I really have to stop going to thrift stores for a while, but it's so hard to resist the pull.
Especially during the summer.
There are outside sales every weekend, calling to me with their bright colored wares.
And warm, sunny days when I can pop in and out of the car without catching a chill.
No coats, boots, snow to work around.
I feel like even Mother Nature is coaxing me to shop.
I've tried to have restraint lately, when it comes to purchasing new items. I have far too many thrifted decor pieces to display as it is, in this super tiny cottage.
However, once I'm inside, it's all over.
I get caught up in the thrill of the hunt, blinded by the haze of pretty before me, and usually, seduced by the bargain price.
And my husband is no help.
For example, a few weeks ago, I asked him to stop at a cute thrift/ antique store that I've never been in before.
Once we were inside it was all over. I fell in love with this speckled ceramic pitcher right away.
Five feet from the door and I was already in trouble.
I'd never seen anything like it before. The shape was just so unique, and it was red. I had to have it.
But it was $15.
Now, I'm all for supporting local business and I know that vintage is a huge buzzword today and that automatically adds extra dollar signs to anything tagged with that word.
I also know that I'm a cheap and fickle decorator who likes to change out decor often. So when I go out second hand shopping I try to stay under the $5 per item mark.
This was three times that much and it gave me pause. I hesitated...and looked to my husband to be the voice of reason.
What do you think, is it worth it?
To which he answered without hesitation, Yes, get it.
See, no help.
Next up, in the same shop, I saw this teapot. I mean come on.
A red rooster? On a teapot?
It was literally made for me.
Except. It didn't have a top.
Whomp whomp. Well, that was a bummer.
It wasn't a huge deal to me, it was so darling, the pull was strong. So I began to rationalize. I could use it as a planter or a flower vase.
Realistically I wasn't ever making tea in it anyway.
It did however really bother my husband.
No top. What are you going to do with it? He wasn't as taken by my creative display ideas, but said, Well, how much would you pay for it without a top?
There wasn't a price marked on the piece, so I told him we'd have to ask, however without a top, no more than $10. With a top, I'd go as high as $15.
Again, a stretch for me...but that rooster...And I did find only one online in blue for a lot more.
So we headed to the counter to inquire and as we came around the corner, treasures in hand, the shop owner yelled out to us with excitement.
Oh! You found the teapot! I took the top off to wash it, but couldn't remember where I'd left the rest of it.
And the price? $15.
Right on the money. Meant to be.
Of course, when we got back into the truck, I told my husband that I wasn't sure I really needed any of these things, no matter how pretty they were.
I wasn't even sure where I had room to put them.
He answered by saying if I loved them, they were worth it and I'd find a place to show them off.
Gosh, I love that sweet guy.
Even if he's not helping me on my decluttering journey.
The lovely memories on that thrifting day come back to me every time I see those pieces.
And memories don't take up any space at all.
♡♡♡
What were your latest thrifting finds?
Happy Treasure Hunting, Friends!
Oh I do enjoy a good story and this is one. ;-) The shop owner could not find the teapot, Ha!
ReplyDeleteI love the treasures and the memory making day too.
Love, Carla
Stories are my first love, so your comment is the best! Thank you...and isn't that funny? She literally had it in her hands when we rounded the corner. I think it was truly meant to be!
DeleteOh my gosh Kim you found some great pieces. I would have paid $15 for that cute red pitcher and it is unique in shape and so you. Great finds Score!!!!! Happy Tuesday. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! I fell in love at first sight with that one. It’s very unique and the flowers just spill out of it perfectly. Have a great evening!!
DeleteThey were perfect for your decor
ReplyDeleteThank you! They were lucky finds!
DeleteYes! Those pieces were meant for you. Your hubby is sweet to see that and even encourage you! I think I don't have the vision. I rarely find cute things like that when thrifting.
ReplyDeleteI love them, but I always find cute thing when thrifting either. Most of the time what I find looks like it's been through a fire and I have to rehab it...but they're cheap!! Haha!!
DeleteWhat fun!!!! I love both pieces but I am really smitten with the little teapot! So sweet! Enjoy them!!! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteIsn’t it sweet? I’m so happy it had a top!!
DeleteYour thrifted pieces are perfect! I would have snapped up them up also, lol! I usually rationalize with myself, “ would I rather have 3 coffees from a coffee shop, or this lovely bowl to display in my home”, the bowl would win out! And I go home and make a coffee and admire my new found treasure! 😁😁😁🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I have to say, I love them...no regrets! I like your rationalizing trick, too. I'd pick the bowl, too!! Thanks so much for the comment!!
DeleteWhen the top was found, it was meant for you to have. I love it. Sweet husband you have knowing it would please you to have it. Love thrift shopping. I have some things sitting outside on table I haven't found a place for yet. My wants are always more than my needs, of course when I want it, I tell my husband with me that I need it. I can't help it; I love these little gift or vintage shops.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Betsy! I think it was meant to be. My wants are always more than my needs, too. When I was younger I was clothes obsessed. Now I’m all about those vintage and thrift shops. Funny how we change…and glad to hear I’m not alone!!
DeleteLucky you to make these great finds to begin with! If I asked my husband to stop at a thrift shop or antique mall …lol..he’d run the other way!! Be lucky you have a small cottage! I have a pretty large home and the entire attic along with the large 2 car garage is filled with my escapades from many years of thrifting! I do still decorate and I do use a lot of it, however, when I finish decorating or move on to the next world somebody is going to have to move all that stuff and they have been voicing their opinion for years now that they aren’t doing it! Well you do it or you don’t inherit it is my motto..lol…they of course cringe at the thought of it! Inside, I laugh because I know they will have fun with the thrill of it….they have to start sometime!😆
ReplyDeleteYes, very lucky indeed and he's a great sport when it comes to treasure hunting. The cottage is great for limiting what I can have, well, and being able to still move around this place without tripping!! Haha! My mom's house was very large and she was a collector, too. It was a big job to move her and then eventually clean it all out. I kept a lot of her treasures. They make me smile!!
DeleteMy latest finds were 5 silver spoons for $2 for all, and a small picnic basket for $8. I like both the items you found!
ReplyDeleteOh, silver spoons!! That's a super fun find!!
DeleteAh, so you have an Enabler too!?! They are absolutely the BEST! You only live once so buy what you love - and I love what you found!
ReplyDeleteI do indeed!! He's no help with paring down, but if you're in a buying mood, he's your guy!!
DeleteWhat a sweetheart of a hubby you have as your co-shopper, Kim. Those thrifted items are perfect for you! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty! He really is a good shopping partner...
DeleteAwwww.... that teapot really is precious and so you. I'm happy you found it!
ReplyDeleteThanks RIcki Jill! It makes me smile whenever I catch a glimpse
DeleteOh Kim...you have such a way with words...and the pretties your found! And the husband who lovingly supports your shopping!! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jan! Your sweet words just made my day. I hope you're having a lovely afternoon!!
DeleteI like the way your hubby thinks! LOL! And yes, the memories attached to these two items will be priceless. They are both so cute! I think you made some wise purchases!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy! I love looking at all of them!!
DeleteI absolutely adore your sofa!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I had a beautiful floral one in there for years, but we used it until it quite literally fell apart. Haha. I searched for a new floral, but they were impossible to find or have made for a reasonable price. So checks it is and I have to say, I love it, too!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteGreat story...I would have raced you for that tea pot!! So cute...Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb