A Wonderful Discovery

While helping bf move into his new place last weekend, we came across the following, too wonderful not to share!!

Some of you may be thinking- 'That really is rough-looking'. You are correct. But........................
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THEY'RE MINIATURE SIZED!

It's a child's table and chair set. Or misplaced from the Mad Hatter's tea party. Either way, I don't need these for some time. I totally called them though.

Bf totally kept the haul in his basement a secret. I had no idea what treasures were held beneath the recently-renovated laminate on the main floor. Like this clock and side table.

This is a 'real' clock, complete with the clockworks inside, the face that opens and key to wind it. It seems as if it may even work. Doesn't the table look equally lovely?

We also pulled out chairs, shelving units and a worn, wash table screaming for some tee elle see (yes, another possible project). To think, only weeks ago, bf and I considered snatching up some chair cushions at GT Boutique for some Asian-inspired floor seating. Who knew there were at least half a dozen chairs in his basement, well matched to his kitchen table? 

In addition to Christmas decorations, including an artificial tree, a basement of tired, old furniture is also sure to warrant a few 'unique' items. Like this creature....

It would appear this stool had a bad run-in with the abominal snowman and a staple gun. Pulling this stool out may actually have been a highlight for me, because it's just so ridiculous! I enjoyed a feel-good laugh at the blue fleece' expense.

Outfitting bf's house will be considerably easier now. I am excited to put Young House Love's window treatment advice to the test soon!

Antiquing in South Bruce

 Strike one off the bucket list! Okay, I didn't exactly spend the day with my girlfriends, rather than my bf and a couple friends who were as enthusiastic about finding deals on great junk as I was, but who's counting anyway?!

We decided to explore South Bruce County on this treasure hunt, after determining the area perhaps had the most antique shops and flea markets of the area. Unfortunately, the listings weren't entirely accurate and we found some of the stores didn't even exist, or we couldn't find them. Nevertheless, we had a great day meandering the streets of Kincardine, Tiverton and Paisley. There were certainly some highlights:

    Photo: TheSaltboxShoppe.com

• The Plant Place and Salt Box Shoppe, Kincardine - We weren't even going to stop here originally, but this was my favourite of the day. The eclectic collection of rustic, handmade birdhouses and outdoor decor mixed with iron figurines and welded garden stakes was beyond charming. One of these bird houses is on my wish-list for next time!
• Olde English, Tiverton - A random collection of antiques and collectibles, we had a good chuckle at the variety of salt and pepper shakers, and I thought the prices to be quite reasonable.
• The Rare Bird, Elmwood - I have to admit, we didn't get to this gem on our day trip. Bf and I stopped the next day on our way back to the city. We were there an hour! It is jam-packed with collectibles including milk bottles, china, old toys, records, trading cards and vintage Coca-Cola items. I picked up 2 milk bottles and 2 cobalt blue china plates.

The owner explained to me why milk bottles are so rare - recycling companies would only take the bottles, when the industry went to bagged milk, if the glass was broken. Many dairies smashed all their bottles, so the few that are left will sometimes sell for over $1000 at auctions! My plates are circa 1850 and were only $5 each! They will never sell for more as they're quite chipped and cracked, but they will still make a lovely addition to my 'blue collection'.

If anything, this trip has piqued my curiosity and interest in antiquing even more! I've started a list of shoppes that I plan to visit before the summer is over, so you can expect more 'antique road shows' in the coming months!