Flea Market

We often pass a place about 20 minutes from us where there are some warehouses and a big sign that says FLEA MARKET... and we always say "One day we need to stop there."  So we did.  What a treasure trove. Lots of the things you expect at flea markets.. and lots of other stuff.. like there were boxes and boxes of various kinds of work gloves... masks.. haz-mat suits (I kid you not!).. rubber boots.. and there is a separate "Room" (more like an airplane hanger with construction type salvage.. molding, bead board, lumber, numbers, metal pieces, doors, windows.. it was / is great!

While there we found a bed for my mother. She has a gorgeous old bed that her great-grandparents purchased in the late 30s / early 40s for their younger daughter.. my great-aunt.  Last fall my husband and I made mother a quilt to fit that bed for her 80th birthday.  Sadly, she took a fall in November and will no longer be able to sleep in it as it is high and requires her to lift and such too much. She has to have something low to the ground.  And we found it.... but we did not buy it that day.  We told her about it first and got her ok.

The following weekend we went back to get it (they are only open on Saturday and Sunday).  It was still there.  While waiting for someone to help us haul it out of the building (it was, of course, in the farthest back corner buried under tons of other goodies), I noticed some old Pyrex bowls.  I love old Pyrex and fire king and such.  One set was just solids (I have a set like those that belonged to my grandmother), but they were all scratched up and just not that pretty. Then I saw one big bowl... green... white flowers.. I have seen it called Crazy Daisy or Spring Blossom... not sure when it was manufactured.. I am guessing 70s.. it has that 70s look.  If I found an entire set it would probably run around $40.  I just found the 1 bowl, so it would probably go for $10 or less.

There was no price on it.. so I asked.. what did I pay.. nothing! Nada!  LOVE IT!  I love "FREE"... the lady tossed it in since we were buying the bed. Made my day.. I am rather easy to please! LOL!

I brought it home.. washed it up.. and have been using it ever since.. Yes, I USE my vintage Pyrex.  That is what it was made for.. to be used.  It is a great bowl... has a happy look.. makes me smile when I use it..

The Lovely Bowls....

I love old things... vintage some might say.  My favorites tend to be things that have been passed down through the family... glassware from my grandmothers, quilts they made, embroidered linens, cast iron.... even knick knack type things.  And occasionally I will purchase something "old."

So recently I was drawn to a set of Pyrex bowls at an estate sale. Saw them on Day 1.  Full set.. great color and pattern... loved them... but did I want to spend the $.  Not that day.

Mentioned them to my husband who immediately said "Buy them!"

We went back on day 2... they were still there.. 25% off... nope, just couldn't do it. I decided that if they were there on Sunday at 50% off I would do it!

So back we went after church Sunday and there they sat patiently waiting for me to come and take them home.

Aren't they cute?!

And here is the kicker... these were not cheap... even at 505 off... they are considered collectible by many... so what do I do with them? Are they displayed on a shelf or in a cupboard? Nope!  I USE them! Life is too short to only display the special things!  I am enjoying the heck out of them. The big one is perfect for muffins and cookies.. the next size down is now my favorite bowl for pancake batter.. I love the way the handles are made so that one is a bit wider to act as a handle and the other narrower and tapered to be a spout. Love it! Why don't they make bowls this cute and functional any more!?

Both my kids like these. I think I will keep my eyes open for a set to put up for each of them to have when they start their own home. And I think I will keep my eyes open for more vintage goodies for me to enjoy today!

Barb