new to me

I have a somewhat secret love of things that are old and chippy.  It's a cautious affection because I'm always wary of bringing home too much junk that in the near future I will need to pack up.  But, I can't seem to stop myself from picking things up that look like this...

I think most of my family would think I was kind of nutty for actually purchasing this box.  Thankfully, my husband says not a negative word when he sees my additions to the garage and eventually the house.  Back to the box, I really don't know what I'll do with it.  Ideas are welcome but it was only 50 cents and I just love the blue/grey chippy paint.   See, look...

And then there's this bucket.. isn't it neat?  I really like the ones with old labels but I didn't want to dish out the extra dollar.

I purchased this wooden pully at a local yard sale.  I like it sitting out in the flower bed.  I wish I had bought its pair because it would have made more of a statement.  Lesson learned.

I have an affinity for little people chairs.  This is my latest and since I had left my other chairs in PA, I was pretty excited to find it.  It needs a good dusting.  I'm not sure if I'll paint it or not.  In the background, is my consignment store ash bucket turned flower pot and my yard sale blue wicker chairs.

And, since I'm being honest -- let me say that I turned my minivan around in the street and ran out in the pouring rain to pick this thing up off the curb.  This and several wood sticks that I thought would be a good 'trellis' for the beans.  And it's not the first time I've stopped to pick things off the curb.  But, look at the hinge and the nice whitewash .. I couldn't just leave it.  I think it will make a good flower box.

For the first time, I'm linking up to Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures.

thrifting

I do love a good bargain - who doesn't?  It doesn't matter to me if it's a really good sale or a second-hand find.  I can in no way claim to be one of those people with that incredible eye or the one who just always finds the best deal, but that doesn't diminish the fun.  Since we've moved to Minnesota, I spent many weekend summer mornings with the kiddos visiting yard sales.  Not only was it a good way to familiarize myself with the area, we were able to find things we needed for the new house.

And then winter hit -- but I've found a number of consignment and thrift stores that I like to visit on occasion.  So yesterday, after my spa outing I ventured over to one and found a few things.

... Vintage suitcase - love these to store items, but my boys are convinced I bring them home for their amusement.  We're learning to share.

... Condiment server with the cutest spoons

... Fabric

... Embroidered table runner

... Children's books

Little Birdies

I found these a week ago at Sundance, and after waiting to make sure I really wanted them, I went ahead and placed the order for them today.  I think they would be a nice addition to the kids' room.

And then while browsing the web today, I see all these other nifty little bird ideas.  Check out this one from Sew Liberated.  And even better, Spool has a pattern to make your own birds at home.   I think I'll have to try this.