Right around the corner from Bridget's violin lesson is a consignment store. It's just the right place to spend half an hour.
So far I've found three things I really love there. Want to see?
Of course, there is my plate rack, which you have seen, that I waited about 8 years for:I use everything on this rack — it's not “for show” — it's for storage. Well, it's a little bit “for show”. 😉
What I really like is that this store prints out its labels with the dates on which the price of the item goes down. The plate rack started at something like $38 (not too bad!), and when I found it, it was at its lowest price, around $18. I figured I'd be hard pressed to get the Chief to make it for less than that, so I snatched it up. It didn't even need to be painted!
A couple of weeks ago I found this for about a buck:There is very little in the store that's actually vintage (most stuff is not interesting, really), so I was pretty happy about this! Love the aqua, love the bird, love the corn, love the size. (Teaspoon for scale.)I can't even commit to putting anything in it, because it's my only one and I don't want to hide it away! Any ideas of what I should use it for?
And yesterday I found these (I'm counting them as one). You can see on the tag that they were marked down to $3.25 for the pair as of this past December. Again, these are unique for this store, which is maybe why they had been passed over. Otherwise I just don't get it, since they are so clearly better than anything else there!We polished them up…yes, they are silver, made in Sweden! They take little slender tapers, which I hope I will be able to find after I use up these from a yard sale a few years ago (because you know I'm all about burning the candles!:)
Mother Hen says
Lovely, handy plate rack. Beautiful silver candelabras. But the little, covered dish! I love it! Anything with barnyard fowl on it thrills my heart, but that tiny dish is adorable. If it were mine I would keep my tea bags in it. Is it large enough for that? In a dry climate it could serve as a sugar bowl, but it would have to be sugar cubes, wouldn't it?
Maranda says
You can use the dish for sugar. Its about the perfect size for it and would look great sitting out on your counter. 🙂 What a nice find!
Renee says
The dish reminds me of some my Grandpa had. It was used for tiny bits of leftovers. My depression era Grandpa didn't throw any food away!
Suki says
I LOVE the candlesticks! They're gorgeous and sweet and so unusual!I like the idea of using the dish for sugar, but I love the sugar dish you already have. You would need to deploy that one for something as well.
Pippajo says
First, those candlesticks are to die for! I liked them pretty well all tarnished and then gasped in wonder at the polished up version! So lovely!Second, I've been super busy, but had to stop in to ask how I can contact you? I'm switching my blog to invitation only and would like to send you an invitation but I can't find an email address!Third, that there bowl is adorable and I would, like you, be trying to find something to store in it so it doesn't have to be hidden away in a cupboard or fridge. Unfortunately, I don't have any ideas for you.Sorry!
Erika says
I have a small mixing bowl in the same pattern! It was my mother's but I loved it so much I actually begged her for it when I was setting up my first apartment. Have you considered keeping salt in the dish? It might be a little large, but I have a little ceramic dish with a cover on my counter with kosher salt in it and it is so handy. Without the lid it could maybe work for scrubbies near the sink…but it is so cute with the lid. You just have to use it with the lid.
Nil Zed says
I'm another vote for sugar, or salt. I don't know what your current fabulous sugar dish is like, so I'm not sure if this is worth replacing it. I don't suppose you use powdered creamer? The teabag plan is also good, but I'd have trouble deciding which tea, we are a multi tea household. (counts on fingers) currently at least 7 we use regularly.) Perhaps something kitchen related but not food. Rubberbands? Corn handles? Coasters?
Anonymous says
I found your blog through Like Merchant Ships about a month ago, and am really enjoying your insight. I love all your recent finds, especially the little refrigerator dish. I actually have one just like it, along with two teal colored same size, and a few larger ones. The small size is nice for tea bags, and if you find any larger sizes, they're great for leftovers, going straight from fridge to microwave. I love the way the candelabras shined up (is that a word?) Can you recommend an easy way to remove tarnish from silver? I have a few very tarnished pieces, and am wondering if I just have to use elbow grease? Thanks!Deanna
Leila says
Dear Deanna,Thanks for your kind words! I use silver polish and,in my experience, if the piece is truly silver, the tarnish will come right off. Some pieces are only "silver-ish" and the tarnish is part of the overall effect 🙂
Leila says
Okay, I thought I left a comment about my email address on this post…I think maybe I shouldn't try this late at night :)Pippajo: My email address is leilamarielawler at gmail dot com.
Decadent Housewife says
I like the idea of sugar cubes, salt, brown sugar, or sugar packets for the covered dish. So sweet!
50s Housewife says
I love the little covered dish (the candelabras too)! If you have an "office" in the kitchen you might could put paperclips or stamps in it.
Ann Kroeker says
Oh! I love it all!Can I just move in with you?I like 50s Housewife's idea of using it in the office area.How about using it as a sugar bowl? Your spoon may have influenced me, but sugar cubes would be nice. Or almonds. They can be sitting out to nibble on in much the way a candy dish would sit out with Hershey's kisses or M&Ms.
Anonymous says
Hi Leila! Just wanted to let you know I found you and have been lurking for some days now. Your blog has become one of my favorites! :-)Susan (now in Delaware, who wants to come and stay in your house with you too!)
Margo says
love your little dish with the lid! I found some of these a while back and I simply use them for half a lemon or part of an onion in the fridge. It gives me pleasure to use my beautiful things and since I use it often, doesn't feel hidden away. We call those "refrigerator dishes" the forerunner of plastic leftover containers.
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