Antekin

No Desk, Just Happy Finds

2010-10-10T12:33:00.003-04:00

Decided not to get the desk I mentioned in the last post. Just why to big and would have required lots of help. But all was not lost. Had fun anyway, took my husband along for the adventure. We found a wonderful three tier what not shelf or tea caddy if you prefer. A pair of Italian porcelain wall shelves trimmed in 24k gold. Soooo pretty, I also included a picture of the garden bench and cement garden pot I found the week before. The fence behind has a grape vine growing on it. This may not be a good idea, to close to the house my husband says. Oh, well it can always be ripped out, the vine that is. Not the house. LOL! Also drove an hour away to pick up this cute little wroght iron set.

Check out Vintage Re-Style have some cute ideas.

Colorado and Treasures

2010-09-30T09:28:00.005-04:00

Since the last post, it has been very busy. I had a chance to go to Colorado with my husband for business. Had a wonderful time. Visited such places as The Winery at Holy Cross, Rosemount, and Miramont Castle. Also spent some time at Deedas Corner at 133 Union St. Pueblo. Great store, with lots of fun and unusual items. If your in that area stop by!!

I enclosed a slide show on the right of blog of all the pictures I took.

Now onto the treasures of the last two months. Iron bed,brass fireplace screen and fender,mirror, bronze man and woman statues, cement garden statues, china closet, 1980's vintage radio,pair of blue chairs( one pictured) oriental queen Ann chair,and on and on. How do you like all those run on sentences?

Off to pick up an antique railroad conductor's desk. Hope to have that on the site this weekend.

JULY 2010

2010-07-23T11:50:00.005-04:00

July 2010 has been a very busy month. Found lots of beautiful pieces, and did a little traveling. My husband had to go on business to New Orleans, so you all know The Big Easy was gonna see me too!!! Had a wonderful time and explored the cemeteries. The beauty of these may seem morbid to some, but I found them to be works of art. I also toured St. Mary's Church and saw a wonderful statue of St. Rita among other breath taking views. Can not wait to go back, one of my favorite places to go.

On to the finds, of course before I went to NOLA, I spent all of my spending money on some great pieces. Limoges lamps, tiger maple Duncan Phye end tables,a Portuguese chest, and a few other things almost broke the bank. But, all will make lovely additions to someones home.

Of Fate and Faith

2010-05-23T10:19:00.005-04:00

Sat. May 22, 2010. It started out like every sat. morning yard sailing trip with Connie. But it ended quite differently. We went to this sale and there on the front porch was a picture of the Blessed Mother ?? It didn't matter, I was buying it any way. The frame was broken. An earlier yard saler before us had picked it up, dropped it and had broken the frame. The seller was going to trash it. I came along right afterward and offered to buy it. Luckily the owner had picked up all the little pieces from the frame. We came home after a morning of great finds. Connie left, and my husband and I headed to the hospital to visit his father.

When we got home latter that evening, I glued all the pieces back together again. My husband came in the room and said, Look why don't you trash the frame and buy a really good frame for that picture. I said NO!!! The frame is worth more and quite beautiful. I need to save it as is. I glued and then went to watch TV.

Nothing on, as I was flipping thru the channels I stopped on the Catholic channel EWTN. I never watch this, but there was this movie on about St.Rita.It was interesting, so I watched, as I was I kept looking at my new picture. So I googled St. Rita, guess what she is my picture and not only that but her Feast Day and Death are May 22! Talk about things happening for a reason. She now hangs proudly in my house and she is not for sale. I think I was meant to be her keeper.

Sailing, Treasures and Anniverserys

2010-05-18T12:20:00.003-04:00

Sailing is always fun when your best friend is beside you. Connie and I did very well. We ran out of money 1 hour into the morning and had to find an ATM machine. So you all know that is a good day sailing. Broke happy and tired. The finds of the day for me were a wonderful hand hooked rug. 10X12 room size, the perfect colors for my library. Now just have to get going on hardwood flooring to go under it. I also found a great pair of antique frames, a pair of large heavy vintage chandeliers to go on E-bay, and my favorite a rather interesting little girl figure with real hair.She reminds me of Betty Davis the actress.

Sunday was spent with the entire family celebrating my in-laws 50th Anniversary. A day of fun, family and a lot of memories.

Friday Was Better

2010-05-08T19:56:00.003-04:00

Ran out this am to find what sales were to be found. Not much! In fact nada, nothing, zippo or what ever you want to call it. It was bad for sailing.

But, yesterday was the day, here is the funny find and story of the weekend. Went to this sale in town. An older couple with all kinds of nice books on antiques, collecting, prices etc. They were selling all these little dust collectors, you know glass, figures, and what nots. All my dealer friend were also there. Every one is looking at the books and the prices on the what nots, and they where not priced cheap let me tell you. And then there are these two antique chairs, and every one is whispering "She wants a $100 a piece for sure" but, no one asks. Except me. " Excuse me, How much for the chairs?" and the lady says $15. So I get out my $30 to pay her., and she says " No honey that is to much money. They re $15 for the pair"

Well you could have blown me over with a hiccup, and all the other dealers were cursing under the breath. Oh, well good finds to be found.

Hot,Hotter and Hottest

2010-05-03T10:13:00.003-04:00

Great day finding some great finds. It was hot the weather and the finds. Once again on my own sailing and I did not go far from home. I had to be quick because my niece was making her First Holy Communion and we had a 1 hour drive ahead of us. The finds of the day were two beautiful Infants, the coloring on the largest is just great. The next find of the morning a fireplace mirror, and then the next sale a peacock folding fireplace screen. I was very happy with these few items and headed off to the party. It would be great if all sales were this good, but then there would be no fun in the hunt.

Check Out Vintage Re-Style for a really neat outdoor project Lighting

On My Own Again!

2010-04-25T18:33:00.003-04:00

Well, I was left alone to sail by myself this weekend. My partner in sailing was away. But, when she gets around to telling you where she was, you will not feel sorry for me. But, I must admit I did very well. I picked up some really cute things. An old Eastlake chair, needs re caning. An old Victorian potty chair, a really neat wrought iron plant stand, I added a basket to it and now it becomes a catch it all next to the guest bed. I also came across a child's desk, the top lifts up for storage, and at the next sale found the little stool that goes perfectly with it. A few other finds also, but saving all for the sale, that will be held in May now, because of the eight yards of mulch that was just delivered!!! Almost forgot, my favorite find that I am keeping is the hat rack. I found this for $5. Just needed to put it all back together again. After I did, I was in love. And you all know that is a dangerous thing!!!!!!!!!!!

On The Road Again !

2010-04-18T20:24:00.004-04:00

Serious, serious, serious sailing was done again by the two must haves. Who do you ask? Connie and I are back at it. Had to do some serious shopping and found some really good things. At least they are to us. I found some antique Victorian corner brackets, and after combing them together they became the perfect hanger for the antique brass chandelier also found at a different sale.I have decided not to add the crystals to the chandelier. The mirror and table I picked up on my last by my self sailing adventure.The wrought iron set picked up last weekend for $2. Just had to re-paint it. Have some really neat ideas coming up on Vintage Re-Style By Antekin. So please check back.

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Just A Tease

2010-03-13T09:12:00.002-05:00

Where has the time gone? I have been very busy driving the back roads of Chester County, Delaware County, New Jersey, and every where in between. All searching for the perfect great finds to share with you. I will be having the first of four sales at my home, starting in April. The goal is to sell only the different, unusual, and must have treasures. These sales will be held once every quarter, so that I can restock with new treasures, and not have the same items at each sale. Please e-mail me your e-mail addresses so that I can let you know exact dates and times if you would like to attend. I will also post pics of items so that you may purchase on line closer to the sale dates. So just a Tease for now.

By The Fireside

2010-01-11T10:27:00.004-05:00

You all know how I love my fireplaces. In the library I have a real fireplace, in my bedroom I do too. However, the mess of wood logs, and dust, mixed with allergies is not a good mix. So an electric fake log and heater insert was the answer for the master bedroom.
The guest room does not get much use, due to no guests, but an electric fireplace in there also added to the charm. So when I came upon an antique mantle made into a faux fireplace I just had to have it. Now it to adds to the charm of my little used daughter"s room, now that she has moved. So much charm and coziness. Any one in need!

See Vintage Re-style to see how I made it all work.

The Joy Of A Good Find

2009-11-19T10:52:00.003-05:00

Over the last couple of days I have been driving my son to and from his job, gym, and where ever else he needs to be. His car is in the shop, so Mom becomes The Driver!!!

All was not lost, I found this wonderful corner etagere, with a little cleaning, it became the new home for hubby's decoy collection. It looks to be maple, and is old, the nails in the back are hand forged. Looked out for $10.

I did spend a little more on this chair $ 15. The fabric is suede and all original to the chair, the cane back is in perfect condition. A little cleaner on the seat, a little re-stuffing of the seat, and wow what a seat!!!

Check out Vintage Re-Style this week a View From The Side

Caught In The Act

2009-11-01T16:39:00.003-05:00

Well once again I stayed in this past weekend. The rain makes my leg and ankle hurt. I can not get that boot wet either. During the night every night this past week, the deer have come and eaten my plants around the patio. The little buggers ate all the ivy out of the planters on the patio wall, and then moved to the hydrangeas around the patio.

Today at 11am they decided to come out and munch on the grass inside the farm fence. What did I Do!! I watched them. They are a set of this years twins, cute as can be, but next year they are dinner.

Broken Bones and Broken Dreams

2009-05-18T20:54:00.009-04:00

It has been a roller coaster of a ride since the last post. Where to begin, well Connie did a wonderful job with the private sale she conducted for a client. The finds were really nice, and the best part was no crowds and no lines. It was an invitation only sale. I picked up some really nice vintage and antique items.

My daughter graduated from West Chester University in West Chester PA. Yah!!! Tuition is done. But, she moved the end of summer to New Jersey with her boyfriend. Happy to buy and help her decorate, gonna miss her.

In May I was let go from my real job of 7 1/2 yrs. I am going to miss the patients something awful. But, better and new experiences await. I will keep you all up dated.
Also in May a week after being let go from my job, the neighbor's dog came for a visit. A very nice dog, who knocked me over and broke my left leg, and my ankle. I spent a week in the hospital and 2 months confined to a hospital bed in my library. Now I am going thru painful re-hab while I learn to walk normally again.

Was not in the proper mood to sit and be nice. I know that sounds self pitty, but I kinda missed out on alot of really good sales and alot of family functions. I am looking forward to getting back into the real world.

One really good thing was on the way home from therapy with leg in a boot, I found in the trash a wonderful wrought iron set. Hobbled to the door and the owner was nice enough to load it in my car. I sat on the floor for hours, leg up on a pillow and recovered the seats to match my kitchen. Habits do not die easily. Still have a long road ahead to full recovering, but it is all fixable. Missed you all!!!

Here is my story

2009-03-30T18:50:00.006-04:00

Here is my story and I'm sticking to it!!! Sat. morning came Connie is
building a wall (that is her story, when she is ready to share) so I am
once again on my own. There is an Estate sale down the road, 8 rooms in
a historic home, same family since it was built in the 1800's. Well you
know I have to go, BUT!!!! I am mad at my husband, we will not go
there. ( U know what I mean). He knows I am mad too!!!

So after getting showered, dressed, and walked ( ME) the dog, He says " How about we go out for breakfast???".
So I throw in, well ok, if we can stop by this Estate sale on the
way.( P.S. I am driving so he really has no choice.) So he agrees (If
wife is not happy, NO ONE else is either)

Well, we stop. Prices are way toooooo high. Nice things BUT!!! I saw an antique vanity, just wanted it so bad FOR Tami's room. (matches her bed!!! how often does that happen? And in perfect condition) The lady wanted $75. I just could not do it. So we left with a beaming smile on husband's face. Nothing bought. Boy, was he WRONG!!

After breakfast
we went home, tackled the yard work, and Sunday I waited to 1/2 hour
before the Estate sale was over. Drove back got the vanity for $25. HA
HA HA, I scored and brought it home. I pulled in the drive way, opened
the back of my car, started to unload the 3 pane mirror, my husband
lets out the dog, I turned, mirror in hand, dog under foot, trip, mirror
goes flying across driveway, and smashes to smithereens, and I broke
every nail on both hands trying to catch the damn thing!!!

Thank
God, I had a mirror in the barn that will fill in, and only you know it
is not the real deal. So that is my story, and I am sticking to IT!

Check out Vintage Re-Style for before and after. Also some painting tips!

She Made Me Do It!!

2009-03-23T18:59:00.003-04:00

It is not my fault, She made me do it! I went to that estate sale that
Connie and I showed up to a week early. And I bought two, not one, but
two boxes of sewing patterns. I can not sew, I do not even pretend to
know how. Bought them anyway I did. You want to know why, because of
Colleen! It is all her fault, and there was a Barbie Doll pattern set
from the 1960's that just sealed the deal for me. You do know that
Barbie is 50 this year, and oh! to still have the perfect body at such
an age!!!!

Well once again I blame Colleen for what I bought! Hope she can help me unload these 1950-1980 patterns!!!!

Find of A Lifetime

2009-03-15T18:25:00.003-04:00

For the first time in quite some time, Connie and I got out on a Saturday
morning. We drove up into Delaware County and hit an Estate Sale. This
one was great, no one in line, we were right on time, drove right to
the house! Looked at the ad and realized, the sale is next Saturday. Oh well!

Off we went to Havertown
PA, and hit another sale. Nice things, just nothing we really were
looking for. So home again. Connie went on home and I did some house
chores. Bored, I decided to check out Craigslist, and an Estate Sale right down the road. Call for an appointment. So why not? I am not doing anything that can not wait. So I call, and go right over. Nothing interested
me here either. The lady asked if I was looking for anything special,
and right out of my mouth comes " I collect The Blessed Mother"

Where
that came from, I have no idea. So off into the attic she goes, and
comes down with a large INDOOR church statue of the Blessed Mother! She
is made of chalk, hand painted, and came out of a church in Ireland
that was bombed. She was the only thing that had survived! She was than
brought to the U.S. and sat in the attic all of these years. I will not
tell you what I paid, but, it really was not much.

When the daughter gets back to Ireland after settling her parent's Estate, she said she would E-mail me the name of the church.

I did pick up a few odds and ends, but, after The Blessed mother find, I could not even count them as finds.

A Quick Sale

2009-02-08T18:31:00.004-05:00

Not much in the sale department going on around here. Friday was spent moving my son home. The condo living was just to expensive, for a nineteen year old. UHMMMMMMMMMMM, I recall saying those very words when he moved out. Oh well, I am glad to have him home. I know this sounds really funny, but both my kids can stay forever if they want. LOL, Let you all know how much I mean that a week from now.

Sat.( between doing a hundred loads of the boy's dirty clothes)PS( Did I say they could stay forever?, I need more bleach for what was the whites.) I went to one sale,Helen was right down the street from me, so I had to go. Not much was left on Sat.am, but I did get a nice piece of silver, a few books to read while doing the boy's laundry,and a pretty Italian tray.

The Executive

2009-01-25T18:49:00.005-05:00

On Friday I became an executive. LOL. At an estate sale up on the Main
Line of Philadelphia, I scored a piano bench, and a pretty little lamp.
I did not need a piano bench, reason being no piano( and if I did have
one, I would not know what to do with it)But, I thought what a cute miniature desk for my lap top, while watching TV.
Easy to use and easy to re-use.

The small picture frame is brass and enamel, some of it's pearls and rhinestones are missing. I removed the soldier's picture and underneath was a Victorian Valentine. The feeling of love is still there.

On
Sat. morning I went back to the estate sale for any left overs. Behind
the hot water heater in the basement I found a great old mirror frame
the bottom piece missing. Fell in love with that and just had to have
it.

So after rewiring the lamp, refinishing the bench, and bringing the mirror frame back to life, I settled into my library seated at the Executive desk.

Before
I forget,hubby took his dad and brothers goose hunting on Sat. morning
and he found this cast iron post in the marsh. Not sure if it is an old
weather vane or a trail marker. He brought it home for me. Now, it has
a winter home on the patio.
Guess I'll keep that man a little bit longer.

Check out Vintage Re-Style for before and after pictures of this weeks projects.

Blessed Mother is worth WHAT??

2009-01-12T19:34:00.003-05:00

I do not know why it never accrued to me that the statues of the Blessed Mother and the Pope and all statues of religious figures
were worth money. Well, not all, but I had picked up some of these
statues over the weekend at two estate sales. I bought them for $1 here
and a $1 there. I mainly bought them because they are all made of
chalk. Now chalk brings a few $$$. But, as I was surfing the Internet for maker names and statue names, I came across all these sites for these items, And boy are these items pricey
. I also stumbled across a site for a print of The Holy Mother and
Child that I had bought over the last summer. Turns out it is rare. Who
would have known? You learn something everyday about this world of
antiques, it just goes to prove, you never know it all, nor will you
ever.

Speaking of learning check out Vintage Re-Style this week Gold Anyone??

It Was Broke

2009-01-05T19:29:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I have missed the whole month of Dec. with you all. I did not mean to. But, the monitor and then the computer
died right after my last post. Then I had to wait to buy new, because
my husband went and bought us a new living room set for an early
Christmas gift. That meant waiting till after the holidays for
technology. New Years Eve was spent with the flu. As the Tiffany Ball
landed, so did I right in the bathroom for three days. I hope that
means a good 2009. Only time will tell. I wish everyone health, wealth,
and happiness in the New Year. And I hope you all had wonderful Holidays.

Just Can't Help It!

2008-11-22T16:18:00.004-05:00

I have a disease, it is not life threatening at the moment, but it is getting close!
I just can not seem to pass up anything different and unusual.
My Sister-in-law says it is because I see beauty in what others want
gone. I hope she is right, just hope I can find others who want this
beauty too! Or else my house will be over flowing again.

Three
sales this morning, one did not have anything I felt that I must have.
The other I bought a angle figure, no marks etc. But detailing is incredible. Any ideas?
Also a small crystal lamp, a Radio Flyer Sled, not sure what to do with this yet, I will let you know, they are only selling for $10 on E-Bay. Also snagged some Napco figures, and an Italian Clock, electric and works, But I do not trust it.

The third sale was held at the Kennett Quakers Meeting House, they have this sale 2x's
a year. It is hit or miss. I always end up buying something. I came
home with books a wonderful piece of handwork, a creamer that matches a
set I already own,and a set of prints along with a very old child's
bookcopy written in the 1800"s. The nut cracker is for my husband, the lovable nut, that I would like to crack sometimes.

All in all a good day to buy things I really do not need, just have to feed the addicition some how.

Check out Vintage Re-Style this week Clock Cases.

Snow,Cookies, and Wine

2008-11-21T18:44:00.002-05:00

This morning we woke to an early snow. And around here this is really early for snow.
But all was not lost, a crock pot filled with homemade chicken soup, chocolate chip cookies, and a glass of wine is all worth a day of quite watching the snow fall from the sky.

Hope to get to a few sales tomorrow.

Bitter Cold Finds

2008-11-16T16:28:00.003-05:00

After yesterdays all day rains, a cold front followed on its heals. It
really was only in the 50's today, but the wind made it feel finally like
winter. So after my morning cup of coffee, I looked at the dirty
floors, the piled up laundry, and the inch of dust that covered every
nook and cranny of my house, and decided to go yard sailing instead.

There were only 2 sales this morning, so I would be home in plenty of time to
do that" I can't wait to clean thing." So with my travel cup of coffee, I
headed out. Both sales started at 9am. I was at the first one at 9:15,
and I was it. The poor lady was freezing and not one person had stopped by till
me. Great for me, I picked up a brass chicken, a wonderful old wooden
framed mirror, in excellent shape, a large crystal candy dish, an old
outside "come to dinner now" bell, and two glass globes. I never have
enough of those! A quick $10 and I was in my car headed for the next
sale. Once again no one had ventured to this sale either, so I picked
up "The Twelve Days of Christmas" ornaments and a dozen silver snowflake
chargers and coasters. A great day in all, and I still had coffee left
for the ride home. Oh. Now I have to tackle the household chores.

Speaking of mirrors, do not forget Vintage Re-Style this week.

Spoiled Rotton

2008-11-15T16:42:00.002-05:00

I am soooo spoiled. Connie and I went to an Estate Sale today. It is
poring down rain and we drove quite aways to get there. There is a line
outside. OK, nothing weird about that. They have a sign up sheet, OK,
Then they are giving out numbers, and than they call your name, and
then you are allowed into the garage at 9am. The whole process must be
done again at 9:30 when the house opens. And they were only letting 10
people in at a time. OK, I understand organization, after all I run quite a number of business, but, I must say this was pretty sad. So, when I got home I look up this woman's website, no pics, nothing. She needs to go to a few of my friends
sales. Check out her site. Helen does not full around. Her sales start
on time, the door opens, you go in, you buy. End of story.

But today was not a total wash out. I scored at one downsizing sale. A pair of Alexander Backer chalk busts. The girls head had been re-glued on at some time. But I added an old neckless and she looks just fine. Also picked up some USA pottery vases,and a cute little shelf. The oil lamp says Made in The USA of the Americas. I
just that was neat, so I spent the $1 on it.

Check out Vintage Re-Style, this weeks projects are looking glasses. ( Mirrors)

Trash Pickin

2008-11-09T17:47:00.003-05:00

Tuesday morning my boss comes strolling into work at 10am. Right behind
him in tow is his little girl. She was suppose to be at school. Well,
they over slept. So he hands me his car keys and says "Can you take her
to school. My car is parked out front in handicap." Guess, I'm taken
the muchkin to school.

Off we go, on the way back from delivering my precious cargo, I cut thru the development behind our office building, and there in the trash is the cutest little mahogany chair. With a hand embroidered
seat. The seat has seen better days. The springs had fallen out and the
horse hair stuffing just fell apart in ones hands. BUT!!!

With
out a thought in the world I slammed on the breaks jumped out, grabbed
the chair... and I forgot I had the bosses car, not mine. Well he
brought to work today the little Volvo
sedan complete with car seats and toys. Determined and cursing him out
for not bringing his Tahoe today, I squeezed the chair in and returned
to work. I transferred the chair to my car, and quick to his to vacuum
it out. Thanking God the whole time that he had not driven the Porshe
in today. It would have been a shame to get horse hair all over the
inside of that BABY! But hey, I bet the chair would have fit, even if
it's legs had to hang out the window! After all it is a covertable! The car that is. Check out my new blog to see the chair now. Vintage Re-Style by Antekin.

November Already??

2008-11-02T18:47:00.006-05:00

I do not, do not know where October went. I can not find it any where.
I looked high, and I looked low, and somewhere in between it vanished.
But, I guess that is no surprise at all. This entire year has gone so
quickly, and Christmas right around the corner too!

I have been absent from my blogging this entire month. Work has been
pretty crazy, and after spending 10-12 hour days on the computer at
work, I just could not even look at mine when I got home.

So instead I have been working on many projects and preparing for the last sale of this almost gone year. The AGI Holiday Sale is on Dec. 3. Connie and I will be sharing a space, and this year we will be having a vintage Christmas. Will keep you up to
date.

I have enclosed some pics of my favorite finds and projects for the month of October. Please enjoy them.

Wash,Dry, and Fold

2008-10-27T18:59:00.003-04:00

There is nothing more dear to one's heart, than their washer and dryer.
What? You laugh, do you? Well, let me explain, there is nothing dear to
one's heart than their washer and dryer, especially when they both
finally die! And you happen to be broke at the moment. Sooooo!! What is one to do?? Well you go yardsaling!! I just happened to be on my way to the Superfresh, when I saw this sign in a driveway." Washer & Dryer 4 Sale Knock on Door" and I did. The couple had just been transferred here with their new washer and dryer in tow. Their new townhouse came with these appliances already, so, they had to sell their six
month old Maytag Set right away. I was there and helped them out with their little problem of twin washers and dryers. Lucky for me they Took the $300 I offered for the pair.

Now on to do laundry!! The family is tired of wearing dirty undies!! Do not know why?? Mine were clean. LOL

What Do You Get ???

2008-10-12T16:29:00.002-04:00

What do you get when you tear apart an old hassock, a chair frame, and a old Pennsylvania House end table?

Well, you get an old chair with a hassock/side table.

It
was very hard too! Let me tell you. But, for my first try, I think it
came out pretty good. NOT Something I would sell at this moment, but, a
pretty good learning project. Can't wait to try this recovering project
again.

Connie and I went sailing on Sat, morning, our first time
together in over a month. We had lots of fun, and I was good, very
good. The only thing I bought was a mirror to hang over my husband's
big screen. I wanted to draw the eye up and away from that TV!!

The
barn sale Connie and I held at my house today, I think it went well. We
got rid of the yard sale Stuff, well any way that's what we called it.

Gloria
from Vintage Home and her husband stopped by. I was very happy to meet
them. Not, because they bought almost everything I was selling, but,
she started out just like Connie and I. I am going to visit her in a
couple of weeks. I can not wait to see what magic her husband did on my
furniture!!!

Almost forgot Colleen from Fresh Vintage had rented a spot over Vintage Home during the summer. What a small world!@!

And The Winner Is????

2008-10-05T18:00:00.003-04:00

Yes, I can be a little slow sometimes, and this seems to be the time to be so. I have picked a winner for the Sept. give away. The winner will receive the 2008 Fall/Winter issue of French Country Decorating. Second printing. I just love the looks in this book. Hope you do to Michelle.

This weekend once again was spent cleaning up the remenents of rebuilding and filling a dumpster with all the remains. The trashmen come tomorrow to remove the dumpster, and the whole house feels like it has had a major lift. I know it is happy to be able to breathe again.

Next Sunday is the barn sale, Connie will be bringing her stuff over during the week to get ready for the sale. Hopefully we will be all set up and ready to go. so that Sunday morning all we will need is our coffee and tea.

I did pick up some neat treasures this past Sat. A few chalk pieces, some necklaces, a dog kennell for the dog, who ate my decorative pillows, a pair of French crystal candelsticks, and a ladder for my husband. Hope you all had a great weekend.

Dona

Sell, Sell, Sell, BUY!!!!!!!

2008-09-24T18:53:00.003-04:00

So you all know Connie and I had a sale at the DDDC Flea Market this
past Sunday. I did very well indeed , the only things I brought home
were a mirror, picture, and 5 vintage hats. Everything else sold.
YEA!!!! My husband is sending out THANK YOU NOTES as we speak!!!

But, OK, I had to buy something and it is a wrought iron flower pot stand. In it's original green paint. Well you know I just had to have it. I bent the arms straight up. Added a china butter pat, a candle in French vanilla, and than an old antique outside alabaster lamp shade. Ah, nice candle lite .

Just to let you know, I have been tagged by a dear blogging friend, and I have to share seven things about me, Stay tuned! This could be very INTRESTING!! LOL

And I will be tagging seven people. Get REady!!

The New Library

2008-09-21T21:16:00.003-04:00

The library has gone under a major re- haul once again.
I have sold everything that was purchased and stored in the library for future sales. The basement and every nook and cranny that held flea market, auction, and internet items to sell have been emptied. Now one last place to unload. That will be the loft in the barn. Full of goodies it is. Connie and I will be having a Barn Sale in October and than the Sale in Dec. That will be the end for 2008!!!

Next years items will be specially purchased and sold at special venues. There will be a very special collection of items offered in 2009. Keep an eye out.

Also do not forget that the end of the month is around the corner, leave a comment or e-mail for a special give away.

Re-Wired and Crystal and Brass At That

2008-09-15T20:24:00.005-04:00

I started to take those crystal lamps apart and walla they are solid
brass and crystal. Never would have known that. They were so black, I
thought , huh, nothing worth saving but the glass do-dats.

I am so happy when I am wrong. Tomato
juice, ketchup, etc. cleans brass with a nice out come. I like my items
to sparkle, but only the glass, everything else, I want clean, but I
want age and use to still be present. So try tomato acid, works great. ( Tomato acid, kethcup, tomato juice, soup, etc. Soak pieces in a zip lock bag. Ah, nice!!!)

Now, all that crystal has a new home in my guest room. Not sure I am happy with that shade on the large lamp. Any thoughts???

P.S. Do not forget to leave a comment or e-mail. I have a really nice give away at the end of Sept.

Romance and Bathrooms

2008-09-14T19:00:00.004-04:00

We strolled the beach, him and his rock hard abs, me and my...............

Sorry, that was last week. This week we strolled the "isles" of our favorite home improvment store for paint. The barn is in need,and there in the clearence section of wall paper, I found one lonely roll of this really cute wall boarder. Just perfect to finish off the powder room. It was lacking that little detail.

I also did manage to get to an Estate sale. I never saw so much costume jewerly, it was fun going thru it all. I picked a few pieces. You know the weird stuff, and a few old lamps in desperate need of new wiring.

The auction house was also glad to see me, as I dropped off enough furniture to furnish an entire house. My library and my entire house are breathing a sigh of Thanks as with most of the treasures purchased this year has now moved on to new homes. ( Or was that my husband breathing that sigh??)
Oh well, time to start on next years inventory.

I"m BACKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

2008-09-08T18:04:00.006-04:00

Thought I dropped off the end of the Earth ? Well, I did not. I have been busy this past month. Just like alot of you, I am sure. Last minute vacations, getaways, school shopping, Doctors, and so on......

Well, Yes, I have had some of that too... But, I quit smoking Aug. 1, 2008 ( that was very hard.) My daughter turned 21 ! My husband and I took her to her first bar outing. ( Yah, RIGHT !!!) The work we planned for the house this year is almost done. We watched both Dem. and Rep. Conventions. How about that Sarah???

And I did alot of thinking about my Antekin. I have decided to close the web store. ( Kinda of). I will be offering for sale one maybe three, high quality items dear to my heart every month instead. I have thought this thru, and decided, that a special, very special item would spark a must have, than an offering of many, seen that before items.
So, keep an eye out and let me know if you are intrested.

I also am excited to share with you, I'm PUBLISHED!!!!!

Well, kinda of. I sent a pic of that chair I re-did to Country Living, and they published it. With the pic and half of my letter missing! But, I do not care. I"m PUBLISHED in the 2008 Oct. Issue!!!!

Some day, you can all say, " I knew her when!!""" HA HA HA LOL!!!!

To celebrate my one year anniversary to blogging, I will be giving away a small token, To THANK YOU ALL!!! for visiting with me. Stay tuned!!

Dona

Trippin The Big Easy

2008-08-11T20:50:00.004-04:00

Our first vacation in 22 years with out the children. The last vacation
resulted in the birth of the first. NOLA ( New Orleans Louisiana) as
the locals call it. The Big Easy as the rest of us call it. What a
place to visit.

We stayed one block off of Bourbon Street for
five fun filled days. My husband and I toured every inch of the French
Quarter. We toured the Garden District, the Warehouse District, Downtown
New Orleans, and what is left of the Ninth Ward. It is hard to imagine
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit NOLA 3 years ago this month. The
rebuilding is still underway.

We
ate in little restaurants on the side streets where the locals eat, and
spent the nights watching the people on Bourbon Street. What a HOOT
that was.
The St. Louis Cathedral was beautiful and the antique
shops filled with wonderful French Antiques. Voodoo and cemeteries
gives NOLA its' mysterious charm, especially at night.

During the day the streets are quiet in
The French Quarter,but the night dances with lights, beer, and beads.
Yes, I got beads, but I earned them honestly! ( I picked them up off
the ground where they fell, when missed by Miss Topless) LOL I really DID!!

On Thursday night our hotel was evacuated at 2 in the morning. The place was on fire. We stood outside in our jammies,
and waited for the Firemen. They arrived 30 min. later and declared the
elevator motor and belt had caught on fire. We were allowed to return
to our rooms an hour and half later.

Sunday we headed home, the
first part of the trip was smooth flying. But with a lay over in
Washington DC. The weather was so bad all flights were cancelled up and
down the East Coast. So we rented a car and drove home. It was alot of fun. But, I am glad to be home.

To view all the pictures of Trippin in NOLA. Please Click here. or you can veiw The Slide Show on the left.

The Silent Woman ( Yea!! Right!!)

2008-08-03T11:40:00.006-04:00

What a crazy week. After donating all my out of style clothes to the
Salvation Army, I got new ones. My daughter took me shopping. ( I paid
of course) After new everythings, I now am up to date. At least until next week, when a new fad comes out. Oh, Lucky ME!!

I
did not attend many sales this week, being naked and all. But I did
manage to talk my husband into stopping at one on the way home from
running an errand. He bought the drill press for me, He says I may need it for a project. Yea!! Right!!
Also the window pane, I'm seeing coffee table, and a wonderful old chair to practice upholstery . Then we found the sign! You know he was going to get it for me! Yea !! Right !!

I am very proud of him for coming along and being a good sport about it all.

Now on to some blogging business.
Michelle ~~~
Thank you so much for the award. It really brightened my day!!!

So I would like to pass it on to these Five Fabs !

Shawn ~~~ Who makes me dream!

Margo ~~~ Who thinks like me!

Linda ~~~ Who is always a friend!

Dena ~~~ Who reminds me of the finer things !

Lee ~~~ Who brightens my days of stories of her little people!

Deal or No Deal

2008-07-28T20:33:00.004-04:00

Ok, here's the deal. I get home from work around 6;30pm. I stopped to
buy new bras and panties. Yes, I have been a 34 B my whole life, but
they just did not seem to be fitting just right. So, I stopped at Walmart to pick up a few bras in 34 C just to see. DAMN IT they fit just right. So my daughter says" You got new under ware." Well YES!!!! ( Husband is very happy, a boob job FREE!!!)

So she decides it is time to play " What Not To Ware"!!@!!
She goes thru my closet like there is no tomorrow. YOU CAN"T Ware this, To young, to old, To short, To what ever. Shoulder pads are a big NO!

By the time she got done removing belts, shoes, clothes, and what evers, I'll be lucky to have a brown trash bag to wear to work tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

PS. When she headed for the vintage Versace Gowns, I drew the line!!!!

So I will not be visiting with any of my blogging friends tonight. She wore me out!!!!!!!!!!And it is going to cost me a fortune at retail. I am not allowed any where near my favorite store!!!!!!!!!!! HELPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!! I had NO idea I was so out of style!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dog Days of Summer

2008-07-27T11:11:00.003-04:00

Life is slowly coming back to normal around here. There are the sad
moments, and the happy ones. Death is not easy, one must let go and
remember the wonderful times.

Saturday Connie and I decided we
needed to escape from all that has been going on in our lives. So off
we headed. There was only really 5 or 6 sales. We hit them, and I
bought a new rug for the dining room. Much like the one I had, but
these colors are more vibrant.

When I returned home from saling,
my husband asked me to run to Lancaster with him. The dog needs a new
dog house. So I agreed, but only if we could sale on the way. He
grinned, and off we went.

I found three really nice items. Napco Alice In Wonderland from 1956. A wonderful Italian dish, NO CRACKS!!! Not even the flower petals. Also a bird.??? What am I going to do with that bird. Guess I will have to look for some more bird cages.

When
we returned home with new dog house, I decided to use an old school
desk ( had been re-paired so many times, no real value left) that I
made the dog a dinner table all of his own. Came out pretty nicely.

Week from @#$%^&*()_

2008-07-21T19:25:00.003-04:00

It has been a week. Heart ache, family trauma, and contractors. True I
do not know what was worse. Well you do know. Having to say good bye to
a child is the worst thing possible. But,his Mother did us so proud. I
hope I never have to show the strength that she did. I will miss my
nephew with all my heart and soul. But, I can not even begin to imagine
the hurt that my sister- in -law is going thru. We are suppose to go first, not the children.

I
want to Thank all of you, for the wonderful and kind words. Please do
me one more favor and say another prayer for my nephew. All angels need
to know that their words are being heard. And Please if you have
driving age children, I know they do not want to hear this, But please
make sure to tell them you love them, even if they are not the driver.
Some how the driver is never hurt. It is always the passengers.

I
thought I would share on an upbeat, that the front of the house is
finally done. New sidewalk, old overgrown plants, trees, and whateve
rs re-moved. New door and the portico. Now, pizza can be delivered at
the front door, and guests do not need to come in the garage.

Angels Among Us

2008-07-13T08:08:00.003-04:00

Last night, while four teenagers with not a care in the world, and not realizing how valuable their lives are, went joy riding in a convertible. As God looked down from Heaven. He knew what was going to happen, and He let it.

He had to teach 3 teenagers, families and their friends the meaning of LIFE. How lucky and needed they are .

The other family He needed to teach the meaning of Life, and how to live with an angel. You see the angel will teach the other three teenagers, and everyone else how important life is.

So you all will please excuse me for a few days, while my family learns what it means to have an Angel in our lives, as we prepare to let go of my 16yr. nephew.

Dona

Company Sales

2008-07-12T13:02:00.003-04:00

Got ya didn't I? You thought this was going to be about selling and profits? Not today.
Connie and I headed out at the usual
time this morning. There have not been any good sales lately, being
July after all. Most people are on summer vacation. But today there
were a few., and we hit them all.I bought today for me.I
found a box full of bric a brack, trim, glue sticks, artists paintbrushes and so on. Also found a wonderful brass candelabra
(heavy as all get out),a little brass table, and a wonderful lot of
pen& pencil drawings from one of our local artists in the area.
Dennis Minch . He is from and lives in the Kennett area, I have met him
several times and he has given me some beautiful art work. So you just
know I was pleased to have found these drawings, all of the West
Chester and Kennett PA area,all signed and dated in the 1960's.

Now onto the Company, they will be
here at 3pm for a cookout. So, I have to get back to cleaning the
bathrooms. Have a great weekend! Dona

Thank You !!!

2008-07-10T21:24:00.004-04:00

I want to Thank everyone who sent words of " Sorry for the damage
caused", but I want to let you all know, the air conditioning people
are taking full responsibility for damages caused and the replacement of
the units. Thank God! I also want to tell you all a funny story. I
don't care how old children are. They say the darndest things.

Like the insurance lady comes to access the damage to the our house. My 20 year old soon to be 21 says's "Come in." Well, the lady does. My daughter is holding our rabbit
( my son brought home 3 girl friends ago and we are now taking care of)with
the dog at her feet. And the lady looks into the library and sees the
antique bird cages ( with fake birds in them ) and says" My, you have a lot of animals. Don't you?"

My kid replies, " No. just two, the birds are not real. That's just my Mom's style. Not mine."

LOL Got to Lov Them Kids!!!!

The New Bathroom

2008-07-07T19:30:00.003-04:00

We bought our house 5 years ago. It is a Federal Colonial. The house it
self was built in 1986. Not that old, I know. How ever the house was
maintained enough by previous owners to keep a roof over their heads
and not much else. The gardens were overflowing with all kinds of
plants. Beautiful, but never maintained, even thu they had been professionally done. Oh well, that to is a another story I will share when we get to the outside.

The
master bedroom and bath had been re-modeled to help sell the house, and
we fell in love with it. However, the second bath had never been
touched since the house was built. So we decided after many complaints
from the daughter that it was time to tackle the bath. It had the
original everything from the 1980's blue toilet, sink, tub, and old
blue flowered wall paper. A room that you truly kept the door shut, and guests were encouraged to use the master bath.

So the bath was finally done 3 weeks ago. My daughter designed
everything in it. It came out wonderfully, and she was so excited, that
we even replaced the old yucky carpet in the hall way to compliment her
new bath,

THEN, disaster struck over The 4th. You all know we
have been fighting with the brand new air conditioning system that had
to be replaced last August (not even a year old is it) The attic
handler
just repaired last week,decided to act up, and it took out the closet
in the hallway that butts up against the new bath. Water ran thru
the ceiling down the walls and under, into, and everywhere else it
could go. Needless to say, we may have to rip out the new bath, and defiantly the floor has to go. My poor daughter is devastated, but all of this will get fixed. All is replaceable and no one was hurt.

For The Love Of Junk

2008-06-28T20:50:00.003-04:00

There were not alot of sales today. In fact Connie and I were home by
10:30 am., That is a record for us. I did manage to pick up a few
kitchen items for my son and his new place, stainless steel everything.
Nice. I also found a wonderful old lamp. Re-wired it, and now it has a
new home in my library.

Speaking of lamps, I came up with this
really neat idea. I had bought a bag full of those electric candles a
few sales back. Put them in my " need to use later box " and used them
today. I took the candle holders from the hallway. Filled the candle
cup with hot glue, sank the electric candle down inside. A new plug,
and electric antique candles.

A really good tip~~~~~ Hot glue
will hold on glass, and metals. When ready to remove just pop off. Glue
will not damage the item at all. So the value of your piece is not
ruined and can be re-stored at any time.

Silk and Glue = New Chair

2008-06-27T20:07:00.002-04:00

As I waited for the air conditioner man today, I decided to finish up a
project that was started last week. Yes, our brand new air conditioning
system is dead again!
Well anyway, that to will be fixed. On with the project. I had bought this chair a few yardsales back, and decided. Wow, paint it white, re-cover it, and it will look great in my daughter's bedroom. She has a Eastlake bed, and an Eastlake
chair would be perfect! Not exactly, I painted the chair white. Added
webbing,Did I mention I never did this before??? And then proceeded to
re-cover it with new batting, and silk material. Oh, so pretty! But,
before I COULD ADD THE TRIM, I decided that the white paint did not
work! So, I spent all day stripping the chair back to it's original
look. Hot glued the trim on, burned every finger in the process! I
think it came out pretty good for my first try. You may see
all my flaws, but that's OK, 'cause the next chair will be perfect.

Time And Money

2008-06-24T20:29:00.007-04:00

I want to apologize to all my blogging buddies out there. I have not
read any of your posts as of yet. I have been trying to get this
hallway completed. And working 10 and 12 hour days at the job that
really pays has been hard. So to make up for it , I thought I would
share what I paid. I never do this because I re-sell. But, I wanted to
show you that real rooms take time to design . Yes, you can hire a
interior decorator and have instant room decor. Or you can build upon
the things you love, and take the time to design it. Anyone can design a room. Oh, you laugh, do you? No, it is true. Decorate with the things you love. It is ok
to mix and match time periods and styles. The trick is to stay in the
same color and than go wild. Pick your classic items that never go out
of style, add a whimsy piece, then add a modern ,and so on. You are the
one that lives in the room. So decorate with the things that make you
happy. Also, if you change your mind later, that's ok too. Because change is good for the soul
. It means you are growing and maturing. So what you liked in your 20's
you are not going to like in your 40's. Just do not get stuck in "THE
LOOK"!!! Change is good. Also, the number one thing to remember!!! If you do not use an item, no matter what it is. Why do you have it??? Material things are meant to be used. Saving something for some reason, is not a reason at all. And the some day theory, threw it away. Someday never comes! The other thing try it. If it doesn't work, try something else. The decorating police are not going to be called. If someone points out a flaw, take it as a good thought or take it as YOU NEED A LIFE!!!

Sideboy $ 20.(needed some repairs)
Table chandelier $ 15
Candle sticks $ 30
Mirror over sideboy $ 15
Rug $ 3
Mirror in hallway $5 ( needed to be glued back together)
Picture free
Door sold all my broken gold necklaces and earrings ( 20 year collection)
Stairs ripped up old carpet, painted, stenciled $ 20.
Paint for hallway $ 25.
Chandalier in brass $ 3.

It does not cost a lot to do a room. It just takes time. And let's face it, why are we always in a hurry anyway????

Paint and Doors

2008-06-22T16:01:00.004-04:00

No sailing this weekend for me. Instead work projects around the house
needed to be addressed. The front door was in desperate need of
replacement. So you know one project leads to another and the foyer now
looked dull with such a pretty door, So off to the paint store. I
choose a lovely shade of tan. Now the trim work and the ceiling have to be
painted yet. Next weekends project after sailing with Connie. I am also not going to share the
outside view either. That will have to wait, because with a new door we decided a portico would be nice. That is not yet done. Will share as the project moves along.

More Powder Room Pizazzzz !!

2008-06-14T16:39:00.005-04:00

Once again Connie and I headed out this morning. Connie drove this time, and we had a blast. I found the usual
treasures of linens, fur, beaded bags, and two lady head vases. I also found a single server
coffee pot from Starbucks. My daughter is going to love it!! Also a
cool find of the day is a sugar, flour, tea, and coffee canister set in
tin. Kinda reminds me of the Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters movie. Think his name was StayPuff??
Well, anyway, I am using it for coffee filters, teabags, and sweet'n'low.

Yesterday
Connie bought this really nice old dresser, and she wanted to go back
today to pick it up. Well, that too is a story for her to tell. But,
pulling out of the driveway where she bought the dresser was two large paper bags
filled with old glass bottles (all sizes), a little sad wooden shelf,
and a wooden decorative butter churn, handle missing. I grabbed them.
Oh no! More projects.

I spray painted the butter churn and shelf
white. I added an old glass bottle lid for a handle. Now it is a trash
can in the powder room. DOGPROFFFFFFF!!!!!
The little shelf got
lined with a pretty wrapping paper. I added old vintage white Ponds
(face cream jars) jars from the trash, and a few porcelain roses found
a couple of yard sales ago. You know, some of my best treasures come
out of others trash. Powder room is now finished.

More Projects!!!!!!!

2008-06-13T19:42:00.003-04:00

Just what I need. More projects to do. Well, I just can't help these. I
have added two more to the ever growing list!! And it is all Connie's
fault!! How, do you ask, could sweet little Connie be at fault?? Well,
it is her fault!! Here is how it all started.

Yesterday why reading Craigslist,
Connie at her work and me at mine. 8 miles apart we are and calling
each other at the same time. There is an Estate sale Friday am and we
both want to go. I was already off and planning maybe to go. Connie
managed to talk her boss into her coming in late today. So this morning
she shows up at my house. We take my SUV, because the sale is in Malvern,
and if we bought something big, we did not want to have to drive back.
Gas you know is becoming a big problem in our sailing Saturdays. Trying
to stay alot closer to home before our husbands take away our car keys LOL.

One street before the Estate sale, out of the corner of my eye, I spy someones trash. Looked pretty good! So a ubie
I make with Connie saying we are almost there. In the trash on a very
busy work morning I find a old plant stand. Top missing. OK new home
for the antique bird cage from last week. And the wooden frame to an
old side table. I'm seeing ottoman out of this piece!!

Finally
we get to the estate sale, and yes the house is a 130 years old. Can
not get inside and the new owners bought it off of a couple who lived
in it for 40 yrs. They left all the furnishings!! The young couple did
not want any of it. But, what they are charging for those things, they
will be taking them back into the house.

I
did buy a brass ash try , very interesting, I am going to use it as a
coaster on my desk, and a orange flocked bird from back in the day sold
by Sears.

So you see, it is all Connie's fault! She made me GO!!

Triplets and Threes

2008-06-10T18:38:00.004-04:00

OK when things go bad they come in threes. That's the old saying, right??
Not around here! When things go bad they come in threes here too. But, every three has three of it's own.

The husband left this morning for a business
trip. Right after he left and I had gone to work, The dog (just came
back from the TRAINERS on Sat.), pooped on my rug, ate a handmade
vintage pillow, and destroyed a vintage throw. The peach tree outside (
my husband's pride and joy) split in two, and the brand new central air
is blowing heat. My house is hotter than outside right now ( 100 ). Than the
neighbor down the street ( 70's yrs) calls and asks if hubby can come down
and relocate a ground hog he caught to a new home?

My daughter went to get the ground hog, I am waiting for air conditioning man, and hubby is having dinner in a 5 star hotel in Atlanta!!!

Now,
what are friends for? My best friend Connie gave me this wonderful
vintage rug. ( Will not tell you how she got it, that's her story to
tell). But it steamed cleaned up nicely. So there is always a silver
lining! And I'm ording pizza for dinner!!!!

PS We are under a Tornado watch! What do you think my chances are??????

Through The Eyes Of A Child

2008-06-07T18:39:00.005-04:00

Today was a lousy day. It was awful hot, sunny, and humid. I am
sunburned and my lips feel like they are going to fall off of my face.
No kisses for my sweetie tonite!!
The sale in West Chester was different, the vote is still out on whether
we sell there again or not, to hot and no one was buying anything. I
paid for my spot and that was about it. By noon, Connie and I were
packing it in.

Today was the best day of my Antekin Days. The reason is; this young girl, a cute little blond
has just like totally re-decorated her bedroom. All by herself. She is
about 13. She fell in love with all of my hats. She is now the proud
owner of several and my best hats too! Who in the world could not give
them to a child who gets it !!!

I wish her all the luck in the world, she made my day, and who knows, someday I may see her on HGTV!!! You know what? Today was the best day ever!!

Sleeping In, I Don't Think So!

2008-06-06T20:54:00.007-04:00

This week at work was really busy. I've been working
on the website for work and revamping the Welcome packages, ordered
T-shirts for the kids. A very long week, but a lot of fun too.

This
morning I decided to sleep in, at 7am I woke up, sat up, and remembered
there was an estate sale down the street. Was going, was not going, was
going, was not going! Then at 8 I decided to go. Well I should have
gone at 6:30am. Not 8:30. It started at 8, they were giving everything
away. All the furniture was sold but I still managed to pick up a few
items. Really neat hats and beaded bags, and a bamboo bird cage.

I fell in love with a shawl, but when I pulled it out of the box, it screamed at me " WINDOW TREATMENT ! " So a window treatment it has become.

Tomorrow there must be a hundred advertised yard sales within a 20 mile radius. Where will I be, I will be at the West Chester Annual Flea Market selling my finds. Dumbo me.
I
broke my no selling rules, only buying on Saturdays. But the really cool
thing
is Connie
will
be with me. So we will just have to call it an
early day and sale on the way home. That is, if we sell enough to make
room in the cars for more.

Powder Room Pizaaazzzz

2008-06-01T12:34:00.003-04:00

My powder room is small. Big enough to do what you need too. And a
window to open when the time comes. This is a very nice feature I must
admit to when entertaining. You just know that window is going to fly
open!!!. The other nice feature my powder room boasts is a fan in the
ceiling, also a nice feature when entertaining during the winter
months. Enough of the pleasures of powder rooms. To make mine pop with pizazz,
I added some soft yellow paint. Very soft. Then added wains coating
painted white. But the crowning feature to me is my collection of
antique medicine
mirrors. I have picked them up over the years, removed the mirrors and
then stored for the perfect place. I hope you enjoy them as much as I .

PS The window is open, for now ti's spring. Do what you need.

Empty Nester?? Not Sure??

2008-05-31T20:38:00.003-04:00

OK, this has been a really strange week for us here at home. My 18 yr. old ( My baby ) decided it was time for him to spread his wings and fly. So he did. He got a condo with a buddy of his and moved out. So, my daughter (21 and still at home going to collage) and I turned his bedroom into a sitting room for her. That was fun, we just need some really cool art work and new curtains now. But here is the strange thing, I keep finding doll furniture at every sale I go too. BUT that's not all, I buy them. So do you think my inner me is trying to say something!!! GOD, I HOPE NOT!!!

PS Retromodgirl and Alicia I can not get into your blogs, they load and then freeze my computor both here and at work. So please do not think I'm not reading, I just can not seem to get in.

" Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is ?"

2008-05-24T20:28:00.002-04:00

It's a holiday weekend! That means 3 long days off from work!!!

I
hope you all enjoy it and take some time out to relax. Of course I
started off my weekend with just a few yard sales this morning. I
collect clocks, as some of you have seen my clock tower in the library.
Well funny thing today I picked up several at yard sales. OK, I
went a little clock crazy, as my husband would say. I am keeping them
all but Marilyn. She goes in my daughter's bathroom. I think, that they think I'm a little COO-Coo. That's ok. There is only one me, (as my husband would say). He also says the world could not handle another me.He might be right. LOL.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!!

Re-Wired Lesson 2

2008-05-22T21:06:00.004-04:00

The hardest part of this project, like I said was getting the lamp
apart. Especially if it has a lot of pieces like this one did. Now, the
time has to come, to put it back together again.

You want to
start with the bottom of the lamp, make sure to thread the bolt onto
the wire first. This is very important, because this is what holds your
lamp all together. Next thread the wire through the base, then thru all the other parts in the order in which they came apart.

Screw where needed as you go. Most of the time there is only a bolt at the base, and than one at the top of your lamp.

When
you are done threading the pieces together, you will then strip 1/4
inch of the rubber coating off the end of each wire.( This is where you
would use your wire stripping tool) Twist the ends with your fingers to
gather all the little copper threads into one nice piece.

Your socket will have two small screws on it. Loosen
the screws, and wrap the copper wire around one screw, tighten into
place. Do the same with the other one. Once you have made these connections, place your socket back into your lamp. Add a light bulb. Plug in and turn on. If it puffs, then a connection is not right, and you most do it all again. Do not be disappointed if this happens to you. I have had more puffs than you can imagine. But, I kept going till I got it right.

Once you can re-wire a basic lamp, chandeliers are easy.
I hope this was easy to follow, please if you have any questions email me. Thanks.

Re-Wired Lesson 1

2008-05-21T18:39:00.004-04:00

Re-wiring a lamp can be scary. Here's the reason why. Not because the
only thing that makes it work is the wire, plug, and socket. But, the
fact that it must come apart and go back together the same way. Once
you get over the fear of taking the thing apart, the easy part is the
new wire.

Look at your lamp. Sometimes it only needs a new
plug. These are the easy fixes. You can buy a snap on plug for a few
dollars at Walmart. Very easy to install. You cut the old plug off. Open the new plug, insert the wire and close. Plug in and you can see again.

If
the cord on your lamp is scary looking, than you will want to replace
the entire cord. This too is an easy fix. The hard part getting the lamp
apart. I always cut the cord right off at the base. Now, I can work on
taking the lamp apart.

I lay my lamp on a towel on the dining room table. All lamps come apart. You just have to figure out how yours
does. Lay your parts out in the order in which they go on the table.
This will make it easier when you go to put it back together.

You
may also want to replace the socket. The socket is what holds the light
bulb. Most of the time this is fine. But, when in doubt replace.

Now, you will know what parts to buy. Most parts can be bought at Walmart
for a few dollars. It is a good idea to buy a small electric kit, with
all the tools you will need in one easy place. The kit cost $10 at Walmart.But does not include the cord, or the socket.

This is also a good time to wash your lamp. Just remember to put it back in order in which it goes when you are done.

Get your supplies together and see you tomorrow. Remember I said I would go slow. Any questions, please ask.

Wired

2008-05-19T19:15:00.003-04:00

Monday night at the dental office. Connie comes in and says " Are you
going any where but home right now?" Well, the only place I was going
after work was to get coffee, we are out, so my husband says, Ivory
soap, the kids bathroom has none, so the daughter says, and razor
blades, before my son cuts his head off, so he says. No not going any
where but home. Why?

There is a Monday night yard sale right
down the road. That's why I'm late coming in tonight. I just had to
stop, Connie says. You know now that I am going right there!!!

I bought some doll furniture,a brass zodiac
lamp, an old sewing machine and table. Now, I am home, plug the lamp in
after taking the pics to show you all, and puff, the thing blows the
light bulb, and smokes in my face. REWIRE time.

That got me
thinking about all you out there that never re-wired a lamp. I'm going
to show you how. Don't worry, I'll go slow. So tonight's homework. Find
a lamp that you want to re-wire and tune in Wed.nite. I have to work late tomorrow nite. So Wed. night we hold class. DO NOT GET the glass chandelier out yet. Let's start with a basic lamp.

The Fleas at Market

2008-05-18T18:24:00.004-04:00

This morning was beautiful. Connie and I arrived at the DCCC Flea
Market right as the gates opened 7:30am. WE were off, pulled in started
unloading and setting up. People every where. Thought this thing did
not start to 9am. Oh, how could I forget! The dealers! They like to buy
your stuff, re-price and place on their tables. I have this rule no
lowering my prices before the real public come. I don't like being hit
with people who buy and resell at the same place. I do not think it's
nice. You want to buy it, then please put it in your car for the next
sale that you will be having.

I like to buy things that I love,
and than pass them on to someone who will love them too. I know that
may sound silly or even stupid. You may be saying to yourself, " Dona
you are a dealer" Well, maybe so, in the world of antique buyers and
sellers. But, you must remember, I live in my own world. I am a finder
of wonderful finds to share with other lookers and seekers of wonderful
finds. So please do not call me a dealer.

I love the things that I buy so for that reason I share them with others.

Dona

The pis are yesterday's finds of the day. Somehow I deleated the pics of the sale today. Someday, I will get the hang of uploading,downloading, and deleating.

My husband brought it to my attention, that I should be pleased the dealers hit on us hard this morning, he says it is confirmation that Connie and I have a eye for quality and that we should take it as compliments that they want to buy our finds. I never looked at it that way before. I think he is right. You know that man amazes me sometimes. Now you all know why I love him, he keeps me grounded.

Buying To Sell, Buying To Keep

2008-05-17T19:25:00.004-04:00

Today was a very good day. Connie and I left bright and early this morning. Connie bought an Old Blue Eyes CD ( Franck Sinatra) at a yard sale today, and we played it while we sailed the morning away. There were so many yard sales, that we really did not leave West Chester area at all. We bought so much stuff that there was not a place to put anymore in the car. Connie had boxes on her lap, boxes at her feet,and boxes at her side. Poor thing. And the back of my car was so full, that we were afraid to put the windows down for fear that things would fall out.

I am only showing you the things I decided to keep today. All the other stuff will be in tomorrows pics from the flea market. If you can stop buy!! Meant stop by. TYPO!!!

Todays Keepers

Eastlake Chair = new project to tackle

Fireplace screen = saw in Frontgate decorating magazine for a price I would never pay

Japenese Maple = Yes, we made it fit in the car with everything else

Brass pot = The maple has a home for now

May 18, 2008 DCCC Flea Market

2008-05-12T20:41:00.004-04:00

Once again I will have a booth at the DCCC Flea Market this Sunday. For all you local vintage hunters out there. Please stop buy. Oh, sorry typo, I meant stop by. I would love to visit with you. Also mention "typo" and you will walk away with a nice little token. Hope to see ya there!!

Dona

The Flea Market is located at Media Line RD and Rt.252 the Delaware County Community Collage Media PA campus. Signs are everywhere. It starts at 9am.

Lady Wave Petunia

2008-05-10T20:05:00.003-04:00

This weekend looked to be a complete wash out. It rained and was dreary
from the start of Friday morning. So like a good girl that I am, I
stayed in and cleaned. Well, not exactly all day did I clean. I still managed to take a truck load of furniture to auction. Hope it all sells for lots and lots.

Today did not look any better. But I had promised my daughter that I would tin foil highlite her hair today. The nearest beauty supply store near us is in Exton.
So off I headed. Well, you know I just had to stop at every yard sale
between here and there. Hey, GAS is expensive, So why not kill two
birds with one stone. Have fun and run errands. Finding was not that great. I picked up a pretty dancing lady, a tall table lamp, and two bone china boots.

On the way home I decided to stop at Walmart and pick up some steam cleaning solution to steam clean the rugs.( YES, I AM A Good Girl) LOL!!!
And ended up buying 22 flats of wave petunias in pink. I know I could
have gotten them cheaper in Lancaster.BUT, the cost of GAS, how much
was I going to save. So 22 flats of flowers later I am wishing you all,
A Happy Mother's Day. This mom is pooped.

Tooth "N" Boots

2008-05-04T09:18:00.003-04:00

There was no, not one, nada sailing for me this weekend. Instead I was flying.Wednesday my dental office flew to San Antonio TX for the TDA
Conference.The conference was nice, we all took courses during the day,
and than at night we hit every bar on the River Walk. We danced the
nights away at Polyesters, Coyote Ugly, and of course we had to go to
Dicks. The waiters are really not nice there on purpose. That was funny for about 15 minutes. Chris our dentist, took us to this wonderful restaurant
on our first night there at the La Mansion Del Rio. And I must say the
man has class, the hotel was not shabby either, we stayed at The Hotel Contessa
on the River Walk. I also can say, I have seen The Alamo, that was
pretty in a sad way, and really makes you remember what our people have
done to preserve their freedom. I also stopped in to St.Joesph's Church, what a beautiful church it is. We arrived home late Saturday night, I am resting today. Those girls wear a person out.

The Never Ending Mulch Pile

2008-04-26T19:27:00.008-04:00

Oh Friday is here. Yipee!!! Yard sales all day
tomorrow with Connie. So
many we knew we could never hit them all. And then...... My husband
surprises me with a truck, a large truck, a very large truck of
MULCH!!!!!

"We are doing this, this weekend?" I ask like a fool. He says,"No, this is what I'm doing this weekend."

Well you just know, he is going to need and want help. But yardsaling will have to wait. Fat Chance. Connie and I left at 7:30 am, did alot of good finding. Then I went home and mulched till the Flyers came on. You know the man does deserve to watch. After all, he mulched all day.( I supervised and helped. I don't think, I'll be able to move tomorrow.) But, the flower beds do look great. Just need the flowers now.

Todays Finds

Hand painted Tea Set
A set of floral rugs
Trim by the yard.
China hand
Microwave(son's apartment)
Art Deco clock Germany

Who Ya Going To Call ?

2008-04-21T18:41:00.004-04:00

OK, So here it is Monday night and I just got done work. Connie comes in on Monday nights to relieve
me at work. Our office is open Mondays from 1pm to 8pm. But I start at
8am to answer the phones etc.So it is 5:15pm and I leave work, I was
planning on going to Superfresh on my way home. The traffic was really bad, so I decided to cut thru the little townhouse development behind work and come out right at Superfresh entrance. Well, I did not quite make it to Superfresh, because in front of this little townhouse was an entire set of wrought iron patio furniture in the trash! U-Bie!!

I
quickly turned around. Went back, my heart beating so fast I thought I
was going to have a heart attack on the spot. No one scarfed this set
up yet? I couldn't believe it! In perfect condition, just needs a little black spray paint here and there, and cushions too! Not a mark on them.

Well, I get two chairs
in my little SUV, but the other pieces don't fit. OK make three trips
you say. Thought of that but by the time I get home unload and come
back someone else may have taken it. So like a mother bear I sit on my
find and think. Who can I call? My husband is out of town. Our truck
keys are in his pocket. So I have a truck at home, but no keys. The son
is at work and so is the daughter. Everyone else lives to far.....

Then it comes to me. Call the accountant from work. He lives down the road. Has a truck. Signs my paycheck. And certainly
knows the value of a dollar. Free he will understand! So Jack the
accountant comes to my rescue and does not even charge me gas money!!

It's Good To Be Queen

2008-04-19T19:06:00.004-04:00

Yesterday and today I held court. Yes, I was Queen! I traveled both
days wide and far across my kingdom. My chariot took me to the best
Estate sales and yard sales thru out the land. The treasures were numerous and should bring lots of gold at auction, consignment and the flea market. Yes, it is good to be Queen! Oh, my people will love the finds that treasure hunting brings. Now, to make sure the King is busy weeding the garden.

Saturday Finds ~ Sunday Sales

2008-04-13T20:25:00.005-04:00

Even with the DCCC Sale on Sunday, you just know I still had to go out.
It was a wonderful day for driving country roads. I think Connie and I
enjoyed the back roads almost as much as the great finds we found.

The
tin man I could not buy. The dad was selling it and the little munchkins
started to cry. So not wanting to be the wicked witch of Pocopson, back in the garage it went. But, the dad was nice
enough to let me take a pic. Is it not the cutest? I want one for my
garden!!!

The sale was a success, we sold alot, Thank God, because coming home I had visibility!!
The other drivers were glad of that, let me tell you. It was alot
of fun, but chilly, and very windy. Colleen from Fresh Vintage stopped
by with her little girl, it is always nice to see faces you know.

Hump Day Surprizes

2008-04-11T19:25:00.003-04:00

Today was spent at the mechanics getting my daughter's car fixed. She
had class, so I volunteered to go to the mechanics. Well, I was there
at 8am. The car went on the lift, the new brakes and caliber were
ordered. The parts came, the parts installed, the car taken down, the
car test drove, the car went on the lift, the new parts came out, new
parts ordered again, the parts came, the parts installed, the car taken
down, the car test driven, the car back on the lift,new parts removed,
new parts ordered, new parts came, parts installed, the car taken down,
the car test driven. The car was finally fixed!!! Seven hours later, I
came home.

Wednesday,Hump Day, Connie and I went to an unexpected Estate sale after work. There we are in our work clothes, me in 4 inch heels, going thru boxes, looking under beds, in cabinets, and every nook and cranny there was. Ohhhh the finds we found.

I
must so apologize to all my blogging friends, I have looked and read
all your blogs this week, but have not left any comments. With theDCCC
sale on Sunday, I have been going crazy. If any of you are coming on
Sunday, don't forget the pass word. " Driving with no visibility." The
sale starts at 9 am. and is located at Rt 252 and Media Line Rd, Media
PA

Linens and Things

2008-04-05T20:28:00.003-04:00

Treasure hunting is a good thing. Especially when done with your best
friend. However, we both have the same and different tastes. That being
said, I don"t know how many times we each tried to take the other's
finds.Today was funny. Connie would pick up an item, put it in her
pile, and walk away. I would come over pick up her item, and be told
from whom ever was running the sale the item was bought. Then Connie
would go and do the same to me. It got down right funny.

We
bought so much stuff, that once again I think we were a danger to those
drivers behind us, I really must install semi truck mirrors on my
little SUV!! But, did we have fun. We drove in circles, went up hills,
parked in grass, and did a u-bie on route 1.

At one sale we found wooden VCR tape racks. Spray painted white, they will hold our linens nicely at the up coming sale at DCCC Penn State flea market on April 13.
You all who live local and can come say Hi, might walk away with a little something special. Just mention driving with " NO VISIBILITY" LOL

And make sure you aren't behind me when I arrive or leave the sale. I might not be able to see out of the back windows on that day. LOL

Giving Thanks and Spending Money

2008-03-30T15:50:00.002-04:00

Sunday, a day of thanks and prayers. A day of families and resting. A day of church and Yard sales???

Well, yes. This morning I headed to St. John Neumans Church in Bryn Maur PA. Every year they have a huge yard sale that benefits the church and school. I did not get there yesterday, so I decided
to check it out today. Today everything was 50% off. I did good. I
spent money and than I attended Mass. So you see, I gave thanks and
Spent money too.

Good Things Come in Twos

2008-03-29T18:47:00.004-04:00

Today was that kind of a day. Connie and
I headed out bright and early this morning. Off to Delaware County to
an estate sale. The sale was advertised to start at 9. We got there at
8:20 and were still tenth in line. And oh was it chilly!!!!.

By the time the doors opened, every one was an icicle.
The poor family having the sale (their first) WAS TOTALLY OVER WHELMED.
Good thing for us, they were giving it all away. I bought an 37" TV for the
kids to watch in the basement $5. The picture is so good on it, that
the kids got my old TV from the library instead.

I also bought a
pair of china platters, a pair of bone china figures,a pair of tables and a pair of
rugs. I knew I should have bought another TV. Oh yeah, I forgot, how silly of me. I did buy another TV,a small 12" for my son"s room yesterday at a yard sale. Does that count??

So you see, Good Things do come in twos.

PS. I put that brass Chandler together. So keeping it!!! Down came the Crystal one in the hallway, and up went the brass. My goodness my love affairs do not last long. Will be selling that crystal one soon.

Tis The Good Life

2008-03-28T13:35:00.004-04:00

So, I am so ready to quit my paying job! Well, not till collage is paid
for. But when your out finding finds like these, and it's only Friday,
and summer hasn't even started yet. It really makes one want just to
keep driving and buying!

I made out pretty well, a can of vintage push pins, 20 pair of them. A brass Chandler,
all parts there, just have to put it back together again. A great art
deco hanging lamp, lots of Occupied Japan pieces, and some nice linens,
and yes we can"t forget the rug. Off to auction with that one. They
sell pretty well over here, I guess because of the old homes being
restored thru out Chester County.

By the way Connie and I will be selling at the DCCC flea market on April 13. More info to come. Would love to see all you local vintage hunters! Stop by if you can to say Hello.

Check out the pics I've added to my website. Still putting it together.

Domains Plus Holidays Equal Joy

2008-03-22T20:13:00.005-04:00

Well. I have had a pretty busy day, Before I share the finds of the
day, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. And this is very
important, there are no calories and I mean NO CALORIES in Easter
candy!!! So enjoy all you want, and call Jenny ( Craig ) on Monday.LOL

Today
Connie and I headed out to only one sale. We did very good. Once
again I drove home with no visibility out the back of my car. There was
not even a nook and forget about any cranny's, not happening. We did have alot of fun. Look at all the finds. My daughter got a new dresser, mahogany, made by the Cavalier
cabinet company, and the mirror I hung above it, purchased 2 summers
ago, and gathering dust in the basement waiting for the perfect place
to hang it. She is such a lucky girl to get such treasures! LOL

Other big news of the day. I just bought my domain. www.antekin.com, that be me.
Hope it makes it easier to find.

Everyone have a wonderful and safe day tomorrow. Visit long with family, and rejoice. See you all next week.

All Blogs are Beautiful

2008-03-17T21:25:00.002-04:00

If you have not stopped by to visit with Michelle. You should. She is giving the Beautiful Blog Award to all who visit. I must agree with her that all blogs are beautiful and amazing.

Shamrocks and Leprechauns

2008-03-16T09:46:00.003-04:00

A shamrock I have found,

and gold by the pound.

Green the color of the day'

with beer served on a trey.

As leprechauns danced in the round.

Dona

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Quilts and Swans

2008-03-15T18:47:00.008-04:00

Today was the first day
Connie
could come out and play.Well, I must say her dining room is beautiful!
But, I was missing my partner in crime. Not much fun driving around
listening to a machine say "turn right, go 100 miles, turn left.Recalculating
, make a u-turn, destination on right." So, we managed to find 5 sales
today. One estate, one in the newspaper call for appointment, and 3
yard sale moving sales. We did not do to badly.

Every sale had swans! Glass swans, porcelain swans, plastic swans, you name a swan they had it. So I bought one swan. A blue swan planter, filled it with hotel toiletries, and but it in the guest room. That brings me to the quilt I found. My arms are full of swans and whatnots
and I say to the lady," how much for the handmade quilt upstairs in the
box?" She says" Great aunt so and so made it. When my mother gets here,
we will ask her" (Like I'm going to hang around and visit with her all
day? I don't think so.)

Well. Connie found two hand made pillows
(she was able to carry them and her other goodies) she says to the lady"
how much?" Gets the same story. Meanwhile, another couple come around
the hall with my quilt!!! Now the lady is on the phone calling her
mother. WHO did not want the quilt the pillows or anything else. So the
lady says "$5" for the quilt. The other couple says "sold!" Now, I am a
very nice person. I normally try never to act like a rude dealer or be
mean. But damn it that was my quilt. So by the time we got done, I
walked out with my prize. Which now covers my quest bedroom bed. Any
one want to buy it?? Comes with a great free story!

Sunday Wash Out

2008-03-10T18:59:00.008-04:00

Sunday's estate sale was a total wash out. The items in the home were
nice. But, the family had taken what they wanted, as they should, and
left everything from TJMax and Marshalls behind. Well I felt like I was
shopping at the mall. The prices were really high too. What you going
to do, but call it a day. All sales can't be good. So I will try again
next week.

I
painted that little shelf I got at Saturday's sale. It came up pretty
nice, I hung it at my dental office over my computer with items found
here and there. I also included a pic of the chair found in the attic.
I think I might keep this one. Well, for this week anyway. Hope you all
have a wonderful week.

Mary Full Of Grace

2008-03-08T19:29:00.003-05:00

This morning was beautiful. It started off at a wonderful 50 degrees and continued to warm all the
way to 65. So, after taking the dog for the morning ritual of potty and
eating, I decided to go back to the estate sale. Just to see what was
left. Glad I did, I crawled in to the attic cobby and came out with an old mahogany chair, the leg had popped off, but it was doweled
, so no pic right now, I had to replace one dowel and it is now drying
after gluing. I was able to find another Italian print, this one is one
everyone knows," The Blue Boy". Also in one of the upstairs bedroom
closets, I found an old bake-e-lite vanity mirror, light up! Well this
week, I will be heading to our local lighting store for bulbs. Hope
they still make them. A punch bowl with 12 cups, and an Italian shelf finished out the estate sale. Almost forgot, a box of new candles in taupe, 12 of them for a dollar.

On
the way home I stopped at a thrift store and found, "Mary". She stands
over 12 inches high, is Italian made. Marked, made of plaster, and her
paint looks really good, just a few, and I mean a few chips.

Then
I headed to the noon moving sale. The heavens opened up, and it poured,
could not see in front of you. Well, I get to the sale at 11, because I
was not going home and back again. Can you believe there was a line of
people waiting in the pouring down rain? I stayed in my car and went to
sleep. At 12 the people opened the garage. Yes, the garage, and they
were selling a few pieces of Bombay furniture! I went home, the nap did
me good. I had better put some nice pillows in my car for the next sale.

That sale happens to be Sunday. Another Estate sale, this time closer to home. Will keep you posted.

Once Again

2008-03-07T19:23:00.005-05:00

Once again we are in the middle of a winter storm. Luckily just rain,
but enough of it, to cause flooding. But, I was able to get to an
estate sale this morning before it started.The finds were really good finds
today. The portraits are from Italy, the china from England, and the
linens, who knows, I just liked them. Do not have a clue why I bought
the wedding doll, she just spoke to me. The lamp, I also had to have.
It is horrible when you have such an addiction. Maybe, I need help. I think my family wants me to get help. Oh, well, not today! I did take a car load to auction, that should count for something.

If all goes well, tomorrow,I plan on going to a moving sale at noon. Wish me luck.

You Make My Day Monday

2008-03-03T19:58:00.002-05:00

I want to Thank Alicia for the Make My Day Award. Her blog is one of the preetiest ones I have seen. I love how she displays her items. Please stop by and visit with her.

I am passing this award like Alicia did on to everyone who reads my blog also. Because with out all of you, I would not be doing this. So I thank you.

Trash To Treasures My Way

2008-03-02T13:03:00.003-05:00

Just a few projects to share.

The brass planter from England now holds quest towels in the powder room. The mirror purchased at last weekends Estate sale was half painted pink and half still had it's orginal white and gold finish. There was nothing else to do but paint the entire thing. Painted in the colors to match my library and then antiqued out in liquid gold.
The sewing machine cabinet has been turned into a laundry hamper.
I love repurposing items. Warms the heart.

Books and Cases

2008-03-01T13:27:00.004-05:00

Friday and Saturday turned out to be the Mother Load of all sales. Friday morning I went to a moving sale in Kennett and bought a cabneit,an old sewing machine cabneit, a blue glass fruit bowl, and a rosewood screen. Friday night my daughter and I went to the Unionville Highschool Used Book Fair. I carried out as many books as I could. All total we bought about 35 decorating and antique books. Saturday morning I headed to Broomall to an estate sale. Yee, the house was scrunggy, but under all the trash, I came across a childs bone china tea set from Germany, a childs toy high chair, a punchbowl set, about 9 pieces of porcelian fiqures, and a nice milk glass candle stick holder. A very good weekend indeed. Laundry tomorrow. I'm tired!!!!

PS. The sewing machine cabneit has been scrubbed and a coat of polly applied. The insides were gone, but a large plastic laundry basket fits nicely inside. It now has a new home in my laundry room, holding dirty, smelly socks. Nice not to see laundry coming in from the garage. Always remember, just because it is one thing, it can become something else.

A Blah Day, A Happy Ending

2008-02-26T19:12:00.004-05:00

I am tired. Working is hard! I want to be a kept WOMAN!!!!! OK, not really, just a rainy dreay day, and than to come home, to find a sparkle award from Tracie!!! Oh, she really makes the day Sparkle. Thank You Tracie.

I want to send this award on to Linda. She is a true friend, who has taken time to visit with me, leave wonderful comments, and really cares about those around her. Even if they are in cyber space. Thank You Linda.

Tea For Two

2008-02-25T17:46:00.004-05:00

Saturday Connie took me on a Field trip. We went to visit the mother in law
of one of her co-workers. This lady was nice enough to invite us into
her home. She collects teapots. They are from all over the world, some
antique, some vintage, and some modern. She has over 400 of them. I
never saw so many teapots in one place before. But, not only did she
show them to us, she gave us stories on them. I totally enjoyed it. I
now will look at teapots with a different attitude.

Sunday I
went up to the main line of Philly and went to a Sales By Helen.
I had just
missed Colleen by minutes. Well, I took a wrong turn, I was only off by
two streets, luckily (because being lost in the city is not fun. Been
there, done that before.)I did find just a few items, but I then got
called into work. The painting of the dental office was done. All of us
girls ended up putting in an 8hour day to put the office back together
in time for patients today. So my vacation is now over. It was fun
while it lasted.

Good Girl ~~ Bad Thoughts

2008-02-21T18:11:00.004-05:00

So today I was a good girl. A very good girl. The only place I went today was to take a car load of furniture to auction. Then I came home and I cleaned the house. I cleaned the whole house, wood work and all. The whole time thinking of where I could be, and what finds I was missing out on. It was depressing, so I scrubbed harder. Only good thing I don't have to clean like this for awhile. And now the weather man says we are going to have snow and ice. Snow I don't mind, but ice? Guess that means no Sales By Helen tomorrow. Oh well.

Now, I would like to pass an award on to The Fab Five. Linda was kind enough to pass it on to me, so I would like to pass it on to a few of my blogging friends. When I started this blogging, this past September, I had no idea what to expect. I have found lots of friends. Not the kind you know, but the kind you want to go have coffee with or even better a nice glass of really goooooood wine.

Dena ~~~~ Swaddle Cottage

Alicia ~~~~ Time Worn Style

Lee ~~~~ Weber's World

Tracie ~~~~ My Petite Maison

Wanda ~~~~ Snap Dragon Antiques

Hungry People

2008-02-20T16:17:00.008-05:00

This morning my husband surprised me, and took me out to breakfest. We went to this place in Chadds Ford called "Hank's Place" It is my husbands favorite haunt and the food is very good, if you don't mind waiting for a table. Well we got there and he says see the sign? I look and yes I had to take a picture. The man was also trying to tell me something I think? Like when you going to the market? I took pity on him, and on the way home we stopped at Sunoco, and I ran in and got him a gallon of milk. Hey , we have eggs and bread! What more could you possibly want???

After I dropped him at home with his milk, I ran down and dropped off some furniture at consignment. When I got home I finished a project with that little wooden library filing cabnet. I lined the drawers with felt. Cut a piece of beadboard to fit the top, and then painted it white to match my kitchen. It now has a home for now ( untill I get tired of it) on top of the fridge, to hold all that paperwork, phone chargers etc. that seem to pile up on every surface.

Why not go to the market now? You ask. Well it is now snowing, and enless there is an estate sale going on, I'm staying home by the fire. We can order out.

I am so excited. Look what Linda sent me.

Horses With Buggy Behinds

2008-02-19T16:44:00.004-05:00

No food shopping again today. I did head in that direction, but some how the car just went on by the Superfresh, and it did not stop till I reached Lancaster PA. It was a wonderful drive.All the Amish Farms, and the Amish children playing outside their schoolhouses. Funny how that car knew to go directly to my favorite boutique. Did some great clothes shopping. Lots of Anne Taylor and Talbots today. Needed them to, because I just found out my boss is taking all of us girls to Texas to a dental convention the end of April.

On the way home I found the cutest antique shop. And they do not have a web site, so I took pics for all of you to dream over. I know I did not want to leave there. Enjoy.

Oh, It Is Much Fun Not Working

2008-02-18T18:29:00.002-05:00

I can say that today, because it is Monday. Next Monday I will be pulling my hair out at work again. But for now I'm blogging. I went up to Delaware County today to run errends. And had to stop at one of my favorite Goodwills. This is my favorite one, because not only is everything for sale in the store spotless, but the store itself is spotless. Not many around that you can say that about. So here are the finds of the day. An old wicker baby basket, a black wicker newspaper rack with the makers tag, two porcelain lamps with original shades, and a pink McCoy swan planter.Not bad when I was going food shopping. Since that did not happen today, guess I'll try again tomorrow.(On the way there, I know of a thrift store I might have to stop in at.)

Story Time

2008-02-17T09:13:00.004-05:00

Well, I figure about now, you all are wondering why I decorate so much. So I thought I would share with you what makes me tick. Well, I'll share a little. I grew up in two states.I spent half of every year in Maine and the other half in PA.Why you ask? My father was a carpenter by trade, he became a teacher at Williamson Trade School the year I was born 1964.All teachers were provided housing on the 200 acre school grounds. A very beautiful place it is too. And we were no different. The students all had to live there also. Now here is the kicker, it is a boys school, no girls allowed. I was it.How wonderful you all are thinking ! 200 boys between the ages of 18 and 20 ! More on that later. My father was on call 24 7. So we spent every weekend, holiday, and when the shool was closed in a camp ground or where ever my Dad had the urge to go. The school was closed for 6 months every year.

So this is where Maine comes in. On a urge to see Maine, we went there on a camping trip. Bought an acre of land on First Roach Pond in Kokad-Jo and stayed for 6 months.My Dad built our camp. We were 40 miles from Greenville Maine (Moosehead Lake area) down a dirt road. And basically it was just us 6 months a year.In the winter too. We would have to pull our sled in with supplies.

By the time I was 3, I had visited every state except Alaska. Do not remember any of it.Now back to the school. I had lots of girlfriends because of where I lived. But me, I was a real tomboy. With that many brothers how could you not be? I rode dirt bikes etc. I had dolls, mostly heads were missing, because I was in a tree fort some where in the woods. And protected like crazy! I could not get away with any thing or Dad would know. My 200 brothers looked after me.

Then along came David. A machinist attending the school. Ohhhhh, not good! I crossed over into the other trade world. Good thing he wasn't one of my brothers! We married a year after he graduated. I was 20 and he 23. We moved from PA to PA 5 times. Then to the Eastren Shore of Maryland. Cambridge area.Then we moved back to PA when he took a job with Scott Paper Company ( now Kimberly Clark )lived in many apartments.
Now we are going to have a baby, and we need a house. Ended up living with my parents, his parents, and any one else who would have us, why we scraped to buy our townhouse in Chester County PA. My dad shook in his boots. A townhouse??? Made by put up quick one abees? YES Dad. We had to, a baby was coming.

Now, we are ready to move in, the house was not done, and Tami was born! And my husband is on strike!! Yes Tami was a strike baby. Back to living with who ever would take us. No money coming in now. Finally 6 months later we move in, can't afford a fridge, washing machine, or any thing else all we have is tied up in the house.

Another baby! David Jr. was born during the layoff period at Scott Paper.By the time we recovered from that and David Jr. was in 7 grade my husbands company was sold. And he was laid off again. Searching for jobs was not easy. But he did it, and by the time Scott called to bring him back he was already setteled in with a new company,went back to school got his bachelors etc.

Our townhouse, we lived in it for 17 years, and it was great for my kids, they had lots of friends, woods to play etc.But we were ready to move on. We sold that townhouse 5 years ago and bought our little horse farm. NO HORSES!! They leave huge piles, that I'm not ready for.We waited a life time for a home to have houseguests,host holidays,and leave only when we wanted.

Our homes were always homes because we were together, but I finally have a place big enough for my finds, my family, and hopefully their families. My world is always changing, but now it is only inside my own walls.

Here's To A Week Off

2008-02-16T14:50:00.005-05:00

Yesterday started my count down to a week off of work. Well the paying job anyway. While off this week coming up, I plan on taking things to auction and consignment. Have to make room for all the upcoming sales, once the weather gets nice. But for now, I setteled for two estate sales. One yesterday and one today. Did ok at both. Friday's sale netted some linens,a cherub candlestick in brass, 2 silk pillows, and 2 plant stands (for the dental office). Not to bad. Todays catch a sampler dated from 1959 of the Pledge Of Allegiance and a little bookcase or maybe an old radio case. It was painted yellow. So I re-painted it and it goes very nicely next to my daughter's bed. She will use it for her collage books and whatevers.

PS. I traded my daughter's bed for Connie's daughter's bed this past summer.It's a beauty is it not? The only sad thing about it is, it is solid oak and someone painted it white. Such a shame to do that to a piece like that. Sometimes painting furniture is good, but sometimes it must be left alone.