Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Thrifting Finds Of Late...

So I had been having a dry spell lately, as far as thrift stores go. I usually visit all the local stores weekly, but I found myself going less and leaving with less. That all seemed to change recently, as I have found some awesome things. This is all within the past few months, but I have learned to stop grabbing everything I think I might want, and just getting the things that really mean something to me, or that I can use. So much of my house is thrifted...it's like having a treasure hunt to me. I love it! I love vintage things. Don't ask me why; I just feel drawn to certain old things like a magnet. And if you don't like my stuff, that's fine. You don't have to. But I am not going to criticize your stuff, so leave mine alone. My house, my clothes, my rules. Anywho, moving on...

Vintage laundry hamper. I sort of collect these, except they tend to get broken or damaged after a few years, so while I have owned 6-7 of these over the past 5 years, I currently have 3. This one has a cool pearlized top, but sadly, the laminate is chipped, and the store I got it from chose to put a price sticker over the chip, which just made it worse when I pulled the sticker off. Still, it was only $6. I love the black.


Brand new green espadrilles, leather uppers. Only $1!


Vintage 70s leather flats...these were $1 as well. I'm not usually into that era, but I have found a few great dresses lately, and my stupid hair naturally does the big 70s flip on its own, so it all works out.


Aqua melamine serving dishes, I don't remember how much these were, maybe
$1 each. I also collect melamine/Melmac, because it is so much easier to clean, the kids can't break it, etc. Just remember, not microwave safe!


Aaaaaaand another collection, although I'm toning it down because I'm running out of space. Vintage pink Pyrex casserole dish, $3. I probably have 30+ pieces, if you include lids count. I love it, and it is a cheap and easy find.


My first piece of Le Creuset! It is a cast iron enameled French cookware, VERY expensive, but it will last a lifetime. This was $6.


I picked up another pink Borg bathroom scale. I actually have this same scale already, but it is stained with hair dye, rusting, etc. This is a picture of it in the process of being cleaned. Mr Clean Magic Erasers are a miracle. I have saved so many things with them. Look at the color difference! This was $5.


And finally, my most treasured find. By now, you may have noticed that I collect things. It's not so much that I seek out things to collect. Rather, I love lots of vintage things, and I happen to find multiples of certain items. Bakelite is not one of those things. I love searching it out, on Ebay, Etsy, and in thrift stores, antique stores, yard sales, etc. But, I have never found a piece in a thrift shop until recently. These rings go for about $10-$15 online, and I found a set of 3 for only $6! I was so excited I was shaking. It's not about the monetary value, it is about the thrill of the hunt. Antique dealers scavenge for this stuff like vultures diving into a carcass, so to find a piece is very rare. I am so proud.


I have so much more I could share, but these are just some of the things I have picked up lately that have really made me jump for joy. I hope I can find more to share soon.