Yesterday there were two Estate Sales that were happening close to my house. As y'all know by now, Estate Sales are my favorite type of Saturday morning activity. Why then, you might ask, did I not go to either one of those? Well, I am trying to exhibit some self-control. That's why. Because the fact is that in two weeks I'll be driving across the country and I should be staying home (read: not spending money!) and concentrating on getting all of my stuff together for the trip out west. Did I mention the Estate Sales are going on today too? And that one of them is less than 2 miles from my house? Or that I'm having an awfully hard time not running right down the street to see what they have to offer? Yeah, this self-control thing is HARD!!
Yesterday, you know, the day I should've been out yard saling but wasn't, was not nearly as productive as I had hoped it would be. See, I thought by staying home and not going to the Estate Sales that the husband and I would get a lot of stuff accomplished here at home. Well, that just didn't happen. We went to Home Depot so the husband could pick up grass seed for the big ol dirt patch on the side of our house. And he mowed the lawn, and did some laundry. Yes, he does the laundry because shortly after moving into our house I was down in the basement and saw some camel crickets and I am terrified of those things. Never heard of camel crickets? Well, first, consider yourself blessed. And then go google "Camel Cricket" and then sit there with the heebie-jeebies after you see how scary those things look! So, until the husband can get the basement cricket-free and finished off, he's doing the laundry. I mean I will do laundry, I'll just have to go find a laundromat first because I refuse to go into the basement. Yes. I am aware of the fact that I'm a big ol chicken. I'm okay with that!!
This morning I woke up kind of late (thank you, doggies, for letting me sleep in!) and came downstairs and cleaned the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. The husband and I had to run to Walmart for a new spray nozzle thing for the garden hose. The husband was watering his new grass seed yesterday afternoon and yanked a little too hard on the nozzle/hose and it broke. Haaaahahahaha I was sitting on the rocker talking with him as he watered the lawn and he's tugging on the hose and then it was like the thing exploded on him. Water went everywhere. I was really trying my hardest to not crack up but I couldn't help it. It was funny. Of course he didn't think so because he was covered in icy cold water. But it was funny to me!
So, the husband is outside now finally pressure washing the rockers so we can get those painted. Hopefully they will dry quickly so we can paint them today. I'm staying inside for now because I'm allergic to heat! Haha not really but it sounds like a good excuse! We're going to work on clearing out the two guest rooms today. They are filled with boxes that we've brought up from the basement and are putting in the attic. I want this house cleaned up/cleared out and organized before I leave which means I have a lot of stuff to do over the next two weeks. Not only cleaning the house, but also packing all of my stuff, getting my car tuned up, driving to NC to meet my mom & drop off the dogs! Ugh, I am going to be so stressed out until the end of the month.
Well, I should probably get going so I can get those rooms done, huh? Hope y'all are having a great weekend!!
13 July 2008
11 July 2008
Shopping is torture!
I've known this for a long while but shopping for clothing is pure HELL! I just spent almost 2 hours in a mall with hundreds of stores and I came out with nothing. Nothing at all. I went in search of shorts, which I always have a hard time finding ones that fit me and I thought for SURE that shopping at one of those big ol "Mills" malls would certainly have at least one store with clothing that would fit. Nope. Left completely empty-handed. I just looked at the mall's website. There are 34 stores under "Women's Apparel" and I walked in almost all of them. NOTHING FITS ME! I hate shopping for clothes. HATE.IT.
I was on the phone with my mother while driving to the mall and I was complaining about how hard it is to find things that fit. She and my sister both are built kind of like men - meaning they have no hips. Which works well for them because the can walk into any store and pick up things that fit. I have huge hips. I like my hips because I have that great hourglass figure but it is impossible to find clothing that fits my bottom half. So annoying. I should just make my own clothing and this could all be avoided! When the husband gets home today we're driving over to Kohl's because they are having a sale this weekend and I managed to find a couple of pairs of shorts there earlier this summer that actually fit okay. Please keep your fingers crossed that I find something that fits! Shopping is so depressing. Ugh!!
Moving along! I went to my favorite store yesterday - the Ghetto Thrift and it was kind of empty. I found a couple of pieces of Pyrex that were priced reasonably and I put them in my basket. After I finished looking through the rest of the store and didn't find anything else I wanted, I decided to put the Pyrex back on the shelf. Frankly, I don't need anymore Pyrex. I mean I *DO* but it's not anything I can't live without for now. I kept saying to myself 'this is money you could be spending while you're on vacation' which really helped me to not feel so bad about not buying the Pyrex!!
I went to my old favorite thrift store on Wednesday since the husband had to run into work for a few hours and then we were going to the commissary. This is the place I used to find fabulous deals. I was quite disappointed this time around though because there weren't any deals to be had. There was plenty of clothing but I don't really buy clothing at thrift stores. Not because I don't *want* to buy it, but usually I can't find anything that fits! See my rant above. And even if I do find something in the clothing section that I might like, this thrift store has no dressing rooms. I am not buying something I cannot try on. So, yeah, that trip to the thrift store was disappointing too!
I guess I might take a little break from thrifting for the next couple of weeks. I have entirely too much to do before I leave for Wyoming and there are going to be plenty of thrift stores and flea markets on my drive out, I am sure! Might as well save my money for those places, huh? I'll still be hitting up yard sales and estate sales though. I mean I can't go completely cold turkey on all my junking habits!!
Well, I should get going. I might have company coming to spend the night and my house looks like a disaster. I was hoping the husband and I would be able to finish all of our projects around this place over the weekend but my friend sent me a text saying she might come over tonight and then the Mother in Law's birthday is tomorrow and the husband forgot all about it until I said something to him today. SO, looks like we might be driving over to West Virginia tomorrow to see her. So much for getting this place put together!
I was on the phone with my mother while driving to the mall and I was complaining about how hard it is to find things that fit. She and my sister both are built kind of like men - meaning they have no hips. Which works well for them because the can walk into any store and pick up things that fit. I have huge hips. I like my hips because I have that great hourglass figure but it is impossible to find clothing that fits my bottom half. So annoying. I should just make my own clothing and this could all be avoided! When the husband gets home today we're driving over to Kohl's because they are having a sale this weekend and I managed to find a couple of pairs of shorts there earlier this summer that actually fit okay. Please keep your fingers crossed that I find something that fits! Shopping is so depressing. Ugh!!
Moving along! I went to my favorite store yesterday - the Ghetto Thrift and it was kind of empty. I found a couple of pieces of Pyrex that were priced reasonably and I put them in my basket. After I finished looking through the rest of the store and didn't find anything else I wanted, I decided to put the Pyrex back on the shelf. Frankly, I don't need anymore Pyrex. I mean I *DO* but it's not anything I can't live without for now. I kept saying to myself 'this is money you could be spending while you're on vacation' which really helped me to not feel so bad about not buying the Pyrex!!
I went to my old favorite thrift store on Wednesday since the husband had to run into work for a few hours and then we were going to the commissary. This is the place I used to find fabulous deals. I was quite disappointed this time around though because there weren't any deals to be had. There was plenty of clothing but I don't really buy clothing at thrift stores. Not because I don't *want* to buy it, but usually I can't find anything that fits! See my rant above. And even if I do find something in the clothing section that I might like, this thrift store has no dressing rooms. I am not buying something I cannot try on. So, yeah, that trip to the thrift store was disappointing too!
I guess I might take a little break from thrifting for the next couple of weeks. I have entirely too much to do before I leave for Wyoming and there are going to be plenty of thrift stores and flea markets on my drive out, I am sure! Might as well save my money for those places, huh? I'll still be hitting up yard sales and estate sales though. I mean I can't go completely cold turkey on all my junking habits!!
Well, I should get going. I might have company coming to spend the night and my house looks like a disaster. I was hoping the husband and I would be able to finish all of our projects around this place over the weekend but my friend sent me a text saying she might come over tonight and then the Mother in Law's birthday is tomorrow and the husband forgot all about it until I said something to him today. SO, looks like we might be driving over to West Virginia tomorrow to see her. So much for getting this place put together!
08 July 2008
I have a confession.
I am a compulsive list maker. And I swear, the older I get, the more I am convinced that without a list, I'd never get anything done. I make lists for everything. From regular grocery lists to lists of things I need to do around the house to projects I need to start/finish- it's never ending!
My latest lists are all centered around my big ol adventure I'll be taking in just a couple of weeks. My husband found out in April that he'd be going out to Wyoming for a month this summer. And that I could come along, too. So, as you can well imagine, I've spent the last 3 months making lists!! When I found out that I could come along I immediately decided that I wanted to make a road trip. Sure, I could just as easily fly out, and it would probably be cheaper to do that, but then I'd miss so many great things along the way.
I've searched Google so many times for things to see, places to stay, routes to take that my mind is absolutely spinning with all the possibilities. I've made so many lists- things I need to remember to pack, the mileage between big cities, Mom & Pop motels along the way. And here I sit, 3 weeks before my journey is to start and I am so overwhelmed by all of the information that I can't even decide which route I'm taking to drive out to Wyoming.
When I first told my Momma of my plans I think she thought I was either joking or insane. Maybe a bit of both. I guess she's just worried about me driving over 4,000 miles round-trip alone. I can understand that. I'm a little nervous myself. But I am also so excited that I find myself actually squealing out loud when I discover another cool place to visit! Yes, squeal. Like a pig. I'm not perfect, okay?! Anyhow, my Momma also wishes she could take time off from her job because she'd go out with me. She can't take that much time off though so she's going to watch my two doggies for me while we're gone. My doggies *LOVE* staying at Nanny & PaPa's house. Love.It. They get away with so much crap down there- I can't say I blame them.
Now I'm just waiting for some actual concrete dates from my husband, and he's waiting for dates from the people at the Vice President's office. And this is the military we're dealing with and as anyone that has ever been affiliated with the military will tell you, nothing is ever set in stone. Basically, I'll probably find out the actual dates about a week before we're supposed to be in Wyoming but hopefully it will be sooner than that.
My plans for now are to drive down to NC a few days before I'm supposed to leave & meet my mom to drop off the dogs. Then I'll come back up here to MD, load my car with all of my junk, check my eleven billion lists and then set off for my month long vacation. Well, I guess it's going to be longer than a month. I'm taking about 5 days to drive out there. I'm allowing myself plenty of time to stop along the way so if I see any concrete tee-pees or corn mazes that I simply must check out, well, I'll have time to do that.
And then last night at dinner the husband asked me what my plans were in September, after we got back from Wyoming. Uh, I didn't really have any plans. He told me that as soon as they get back from Wyoming that they'd be leaving again for 8-10 days to go overseas. So, now my plans are to take a different route from Wyoming and head to SC from there. Instead of coming back to MD first and then driving down to SC to pick up my puppies. Ack! That means I can see even MORE of the country than I thought I would. Plus that extends my adventure another week or 2 at least! Eeeek! (yes, that's me squealing!)
So, that's that. I still have so, so much to do. I need to get my car tuned up, I need to actually sit down and (gasp!) make a list of everything I need to get done over the next three weeks, I need to make reservations for the places I'm going to stay. Three weeks really isn't that much time to do all of the stuff I need to but I think it'll all work out. I hope.
Anyone have any fabulous ideas of places I need to add to the "MUST SEE" section of my lists? I haven't decided yet if I'll take I-80 or I-70 but the difference is only about 100 miles. I'll probably base it off of which route has more things to see along the way. Any suggestions? Anyone ever driven cross-country? Any tips you can offer? Thank you in advance for any suggestions/ideas/tips! I'm hoping I'll have internet access while I'm gone so I can bring you all along on the journey!
My latest lists are all centered around my big ol adventure I'll be taking in just a couple of weeks. My husband found out in April that he'd be going out to Wyoming for a month this summer. And that I could come along, too. So, as you can well imagine, I've spent the last 3 months making lists!! When I found out that I could come along I immediately decided that I wanted to make a road trip. Sure, I could just as easily fly out, and it would probably be cheaper to do that, but then I'd miss so many great things along the way.
I've searched Google so many times for things to see, places to stay, routes to take that my mind is absolutely spinning with all the possibilities. I've made so many lists- things I need to remember to pack, the mileage between big cities, Mom & Pop motels along the way. And here I sit, 3 weeks before my journey is to start and I am so overwhelmed by all of the information that I can't even decide which route I'm taking to drive out to Wyoming.
When I first told my Momma of my plans I think she thought I was either joking or insane. Maybe a bit of both. I guess she's just worried about me driving over 4,000 miles round-trip alone. I can understand that. I'm a little nervous myself. But I am also so excited that I find myself actually squealing out loud when I discover another cool place to visit! Yes, squeal. Like a pig. I'm not perfect, okay?! Anyhow, my Momma also wishes she could take time off from her job because she'd go out with me. She can't take that much time off though so she's going to watch my two doggies for me while we're gone. My doggies *LOVE* staying at Nanny & PaPa's house. Love.It. They get away with so much crap down there- I can't say I blame them.
Now I'm just waiting for some actual concrete dates from my husband, and he's waiting for dates from the people at the Vice President's office. And this is the military we're dealing with and as anyone that has ever been affiliated with the military will tell you, nothing is ever set in stone. Basically, I'll probably find out the actual dates about a week before we're supposed to be in Wyoming but hopefully it will be sooner than that.
My plans for now are to drive down to NC a few days before I'm supposed to leave & meet my mom to drop off the dogs. Then I'll come back up here to MD, load my car with all of my junk, check my eleven billion lists and then set off for my month long vacation. Well, I guess it's going to be longer than a month. I'm taking about 5 days to drive out there. I'm allowing myself plenty of time to stop along the way so if I see any concrete tee-pees or corn mazes that I simply must check out, well, I'll have time to do that.
And then last night at dinner the husband asked me what my plans were in September, after we got back from Wyoming. Uh, I didn't really have any plans. He told me that as soon as they get back from Wyoming that they'd be leaving again for 8-10 days to go overseas. So, now my plans are to take a different route from Wyoming and head to SC from there. Instead of coming back to MD first and then driving down to SC to pick up my puppies. Ack! That means I can see even MORE of the country than I thought I would. Plus that extends my adventure another week or 2 at least! Eeeek! (yes, that's me squealing!)
So, that's that. I still have so, so much to do. I need to get my car tuned up, I need to actually sit down and (gasp!) make a list of everything I need to get done over the next three weeks, I need to make reservations for the places I'm going to stay. Three weeks really isn't that much time to do all of the stuff I need to but I think it'll all work out. I hope.
Anyone have any fabulous ideas of places I need to add to the "MUST SEE" section of my lists? I haven't decided yet if I'll take I-80 or I-70 but the difference is only about 100 miles. I'll probably base it off of which route has more things to see along the way. Any suggestions? Anyone ever driven cross-country? Any tips you can offer? Thank you in advance for any suggestions/ideas/tips! I'm hoping I'll have internet access while I'm gone so I can bring you all along on the journey!
06 July 2008
Vintage Pyrex Coffe Mugs (or, further proof I was born 3 decades too late!)
Now, I'm sure you are asking yourself what does vintage Pyrex mugs have to do with being born too late. Lemme share with you this picture:
This is one of several Pyrex mugs that I own that have this logo on it. I own tons of Pyrex mugs, but this is the one I used today. The logo is from the Bradford House and until I googled this morning, I had no idea what the Bradford House was. I mean, I assumed it was some sort of restaurant, I just didn't know where it was. Google had a couple of links and I soon realized that Bradford House restaurants were the name of the lunch counters inside the old Grant stores. I'd never heard of Grant stores either, but from what I can gather they were either Five & Dimes or Department stores. Some of the links I found would say one thing, some the other. I guess maybe it depended on the location of the store as to whether it was a Five & Dime or a Dept. Store.
Anyhow, so as I'm sitting here at my desk, sipping my coffee from my fabulous little mug and researching Grant stores, I started remembering the old Kress store we had in my hometown while I was a small child. Now, this was early to mid 80s, and even then it felt like that store was older than dirt!! But I loved going there with my Momma. She had worked at Kress for a while before she and my Daddy got married. I remember her taking us "downtown", usually with my Grandma and we'd go to Kress. They still had a lunch counter back then and I remember eating there a couple of times. I have been craving their Grilled Cheese Sandwich all.morning! Even now, 20+ years later, I can still remember how delicious their food was.
Once, I guess I was about 15 or so, my family went to Daytona Beach for Thanksgiving. My Daddy is all into classic cars and Daytona has a huge show every Thanksgiving called the Turkey Rod Run. Anyhow, we were down there for the weekend and my sister and our friend were walking around and we found a Woolworth's. That store still had it's lunch counter too! I loved shopping there that weekend.
I'm not sure what happened to Kress, but it probably disappeared like all of the other stores of its kind. Now, mega marts and shopping malls that have hundreds of stores that will take hours to walk through have taken over. I really wish we still had stores like Kress & Woolworth's. I know I'd much rather shop at a place like that than having to deal with eleven billion people at a crowded Wal-Mart. See, I really should've been born several decades ago!
Anyway, aside from reminiscing about the past this morning I have been sort of productive. I cleared out some of the junk in our dining room. Most of it belongs to my husband and he'll be going through that tomorrow when he gets home. I found my huge box of vintage souvenir plates that I have yet to hang on the wall and sorted through those and tried to decide in which order I wanted them on the walls. It's a huge wall so I have more options than in my old houses. They're in stacks on top of my buffet because I cannot reach the wall to hang them. That's another project for my husband this week!
The weather is still humid and cloudy and I'm going to forgo shopping at the thrift stores today. I'm just going to stay here and try to get my house a little more organized because I am starting to get tired of living with such chaos. I mean we've been living here for two and a half months already and it still isn't presentable. It is driving me crazy- it's never taken us this long to get settled. So, that's what I'm going to work on today- right after I take a little nap! Hope y'all are having a great day too!
This is one of several Pyrex mugs that I own that have this logo on it. I own tons of Pyrex mugs, but this is the one I used today. The logo is from the Bradford House and until I googled this morning, I had no idea what the Bradford House was. I mean, I assumed it was some sort of restaurant, I just didn't know where it was. Google had a couple of links and I soon realized that Bradford House restaurants were the name of the lunch counters inside the old Grant stores. I'd never heard of Grant stores either, but from what I can gather they were either Five & Dimes or Department stores. Some of the links I found would say one thing, some the other. I guess maybe it depended on the location of the store as to whether it was a Five & Dime or a Dept. Store.
Anyhow, so as I'm sitting here at my desk, sipping my coffee from my fabulous little mug and researching Grant stores, I started remembering the old Kress store we had in my hometown while I was a small child. Now, this was early to mid 80s, and even then it felt like that store was older than dirt!! But I loved going there with my Momma. She had worked at Kress for a while before she and my Daddy got married. I remember her taking us "downtown", usually with my Grandma and we'd go to Kress. They still had a lunch counter back then and I remember eating there a couple of times. I have been craving their Grilled Cheese Sandwich all.morning! Even now, 20+ years later, I can still remember how delicious their food was.
Once, I guess I was about 15 or so, my family went to Daytona Beach for Thanksgiving. My Daddy is all into classic cars and Daytona has a huge show every Thanksgiving called the Turkey Rod Run. Anyhow, we were down there for the weekend and my sister and our friend were walking around and we found a Woolworth's. That store still had it's lunch counter too! I loved shopping there that weekend.
I'm not sure what happened to Kress, but it probably disappeared like all of the other stores of its kind. Now, mega marts and shopping malls that have hundreds of stores that will take hours to walk through have taken over. I really wish we still had stores like Kress & Woolworth's. I know I'd much rather shop at a place like that than having to deal with eleven billion people at a crowded Wal-Mart. See, I really should've been born several decades ago!
Anyway, aside from reminiscing about the past this morning I have been sort of productive. I cleared out some of the junk in our dining room. Most of it belongs to my husband and he'll be going through that tomorrow when he gets home. I found my huge box of vintage souvenir plates that I have yet to hang on the wall and sorted through those and tried to decide in which order I wanted them on the walls. It's a huge wall so I have more options than in my old houses. They're in stacks on top of my buffet because I cannot reach the wall to hang them. That's another project for my husband this week!
The weather is still humid and cloudy and I'm going to forgo shopping at the thrift stores today. I'm just going to stay here and try to get my house a little more organized because I am starting to get tired of living with such chaos. I mean we've been living here for two and a half months already and it still isn't presentable. It is driving me crazy- it's never taken us this long to get settled. So, that's what I'm going to work on today- right after I take a little nap! Hope y'all are having a great day too!
05 July 2008
Retail Therapy Saturday
Well, yesterday was a total bust! It started to get pretty cloudy around noon but I figured I'd go downtown anyhow in hopes that it wouldn't be a complete washout. It was very overcast but I didn't mind because that kept it from being too hot. It was still quite humid but at least it wasn't so sunny. I made my way to the Park & Ride Lot, caught the train into the city and then found my way down to the Inner Harbor. It was my first time down there so I wasn't really sure where I was going. I found the Harbor (and some shade, thank you Jesus!) and listened to a band play. I read online that they were supposed to be singing Motown/Doo Wop music so that was what made me really want to go downtown in the first place. The group really wasn't that good. Ten minutes of singing songs about Sesame Street, Barney and Elmo was so ANNOYING!
After the band was finished it was around 5:00 and another band was supposed to come on stage and play Top 40, which really isn't my thing, but it was something to do until the fireworks were supposed to start. Well, it started raining about 5:15, steady rain, and I decided I just didn't want to see fireworks that badly. So I started the long walk back to the train station. Now, in reality, it's only a couple of blocks, but the genius that I am, I decided to pack 40 pounds worth of crap into my backpack yesterday and I was really wondering if I was INSANE as I was schlepping my soaked, sore self back to the train.
Anyhow, I stayed inside the rest of the night, sulking and feeling sorry for myself since not only did I not get to see the fireworks but I was spending the night alone! I felt much better about my decision to come home after I turned on PBS and saw the live show from DC and all of those poor souls, soaking wet and standing around in little plastic trash bag ponchos. They looked miserable! I was quite comfy in my bed with my laptop and my doggies.
Today started out the same way as yesterday ended, soggy and humid. I really missed not going yard saling today but I made up for it by hitting a couple of thrift stores and an antique store. I drove over to one of my favorite Goodwill's. It's about 12 miles from here but it's really worth the drive (and the gas) because I always find good things there for not a lot of money. I've noticed though that they are starting to raise their prices on housewares which isn't good because I won't shop there if it gets out of hand!
It was insanely crowded when I arrived, which almost made me reconsider going in but I'm so glad I did. I found some fabulous things- like this little vintage suitcase for $2. It's a Grasshopper brand, and I don't think I've ever seen one of these before. Now, I don't really *need* another suitcase, especially one I'll never actually use (because I use my Vera Bradley bags now!) but I couldn't resist buying this. Why you might ask? Because it's plaid. More specifically, it's the Black Watch Tartan. Now, my last name (well, maiden but it's still my last because I didn't change my name when I got married) is Keith. And I love my last name & all of the history that goes along with it. But, it's very hard to find things in the Keith Tartan unless you're either at an actual Tartan shop or unless you are ordering it online. So, the Black Watch Tartan is sort of a close match to the Keith Tartan and it's much more readily available.
Suitcase:
Keith Tartan:
Black Watch Tartan:
I also snagged 8 (yes, eight) rolls of this Sasheen Ribbon. Each spool has 75 yards on it and I have no idea what I'll do with 600 yards of this ribbon but it's old and it was only 25 cents for each spool!
I also picked up this shelf paper, with a decorative edging for 50 cents. Personally, I think it's kind of an ugly pattern- I'm not much into the oranges/golds/browns of the 70s but it was still in the original packaging so I had to have it. Maybe I'll sell it but for now it's here at my house and it doesn't really take up much room!
I saw this gift wrap in a bin shoved under a table. I can't tell if it's really vintage or not but it was only 50 cents so into the cart it went.
As I was checking out, I saw this cute little Mixer Cover. I love that it's still in the original packaging. Also, it was 50 cents and I felt it needed to come home with me. I doubt I'll use it but it was too cute to pass up.
Lastly, I found this teapot. I don't care for teapots really, but my Momma has one exactly like this and has had it for as long as I can remember. Probably since before I was even born. When she was up here in Maryland in May we went to a thrift store and as we were checking out, she saw this exact same teapot. It matched the one she had at her house and she said she was buying it to give to my aunt. I don't know which aunt. I have 3 on her side of the family. Anyhow, so this teapot today was only $2 so I bought it. I called her and told her she could have it if she wanted it. Maybe I'll find another one and then she can give one to each of her sisters!!
After the Goodwill, I went across the street to an antique store. Rarely do I buy anything from antique stores because to me, the thrill is in the hunt and I'm always hunting a good bargain. I will buy vintage postcards and old Mason jars from those places but I mostly stop in to see what everyone else is selling. It's so reassuring to me to walk into a shop and see so many things that I have here at home. It proves to me (and to my husband) that all of this "junk" I pick up at thrift stores actually has some value! Like a vintage kitchen stool I saw today at the antique store, you know, the ones that have the seat that lifts up and stairs under it- yeah, I bought one for $12 a couple of years ago and I saw one today at the antique store that was for sale for $85! I guess I am too thrifty to actually buy something like that at an antique store. But like I said, it's nice to know all of my treasures are actually worth more than I paid for them!
Well, that's enough for today! I'm hoping the weather fairs off tomorrow because I am tired of the rainy, gloomy, humid stuff! I want to go into DC and check out the baby flamingos that were born at the zoo this past spring. If the weather doesn't cooperate I guess I can always go to some other thrift stores tomorrow!
After the band was finished it was around 5:00 and another band was supposed to come on stage and play Top 40, which really isn't my thing, but it was something to do until the fireworks were supposed to start. Well, it started raining about 5:15, steady rain, and I decided I just didn't want to see fireworks that badly. So I started the long walk back to the train station. Now, in reality, it's only a couple of blocks, but the genius that I am, I decided to pack 40 pounds worth of crap into my backpack yesterday and I was really wondering if I was INSANE as I was schlepping my soaked, sore self back to the train.
Anyhow, I stayed inside the rest of the night, sulking and feeling sorry for myself since not only did I not get to see the fireworks but I was spending the night alone! I felt much better about my decision to come home after I turned on PBS and saw the live show from DC and all of those poor souls, soaking wet and standing around in little plastic trash bag ponchos. They looked miserable! I was quite comfy in my bed with my laptop and my doggies.
Today started out the same way as yesterday ended, soggy and humid. I really missed not going yard saling today but I made up for it by hitting a couple of thrift stores and an antique store. I drove over to one of my favorite Goodwill's. It's about 12 miles from here but it's really worth the drive (and the gas) because I always find good things there for not a lot of money. I've noticed though that they are starting to raise their prices on housewares which isn't good because I won't shop there if it gets out of hand!
It was insanely crowded when I arrived, which almost made me reconsider going in but I'm so glad I did. I found some fabulous things- like this little vintage suitcase for $2. It's a Grasshopper brand, and I don't think I've ever seen one of these before. Now, I don't really *need* another suitcase, especially one I'll never actually use (because I use my Vera Bradley bags now!) but I couldn't resist buying this. Why you might ask? Because it's plaid. More specifically, it's the Black Watch Tartan. Now, my last name (well, maiden but it's still my last because I didn't change my name when I got married) is Keith. And I love my last name & all of the history that goes along with it. But, it's very hard to find things in the Keith Tartan unless you're either at an actual Tartan shop or unless you are ordering it online. So, the Black Watch Tartan is sort of a close match to the Keith Tartan and it's much more readily available.
Suitcase:
Keith Tartan:
Black Watch Tartan:
I also snagged 8 (yes, eight) rolls of this Sasheen Ribbon. Each spool has 75 yards on it and I have no idea what I'll do with 600 yards of this ribbon but it's old and it was only 25 cents for each spool!
I also picked up this shelf paper, with a decorative edging for 50 cents. Personally, I think it's kind of an ugly pattern- I'm not much into the oranges/golds/browns of the 70s but it was still in the original packaging so I had to have it. Maybe I'll sell it but for now it's here at my house and it doesn't really take up much room!
I saw this gift wrap in a bin shoved under a table. I can't tell if it's really vintage or not but it was only 50 cents so into the cart it went.
As I was checking out, I saw this cute little Mixer Cover. I love that it's still in the original packaging. Also, it was 50 cents and I felt it needed to come home with me. I doubt I'll use it but it was too cute to pass up.
Lastly, I found this teapot. I don't care for teapots really, but my Momma has one exactly like this and has had it for as long as I can remember. Probably since before I was even born. When she was up here in Maryland in May we went to a thrift store and as we were checking out, she saw this exact same teapot. It matched the one she had at her house and she said she was buying it to give to my aunt. I don't know which aunt. I have 3 on her side of the family. Anyhow, so this teapot today was only $2 so I bought it. I called her and told her she could have it if she wanted it. Maybe I'll find another one and then she can give one to each of her sisters!!
After the Goodwill, I went across the street to an antique store. Rarely do I buy anything from antique stores because to me, the thrill is in the hunt and I'm always hunting a good bargain. I will buy vintage postcards and old Mason jars from those places but I mostly stop in to see what everyone else is selling. It's so reassuring to me to walk into a shop and see so many things that I have here at home. It proves to me (and to my husband) that all of this "junk" I pick up at thrift stores actually has some value! Like a vintage kitchen stool I saw today at the antique store, you know, the ones that have the seat that lifts up and stairs under it- yeah, I bought one for $12 a couple of years ago and I saw one today at the antique store that was for sale for $85! I guess I am too thrifty to actually buy something like that at an antique store. But like I said, it's nice to know all of my treasures are actually worth more than I paid for them!
Well, that's enough for today! I'm hoping the weather fairs off tomorrow because I am tired of the rainy, gloomy, humid stuff! I want to go into DC and check out the baby flamingos that were born at the zoo this past spring. If the weather doesn't cooperate I guess I can always go to some other thrift stores tomorrow!
04 July 2008
Happy Birthday America!
Well, I saw the husband off this morning as he left the house at 4:30, which I might add is entirely too early to be waking up, but he had to be on base around 5:30. So, I got up and saw him off and then managed to drop an expandable baton on my big toe as I was gathering my stuff to head back upstairs to bed. When the husband is gone, I like to keep my purse, keys, cell & house phone and one of his military issued expandable batons by my bed. I know that sounds crazy but I've probably watched one too many episodes of CSI and now I get all freaked out at night while he's away.
So, back to dropping a pound and a half of steel on my toe. That hurt like a you-know-what! And there I was, about to black out from the pain, at 4:30 in the morning. The husband was trying his best to not laugh at me but I guess it was sort of funny. I hobbled back upstairs with an ice pack and the dogs and I went back to sleep for a couple of hours. My toe is a lovely shade of blue now!
The Husband is gone until Monday and as usual, he's gone over a holiday weekend. He was gone for Memorial Day weekend too and will probably be gone at Christmas/New Years and maybe Thanksgiving too. It all depends on where the Vice President decides to spend his holidays. It's kind of lonely being home all alone in a city where I really know no-one but I've somehow managed to get through five years of this lifestyle so far. I really do like our little military life we're living but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't counting down the years to retirement. Of course I'm sure when he retires and is home all the freaking time I'm going to be wishing he'd go somewhere for a few days!
This is our first year here in our new house and I'm going to go into Baltimore later today and check out the festivities. There are some bands playing near the Inner Harbor and then the Naval Academy band will play right before the fireworks at 9:30. That's if the weather will hold out. Last year the husband and I went into Annapolis for their fireworks. It rained that evening but they still managed to get in the fireworks. I'm kind of nervous about going into Baltimore alone but there should be a lot of people which will make me feel safer. And I'm heading down there around 2:30 this afternoon so at least it'll still be daylight so I can see where I'm going! I had thought about going to watch the Oriole's game first and then heading over to see the fireworks but then I read that there was a band playing Motown music from 3-5:30 and I'd rather listen to that than watch baseball.
What are you all doing today? I hope everyone has a safe & happy July 4th, please don't drink & drive!!
01 July 2008
My Bucket List
Hey y'all. Lisa over at Confessions of an Apron Queen had a fabulous idea for all of us to come up with our very own "bucket lists". You know, a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. Well, I probably haven't shared this with you all yet, but I'm planning on living to be 122 so I should have sufficient time to complete most, if not all, the items on my bucket list. Well, that's assuming that the husband and I strike it rich somewhere along the way and can afford to do all of this stuff!
1) Have a couple of kiddos. I'm really not a huge kid person but I'm almost 30 and it's probably time I get serious about this! So, I need at least 1 but I'd be happy with like 5 or 6, too!
2) Travel out west. I've been up and down the east coast of the US and Canada but never past the Midwest. I'm actually going to do this later this summer as I embark on a 6-week vacation to Wyoming! I.cannot.wait!
3) Travel to Europe. The husband is in the military so maybe we'll even get orders overseas. I really want to see Scotland. And Ireland. And a couple of other countries too- like Belgium where I can hand-pick my Leonida's Chocolates, instead of relying on the husband to bring those back for me.
4) Live in Alaska. Before we had orders here to Maryland, I really, really wanted the husband to try to get orders to Alaska. If we can't move there, I'll settle for at least visiting.
5) Live somewhere that has actual snow for a good portion of the winter. I want to live somewhere that it actually feels like Christmas- with lots of snow, and ice skating and sleigh rides.
6) Experience fall in New England. Fall is my favorite season and for years I've been wanting to go to New Hampshire and Vermont to see the leaves changing color.
7) Buy a vintage camper- like a little Serro Scotty, or a Shasta or even an Airstream and travel the country.
8) Own a little Mom & Pop motel in the mountains of NC or TN. Those are my favorite types of places to stay at & I just think owning one would be so cool!
9) Finally buy a vacation home in the mountains. We talked about it back in 2004, even went and looked at places but our plans changed. I think we're both kicking ourselves right about now that we didn't go through with it.
10) Have a booth in an antique shop where I can sell some of the cute, vintage things that are starting to take over my house!
There are a couple of more but I think that's plenty for now.
Go check out the other people that are sharing their bucket lists too at:
1) Have a couple of kiddos. I'm really not a huge kid person but I'm almost 30 and it's probably time I get serious about this! So, I need at least 1 but I'd be happy with like 5 or 6, too!
2) Travel out west. I've been up and down the east coast of the US and Canada but never past the Midwest. I'm actually going to do this later this summer as I embark on a 6-week vacation to Wyoming! I.cannot.wait!
3) Travel to Europe. The husband is in the military so maybe we'll even get orders overseas. I really want to see Scotland. And Ireland. And a couple of other countries too- like Belgium where I can hand-pick my Leonida's Chocolates, instead of relying on the husband to bring those back for me.
4) Live in Alaska. Before we had orders here to Maryland, I really, really wanted the husband to try to get orders to Alaska. If we can't move there, I'll settle for at least visiting.
5) Live somewhere that has actual snow for a good portion of the winter. I want to live somewhere that it actually feels like Christmas- with lots of snow, and ice skating and sleigh rides.
6) Experience fall in New England. Fall is my favorite season and for years I've been wanting to go to New Hampshire and Vermont to see the leaves changing color.
7) Buy a vintage camper- like a little Serro Scotty, or a Shasta or even an Airstream and travel the country.
8) Own a little Mom & Pop motel in the mountains of NC or TN. Those are my favorite types of places to stay at & I just think owning one would be so cool!
9) Finally buy a vacation home in the mountains. We talked about it back in 2004, even went and looked at places but our plans changed. I think we're both kicking ourselves right about now that we didn't go through with it.
10) Have a booth in an antique shop where I can sell some of the cute, vintage things that are starting to take over my house!
There are a couple of more but I think that's plenty for now.
Go check out the other people that are sharing their bucket lists too at:
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