Freeform Friday: Thrift Score

A Thrifting Birthday

Last Friday was my Mom's birthday and we celebrated with or second annual thrifting trip to Salvation Army. First however, we started with lunch and a margarita!

We also shared delicious bruschetta and onion rings. Then we were ready for The Sally.

I almost immediately found my best score of the day, but I'll save it for last.

I thought these pineapple candleholders were very festive. Wouldn't they look great on a patio? However, they didn't go into my basket.

These didn't get these either, but I had to get a shot because all I could think of my etsy/blogging friends Marieken and Wilma.


Ditto for the lovely candleholders, which totally would have been mine if I didn't already have several Waterford pairs. How pretty are these? And check out the price!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Mom came away with a classic ginger jar-esque lamp for the porch. For a mere $8. Way to go Marge!

I did better than the birthday girl though.

I got 6 awesome hardcover books (one I gave to G immediately). I was buying 4 when the lady told me if I bought one more I'd get another free. I was in like Flynn.

The illustrations in the Louisa May Alcott book are so sweet!

This book I scored reminded me of Cecilia of Caligraphando, another blogging and instagram pal.
She is a fantastic caligrapher. I used to dabble years ago, but I've no idea where all my supplies went. Guess another trip to Michael's is in store now.

There's a wonderful variety of artists in the modern drawing book.

I especially love Matisse.

It will be fun to go through though, because there are plenty of artists who I've never even heard of before.

Speaking of artists, my best score was this beautiful Degas print, classe de danse.

I put it in my basket immediately. I've always loved Degas.  I haven't hung it quite yet, but we're thinking the kitchen because the colors go so well.

The print isn't only gorgeous, it's also professionally framed. Oh yes, you are coming home with me.

When I got it home, upon further inspection I found this embossed stamp.

Musee Du Louvre Chalcographie. Now this is getting interesting.

Come to learn that the Musee Du Louvre Chalcographie is 'is a institution created in 1797 covering three types of activities: a collection of engraved copper plates attached to the Department of Prints and Drawings of the Louvre Museum , a collection of prints and a print shop' (from wikipedia).  Then I also found the site for Musee Du Louvre Chalcographie, which lists this print at 65 Euro (so nearly double that for US $$). 

Add to that the professional archival framing that was done, and I'd say my little $5.99 investment was a pretty sound one.

I also came away with the comfiest Tommy Hilfiger navy and white polka dot lounge pants, a brand new top, and an adorable navy and white striped summer jacket. I did good.

High five for the thrift score!

I'd say we really need to make this little trip of ours more than annual.

Have you gone thrifting or to any yardsales lately? What was your best find?


Freeform Friday

This song just makes me dance and sing (and if you've heard the country western remake, this is the original, just so you know). It feels good! I hope it does the same for you. Thank you Sonia Dada! Click here if you're reading via email.



Any plans for the weekend? Here at The Bates Estate it will more than likely be a good mix of work and play.  We have a long to do list as we continue to try to get the yard 'springed up' and the garden planting finished. I still have much work to do in my flower gardens too. I think we'll probably be hanging with the neighborhoodlums tonight and beyond that, no set plans.  

Whatever you do this weekend, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

Thrift Score & Freeform Friday

 

White. White.White.

 

So, the birthday girl (Mom) and I went thrifting yesterday afternoon. We were off to Salvation Army to see what we there was to be had. I found just what I was looking for, some white dishes to use in my food photos. I think they'll help the food really pop, and won't cast any weird colors (like my green bowls.....ick).  I'm hoping they'll help imporove my food shots.

 

I found two of these and took them home with me. Too sweet.

 

 

 

Since it was '50% off white and pink tag day' I got both of them for a buck. Can't beat it.

I had another great thrift score. I didn't know how great until I did a little research this morning. I was simply happy with the piece. Now that I know what is and more importantly it's value, I'm even happier. I'll get some photos of it and share it with you all next week. It's pretty cool.


Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and our plans include our usual plans for this weekend. We plant the vegetable garden, which could be hampered by the weather we're having. We'll see where we get with that. We head across the street for an annual cookout on Sunday. On Monday, it's off to Hampton for the Memorial Day parade, complete with Uncle George marching and leading the gun salute at the cemetary.  It's a time to remember those who have given all they have to give to ensure our freedoms and it's an important day to mark, at least in my book. After that, over to sister Di and brother in law Al's for a cookout. The, back home for more planting.

What's your plans for the holiday weekend? Do you have a long weekend? I sure hope you do.

Freeform Friday

In the spirit of Memorial Day, I found this video of Bob Hope entertaining the troops in Vietnam. He was something else. He really supported the troops. And boy could he dance (though this video doesn't showcase his best dancing). If you're reading by email, click here.





Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who have died so we can enjoy the freedom we all too often take for granted, and think of those people around the world who do not enjoy the same kind of liberties. 

Ciao for now,

Birthday Happenings....Thrift Score!

Laid Back Weekend

As you may know from Friday's post, yesterday was my birthday.  I do my best to extend the celebrations for as long as possible. I mean, celebrating life should be done right.  I don't sweat the age thing. Never have. Maybe I will someday but for now, I'm always happy to blessed to be here. You either get older or you don't. Know what I mean?

Friday afternoon, I did play hooky as planned. I was off to Salvation Army and Goodwill for a little inexpensive thrifting fun.  As always, I came away with some new treasures. Some I will sell in our Etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co., other's I've decided to keep.

Found this retro wall plaque. Was going to sell it, but now seeing it on my kitchen wall, I'm thinking I might keep it.

Check out these awesome signed pottery dishes.  These may stay too, because they will make a really nice grouping with the wall plaque, on my kitchen wall.  I still have to do a little research and get the magnifying glass out to see if I can identify the artist.

A charming little bone china saucer with violets. A steal of a deal.

Another little bone china dish with violets, and another steal.

While I'm dishin' my scores, how about this one? Can you even stand how cute this is with the little vintage characters?  Little kids off to milk their toy cows. Oh man. Cute factor of at least 100. I mean, look at the girl in the back carrying the milk stool on her head. How can this not make you giggle and smile?

Forget the dishes, check out this bowl.  Ultra cool. This one is signed Sierndof Austria. I found an artist Thomasch Sierndorf in Austria, but Sierndorf is also an area in Austria.  It has really beautiful coloring. Again, more research to do.

 

What? 25cents? As my mother would say, I couldn't leave it there for that.

It's plastic, but it's vintage and it's British according to the mark. By the weight of the backer board I'd say it might be from the 50s.  Love it the way it is, but thought it could be really nice with some gold gilting and a mirror insert.

I'm quite happy with my finds and I thoroughly enjoyed just wasting the time away thrifting.

Saturday I was running out to my hairdresser, who I hadn't seen in much too long, when my husband came in with these for me.  He often buys me roses, but has been branching out.  Now, not a lot of girls would be excited to say thir husband bought them cabbage for their birthday, but check these ornamentals out.

So pretty. Thanks Babe.

We were going to go to dinner on Saturday, but Gman spent the day working in the well and pump house again, so I gave him the out. Instead I cooked some beef burgundy and mashed potatoes, we found some John Wayne and chilled on the couch.

He made up for Saturday night by taking me to lunch yesterday. We were off to our favorite Irish local, RiRa.  Finally got a seat at a table...it was packed....and was waited on by our favorite Irish waiter Michael. Met the new girl Jen too.  She was fresh off the boat from Gar's hometown of Dublin and loving our area so far.

We both went with the fish and chips and my husband's platter looked like an entire side of haddock. I am not joking. It was ridiculous.

I also took two naps. Yup, count them. TWO. I am a huge proponent of naps. Sister Di doesn't 'get naps', but thankfully my college roommate and I were on the same page. We were the nap queens. When my body says nap, I am happy to oblige. I curled up under the afghan by the stove and was all toasty and warm.  Heavenly.

The celebration continues tonight at my parent's for cocktail hour and big honkin' shrimp cocktail. 

Hey, I forewarned you that I work these birthdays for all they're worth.

What did you do this weekend? Craft fairs? Busy getting ready for the holidays? Anything special or something exciting like housework?

Happy Monday. Make it a good one and I'll do the same.

Ciao for now,