I used to frequent Home Goods and Marshalls…a lot…like “the employees knew me by name”lot. I always found something I was eager to bring home…but that eagerness seemed to fade as soon as I walked through the front door. I never really felt a connection to the pretty pieces and I would go back to replace the item again and again to regain that eagerness. I also donated to a local thrift shop so I am sure someone found a lovely treasure from my over shopping…so not a total loss
It took a while to realize I was looking for more than a pretty piece, I was looking for the story, the history, beyond the piece. I wanted the real deal vintage…even if it needed to be collected over time as pay checks would allow
Most of my beloved furnishings tell a story of another family…one I can only imagine. How exciting it was to visit my parent’s home in Philadelphia and help them downsize for their retirement cottage. So many treasures came home with me..treasures with a real connection to my story….my history….let me show you a few favorites. There will be more to come
How delightful are these gorgeous children’s books…my Uncle cherished them in the 1800’s….amazing that they are is perfect condition.
I am so eager to display these vintage Halloween postcards next fall…dated 1908…my Grandmother exchanged them with friends.
Look at this fun tea towel….a gift to my parents…I am making it into a darling pillow
Could this little red painted chair from my childhood be any cuter?
Well yes!…yes it could.
…and I still frequent our local Home Goods and Marshalls. I have a thing for high quality sheets at bargain prices…and shoes.
A Day of Small Things... 
I so appreciate things that have a story. Where Home Goods, etc. are concerned, sometimes the story is the adventure!
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I agree… My $19.00 Michael Kors purse is an adventure story…
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I love these vintage items and I agree – the story behind the items means a lot. I visited Gina’s house(Victorian Wanna Be blog) today and everything she had had an amazing story. It was great fun! I love those vintage books and your chair -my, what could be better.
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Sounds like fun! I can’t wait to look at it….and dream.
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Sometimes you have to get furniture or home items at the store — but I’m with you. The ones I’ve discovered that are connected with family are the most precious and even those that are old that might not be my family but SOMEONE’s — well, they just feel like they are bringing in an unknown energy that just makes me smile.
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I like to think of it as a rescue…it makes me sad to think so many stories are lost. I do like the energy…I think that is the word I was searching for.
I never did a total purge of un vintage items from my home…my blown glass pumpkins from Home Goods is a must in the Fall.
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It has taken me forever and a day to learn this lesson! My tendency is to want something right now and you know that just leads to the nearest chain store. I’m working on that!
You Have to frame that pic of your daughter!
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The call of the chain stores is loud and persistent to me as well. So many of my favorite antique stores have a layaway at home policy after several years. This meets my needs for instant gratification. I have also enjoyed the thrill of the hunt after seeing a particularly attraction blog post…
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So glad to see this linked to TOHOT bright and early this morning. Thank you so much for being a faithful friend. 🙂
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I too appreciate the vintage much more so than the new, although I do like new also. Your items are all so special. The story books and the little painted chair are wonderful! And yes, it is cuter with your little one sitting on it. Thank you for sharing your treasures with a story. They’re the best kind.
Blessings,
Sandi
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She does bring the sweet to any picture! There are some new ideas I simply love as well. It depends on the purpose. My fall pumpkin collection has been gathered over years of shopping at chain stores and I wouldn’t give them up without a fight.
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Everything in my home has a story—so I completely understand. That portrait of you little doll…will be a treasure for years/generations to come. I would have one made up in a sepia/color to hang with all the vintage treasures. Thanks for the smiles, Sandi
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Great idea! She is a treasure indeed.
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What a lovely story! I love the things you brought home from your own story. I am sure your parents are blessed to see you value them versus toss them out. It can be so hard to downsize so seeing some things valued by our children is really a gift!
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My husband said the same thing! My parents found treasures they did not even know they had…I was pleased to take and enjoy them. The downsize process is difficult but they are excited to start this new adventure.
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Yes! You hit the nail on the head, and you are expressing perfectly what all lovers of vintage feel. . .mass produced replicas just are not the same, and pre-loved items are full of “stories”. How wonderful that you already know some of the stories of your family’s inherited treasures.
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YES! I still enjoy some non-vintage decor but try to avoid the reproduction trap…unless the price would cause bankruptcy. Tried and true…tested by time…worn by love…that steals my heart
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This is exactly how I feel about my home and its furnishings–it should tell my story. Great post ~ thanks for sharing!
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Thank you. Your words made my day!
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Love that little childhood chair, has a gypsy color theme going on. perfect for your adorable little one. (I love quality sheets at reasonable prices, too!)
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I love seeing through adult eyes. It was tucked in an attic for quite a long time. I love Home Goods linens and towels.
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Visiting from Cozy Little House…nice to meet you! I love the vintage treasures you brought home from your parent’s house. How wonderful that you know the history behind these things. Mass-produced stuff is “OK” in some instances, but anyone can walk into HomeGoods, Target, etc. and buy the same thing.
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Most were tucked away for quite some time. My Mom is very modern in her decorating style so she finds it amusing that I just thrive with my vintage house.
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What treasures you have found!!
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I have lots of ‘treasures’ from beloved family members, too, and they are quite special. Yours are so precious. I’m glad you have them out where you can enjoy them.
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With our small rental I have really perfected the art of the rotation…I just shop the basement when I want something new.
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How blessed you are to have found such wonderful things at your parents. I come from a long line of “hoarders”, we never get rid of anything we just pass it a long. lol My favorite thing is my carnival glass from my great-grandmother.
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Unfortunately my mom is much more modern in her decorating so lots of treasures were not saved..I guess if we kept everything from the past it would have less allure….I really treasure my special items.
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I totally know what you mean. The joy of shopping at antique stores is making up the past life of the items in my head. I get to wonder about what kind of house it was in, and what the family was like, and what kind of dinner parties it was a part of. But my decorating style is a mix of old and new, like a modern farmhouse kind of vibe, so Homegoods better not plan on saying goodbye to me anytime soon. Thanks so much for sharing this great read at Inspiration Thursday tonight!
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I do as well. When I look at an antique quilt or sampler I see the hours of work, the conversations that made those hours go quickly. I get most of my baking supplies and food gifts from Home Goods…that I do need. And vintage sheets and towels…not so much.
Your home and style are beautiful. I really enjoy your blog!
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I totally identify with this post. I have stopped shopping in Big Box shops and am simply shopping my home. I enjoy moving things around and using things in different ways. And, my new habit is much cheaper!
Thanks for sharing at SYC.
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If I must I do…I love HomeGoods food and baking section…just like you I love to shop the basement!
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I totally agree and you have some truly sweet treasures! Now tell me. Is the red chair the time out chair?
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No she enjoys it too much…but we do have one…she just turned three…need I say more
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I so agree with you! My entire house is filled with hand me downs from relatives (my mothers china hutch) or old furniture that I rescued ( vanity chest of drawers rescued from a bar ditch). Originally I did it because we didn’t have the money for new things. Now I do it because I love the beauty of the old and the sentimental of the journey!
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I have totally stopped the car to pick through trash. Usually my husband is a good sport…I love hand me downs. Our rental is lovely but a bit small so I have learned to rotate and shop the basement.
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I am with you! I just don’t want the new home décor items anymore, but I love the clothes and shoes at the stores you mentioned! The things you got from your parents home are fabulous! I would have grabbed any of them at an estate sale, especially the cute little chair. I’d rather go pickin’ over clothes shopping any day!!
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They are treasures indeed. I have a few more to share as well
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I am smitten with your little red chair! It is absolutely precious! It’s so nice that you can share something from your childhood with your daughter. Maybe one day her little one can sit on it too! I hope you have a great day!
Smiles!
Terry
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It makes me very sentimental to image her daughter sitting in the chair…God willing.
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Love your post! Feeling a connection to items does, I agree, make them extra meaningful and special. Your little one is simply angelic!
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Glad to connect with other vintage lovers
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I couldn’t agree more! Old treasures with a family history have a way of touching our hearts in a way newer pieces will never be able to. Thanks so much for sharing your story at Talk of the Town.
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Always a pleasure
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That tea towel will make a very cute pillow. Your daughter is so adorable ~ just a little doll!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
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Maryland hugs back!
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Amy- this is the wisest post I have read in a long time. You are so smart. I too have bought things for my home that just didn’t satisfy. I loved when you said you were trying to ‘regain the eagerness’.
Brilliant.
Thank you for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We are so glad you are here!
Laura
White Spray Paint
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Thank you. The world is big enough for many decorating styles. I can see the beauty in the clean lines in a modern home or the flow of a traditional room but feel so much at peace surrounded by the past…sometimes with a twist!
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I totally agree with this post! I inherited a few pieces from my dear mom that mean the world to me. In fact, I may have to borrow your post idea. 🙂
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Steal away…we will just call it inspiration!
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I’ve always loved the china pattern of which you have the cup and saucer in the photo – so pretty! Your daughter is a doll, too! Blessings, Janet
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A thrift shop find! It just reflects the springtime mood of the weekend.
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Thanks for sharing your fun treasures on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth. These are the kinds of items I love too! 🙂
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I am glad to meet other lovers of the imperfect past!
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I love secondhand items as they have that worn loved look. How great for you to have some family treasures to love.
Dianne
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So pleased with my treasures. I love the beauty of the worn loved items.
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I use to think everything had to be brand new. It was my husband who liked to go thrifting. As I have gotten older I realize just like you, it is nice to imagine the story.
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My husband needed to be convinced of the value of the old…he now enjoys the thrill of the hunt!
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Amy, I will be featuring your post at No Place Like Home on Monday. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend.
Blessings,
Sandi
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Beautiful weekend….I am honored and excited!
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I love your vintage pieces but the cutest of all is your little girl…Christine
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Thank you!
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I’m with you all the way! I feel a pull toward vintage items as well and I love their history and story. So many wonderful things you get to keep in the family! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}
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They speak to my heart. Big box stores seem to speak to my ego…heart is better
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You are so right, vintage pieces do tell a story and history equals memories that can make a person smile.
Thanks for linking up at the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party, I hope it brings you some new friends 🙂
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Amy, I have always preferred pieces with a history attached, be they furniture, jewellery, or anything else for that matter. I couldn’t agree with you more! Thanks for linking at Five Star Frou-Frou this week. I hope we’ll see more of you. Love, Mimi xxx
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Always a pleasure
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As I get older, I appreciate the story behind “things”. Having a hand-me-down grandfather clock from my grandparents is so much more meaningful than going and buying a new one. Thanks for linking up at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Hope to see you tomorrow!
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Just lovely. I am slowly working at cleaning out my elderly dad’s home (he is still in it, but the decluttering must begin now) and also finding many treasures. Your calendar towel reminded me of some I found there.
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Thanks for sharing this post on Peace, Love, Link-up! Be sure to check in tomorrow the 22nd for the next party and share whatever you might be working on : )
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Absolutely
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You found so many great treasures, I would have enjoyed them all as well! I have some from my family and love having them around the house and the memories are the sweetest! I especially love your Halloween postcards! It’s lovely to see you at Sweet Inspiration, thank you for stopping by!
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Thank you for your kind comment. I love showing what I love and I am glad others enjoy what I show!
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Amy, if it wasn’t a sin, I’d be jealous of those old books! How marvelous!! Childhood things are so comforting!!
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This made me laugh. I confess I had a brief flash of frustration that they were packed away in s box all these years…perhaps that is why they are in such wonderful condition.
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Probably!
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Totally adore the red chair and the Halloween postcards.
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What wonderful treasures! The tea towel calendar is the year I was born! How awesome!!
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That picture of your daughter on your childhood chair is precious. I can’t believe the wonderful things your parents kept! My family didn’t keep anything, which stinks since I love old things… good thing my in-laws kept everything 🙂
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I went through that phase when I was decorating for clients, those stores were great but you are so right. I absolutely treasure my pieces that were purchased when we were poor and had to go to auctions to get a table to eat on. I continue to frequent second hand shops and just recently redid my living room with art and lamps and a chest that someone was tired of. I love it!
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What a fun post, your little girl is so cute, she looks like a model and all the vintage is wonderful!!
Thank you for sharing on the #OMHGWW this week!
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She is a darling and the joy of our life. We are vintage all the way. I just can’t get enough.
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