Mixed up Week!

The past two weeks have been very hectic and very busy-especially at work! Since I work at a church and am the admin support for 3 youth directors, my job is always full of scheduling, organizing, spreadsheets and details. The past two weeks have been doubly busy because we had a retreat each weekend.

Sometimes I feel like a bank teller,sorting all the payments out and logging them into spreadsheets, and then lots of data entry keeping track of payments, release forms, permission slips, roommate requests, and whatever else is required for each trip.

On top of that, I've been collecting payments and waiver forms for our women's volleyball league! I've processed so many waiver/release forms lately, I think I could do it in my sleep! Since the students leave on Friday afternoons for the retreats, I have to work those Fridays (normally my day off) to make sure check-in goes smoothly, and everyone has turned in everything they need and also to make sure the bus shows up to pick them up.

Last week, I worked every day. I only worked a few hours on Thursday and a few on Friday. This week, I decided to take the whole day off on Thursday and work a couple of extra hours on Friday to make up for it.

Mr. was also off on Thursday, and had plans to go to Lansing to a coin shop to buy some silver, so I went along,and of course, added a few pit stops to our route! I'm not a fan of coins, or silver...I probably think about his silver in the same terms he thinks about my vintage treasures.

While he was doing his shopping thing, I visited Home Goods and Tuesday Morning (in the same shopping center). Then we went on to visit April's Furniture and Antiques. I've been to April's many times before. I try to stop in at least once or twice a year, and boy was I surprised when I walked in this time! They have really spent a ton of time cleaning it up, and making it look nice inside. The first time I went, I was kind of worried some of the over-stuffed shelves might collapse on me, and no one would know I was buried in there!

They seem to be mainly focusing on furniture now, and didn't have very many smalls or dishes and glassware as they have had in the past. I really liked how it looked, and they had some gorgeous pieces of antique and vintage furniture! If only I had a bigger house!!!

After April's we went to Mega Mall and The Little Red Schoolhouse. Mr. likes to go to The Little Red Schoolhouse because there is a Harbor Freight store across the street, so he wanders through guy junk while I wander through vintage and antique goodies.

I almost bought something at Mega Mall, but the dealer forgot to put the price on the tag, and she wasn't available by phone. I didn't see anything I couldn't live without at The Little Red Schoolhouse, but that's ok-you have to spend some time just looking and taking it all in sometimes. Not every trip is going to be a prince!

Our last stop was at the antique mall where I used to have my booth. I've been in to wander that mall three times since I pulled out at the end of last March. I did buy something this time, but not the other two times. There have been a LOT of changes since I left! A lot of my favorite booths are gone, and in their place are booths filled with shabby, industrial things.Some are vintage, but most look like they aren't.

There seemed to be an over-abundance of those kinds of booths in that mall now. I don't care for that as much as I like vintage kitchenware and pretty much everything else vintage, so I was feeling disappointed that so many booths were looking the same. From time to time, I do find rusty, crusty industrial things that I really like, but for the most part, it just seemed like one style is taking over the entire mall.

After that, we raced home so Mr. could change and head out to a going away party at a winery/cafe in Jackson. One of his co-workers was leaving and his team from his surgical unit at work was gathering to say goodbye and send her off. I enjoyed a nice quiet evening at home.

Friday was jam-packed with dentist appointments, lunch with my youngest, work, then a haircut. My hair stylist is in her last 6 weeks or so of her pregnancy and she's taking 12 weeks off once she has her baby. She is so good, that I don't ever want to have to go to someone else. If she decides to not return to work afterwards, I told her she better call me and let me know where she goes or if she's going to be doing hair out of her home. I followed her from another salon to the one she is at now, and would be willing to follow her again-she's that good!

We always blab, blab, blab while she is cutting my hair. I was sneaky and was asking questions about her showers, where she was registered and what she still needed...and when she went in the back to get more gel for my hair, I got her last name off of her license (it is posted at her station). When my haircut was done, I sat in the parking lot on my phone searching through her registry at Babys R Us and had a small gift shipped to her house! I'm so excited to be able to surprise her like that!

No, I'm not a crazy stalker...I just love to give gifts. I wonder if that could be one of my love languages--giving gifts. I love to give gifts-it just makes me happy. Especially when the person receiving it loves what I've given them!!

Here are some pictures of my week...


Celebrating my cousin's birthday on Tuesday at Chili's...yum!! I LOVE their chips and salsa!

A very heavy box arrived on Wednesday!!

I selected all the pieces for the new version of the relish tray. The individual wedges are called omni trays. I'm not sure I like the color of the bullion bowl in the middle with the other colors. It was really hard to choose. I got a cobalt pizza tray for the base-my first piece of cobalt!

I was very sad when I saw this glaze miss on the lapis omni tray.I called Thursday morning to see about returning it for a new one, and they are sending me a new one! No picture needed for proof, and they told me to keep this one! Great customer service!!

The outside of April's

One of the booths at Mega Mall. There is a HUGE variety of things to look at. I think it works well for them because they always seem to be busy, and it appeals to a wide range of collectors.

I really like this booth.

A lot of changes have been made at this mall too. Here is another new vendor.

I'm wondering if Mitzi moved out...or maybe trying a different direction?

When we got home, there was a strange car on our dead-end dirt road. I am always suspicious and always try to take photos of the vehicles that don't belong. You never know. Most of the time they are just looking out over the fields and searching for wildlife. Once in a while we run across someone up to no good. It never hurts to keep your eyes open!

I bought this at Tuesday Morning. It is from Cake Boss. Very heavy and I LOVE it!!

I bought these McKee refrigerator dishes at the mall where I used to have my booth. I couldn't believe how low they were priced!!

I found this online. It is a repro, but I think it is gorgeous. New, never used. Still in the plastic with the label attached. How do you feel about repros? I don't mind them. I even like them-as long as the seller is honest and up-front about it. What I don't like is when you go into a mall and see all the repro jadeite being sold just as jadeite-no mention of it being made in china, or that it's a repro.

Mr. leaned over while I was driving to snap a quick pic of the glimpses of blue skies for me. Just seeing that beautiful blue lifts my spirits and makes me smile!

Here's a book I picked up a the library. It wasn't what I was expecting. I was looking for a book that had hankie quilts, curtains, and things like that. This was all about using hankies to make doll clothes. It was interesting to read and look at the pictures, and the author's enthusiasm was very contagious!

Today is a catch-up day. Trip to Costco this morning, a few card games with my youngest, some laundry and later some volleyball. Hope you're having a great weekend!! I'm hoping for more glimpses of the blue skies this coming week!!!

January Thaw...

Yesterday started off gloomy and gray, so I decided it was a good day to get out and brighten up my outlook with some cheery vintage goodness! I headed north to Collette's Vintage (with a quick pit stop at Culver's-YUM).

I've been to Collette's a few times on Saturday, mostly though, I go on Friday since that is my day off. Every other Saturday that I've been there, it's been busier than it is on Fridays, but yesterday was a different story-it was PACKED! I was so happy for the folks that own Collette's!! Word is getting out that it's a fun place to shop with TONS of booths and tons of great things at for the most part, great prices.

They also were having an indoor flea market. They have it on Saturdays in the back. There were also artisans demonstrating their talents-blacksmithing and wood working. If you like to wander antique/collectible shops, you can't miss with Collette's, and you get two big bonuses with the flea market and artisans on Saturdays!

I picked up a brochure at the check-out counter because I had a few hours until I had to be at my volleyball game, so I was hoping to find some new-to-me shops. I went to two places that turned out to be auction halls. Their ads were misleading because they listed how many dealers they had, and listed hours of operation. Both were closed, and both looked to only host auctions. I was bummed, but kept on going.

I made a quick trip to Genevieve's. I'm glad I found it a couple of years ago. It's a small place, so you can get through quickly, but they seem to have a good variety and quite a few dealers. I didn't find anything I couldn't live without, but I enjoyed my wandering.

I stopped at Fratz in Fenton. I've never seen it so packed. I guess everyone got bit by the junking bug yesterday! I was surprised to see a couple sitting in the furniture area almost as if it were their own living room. They didn't seem to be talking about purchasing the furniture, they just seemed to be hanging out. They've moved a ton of furniture since my last visit. That's one thing I really like about Fratz. It's (for the most part) a different store every time to visit.

My stop after Fratz was at Twice New, also in Fenton. They also had lots to see. I always love to come across vintage Pyrex, even if it happens to be things that I already have, or things I'm not collecting. My list for collecting is getting shorter and shorter these days. I'm at the point of just finishing off sets that I already have, and not beginning new sets.

One last stop on the way home was at The Birdcage in Howell. I like this little shop, and I think more and more people are finding out about it. It was really busy yesterday. I've never seen so many cars in the parking lot! Good for them!!

I bought a few things. It was actually the best stop in my route. I found the most things that needed to come home with me, and I got great deals on it all! They are having a sale starting on the 21st-20% off everything, and they handed me a coupon for an additional discount on one item. I'll have to see if I can work in another visit this week-hopefully the dealers will be stocking up their booths with more vintage goodies for the sale!

As I was traveling around on my Saturday adventure, the day that was really gloomy when I left, ended up with bursts of sunshine and glimpses of blue skies-it was a wonderful day to be out, hunting for treasures, and singing along with my music at the top of my lungs!

I finished the day off with fun games, and I'm very pleased that I'm really none the worse for wear after my surgery-other than stamina, I can play just like before-whew!

I hope you are having a great weekend-I'll be stopping by to see what my blog friends have been up to this week, in between loads of laundry, dusting and vacuuming. One of these days, I'm going to find that house cleaning fairy and lock her up in my house so I can have both weekend days to play!!

My first stop...Yum!!! I can't believe this pic turned out so good, it was with my phone as I sat waiting in the drive through for my order.

The next few pics are from Collette's to show what a great variety the booths have.

 Yes, even tube socks-much to my dismay.

 I sent this pic to a friend of mine from work. she collects round covered butter dishes. I had to send a follow-up text to let her know I found a hairline.

This made my heart swoon! LOVE it!!! It reminds me of the roaster I picked up for Auntie.

I've had an obsession with glassware for many years. I'm drawn to anything made out of glass, in pretty much any color, but my favs are clear and amethyst. I have never seen a glass foot before! It was labeled as a mannequin foot. It looks to be a stand-alone and not a piece from something bigger. It was really heavy for its size too.

Another thing I love-old windows...

These were for sale at Twice New in Fenton. The larger bowls were $28 each and the smaller ones were $18 each. Too much for my cheap wallet! I already have the butterprint anyway, and I'm not starting a new pattern/design collection...maybe if I keep telling myself that, I'll actually believe it!

Flyer/coupon from the Birdcage. I hope I can squeeze in a visit during their sale!

My finds...a stick pin/ hatpin

A purple bottle

Vintage Valentines

A Christmas pillowcase

A full apron...as I was carrying it around, I kept feeling something poking me in the belly. I'd move the apron around and then I'd feel it again, but every time I looked, I didn't see anything that could possibly be poking me. When I got home, I saw a wad of material in the pocket. Someone used a straight pin to pin in a hunk of extra material! So I wasn't losing my mind after all!

 The tag on the apron

A half apron-cherries!!

I talked Auntie into giving up this quilt! We were together at the beginning of December when she bought it. She told me I'd regret not getting it, but she would have it if I changed my mind...how could I not get it! Grandma's Garden is my favorite quilt pattern! She already soaked the stains out and was getting ready to sell it-I got it just in time!! The Texasware bowl was a super steal from another one of my "bid the lowest bid and forget about it until you get the reminder to pay" kind of things.

Hoping to find the largest size in the pink color. My mom had it when I was growing up. It was our popcorn & potato salad bowl-after I tripped while carrying potato salad in to my grandma's house and dropped her 444 Friendship Pyrex-and broke it! She wisely switched to melmac, but sold it after I left home, in a garage sale for a quarter!!!

These walls...have got to go! I just can't bring myself to haul everything out to repaint them!! I'm glad my son tapped into his creative side when this was his room, but I wish I would have made him repaint it before I moved all my vintage-ness into it! I'm thinking springtime is a good time to haul stuff out, have another garage sale, and repaint the room.Plus he won't be so busy then with school and work.

I'm thinking of making a quilt using my leftover hankies from my booth. Have you ever made a hanky quilt? Any tips or tricks to share??

Happy Hunting friends! Have you made up your 2015 wish lists yet? How about your list of places to visit? I'm working on mine-I'll share it soon.

PS.--for those of you who asked...yes, I do have a treasure hunting spread sheet! I made it in excel and emailed it to myself and downloaded it on my phone so whenever I'm out and I see something, I pull up my list to see if it is the size/pattern that I'm still hunting for. It works great, until I forget to update it and end up buying something I already have! 

Weekend Adventures

Last Friday, I took off on an adventure to Saline, Michigan. My main destination was Baker's Nook. A friend from work makes amazing candy and chocolate covered cherries at Christmas time, and I wanted to try my hand at the chocolate covered cherries. I could have ordered the molds online, but would have had to pay shipping, and wouldn't have had a reason to explore a new area.

I stopped at a few thrift stores and an antique store on the way to Baker's Nook-which by the way, is an amazing shop!!! Not only do they sell everything you can imagine for baking and candy making, they are also a bakery (I think just wedding cakes and specialty cakes), so as soon as I stepped out of the car, I was enveloped in a dreamy baking cake smell-YUM!!!

I took my time and wandered around the shop for a while, not wanting to miss anything. The workers were really friendly and very helpful. I will definitely be going back!! Actually, I need to go back, because the chocolate covered cherry molds I bought are too small. I picked the small size, thinking the large would be too much chocolate.The small size isn't big enough for the chocolate, cherry and fondant-oops!

I found a few things at the Saline Goodwill store that I couldn't live without and a few more things at a big resale store called Nu 2 U. Both places are places I plan to return to some day when I'm back in the area. I enjoyed visiting both places.

I stopped at Treasure Mart in Ann Arbor on the way home. It was PACKED with people!! I've never seen so many people in there at one time! They had a bunch of Pyrex, Jadeite and even a few pieces of Fiesta, but nothing that I didn't already have.

On Thursday of this week, when I arrived at work, I saw a giant pink gift bag on my desk. Inside was a really sweet thank you note and 4 vintage dish towels and a vintage Arizona state tablecloth. It was a thank you present from some friends from church that I helped with setting up an estate sale for their dad.

On Friday, I set out for Novi with my youngest son. Our destination was One World Market-a Japanese grocery store. My oldest son got a rice cooker at Christmas and he and my youngest have been making sushi like crazy, so we wanted to see what kind of sushi making supplies they had. We went up and down every aisle and ended up buying some nori (seaweed sheets), chopsticks, wasabi powder and a couple of tiny trays of fresh sushi.

After that we went to one of our favorite fast food places-Culver's in Wixom. For two purposes, one to get a great burger and two, to see how far along construction is coming on the new Menard's.

We made a quick trip to Knightsbridge while we were in the area. There was only one other couple in the whole store while we were there. I got a kick out of watching my youngest wander around and every once in a while I heard, "that's so cool!" when he found something that was new to him or interesting. Out of both of my boys, I'd say he's the one who has the junkin gene-it's just not fully developed yet, but one day-I bet he'll be scrounging estate sales on a regular basis.

This morning I went to an estate sale in my own town. It was by my favorite estate sale company, and the online pictures showed some things that piqued my interest. I've been going to their sales for years.They are always very well organized and the prices are very fair.

I was thinking with the single digit temperatures and snowy roads that there wouldn't be very many people crazy enough to go to the sale. Boy, was I wrong! I got number 28. They said on their website that they were only allowing 15 people at a time in the house since it was so small. so after I got my number, I went back to my car to sit in the warmth until the first wave went in.

After a while, I wandered into the garage since it was open separately from the house.It was too packed to see much, so I went to the front door to wait. There was NO ONE in line. I stood there for a while and another couple came up behind me.They were number 26. Shortly thereafter, the door opened and the guy said he could take two. I asked him what number he was on and he didn't have a chance to answer, because the #26 people said they were going in and went on in.

After they were in, people started coming from their cars. Their numbers started at 17 and went  up. They were not happy and tried to get in, but the guy manning the door wouldn't let them in. They asked him what number they were on, and he told them he wasn't going by numbers any more just whoever was in line. Some people left because they were so angry. So when he opened the door again I was first in line, but I felt bad because a lot of people were there before me and had lower numbers, so I asked him if he was going by numbers again or if it was first in line.

He took one look at the group of freezing, irritated people and decided to go by numbers again, Good choice! He looked new to me, I have not seen him at any of their estate sales before. I tried to explain to the upset people in line that this company is usually very organized and very fair, but I think it fell on deaf ears.

Someone was there early handing out street numbers, but this company doesn't honor street numbers-they use their own numbers. Some of the car sitters got street numbers, but didn't know they wouldn't be honored. They sat in their cars until just a minute before the door opened, and when they got the the line, they were very angry to learn their number didn't count. They grumbled in the line for a while, and weren't interested when I explained about street numbers. They got so upset they just walked away, and said they'd never shop a sale from this company again.

Eventually I made it in, but all the things I'd seen in the online pictures was already snatched up. It was an interesting house. Very narrow and steep stairways, and very small rooms. The basement ceiling was so low, I had to duck! The furnace was so huge, three adults could have held hands in a circle and probably wouldn't have been able to reach all the way around it.

I did find a few things, that I could have lived without, but they were really cheap, and I can always find a use or place for them, so I bought them and came home. I'm almost thawed out-two hours later,

Here are some pics of the last couple of weeks of adventures...

 I got this at Nu2U-we are going to use it for our TEAM ZOE shirts for this year's spina bifida walk. 

 A refrigerated reach-in at One World Market. Notice the quail eggs on the right?

 The vintage tablecloth has flattened and bent silverware hooks sewn onto it. It was used as a curtain. At least they didn't make any holes in the tablecloth!! I got the tablecloth and hooks for less than the price of what the tablecloth is worth! The scrapbook punch is for my mom for her stained glass projects. 

 A Thirty One storage basket. I know they cost more than $2 when you buy them from their website.

 I bought this at Knightsbridge...and found out my wish list spreadsheet wasn't totally up to date-I already have this size. It's in better shape than this pic shows-my phone is having focusing issues.

 The base to this looks to have never been used.

 Purple, pink and gray-vintage tablecloth in great shape!

 A stack of vintage dish towels from the thank you gift. 

Vintage Arizona tablecloth. I think I'm going to keep my eyes open and try to collect one for each state. I'm sure it will take a long, long time because I am really cheap, and these tend to go for a lot!

I'm home for the rest of the day-although the sunshine and blue skies is tempting me to head out for some fun...