taking a breath and showing you my weekend finds

How can December be so busy already? I think it's because Tim was here for the

long weekend, Brian had a couple of days off work, and I've been dragging out

Christmas decor and working on various vignettes. Between taking care of the

usual household chores, making meals, running errands, going to physical therapy

appointments twice a week, yoga class, and finding time for friends and self - 

I'm a little breathless. There are piles of Christmas decorations all over the living

room and on the kitchen table but I know it'll all come together in good time.

Brian and I felt the need to just get out and go somewhere yesterday. We

were feeling cooped up and tired of household chores and doings. I was

feeling restless and edgy and couldn't decide what to do. We both need new

jeans but I didn't want to shop at any retail stores this weekend, due to the

crowds. We ended up going up to the road to the Volo Antique Mall. Even

though this place is only a couple of miles away, I just don't go there often.

I prefer going to thrift stores because I usually find better bargains. But yesterday,

we happened to run into an acquaintance who has a booth there, and she showed

me where to find the bargains! There are three booths rented out by the same

man and he prices his stuff really low, simply because he wants to get rid of it.

He was even having a 30% off sale! Here's what I came home with...

 I adore owls but overlooked this cookie jar at first because I thought it was

a cheap, made-in-China piece. Until Sue picked it up and told me it was made

in Italy! I still hemmed and hawed, saying it had light green accents and there was

no green in my kitchen at all. But Sue talked me into it...yep, it's all her fault.

For less than $5, this beautiful owl is now actually in my office on a bookshelf.

I'm using her as a bookend for some cookbooks.

This vase is the handpainted mexican design, El Palomar. I have a set of

dishes and cups that match it - all found previously at Goodwill.

Cute little owl teapot for $2.80...

 A piece to add to my white pitcher collection...

 Love this metal camel to add to a Christmas vignette...

And my other favorite find besides the owl cookie jar...this vintage mirror

originally from Marshall Fields. Can't wait to hang it up in my office!

 What did you do this weekend? 

Have you started your Christmas decorating yet?