An Organized Cupboard

I'm going to start freshening up and changing things in the kitchen. It was never completed after it was started about 5 years ago. I painted the cabinets, reusing the uppers, and had the lowers made. I've been going inside them and deciding what I need or want, and what I don't. I was going to sell some vintage black and white Pyrex (the dot bowl is actually Fire King) but then found a home by editing something else. My non-coordinated vintage Pyrex will make it's way to camp. I was trying to figure out how a tall cabinet would look on a different wall but decided that instead of adding more storage space, use what I have and edit out what I no longer want.  Honestly, these pieces do not get used very often, but I like them.

7.5 cubic foot area = visually pleased.

Vintage Planter

This baby caught my eye...and why wouldn't it?

And, I just happened to have a plant that needed a little bit bigger pot. 

Vintage Thrifting

The other day I went to one of my favorite thrift stores and was poking around knowing thinking I wouldn't be purchasing anything. Then I saw it -- this great little Mid-Century lamp base.

My heart skipped a beat. I looked at the price and talked myself out of the possibility of purchasing it. It was too much for my frugal-thrifty-I'm-trying-to-not-bring-things-into-the-house, self. Then I saw the sign. The sign that said what was marked down 50%, and don't you know it, lamps were on the list. And don't you know it, I bought it. Ta-daaaa.

the shade is a temporary fix....maybe...keeping my eye out for the right shape. 

Merry Christmas and Finding Santa(s) ...

I don't know where these past 3 weeks went. I was finishing up jobs, trying to get some organizing done around here, started painting my bathroom and doing a little bit of shopping. Because I do 98% of my shopping at secondhand stores, I get to pick up some vintage Santa's along the way to add to my collection...like Mr. Santa Salt Shaker.

I have a bunch of mini and regular sized hot chocolate Santa head mugs that I didn't pull down from storage, I was off track with Christmas this year and almost didn't even get any kind of tree up. But I did find a stashed bag of mini mugs that were an 'end of the clean up from last year' that never made it into the main boxes. Lucky for me, I found a few other Santa's at the thrift store to add to my collection, so I gathered them under the tree.

And the tree? I did climb up to the top shelf of the garage and get the box it's stored in. I pulled out the top half, took a bunch of the recently found vintage ornaments that were supposed to be for wreath craft day, and pulled out a tree topper that was earmarked for ebay. Voila! My small tree looking festive with Santa's showing off underneath.

I hope that you all are enjoying the holiday season and

have a very Merry Christmas!

Vintage MCM Coffee Table

I've been keeping an eye out for a vintage coffee table the past couple years. I like the Castro Convertible that I have but I'm thinking it's a bit too wide, I especially think that when I clock my knee on the sharp corner.

Finally, while looking for hutch tops on Craigslist, there it was, in an ad for a hutch top, looking dingy and forgotten. I called, it was still available, I went.

It's been traveling around in my storage mobile (aka, my Rav4) for a couple weeks now and I had to get it out of there for sanity purposes. So I pulled it into the living room, used some Restor-a-finish on it, and voila! .... but I wasn't feeling it. Maybe because I am used to the yellow/beige of the CC, maybe because I am used to the size of the CC, but I couldn't make myself feel that it was working.

It looks good to me in the photo, but when looking at the whole room, it's off balance. It feels heavy to the right side with the majority of the furniture there. I put the first one back. Maybe I'll just take something else out of the room to 'lighten' it up. Or maybe I'll keep looking and try this again.

Of course, this is not a new occurrence in my house. Thank goodness I get things at thrift stores, Craigslist and tag sales, and therefore, don't spend hundreds of dollars. I change my mind so much. Although I am a very visual person, I have to see items in my space to 'feel' if it's right....and I ain't feeling it. 

A Gift, A Gift, A Very Cutie Gift

Finally!! I'm telling you about my Schnauzer gift. I meant to post many weeks ago after receiving it, but busy-ness and laziness got in the way.

Look at this little guy!!

The sweet and talented Suzy from GeorgiaPeachez sent this to me. She said while thrifting one day she came across it and knew it had to go home with her, to be sent to me. How nice is that? To be in someone's thoughts that you've never personally met and only know through blogging. 

The funny thing was (and still is) is that I had (and still have) a small collection of things on my desk that are meant for her. When I received her email asking for my mailing location, it couldn't have been timed better because I needed hers, too. The difference? She is not a procrastinator and sent it out immediately. Me? Wellllllllll..... 

...but I do have an excuse, I'm going through some more stuff and the pile is getting a little bigger. Plus, I had work and the 5 weeks of vacation that got in the way, and, and, and....

Thank you Suzy!! He's an adorable addition to my Dog/Schnauzer collection. 

A Tisket a Tasket a Vintage Laundry Basket

Along with the store display rack I told you about yesterday...I pulled this out of the dumpster, too...

A vintage laundry cart. A friend thought maybe it was originally used at a laundry-mat. 

It would be cool to use it as a towel holder in a bathroom, or for something in a kitchen. I'll be using it for its intended use for now, as I was looking for something that could replace the wicker chair that I would pull over to the clothesline and place my basket full of clothes onto. 

It pays to visit friends you haven't seen in a long time. 

Heeere Kitty Kitty

Heyyyyy!! didja miss me? I kinda fell off the bloggin' train there for awhile. Due to computer issues, (now I'm having iphoto issues) phone issues, going to bed 2+ hours earlier everyday and filling boxes with stuff stuff stuff for my tag sale...but I'm back to sharing -- like this white Persian. It's HUGE! I found it at a tag sale and had to have her. I had Bug strike a pose with her so you can see the difference. Mind you, Buggy Boo is a petite girl at 11 pounds but you get the idea. It's kind of weird with it's scary creepy eyes (which is why I like it) and awesome at the same time. I'm going to let it visit for awhile but then it might end up on a selling venue.

I also put it out in the yard, but I'm afraid someone will steal it because it's so COOL.

I bet you wish you had a big ass cat to sit in your garden, too. LOL

On other notes -- I've been picking up some vintage sewing machines for Renato the sewing machine guy. It's fun because I get to touch them and buy them and ogle them and not have to store them. Win for him, win for me. Photos to come once I gather them together.

I hope you've all been well and enjoying the Spring season, we've seen lots of rain, it's raining now even, and if it wasn't raining it was cold but then it got hot hot hot! New England weather, why are we surprised each year?

Have a great day!! 

Remember Pay Phones?

It's been forever since I've seen one and here this one is sitting right on the edge of town. It took me by surprise when I saw it...a memory I forgot I had...

Hammered Aluminum Love

I love me some hammered aluminum. It's one of the things I like to collect. Yeah, what isn't you ask? Wellllllll, I don't collect Hummels (does anyone still collect them?)

Anywayyyyyyyyyy

When I opened my email from GadgetSponge this morning, HORRORS! but what did I see? An aluminum platter made into a bird feeder. Lucky birds. I've seen other pieces where he has used this material as part of his design and I'm always a little hurt that he would do such a thing. Maybe under all that seed it's really scratched up which would make it less desirable for anyone to own and use. Yeah, that's what I'll think, he just uses beat up pieces. But, alas, I know the truth. I'll just have to hoard all that I can find in my neck of the woods. 

Ha Ha -- kidding. 

Yes, really I am.

Really. 

Happy Sunday!! 

No healthy smoothie for me this morning (yet) I'm starting it off with a cafe mocha. Chocolatey coffee whipped cream sugary delight....on an empty stomach...what the heck, I can, it's Sunday. Of course, I'll have a sugar caffeine crash in about a half hour. LOL

Like I said, "Happy Sunday!" The sun is out, the wind is not blowing and it might even make it to 40 degrees today. 

A Vintage Dishwasher

All mine. Wooooh hoooh.

I was perusing Craigslist the other day, looking for used cabinets to put in the studio. I found an ad for vintage built-ins that a woman was trying to sell. In the add was a picture that had a dishwasher and a stove -- "definitely vintage," I said to myself.

I wrote to her and asked if they were vintage. The stove was a drop-in, which I don't see a lot of for vintage models and the dishwasher was this cutie...

A Kitchen Aid Hobart model KD-12, I was so excited to find this, I was looking for a NEW dishwasher, but per the usual, was procrastinating on choosing one. I'm a HUGE procrastinator, but I have found that many times it has worked to my advantage...like now. 

She and I emailed back and forth because I needed information if I was going to spend some moola on putting this thing in. She said it worked, and she's been using it for the past 17 years, but has finally decided to do a kitchen remodel and this and the stove were going away. Oh, how I wanted to rescue the stove, too, but I have a vintage 1956 Frigidaire 40" that I love and have no room to store hers.   

Although I found very little information for this model, I did find a couple of YouTube videos and other information on forums. It seems to be a well liked machine. It came in stainless and pink, too. What I read most about was how much people liked KitchenAid Hobart and the gravity drain system that these machines have. What that means? I'm not sure and more research needs to be done so I have the knowledge. 

I do have to say it was a difficult decision for me to make, getting this dishwasher. I'm a huge advocate for protecting the environment as much as you can, recycling, reusing, efficiency, etc. I couldn't find any information on how much water this will use. I did find a timing schedule for the cycles and it seems it will run faster than a new 'efficient' machine, and I'm surprised at how much water a new machine in the $400 range still uses and they run for an hour and fifteen minutes or more. I would have loved to own a Bosch, which meets a lot of efficiency requirements but they are a bit more ching than I have to spend on a dishwasher.

So, I'm calling the plumber and getting this baby hooked up. It's not huge inside, and who knows, I may change my mind about it, um, because that's what I do, but in the meantime, I'll visit with it and enjoy it's vintage pedigree. 

Vintage Thrifting

These prints really drew me in but I did not get them. I have tried to find info. On them but have not had luck. They are signed 'Blatt.'

The pile of Blue Heaven came home with me. Most likely will end up on eBay, but I so like the blue of the plain pieces.

Vintage Thrifting

On the way home from work today I stopped by 'My Favorite Little Thrift Store' around the corner from my house...to drop off a bag of stuff...um...then I went shopping. The two automatically go hand in hand, I can't help myself.

I own this set of chrome canisters....

but for some reason I am drawn to this set of 4 (the smallest is missing from the picture.)

I've been eyeing it for a couple weeks now. It's butt ugly and cool at the same time. Since my walls are chartreuse, it won't really go, and I don't have enough room on my counter, but that whole 70's thing has my heart. 

ANNNNNDDD it has the salt and pepper to match!

I am drawn to this owl carving it's so cute, but not really my style -- once again -- the 70's.

I did buy this 6 cup Pyrex Flameware Percolator...coffee anyone?

and I've been keeping an eye out for one of these jars, and this one is BIG. It will be used to store my homemade laundry detergent. 

Then, curbside, I saw a pile of wood and a doll house. I turned the car around, lifted things up and there were two of these Gothic architectural frames. They're awesome -- and a bit heavy. I think they might just be what the living room needed.  The guy at the house where these were saw me and yelled over the fence that they were 150 years old. I should have asked for more history. They definitely did not come from a house in this neighborhood, as they are all '50s Ranches and Capes.

The doll house ended up being more of an architectural mock-up and since there were a couple pieces missing I figured I didn't need to bring it home. I try to remember that I'm getting RID of things. 

I'm hopeless, I swear. 

Sing Me A Song You Little Singer 221

When I visited Angela a few months ago she gave me a gift. This little Singer Featherweight. Lightweight and portable, perfect for hauling to camp to make a sewn creation.

I know, a gift of this magnitude, can you imagine? They sometimes bring a good chunk of change, change I did not have. A very popular machine for quilters as it is easy to tote along for quilting bees and quilting classes. I wanted to add one to my collection but thought I never would. Then one day while on the phone with Angela we were talking about it and she told me I could have hers. First it was a joke on my part because I said I would dog sit crazy Cassy and she said she would pay me to do so, just like my other dog sitting jobs. I said she could just Will me her Featherweight. And now the rest is history. She is a lovely and generous friend. She gave it to me and I never even had to watch Cassy, as her daughter Anna was going to be home while Angela was away on vacation.

I have not had time to play with it until now. It is quiet up here at camp so I'll get it running and start cutting up some fabric. Hopefully my little project will be half way done by the time I leave here in a few days.

It's supposed to rain later this afternoon so I want to get started before having to pull it into the smaller space of the camper.

It's nice being able to work in the sun and fresh air. It is quiet because no one is here till the weekend. Hanz is in his safe place (the crate in the car,) Buggy is learning 'stay' on a blanket on the deck, and doing quite well, I might add, and R. Is taking an afternoon snooze.

All is good.

Thrifted Vintage Lawn Chair

Shady spot found on this expected 93 degree day (I was told in the sun it got to 103.) Sitting in my near mint lawn chair from the 70s. Reading 'A Small Furry Prayer' while I wait for new tires to be put on the Rav -- cha ching. A slow-leak-flat-tire brought the low tread to my attention. After paying property taxes this morning, it was not really on my list to spend a chunk more money today, but alas, safety first safety always.

A Birthday and Flea Market Sunday

We stayed home from camp this weekend to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday. The party was to be held outside, but due to the rain, we stuffed ourselves into my niece's house. I don't see my brother's often, or my Aunts and Uncles, so it was good to sit, chat, jab each other and laugh. I brought photos of my brothers as teenagers and my niece and nephew as toddlers, those alone created some good laughter.

My Aunt brought the famous 'Chocolate Cake With Gooey Frosting' that we grew up with. We always had homemade desserts and this was a favorite. I think the last time I had it was 19 years ago when she made it for the after gathering of my dad's funeral. And I remember her asking me before the funeral what I would like her to bring and I said this cake. It's so weird, I feel like I had a piece of that cake just last year, the taste is so familiar. My family commandeered it from the rest of the group of my brother's friends, there was no way we were going to miss out on a piece. Funny thing is, I didn't know it was there. They were passing out pieces of cake that my niece made and Aunt Verna whispered in my ear, "I brought the CCWGF cake." I quickly rejected the other cake being offered to me and snuck the famous cake, which was still covered, into the living room where we all were. The plates from each person was quickly shoved into my face, no one wanted to miss out. Oh the memories. My siblings and I chattered on about the cake and cake memories. So silly. Just goes to show what food brings to a family.

Since we camp now on the weekends, we don't usually make it to the Flea Market on Sunday morning during the summer. You know we had to take advantage of being home and the nice weather. We grabbed a coffee and browsed...and bought. Although I passed up a few things I just wanted to HAVE...I kept it to a few things that I collect.

A display head -- to add to my growing collection of heads...

and some necklaces, sometimes a girls gotta wear some vintage bling...

I especially like the bold circle one.

I hope your weekend was fun!

A Thrifting We Will Go

A day of thrifting with Angela brought me some nice goodies. At the first shop I found some fabric (go figure) and a skein of yarn. I really like these colors and my mind is whirring with ideas. 

Then at the second shop which had Angela asking a lot of "what's this?" questions, I scoped out as much as possible trying not to spend the whole afternoon there. I think I missed a few things but pretty much looked at or touched 90% of the goods. There was a lot of eye candy. 

I filled my arms with some nice pieces of clothing but only a couple items fit, like this skirt by Ann Taylor and this cool leather purse with a colorful floral print on it which has a vintage vibe to it. 

This shirt I fell for as soon as I saw the cuff peeking out. It's a men's size medium but cut slim enough that paired with a some jeans, my studded belt, skull belt buckle, high heel boots and that colorful bag...awesome, and, it's a Bob Mackie label. Woo hooooo.

Rummaging through the linens I found a few good things but realized they wouldn't really work for what I needed them for, so I put them back. I did walk away with this nice weight and color vintage Martex bath towel...

and two tapestries that I think will become awesome as pillows. 

It's been a lot of fun hanging out with Angela. I was spoiled with good food -- for example, she whipped up yummy scallops and asparagus for dinner, spinach/chicken/walnut/cranberry salad for lunch and we enjoyed a nightly Dilly Bar treat. I dragged her kicking and screaming (not) for a Starbuck's coffee, one of my favorite 'social' things to do when on vacation. We talked, played with the dogs, had an interesting situation when we picked her computer up from the shop, and didn't get tired of each other...um, right Angela?  

Flea Market Sunday

What beautiful weather we had here. How could I not go out and peruse the goods? 

um, and come back with something.

I saw this from afar...after getting it home I realized it felt so familiar to me...I believe I had one when I was much younger. This will be added to my suitcase collection. 

I have collected 4 different colors of plastic sewing baskets but I am not using them for their intended purpose. I have been trying to figure out what type of container I could use for storing office and art stuff. As I've been cleaning out, I have come across the sewing baskets and had an aha! moment. I was going to buy some 'nice' baskets but I have a really hard time with buying new and not vintage. I'm glad I went with this idea and I wasn't even looking when I found this big beauty...

It is in great shape and has it's two inserts. I looked it up on ebay and although prices and sales vary, one sold for $47 in February. $47!! I bought mine from a very nice lady for $3. There was a green one I inquired about at another booth and it was not as in good condition and it didn't have the inserts. She was asking $10. She might get it because of the green color, but I'm a cheap-o and have gotten them for SO much less (and usually filled with sewing notions and scissors) and I like that challenge. 

Of course, I had to rummage through the fabric/linen bin. $5 later and I bought this fabric...

and two vintage sheets...

a tea towel and a pretty thick bath towel made by Sears. 

There was a gold and white one, too, but with some pulls...I'm kicking myself I didn't add it to the pile. I don't usually find them this thick. 

All in all, a satisfied customer. $8.50 spent? coffee and lunch with my boyfriend? Sun shining all day? 

Yes, Yes, Yes!

I hope you had a great day, too!!

Found Driving 'Round the 'Hood

I would love to be totin' my supplies around in this machine!

Oh Oscar! You Retro God

I found this as I thrifted around before Christmas. Oscar de la Renta scarf, excellent condition. Fun, pop, retro goodness. It would look great framed, and that may happen, but I'm thinking it will be more suited to someone's home with a graphic retro style, so it may end up on ebay. I really do 'dig' it, though.

My camera sucks when it comes to reds, guess I should get me a photo program to enhance/alter...this is brighter and more raspberry in person.