Monday, December 2, 2013

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?
 

30 comments:

  1. Cute, cute finds, Melanie.
    Mary Alice

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  2. Nice finds! They're all really interesting and attractive and I am sure you will find perfect homes for them around your house. We have a big antiques mall nearby but I hardly ever go, I really should make the time to poke around there a little more often.

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  3. Great finds!! I love to just go to antique shops and look around (I usually buy something tho). I'm just starting to do Christmas decorations and probably won't do too much this year. Enough to satisfy Laynee!

    Judy

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    1. I always say that the two of us would be dangerous together, Judy. ;-)

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  4. It's fun to get out like this and not go through a ton of money. I love everything you found, especially the Mexican vase and the mirror from Field's. The artwork on it is so 60's and fun!

    At least you have your decoration ready and waiting!! I just can't bring myself to do anything until I have a tree. Then I let the branches drop for a few day. Oh, well. I have plenty of chores to keep me busy!!

    XO,
    Jane

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    1. You know I love my bargains! We don't put up a tree, so all I have to do is my vignettes and little touches around the house.

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  5. I've gotten started. Barely. I didn't go out from last Monday till today when I needed some groceries. Went early and back in. Hopefully won't be going out till another week.
    Brenda

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    1. I love staying home, but I would be climbing the walls if I didn't go out in a week!

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  6. I love the owls!! And that mirror is gorgeous! I went out on Saturday and I was amazed at how few people were out shopping, it wasn't crowded out at all. Wonder what that means? Happy Holidays!
    Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

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    1. Hmm, maybe I would've been pleasantly surprised if we had've gone jean shopping on Sunday after all!

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  7. What great finds. I love the little owl teapot; so cute. And I covet that mirror: not because it's a Marshall Fields (don't know anyting about that) but because it says "Sandra" on the bottom!

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    1. Is that what it says? It's really hard to tell. At first I thought it said, "Nadia". I've been googling all sorts of possibilities and can't find anything like it or any information.

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  8. No decorating yet but we did start baking Christmas cookies this weekend! Looks like you found some real treasures. I love the owl!

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    1. I have to start baking Christmas cookies soon, too. I give them as gifts to my in-laws and neighbors. Glad you love the owl!

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  10. Melanie, your hunch about heading out of the house was spot on! You returned with an adorable collection of new treasures! Love the owl and the teapot! Now, all you need are some jeans!

    Poppy

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    1. Thank you, Poppy - and you're right! I hate jean shopping though, so I'm procrastinating.

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  11. Ok I am in love here with that little 2.80 teapot! So cute!!!! :) Way more fun than buying jeans !! :)

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  12. Wonderful finds...especially the Marshall Field's mirror. Sounds like fun.
    Balisha

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  13. You found some really cool stuff Melanie. We all need a little time off after a busy holiday. Hope all is well! Love, Penny

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    1. We need a trip to find some cool stuff together, Penny! ;-)

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  14. the owl is adorable!
    I packed away the fall and Thanksgiving decorations and will do Christmas after I do a good cleaning and dusting. I am in no hurry and I never decorate on top of dust.
    I think December seems to speeding by because Thanksgiving was so late in November this year.

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    1. I'm not in a hurry to get the decorations up either. They're still sitting all over the place, lol.

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  15. I love Italian pottery so I would have grabbed that owl too! All of your finds are nice, and your friend was so nice to lead you to the best priced booth. I think we're all probably envying that darling mirror.

    Sometimes you just have to get out away from the house, and it is hard to fit in Christmas decorating when there are still the basics to be done. I often think if I could have the house to myself for 2 weeks and order all meals delivered that I could do it with no problem!

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    1. Thanks for your compliments on the owl and the mirror! I have the house to myself today and no errands to run (doing them all tomorrow), so I've been cleaning and working on Christmas decor all day, so far.

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  16. Oh you know that I love owls! Whoo hoo! Great finds, Melanie!
    Jemma

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  17. I have the same exact owl cookie jar - from Anthropologie! I found mine at a rummage sale for $5 but it sells at Anthro for $98!!!!
    Score

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  18. Love all of your great finds!!! The owl is my fav!

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