Snowstorms & Spoons

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Plus, theses spoons are still useful for what they were originally made for-serving ice cream sundaes and sodas-and they do not take up a lot of room to store or display, even in a studio apartment.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

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

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

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

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!!!

Road Trip-Connecticut, Take Two: Memorial Day Weekend-Sunday

During my trip, I came across a place to eat called Skooter’s.  The name alone made me want to try it.  Although spelled differently, it conjured up visions of Springsteen’s “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out”
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I stopped in Saturday night for a quick snack (I am a sucker for pie) and instantly fell in love with the 50’s feel of the place (including the gorgeous juke box).
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The friendly waitress told me their breakfast was really good, so I decided to forgo the dry piece of toast offered as a continental breakfast at my hotel and treated myself to a hearty start to my day.

Never mind how delicious the eggs, bacon and home fries were (and they were scrumptious!!!).......how could anyone NOT enjoy a meal with Sam Cooke ("Bring It On Home To Me") and Elvis ("Jailhouse Rock") playing in the background???

Never mind how delicious the eggs, bacon and home fries were (and they were scrumptious!!!)…….how could anyone NOT enjoy a meal with Sam Cooke (“Bring It On Home To Me” and Elvis (“Jailhouse Rock”) playing in the background???

After breakfast, I drove to Old Lyme. On my way, I stopped for a picture of the water:

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Next stop: Treasures (http://www.treasuresoldlyme.com/).

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Treasures is a little bit of everything: old, new, furniture, housewares, clothes and accessories.

This hutch is new, but I love the color and its aged look.

This hutch is new, but I love the color and its aged look.

Love the robin's egg blue color of this dish set!!!

Love the robin’s egg blue color of this dish set!!!

I think these chairs would look great inside in a living room or outside on a porch or deck!!!

I think these chairs would look great inside in a living room or outside on a porch or deck!!!

I thought this set of demitasse cups was sooo pretty!!!

I thought this set of demitasse cups was sooo pretty!!!

My finds at Treasures:  Six Ironstone dessert plates.  They were 20% off so they cost me less than $15.00!!!

My finds at Treasures: Six Ironstone dessert plates. They were 20% off so they cost me less than $15.00!!!

After shopping, I did some exploring in Old Lyme. The town has its own cemetery, and I must admit I think cemeteries are beautiful, especially old ones. The detail of the headstones, the trees and surrounding landscape plus the serenity are what I find quite stunning.

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I loved the old fashioned water pump in the cemetery.

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Old Lyme is on the water, so I could not miss the opportunity to get another picture of it on such a pretty day!!!

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And everywhere I went, from the cemetery to the water, I was greeted by my favorite flowers: lilacs.

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I could not help but pick one to put in my car.

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After that, I saw a sign for a barn sale. It did not actually take place in a barn, but I stopped anyway.

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Here’s a word I don’t see at too many sales in NY: FREE!!! (lol)

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My finds from the sale: Three stainless steel cabinet door storage bins for $8.00!!!

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After the sale & the sightseeing I was a little hungry, so I stopped for some homemade ice cream
(http://www.oldlymeicecreamshoppe.com/).

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The toasted coconut was so yummy!!!

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Then it was on to the Florence Griswold Museum (http://www.flogris.org/).

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There is a separate building used as a gallery behind the Griswold house which had beautiful art, but my favorite piece was in the historic house. I never saw an oil painting in black and white. Simply stunning!!! Thank you, Robert C. Minor!!!

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I also adored the look of Ms. Griswold’s bedroom. Someday I want a house with a fireplace in my bedroom!!!

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Happy digging fellow vixens!!!

Road Trip-Connecticut, Take Two: Memorial Day Weekend-Saturday

My weekend in CT for the Springsteen concert reminded me how much I love that state. I spent many of my childhood summers on vacation visiting family in Kensington, and two of my most memorable field trips in school were spent in CT-one at Mystic Seaport and the other in Hartford.

So, I decided to go back to CT for Memorial Day weekend for some sightseeing, some culture and, of course, some shopping!!!
 
I started my day on Saturday by visiting the homes of two literary icons: Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain. I never knew that they were neighbors!!!
 
This house behind this sign is the Mark Twain House. The Stowe house is across from it.

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The back of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s house faces the Mark Twain House.

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The Mark Twain House.

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This figure of Mark Twain is made out of Legos!!!

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After a day of literary history, I was ready to do some shopping. The Past Antiques Market in Oakdale, CT was just the place to do it!!!

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Even though I was a tomboy, I had one of these when I was a little girl!!! Who did not love Barbie (although I must admit Skipper was my favorite!!!). Remember all the cool outfits you could fit in this case???

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This vintage television with its black metal legs would make a great side table for a sofa or a bed!!!

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Got gumballs???

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Remember using one of these??? Cell phones may be more convenient, but phone booths are just TOO COOL!!!

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This looks like it belongs on the set of “Mad Men”. You can almost picture Betty Draper’s maid using this around the house!!!

 

Classic Peanuts game.

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My finds from The Past Antiques: An old baking tin for $10.00 and a CT license plate for $4.00.

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The nice man behind the register at the antiques store gave me a great recommendation for dinner.

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My choice from the fabulous menu at the fish market? The hot lobster roll on ciabatta bread. Delectable!!!

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After dinner, I took a ride along the water. I love to listen to the sound of the waves hitting the boats. And the sky was so pretty!!!

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The evening air was so refreshing, I decided to drive to Groton to take some more pictures of the water.

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Road Trip: Connecticut

Because of the Springsteen concert, I spent last weekend in Connecticut. While Saturday was all about Bruce, Sunday was all about shopping. And what better place to shop than a flea market? This stop: The Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market in New Milford, CT.

First stop on my road trip......breakfast!!!

First stop on my road trip……breakfast!!!

About 90 minutes after leaving my hotel, I arrived at the flea market.

About 90 minutes after leaving my hotel, I arrived at the flea market.

This is just one of at least 50 aisles for shoppers to walk down at the ET Flea.

This is just one of at least 50 aisles for shoppers to walk down at the ET Flea.

I love the look of vintage metal signs.

I love the look of vintage metal signs.

Love these buckets!!!

Love these buckets!!!

My weakness.....vinyl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My weakness…..vinyl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a blast from the past!!!  This would look totally cool in a vintage kitchen!!!

What a blast from the past!!! This would look totally cool in a vintage kitchen!!!

Isn't this adorable???  It would work inside or outside to hold books, plants, a bucket of flowers or as an extra seat!!!  Too cute!!!

Isn’t this adorable??? It would work inside or outside to hold books, plants, a bucket of flowers or as an extra seat!!! Too cute!!!

Some of the new items you can purchase at the ET Flea include plants.

Some of the new items you can purchase at the ET Flea include plants.

And more plants with pretty flowers!!!

And more plants with pretty flowers!!!

Don't just take my word for it about how great the ET Flea is.....local cable shows were there to see what all the fuss is about, too!!!

Don’t just take my word for it about how great the ET Flea is…..local cable shows were there to see what all the fuss is about, too!!!

My scores from the ET Flea:  an old gym locker for $20.00 and a blue floral sugar bowl for $3.00.  Add that to the $2.00 admission fee and all I spent at the sale was $25.00!!!  I love thrifty days like this!!!

My scores from the ET Flea: an old gym locker basket for $20.00 and a blue & white floral sugar bowl for $3.00. Add that to the $2.00 admission fee and all I spent at the sale was $25.00!!! I love thrifty days like this!!!

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