Antiquing

I've never really been one to collect antiques. My thought behind it was, why would I want to pay THAT much money for someone else's old crap? I've never been into antique furniture or vintage clothes. It just wasn't something that I "got."

What I do like though, is to look at old things. I find them interesting. They're like little glimpses into our recent past. I know that seems contradictory, but I guess when I think of antiques, I think of spindly legged tables, brass beds, and uncomfortable horsehair sofas that are close to a century old. "Old stuff" however, is stuff from the middle of last century, well made, and usually has some sort of modern counterpart.

Most specifically, if I were to narrow down what I go looking for when I troll through various Goodwills and thrift shops, I have a love for white milk glass. I just think that the way it's almost, but not quite, translucent. There are some pieces that are more opaque, but I generally don't care for those. I love how it's pretty, and somewhat delicate looking, yet sturdy enough to stand up to everyday use. I have several old milk glass mixing bowls that I've collected that I use all the time in my kitchen. While I always keep my eyes open for a new piece for my collection, I'm very picky about what I will add and don't just buy any old piece. I am not, however, a collector that is concerned about the value and manufacture dates or how rare something is. I just buy what I like.

Today we decided to go check out an antique mall near our home on the recommendation of one of the other moms from our playgroup. It's funny to see how much I've been spoiled by shopping in thrift stores and eBay when I go into one of those places, because I'm always shocked by how high the prices are for stuff I've seen elsewhere. Case in point - I really, really, really want a milk glass juice reamer. On eBay, they're anywhere from $9 to $20. At one antique store, I found two, both in different booths, both priced at $65. That's absurd.

I did pick up a few things today. First, I found this:

I actually already have one just like this that I found at a Goodwill in Phoenix for $3. This one was $6. I think it will be nice to have a matched set for table settings.

I picked up this cute little milk/cream bottle for $2.95. I've always liked the look of these old bottles, and they seem to be quite trendy lately. I've never seen one priced this low before so I snatched it right up. I think it will look cute with a few flower stems in there.

Another piece for my milk glass collection - a footed bowl! I don't have a lot of larger pieces, as they are hard to come by and expensive when you do. This one was only $14, which is a good price. It's perfect for fruit.

Finally, a pair of bright ass red leather cowboy boots. We're going to Austin for a wedding next month and I decided that I needed a pair of boots in an obnoxious color for the trip. Obviously, I'm not planning on wearing said boots beyond that trip so I didn't want to spend a lot of money on them. I've been checking eBay but have had no luck with locating a pair under $50. I have come across many pairs in real life, but they were always too freaking small for my apparently gigantic size eight feet. Finally today, I saw these. They fit and were only $29.50. SOLD! Texas, here I come.

The antique mall was also doing this thing where they were hiding plastic Easter eggs in the booths that contained coupons. My husband and I each found one for $5 off our purchase, so we managed to get out of there for under fifty bucks. Kick butt.