Hello all.
I just had to say thanks for all the positive comments on my 'tips' post. To be really honest, it made me feel a tad peculiar to dish out advice, as if I know better than anyone else, but I decided to post it because ulitimately this journey I have been on with the Beach Cottage has astounded & surprised me. And if you like to read about my discovery, constant re-evaluation and if what I've learnt about how to find things for less is interesting to others than, wow, doesn't that just make it even better?
Anyway, it's hot here in Australia. I don't mean like it's quite a nice day & the sun is shining. I mean blimey it's hot and I am not even in Victoria or Queensland where the mercury has tipped well over the 40C. Yikes.
I did a bit of hunting after the school run this morning and found these Villeroy & Boch serving platters & a Crown Ducal plate, white, plain, just how I like 'em
OH and don't forget my fantabulous giveaway – if ya comment anywhere you'll be entered to win a delightful little stash of Cath Kidston products.
A wing-back chair for $5, that’s incredible – you showed such restraint
I love the new things you bought – I got a dinner service a couple of weeks ago from my op shop. It’s Living Art – Autumn and is gorgeous!
I got six plates, and 4 bowls and small plates for $22.
LOve the photos!
I could so go to auction w/ you…except I would probably spend way more money than I should. V & B plates for $1? You are a lucky girl!
I am really wanting your V & B plates and pitcher- the pitcher is on my most wanted list… as well as an old ladder! Am I crazy to want an old ladder (hubby thinks so) and I saw one but I thought way too high $50 US dollars i don’t know what that is in Aussie money. Love your finds…
)
Making a trip to Australia is also on my must do list!
LuLu
Great plates! You are a bargain hunter extraordinaire!
WHAT BEAUTIFUL THUNGS YOU BOUGHT
ANDREA
i would love some of that australian sunshine
its raining here in northern ireland
andrea
I just love your bed in the previous post. I just picked up a white iron, antique reproduction off of Craig’s list for $100.It’s king size! But now I just have to find the right linens to make it look all squashy and comfortable like yours!
Yum….oh, how I love this display and the pieces that you found are to die for!
sooo… you live in some secret corner of the universe that has all the good stuff.
when i go thrifting, it means hitting the Goodwill. which, you probably have not ever been to anything like it. it is a secondhand store, that sometimes you get lucky and find a kitchen chair you can recover, but most of the time has broken dished from the 70s, some nasty old brown looking coffee pot and some really horrid clothes.
i am so jealous that you can find things on the cheap. really. i wish i had a place like that here!!!!
I love your site! It is my favorite spot to land after a long day.
I am LOVING being able to catch up on your blog! Love the new look and LOVE your decor. I’m just so full of love ;o)
Hi, thanks for dropping by my blog! Still very very hot here! I have a few of these Crown Ducal plates – they are a favourite of mine. Love them plain so the pretty pattern on the outside edge shines. Have seen them with lots of patterns on them but plain is best. (And mine were op shop finds too but years ago) Lovely display!!
Irene
Your advice was great – dont be afraid to say what you think about what you like. Can’t be too wrong as it looks so nice.
you take some really beautiful photos and those pieces are so lovely!!
You did very good at the thrift store. I have found a few nice things at our thrift stores around here but not as nice as what you found! The arrangement looks lovely.
p.s. love your blog!
xo~Donna
Hi, Sarah, I love auctions too & haven’t been to one with old stuff in awhile. I wish my hubby enjoyed it & I’d drag him out to some occasionally, but he’d never go. I’d have to take some girls with me. We have some around me, so I just might need to get a fix!
You always find the best things. I’ve really got to get out more!
Wow, you got some great deals!! I LOVE your cream ware!!!
Suzanne
Your pictures are beautiful…and I LOVE that cabinet in these pictures! I’m going to look around your blog and see if you have any full pictures of it!
~Karla
sorry to hear about the hot weather there. want to trade with ours? it is freezing cold here and you’ll even get some snow for free.
oh i also want to say that i can see why white dishes are a good thing to have. they are simple and also match any decor.
it was the most wanted item and it was only $5??? how do you get so lucky? *is jealous*
Always enjoy your posts about the thrill of adventure. Goes to show there are lots of good things out there but one needs to have an open mind and heart to see them because they might not always be showing their best when you first spot them.
Your treasures are often rescue missions for a darling old piece of furniture that needed a little attention and a fresh coat of white paint to bring them back to life, now that sure does make recycling fun.
Wow, I have just found your blog this morning, I love it… It’s going on my favourites list. So nice to find blogs from here in Australia. Most of my favourites are from overseas.
I am just running out the door to find a bargain at the markets on the way to church then home to relax and read your blog…
I love the plates, but that fat little pitcher is so cute!
I am really enjoying your blog. It is nice to read an Australian blog and know that treasures can be found here too!
PS It is very hot here in Adelaide too!
I am new here, but love your beach cottage! Thanks for sharing!
It’s nice when they start recognizing you, isn’t it? That can sometimes lead to amazing opportunities.
I think it’s so much fun because it is like a treasure hunt. You aren’t just going into a store and buying the things. You never know what you’re going to get. I didn’t get to go thrift shop hopping this week because we were snowed in, so now I am dying to go this week. I’ll keep posting my treasures, too, because they are so much fun to see.
What are ya nutz, lady? A wingback chair for 5 freakin’ stinkin’ dollars and ya DIDN’T buy it? Oh mercy me! Do I need to fly down there and knock some sense in to your head?!? LOL….
Sorry, you know me and my freakish obsession with chairs, I couldn’t help myself.
Great job on the dishes, though! Oh I know, once the auction bug bites ya, there is no going back!
how fun! and i wish we had your weather! i’m longing for *hot* right now
I love auction shmoozing. A favorite passed time.
I also love your little part of the world.
fun times
Lisa
coastal nest
Hey just found your wonderful little bit of cyberspace and I’m loving It! What a beautiful home you have!
I guess I am going to have to a) find an auction house here; b) get on their mailing list; and c) actually show up to them.
$5 for a wing chair. sigh.
Never heard of auction smoozing. Do you live close to Perth?
When I’m headed over to the downtown antique mall, I find it is the anticipation of roaming the aisles as much as actually doing it. I love the idea of skimming through old lovelies, part of someone’s past that somehow ended up in a pile in someone’s booth (sad) that keeps me going back for that nostalgic feeling.
Brenda
I have never been to an auction but it sounds like it would be a fun experience. Love your blog!! HTH Janet
Hi Sarah, how are you? I love your thrifting finds and what a great bargain! It’s been a while since I have caught up on blogging and I have also given my blog up for now… time for me and I’m loving it!
Looking forward to flicking back through your older posts and don’t forget about that coffee! Would still love to meet up with you when you’re free.
xxx
Chairs for $5!! I would love the auction! it sounds like a nice place to go look around and visit even if you dont buy anything.
I’m always amazed at your restraint! Not many can visit an auction and not go home with ‘God knows what!’ With your eye for a find you could easily bury yourself under all the freebies and near-freebies you come upon. Who you are shows in all your lovely pix! They say ‘Here lives a woman who doesn’t settle for any ol’ junk! She’s utterly particular!’ There’s nothing in any of the pictures that say ‘…and that find must be under $4.99!’ We applaud your aplomb! Can’t you hear it?
Darlene
Love the new plates, and keep meaning to ask about the little shell-covered ball that’s in the pic (and in so many of your other pics as well
) I’ve never seen one like it here in the States, not even at any of the touristy shell shops in various beachy places. Any idea where I might find one?
Have a great week …
Victoria
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I love your new header! That is such a cool vintage picture!
Great stuff-you lucky girl! Diggin on the plates and the sweet lil pitcher too!~Smiles~Tam!
What a lovely image – I love that chest of drawers! Im so glad i found your lovely blog – its snowing here right now, Im dreaming of sunshine!