.59

We spent all morning at the thrifts and little was turning up...tragic!  But at our fourth stop, this metal tray straight outta Great Britain caught my eye.  The pattern is crazy!  I love it.  We're known to use trays around this house, especially when we dine al fresco.  Can't wait to use it!

.89

I never met a piece of Syracuse I didn't like...this pattern made me all giddy inside and that turquoise color blends with my other restaurant ware pieces really well. Time for some coffee!

.69

These are popping up everywhere! So, I thought I would make my own with this teacup I picked up Saturday. If all is successful, I will share.

Just look at the shiny handle, so dainty and masculine all in one punch:

.33

Yes. It has been awhile! Hope your holidays were all swell and fine.

Where to begin? I haven't stopped thrifting. But I haven't been buying a whole lot out on my adventures, either. So I thought I would start things back up with a corkscrew that I bought back in August, entirely on a whim.

For a little bit of backstory, let me tell you I hardly know a thing about wines, other than I like them both red and white. I try to spend about $10 a bottle, usually go for something from California, Oregon or Washington; when I'm feeling international, France (which is rare). Prior to *this* corkscrew, I just bought cheap-ola ones you find at grocery stores. Metal, but lacking quality. You know those kind: the classic corkscrews.

Back to August 2008, I am in a Salvation Army with my mom and little sister. Little sister is thoughtfully going through racks of clothes and I am done with that part of it, so I head toward the bric-a-brac. I start picking through kitchen utensils (something I never do) and I pick up this corkscrew. Made in Western Germany. So heavy you would think it could be solid lead. I am sold. And if it doesn't work, no big deal: I'm out thirty-three cents.

But work it does. And it is now an heirloom. Because you have never used a tool that moves so much like butter in your whole life. Drinking wine? Screw it. I am infatuated with opening bottles just to open them. Steve and I fight over it.

.95

I have a tiny creamer in this pattern that I swore I featured here! But I'm not finding it? Well, let me take its picture then:

There. I guess the patterns are somewhat different, but close enough. Same maker: Syracuse. I paid .99 for the creamer; it's so adorable. I realize it's not exactly in focus. My camera was, erm, focusing on the wine it seems! :) All in all, the cupless saucers were a charming find...I love stacks and stacks of dishes in varying diameters. These will go well with my little medium (fine!) GROWING plate collection!

$1.50

This is a newer Homer Laughlin pattern I'm pretty sure - Gothic - but the weight and durability of these plates comes second to none! These will probably mingle with my everyday dishes - white Fiestaware, also by Homer Laughlin!

$1.99

I took one look at that chunky handle and thought, now that's coming home with me. And it's made by Walker, which is a restaurant ware label. The color! Oh that color. I can't tell you how many ways I love that color...

$5

These are Homer Laughlin plates made for a PA catering company, Nilon Brothers. I'm going to do a little more research on them when I get to work tomorrow! But they are just so adorable and I couldn't believe the price.

$3

The last of my Pyrex...it just makes me want to go shopping for more!

$10

Are the Goodwills getting savvy with their price points or what?! Despite the tag - eek - I couldn't refuse such pretty golden bowls.

.99

Happy Easter, tulips and all...

.59

Wonderful shape! I couldn't resist this charming piece made possible by Pyrex. The color is great, too.

.59 x 4

I love these drinking glasses with every ounce of my being! They are in extremely fabulous condition, which is better than mint condition I'll have you know. They also suggest that I *might* live in South Florida. Might.
Up close:

.59 x 5

Part of Monday's score session - these five little milky Anchor Hocking Fire-King cups are much needed and will get plenty of use in my kitchen.

Bonus: Found an eBay auction offering this five-numbered set exactly...for $25!

$1.19

Goodwill says: Two for the price of one!

I love these Homer Laughlin cup and saucers. I love Homer Laughlin and Shenango restaurant ware, especially. This morning I joined a restaurant ware collectors forum, except I have to be honest about something: I am no good at forum navigation! I'm serious. My brain just doesn't follow threads and posts. I get confused and then I lose interest. Hopefully I will have the patience to figure out their sweet community.

Bonus photo:

$1

Charming! It has a little a little chip that I am able to overlook(!); I was taken with the pebbled texture (I think I'm going to call this my Hans Christian Andersen creamer because it reminds of the architecture of fairytales). This was made in the USA by Syracuse.

$2.25

Oh ever-elusive creamer, why don't people donate you more often? These are Mikasa brand and modern to boot - I'm branching out!

.95

A lucky little made in England score.

$50

This is probably the single most fabulous thing I have ever thrifted. It is so fabulous, in fact, I haven't quite decided how to use it (you probably recognize some of those things on the shelves, no? This is where I keep my mom's plates I find for her collection, and other little homeless do-dads). I am a rotator by nature - I don't like to keep things the same for too long, so anything I put in here won't be the last word. I think someday when my white pottery collection is big enough, this would be a fine place to store it. I also thought, since it is in the kitchen nook, I could put some pantry dry goods in here - cans, glass jars filled with bulk foods, etc. I like showcasing my vintage tablecloths here, so they might stay for awhile.

Bonus: The glass doors are wavy! And the paint is such a great color I am definitely not going to touch it. Ever.

.95

I love copper! I cleaned this miniature tea kettle up with a vinegar and salt scrub. I don't really know why I bought this, other than I just couldn't leave it at the thrift shop. It sort of communicated that to me when I picked it up for initial inspection - Don't Leave Me!