Happy Thrifting: Chelsea Forge Antiques and Quaker Antique Mall
A few weekends ago I left the ten-mile radius surrounding our house to explore some new-to-me antique shops. As you can see, I’m really branching out. I even crossed over the border into Pennsylvania! Although, that’s not saying much because as the crow flies we practically live on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I figured if I was going to leave my comfort zone, I’d better check out an antique shop that had a ton of square footage, so I chose the Quaker Antique Mall in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. As luck would have it, Chelsea Forge Antiques and Design (pictured above) was right on my way, so I stopped there…
My Latest Thrift Store Finds: Part 3
Did you go thrifting this summer? I probably went a couple of times a month, but only found a handful of thrift store finds worth bringing home. I’ve been idly looking for some very specific thrift store finds, which means, of course, I won’t find them. I’ll find everything I won’t need instead. For instance, was I looking for a wood duck? Uh, no. But how could I turn down this $5 find? Look how pretty it is with its iridescent, shimmering feathers. Did I need another wood tray? Sometimes the lines between need and want are blurred, so let’s just go with yes. The answer is always yes. It…
My Latest Thrift Store Finds: Part 2
I’ve already written one “My Latest Thrift Store Finds” post, so now I’m writing the much anticipated sequel. Maybe this will turn into a series. Who knows? I certainly don’t. Ha! But in case anyone asks, I do have a grand plan and definitely have my act together. Oh, and we never had this conversation. Now let’s get back to the important business of the day, my latest thrift store finds. They are pinch myself good. My Latest Thrift Store Finds #1: Scalloped Brass Bowl Scalloped designs seems to be having a moment. I’ve seen scalloped designs all over the internet lately, so this scalloped brass bowl that I found…
Four Recent Thrift Store Finds
I’ve become more interested in thrift store shopping for my home in recent years for three reasons. I really, really, really, really like a bargain. Certain items of yesteryear are made better than they are now. I don’t want my home to look like everyone else’s. Plus, it balances out my Amazon shopping habit. Oh, and did I mention I like a bargain? My conundrum with thrift store shopping is that I really don’t like shopping in general. It feels like a waste of time and I don’t usually have the patience for it. More often than not I go to a thrift store and see nothing that sparks a…
Happy Thrifting: Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market
Today I want to introduce to you a flea market I’ve been to twice now: Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market. It is located along the scenic Delaware River in Lambertville, New Jersey, right across the border from Pennsylvania. The flea market has been open since the late 1960s, so you know it is a good one. Plus, it is open year-round and three days a week: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Some flea markets are only open seasonally and that’s a bummer when you really have a hankering to find some neat treasures, but nothing is open! The name Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market is a nod to the man who…
My Thrifted James Peter Cost Art Is Worth How Much?
A few weekends ago I was browsing the art section at my local Habitat Restore. By art section I mean stacks of framed art haphazardly leaning against a wall. All art in this particular Restore is $2 unless otherwise marked. I found a large painting of a barn for $5 by an artist named James Peter Cost. I don’t know how long the painting had been there, but it was quite dusty. I stood there staring at it for several minutes trying to decide if I’d regret not buying it. I know $5 isn’t a lot, but I’m still intentional with how I spend my five bucks. It is less…
The Best Flea Market Score
Not only did I recently find the best flea market score EVER, it happened twice at the same flea market. I know, I know. I don’t think you can technically have two “best ever” declarations in the same sentence. Alas, it won’t be the first or last grammar violation on this blog. Now, while I’m still riding the high of the moment, I am well aware that the best flea market score to me is not the best flea market score to someone else. And thank goodness, right? Otherwise, they’d be walking home with my finds and I’d be walking home sad and empty-handed. Actually, I’d be driving. New Jersey…
Happy Thrifting: Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market
Have you ever seen a faraway place on TV or in a magazine and thought that it would be a cool place to visit someday? That’s what I’ve always thought about Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in Connecticut. It is often the backdrop for the HGTV show Flea Market Flip. It has also been mentioned in magazines the likes of Architectural Digest and by interior designers like Emily Henderson. As it turns out, I can now drive to Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in about two hours. I’ve been stuck in traffic jams in Atlanta for longer than two hours, so driving this long to potentially score some unique treasures at a…
Happy Thrifting: Smalltown Antiques
I’ll happily admit I’m the type of shopper that judges an antique or thrift store by the stuff they have outside. If it looks like “good” stuff – whatever that means – I’m more likely to want to stop. Do you do that too? Smalltown Antiques in Flanders, New Jersey, had all sorts of good stuff outside its front door when I visited. I’m guessing thieves don’t steal old crocks? Not only was the outside packed, but Smalltown Antiques the kind of shop that is brimming with interesting finds inside too. It’s not big space-wise, but there’s a lot to take in. I loved the bookends on this table and…
My Latest Thrift Store Finds
Believe it or not, I’ve been shopping – thrift store shopping! And I have some thrift store finds to share with you. There’s really no difference at all between thrift store shopping and regular store shopping for me. 99% of the time the outcome can usually be categorized as one of the following: This store was a complete waste of time. I can’t believe I left my house for this. The store contains all my hopes and dreams and I can’t afford any of it. That last 1% of the time I find something at the intersection of I can’t live without it and I’m willing to pay for it,…
