Vintage Finds

Once there was a lonely little ramekin.  It was picked up at an op shop by a hopeful thrifter, who vowed that one day she would find it's family. 

It was a useful little dish, who kept itself busy with odd jobs like melting butter, separating egg whites, but despite this, never quite felt like it belonged anywhere, it was as though it was meant for some other purpose...

Then, one day, it was re-united with it's family.  It turns out they were living just one suburb away from each other all this time.

And so the little ramekin no longer felt alone,
and finally found a purpose,  fulfilling important jobs like..

baking old fashioned custard for the whole family.

Don't you just love happy endings?

Joining in today with Sophie and Her Library Adventures for Flea market Finds

For more vintage finds go here and here.

xSam

Vintage Finds - Something Special

When I come across something special, something that just touches my heart, I never want to let it go, yet want to share it with the world..

My husband stumbled upon these treasures on the weekend at a garage sale on our street.

So enchanting, beautifullly illustrated, full of sweet thoughts and words..the kind of books I love to share with my kids, maybe on a rainy day or at the moment a cool, sunny autumn's day.

Mr R was immediately charmed by the gorgeous cover illustrations, then upon opening up the books, could not put them down, he just knew that they belonged with us. Can you see why I fell in love with this guy? 

They were written and illustrated by children's author Joan Walsh Anglund in the 1950's-60's.  Although the illustrations look a little familiar, I'm feeling a little ignorant on children's literature right about now, as though I should know of her and her beautiful vintage children's books.  Not to worry, I know of them now and I'm hooked!  I would love to have more of these books to pass onto my daughter, and for her to cherish in the future.

I also found some gorgeous prints taken from Anglund's books on etsy, which would look great framed up on my daughter's bedroom walls.

Are you familiar with the works of Joan Walsh Anglund?

Joining in with Sophie and friends at Her Library Adventures today, why not pop over there to see more cute vintage finds!

xSam

Thrifting Therapy

After a tricky week last week, this week has been all about de-cluttering and sticking to a strong routine.  Not without a little thrifting though. 

I picked these dishes up just last week, when I needed to get out of the house and clear my head, plus I just thought my kitchen could do with a little vintage Pyrex! 

It seems thrifting (much like baking) is rather therapeutic.  It gets my mind off things, takes me to a place of simpler, dependable times, of things that were made to last, of handmade things reflecting their era, era's I sometimes think I would have liked to be around for.

You might notice my images are a little retro looking?  Well, I've also been playing around with Picasa, which I downloaded for free. I was looking for a free program for photo collages and to enhance my images, maybe there are other programs like it or even better, I'd love to hear about them if you know of any.  I'm loving the 1960's effect, especially for thrifting posts like this one, but please bare with me as I get used to it.

So, back to thrifting, did I mention that I have a weakness for English bone china, especially teacups and cake plates? And I don't mind if they're not matching, although it is fun chasing down matching cups and saucers for the many odd ones starting to fill up my cabinet. 

Here are a couple of other things I've acquired over the last few months..

Royal Vale Trio set, matched up with Ironstone cake plate,

 perfect for a Sunday afternoon cuppa & cake

This Grindley cake plate was a Christmas gift from my Mum, she's chuffed that I love it,

but I haven't had the chance to use it yet

I'm pretty sure that I'm too young to be an actual nanna (I think), though I'm starting to wonder myself, looking at my little growing collection.  Hubby has yet to comment on the addition of Pyrex to my collection.  Lets just say cottage pie and lemon meringue could well be on the menu shortly!

Linking up for the first time with Sophie over at Her Library Adventures today.

xSam