Front Room

A tour of the front room, from panoramic to details...welcome!

Texas-sized Garage Sale

Every year, Semior Services throws a Texas-sized Garage Sale to support their Meals on Wheels program. I have been the last two years and: It. Is. Insane. The first day you have to spend $3 to get in on all the bargains and people come with push carts, plastic tubs strapped to luggage dollies, giant plastic bags and anything they can use to haul away their purchases. It is quite the manic scene to behold...but I did come away with some treasures!

I have said it before, I cannot pass up lotus bowls in any color except for white and these four yellow bowls were no exception. When will I be content with the number of lotus bowls in my cabinet? Tune in here for updates. Previous updates here, here, and here.

This beautiful white and gold Murano candy dish in a shape reminiscent of a seashell was an amazing find. I'm not sure where it goes yet. I've tried it in a couple of different locations...so still feeling it out.

I have been looking for an ashtray for the back patio, but needed something heavy and weatherproof. This sculptural version with a lovely patina will not blow away in the West Texas wind! Copper?

The phalanx of Quan Yin has two new additions--the seated goddess who would be the largest of the collection if she were standing and also the new smallest of the collection. I thought the little one was the same size as my other petite goddess, but she was in fact just a wee bit smaller.

Bar None

At the last place, there really wasn't room for a bar because of the open kitchen and small dining room.  I suppose with the right piece of furniture, it could have been possible, but I never found something that would really work.  I really missed having a place to display my collection of vintage barware, plus a focus for entertaining when people are over.

At the new place, we were also lacking bookshelves, so I came up with a solution for both: a large bookshelf with plenty of room for books, plus a space for a bar using the Connections System from the Container Store.  I used the regular shelves on the outside pieces, but connected them in the middle with the desk shelf, creating extra space for bottles, bar accessories and glassware.  It has the added benefit of being transformable into different (two etageres, one wide bookshelf, etc.) configurations and easily moved and used in different spaces.   I have to say that I love it!  The shelves have a simple, classic design and the bar ware looks great intermingled with books, tchotch and art.  What do you think?

Tips for creating a great bar space:

• Even if you have a nice, large space for a bar on a sideboard or table, use trays to organize and unify different parts of the space, say glassware vs. bottles? 
• Decanters are great and classic, but with the wide variety of liquor available in interesting bottles, the can also be decorative in their own way. Use both!
• Think seasonally: what drinks will you make in spring or summer that you wouldn't make in the fall?  Rotate glasses, stirrer and other accessories you have displayed to reflect the seasons.
• A lot of barware is metallic, but you can bring a little color in with trays, napkins and other details. 
• Include items besides glasses and implements, like small bowls or other dishes you can use for nuts, garnishes and tidbits for a convivial feel. 

Looking for great pieces for your bar?  There is a lot of amazing vintage bar glasses and other acessories out there, but if you're looking for things that are especially inspired, well-designed and creative, look for things from Georges Briard, Fred Press and Dorothy Thorpe.

For some great ideas on new cocktail napkins and other bar accessories check out this post on herr haus things. 

What's on my bar?*

A cute little bird-shaped bottle opener and a container for pills--keep in mind, some of your guests may not drink and might prefer some pills. Others may want booze AND pills, so always keep your dolls handy. Kidding!

A couple of different kinds of bitters plus a fish-shaped citrus squeezer.

A variety of spirits, some familiar and others more special.

A generous-sized ice bucket.

A few small bowls or dishes that can hold tidbits or garnishes + a set of four, pink and gold glasses perfect for a slug of bourbon or an aperitif. 

Another bottle opener that is a conversation starter.

An array of glasses in different sizes and patterns which is far more interesting that just having everything match.

More barware (different, yet again!) and some batik-style cloth cocktail napkins. Yes, paper is easier, but actual cloth cocktail napkins will get you respect.

Yet another interesting bottle opener. Wait, three? Isn't that a collection? There are more.

The bluebird of happiness (A family favorite.) and some cocktail pitchers and shakers.

Bar books and party books!

A record player, conveniently located next to the mixing station.

Records!

*Artwork is a mixed media work titled, Kiss by Kari Breitigam.  Buy her work, it is fantastic.

Cocktail Table

My cocktail table has a long and storied past: it came to me from my Grandmother when she downsized into an apartment. I had always loved it, so it was one of the things I wanted from her house. Like most of her furniture, it is a solid piece of American Colonial style, it a dark honey stain. It had move with her from West Texas to Oklahoma, and with me to Kansas, Texas, Indiana and Back to West Texas and been repaired and refinished more than once by my dad. As a child, I often sat at it to draw, color and make art. The point is that it is huge--almost 40 inches in diameter--so incomparable to most pieces on the market.

As I looked at other tables, tables that were more my style and would probably fit more neatly in our space filled with a mix of collected and inherited pieces of furniture, everything seemed too small. Perhaps they would be perfect in a small first apartment, but they were all downright diminutive compared to my grandmother's table.

And then one day, I was out perusing the thrift stores and I spied this gigantic monster of a table. At first, I wasn't sure if it was hideous or fabulous as it appeared to be two tables stacked one top of one another. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was indeed trés magnIfique and the two pieces (one clear, one smoke) were screwed together to form one, two-tiered table that is over 50 inches across. Not only was huge and amazing, but also unique--the clerk at the store said the woman who donated it had commissioned it from an artist, probably in the early 70s? 

I must say it was a challenge to merchandise, with its expansive top and shelf, but after several trials and a consultation or two, it was all worked out. We used a combination of multiples: small stacks of art books; Georges Briard trays; and numerous vintage tins placed on the lower level for a collage effect. Add to that a small reproduction of th Nike of Samothrace from the Louvre and a convex class paperweight and....c'est fini.

The table strikes just the right note in the room, bringing the blue provencial sofa with its traditional cuves to...Paris, 1977 in my imagination. Soon--a complete reveal of the entire front room.  And also soon, a cocktail party with all manner of delicacies laid out on my unbelievable new table.

Little Bit of Thrift

I was so happy to find six, lovely white melamine bowls from Rosti Denmark. These are perfect for ice cream, cereal or just some little nibbly things.

Finding pieces by Dorothy Thorpe is always fun, but the only question is keep them or sell them? These six lucite napkins rings are perfectly lovely, but the only thing is that personally I have always been against napkin rings. Your thoughts?

Georges Briard is a longtime favorite and it is always a delight to find something by him that isn't already in the collection. I think this wall plaque with a pineapple on it--the international symbol of hospitality--will be a great addition to our kitchen décor.

Shopping Instead of Unpacking

Let's face it, I should be focusing on unpacking and getting existing treasures out of their boxes. Instead, I was out this morning trolling the stores for new finds. Pickings were slim, but I made a major Asian-ish score at one store...

Yes, basic white rice bowls, but perfect for soups, noodles and other yummy things.  A set of eight for next to nothing?  How could I resist?

It's like they saw me coming: little, teeny-tiny hand-painted Chinese plates?  You had me at little. This set of ten was kind of hiding, but I was so happy to make them mine.  There are ten, only three are the same; the rest are unique designs.  No markings, no words or letters. But, they're already on the bar and I think will be perfect little tidbit bowls for a few nuts, some olives or a scoop of sesame sticks.

Finally, I was super excited to find this peanut pourer.  How do I know it's a peanut pourer? Because I already have a smaller version in the original box!  And this one has the original sticker--made in Taiwan.  Asia strikes again.  I'll have to put peanuts in one and mixed nuts in the other.  Or maybe cashews?  Anyway, a nice little haul that did inspire me to do a little organizing of the kitchen cabinets.  If only to hide my new purchases from you know who!  

With Relish

Jennie and Paul came to town to see Mitchell in Jesus Christ Superstar, but we managed to work in a boozy brunch, some estate sales and a little thrift shopping as well.  No surprise, but there were plenty of fabulous finds...

The book 'Cat People' is just about too much.  Published in 1977, you would recognize many of the people photographed with their cats--a young Jane Pauley, a kerchiefed Louise Nevelson, Robert Indiana, Liz Smith and more.  Accompanying each are few words from the sitter on why their cat is important to them.  Several of the women are actually given the occupation of 'homemaker.'  It is now officially on the top of one of the decorative stacks of books.*

This bottle/carafe was irresistible, with a little collar on it's neck for the hand and a double spout.  It is perfect on the table for water or perhaps this summer with a chilled rosé?

The relish tray has been gone too long from the table!  At one of the estate sales, there was a stack of relish trays high enough for me to send each of my dear readers a charming example to use while entertaining.  I limited my acquisition to two, wonderful examples.  The first has teardrop handles and a lovely swirling division; the second has geometric dividers and a beautiful fluted edge.  I'll put both to good use, I promise.

Crackers.  Crackers.  Crackers.  These plastic cracker troughs make arranging them simple; easy to serve along side your relish tray.

I do not need another set of salad servers--I have so many pair, I don't even know how many they number.  Rest assured, if you are a regular diner at my table, you probably will not see the same set twice.  This lovely set is stainless steel from Japan, diminutive and impossible to pass up.

Little jars?  With decorative lids?  And wooden spreaders?  Jennie spotted these, but was kind enough to let me claim them.  I'm not sure what I might serve in them, but I'll figure it out.  Spreads?  Condiments for sandwiches?  Or I can exchange the spreaders for little spoon and fill them with olives or something.  Do I have any little spoons?  I'll have to check.

I do not think you can have enough trivets.  Period.  I already have one similar to this design with a gold rim and a crackled glass.  Similar is not the same as matching, and whether I was making a claim for a set or diversity, I would still have gone home with it.  They're perfect for the French press, Chemex coffee pot or teapot on the table.

It's been a while since we have spotted one of these weird little banks, but we nabbed this sad puppy to add to Mitchell's collection.  The palette is so strange and happy in strong contrast to the big sad eyes of the little doggie.

 Merry Christmas.

I love Quan Yin and this petite addition to the pantheon is precious.

I had to have the small plastic statuette of the American Indian girl (top picture, far right) and she helps balance the phalanx of saints that fill the medicine cabinet in the guest bath.  I guess with the Pantry God and the small tee pee with children (bottom picture, wedged between the Virgins of Guadalupe), it's officially a collecting direction.  Plastic American Indian figurines.  Dotcom.

Finally, Jennie brought us this lovely white kitchen glass bowl with black swirlies on it as a housewarming gift.  It's perfect for the table and would good with anything in it, but especially with a few little cuties thrown in, n'est-ce pas?

* There is more than one.  "Books are awfully decorative, don't you think?"

Trivial

I do not know.  Don't ask.  I lost count.  Alot.*

You cannot have enough trivets.  You cannot have enough expandable trivets.  You cannot have enough silver-plated, faux-bamboo expandable trivets.  Period.

You can still buy the classic Chemex coffee maker new, but I was delighted to find one for a steal of a price at the thrift store.  The ideal way to make pour-over coffee, this is one of the larger sizes perfect for entertaining.  The simple design is easy to use and still conveys that sense of modernity it did when it was created. 

*How many lotus bowls are enough?  Can you see a lotus bowl without buying it?  How many do you own now?  How often do you use them? See here, here, and here.

Rose an' Tall

I guess everyone in this town is dumping their Rosenthal or something, because I happened again today upon some at the thrift store. It was just five salad plates, but the pattern is lovely and lively--plus the shape looks just like the Raymond Loewy set I found a few weeks back. There are no markings other than the company name, so any guesses? Five salad plates doesn't get very far as far as entertaining, but I won't complain!

Don't Do It

Reader, sometimes you have to do as I say and not as I do. In the past, I've entreated you to follow your gut, buy what you find and take what the universe offers you. I did not do that. I was presented with a treasure and walked away because my inner voice said, "you have too many dishes" and "you don't need another set of dishes." But, you and I both know that isn't true. It couldn't be true. That the truth is actually you can never have enough dishes and there is always room for one more set. Especially if that set is vintage Rosenthal designed by Raymond Loewy. That's right, you read correctly. My inner demon won that battle and talked me out of buying those dishes. I jut walked away...

But this time, I was lucky: I went back three days later, the find and dishes still tugging at my mind, and they were still there. Still there. I felt like it was meant to be, like we were meant to be together.

Although I love Rosenthal (say it with me in a snooty, accent: Rose-in-tall), I only have one or two errant pieces, including a bizarre creamer with wings on the lid from their studio line. The company, established in the late 19th century, was initially know for producing fine porcelain with Baroque designs and flourishes. This set exemplifies their mid-20th century style which grew out of the many partnerships they established with an international group of designers. Raymond Loewy, who you could say practically designed the twentieth century, was one of those designers and this china shape was produced in the plain white I found, a matte charcoal as well as a variety of patterns both traditional and modern. Loewy designed everything from cigarette packages to cars, refrigerators to the interior of the Skylab space station.  Everything.  Check it out.

Regardless of who designed it or the producer, it's a beautiful set and with my variety of white serving pieces, will make a wonderful addition to the arsenal. Come for a visit, I would love to serve you a delicious continental breakfast on this set...

Balanced

Reader, it's not that I don't think of you, it's just that life gets in the way.  I feel like I am always making excuses for not writing and I know that you sit at home nightly with your box of tissues crying your eyes out for a new post from MTSS, but I don't have time to shop or a place to put all of my finds.  Please rest assured, when I do shop, you are the first to know!  There isn't some secret blog where I am posting for some other readers about things you aren't seeing, I promise.  It's only you, it's always been you, it will always be you.

But, this past couple of weeks have been insanity.  It is just one of those time with lots of balls in the air and tons of things happening.  I am surviving and I felt the balance last weekend with a little shopping...

I have to say that one of my favorite new tools for shopping estate sales is estatesales.net.  It's great in that it tells you where the sales are, plus has lots of photos of what they have.  You can see if there is anything you might like or discover instantly it probably won't be worth your time...this one was!  The issue of course is that you see things you want, but then you get there and they are already gone.  But, I guess it was my lucky day as the two footed bowls (the same, but with different china markings) were still there and I got them for half off since it was Saturday morning.  They'll be perfect with all of the other white dishes of mixed pedigree. 

Shells.  Faux shells.  You know about my obsession (here, here and here), so I was more than thrilled to add these two, lovely specimens from Wedgewood cast in the bone china to the collection.  It grows, its shifts...it expands.

I always eye salts at the antique store covetously because I want them so badly and they are always fifteen to twenty dollars EACH.  Is the market for salts really that strong?  I guess so, but I was very happy to find four lovely little specimens at the estate sale for next to nothing.  They remind of little crystal urchins and next time I have a little formal dinner I will serve my very exquisite salt in these little guys.

This little matchbook was not priced, but the woman at the checkout was so delighted we wanted something "from my era" that she threw it for free!  From Japan, it opens out the end and has a different little house image on both sides.  It is kind of the palette of our kitchen in Terre Haute and the hanging objets above the sink, which is not to say the same as the palette in the Texas kitchen, although close.  These things are always changing and evolving.

These glasses have been following me all over the country!  I'm sure they're just something basic from Libbey that was just sold everywhere, but I have managed to find them in Wichita, Terre Haute, Madison and now West Texas, amassing quite a collection.

These, on the other hand, I have been hunting forever and have never found.  Until now.  What are they, you ask?  Stemware from Russel Wright for Morgantown Glass, eight goblets and seven sherbets in chartreuse, for a song.  Scott at Ars Longa seems to stumble over a few of these every time he turns around, but for me they have remained elusive.  I'm not a big collector of Wright, but I do love these glasses.  Unlike plates and ceramics, they're unmarked, so you really have to know what you are looking for.  And be lucky!

Plant stand?  Or modern sculpture?  Either way, it is going to look lovely with pots in it until I convert it a serving piece by attaching plates some way to the little pot circles.  Hmmm...

...and then felt revived and restored, with some wonderful finds and a chance to share them with you, my dear reader.

Patience

Secondhand shopping is often a lesson in patience--and conversely providence.  Sometimes, you are gifted with something you didn't even know you needed (desired!), while other times you have a specific need and you have to wait almost forever to fulfill it.

Moving from Indiana, several treasured items were jettisoned.  It wasn't that I loved them less, but simply that their appropriateness for life as it is now being lived no longer matched.  My faux bamboo china cabinet and bar were amazing, but so large and heavy it seemed better to find a new local home for them.  Likewise, the bedroom set originally purchased in Kansas (tall boy, long dresser and nightstand) were still in alright condition, but it was quite possible their delicate legs wouldn't make another move.  So again, a local happy home was located.  But, I have been living dresser-less--for almost a year--waiting to find that next perfect one.  Luckily, my closet it large and well-organized, with lots of shelves and places to put small baskets for socks, etc.  That is all behind me now, as the new dresser has been found!  With a single matching nightstand.  Both have clean and classic mid-century lines and are from Drexel, so you know they are well made.  They have white porcelain pulls which, with the simple design, are like pearls with a simple black dress: just the right about of pop.

Of course, this wonderful (life-changing!) find only made me hungry for more!  After meeting some friends for brunch, I popped into Dress Up's to see what they might have.  It was warm.  Very warm since they have no HVAC!  But, breezing through the store quickly yielded a couple of treasures at deep discounts:

A lovely little white and gold dish from Georges Briard.  It looks perfect on the new dresser.

Three, black lotus bowls.  Now reader, you know how I am about my little lotus bowls!  I can pass up a white one faster than you can say 'fried rice,' but I cannot resist a colored one.  I just won't make myself.  With another little yellow one picked up by M a month or so ago, I think that brings the total to twenty-five.  I think.  It's sad, because most of my lovelies are still packed away.  There is some room in the cupboards, but without a giant china cabinet or other display, it's easier just to leave them in boxes.  Likewise, I'm still searching for a bar to show off (and use!) all of my fantastic bar ware.  Don't worry, when I'm missing them I get a box of tissue out and scroll through some old post on MTSS. 

As a bonus, I found a note behind the drawer of the nightstand, a dream written quickly and ripped from a spiral notebook:

"I dreamed Allen came back to Midland and came over.  We talked for a few minutes and then he took my hand and said something like, 'come on, let's go--I wanna catch up on what I have been missing.'  I said, 'Allen, I haven't done anything like that since you left.' He said, 'I know (in that weird voice.)' I asked somebody--Nancy probably, what she thought about it.  She said I shouldn't put with it--I should tell him to go to hell.  By the way, he looked just like he used to."

Spooooky...

Let There Be Light

Today's sweep through a couple of secondhand stores yielded some interesting spots...



I wanted this little figurine, but I did not want to pay what they were asking! She is fantastic in plastic.



I wanted to pay what they were asking for this fabulous 60s dining table with a smoked glass top, but unfortunately don't have the space for it.



Is that all there is? No urban turban on this album cover, but a shout out to Peggy Lee anyways.



Here's your theme: Virgins and cowboy boots. Go.



I have seen jars of buttons before, but this takes the cake.

The only thing I did buy was a lovely, little African violet nightlight from Japan, bringing the number of such charming little nightlights in the household to three: officially a collection! Here is the newest addition, plus the other two...

Slide to the Left for a While...

Dearest reader, I don't want to come off as sounding...how do I say?...superior, but you do know what a slide is, don't you? I don't mean a PowerPoint slide, but a real, actual physical slide? A special type of film developed and sandwiched between pieces of glass or plastic, them inserted into a slide projector in order to enlarge the image? Is this sounding familiar at all?

Before the advent of the digital, people used slides in a variety of ways. Do you remember that art history class you slept through freshmen year? Come on, the one with the slightly peculiar professor in which you barely pulled a C? Yes, that one! The professor was using slides to project all of those images onto the screen. Most likely, your school had a slide library and said peculiar professor would go the library and pull the images they wanted from drawers filled with hundreds of slides of works of art, each turning a rosy pink as they aged. If said peculiar professor didn't find an image they were looking for, they brought a book to the library and noted the images they wanted with a sticky note. An underpaid graduate student would use a copy stand to shoot the pages in the book with a camera (Copyright? We don't know nothing about no copyright.); develop the film; cut the film into individual images; crop the film with special silver tape so that only the images was seen and not all of the gobbly-gook text around it; mount the images on a slide; seal and label said slide; then mark the 'front' of the slide with a special red dot so that once inserted into the carousel, the slightly peculiar professor would be able to see all of their slides were loaded correctly. Who would take such a job? Moi. Mais oui.

And you, just sleeping right through that scintillating lecture on Merovigian fibulas had no idea of, or consideration for, all of the work that was done to make sure the image shown to you was updated, straight and oriented in the right direction. It was an art; an art lost completely with the birth of the digital. And you had no clue, no thought or knowledge or respect for the art or process. None at all. Barbarians!

Apologies; this wasn't supposed to be the slide librarians lament, it just all of that droll, meaningless work came rushing back. Slides were also used by civilians, especially in the mid-20th century. People took images on their vacation or other special events and then, usually with the ruse of dinner or drinks, subjected their soon-to-be-ex friends to hours of inane narration to accompany their images projected on the wall. Kind of like a blog, but in person...

BUT, since this was pre-PowerPoint where you can now arrange a slide or image with any whim, how did they make sure their slides were in order? (Finally, to the point.) Slide sorters! Now, if you're a fancy, scmancy art history professor, you had a large light table on which to arrange and rearrange your images in order to craft and build your lecture into something your students will be thrilled to hear in a dark room at 8 a.m. But, the average joe? Personal slide sorters!

These little objets are pretty amazing: most have no switch or button, you just place the slide in the sorter and a light comes on automatically, illuminating the image. No, they don't make the Mona Lisa six feet tall, but they did their job...and looked fabulous while doing so! The names and logos are fantastic, plus the shapes are like a 1950s Cadilac in miniature. I love them and want them all. I have one that belonged to my parents, plus a couple of others picked up along the way--including a recent addition from an estate sale. All fantastic, sexy little things...I even included some bootie shots for all of you über art history nerds out there.

Fab Finds

With travel for work, hither and yon, I hadn't been to the thrift stores in Midland for a few weeks, so I thought this weekend was a great opportunity to see what might have appeared since I had last shopped. And dear reader, guess what? There was quite a bit...

The first couple of stops yielded nothing. I mean, if I had been shopping for white, ceramic cats then it would have been the mother lode, but I think that is even beyond my kitschy sensibilities. However, at Trade-n-Treasures, I came across one of my favorite things: a lovely faux sea shell. (More on my faux shell obsession here, here, here and here.) Of course, someone had filled it with flower arranging foam and the most hideous plastic flowers you have ever seen, but I just ripped those right out and stuffed them into another pot. No reason to take them home! Plus, I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't think they were as hideous as I did. They would be wrong, but to each their own.

Of course, I had just rearranged the salon table a week or so ago, bringing my small collection of faux shells to the forefront with the addition of some stones and gems. The effect evokes an essence I would consider to be a la Jung, meaning 'in the style of Jung' as in my friend, sister in thrift and the muse of MTSS, Stephanie Jung.* While arranging them, I thought, "I could really use a couple of more major faux shells to make this really come together." Ask and ye shall receive; thrift and ye shall find.

The next find is a little hard to describe: a pretzel-style lucite and silver candlerabra? Whatever you call it, be sure you use the word 'fabulous' as part of the adjectives. This is one of those odd, special, fabulous, mod early-70s accessories that can mix in anywhere. Really. The problem is that I have a box of candlesticks, inherited and purchased, that I rarely use. But, this was on sale and I could not resist its unique quality. A real conversation piece.  However, sometimes I think my house is so full of conversation pieces that they are all yelling at each other!

The next stop was Dress Up's, but Miss Dress Up wasn't present. Instead, I was manically greeted by who I can only assume is Miss Dress Up, Jr. and her two children. There were lots of lovely things to be had, including a very charming, yet over-priced bar, which MDU, Jr. kept telling me locked and included a key--as though a locking liquor cabinet was the most important aspect to consider! There were a couple of items I could not resist, the first being the diminutive plates above. I love tiny bowls, little plates or any sort of Lilliputian dishes, so I had to have them even though they hadn't reached a discount yet. I had to have them. I'm sure I will find some specific and satisfying use for them.

Finally, the strangest find of the day was this clown art. Now, we already talked about white, ceramic cats being beyond my aesthetic sensibilities and I'm sure you probably have the talent to take an arrangement of clown pictures and make them look quit chic. But reader, as fond as I am of sending photos of clown finds to my friend Jessie who is absolutely terrified of clowns, I don't usually purchase them. This, however, isn't just a clown picture. No, do not be deceived; this is a music box and the nose is the handle! It does work and plays a rather maudlin rendition of 'Send in the Clowns.' I could not resist it and had to have it. Where will it go? I'm not sure, but its existence amuses me and owning it amuses me even more. So, I've included a little video for your enjoyment:

 

That, my friends, is a good day of thrifting if I do say so myself...

*For those new to MTSS, it was actually started as a paper zine after I moved to Wichita, KS and was missing thrifting with my friend.  I started drawing my finds and including musing on thrifting, which I sent to several friends.  But, they were created with the intention of both amusing Stephanie and keeping her up-to-date on my thrifting adventures.  Eventually, it became a blog which was a helluva lot easier to manage.  That was eight years ago.  I still don't have a book deal, but I am still blogging, amusing myself and keeping her, and you, updated on all my fab finds.

Love a New, Old Store

A few weeks ago, we popped into a new, old store which I have to say I could not be happier to have discovered. It's called Dress Up's, so I assume the proprietress is named Dress Up. Maybe a nickname? Anyway, someone at work had mentioned it, but I hadn't been able to figure out exactly where it was. When we entered, there seemed to be a lot of dishes, housewares and clothes. The woman running the place, Miss Dress Up we assumed, was on the phone when we entered, but gave a friendly wave. As we looked over what there was on the shelves, we thought a lot of it was pretty excellent and the prices weren't bad.

About halfway down the second aisle, Miss Dress Up approached us with a warm, West Texas "how are y'all? Have y'all been in before?" No, we hadnt. "I didn't think so, do y'all know how our pricing system works?" No, we didn't. She was more than happy to explain it: color-coded tags with a reduction each week! Suddenly, the prices seemed even better.

In fact, a set of glasses we had admired (because we need more glasses.) were down to the lowest discount: $.97! Honestly. There were six of them, though one turned out to be broken--we bought them anyway.

The other great find was an amazing, vintage 60s Medusa-like lamp with a wonderful sculptural quality. The "globes" are actually large bulbs and after plugging it in and finding that it worked, I was sold. It looks fantastic in the living room and I was excited to discover it had a three way switch, going from two bulbs on, to three and finally all five. Love. After such a great experience, we'll definitely be back...looking for an amazing set of nightstands, an etagere or a bookshelf! Plus dishes. Lots more dishes...and of course to check in with Miss Dress Up.

Log Pot, Pot Log

As I alway say, three is a collection! So, I am officially collecting little, log pots which look so charming filled with succulents. We have had one for a while, but I have found a couple of additional ones lately. You know I cannot resist faux...

Omaha Ne Regret Pas

 While in Omaha over the holidays (yes, I'm very late on posting), we took our niece Jakaylee out for a little thrifting.  Since we were traveling by air, we really couldn't shop, but if I had been in an SUV I would have bought all of this (including the clown photo op above for Jessie) and more.  Most of it was at the New Life Thrift store in south Omaha where there are always a million wonderful things.  Thankfully, Jakaylee is a good shopper and appropriately amused by the things we are, such as...

Sweet dear, dear sweet...

...look out!

The BVM with the super powers, that I love.

"Hey girl, hey."

I already have one of these warmers, but honesty nothing would have stopped me from buying a second one.

Peculiar and sad, like an idea for a short story.

Partytime!  Glasses in the original, fantastic box.  You know I love an original box...

Matching cookie jar and biscuit barrel I desperately wanted to buy.

Lovely blue stemware...

....or green stemmed goblets?  Both, please.

She was chipped, or I definitely would have wrapped her up and stolen her away to live with my other lovely Quan Yins.  And what did I buy?

This charming little Buddha, which wasn't chipped...and made it home in one piece....and these little melamine bread and butter plates (unbreakable) which match a set of eight I bought in Lindborg, KS many years ago.  

Later during the trip we were in Austin, where we ran into the cookie jar again.  It was just as difficult to pass on it a second time.  Sadness, but I know we will meet again and when we do I will place you atop the giant pile of fabulous finds in my limitless horse trailer of thrift!

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Won't Stop, Can't Stop

Darlings, you know I can never stop. It isn't the things, but the hunt, that drives me. The thrill of the find! But you all know that, so I am preaching to the hunters. The past week had been pretty long and the week prior I had been traveling, so I was looking forward to some thrift therapy on Saturday. Even though I got a late start, there was still an array of wonderful things. And no matter how full the cupboards are, how stuffed the shelves are or how many things currently live in boxes, there will always be something I can't resist...

Dishes. My weakness. Even though I don't care for the color, I swooned when I spotted these amazing dishes by Ben Seibel for Raymor. I didn't buy them, even though I should have bought them and resold them or something. That just isn't how I thrift, but with the bounty of West Texas thrift, I may have to change my plan.

I loved this chip and dip and candelabra! What a unique, and challenging, serving piece. Late in the evening you would have to be careful not to burn yourself as you reached over the burning candle for some spinach dip.

This Pyrex cheese cracker tray was difficult to pass over, especially with the new cheese knives I recently purchased...

Apparently they always have an array of beautiful glass at Trade-n-Treasures, but Saturday it was even more splendiferous. I found myself thinking of my friend Michael in Chicago and his amazing collection of glass, wondering which of these pieces he would try and carryon if he were visiting? Thoughts?

Faux. You know how much I love faux. And faux shells? Reader, it was so hard not to buy these. I mean, I could find a place for them, of course. And I have been having visions of my a mantle covered in faux shells as my collection grows...but....still...I passed. Sigh.

This punch bowl was more than I want to pay, but a GEORGES BRIARD punch bowl?!? I love Briard and some of us never stopped serving punch, but I would also have to find all new punch cups. And also sell my current bowl, which is quite amazing and on a stand. Having TWO punch bowls is just ridiculous, right? Curiously, the image was printed on the interior, so the signature was reverse.

I did take home this little log planter. We have one or two already, so a small collection. Plus, succulents look very cool planted in them. I couldn't say no.

Lastly, this set of eight owl glasses was hiding on a shelf at Tradarama, covered in dust. Otherwise, the gold was in perfect shape and I couldn't pass them up. I don't really need more glasses that can't go in the dishwasher, but I bought them anyway. Perhaps they'll be a gift for someone else.

After running a few errands, I got home and did few things around the house, including unpacking the finds. After a while, I gathered up my stuff and returned to the store to buy those blasted shells. I couldn't stop thinking about them and was just glad they were still there!

Let Me Be Clear

I just want to be very clear: I wasn't just good, I was very good. I could have returned from this little outing with a station wagon filled with amazing items, but instead I only bought five. Five. And to prove my point, I have plenty of photographic evidence. Observe...

I started at the Salvation Army, which I believe I have mentioned is in a shady part of town, but does have pretty good things. Today was no exception...

You often see these salad bowls in other colors, such as bright blue (I have a couple of those), but I had never seen them in this color; is that grape or aubergine? I'll go with aubergine. But, I passed on them rather than create an extreme paradigm shift within 'la collection.'

This dog statuette was amazing and challenging to resist.

The most gorgeous space heater I have ever seen. Isn't it fantastic? It makes me think beads in doorway, bing bag chairs and spherical radios with the Carpenters playing while you iron your hair.

Although the photo might suggest this rabbit could fit in your palm, it's actually life-size! Like those white cats you see a lot? I thought it would be wonderful, sitting around in some absurd place (kitchen counter?), but obviously there is already plenty of wonderful things sitting absurdly around my place, right?

Next, I headed to Tradearama, which I hadn't been to, but someone in my seminar on Friday had mentioned. Tradearama is one of those very classic second hand stores in that, while there is a general sense of organization probably created five or ten years ago, it is slowly dissolving with each object they add to the pile. In other words, you have to dig. It is a place my mam-ma would have loved and they had some wonderful treasures...

A truly fantastic canister set that was in very good condition. Easily snatched up.

This gorgeous platter.

An amazing array of coffee cups.

Rice bowls! Service for twelve! Perfect for the 'broken down bus full of Buddhist monks' scenario! And so much more...old typewriters, a separate room full of old books and magazines guarded by it's own old lady, planters, lamps...so much.

After that, I headed up the street to Trade-N-Treasures which is a thrift store that is on almost the complete separate end of the thrifting spectrum: everything is beautifully organized, with signs for each section. Heaven.

An amazing sideboard, simple and elegant.

This lovely tea canister reminded me of something Jonathan Adler might sell today.

The egg cooker I already own, which matches the most beautiful toaster in the world.

A record cabinet in an Asian-ish style.

A George Briard platter in the Persian Garden pattern. I was strong, I was strong...the price was okay, but not a bargain.

Perfume bottles in every shape imaginable!

Vintage soaps in their boxes....and more cologne bottles!

A weird photo of a high school musical: Damn Yankees? What other show involves a baseball team? I don't know, this is really out of my scope of knowledge.

Soup tureens! Movie stars! Black gold!

It was heaven.

What did I buy? Five things; or two, depending on how you look at it.

This set of shallow, square dishes with a small gold rim is from Hall--and this was my second chance with them. I even carried them around the store, all the while debating whether to purchase them and what I would use them for. Is that what you do? Try to justify how you might use something? Like this would perfect to serve pound cake on? Or if I can use it for multiple things, then it's even better, e.g., "these would be great for sherbet, but I could also use them for a cold soup garnished with avocado in the summer." Then I can easily talk myself into things. But, these I could think of nothing....so I carried them around the store, finally giving up...until I spotted...

This incredibly dirty Quan Yin, hiding I'm the corner. Isn't it funny, once you find something you HAVE to have, it's much easier to talk yourself into anything else! So I bought the rectangular plates. Check and check.

When I got home, I cleaned up Quan Yin and got out the rest of the smaller ones, putting them all on the mantle altar with the mega-Quan Yin...

Voila. Happiness.