Friday Flashback: Vintage Finds

A Rainy Day Treasure Hunt: Unearthing Quirky Gems in an Unlikely Haven

We have been experiencing a series a truly dreary, rainy days here in West Virginia. The snow let up and the rain came in resulting in muddy roads and a bit of restlessness on my part.

I decided to have a mini adventure yesterday and drove to the next town over to do a bit of antique and vintage shopping.

I stopped in one store in particular, a farmhouse decor haven, it feels sweet but not "me." Yet, it holds a secret weapon: a single room with a treasure trove of vintage and antique goodness. This room is a chameleon and is constantly morphing.

This time it was crockery galore, retro kitchenware like a sassy purple Fiesta-ware—you name it, this room had it. But when navigating such a whirlwind, I always keep my personal style radar on.

For fashion, it's "un-fussy, classic with a feminine wink."

For my home, it's a whimsical blend of serenity (think zen or spa), cozy cottage warmth, and a dash of the unexpected (the "quirky" bit).

“Often, the story of an artifact’s journey is more remarkable than the object itself.” ― Mackenzie Finklea, Beyond the Halls: An Insider's Guide to Loving Museums

So, I wander, chanting my interior design mantras under my breath: "Zen…Cottage…Quirky." Each item that whispers to one of these themes gets captured in a photo, becoming a contestant in the final round of "Stay or Go."

In this final showdown, I consider compatibility with my color palette, size constraints, and the ever-important question: "Will I actually use this, or will it become a museum piece?" (Museum pieces are lovely, but not if they hog space!)

And that's how I leave with two treasures, both ringing in under $35: a black and white crackle egg (quirky!), and an original oil painting of mysterious origins (zen with a touch of intrigue!).

I am very satisfied with my finds and decided to have the painting looked at by a professional to tell me its value. While I'm curious about the painting's value, honestly, I adore it already.

Maybe I'll update you once I have an answer, but that's not the point. The point is, these finds sparked joy, and that's all that truly matters.

I'd love to hear your "zen, cottage, quirky" decorating mantras!