These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It was one of those jackpot weekends. I haven't had too many lately, but it came just in time for the Antiques at Kimberton show next weekend. Everything pictured will be for sale at the show. I really want to keep it all for myself, but we are going to Portland, OR and Yakima, WA in a few weeks to visit my in-laws and I need to earn some vacation money. I'm hoping that some of those super-duper Pacific Northwest wineries will be open during the Thanksgiving break (that's why I need all that spending money). Aside from antiquing, wine-tasting is one of my favorite hobbies. Did you notice that I refer to my love of wine as a "hobby" rather than an "addiction". Wine-hobbyist sounds so much better than alcoholic.

 

Isn't this hand-painted tole tray beautiful? The woman who sold it to me told me that it was painted by her mother's friend, who was from Nutley, NJ. You know who grew up there, right?

 

At the same yard sale where I bought the green chippy server/hall table and tole tray, I also bought a box of old paper stuff. I didn't have a chance to look through all of it while I was at the sale - but I saw some cool old photos and postcards on the top of the pile, and that was all I needed to see. I found this in the box as well: a tiny water-color painting on cardboard...

 

Postcards from all over Europe: Monte Carlo, The Netherlands, Milan, Pompeii, Venice, Paris...

 

Sunday School Bible cards:

 

This is my favorite find from the box: a large photo of a school play or pageant:

 

I found this silver frame at the bottom of the box.

 

And here's a close-up of the server. It might be a little too rustic for some people (my father-in-law), but I love it.

 

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Thanks to Vicki from Turkey Feathers for asking me to "share the love" and write six things that I am loving right now. Vicki makes such beautiful things. Her blog was one of a few that inspired me to start my own. She just published her own book called Blanket Statement: One thrifted wool blanket repurposed into 40+ projects. It's like the crafty version of the loaves and fishes story.

So, on to my current favorite things:

1. Trueblood on HBO. I never thought I'd ever have a reason to type these words, but here I go: that  vampire named Bill is so hot. Also - the first episode of Summer Heights High aired last night. Absolutely hysterical. Reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Waiting for Guffman.

2. Playing Word Challenge on Facebook. My mom also plays, but she has the unfair advantage of playing Boggle while she sits on the toilet everyday for the past 20 years of her life. Therefore, it is humanly impossible to beat her at any word game ever. But I will keep trying.

3. Rachel "Shabby Chic" Ashwell's new-ish blog. It is obvious that she puts a lot of time into each post that she writes. I especially enjoyed the post about her visits to England and Texas.

4. Everything in the Papier Valise boutique.

5. Wine Library TV with Gary Vaynerchuk. His site has over 500 videos of him doing the most passionate wine-tastings known to man. For a quick taste of his style, watch the national appearances on the right side of his blog, or this video.

6. The costumes that Chris and I wore to our neighbor's Halloween party:

Comments

[Tami B.]

Wow...what a score! That floral tray is soooo lovely!

[Elizabeth Holcombe]

Your antique finds are wonderful! Your Halloween costume is hilarious!~~~XXOO, Beth

[Erin]

"that Vampire Bill is so hot" could possibly be one of my favorite lines yet. great finds can't wait to sell all that crap at Kimberton! Didn't you find time to mention that your lovely sister and brother-in law were the Biggest Loser Blue Team for Halloween?

[katherine @ backgarage]

How lucky to uncover that pageant photo. I am obsessed with large, old group photos. What a stellar find.

[Jessica K.]

You better not give all of your weaknesses, er, I mean hobbies away. I may have to hunt you down, and with a couple bottles of wine I could rob you blind of all those fabulous goodies you just showed. That tray alone is worth 3 bottles! Our Nutley, NJ native might frown on my tactics, but you know in her heart she would do what she had to to get what she wanted.

[denise:)]

tee hee.. i too, am a "wine-hobbyist"! much better term for that, lol! YOU AGAIN AMAZE me with your awesome finds - gorgeous stuff and i'm sure you'll have a great time with your wine tasting.

[Tara]

I love the server, the color the shape, perfect! your vintage finds are always fabulous!

~ Tara ~

[flutterby]

Colleen,
Great finds as always.
Thanks for plugging the great PNW! Hopefully you'll have time between bottles of wine to stop by the shop so we can meet! I'll be working on friday 11/28.
Kim

[Grumpy]

The Yakima Valley has a great event called "Thanksgiving in Wine Country" We must be very careful Colleen! Oh the picture in the Silver Frame is Chris's great Aunt.

[jennifer pebbles]

Did I just read that right? are you coming to WA? I would love to meet up for a glass of wine and some shopping- lemme know if you can squeeze it in??
:D

[Gabby]

There is a good chance I will have to use some babysitting bribery on you to score that green table :)

[Gabby]

Ps...I am now loving the Fish Eye Cabernet box o'wine. 4 bottles for $20 and it rocks! The only problem is you can't measure how much you are drinking (very dangerous).

[madjoy]

I am OUT of control with Word Challenge. I outdid my score yesterday and my kids thought I was BATTY. I was screaming. I do it before work, during work, instead of work....you name it!

I have some great recommendations for when you are in the NW AND...there is a wine bar next door to Poppy & Ivy. I'm no fool...location, location, location....

[Casii]

I think you need to enjoy some wine before you go hunting for finds. That way I might get a chance to bring some of that coolness home!
Usually I'm duking it out at auction with another person who has fabulous taste. Why can't we all just get along (and split the goodies too)? lol

[Wendy]

I absolutley LOVE that table! And your Halloween costumes are hilarious!

[Stephen]

Hi Colleen,

Did you get my email about Kimberton? Please write back. Thanks