"These are some of my favorite things"...

Who can argue with a $2 handpainted basket?! This is definitely one of my favorite things that I found recently.  The closest to it I could find online is a blue one on etsy for $12, but mine is larger and nicer.  A Saturday morning out with friends hitting the estate and garage sales can be so much fun and certainly saves a lot money when trying to decorate a new home.  This one is great in the bathroom but can be used in so many ways.

Support artists! This wonderful dragonfly platter is by pottery artist Robbie Bell. It is a present to myself for Christmas.  Robbie and I attended the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!) together and performed in the USC Marching Band. Never once did I have any idea that one day he'd create such wonderful things.  He now lives in Florida and owns The Speckled Dog Pottery.  Check out his website, I'm sure you'll find some of your own favorite things.  I also found this red colender and catch basin for a friend of mine that is an avid cook.  I love how the handles look like leather. Completely handmade and in this great red color for Christmas, I know she'll enjoy using it all year.

Being a "band kid" I had to include the fruit in the picture as well.  The band at the school where I teach sold great fruit this year to raise money. It cost only little more than what I could get at the store but the quality is better and I know it is going to a good cause. The kids also delivered the cases to my car. Works for me!  Being able to buy in bulk I was also able to make some fruit baskets as gifts for family. Supporting arts in the schools AND getting a good deal, THATS VALUE!

Under the platter is an awesome vintage cotton spread with fringe that I found at an estate sale this weekend. It was made by Concord Mills when they manufactured them in the US. The weight is great and a steal for $5.  This one was made in the 60's but is in perfect shape and the weight of it is just right. Bed Bath and Beyond has something similar for $75, but it is imported I like the feel of these older ones so much better.

Christmas dinner is almost here and I didn't have any serving pieces for the table since all of that went up in smoke.  I was lucky to find some cut glass and crystal at the estate sale too.  The two bowls in the front of the picture below were $2 each.  The other pieces I picked up at other sales the past few weeks.  The prices ranged from 0.50 cents to $4.  I'm fairly certain that at least five of the pieces are clear depression glass (see wikipedia entry).  They may be the Miss America pattern but until I can replace my depression glass reference books, I'm just guessing.  Even if they are reproductions, they are a good value and will look good on the table.  I guess one of the only good things to come out of the fire is that I will eventually start replacing my depression glass and plate collection.  I had started when I inherited a few pieces from my grandmother and began adding to them. 

I know there seem like a lot of candle holders, but they are one of my weaknesses.  Plus we came across a family that was moving that had tons of brand new partylite candles (tapers, tea candles, and votives) for sale. I walked away with a bag of at least 40 very nice, scented candles worth probably $60 to $70 for just $7.

This black wrought iron candle stand that I found for $3 needs some pillar candles but the votives that I got a deal on look pretty nice on it when grouped together! The closest to it I could find online is this 5 pillar candle wrought iron candle stand from http://www.tranquilityvalley.com/ for $36.

I guess that is enough of my bargin hunting for now.  I have to get the grocery list together and go through my coupons.  I was VERY disappointed this morning when Ken brought me the Sunday paper.  The coupon section was missing. UGH! If any of you read the Sunday paper and just throw away the coupon inserts, I would love to have them. :-) They are also some of my favorite things!