June 25, 2007

Just in the Door


Well, almost just in the door anyway. You may remember a few months ago I declared it time to simply my life and in that vein I have mostly stayed out of the stores. Yet, recently I found myself in need of a little retail pick me up. Some of these were purchased at friendly neighborhood Goodwill stores and the rest at local antique shops. These things are indicative of what I collect, items that are pretty and useful at the same time. I am, after all, a practical girl. I can never pass up glass jars, baskets, silver or great fabric knowing that I can always find a place or use for them eventually. Nothing here cost more than $4. I bought the unlined wicker trays to hang on the wall but find I'm having a hard time making myself do that as they are so handy. The red & white tablecloth will be transformed into aprons for my nieces for Christmas and the wicker vase is going to migrate to the top of my entertainment center. I'm crazy in love with the spouted pyrex milkglass bowl and use it every day. It feels like it's been a part of our family forever.

So for a grand total of about $25 I feel like I went on a huge spree and did some much needed treasure hunting. Sometimes you just have to splurge a tiny bit. It's just good for the soul.

28 comments:

  1. Sometime just a few little pretties can add such a pick-me-up.
    I'm anxious to see the aprons!

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  2. Hi Jen,
    Lovely little treasures! I hear what you are saying. Do we really need all this stuff? I am at a point where I am saturated. I literally don't need anything more for my house. I am a complete accessories girl, so I tend to buy too many and now I have to face the music. I went shopping with friends last week and they all had lists, and I literally couldn't think of one thing I needed...even wanted. It's not that I'm a spoiled brat and have everything...because I don't. But, I certainly have all I need to make my house a home. Buying furniture is not in my budget (and I do need some new furniture), so I guess that is where the buying small stuff comes from. I buy small beautiful things and now I am done. No more room...and no more desire. It's not to say I will stop completely, but I am getting much more sensible/practical about it all.

    Linda

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  3. I love it all. I would have bought the same. The aprons will be adorable.
    Good job!
    Rosemary

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  4. Wonderful finds!

    I just have to tell you about a website that someone referred on another blog. Check out her Simple Everyday Journals...eyesofwonderATtypepadDDOTcom.

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  5. Jen,
    Your photo is beautiful. I read posts like these and I am inspired to gather myself up and head to our local second hand stores. I get there and don't see anything as wonderful as you found. I think there is an art to seeing beyond what is in front of you and you do it so well. As far as simplifying goes, I linked to your blog to make my like a little easier.

    Hope the spatula doesn’t disappoint. I too love the peeler, it's good and sharp! Thanks for stopping by my blog. One of these days I am going to post about the plates on my walls for you. I'll let you know when I get my act together. Every time I pass by them I think of your post on plates - also a lovely post.
    Heather

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  6. Hi,I find myself saying the same thing about "stuff" but hey we are only here once,you are not hurting anybody so why not we all need something in our life to cheer ourselves up.

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  7. Just discovered your blog. I have to say I agree totally with your view, a little retail therapy does me the power of good. I feel even more satisfied if I pick up a little something that didn't cost much. I don't "do" big budget stuff, just love my bits and bobs.

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  8. Yep, Jen...sometimes we just have to go out & buy something...anything! I know just what you mean & used thrift items are just as good as new to me. I love all your treasures!

    Rhoda

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  9. I love your finds, especially that flat basket...very pretty! I'm glad you had some fun shopping time!

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  10. I love your finds! I've been fighting the urge to shop until after we move which is only a couple more weeks. With that being said, I purposefully run my errands toward the end of the week so garage sales find themselves on my path and I can do some quick shopping.

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  11. Isn't it great how thrift shops can fulfill our shopping urges! Great finds.

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  12. Glad you had fun shopping. You got pretty and useful things, which is always good!

    Manuela

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  13. Lovely finds! Are you sure you want to move them...they look so pretty just like that!

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  14. You lucky girl....I just don't have that much luck at my local Goodwill. I LOVE the milk glass bowl!

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  15. It's always so much fun to find lots of treasures for little money! I love that! It's "theraputic" don't you think? :)

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  16. I agree...we girls need it!!!!

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  17. love your 'stuff' Jen...I know exactly what you mean when you need a little pick-me-up!!...it just feels good, whether it's second hand or new!!!...I've tried to simplify & de-clutter...but I always find something for my home..which I can share with my family...whether it's a new/old bowl or a bench...it's always something to add to my house... to make it a 'home'..thanks for sharing...Lacy

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  18. Very nice finds, Jen. Please keep sharing pics when these little treasures find their homes in your house.

    I completely agree about retail therapy, by the way. Sometimes that's all it takes to heal the soul a little bit and get the creative juices flowing again.

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  19. thrift stores are perfect for my shopping "needs". your photo (and items!) are very pretty...how in the world did you get your cat in the picture?

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  20. The items you have picked up lately really made a nice vignette. I love all your wicker baskets- and they look so pretty with the jars!

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  21. Sometimes a little retail therapy is exactly what we all need. And I think thrifting is a great way to honor simplification but still get a little boost, too! Well done! And I totally covet that milkglass spouted bowl! ~A :-)

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  22. I love this photo, especially the red cloth!

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  23. What fun! You got some great stuff and the price was right! Congrats! Love, love, love your photos...so beautifully done.
    Regards,
    Laurie

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  24. I agree! I filled my shopping urge at goodwill yesterday too! So many cool treasures to find-I should never shop anywhere else-LOL

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  25. Very sweet treasures Jen! Love how you have them displayed in your photo too. Nothing like spending just a few dollars and receiving so much joy in return!
    xo,
    Kim

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  26. Those are lovely & so cheap!!!

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  27. I love what you got! Those baskets are so great. And I also just feel good when I go antiquing. I know I don't need the things, but I just feel good! Also, love your bench!

    allie
    www.mycozyhome.typepad.com

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