Monday, March 28, 2011

Yard Sales and Treasure Hunts

Every Saturday morning I visit yard sales and/or estate sales in my area.  I go alone (except I sometimes take our Labrador, Bear) because I have a system and I don't want to wait while a companion leisurely browses all the goodies for sale.  I quickly look over the merchandise and I make split second decisions.  Time is of the essence and I move on if nothing catches my eye.  Bear sits in the back seat with his head out the window and 95% of the time people ask me if they can pet him.  I always say "yes" because Bear is very friendly and loves people.  Little kids get a kick out of Bear as he slobbers kisses on them!! 

Bear is such a baby that he won't even look at the camera because he is afraid of the light that comes on when I'm ready to take a picture!!!!!!!!!!



Every single thing in this photo is from a yard sale except the two pictures of my grandchildren!  The frames, the corbel and the cute illustration of a baby gown with a precious inscription, were all purchased for next to nothing over the past few months.


 I've blogged about this entry table before but not about the things on it.  I found the birdcage and the pear at a yard sale, and the finial at an estate sale.    

Here is a close-up of the finial and the pear.

Easter goodies
                                                                        
The cloche is from an estate sale, the ribbon is from a yard sale, the hanging eggs and the pink rabbit in front are from yard sales, the letter "F" is from Hobby Lobby, the black egg was free and the pear is from a yard sale.
The "Recipe for Friendship" was purchased from Cracker Barrel while the pink vase was recently purchased from a neighbor's yard sale.
For some reason I was drawn to this as I've never seen a pink hob-nail like this.
Darling rabbits from a yard sale.

This little writing desk was given to me because I did a favor for a friend.  I'm still not sure what I should do with it or where I should put it!
These two rabbits were rescued from a box of discarded Easter stuff!!!  One man's trash......
Cute little rabbit ready for Easter.  She came home with me from a yard sale.
This darling table, the finial and the oval frame were purchased at an estate sale.  The pink bunny is from a yard sale.
A close-up of the table and the other goodies.

This whole yard sale/estate sale thing has become an addiction but I love it.  I can't explain the "thrill of the hunt" mentality; I just know that I thoroughly enjoy it!

Please link to Jenny Matlock's blog to read more "Y" posts from other participants.

22 comments:

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!! I love love love love all your finds!!! Just AWESOME!! I loveeeeee the desk your friend gave you too... what an AMAZING treasure that is! LOVE IT! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

If I had the room I would certainly go to all the estate sales. I love that pink hobnail vase, it is very unusual!

Mimi said...

HI!!!
VERY CUTE BEAR!
So lovable and he should LOOK at the camera!!
Great finds for sure!
So perfectly put together!!
hugs,
jamie

scrappygal said...

I think that you just have to "lnow' how to put things together. It looks great when you do it. It would still look like a yard sale in my house. By the way, I cam over from Julie's blog, I was intrigued by the yard sale treasure hunt thing. I feel the same way ;0)

Lola said...

Great ‘Y’ post - & cute bear!Great finds.

LOLA:)

Btw Alphabe-Thursday

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Bear is so cute....I want to pet his head and scratch his ears!

Lovely finds...

the hobnail vase is amazing..

Tracy said...

you have such a good eye for a deal. You have reminded me I need to put my easter tree out fab blog

Becky said...

Yard sales can be so much fun. And what a great choice for the letter Y. I am looking forward to going to them this spring.

Mary said...

It's been years since I've been to a yard sale! I certainly understand the thrill of the hunt though, I experience that every time I'm in HomeGoods :-)

Slice of Pie said...

I love estate sales! ... and I love black Labradors. Great post ... pretty dog ... thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

You find such wonderful treasures!

Cindy Adkins said...

WOW, what a great post and a great idea for "Y!"
Everything is such a treasure--thank you for sharing!
XO

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Loretta! Thanks so much for visiting me...I have to tell you that when I read that you wrote about "Yard sales" for "Y," I thought "how brilliant!"
XO

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You've got a great eye!

Wanda Metcalf said...

Well let me start off with you should give me that writing desk!!!! Who wouldn't ask to pet Bear oh he looks so sweet I think he looks more like a snuggle Bunny than a bear. : ) Wow the treasures, I am with you I hunt alone... In & out I'm on a mission here.

Great post : )

Sue McPeak said...

Your system for Yard Sales works well for you....you sure have a lot of great finds and have used them so creatively! Love your Bear!!!!

Susan Anderson said...

I love those sales, too, and you've got some great finds here.

=)

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

Bear is apt looking.
wow, what a fantastic collection to cute stuff...
smiles.

Unknown said...

Wow, you sure found a lot of cool things at yard sales! Why is it that all the ones I go to aren't as cool? So what does your husband say about all the things you find ? :)

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Aw! How cute is Bear! And what great yard sale finds! And your photos of your grands are precious adn I love the photo of the wedding party! I love how elegant everyone looks in the wedding.

Blessings & Aloha!

Jenny said...

I need to go to garage sales with you, girl.

You have such a good eye...and I totally love that little desk!

I bought an ugly little four drawer dresser this weekend that I'm planning to re-do for a Birthday present!

You've inspired me to get my butt moving on Saturdays and find some new treasures!

Thanks for linking.

A+

Karen said...

When did you get the little table? I like it. You should try to find stuff for me :)