while, but I have got to find one! Well...I found one at a yard sale this past weekend! YAYYYYY!

Anddd I found the other thing I was looking for too! A vintage bird cage! I saw it from the other side of the yard sale, and I tried to contain my excitement so others would not jump on this lovely before I did. And I did not want the seller to see my excitement either, so they would not charge me tons since they knew I was in love with it (tip). I didn't runnn over to it, but I sure did walk briskly. Eeek! That yard sale had some great vintage items, and it will be logged in my brain as one of the best yard sales.

West Virginia Baby!

Rachel - We are psyched about going to West Virginia next month! Zach's parents live up there, and we went to visit them last fall. Realizing that it is like heaven for vintage pickers up there, we have been counting the days till we get to go visit again! There is so much great vintage in W. Virginia, and the prices are CRAZY cheap! When we where there last time, we hunted for vintage almost every day!

The only problem is...we only have our little Honda Civic to bring our treasures home in. So the plan is for all of us to pack in ONE suit case. haha. I can't bring shoes for every outfit, and Zach can't bring every pair of jeans he owns... oh and Cayden can't bring every car he owns either! And SMALLS, smalls are the only things we can buy. Think smallssss! It will be hard, but maybe the next time we go up there we will have a van! Wishing, hoping, prayingggggg for a van. Not a family van, but a cargo one or maybe something like The Mystery Machine (Scooby Doo).

We might do some sight-seeing too, but only if there are thrift/junk stores along the way!

Between Zach and I...and now you

So when we go out on a hunt, Zach picks up the craziest things. Not like "crazy awesome", but like "Why in the world does he want to buy that" crazy. I think that to myself..."What is he thinking!" But I try to bite my tongue and not say a word. One, because I want to practice being a meek wife, but mostly because I don't want to be scolded. So I let him buy this junky stuff that I don't think he will be able to sell at all.


And wouldn't you know. HE SELLS MOSTLY ALL OF THIS STUFF...AND FAST! I don't know what it is. I guess he just has a special gift. (don't let this be too big of an ego boost, Babe) Anyways, now on a hunt I just accept that whatever weird thing he picks up, I have to trust him. (oh gees) I still roll my eyes and question him. I don't think that will ever change.

Example: Zach bought this Olde World Globe Pipe Stand at a yard sale for next to nothing and sold it for $152. I thought it was a repro and not that great. Oh well, at least one of us has this special gift of picking.

Tip for vintage hunting with kids

The best and most important tip I can give you when going to yard sales, auctions, or thrift stores with kids is...

 BUY THEM A CHEAP $.50 TOY! every time!

Explanation: You might not want to spend money on a new toy or your kid might not even need anymore toys, but trust me, it is worth it. When my son has a new toy to play with when I am out pickin', it is a life saver. He plays with it the whole time. And it is funny, because every time we go out vintage pickin' he knows. He says, "I gonna go look at toys." LOL I play it up too! "Ok, Cayden. You can have one truck. Oooo look at this one, Cayden! This one is a RACE car!" ( he lovesssss anything automotive!) The $.50-$1 is nothing, when you think of having a wonderful, focused, and peaceful hunting experience. 

Example pic! Content and happy.

Florida fun

Rachel - I'M BACK FROM FLORIDA! It was a fun and busy week. I found some great vintage! Not too much, though. I didn't get to go to alllll the thrift stores, but I went to enough to satisfy my hunger. My sister found some great stuff too. Anddd we fit it all in her van (with three babies, luggage, and toys). She was soooo worried that it would not fit. I know how to pack a vehicle full of vintage treasures, ok?! I will make it fit, Girlfriend! 

My favorite find of the week has to be the nautical lamp on the top left. It is from the 1970s and I would guess that it is OOAK (one of a kind). It is just sooo unique and interesting! 

Here are the vintage treasures I found!

They will be in our Etsy shop verrry soon.

Here I come!

Rachel - So we are in Florida and the weather is gorgeous! I have already pick up some great vintage items at some yard sales. If you ever go yard selling with me, beware! Zach thinks I am a beast. lol I guess I am a little aggressive when I am out hunting. I can't help it. I HAVE TO GET THOSE DEALSSSS!


Zach is at home with Tucker, our Chihuahua. I assume they are having a good time bonding and enjoying the peace and quit. Zach picked up a wooden cabinet/locker at an auction on Saturday night. It is huge and every locker comes with a key. Yesssss! I will post pics of it soon. 


Well, wish me luck! I still have a ton of thrift stores to check out! Eeeek!

Industrial!!!

Rachel- We have a smalllll obsession with industrial cabinets, among other things. We are always on the lookout for these things. They are so popular right now and are great for storage. You will learn fast that I looove cute ("awesome", in this case) things that you can use for storage. STORAGE is important...to me at least! 

These have sold, but if you are interested in one, let us know!

Huntin' in Florida

Rachel- Welp, we (me, Cayden, sis and her girls) are going to Florida on Friday to visit my parents! Annnnd... to pick up some great finds. Florida, at least in Melbourne, has great and cheap vintage. There are just soooo many thrift and junk stores down there. Here?...there are only a few good ones. Pooo. 


But when I go down there, I STOCK UP...with smalls, of course. I NEED A VAN, so then we can buy big stuff, like furniture. What we really want is a VW Bus! Oh to have a Volkswagen Bus...we could go camping in it, and haul vintage and antiques. oops rabbit trail.


Anyways, Florida. Even before we start packing for the trip, we have the whole week planned. We just haaave to fit in all our favorite places to eat and visit. Shoo. It will be busy, but loads of fun. Also, the grandparents. Looove when the grandparents can take care of the kids, while we still get to enjoy the kids company. It's a WIN WIN! Well, maybe not, because the kids do get a litttttle spoiled. I'm alright with it, I guess. hehe


Better start laundry, cleaning, and packing. HATE!
(shaking fist held high, with an English warrior voice) "But it MUST be done!"

Rachel- YAY!!! We are now blogging about the people we meet, the vintage we find, and the future ahead!