part 2: the haul

Did you catch my last post about our romantique Brimfield honeymoon?  It was fate that our wedding was the Saturday before the spring antique market.  Honestly, I didn’t plan it that way.  With such timing, how could we not take the opportunity to honeymoon at the largest antique show in the country?  Don’t worry we also hit Nantucket and other New England sites such as Plymouth.

But let’s talk about what we bought!  These pictures don’t show all of the haul but the majority.  Although we could’ve fit more in the truck, I was trying not to make this a crazy Circa Dee buying trip since that isn’t exactly why we were there.  We had a lot of fun picking out things for our home including a set of andirons for our fireplace that aren’t pictured.  Overall, it was 50/50 in terms of what we bought for us versus what we bought to sell.

Ok I’ll stop talking for a minute so you can feast your eyes…

vintage treasures May (1 of 28)

vintage treasures May (2 of 28)

vintage treasures May (3 of 28)

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Have you ever seen a Tom Thumb?  It is a kid’s size typewriter.  I hadn’t seen one before but then ran into a few of them.  It is from the 1950′s and comes with a metal cover.  I love the color.  I am bringing it to Brooklyn Flea Philly this weekend so maybe someone will be just as amazed as I am by the Tom Thumb.

vintage treasures May (5 of 28)

And this Lazy Lake sign…it is most likely a reproduction made maybe 30 years ago but it is still fabulous.  The swim cap, the graphics, the bum in the air!vintage treasures May (9 of 28)

Oh there were so many fun vintage ship wares.  I have a thing for crotchety old ship captain figurines these days, especially the old peg leg one.  And check out the brass plaques used which came from a ship.  I had such a hard time picking out which ones I wanted.  We’ll definitely be hanging the Cert. Private Lavatory plaque in the bathroom.  I haven’t made a decision on the others although they’re all quite punny.

 vintage ship plaques & captains

More nautical swag.  I never pass up a minnow bucket.  Those orange graphics!

vintage treasures May (19 of 28)

Vintage glass fishing buoys are so beautiful.  They tend to vary a little bit in green and blue colors and their shapes are imperfect.  The glass was usually blown right on the ship.  The buoys still float.  Ryan tested it…  We kept one and put a few for sale in West End Garage because they really make an awesome coffee table piece in a beach house.

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I found so much humor in this sign.  I wanted to keep and display it but decided it would give customers the wrong idea because yeah, we do take credit.

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The credit sign is laying on a vintage apple press.  At least part of the apple press.  The wood has the most beautiful patina to it most likely from the acid of the apples.  I love the age of the wood so we’re planning to create something with the press piece.  Stay tuned on that front.

vintage treasures May (13 of 28)

This little birdhouse was also made by the nice couple that we met that shares our anniversary.  They were selling these birdhouses like hotcakes so we had to grab one for ourselves!

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We selected a neon letter R to represent our last name.  You can also see there that we found lots of mason jars.

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And crates.  I chose ones with graphics that I liked.  I especially liked the Buckeye crate for all of my friends with Ohio roots.  vintage treasures May (25 of 28)

We scored a few pieces of small furniture that I’ve already put in my space at West End Garage.  It was pretty bare there when we got back so I was happy to add this white Empire chest.  It is also perfect for a beach cottage.  I was drawn to it for its crackle finish.

vintage empire chest

So what were our favorite finds you ask?

Ryan’s was definitely this carved wooden eagle.  The day we found it he mentioned something about wanting a “totem pole”.  And then he spotted this.  And suddenly totem pole type things were everywhere.  I’m so glad he selected the eagle though because some were not nearly as awesome.vintage carved eagle

I’ve always wanted to find a leather doctor’s bag.  Then I came across one with my initials on it!  The guy practically gave it away when he heard they were my initials.  I didn’t mention that they’ll be changing any day now as soon as I get around to completing the paperwork.

vintage doctor bag

So what is your favorite find from our Brimfiled stash?

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romantique honeymoon

Seriously, I have the best husband ever.  Not only did he agree to spend a good portion of our honeymoon antiquing our way through Brimfield but he actually loved it as much as I did!

Brimfield Antique Market 2013 (24 of 27)

I had to laugh the first day when we parked at 9 am and the guy told us the lot closed at 7 pm.  Yes, I actually laughed because I thought we’d never spend that long at the market.  Well, here we are returning to our truck at 6 pm.  The last vehicle in our area.  Yup, we spent about 9 hours shopping that day!  My kind of romance.

Brimfield Antique Market 2013 (16 of 27)

Let me just tell you, this trip was everything I’ve always dreamed of.  Ok, I guess I imagined a honeymoon in a Tuscan villa at some point in my life but in reality Brimfield was better.  Way better.

Brimfield Antique Market 2013 (22 of 27)

How you ask?  Loads and loads of vintage, antiques, junk and just down right cool people hauling tons of old junk.

Brimfield transportation

We had zero agenda and that was the best plan we could’ve made.  Everyone we met led us to a great restaurant, park or shop.  A dealer named Tracy from Fresh Vintage Mercantile gave us her dinner reservation that she couldn’t attend at a fabulous (and booked) sushi restaurant in town which we were clueless about.  We also got this great sign from her that I posted on facebook last week.

save the world buy vintage

We met dealers, Sherry and Paul, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the same day we got married.  They even gave us a little vintage gift!  We purchased these handmade grapevine trellises from them.  That’s Sherry and me…and a random photo bomber.

Brimfield Antique Market 2013 (25 of 27)

As we pulled into town the first day, I was basically hyperventilating, shrieking “Stop the car! Stop the car!” when I saw all of the goodness that Brimfield had to offer.

Brimfield Collage

And the food…omigoodness the food is pure fair food heaven.  Actually, there’s nothing pure about it.  All junk.

Brimfield food

I could keep going with the stories but I’m sure you’d rather see the eye candy!

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Brimfield Antique Market 2013 (23 of 27)

Some couples spend their honeymoon in an all inclusive tropical island.  Not us.

Brimfield Honeymoon

tell me everything you know

About Brimfield.

Friends, May is on the horizon.  And it’s going to be phenomenal!

For one, we’re getting hitched.  I will have tons of details and pics to share here on the blog afterwards.  Can’t wait!

And speaking of after the wedding…you may have guessed we’re taking a honeymoon.  And our honeymoon week just happens to fall on Brimfield week.  Honestly, I didn’t plan that although one of my dreams has been to visit Brimfield and take it all in.  The antique wheelin’ and dealin’ mecca of the universe!  What better way to spend a romantic week as husband and wife?  Our first romantic week as husband and wife for that matter.

junk sign

Ok. Ok. We’re not spending the entire week in Brimfield.  I haven’t completely lost my mind.  It is a pit stop on the way to our real honeymoon in remote Nantucket.  A location that we both have always wanted to visit.  We can’t wait!

ocean

So tell me what you know about both Brimfield and Nantucket.

clawfeet

What are must sees and dos in Nantucket?  We’re planning on lots of bike rides around town in matching cable-knit sweaters casually draped over our shoulders with fresh baguettes resting in our woven bicycle baskets.  Yes, seriously.

Beach Cruiser

And some fishing.

For Brimfield, we’ll be arriving in the beginning of the week so I’m hoping to watch the magic unfold while avoiding the late week traffic.  What fields are musts?  What are some local eateries that we should hit up?  Tell me everything you seasoned Brimfieldians!

pile of vintage

And yes we’re bringing a truck to stock up.  And perhaps His & Hers flea market carts.  Pure romance.

make a day of it

Hey there!  I’m back with more details about this weekend’s sale.  I’ve been working diligently to get everything ready to go for our beach themed sale.  I hope you’ll stop by.  Here’s an itty bitty preview of what’s in store…

While you’re in the neighborhood, you must visit our new neighbor.  The Frock Shoppe will be celebrating their grand opening this weekend!  The Frock Shoppe is a new and resale boutique, with a mission of supporting our community through buying and selling top quality pre-loved, and new clothing and accessories.  All proceeds from the Grand Opening will be used to help local families with school supplies via their charity The Nottage Project!  I absolutely love their cause…and their taste.  This boutique is sure to impress!

Must.  See.  This weekend.

Since you’ll be visiting all of the great businesses at 1814 Valley Forge Road, Worcester, PA, I thought I’d give you some of my other faves just minutes away!  Yes, this list is for you, my city dwelling friends.  Come out to the country for the day – we’re just 30 miles from Philly.

Zacharias Creek Side Cafe – Just around the corner from us is this adorable and tasty cafe with outdoor seating.  Have lunch at the BYO and don’t skip dessert!  It’s that good.

Merrymead Farm – Meet the new calf who is just too cute and visit the piggies too.  But before you leave, sample the ice cream (who cares if you already had dessert) and get some farm fresh produce & milk.

Skippack Village – Spend the rest of the day strolling this historic neighborhood that is dotted with wonderful boutiques and antique shops.

Body Serene – Wrap up with a mani/pedi at this relaxing day spa.

Evansburg State Park – Oh, you want less shopping and more walking?  Definitely go for a hike in Evansburg.  Bring your fishing rod too.

Center Point Pond – Or you could always fish the stocked pond right in our backyard at 1814.

That brings us full circle  around the neighborhood.  I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous day.  We look forward to seeing you!

the john

Remember my dad the antiquer?  He’s also my dad the plumber.  And when those two worlds collide you end up with an antique toilet.

True story.

The past week has been crazy busy and full of developments for Circa Dee.  I can’t wait to share all of them with you as the time is right.  In the midst of all of this great activity we spent a couple of days in Cape May.  My parents joined us and we set out antiquing on Saturday morning.  On our journey we encountered the aforementioned toilet.  Of course I encouraged my dad the antiquer/plumber to get it.  How could he continue to live without a Victorian era john?

My mom, on the other hand, was repulsed by the idea of the toilet taking up residence in her house.  Obviously she was overruled.  And being the ornate oak vessel that it is, my dad has big plans of displaying the piece in their living room.  I’m fairly certain he will be overruled in that category.

Did I mention that he plans to put a plant in it.  Seriously.  Without prompting he said he’s going to put a plant in the enamel can.  In the living room.  I will have to keep you posted on where the toilet ends up.  I have a feeling it may be the basement.  (Honestly the can really does gross me out and you know how much I love enamelware…just not this pot.)

In the meantime, my dad and I had a good time having a photoshoot with the ancient vessel.  My mom all the while kept shouting for us to wash our hands and not to touch it.

Good times.  So how was your weekend?

old savannah

A few weeks ago (actually more like over a month ago) we went on a road trip to Savannah and I promised some antiquing highlights.  I went to a ton of stores as the area is swarming with all types of antique, vintage & decor  shops.  I snapped a few pics as I oohed and ahhed my way through the region.  So here are my top 5 based on the shops I visited…

Where:  As the name implies, 37th at Abercorn in Savannah

Style: Designer House Co-op

What to expect:  A huge Southern house transformed into a cooperative of antiques and designer vintage.  You will flow from room to room discovering a different style in each (and not knowing how to get out).  This house is seriously huge.  There is also original art and jewelry and and vintage clothes and a garden area and I could go on.  You can easily decorate your entire home from this store.

What to love about it:  37th & Abercorn has partnered with the Humane Society of Greater Savannah devoting an entire room to the cause.  Treasures sold in the room where donated to the Society.

Where:  The Paris Market is in downtown Savannah at 36 W. Broughton St.

Style:  Ok so this store is not really an antique store at all but more of a retail store with a lot of cool reproduction pieces mixed in with original collections.  Think Anthropologie or Terrain with a Parisian spin.

What to expect:  Two floors of treasures styled just perfectly.  Exposed beams and stone walls create the perfect backdrop for changing displays.  Of course I loved the French coastal thing they had going on when I was there.

What to love about it: You feel like you’re in Paris yet you haven’t left the East Coast.

Where:  Take a day trip over to Tybee Island and don’t miss Seaside Sisters on the way in at 1207 Highway 80 East.

Style: Part gift shop, part antique co-op

What to expect:  Vintage coastal decor probably right out of old Tybee Island cottages or Florida before Disney.  Lots of bright colors, wicker, bark cloth and other linens.  Do I dare say shabby chic?  You’ll want to buy a beach house just so you have a place to put all of your new, brightly colored treasures.

What to love about it: My favorite author, Mary Kay Andrews, sells her found treasures (and books) here.  In fact, you’re looking at her space above.  She does book signings and other events at the shop.  The owner was so sweet to offer to have Mary Kay sign my book for me.  Side note, I can’t wait for her new book Spring Fever to come out next month!

Where:  Pinch of the Past is located at 2603 Whitaker Street in Savannah and they’ve got 2nd & 3rd locations in Greensboro, GA & Madison, GA

Style:  Architectural salvage & restoration

What to expect:  I love a good salvage yard but that is only the beginning.  The building is a huge old factory with a few levels.  It is neatly organized with everything from plumbing fixtures to lumber to hardware.  Expect to restore your home from this shop.

What to love about it:  Surprise!  There is a mezzanine level filled with unexpected vintage housewares organized in an antique co-op store way.

Where:  As the name implies Habersham Antiques is located at 2502 Habersham St. in Savannah.

Style:  Traditional antique mall with endless rows of booths

What to expect:  Find a great mix of vintage and antiques covering the genres.  Each of the 70 vendors seems to have their own specialty so there is something for everyone.

What to love about it:  It is not often in antique malls that you find neatly staged booths where vendors have an eye for display.  I was also very pleased with the prices here.

Writing this post has made me want to revisit the area and explore the nearly 40 antique and vintage shops.  I know I only scratched the surface in the 3 days we were in the region.  On our way back home we visited the famed Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, VA.  Check out that post if you missed it!

What is your favorite region for treasure hunting?