Thrift Store Karma

I am thinking it was some sort of Thrift Store Karma...

Last week I headed over to my favorite local thrift store, on half price day, in search of sweet vintage fabrics for my handmade creations.

I wanted to buy these vintage men's pants, but I couldn't find a price tag. I checked the pockets for a price tag and discovered a five spot! When I checked out, I handed the $5 to the clerk and explained. She was confused. I just wanted to do the right thing...and I think it was good karma because I found loads of great vintage fabrics!

Here is a prime example of how I think my honesty may have paid off!

I picked up this "grab bag". 

I don't typically buy these grab bags because it can be difficult to tell what all is in the sealed plastic bags. From what I could tell through the plastic bag, there seemed to be enough remnants of vintage looking fabrics to make it worth taking the chance.

You have no idea how excited I was to tear open the bag when I got home!

So are you ready for the big reveal?

Sweet score number one: a large remnant cutting of eyelet fabric and three vintage handkerchiefs.

The hankies alone made the bag totally worthwhile. Have you seen the prices on vintage handkerchiefs these days? Even at the thrift store on half price day, they can go for $1.50 each!

Sweet score number two: a really beautiful assortment of very nice velvets.

I don't tend to buy velvets because I typically only find the cheap-o looking super synthetic kind. These fat quarter sized cuttings are the "good stuff", and not plastic looking at all. They will be perfect for Fall/ Winter sewing projects.

Sweet score number three: two quarter yard cuttings of phenomenal vintage upholstery fabrics.

These two fabrics are going to be made into some gorgeous pillows!

Sweetest score number four: The pièce de résistance. I was excited because I thought there was a large cutting of brown and white vintage gingham cotton in the bag....but what I pulled out of my grab bag blew my mind.

Not too shabby, if you ask me...it was a beautiful home sewn vintage girl's dress. It is in nearly perfect condition (missing only one button on the back closure), and it is extremely well made. It just needs a delicate wash a good press and a button and it will be good as new. This will not be repurposed into anything! It should be worn by a vintage loving little lady. 

Not sure if I just got lucky or if it really was good karma for turning in the money that I found.

You know the Golden Rule: "Do unto others..."

It is just like Forrest Gump says..."Life is like a grab bag at a thrift store, you never know what vintage you are going to get..." um...errr...something like that.

Garage Sale Girly Fun With Marketing Mike

Hey You!!

Long time no see, eh?

Well, I have decided to give the old sewing machine the day off so I could WRITE A NEW BLOG POST! I know, I can’t believe it either. Since today is #SSPS (Shameless Self Promotion Sunday) on the Twitter, I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to do just that!

This week I had an amazing opportunity to be interviewed by an author, speaker, sports marketing specialist, hot dog extraordinaire and all around great guy, Mr. Mike Rudd.

Wine Not? July is national hot dog month! Enjoy a hot dog classy style with a glass of vino while conducting a very serious interview! Photo via Marketing Fun With Mike's Facebook Fan Page. 

Mr. Rudd wrote his debut book, “Hot Dogs, A Little Marketing, and A Lot of Fun”. In this book, he explains how working at a hot dog stand in college, taught him lessons that he was able to apply to achieve greatness, not only in his career, but in life as well!  It is his story, not necessarily a “how to” manual. One of the great things about reading this book though, is that so many of his stories and “Carry Outs” can be applied to your own life and be beneficial to anyone trying to find their own “Hot Dog Stand”.

My personal copy of "Hot Dogs, A Little Marketing and A Lot Of Fun". I am old school, so I decided to go with the actual physical book...but you can also purchase it as an e-book on his website, Marketing Fun With Mike!

I was honored when Marketing Mike asked to interview this Garage Sale Girly for his Hot Dog Chronicles!

So without further ado, here is the pod cast interview! I hope you will sit down, grab a hot dog and enjoy the pod cast!

I just wanted to say a huge footlong hot dog sized thank you to Marketing Mike!

Marketing Mike beat me to the punch with the thank you though! I added his thank you card to my "insprational" cork board that hangs in front of my sewing machine.

p.s. If you made it to the lightning round portion of the interview and were wondering about my recent best vintage find, that is not for sale…here it is!

At first glance it is an unassuming vintage hard plastic case...In fact my husband and I almost didn't give it a second glance when at a recent garage sale.

But when you open the case...the party begins, a la Don Draper! Yes, a complete c.1960's Trav.L.Bar by Ever-Wear! The set even came with a swell transistor radio! 

Well, if you are really in love with it, I did say that I would be willing to part with it for a million dollars! I am pretty firm on that price.

Vote For Vintage

Vote for Vintage

Vintage book "America Goes to the Polls" at The Unique Bird.

During this election season, I urge you to vote for vintage. Sure these items may be a bit worn and tattered, but they have survived. The wear gives these pieces character and unique qualities that are admirable. The choice is yours when buying gifts or items to decorate your nest.

Vintage Patriotic serving tray at The Unique Bird

I am Garage Sale Girly and I approve this message.

Watch out On Halloween...

Antique postcard from The Unique Bird on etsy. "And the goblins will get you, if you don't watch out On Halloween"...or the pirates. 

I had an interesting conversation with a 5 year old boy over the weekend. It went a little something like this.

Me: "What are you going to dress up as for Halloween?"
Little Boy: "Arrrrrr"
Me: "A dinosaur?"
Little Boy: "No. Arrrr"
Me: "A monster?"
Little Boy: "No. Arrrrrrr"
Me: "A pirate?"
Little Boy: "Yes."
Me: "What is your favorite candy?"
Little Boy: "You are."
Me: "You don't want to eat me...I am not very sweet. I am pretty salty"
Little Boy: "I like salty."
Ok...just chuckle it off. Surely this little boy is not trying to pick me up!?!
A little while later I asked him: "Are you hungry? What do you want to eat for lunch?"
Little Boy: "I want to eat YOU."

My little 5 year old friend...he looks so sweet...but he is a bit salty himself!  Father's lock up you daughters...husbands hang on to your wives...this pirate is on the prowl!

I kind of got the feeling that this little pirate really was looking for booty. I am impressed...this kid's pick up lines were better than most of the men I had encountered when I was single.

Back Story - Treasure Hunt In The Dark

Howdy folks!

Just a little backstory on this fantastic mid century Bay Keramik West Germany art pottery planter that just arrived in my etsy shop...

Mid Century Bay Keramik planter - Ripe Olive, at The Unique Bird

Because sometimes the hunt is just as interesting as the find.

Picture it...

Early August, somewhere in Ohio on Rt. 127 (a.k.a The Endless Yard Sale)...

There was a field filled with rusty metal vintage treasures. A huge thunderstorm was brewing. Instead of wondering around the field of metal finds with lightening overhead, the hubby and I opted to venture into a little farm out building. There was a sign on the door that said “More Inside”. Oh yes, there certainly was more. The building was filled with tables of treasure from what we could tell. There was some daylight coming through one door and there was one very dim overhead light. Basically...it was the type of building that felt like it belonged in a horror film…and the men that were selling didn’t exactly give me a fuzzy safe feeling. Honestly I felt safer outside the field of metal with the lightening striking… But there was the vintage…so I pressed on. I don’t know that I have ever selected my purchases as fast as I did that afternoon. There was no time for pondering over details; there was not really any way to check for cracks or makers marks considering the low lit ambiance of that charming building. The name of the game was, take a chance. Grab what you like, buy it and get the heck outta there. My husband...didn’t seem to notice my uneasiness and urgency. He was lost in a box of vintage beer bottle openers. I wondered over to him with my hands full of vintage pottery and said…in a slightly…well, rather stern tone, “we need to wrap this up”. With every crack of thunder, I selected faster. All I kept thinking was, please don’t let this storm knock out the power to that light. We purchased our treasures from a slightly sketchy looking fellow and made it to the silver flea (a.k.a. my sweet car) right before the rain started pouring. When we made it home safe and sound I decided to inspect my finds, since I had not really seen them. As luck would have it, this mid-century pottery piece was in pretty good shape…I didn’t fare so well with all of the pieces. One out of six isn’t too shabby..and we didn’t get kidnaped...also very good.  The moral of the story is, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.

Sure those men may have been a bit sketchy but they did have some pretty sweet vintage. Maybe it was a genius selling technique. Entice the customer with awesome vintage..but make them feel very uncomfortable and a bit scared so they don’t quibble about price and they don’t linger…the world may never know. 

This Week In History - To Catch a Princess

April 18th,1956

Commemorate the royal wedding with this fantastic collection of vintage stamps from  Coco's Room on etsy.

On April 18th, 1956, actress Grace Kelly marries Prince Rainier of Monaco. The glamorous Miss Kelly met her Prince Rainier while filming the 1955 Hitchcock movie, "To Catch a Thief", in the French Riviera. When the two met, it wasn't exactly love at first sight, at least not for the Hitchcock blond. It took a bit of time to convince Miss Kelly that this man she met wasn't just any Prince...he was her Prince Charming. The Prince started a letter writing campaign and his persistence paid off. After a year of correspondence, he won her over. Apparently, that is how you catch a Princess. Miss Kelly retired from acting and traded her star for a crown.

For more information on the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco or this date in history check out this article on The History Channel website.

Thursday's Unique Picks - Please Don't Lose The Opener

Ohhhh the anticipation...the excitement.
Anyone know what today is?
Anyone? Anyone?

How are you celebrating baseball season? Why not deck out some cupcakes with these sweet vintage  baseball glove cupcake toppers from Crickleberry Cottage's etsy shop.

Opening Day for the Columbus Clippers, of course!

Who are the Clippers, you ponder? Well they are Columbus' AAA Minor League baseball team.

Just to be clear. I don't really like baseball...but I do like Columbus Clippers baseball. Makes sense, right?

Check out my sweet new Clipper's gear. This one of a kind D.I.Y Clippers bag was a Christmas Gift from my Hubby. D.I.Y? Yes. He bought me this vintage bag (on etsy, of course) and the Clippers patch and it was up to me to assemble, since sewing is not really his forte.

So to celebrate opening day, I thought I would sing a little tune that you may know and love, accompanied by some great etsy finds that you may want to get to know and love!

1949 sheet music from the MGM musical "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" found in  Oma's Trunk's etsy shop.

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out to the crowd;

Buy me some peanuts...

Adorable vintage style peanut bags from In The Clear on etsy.

and Crackerjack,

Some may associate beer with baseball games but there is nothing wrong with throwing back a glass of vino while cheering on the team...especially if you are using these great vintage Crackerjack prize wine glass charms handmade by D&J Leis Antiques on etsy.

...and a hot dog 
(seriously, how is this line not in the lyrics?)

Fantastic dancing stained glass weiner from Western Art Glass' etsy shop.

I don't care if I never get back.

So let's root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win, it's a shame.

Hoping for a win! This great embossed copper "win" necklace is from Juls After Midnight on etsy.

For it's one, two, three strikes you're out,

At the old ball game!

Go Clippers! Bring home a win tonight! You know that they say...

If the home team loses the opener...
they won't be able to serve beer the rest of the season.

Please don't lose the opener. But if they do...you won't have to worry, if you have this great vintage beer bottle opener around your neck, from Poor Sparrow's etsy shop.

(A girly could get powerful thirsty without a cold one to wash down all of those hot dogs.)
Hope that you enjoyed our opening day inspired etsy picks and I wish all of your favorite teams the best of luck this baseball season, unless they are playing my Clippers of course.

Thursday's Unique Picks - What Are You Made Of?

Valentine's Day is looming...

Uhhhh...

Adorable assorted selection of vintage valentines from Treasures of Vintage Memories shop on etsy.

What do girls want? My Husband would say, "what don't they want". 

What do boys want...gross get your head out of the gutter. 

Surely there are loads of lovely gift ideas from etsy sellers...but where to start the search. 

I thought maybe this little Mother Goose rhyme, that my Grandma used to recite to me, might give us some direction. Yeah...let's see what you are made of!

What are little boys made of?

"What are little boys made of..." illustrated poster from leesaralou's etsy shop.

Snips...

Manly grunts all around...an instant collection of vintage tin snips from It's Verily Vintage on etsy.

Snails...

When the room heats up on Valentine's Day, prop open the door with this hand painted vintage iron snail door stop from Portuguese Vintage's etsy shop 

and Puppy Dog Tails.

Uncork the magic with the tail of this little pup. This great vintage wooden dog has a corkscrew for a tail and can be found at Nickadizzy on etsy.

What are little girls made of?

Oh so nice...eye chart inspired illustrated poster from CJ Prints on etsy.

Sugar...

Sugary sweet without the calories...custom order this handmade crochet "frosted sugar cookies" scarf from Kellyz Kreationz etsy shop.

Spice...

Slip out of those pajama jeans and into something to spice Valentine's Day up...like these beautiful 1950's satin tap shorts from  Concetta's Closet on etsy.

and All Things Nice.

Mama always says...boys like nice girls. This little handmade pillow from Your Homebased Mom on etsy, is a nice
reminder...

Now that we are clear on what boys and girls are made of...hopefully, it will make choosing something special for your Valentine from great etsy sellers a snap...or should I say smooch!

XOXO

Thursday's Unique Picks - As Seen On TV

Don't you hate it when people say, "I've been busy...".

I mean who isn't?

Hey Girly what have you been up to?

Ummmm, I've been busy. Oh well, I am back today with a little Unique Picks blog post!

Soooo...I have been doing a little shopping around for vintage goodness lately and have spotted some pretty sweet finds.  

What kind of vintage are you talking about, you may inquire?

What is not to love about this fantastic 1960's portable TV radio from Mae and Jean Vintage on etsy? It is so sweet, petite and retro fabulous.

Let's just say when I picked up these vintage pieces, I had no idea that they were "as seen on T.V." spectacular.

Last week my thrifty adventure began in Dayton, Ohio. My mother and I went to a Goodwill Thrift Store Outlet...yes, I said outlet. Have you ever been to a thrift store where you pay for your purchases by the pound? Well, I haven't...until last week. Picture it, large bins brimming with bits and pieces to sift through. It was sort of like panning for vintage gold. 

My mom spotted this fantastic Mid Century Chip and dip set for me.

"Vintage gold" that will eventually be listed in my etsy shop.

As seen at Sterling Cooper...

Have you ever heard of a show called Mad Men? Stop that laughing...I know...who hasn't. I have to admit I just started watching it a few weeks ago and the hubby and I are now hooked. (we are just in the middle of season two, so don't spoil anything for me)! Part of the fun of the show (for me) is seeing all of the vintage. Imagine my delight when I spotted the matching ice bucket to the above chip and dip set, in one of the offices at Sterling Cooper, in one of the first few episodes of season two. I sure do wish I had a screen shot just to prove the provenance of this vintage gold.

At our second thrift store stop, I was united with these pretty wall hangings. My Mother said, "I think my Grandmother had those". Who knew my Great Grandmother had such fantastic taste.

Brilliant Botanical 1960's Syroco Wood Wall Hangings. Just added to my etsy shop, The Unique Bird, today!

As seen in the Draper residence...

...Don and Betty's master bedroom to be exact. My Husband's eagle eye, spotted some wall hangings pretty similar to these, in one of the episodes we watched a few days after I picked these up.

Photo from casasugar blog post and AMC.

Photo from an article on Woman's Day.

The article on the Woman's Day magazine website is about Mad Men inspired home decor. They tell you where you can score a headboard, lamps and bedding just like the Drapers have, but they don't tell you where to pick up those fabulous wall hangings...hmmm...I know exactly where you can find some.

I can't wait to watch more episodes of Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Men to see if I have any more vintage items "in stock" that are like ones on T.V.

A few days after my thrift store adventures with my Mom in Dayton, the Hubby and I headed over to Re Store in Columbus. If you have never been to a Re Store, it is like a home improvement thrift store run by Habitat for Humanity. Folks will donate items for the home; cabinets, wood, appliances, sinks, etc. You name it...they might have it. It isn't all vintage, but sometimes there are a few old gems in there that can be refurbished for a retro renovation.

Bewitched by an oven...

I didn't exactly snatch up this 1960's Frigidaire beauty (much to the chagrin of my husband)...but I did snap a few photos. 

Oh, it needed some...well, a lot of love to get back into tip top shape. I can't say that I am in the market for a new oven right now and my husband doesn't currently have the know how to overhaul a vintage appliance...(not that you couldn't honey).

The Frigidaire Flair we spotted at Re Store in Columbus, Ohio 1/21/12.

True retro flair for only $150.

Now where have I seen an oven like this before?

As Seen on Morning Glory Circle...

Of Course, Mrs. Stevens has a slightly more deluxe model in her kitchen.

Bewitched, happens to be one of my Favorite classic television shows!

Image from Kitchen and Residential Design blog post of Samantha Stevens' kitchen in Bewitched.

Image from Certain Ladies blog post of the Flair and Samantha in action.

Image from Kitchen and Residential Design blog post about The Frigidaire Flair.

I am pretty impressed with my "As Seen On TV" sighting and scores over the last week. It is like going to Hollywood and spotting the T.V. stars walking down the street. (kinda)

 As if the hunt for fantastic vintage treasures wasn't already fun...now there is a reason to shop and catch up on my T.V. viewing...

Geeze, I don't know how I am going to squeeze blogging into that tight schedule.
Let me know if you have any sweet as seen on T.V vintage beauties in your shop or home!

This Week In History - Man, That Is One Ugly Mermaid

January 9th, 1493

Hubba, hubba...this pretty little vintage mermaid paperweight was spotted in The Colonies shop on etsy.

On January 9th, 1493, While sailing near the Dominican Republic, Italian Explorer Christopher Columbus, spots three mermaids.  According to Mr. Columbus...these sirens of the sea were "...not half as beautiful as they are painted".  Now, I understand that being at sea for months at a time with a bunch of scurvy mates may cause one to long for the sight of a vivacious little mermaid, but you see Mr. Columbus, what you really spotted while at sea was a little less Ariel and a little more sea cow. Sorry Charlie...I mean Christopher, those ugly mermaids were actually manatees. You know, 1,200 pound slow moving, plant eating, aquatic mammals. Mr. Columbus, you might want to stick to discovering "A Whole New World..." (My Bad. I guess those lyrics belong to a song in a different Disney film, but if the shoe fits...sing it).

For more information about Christopher Columbus or this date in history be sure to check out this article on The History Channel Website.

Thursday's Unique Picks - Twelve Days On A Budget

Hello...is it me you are looking for? 

Back again...(about time, right?)

So here we are...t-minus 17 days till Christmas. I am hearing some cheers and a few groans from the crowd. 

I know, I am in the same boat. Excited for the holiday, but as always, feeling completely unprepared.

Two new additions to our home's vintage kitsch-mas collection that the hubby and I acquired over the last few months.

What I really need is a Christmas tune to get me into the mood. 

How about The Twelve Days of Christmas? 

Not just any version of The Twelve Days of Christmas...but a Unique Picks version with fantastic finds from etsy sellers! Let's put a modern spin on the lavish list of gifts from this 18th century tune.

The actual cost of buying all of the gifts from The Twelve Days of Christmas, in 2011 would cost a mere $101,000, according to PNC Wealth Management in this article from TIME magazine online. These finds from etsy are not only unique, they are a little more practical and are actually affordable when you compare it to the rising cost of buying fowl and dancing girls (plus tip) these days.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a pear tree.

Show stopping 1970's partridge in a pear tree needlepoint embroidery from  drowsy swords vintage on etsy.

On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves...

...and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Third Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 

Ah HA! So that is what a turtle dove is. Adorable original designed cut paper note card from Starfly Creations on etsy. 

Three French Hens...

These little rubber hens are prefect for crafting and can be found in High Pie Supply's shop on etsy.

...two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Four Colly Birds...

(Whaaat? I thought it was calling birds. Nope. Colly Birds. What the heck is a Colly Bird? What the heck is a Calling bird? Exactly.) 

A Colly Bird is an old English term for a black bird and it somehow got twisted in translation to "calling bird" in the lyrics of the song according to this enlightening article from Bird Watcher's General Store.

O.k., so maybe these aren't blackbirds, but they are Victorian Calling cards that have beautiful bird illustrations, and I think that should count for something. These Antique calling cards can be found in Stuff To Charm You's etsy shop.

Three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Golden rings...

Who said the gold rings had to be for your fingers? This vintage gold  tone ring statement necklace is from  Antiquesnoddities on etsy.

four colly birds, three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Six Geese -A- Laying...

I literally love this original watercolor artwork by John Tebeau on etsy

And yada, yada, yada (did she just yada The Twelve Days of Christmas verse? Yes.)

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Seven Swans -A- Swimming...

Gorgeous 1960's ice bucket decked out with gold swans from Dainty Rocker on etsy.

you carry on with the singing...your voice is better.

On the Eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Eight Maids -A- Milking

Who needs eight milk maids when you could have one terrific vintage milk maid planter  from Any Old Time's etsy shop.

where were we?

On the Ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Nine Ladies Dancing...

Well, two ladies will do. I don't really have space in my house for all nine of the dancers anyway. This original vintage photo is from Gwen's Sew Vintage on etsy.

Honestly, I can't be expected to remember all the words.

On the Tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Ten Lords -A- Leaping

Handmade leather wallet with Lads -A- Leaping, from Backerton's shop on etsy should fit the bill. 

 Stick with it, we are almost there.

On the Eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Eleven Pipers Piping

Surely this unique handmade candelabra contains at least eleven pieces of pipe. This great upcycled, industrial inspired piece is from The Artful Forger on etsy.

Strong finish kids.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Chippy chalkware drummer boy book ends are from The Unique Bird, my etsy shop (just a little shameless self promotion).

eleven pipers piping, ten lords -a- leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids -a- milking, seven swans -a-swimming, six geese -a-laying, five golden rings, four calling..oopsie, habit...colly birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Nice! What is the grand total for all of these "Twelve Days of Christmas" inspired etsy finds...(not including shipping)? Can I get a drum roll from the twelve drummers that are drumming?

$384.70

I know, what a bargain!

Don't fret about getting all of these fabulous etsy finds twelve days before the 25th. The actual Twelve Days of Christmas don't begin until the 25th and last until January 6th. Happy holiday shopping!