THRIFTY MONDAY: santa's gift to me

Santa must have been watching me for the past few months, because look what I found.... hidden in one of my dresser drawers.... obviously, a-hem, Santa forgot to wrap it and slide it under the tree before Daddy noticed.... Aaaanyway, sometimes Santa slips up too....

This is THE cutest little Spring Blossom bowl, from the original launch in 1972.  It features the same larger patterned flowers as one of my previous finds.

See.... if you're a good girl, sometimes Santa comes through with the gifts that make you smile.

;)  .... that's me.... smiling .... have a lovely day....

THRIFTY MONDAY: more pyrex love....

I found both of these little pretties at Value Village....  

This pattern is Spring Blossom, first introduced by Pyrex in 1972 to accompany Corelle's Spring Blossom dish set (1970).  Spring Blossom was also relaunched in 1979, no longer in avocado green; it featured a scaled down pattern size and available in lime green and dark green.  The dish in my collection (pictured above) is from the original introduction in 1972, and I'm happy to report that it has been lovingly cared for and shows virtually no signs of use... YAY me!

This pretty turquoise Butterprint dish, is quite possibly the oldest in my meager little collection.  This pattern (Butterprint) was introduced in 1957 and produced until 1968.  Orange and pink versions of this pattern were also printed but discontinued in the early 1960's.  You know I've talked previously about wanting (needing) pink Pyrex....  well, now that I know there are also orange pieces tucked away in someones cupboard, believe me, my want for this colour almost overshadows my need for pink :(    Aaaanyway, this pretty mixing bowl is beautiful on the printed side with one or two little (teeny-tiny, really) scratches; however, the inside looks like it's made a few cakes in it's time.... it's all good though, I still love it completely!

I've come to realize that finding Pyrex in pristine condition, like the first few pieces I purchased, is not so easy.  And I've also realized that since finding those few pristine pieces, that I cannot settle for pieces that are, well,  less than.... It's pretty clear when pieces are washed in a dishwasher, the pattern become etched and faded.... you can imagine just how sad this makes me.  I've found my coveted pink Pyrex, several times, in several locations; sadly, they've all been abused by the dreaded dishwasher one to many times.... I just can't bring myself to adding something so terribly cared for to my collection of gleaming superstars.... is that me just being prejudiced?

Anyhow, there's your Pyrex history lesson for today.  Have a happy, thrifty Monday  ;)

THRIFTY MONDAY: 'Le The'

Wow!  What a fantastic thrifty shopping day the girl monkey and I had with Mr. Monkey on Friday.  We found so many interesting and fun finds while browsing a junky old flea market and a Bibles for Missions thrift store.  But one of the best things I found was this....

A vintage 1975 Centura Spice O' Life tea pot for Corelle.

In searching for the particulars about this piece, I found out that this tea pot, my tea pot, is not the original design.  Originally, the pattern was larger and leafier (1971) then went through a redesign released in 1975 (my tea pot).  There are actually four versions of the Spice O' Life tea pot, each of which may or may not bare the french wording 'Le The' printed under the handle.... unfortunately, my little pot does not have this imprint. 

My little tea pot is in pristine condition.  It looks like it's barely been enjoyed with very, very minimal marks or discolouration on it's base.  The pattern itself is perfectly perfect with no scratches at all....

I am in love with this little steaming pot of morning joy.... My old tea pot, which was a brown betty look-alike, dribbled terribly.  I loved the look of her, but sadly, she made me growl every time I poured a cuppa.... She is being donated, and hopefully, will find a home with some other tea lover who has more patience for her insolent, drooling nature.

My inspiration to seek out and purchase a Corelle tea pot, was my mother-in-law.  She had a Corelle Blue Cornflower tea pot that she remarked, 'was the best tea pot I ever had.'

Blue Cornflower Tea Pot - A Lot To Collect Shop on Etsy

I remember back in dating days, having dinner at my in-laws house.... while clearing the table after we ate, my father-in-law would pour the hot water in the Blue Cornflower pot and it would sit steeping on top of the stove until we were ready.  He would bring the tea and milk to the table, and I would have to ask almost every time for sugar.  The sugar was housed in yellow plastic Tupperware container....

Anyway, I had to see what all the fuss was about.  So, I cleaned the tea pot thoroughly, then me and the middle monkey, who loves to enjoy a spot of tea with mommy, wasted no time in steeping a fresh pot of decaf earl grey.  We sat at the table together sipping from cheerfully coloured Fiesta.... I love the moments where my children share something simple, and so adult.... they are certainly cherished times....  And!  NO DRIBBLES!  I love. this. tea. pot.

Have a great day everyone  ;)


Oh, and P.S.  Here's a shot of the TWO t-shirt bracelets I'm giving away....

Check out yesterdays post for the particulars of my second anniversary blog giveaway.....  The bracelets are seriously cute.... I'm definitely making more.... Enter your comment after yesterdays post to be eligible to win.... CHEERS!

BESTIES OF ETSY: apron love

I don't know what it is about an apron that I love so much.... maybe because it reminds me of Happy Days.... I love that show.  Mrs. Cunningham always working away in the home wearing her beautiful day dresses, ever protected by her kitchen aprons.

Last year, I added an apron to my Santa list, and as luck would have it, he obliged!  It just makes sense to wear one really.... how many times have I been making tomato sauce and splattered one of my white, off white or lightly coloured shirts?  I'm sure you can relate, right?   Anyway, I thought with baking season getting into full swing over here, that I'd show you all a beautiful collection of very useful aprons.... ENJOY!

Vintage-inspired print, full apron by my very favourite apron maker, Chadley of Terrace Hill.  I've had the pleasure of e-mailing back and forth with Chadley, and she is SO. NICE.  Someone who builds these beautiful creations using equally beautiful designer fabrics.... and doesn't skimp on customer service.... I hope one day to be the proud wearer of a Terrace Hill apron....

Nerdy Owl apron by Zig-Zags.... I am a self-professed nerd, and so I can truly appreciate this cute piece of work....

From Sunday Afternoon, a vintage, large-patterned gingham, half apron complete with rick-rack detailing and pintucking at the waist.  Couldn't you just see someone wearing this in a tiny little cupcake bakery?

I love making little apron and chef hat sets like this for birthday presents, then giving them with a children's cookbook.... This set is from Sweet Apronz n Cupcakes.

I'm thinking this little number, by Snappy Shop, would be the perfect apron to wear while hosting an evening dinner party where martini's are the featured beverage....

And lastly, every household needs an apron for cleaning, for holding yard sale money, for playing store with the littles.... This one is the perfect size, with very generous pockets, in a super-fun print.  By Little Miss Dinah.

I hope you enjoyed this tiny collection of kitchen-y goodness!  Check out Etsy for TONS more....

Have a great day everyone  ;)

P.S.  Check me out at Tutus and Tea Parties.... she's having a Pinterest-ing linky party!  Click the button in my sidebar and it will take you to her blog :)

Vintage Halloween....

Have you noticed that Halloween is creeping up fast?!  I have a list of 'things' about a mile long that I have to accomplish before Saturday.... so, to get me in the mood and light a fire under my behind, I went searching for some inspiration on Etsy.... here's what I found....

A beautiful vintage cowgirl costume.  I. Fell. In. Love.  From rebekahlou, Etsy.

Still-in-the-box, vintage Halloween cookie cutters from Stray Squirrels, Etsy.

A costume my boys would flip out over, vintage C3PO, from thatsthebeesknees, on Etsy.

Vintage 60's die cut paper decoration, by VintageHaus, Etsy.

From this afternoon til the wee hours of Friday night/Saturday morning, I'm pretty sure I'll be going crazy trying to start and finish everything on my Halloween to-do list.... Next year, I think I'll just focus on my girl-babes birthday that's just a little after Halloween.... No more of the "Christmas Rush" at Halloween - of course, I say that now, and next year I'll get all caught up in this fun (and personal favourite) time, and do it all. over. again.

Enjoy your day folks  ;)

Saturday thrifting.... never again....

I don't normally go near my beloved, Value Village on a Saturday.... it's a very treacherous place to be.  It's extremely busy with bargain hunters especially with Halloween so close; and I don't know if I've mentioned the poorly designed parking lot which it shares with a large Staples store and a very busy gym.... aaaanyway.

They really should get you to sign a waiver before entering that parking lot on a Saturday.... "I, Mrs.Monkey, do solemnly swear that I understand that by driving onto this parking lot, I am taking the lives of myself and my children into my own hands...."  again, aaaanyway....

I was on the hunt for a shirt and tie for the little monkey who will be taking the bus to an away hockey game.... Yes, folks, it's getting to this point in his hockey career.... the shirt and tie.... EEKS!  Another affirmation that he's growing way too fast!

Snagged a great deal on a nice button down dress shirt, casual dress pants and v-neck wool sweater.... had to buy a men's tie; but, that's easy enough to MacGyver into something suitable for a young lad  ;)

Cost Breakdown:
$  5.99 button down shirt (a bit more than I like to spend, buy hey!)
$  3.99 GAP casual dress khaki's (with no visible signs of wear)
$  2.99 GAP v-neck wool sweater (also no signs of wear)
$  3.99 men's tie (feel bad chopping it to bits.... nah, not really)
$16.96 TOTAL for an outfit that looks great, and will likely not be worn together again :P

Can't beat that price anywhere!  And the nice thing is, he didn't even bat an eye that I was buying him this outfit from a thrift store.  I love that!  I hope my kids grow up saying that their mother loved them enough to buy them the things they needed while at the same time putting our family, as a whole, first.  Because that's what it's all about for me.  Sure, I could go out and buy brand new outfits for occasions like this; I have the means; I like new things too.  But, the reality for me is, WHY?.  Why, when there are places like value village, and people who love to trend shop.... it makes no sense for me to spend my husband's hard earned money so frivolously.  Not to mention, it's about recycling and breathing new life into something old-ish.  I figure it's a win-win for everyone:  I get the deals on items that are still as good as new; my children learn the value of a dollar and to prioritize; stuff gets recycled; and local charities benefit from my meager spending.... see, win-win!

Okay, on with the post.... Of course, I couldn't leave without checking out the housewares section, and as usual, there were more vintage pieces of Pyrex.  Only problem was, they were very worn.... Nuts!  It really saddens me when I find a pattern that I love and the previous owner(s) didn't give it the white glove treatment.... boo!  Oh well, there'll be more....

I did find a pretty gingham half apron that will make it's way into the shop, and books, LOTS of books for the kids!  My guys love love LOVE Captain Underpants.... at first, I really didn't like them and didn't want them reading them; but, after seeing how involved they get.... well, how can you take away something they're reading?  I mean that's the point, right?  They're reading something.  And of course, little Seuss books for the miss, and her favourite author, Eric Carle.

And, I didn't come away totally empty-handed myself.... more vintage canning jars with the screw tops (which is a rare find), there were a few more, but I opted for these 3.... I'm beginning quite a collection of these too; but, I do use them.... honest.

Anyhow, hope you have a happy Sunday filled with family and fun.... later folks  ;)

The bed....

I have to say, of everything I've found for the girl-babe's bedroom makeover this is, by far, my favourite item....

The bed.


It's beautiful.  It's chipped.  It's worn.   It has great lines.   And the best part is.... she. loves. it.

What about that nasty looking brass, you ask?  Well, you know that's getting painted.... probably the same smoky purple as the brass on the milk glass lamp.... at least that's what's on the blueprint in my mind...

So, the re-do on this little lady will be pretty simple.  Sand down the loose chips and give it a nice coat of fresh paint.  And in the words of Forrest Gump, "...that's all I gots ta say 'bout that."

I found this bed at an antique fair that was held at a local antique shop.... there were many vendors that cold and rainy weekend.... some stayed, some left.... I'm just glad she stayed otherwise I wouldn't have found this wonderful piece of dreamy-ness (or my colourful collection of fiesta, for that matter).... Anyhow, these pretty pieces of aged metal set us back $70 dollars.... 

Honestly, I didn't know if I was getting a great deal or not.  The vendor assured me I was; but, you know people, they just want to unload their wares for the most they can get.  We actually left both the bed and fiesta, and as soon as we got home, regret set in.  I sent Mr. Monkey back right away to pick up everything.   It wasn't until Mr. Monkey and I took our weekend anniversary trip, that I realized how great a deal the bed really was.  In a little shop in Thornbury (beautiful town), I found a very similar bed for double the price!.... I'm so thankful that in all of my frugality (a-hem, cheapness) I could see the greater picture and knew that my little-lady-love would be happy with her new big-girl bed.

Have a happy day everyone  ;)

Perfect for a vintage monkey....

One of my proudest thrifty moments came a little over a week ago.... The girl-monkey and I were shopping at Value Village, scouting out a lamp suitable for a "big-girl" bedroom-to-be....

There were disney princess cast-offs, 90's pink ceramic, nursery-room types with blocks and bears, 70's era junk (that I LOVED!).... and this is the one she chose....  All. on. her. own.

I spotted it as soon as we started looking at the several lamps available, and had secretly hoped she would like it too.  I had decided before we even entered the store that she should be able to pick out something without any input from me, and that it would be coming home with us regardless of how I felt about it.... after-all, she is her own person with her own likes and dislikes and who am I to say otherwise?  This pretty little thing set us back a whole $4.99!

This is white hobnail milk glass.  Hobnail refers to the shape of the bumps.... they get that effect by pressing the melted glass into molds.... Milk glass dates back to the 16th century; but, wasn't actually called milk glass until the late 1880's.  Milk glass was seen as a symbol of household status.  During the depression, it lost appreciation.  Around the 1950's, the glass company, Fenton introduced their hobnail pattern, that brought lovers of milk glass back to the checkouts, and from then on, there was a resurgence in popularity, that still holds today among collectors.  More history in a nutshell :)


Anyhow, you can imagine how proud and amazed I was when she pointed to "dat one" and asked, "Can I take it home witt me, Momma?"  How could I say no to that?!  After we gave it a good cleaning, and tested it out.... perfect working order.... we decided it was the best choice for her vintage and thrifty room-to-be.  Judging by the electrical cord and fixtures, I figure this little lamp probably dates to the early 70's, maybe late 60's.  Still a very serviceable item.... and the brass, well, that has to go.... it's going to receive a fresh coat of smoky purple spray paint or something that will accent well with everything else.


Have a great day everyone   ;)

Pyrex love....

I've found 2 more little cuties to add to my small collection....

They were found on two separate thrifty Monday shopping trips with my girl-monkey, and as luck would have it, they match (ok, so the colour isn't an EXACT match, but close enough for me)....


The casserole was a steal at $5.99; 

and the bowl was an even better deal at $3.99.... 

The bowl was actually part of a nesting set; but, sadly, I couldn't bring myself to buy all four of them.... I picked the most pristine, and most perfect size for my needs, and after apologizing to the others, I said so long.

This pattern is named Butterfly Gold.... up close and personal, the gold is so pretty, and the coverage of the enamel is so perfect (how much of a nerd am I?!).... 

History lesson:  This pattern was released by Pyrex in 1972 as compatibles to Corelle's Livingware pattern Butterfly Gold, one of Corelle's original Livingware patterns, 1970.... I'm sure you've all eaten or drank form this pattern either in your own homes or the homes of someone you knew....  I think my mother-in-law may still have some pieces (if not an entire set) of Corelle Butterfly Gold....

Anyhow, my peeps, my search continues for the ever-elusive pink Pyrex.... Pink Gooseberry, Pink Daisy, Pink Stripe or Solid Pink.... While I'm not a lover of pink in general, I can't seem to get the pink Pyrex out of my head.... I'd be happy with even one tiny little piece.... sigh, one tiny little piece of perfectly pretty pink Pyrex (ha! an alliteration for all you other word-nerds out there!).... 


Enjoy your day all   ;)

Obsessive, to say the least....

You can say that I've been a teeny-tiny-little bit obsessed lately... but, that would be a TOTAL s-t--r---e---t--c-h! 

Somebody, who I've never met, has been donating the most delicious collections of vintage crafty magazines, pattern books, leaflets and what-have-you's (bad grammar, I know) to my favourite thrifty place....

And, lucky me, I was able to scoop a few up at prices ranging from .10 cents to $1.00 each to $5.00 for 8 oversized magazines (that was a deal I struck with the lovely man at the cash... SCORE!!!!).

Of course, I found a couple of other little treasures to go along with the crafty "HAUL".... a beautiful handmade pottery mug and a vintage hand-embroidered linen table runner....

 Looks like I'm going to be a busy lady making up PDF patterns for the shop and listing some more vintage linens.... LOTS of fun!

Have a great Canadian Thanksgiving weekend everyone... I'll be back tomorrow with your Friday night video ;)

S.A.P. seeks S.A.S to spice things up....

While away for a belated anniversary adventure with Mr. Monkey; we stopped in some little towns full of great shops and interesting galleries.... I promise in the near future to devote an entire post to said adventure....

Aaaanyway, we came across a little "antique" shop FULL to the brim with trinkets and treasures.... these are my favourite kind of "antique" shops.... And - Just as a side note:  I have trouble with these shops calling themselves antique shops only because over half of the stuff in them are not really antiques at all, not in the true sense of the word anyway.... I prefer to think of them more as vintage or curiosity shops.... Ok, so I've aired my big beef - moving along.

While browsing this crammy little place, sans children (can I just say:  I love my children.  But, being able to do one of my very favourite things without having to tell a little monkey to stop touching the expensive china or please don't chop your brother's arm off with that ancient samurai sword - well, let's just say, it was a very calming experience for me)....

Again - aaaanyway, I found this little fella....

A single, aluminum pepper shaker.  There were two actually.  This one was in the best condition, a little dirty; but, nothing a little white vinegar couldn't fix.  I searched high and low for it's mate and came up empty-handed.  Rats!

This little guy actually goes with my canister set which makes me a very happy camper.... and now, the only items missing are the salt shaker, the large flour canister and the grease canister.... I'm 100% positive that I'll never use the grease canister; but, it'd be nice to complete the set anyway, right?

Have a great day folks.... officially, I think, it's the last day of summer.... and it looks like a lovely day in my neck of the woods.  So long my peeps ;)



Fiesta... ole!

I . LOVE . FIESTA WARE.

Just so you know ;)

The vibrant and fun colours, the clean, simple and concentric lines, the art deco styles of the vintage pieces.... What's not to LOVE???

I've never owned any of my own.... unti-il today  (SMILES)

Aaaanyway,  while browsing a long weekend outdoor antique market, I came upon these little pieces of eye candy.  Beautiful plum, turquoise, yellow, periwinkle, and sunshine....

They were missing their saucers; but, really, I'd never use them so I'm not too concerned.... Do you use saucers with your tea cups? ....Well, I guess I shouldn't say I never use saucers.... when I use my china tea cups for Christmas gatherings, I use saucers; but, seriously, a fine china tea cup is totally naked without a saucer, right?

6 beautiful, genuine, authentic Fiesta ware tea cups.... $15!  Yes, I said $15!  Anyone wanna come for tea? 

I have a couple of other thrifty and vintage pieces to show you in the very near future.... believe me, it's hard not to snap fifty-thousand photos and post them all at once....  I'll just say this... It's time to get my girl-babes room under way....

Have a great night all ;)

Vintage granny pattern....

New in the shop!

This super cute and super classic, vintage 1974 (wow! I was just 3 years old when this baby was fashionable) granny square halter top PDF pattern is now available in my etsy shop.  Check it out!

Have a great day ;)

Vintage yummy-ness in the shop....

Whilst browsing one of my favourite thrifty hot-spots, Value Village.... during their HALF PRICE sale.... I found these little cuties....

Vintage half aprons.... so cute and very useful.... Check them out in the shop!

Happy evening all ;)

Thifty fun....

So, while perusing Value Village, looking for clown costumes for my boys, I spotted this baby....



My first thought: "I must have it."

My husband's reaction: "What?! Where are we gonna put it?"

I don't know. Does it matter? It's perfect.... to go.... ummm, it'll fit.... somewhere?....

It reminds me of an early television set, I love the legs, I love the concave shape of the drawer fronts, I can live with the colour.... but seriously, why, when I have such a great source for spray paint, thank you Home Depot....

But, really, I think I've found another addiction. I can't pass up little pieces like this. I know I'll find the perfect spot in my home for this little cutie.... and if I don't, I'm sure one of my friends will.... although, truth be told, we all know this will NOT be leaving my house.

This thing is solid with one little blemish on the top.... nothing that can't be fixed with a little elbow grease and sand paper. Living in a small house, I think you're forced to seek out anything that will be able to house 'stuff'. That, for me, is certainly criteria for a piece of furniture coming through my doors.

Aaaanyway, drumroll please, the sticker price on this amazingly retro feeling stick of wood....

$9.99 .... cue fireworks....

Have a great day everyone ;)

Thrifty thursday....

Today, my Hammy-Girl and I ventured to my favourite thrifty store, and here's what we came away with....


A vintage camp lantern that's very rustic, in a great shade of red, perfect for my guest-bedroom-in-progress; a vintage single flat bed sheet that will be perfect for a couple of sweet summery twirly skirts and maybe an apron or two; and two children's books, because really, a child can never have too many books....

The grand total for today's haul....
$ 8.00 camp lamp
$ 1.95 bed sheet
$ 0.50 2 books (.25 each)
----------
$10.45 plus tax

I love this place! So many little treasures.

Have a great night everyone ;)