My
Winter Workout
by Amie Stark of
Here in Connecticut where we have long cold
winters, if you are not a skier or winter sports enthusiast — which I am
definitely not — the only sport left for us girls is running to estate sales
and thrift shops! It might not sound like much exercise, but you can get a pretty good workout. There’s a
lot of bending down, lifting and reaching. There’s also finding something so
sublime that it makes your heart go pitter-patter, which in turn is good for my
physical being. You get where I’m going with this?
So instead of heading north to Vermont or
Massachusetts to fly down a freezing cold mountain attached to two tiny little
skis, I prefer to spend my weekends on level ground planning out which estate
sales and thrift shops to visit. I cannot break my leg doing it, it’s deeply
fun, and it’s how I stock my Etsy shop up with so many fabulous vintage finds
for everyone!
A few weeks ago I saw an ad for an estate
sale near our house. My husband Steven usually goes along, because he likes
these kinds of things too. So we get in the car, and even though it was only a
mile or so away, he insisted on using the GPS to get there. One thing about
Steven is that he absolutely will not go anywhere without using the GPS,
because he hates getting lost. Anyway, we drive up to what turns out to be a really
shabby, and not shabby chic, apartment building. I mean, I have had nightmares
about places that look like this. But we decided to go in and have a quick look
around anyway. OMG am I glad we did! This place was obviously an elderly lady’s
apartment, and it had mid century treasures stuffed in every nook and cranny! I
headed into the tiny kitchen first (my strategy of late) and spotted a set of
vintage orange lacquer coasters with painted daisies, then an adorable set of
French silver kitty fork rests. In the bedroom I found several vintage Vera
silk scarves in perfect condition, stuffed in a dresser full of junk. Then in
the living room I discovered a cardboard box filled with beautifully tarnished
silver bowls and ancient copper vessels. This was one cool lady who had lived
here!
On another afternoon my fellow thrift
hunter and I (and the GPS) headed out for a sale at a home that was so
enchanting I hardly noticed any of the contents in it that were for sale. The house
was built by an architect named Frazier Stevens in the 1920’s, and was this
incredibly charming, rambling English Tudor with a real turret. I was way too
busy daydreaming about what a great childhood I could have had there playing
fabulously exciting games of hide & seek to even shop. I just missed out on
a gorgeous and highly coveted orange Cathrineholm
casserole dish with a lotus design that another shopper claimed she had found
first, as she snatched it out of my hands. All I left with was a glass ashtray,
but I was still happy.
Thrift stores often turn up treasures too. They
are perfect for the much-needed mid-week workout. Last week I spotted a really
cool brown enamel teapot in one that l thought might have a been something
good, and I was right! It was an authentic Arabia of Finland, designed by Kaj
Franck, an iconic mid century modern vintage piece. I left feeling extremely
satisfied with this little treasure.
So that’s my winter workout. Another
weekend is just beginning so I need to run so that I can lay out my plans for another
fun-filled adventure. After all, a girl has to keep up her exercise routine to
stay happy and healthy!
Thank you so much Amie, it sounds like you have got your winter workout down pat.
If you would like to write an article for Chantal Loves Vintage please get in contact.
I prefer your winter work-out choice as opposed to skiing! LOL
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Blogging Buddies
<><
http://christiecottage.blogspot.com
So many beautiful things! Definitely my kind of work out :)
ReplyDeleteGreat story - love the part about the 1920's house with the turret. I would have been doing the same thing.
ReplyDelete