Tag Archives: antiques

Road Trip-Rhinebeck, NY: The Country Living Fair 2015 Edition

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Hello, Vixens!!!  How are you?  Did you have a nice weekend?  I hope so.  How was mine?  It was great, thank you for asking.  Why?  Two reasons.  First, I went to an incredible estate sale (read about that here).  Second, I went to the 2015 Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, NY.

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This is the second year in a row that I attended (read about last year’s trip here) and this year was even better than last,  in my very humble opinion (mostly because this time I scored two-count ’em, TWO-great finds-more about that later).  If you are in the vicinity of the next CL fairs (Columbus, OH this September & Atlanta, GA this October) you should buy tickets NOW.  If you are not nearby, plan a road trip with your fellow avid antiquers or jaunty junkettes.  I promise you it will be worth the trip.  Besides, road trips are the best anyway, especially in the fall.  Am I right???  🙂

There were so many beautiful things to look at and admire, like these funky license plate signs…..

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to signs in general…..

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to cool old bicycles (perfect for riding to farmers markets for yummy fresh produce this time of year)…..

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and chippy ceiling tin squares & precious little statues (how did I not take this little darling home with me???)…..

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to furniture and wall art.

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Or visit Cari Cucksey’s booth (trom HGTV’s “Cash & Cari“) and see what she “repurposed“.

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You can also leave in tears after having to pass on a chair that you have been dreaming of since you were sucking your thumb in the womb (OK, maybe that is just me).  I appreciate the work that went into it but I could not justify the nearly $300 price tag.  Take a look at this beauty and say it with me:  SA-WOON!!!

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I am going to look for a chair like that and try to transform it myself.  I also passed on these great lockers & file cabinets because of their prices, despite the fact they were totally cool & industrial looking…..

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I passed on this old laundry tub because I bought one  in Vermont two years ago (although mine is not as rusted as this one…..sigh).  And the olive buckets follow me wherever I go.  Some day soon I will give one a home.

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I thought these dolls were pretty kitschy and oval frames are my favorites!!!

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But then I saw the piece I had to have…..and could afford to buy…..a French laundry wire basket (that folds down flat, which I never knew but sent me even more over the moon for this piece when I found out!!!)

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I am thinking of adding a burlap liner inside to hide off season clothes in or holiday decorations and then popping a glass top on it to use it as a side table in my living room.  What do you think?

I also bought a ceiling tile tin box that I guess was made to be a planter (see the holes inside?) but I think it will look great on my kitchen counter holding my olive oil & vinegar bottles.

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Once I satisfied my shopping urges, it was time to celebrate with a good meal.  Someone recommended a local  barbeque place, Max’s Memphis BBQ, in the next town over-Red Hook, NY.  I have never had real Memphis BBQ (YET-I plan to when I visit Graceland one day soon) but this food was delicious.

I must admit BBQ is something I don’t always enjoy because of the various flavors involved, but the sauce on the chicken was the perfect balance of sweet and smoky.  And the ambiance…..how could I not enjoy a meal where the candles were in mason jars and the table covering was brown craft paper???!!!

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Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!

Road Trip: The Carolinas

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Hi Vixens!!!  I spent a week in February in the Carolinas visiting my brother and two of my cousins.  The week before I went they had weather in the mid 50’s.  I got there and realized the northeast weather followed me down south!!!  Almost every day (and night) was single digit temperatures!!!  Say it with me:  UGH!!!

Aside from the frigid weather, it was great to get away and visit with family-and do some antiquing, of course!!!

On my trip down, I stopped at the Factory Antique Mall in Verona, VA.

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I saw some great vintage items that I had as a kid like…

Barbie’s camper (I LOVED playing with this….):

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And this sweet little suitcase that screams the 70’s:

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And some Peanuts items (I still have the thermos, the other two items were after my time):

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And my favorite gum in the world (and the best comics after the Peanuts):

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This reminded me of when I would go to the beauty parlor with my mom or my grandma (so retro!!!):

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And I love to look at classic vinyl:

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There were some great items I would love to own and repurpose some day like this vintage Maytag clothes washer (look at the rust…sa-woon!!!):

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Or this Coke cooler which would make a great kitchen island or buffet:

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I would love one of these for blankets someday:

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And who does not find little shoes irresistible!!!:

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They were some great old toys, too (one of my brothers had a similar fire engine!!!):

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And there is always a creepy one……..:

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And at least one whole booth dedicated to Fiestaware:

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And a sign I LOVED but have absolutely no place for it:

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On the way home I drove right into a snow storm in Virginia:

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But thanks to the folks at the Howard Johnson’s  in Lexington, VA I had a warm place to wait out the storm.  This was the view from my room:

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The next day it was clear as a bell:

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Before I got on the road, I stopped at my favorite on-the-road place for breakfast (or any meal, for that matter):  Cracker Barrel!!!

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The hostess always sit me as close to the fire as possible without me having to ask-just one of the many reasons why I love this chain so much:

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And even though it was before noon, I indulged in the best diet root beer I ever had:

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And fell in love with an old print ad (sorry for the blurriness but the angle was bad and I did not want to bother the people at the next table):

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And ate a delicious breakfast:

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All in all, it was a great trip as usual!!!

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!

Snowstorms & Spoons

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Hi Vixens!!!  Well winter is in full swing here in NY (close to 3 feet of snow fell here earlier in the week) so I got to enjoy an adult snow day!!!  And what did I do with this precious gift of time, you ask?  I SLEPT!!!  Yes, that’s right.  I slept the entire day away.  (Did you miss the part earlier when I wrote we received close to 3 feet of snow???!!!)

I really love the snow, and the day before the big blizzard work closed early so I celebrated by taking a walk in the falling snow.  Don’t you just love how gentle flakes feel when they hit your face???!!!  Blizzards, however, are no fun to walk in.  Plus, I was starting to come down with a head cold (UGH!!!) so sleeping was the best use of my time that day.

Even if I do not sleep during a big snowstorm, I still like to spend the day under a cozy blanket fresh and warm from the dryer while watching reruns of “The Golden Girls” or old movies. I got into this habit when I was living in Massachusetts, and it seemed like we were getting hit with a snowstorm every weekend. I would prepare by buying my essentials and the ingredients to my homemade lamb stew, then made a big pot of it so it lasted me the whole week. I’d get under the covers while it cooked and reveled in the wonderful way my apartment smelled!!! Those were some of my fondest memories of my winters in MA!!!

But I digress…back to now. The weekend before the squall I hit an estate sale that I stumbled upon while I was doing my usual storm prep (no, not milk and bread but more essential fare:  Diet Lemon Snapple and magazines.  Oh, and ice melt.) I found a GORGEOUS set of silver iced tea spoons. They seemed to be waiting for me as they were even bundled together in a giant gold bow!!!

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I might have forgotten to share that I collect these since they are a recent addition to my acquisitions. I started looking for them once I noticed how pretty they are with their intricate designs and details. Look at the lovely design on the handle.

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Plus, theses spoons are still useful for what they were originally made for-serving ice cream sundaes and sodas-and they do not take up a lot of room to store or display, even in a studio apartment. I placed mine in my mother’s large dessert cups.

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What do you collect?

Till next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!

The First Sale of 2015

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Hello Vixens!!!  Hope you are all enjoying the after-the-holidays lull and the cold winter weather.  OK, maybe it’s just me and a select few who enjoy this season.  But I do.  I love everything about winter:  rosy cheeks, scarves, gloves, sweaters, snow, big pots of stew, hot chocolate with whipped cream, cuddling, how alive I feel when I am outside in the cold and how blessed I feel when I walk into my apartment and feel the warmth of the heat.  I find the entire season invigorating!!!

Another reason why I love the winter so much is because I would much rather go to an estate sale with my coat on because of the cold rather than dying from the heat and the intense musty smell of a house that was closed up for years.

True, there are not as many sales this time of year, but they are enough out there to keep me busy.  It also helps that I do not mind traveling (within reason), especially now that gas is a lot less expensive (YAY)!!!

The sale I hit today had some wonderful items:  a lot of pottery, clothes, bric-a-brac, ephemera, linens and other items.  I enjoyed looking but since I am still downsizing, I did not feel the need to buy anything…..until I came across an old metal picnic basket exactly like the one my parents had.  I do not know what happened to the one they owned, but I knew I had to purchase this replica of some of the best memories of my childhood.

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I did a little research on the internet since the name of the company is stamped inside the lid.  My best guess is this is a mid-century model, and it is in great shape.  A smidge of rust here and there on the bottom rim but other than that it is clean.

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Because it has such sentimental meaning, I did not want to just stick the basket it in a closet until I find a way to use it, other than its intended purpose.  Then I remembered my Christmas tree was still on the curb outside waiting to be recycled, so I cut off a few branches, grabbed one of my snowmen and made a little winter scene.

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I threw it together quickly, but I think it’s cute.  I was thinking I could pick up some of those white birch branches from Michael’s, and some twigs and pine cones from outside to fill it in more, but for now I wanted to show you the general idea.

What do you think?  I would love to read your suggestions.

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!

Local Sale With A Cautionary Tale

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The Islip Antiques and Collectibles Fair is one of my favorite shows.  I try to hit it every year.

It is held on the grounds of the Islip Art Museum, a stunning old building which was a private home, then an orphanage and now home to the museum, the Islip Arts Council and several Islip offices.

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It overlooks a lake with lots of daily visitors…..

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and beautiful reminders that fall is finally here!!!

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The weather the day of the sale was more reminiscent of summer than fall but it was beautiful nonetheless.

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I saw great stuff beginning at the first booth I walked into…..

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I L-O-V-E-D this leather camera bag but there was no way I could justify the $275.00 price tag.

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I adore old bed headboards and footboards.  Some day I want a whole house of them!!!

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Trunks, too!!!  These look great as coffee tables, at the end of a bed to hold extra pillows and blankets or anywhere else you need extra storage!!!  And they can be painted any color you choose.

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There were great Beatles items at every turn…..

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and pop culture galore!!!

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Do you remember when Jimmy Carter was President and his brother-Billy-came out with his own beer???

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How cool is this metal phone book stand?  This would make a great entry room table (just add a basket on top to corral keys and sunglasses and a mat below to leave your shoes on) or a small kitchen island.

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Each book covered a different county.

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And now for my cautionary tale, fellow Vixens:  I found this GORGEOUS roll of pink linoleum flooring at the sale.  I had instant fantasies of how great this would look in the country dream house I want someday.  I pictured it as the floor of a first level powder room, the laundry room or the butler’s pantry-maybe all 3!!!

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But while I was waiting to ask the dealer how much the flooring cost, I talked myself out of it.  I thought about how small my current place is, and why I should use up valuable storage space now for a dream that is years away, how I might not be able to find someone to install it, etc.  I worked myself up in to such a state I walked away telling myself I needed to fix my current place before bringing in things that I want someday.  But since the sale I have had SEVERE non-buyer’s remorse.  I should have bought it.  Sigh!!!  😦

I always tell people they can always find room for something they want-they just need to be creative.  I could have stored this in my trunk until I made room in my apartment.  Next time I have to remember to take my own advice!!!

My find at the show:  A flue cover.

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On my way home, I stopped at my favorite farm stand for some produce and picked up a few gourds.  They are now on top of my fridge with some of my antiques:

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Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!

Road Trip-Stormville, NY: The Stormville Airport Antiques Show & Flea Market

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For years I have wanted to attend this sale, and even though there are 4 or 5 shows per year, I never made it…..until this year. Thanks to a three day weekend in honor of the 4th of July, I had the time to use a day to make the two hour trip to Dutchess County for the Stormville Airport Flea Market. (http://www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com/)

I went on Saturday, July 5. The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS which made the ride there and back more enjoyable. This sale really has EVERYTHING: antiques, new items, dollar store fare, clothes, accessories, vitamins, food and spices-not to mention so much yummy food, drinks and desserts to enjoy while shopping or when taking a well deserved break.

I like to take in my surroundings when I am out and about, and Dutchess County is beautiful and scenic even from an airport.

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I saw so many interesting things including:

A wall of cast iron items….

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Albums…

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70’s pop culture…

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Just pure 70’s…

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A sign my dad would have appreciated…

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And something I wanted but passed on (it was sooooo heavy plus I just do not have the room…..but now that I think of it, I could have left it outside…. sigh!!!)

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I did not find any antiques or junk I wanted enough to buy. There were a few items I inquired about (a Peanuts thermos, 6 vintage wooden blocks, an old suitcase) but the dealers were not open to negotiating & I did not want the items badly enough to spend top dollar. I do understand, as this was a two day sale and I was there on day one.

I did, however, treat myself to a gi-normous lemonade which I watched them make…freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, water and a whole lot of ice…DELICIOUS!!! This lasted me all day!!!

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On my way home, I took a few scenic shots….

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…before driving over the Connecticut state line.  There I found a diner with a name I could not resist (given my devotion to Bruce Springsteen) and enjoyed a yummy dinner.   

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The Stormville Airport Antiques Show & Flea Market is definitely a sale you should check out. There is sooo much to see and tons of junk for those of you who love a repurpose challenge. My only advice would be to go on the second day of the sale for the best prices.

Till next time, fellow vixens!!! Happy digging!!!

Road Trip-Rhinebeck, NY: The Country Living Fair

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I have been reading Country Living Magazine for over a decade, and I always knew that some day I would make it to one of their fairs.  From the minute they announced the fair was coming to NY, I had my chance!!!

The fair was held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on June 6-8, 2014.  I chose to go on Sunday, June 8. I went with a wonderful friend from work, Gina, who is as crazy about antiques as I am.  We made the two hour trip in no time on such a clear and pretty day.

When we first arrived in the Red Hook/Rhinebeck area, we saw an antiques store that called our names so we stopped for a look!!!

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I found this gorgeous shelf which is going to look great in my bathroom!!! Isn’t it pretty?!! And it was only $20.00!!! 🙂

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Then we arrived at the fair. It was-in a word-GORGEOUS!!!

The Fairgrounds were so clean!!!

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The booths featured such beautiful displays. This one was my absolute favorite!!!
Swoon!!!

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And the merchandise for sale was stunning!!!

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On the way home we stopped at an adorable little joint for some ice cream…
(Sorry for the poor angle….the place was on a busy two lane highway plus it was crowded so I had to take the picture from the car.)

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I loved every booth we went into, but did not buy anything. On the other hand, my friend Gina made out like a proverbial bandit!!! Here is a picture of three of her best finds-the tray (a piece of hotel silver history), the tea light holder and the clay pots. Look at the lovely vignette she created!!!

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I will definitely go back next year. This is one fair that will quickly become a summertime staple for me!!! And Rhinebeck is such a charming town…..I am planning to go back for a weekend this fall to explore it even more!!!

Happy digging fellow vixens!!!