Vintage Mondays: Vera butterfly towels

I have a Vera obsession.  So much so that I can just look at a square inch of a pattern and know instantly whether it's Vera or not.  This comes in handy during estate sales where they fold and tie up all the linens in bundles or put them in clear bags so you can't go through them all.  It's a limited talent but a skill set nonetheless!

Vintage Mondays: The Book of Knowledge

BK's estate pick this weekend prompted a lot of ooohs and ahhs from the cashiers.  This 1920s encyclopedia for children has all sorts of random information and facts.  I guess this is what people did before Google.

A few of my favorite entries:

And this one is hilarious--how to tell good drawings from poor ones:

Vintage Monday: Welch's T-Rex jars

This fun jar with a T-Rex on it was a staple in BK's grandma's kitchen.  He claims that grandma served "schwan drink" in it.  He also could not explain what that was and said only his family would know.  Anyone want to help me out here?

I made a lychee and peach smoothie in mine--3oz lychee juice, 8-9 lychees, 4-5 slices of frozen peaches and 4-5 ice cubes.  Yum!

Vintage Mondays: Fire King Summerfield baking dishes

Estate sale finds from this weekend!!

Vintage Monday: Gravy ladle

I picked up this spoon at a local estate recently b/c the wooden handle reminded me of my canoe muffin collection.  However, I'm not exactly sure what this spoon is actually used for--ladling out gravy perhaps?

Vintage Mondays: Lawyer's bookcase

We finally caved and bought this beauty at a local antique mall.  Love the dark wood, clean lines and the awesome way the glass fronts slide back upon opening. 

Vintage Monday: Kilim pillows

Found these awesome pillows at our neighborhood garage sale!

Vintage Monday: Pyrex hostess casserole dish with lid

I love this cheery yellow casserole dish.  I've been unknowingly collecting the large and small bowls in yellow and red thinking they were chip bowls.  When I saw this one with the lid I totally flipped (haha get it?) and snapped it up.  More about these bowls here on Pyrex Love. 

Ranunculus

One of my favorite spring time flowers in a vintage blue vase!

Vintage Monday: Heart Pyrex

Another estate sale score.  At most sales, I usually take a turn at the jewelry and kitchen first before heading to the other rooms.  This time, I was in the midst of rummaging through a closet when BK came in and said: "so you didn't want the heart pyrex?"   I high tailed it out of there and snagged this dish just in time.  Nice job, eagle eye!

Vintage Monday: Finel teapot

Back to estate sale hunting again and snagged this turquoise blue enamel teapot by Finel!

Day 3: Cannery Row and Carmel by the Sea

Our final full day in CA and the sun finally came out!  The view that greeted us in the morning:

We spent the morning poking around local yard sales and then driving back down to Monterey to the Cannery Row Antique Mall.  It was huge and well organized and was super fun to look through.

Then we went back to Carmel for lunch at Basil--probably one of my favorite meals on this trip.  Love the seasonal dining concept and the delicious warm crusty bread and specialty "basil" dip.

BK had the Thai shortribs which melted right in your mouth

And I hoarded the freshly made spinach tortellini in an amazing truffle cream sauce with prosciutto and asparagus

Seriously--if you are anywhere near this place, you MUST GO!

Carmel-by-the-Sea was super charming to walk around--great for window shopping, enjoying the cool weather, and admiring the gorgeous flowers and plants.

Next up: Big Sur!

Day 2: Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

We packed in a lot on day 2 but had a great time!  Started off our foggy morning at the Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

We quickly found our breakfast spot: Crepes of Brittany, which I highly highly recommend

We had the ham and egg buckwheat crepe (delicious) and the nutella and strawberries (oh California strawberries, how I love you!) dessert crepe.  I'm pretty sure these were the best crepes I've ever had. (and you know I've had a lot of crepes)

We walked around the wharf a bit--it's filled with seafood restaurants, gift shops and candy stores.

There was a car show in town and we walked up and down the streets checking out all the amazing restored cars on show.

Found this adorable vintage shop

Back to the wharf for some lunch at the Old Fisherman's Grotto

Delicious clam chowder, coconut shrimp and crabcakes

On next to the aquarium--this day isn't half over yet!  To be continued...

Vintage Monday: blue glass

Picked up this little blue glass jar/vase at an estate sale recently.  The sale tag on it said "Blenko" but there aren't any markings on it.  I bought it for its color anyway, not the manufacturer.  There are lots of enthusiasts out there, and a really helpful site for identifying Blenko glass here, but I'm not sure if I have the energy to figure it out. It's tough enough keeping my Pyrex and Fiesta ware straight :)

Wishlist Wednesday: Kilim throw pillows

(pottery barn)

I am in love with Kilim throw pillows, especially the ones made from vintage rugs.  With fall coming, maybe it's time to cozy up the living room with some of these!

(sukan)

(sadly sold out)

Vintage Mondays: mod print pillow case

I spotted this cool mod print among the linens at the Salvation Army in Chicago and snapped it right up for my vintage linen collection that is growing out of control!

Vintage Monday: colorful enamel pot

Found at Savers: this adorable enamel saucepan in rainbow colors brightens up even the most tedious cooking chore :)

Chicago 2012 visit

I just got back from a nice visit to Chicago--I enjoyed catching up with my friend K and others, enjoying the cool weather, eating lots of great food, and doing lots of window shopping and actual shopping down Michigan Ave and other little unique neighborhoods.  Here are a few pictures from the trip!

My welcoming party

Delicious pizza and salad at one of K's favorite neighborhood haunts

Shopping on Lincoln Square

Wienermobile sighting!

 

Takeout bao?  Yes please!

A vintage DVF discovery

And of course Garrett popcorn

True dat, Garrett popcorn!

Vintage Monday: Cat and mouse letter holder

This sweet little cat and mouse letter holder is perfect for your favorite mail!