Starting this Monday...

So I've been racking my brain trying to come up with one of these daily blogging ideas. I routinely see various things like "Pink Saturday", "Makeover Monday", and so on......and then I so enjoyed participating in Faded Charm's first "White Wednesday" that I became inspired to create my own weekly blogging buzz that others might like to join in with me. So, here it is....

"What I rescued this weekend Monday"!!!!

So, every Monday (for as long as it's still fun), let's post pictures of a treasure you rescued over the weekend. It doesn't have to be something that you will be making over (although it can be, of course!). Just any little thing you picked up at a yard sale or thrift store or curbside that may have ended up in a landfill. Something you coveted and rescued and brought home to enjoy yourself or re-sell. Some sad little castoff that is no longer sad. Some little piece of history that is re-born again with your help.

It would be great if you take the time to mention my blog when you do your post! I just realized this weekend may not have been the best time to start this since it's the Fourth of July, but hey, we'll go ahead and give it a try! I am looking forward to seeing everyone's "rescued treasures" this Monday!

dreaming of the beach....

While sifting through a box of old photos this evening, I got lost in my thoughts of visiting the beach this year. It has been so long since we've been beaching.....a few years in fact. But, I took a little vacation with these ladies tonight, and maybe my dreams of sand, surf, and seaweed will come to fruition this summer.

P.S. I will have a whole slew of vintage beaching photos just like those posted above available in the shop tomorrow. For those of you who love vintage ephemera, these photos are just so sweet!

White Wednesday with Faded Charm

I think Kathleen at Faded Charm (www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com) had a great idea with "White Wednesday"! For my first White Wednesday, I thought I would stroll through the house in my PJ's and capture a few images of my most favorite collection......my ironstone. Thank you, Kathleen, for asking me to join today's adventure in white!

A few new finds...

Ahhhh, the joy of finding things that make your heart go pitter-patter! As I have been searching for resale items over the past few days, I've actually come across some things that I just don't know if I can part with! Does anyone else ever have that problem? I LOVE everything in this stash, but my husband will be quick to remind me that I can't keep everything! Although it is sometimes hard to say goodbye to some of the finds I've traveled long and far to accumulate, I must admit it feels just as good knowing that the items I've rescued will go to the home of someone else who will appreciate their simple beauty and timeless appeal. I'm definitely keeping the small silver trophy because I have been searching for one FOREVER and finally came across this gem yesterday! The tall wire basket was once used as a trash burner in the 50's (or so I was told), but it could be repurposed in many ways, I'm sure! My initial thought was to line it with burlap and store wrapping paper.....any other ideas anyone? The rest of these finds will soon make their way to the shop......

Guest room make-over

Just a few snapshots of my updated guest room......

It has been a fun little project. Almost complete, but not quite. Still plan on hanging some ironstone platters above the bed that say "sweet dreams" in, of course, old Skip-A-Cross game letters that are turquoise and a perfect match to the vintage armchair. What a find that chair was! For some reason, I felt compelled to visit one of the local thrift shops this past Monday....I don't usually find much....but I do usually leave with a little something something. Lo and behold, I was all done, my cart was empty, and I was feeling a little bummed...AND THERE IT WAS! The most perfect shade of this funky blue that I just can't get enough of lately. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw it and headed over. Mint condition, vintage armchair....but alas.....no price!!! Those of you who are avid thrifters know that they WILL NOT sell it if it's not priced! Minor freak out happening in my head at this point!! But, the manager went ahead and priced it for me. HOW NICE!

The old cupboard comes from The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall. It's dreamy, don't you think? Chippy, peely and very distressed. Original robin's egg blue paint!!!!! LOVE IT!

I rescued the headboard about a year ago....it's all rusty and had no rails. But I bought it anyway....imagine that! We just anchored it to a bed frame with a pull-out trundle, and it stays right in place.

So, Carol and Alex, if you are reading this blog, this room is waiting for you! See you soon! P.S. Hoping to have the guest bathroom updated by then as well. Stay tuned.......

Summer, Dads, Freedom

We've been working like crazy over the past week to get The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall ready for our Father's Day Open House in a few weeks! I thought I would share photos of various displays we've been putting together. Our idea of "Summertime Fun" (vintage style of course!) is displayed within a huge showcase that greets you as you enter the shop. In my rummaging of the old drug store stuff, I found vintage bathing caps, swim goggles, sunglasses, even vintage suntan lotions! It is all displayed along side the oh so stylish vintage bathing suit.



I even found a pair of vintage Foster Grants!

I tried on the shoes you see displayed next to the bathing suit. Oh wow, did those ladies ever have tiny little feet! I was able to squeeze in, but boy oh boys, those things are narrow! I could walk about 10 feet and then I'd have to call it quits!

And now we move on to our "Love Your Dad" area. We just pulled together all sorts of gear that bring Dad to mind.....fishing, sports, hunting, business suits....

We draped a bunch of funky vintage ties across some old oars. Just love all the colors and how cool it looks as our "valance"!






Don't you just love how worn these old boots are?

Sprinkled a few of these scrabble letter plates here and there.......simple and sweet!


The remainder of the huge display case will be filled with patriotic items just in time for Independence Day. Just got started on this area today, so it's not complete, but these two photos offer a sneak peek of some of the red, white, and blue....

I'm tired, my feet hurt, and I'm ready to call it a day. But, I must admit, when I download all these photos and see the electic mix we've pulled together, I realize, it's all good! I'll be ready to go at it again tomorrow! And, the ooh's and aah's of our customers as they reminisce and shop the displays brings a warmness to my heart that simply cannot be replaced! So, as ideas continue to swirl through my head tonight, I'll take a bubbler, rest up a bit, and be ready to take on some more shelves in the 10 foot high display case tomorrow! And, by the way, note to self....wear tennis shoes tomorrow!