I Heart Vintage!

I have been so short on time that my favorite hobby (treasure hunting) has fallen by the wayside. A shame really as the last time I went (about three weeks ago) was a very successful trip.

Funnily enough I seem to attract light fittings. On this particular trip I found FIVE. Two chandeliers and three outdoor light fittings. Zia and I shared the chandeliers however I kept the coach lights as the colour and style match the frontage of our house perfectly:
 

This vintage fan was in good shape - albeit missing an electrical cord - but I had to have it. Besides Fred thinks it is easily fixed:

The gods of vintage were smiling on me this day as I found the most gorgeous hatbox in a front yard. Luckily it was dark when I grabbed this as I *shamefully* had to sneak to the back of the pile:

And for the most random item of all? A french puzzle!

Free and vintage and French? Yes please!

An Ode to Tables

I love tables.

In fact, I like any surface that can be used as a table. Yet another reason why I love vintage suitcases - see Vintage Luggage: A Curious Obsession

Why the overwhelming love for tables? I would hazard a guess it is due to the fact that I have so many objects d'art (or dust collectors or stuff or crap - whichever takes your fancy) to display. And an elevated flat surface is an efficient way to do so.

This table was a freebie find that happened to cross my path a couple of months ago:

The door knobs were missing however a quick trip to the local hardware store was enough to remedy the situation. It is rather study and seems to be a few years old. The paint work is battered however it leads the table a shabby charm so I decided to leave it as is. It is currently sitting in the entry way.

This side table was another recycled freebie:

As far as I can ascertain it is at least twenty to thirty years old and made very well. No chipboard or MDF here! The paint work is almost pristine and the door knobs (surprisingly) were still attached.

Who says that side tables are only for the bedroom?

I like to think these side tables were presents from the recycling fairies or some good karma had I due my way from doing my best to re-use, re-vamp, and recycle.

There is, of course, a LOT of new things in our home. I will post about them as the house becomes more finished.

The Three R's

I am a firm believer in recycling, reusing, and re-purposing.

Admittedly I am almost obsessive about sorting out the garbage to ensure every single item that can possibly be recycled, is. Lecturing (for lack of a better word) those who mix up the rubbish in my specially purchased dual bin has been known to happen in this household.

Therefore it never ceases to amaze me how wasteful people can be! No matter though as wastefulness/lack of creativity/laziness = my gain. And what a spectacular gain it has been! Especially where the ceilings of my home are concerned.

This lovely light fixure is presiding over the entry way:

This amazing one is awaiting installation over the dining table:

(I have been debating whether or not to paint the gold to match the one in the entry way.)

Recycled? Tick! Re-used? Tick! Suits my style asthetic? Tick! The added bonus? I did not pay a cent courtesy of the local curbside collection!

It takes a healthy dose of courage. A willingness to follow some simple ettiquette. A keen eye. The ability to see items not for what they are but what they can be. Most importantly, a sense of humor, wet wipes/anti-bacterial gel and a down to earth companion.

There are many out there who will laugh and make snide comments. However I smile, nod, and comfort myself with the thought that I have awesome stuff and they haven't. I am serene in the knowledge I am upholding my personal values.

And that, in my humble opinion, is well worth the fleeting embarrassment.