Tammy Loves Dishes

Mother Goose and the Frogs

Posted on September 22, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

Why is it that on those Saturday mornings when you have other things planned (such as the all-important visit to your hair stylist) there are always lots of yard sales? Such was the case on this weekend. Since I finished up earlier than expected at the stylist’s, the YSCE and I had some time to search out a few yard sales. Our first stop was in our own neighborhood. Not a sale I would normally stop at due to the prevalence of toys, but in doing my part in the ‘search for the elusive red airplane’ for Paulette’s grandson, I stopped. No airplane, but lots of other toys and most in pairs. I think they must have twins.

Our next stop was also in our town. I had noticed the sign being set up earlier in the week. The seller used an old step ladder on which to attach her yard sale sign. I thought that was a great idea (if someone doesn’t steal your ladder). By the time we got there, the seller was packing up. She allowed me to dig in the box she had already packed up. What fun! I found some treasures!

Glass Frogs

These are glass flower frogs. The seller indicated they were old. They are certainly heavy. Also in the box were three heavy, clear glass concave dishes.

Clear Plates

I don’t know if these are salad plates. They have a nice edge to them. Does anyone recognize the maker or pattern?

Vintage Yard Sale Treasures

We headed into the neighboring town to see if any of the yard sales were still open. We followed driving directions to a sale that had been advertised as having collectibles, toys, antiques and more. In a box of mostly contemporary hardback books I found Richard Scarry’s Favorite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. I just love Richard Scarry’s illustrations. While I did not see Lowly Worm in this book, I did enjoy the illustrations all the same. I also snatched up the vintage Big Golden Book of Three Bedtime Stories from the same box. It is separated from its binding, but otherwise in great shape. These books were the delight of my day.

The pillow cases were found at the same sale. I purchased the embroidered basket full of posies

Basket Full of Posies

and the Pink Bonneted Belle.

Bonneted Belle

Looks like they both need to schedule a date with the iron.

I was very pleased with the items I found in the short time we had available today, including Mother Goose and the frogs. Next week I don’t have any Saturday morning appointments. I wonder if there will many yard sales?

I hope to visit the following bloggers and parties this week and I hope you get a chance to as well. Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?, Helen and Her Daughters, and Cheerful Thrifty Door and Her Library Adventures.

Tammy

Posted in Cut glass, Dishes, Garage Sales, Linens, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | Tagged Big Golden Book, Embroidery, Flower Frogs, Richard Scarry, Vintage Pillowcases | 1 Comment

Give a Little; Buy a Little

Posted on August 18, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

Having some time off from work allowed me to finally take some donations to one of my favorite local thrift shops. Now I can begin to fill those empty donation boxes again.

I was going to try to be good, like Diann from The Thrifty Groove, who can donate at the thrift and successfully fend off the desire to subsequently shop at the thrift. Of course, I told myself that I had to go inside, if for no other reason than to look for the elusive airplane for Paulette’s (Cheerful Thrifty Door) grandson. So, inside to shop I went.

My, how the prices have increased! It wasn’t hard to pass up many items as they were well over my budget. I did find a few things (you had doubts?) but not the little red airplane.

Thrift Finds

The Southern Living cookbook is a copy of one I already own and like. I thought my daughter might enjoy it. The book of German verse (with English translation, thankfully) will allow me to indulge in my love of the German language. I can read through the short verses and pretend I understand what I’m reading. 🙂

Crochet cotton

There is something aesthetically pleasing about these Bucilla balls of crochet cotton. I liked their color and thought they had some interesting decor possibilities. Stacked on top of my recent Sears Roebuck & Co. scale purchase, piled into a large glass container, or filling a basket are some ideas that ran through my head when I saw them.

Strawberry Fair Square Plates

Finding four of these Johnson Brothers Strawberry Fair square salad / dessert plates made me smile. I did not know until after I got them home what a popular pattern this is. I can see why. Look what a happy little design this is:

Strawberry Fair Close Up

Red and white is just right!

Of course you know I couldn’t pass up this next item.

Buttons!

Here they are spilled out for better viewing. Can you find the key? Can you find the button that made me smile and snatch up this jar? (The fish.)

Do you see the key? Can you find the fish?

Part of the fun of a big jar, bag or tin of buttons is spilling them out to see what treasures await. The key was a surprise. So were the number of metal buttons. This $3 jar will provide me with many hours of joy. I’m looking forward to sorting through these beauties.

If I tell myself that I can’t go to this thrift shop again until I have another box (or boxes) to donate, then that should be enough incentive to gather some items and fill that box up soon! The best part is that if I give a little and buy a little it all goes toward a very good cause.

Tammy

Posted in Buttons, Dishes, Recipes, Tablescaping, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage | Tagged Bucilla, Buttons, Cookbook, Crochet, German Verse, Johnson Brothers, Southern Living, Strawberry Fair | 7 Comments

The Scale Won Me Over

Posted on July 28, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

I enjoy going to auctions, not that I’ve been to that many, but I have enjoyed those I’ve attended. So when the local auction company sends me an email about an upcoming sale, I check out the online photos of what’s on the auction block.

Recently I spotted a vintage green Sears Roebuck & Co scale. I’ve had my eye out for a scale and have not seen one within my price range. I considered going to the auction just to bid on the scale. Well, life got in the way and the auction night came and went – without my attendance.

Fast forward to the weekend after the sale. The YSCE (Yard Sale Chauffeur Extraordinaire) and I were stopping at one last yard sale on our way home after a not-so-successful day. We realized the sale was at a long-time acquaintance’s home. It looked like he had lots of tools. After our unsuccessful morning, I didn’t expect to find anything. Then I saw her.

Vintage Sears Roebuck Scale

I did a little Snoopy happy dance and squeal (in my head). I saw the price was more than I usually pay for anything at a yard sale, but a very reasonable price for a scale. And not just any scale, the exact scale I would have bid on at the auction if I had attended. Yes, our friend is a frequent presence at the local auctions and he had won the scale in a lot! He told me what he paid and his price was a reasonable mark-up. I was delighted to buy the scale from J.

Sears Scale Sporting Some Blue Pharmacy Bottles

Sears Scale Sporting Some Vintage Blue Glass Pharmacy Bottles

J. also had some vintage bottles for sale. I have always been partial to vintage bottles (but not quite as partial as he is, I don’t think; he is quite the collector), most especially blue bottles.

Vintage Blue Glass Pharmacy Bottles

These bottles are from a pharmacy that was once located in Baltimore, Maryland. Aren’t they beautiful?

J. is quite a generous fellow and offered to share a very special vintage bottle with us.

A Very Special Vintage Bottle

She may not look like much, but to the YSCE and me, she’s a beauty with a history we can appreciate. Thanks, J, for turning a not-so-hot yard sale day and turning it into a win!

Tammy

Posted in Apothecary Jar, Dishes, Garage Sales, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | Tagged Blue Glass, Sears Roebuck & Co., Vintage Pharmacy Glass, Vintage Scale | 7 Comments

Pyrex Pretty in Pink (and Aqua)

Posted on July 20, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

What a weekend find! My first ever piece of pink Pyrex! Woohoo!

My first pink Pyrex!

I never see pink Pyrex in thrift shops or at yard sales, until this weekend. This particular yard sale was one of only a handful being held this day. It was advertised as a moving sale, you know the type: “Everything must go!”. My experience with these headliner yard sales is that people really don’t mean it. They price the stuff they don’t care to pack up and take with them at prices that almost guarantee that this stuff is going along in the moving van. These folks had quite an eclectic assortment and many high-priced “antique” items. They even had a huge wooden carriage. Yeah, it was for sale, too. I wasn’t too confident I would find anything in my price range. And then I saw them.

Pyrex love.

I didn’t really even notice the pink piece at first. I was drawn to the aqua fridgies. There is something about the fridgies that calls to me. Maybe it’s my long-time love of boxes and containers? I don’t know, but I do love them. I scooped up the stack and hustled to pay for them.

Aqua Pyrex Fridgies

I would love to actually use them for storage in the refrigerator, but I’m not. Nope. I’m too nervous to do that. I think they will still find use elsewhere in the house, helping me to tuck away a little of this and a little of that. Some place where only I will handle them. 🙂

Fridgie lids.

Each of these pieces has its lid as well. There are a few chips here and there, but nothing major. I even like the way they look from this angle; very neat and tidy.

These colors remind me of the pastels of the beach. Yet another point in their favor!

You just never know what treasures you will find during yard sale season. My Pretty in Pink Pyrex was certainly a treasure for me!

Tammy

Posted in Beach, Dishes, Garage Sales, Pyrex, Tablescaping, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Yard Sales | Tagged Fridgies, Gooseberry, Pyrex | 7 Comments

Woven with Love

Posted on July 13, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

I am so blessed to have a life-long friend with a big heart and talented hands. For my birthday, my great friend “S” created this for me:

Hand-made with love.

Isn’t this gorgeous???

Beautiful weave!

There is a lot of time invested in this gorgeous Nantucket style basket. A lot of time.

Close up of S’s beautiful workmanship.

The basket has a wooden handle and base.

Wooden base and handle.

“S” put extra love into this basket at every possible opportunity. The inside bottom of the basket has a personalized scrim. “S” had it made using art from one of our Christmas cards, which are designed by my husband. It features our dear Scottie, Scamp (who has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge) and little Scottie, Mitty, who is our dear companion.

Scrim featuring Scotties Scamp and Mitty.

I can tell you that this gift brought tears to my eyes. The pure love that went into the creation of this basket is truly a gift in itself.

Woven with love.

Thank you, dear friend. I will treasure this gift of love forever and ever.

Tammy

Posted in Scotties, Uncategorized | Tagged basket, hand-made, Nantucket, Scottie, scrim | 3 Comments

Live from My Town, It’s Retro Saturday Morning!

Posted on June 16, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

The YSCE and I have been hitting the yard sales a little less intensely this season, but still enjoying them all the same. Our little Scottie, Mitty, has also accompanied us on those mornings that are not so hot. That proved to be interesting the day we found a nice floor lamp for YSCE’s office which involved rearranging Mitty’s seating assignment.

It seems that I have been fortunate to find something retro each of the past Saturdays. I have said before that I love church sponsored yard sales. They almost always provide me with a treasure or two. Recently one of the more historic churches in the area had a sale. I really need to remember to take pictures at yard sales. This church is just gorgeous. I arrived near the end of their sale day (which also meant half price!) but still found some old harmonicas, which YSCE promptly tested once we were home.

Old Harmonicas

I also found these beautiful vintage silver plate demitasse spoons.

I also found an old book from Colonial Williamsburg on how to decorate for Christmas. I love the beautiful natural decorations displayed at Williamsburg during the holidays. Some modern toys, ornaments, and Star Trek playing cards also found their way home with me.

On another Saturday and at a different church sale I found this sweet English pitcher in the Cape Code pattern. You know it’s difficult for me to walk away from white and blue or cream and blue!

English Cream Pitcher

For the Star Trek lover in the family, I was fortunate to find this beauty in the original box.

Star Trek Globe

This is a Next Generation globe that lights up and also plays a part of the theme song. After some attention to the corroded batteries and some scrubbing with an old toothbrush, I got this back in working order. Our Trekkie was pleased with this find.

Other retro items included this old Disney tin paint box by Page. I love the graphics of this beauty.

Vintage Disney Paint Box

I also found some rolling stands for plant pots. I looked at something similar in the home improvement store and just couldn’t bring myself to pay the price for them. The ones I found need some TLC and maybe a bit of spray paint, but they are perfect for the large terra cotta planters on our deck. $2 for 2 was more in line with my preferred price.

Edged Parchment

The parchment piece above was so pretty I just could not pass it by. It was a steal at 50 cents.

Detail on Parchment Design

I had no idea exactly what I would do with it, but its beauty called to me. We have some friends who are very active in a Renaissance group; I think they might be able to utilize this stunning piece of parchment.

This past Saturday was yet another church sale. I found this unmarked vintage Siamese kitty planter.

Siamese Cat Planter

To continue the retro theme, we picked up a box of 45 records. It was fun to go through them to see how many of the tunes we knew. The church man who was selling them said he could sing them all. I do wonder if he could also recite the stories on the children’s 45s that were included?

45 Records

YSCE actually spotted this Santa mug. He thought we should add it to our Santa mug collection. I like how Santa’s hair is carried around to the back side of the mug.

Santa Mug Front

Santa Mug Back

To round out our retro items, we found some embroidered napkins which could easily be used during Christmas. Santa looks at home with them, don’t you think?

Embroidered Napkins

There were also several vintage Christmas light strands among our purchases. Each strand lit up, too!

Vintage Christmas Lights

I count it a successful day when I can rescue some retro / vintage items and bring those treasures home to keep or share with others. Sometimes it’s just the walk down memory lane that is fun and oh, so worth the 50 cents or $1 cost for the item!

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Tammy

Posted in Garage Sales, Santa, Scotties, Silver, Thrifting, Vintage, Yard Sales | Tagged Disney Page Paint Tin, Santa Mug, Silver Plate, Star Trek | 4 Comments

It’s All Paulette’s Fault

Posted on June 2, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

Fellow blogger and friend, Paulette of Cheerful Thrifty Door, did a post about a toy she is seeking for her grandson, I’m Going on a Trip to Find a Rocket Ship. Even though I have severely cut back my thrift shop visits, I felt the call to help Paulette find this toy, Disney’s Little Einsteins Musical Pat Pat Rocket, for her sweet grandson. So it’s Paulette’s fault that I also found the following treasures after a lunchtime trip not so long ago to the thrift to look for the rocket ship.

I found a trio of the former Southern Living at Home items. Did it matter that I already had these items? No, not one bit. I like them enough to get them again.

This was sold as a two-piece product; this piece is the larger of the two. Yes, I did pay full retail price for a set. Since then, I’ve also picked up several sets at yard sales and thrifts for a lot less. I find many uses for these containers.

These fleur de lis bookends are quite heavy. They might be candidates for a chalk paint makeover; what do you think?

I’m a huge fan of Temptations, a type of ovenware and dishes sold on QVC. When I saw these on the thrift store shelves, I had to scoop them up. This black and white polka dot is one of my favorite Temptations patterns. The soup bowls are a nice size. For a total of $3.50 these beauties came right on home with me.

Alas, I did not find the little red rocket ship. But you know what that means, don’t you? Yes, you do. It gives me another excuse for future lunchtime thrifting. Gotta find that little rocket ship for Paulette’s grandson, right? Wink, wink.

Tammy

Posted in Dishes, Thrifting | Tagged Disney, Little Einsteins, Southern Living at Home, Temptations | Leave a comment

Let the Yard Sales Begin!

Posted on April 20, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

Yay! It is finally yard sale season again. This season is bittersweet for me this year as I’m trying to cut back on my treasures. Yes, we are doing some major de-cluttering at the house so it will be more thoughtful treasures that make their way home this year. It is too hard to give up treasure hunting all together, so I must learn to make fewer and wiser purchases when I find those treasures.

International Silver Company Candelabra

I have bypassed quite a few yard sales since the season began. I couldn’t pass up the estate sale held by one of my bridesmaids. The estate sale was at the home where she grew up; I just knew there would be a treasure waiting for me. I found the lovely 5-cup International Silver Company silver-plated candelabra at the sale. I really like the size of this; it will fit into a tablescape quite nicely.

Las Vegas Tumbler

I also picked up a treasure for the husband of my friend, “S”, who collects Las Vegas items. I thought he would like this for his collection.

This bunny was just too cute to leave behind. He will be added to my office decorations for use next year. He held a treat inside – a Maisto red 1956 Ford Thunderbird die-cast car.

Maisto 1956 Ford Thunderbird

And lastly, you know I can’t pass up vintage sewing stuff and buttons! This vintage Ritz cracker tin filled to the brim with sewing goodies was in a box marked $1 which also included lots of thread and other sewing items.

Vintage Ritz Cracker Tin

Lots of goodies in here!

I think I did very well for $4.50 total. Some treasures to keep, some to gift, and a few extra sewing items will be donated. And the best treasure of all, I got to see my sweet bridesmaid, who hasn’t changed a lick in all these many years…still as lovely inside and out as always.

I hope to visit the following parties, and hope you will too, at Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Buttons, Garage Sales, Silver, Tablescaping, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | Tagged Buttons, Las Vegas, Maisto, Ritz, Silver, Thunderbird, vintage, Vintage Tins | 3 Comments

Grandma’s Little Black Purse

Posted on April 14, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

My grandparents used to attend many functions at which formal attire was required. Happily, I inherited many of my grandmother’s evening purses. I decided to carry one to the wedding of the daughter of my good friend, “S”.

Grandma’s Little Black Purse

This little bag was the perfect size to hold just a few essentials, such as a cell phone — Something my grandmother never owned or much less carried to a wedding!

Sweet Design

I love the sweet, but subtle pattern of the purse’s fabric. I especially like the bows at the base of each strap. Here is a close up of the clasp.

Clasp with Bling

This vintage bag was made by Garay. It is in exceptionally good condition, as were most of the things my grandmother owned. She was of a generation that took care of what they owned. There was no popping out to the mall or logging onto the internet to buy a new piece at whim.

My grandmother’s generation also took good care of their hair-dos! While on the way to the wedding I discovered not one, but two, portable rain hats tucked into the side pockets. If it rained, my grandmother was well-prepared to protect her ‘do!

Never leave home without your portable rain bonnet!

The wedding was lovely with a most beautiful bride – and her momma looked great as well! It was a fine day to carry Grandma’s little black purse.

Posted in Vintage | Tagged Garay, Purse, vintage | 1 Comment

Tea for the Bride-to-be

Posted on February 17, 2013 by tammylovesdishes

In another twist of the question, Where Does Time Go?, my long-time friend and fellow thrifter, S, is celebrating the upcoming marriage of her youngest child. Since it seems like yesterday that she and I were celebrating our own new marriages, it feels as if I’m in a weird warp of time.

The adorable bride-to-be and her sweet momma decided on a Tea Party theme for her bridal shower.

For months, S has been collecting tea cups and saucers, plates, mason jars, flatware and serving pieces during her thrifting adventures. Many of these pieces were brought out to play at the tea.

For those who preferred a cold beverage, mason jars were fancied up and loaded with fun straws.

Iced tea and lemonade were available to quench thirsts.

Each table was set with a mix of plates and tea cups.

Mason jars were utilized again as vases for beautiful floral displays on each table.

A fine selection of tea was provided at each table. The teapots are not shown as they were warming in the kitchen awaiting their turn at the table.

A lovely assortment of goodies was beautifully displayed on the food table.

At each place setting a burlap bag favor was left for the guests. Inside the bag was a teabag. The beribboned label reads “The Perfect Blend” with the happy couple’s names and marriage date. What s cute idea!

We also enjoyed a piece of this beautiful cake as a sweet ending to our tea.

This tea was a true labor of love. All the components were toted from S’s home to the site of the tea – a local treasure – a recently renovated old school house used as a community center. Food, dishes, table settings, tea pots and more were carried to the site. It was quite a whirlwind setting up for the tea with bridesmaids, parents, friends, grandmothers, aunts and uncles participating. It turned out beautifully, don’t you think? We all had such a wonderful time.

I wish for my friend S’s daughter the most loving and happy of marriages.

I hope to visit the parties at Knick of Time’s Knick of Time Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm, Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove, and The Penny Worthy Project at Hey, What’s for Dinner Mom?

Tammy

Posted in Dishes, Garage Sales, Tablescaping, Tea Set, Thrifting, Uncategorized, Vintage, Yard Sales | Tagged bridal shower, mason jar, Tea, thrift | 4 Comments

Tammy Loves Dishes

Mother Goose and the Frogs

Give a Little; Buy a Little

The Scale Won Me Over

Pyrex Pretty in Pink (and Aqua)

Woven with Love

Live from My Town, It’s Retro Saturday Morning!

It’s All Paulette’s Fault

Let the Yard Sales Begin!

Grandma’s Little Black Purse

Tea for the Bride-to-be

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