Long Time No See

Well, I didn't die. Just fell off the face of the blogger'sphere. I am back with another New Years resolution to get ready for. I am hoping to keep this one this year. I shot to high last year. I am a newer basic blogger so I am trying to start this year with the basics. I am vowing ( yes, there is vowing involved) to post at least FIVE times a month. I will try to include some of the following blogs - #1. Photo an Hour #2. Thrift Store Trips or Finds #3. DIY Project #4. Day at An Auction #5. Trip to Estate Sale, Yard Sale, or Citywide Sales #6. What I'm working on / Sneak Peek #7. WOW post - Where I show what something I got on Ebay sold for!! There will be more but that is all I can think of right now. I am also going to post with lots of pictures!!

I survived Hartville (barely)

I have finally recovered from the longest weekend ever. I took my camera but didn't get time to take any pics. I tried to take a picture of the clock in my car but it came out too fuzzy. I arrived to set up at Hartville the night before. 11:24pm to be exact. I am glad I left that early because I got one of the few spots left. I only got about three hours of uncomfortable sleep. It was hot and muggy. And I had filled my car to the brim.

I started setting up at about 5:00 am after giving up on sleep. I think it was hotter at that point. It was slow but steady. I go to sell not come home with stuff. But I do have a 'rule' that I won't reduce prices until after 10:00. I starting bringing out things and got hit by the usual early risers. The true pickers that come with flashlights and exact change. One of my return customers bought the Justice wood carving. He then brought back a folk art dealer (whom I have seen for many years but never introduced myself). He bought all the rest of the wood carvings. Just a great guy who loves what I love.

Later a woman came up stunned by the paintings. She bought the best three (the large country scenes). We had a nice time talking about paintings, folk art, Hartville, even the bakelite bracelets she was wearing. The new owner of the wood carvings came to gather them up and starting talking to the woman. They knew each other. Small world I guess.

Anyway, I did great at the flea market. I sold all the wood carvings, three of the paintings, and about $400.00 extra schlock that I had brought. I did better than most of the people around me (as usual). I met a few nice people, had some great conversations, and got some great compliments. Like the guy selling eyeglass cleaner next to me told me how impressed he was with my selling ability. That was nice.

The only depressing part was I had four larger items for sale that I would have been happy to get rid of. I didn't sell any of them. And loading them up ten hours later in the high heat SUCKED. That is part of the game. I'm glad I went and can't wait until next year. I was amazed that I bought all that stuff on Wednesday and sold most of it on Saturday. I could totally do this better and bigger. We will see what next year brings!

Hartville Here I Come

I have been hiding out because I haven't been able to keep my New Year's Resolution. Oh, well. I am not to worried about it but have noticed a dip in my sales because of it. I should be listing and posting to keep things rolling. Something to work on.

Anyway, the reason I am finally posting is I will be setting up at the Hartville Flea Market on Saturday. I hadn't really planned on it but went to an auction literally next door to my house yesterday. Now my entire front porch is filled with some amazing folk art carvings and painting. So that is that. I don't really want to ship these heavy or ackwardly shaped items. The flea market is the best place for them. Here is a sneak peak of what I got with more to some.

The great black cat has already found a home. But the rest will be available. Plus the usual vintage decor, household items, and vintage clothing and accessories. I am really just throwing this together and haven't started pricing it yet. Hopefully I will have a great sale and come home with an empty car.

Blogs I Follow

I have been scouring the internet trying to find local blogs to follow that do what I do or love what I love. I was also trying to find some vintage clothing sellers in my area ( Akron Ohio). I will get to that later. But for now, how about the awesome blogger I found.
THE DAINTY SQUID http://daintysquid.blogspot.com/ I follow everyday. I love her posts. She is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Here is the check list of similarities. - Loves, buys, sells, and wears vintage clothing (check) Sells on Etsy (check) DIFFERENCES - She is much cooler than myself. ( I am a dork but boring.) She dyes her hair lots of different, bright colors. ( I would just like to be a red head again) She is obsessed with her nails with very creative designs. ( I haven't painted my nails since my high school prom.) WISHES- I would love to take tons of pictures at the sales and shops I visit. I wish I had more time to blog and search for cool things. I do think it is strange that there is someone so close to me, does similar things that I do, has a noticeable appearance, and yet, I have never met this person. So how many other people are near me, that do what I do, and have never met me? I usually see the same local people at the sales and know a little about them. I might not know their name (but have probably made up a name for them). Like Jason's friend, who sells vintage clothing in the Falls. I don't know this woman personally but have run into her for over six years at estate sales and auctions. We usually compete for the same things. But when we don't, I know something is up. Like those are her items they are selling that that is why she isn't bidding. Anyway, if you are in the Akron area of Ohio, buy and sell vintage clothing, let me know you are out there!

My Office

I thought I would show the tiny spot that Andvintage and Oliveyouvintage are created. Even though I have a small house, I don't have an extra space to call my own. My office is in a small corner of the my bedroom (right next to the tv).

Can you tell I love the color green? especially olive green.

I have a few stacks of old trunks in my house but this stack is my favorite. I prefer darker and earth tone colors. I have too much stuff but try to pair it down to my favorite pieces that all go together.

The wall is covered with my collection of prison art. Yes, I said prison art. Most are folded paper wrappers like candy or cigarette. There is also a few pieces of carved wood figures like a cow and a squirrel. I through in a few gnomes to even it out. My Mom found me the collection of folk art carved wooden shelves. My husband and children found me the large vase covered in paper circles.

HUGE SALE at Oliveyouvintage

I am having a birthday celebration sale on Oliveyouvintage on Etsy. Just enter in the code BIRTHDAY at checkout and receive 50% off your purchase total. I am going to pull the plug sometime this weekend so buy now and buy quick. Did I mention buy lots!!!!

I'm a Couponer!!!

I haven't mentioned it but about a year ago my husband and I started couponing. Feeding a family of five can be hard with any budget but were trying to stretch our dollar. We now get two Sunday papers, two coupon organizers, and print coupons online. I found a great local couponer site that keeps track of all the local sales. Here is a the link -



I have since taken over the couponing and am very excited about the deals I get. Like today I bought two dozen eggs at $1.00 a dozen, a loaf of white bread for $1.00, three bags of frozen Bird's Eye steam in bag vegetables for $1.00 a bag - a $1.00/3 coupon ( total = $2.00), and the best deal ( and the reason I made the trip) four boxes of Cookie Crisp cereal were 4 boxes for $10.00 (then I had three coupons for $.85 off each box which doubles = $5.10) bringing the total to $4.90 for four boxes of cereal. To make the cereal offer better, I got $.20 off each gallon on my next gas purchase. I then used a coupon for $3.00 my next purchase from Giant Eagle. That brought my total to about $6.85.

Saturday's Auction

I spent last week and Saturday inputing tax info for my husband on Saturday but got to go to a great auction later that night. No kids, a good steak dinner out, and five hours at an auction. It was fun, stressful, and just what I needed. I have been craving a good auction but haven't been to one in a while - or at least one that I could afford. I bought the leftovers from the vintage clothing rack, a box of lace, some vintage books, etc. But here is a few items I took pictures of to show my Mom but I thought I would share with you, too.
I got some box lots of Christmas including this great cotton spun snowman -


I also got this unique corn husk painted folk art stork -


Lastly, in a box lot of vintage shaving brushes and vintage large sunglasses was this unique brass antique mold. Unfortunelty, I have no idea what it made or what it was used for. The bottom is marked ?alente & Micheletti N.Y.. If anyone know what this strange mold is used for or what the mark reads, let me know.

What Happens In Vegas ....

That old saying 'What happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas." makes a lot of since but not in the way you think. It's not because everyone is wasted and makes horrible mistakes like in the movie The Hangover. It is for all the scary, dirty, and freaky homeless people. I think since the last time I was in Vegas (ten years ago), the government dumped off tons of homeless people in Vegas and told them they can't leave. Every corner and in front of every casino are strange homeless people in costumes. Yes, large commercial grade cartoon character costumes like Woody and Buzz from Toy Story, Hello Kitty, Transformers, etc. But they are dirty, stinky, and dingy. Most of these costume wear transients want parents to let their children (yes, there are tons of people with babies and toddlers walking around Vegas now. But that should be another discussion all together.) take pictures with their favorite cartoon character in exchange for a little dough. But who wants a Disney style picture next to a drunk homeless man to remember forever. There were a few that were taking advantage of the strange situation. We got a picture of a very dirty Minnie Mouse and Garfield the Cat laying on the sidewalk surrounded by empty liquor bottle and smoking cigars. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to post after I get them developed.
My husband and I did have a great time away but are glad to be home. I am trying to get back in the routine but it's not working. I originally had plans to come back from Vegas and take a little more time off to get my husband's taxes done. I am having problems getting anything accomplished with that but still haven't gotten anything new listed either. I did get some items relisted onto Etsy. I listed 12 relisted on 2/20/12, 9 items on 2/25/12, 4 relisted on 2/26/12, 14 on 2/27/12, 7 on 2/28/12, 5 relsted on 2/28/12 (Leap Year Day), 10 relisted on 3/1/12, and 9 on 3/2/12. That brings the new total to 3297.
I did spend some time over the last few days revamping my Oliveyouvintage Etsy site. I change most of my gallery photos to a double shot to make my pages flow a little better. I need to work more on this website and get more followers. I got an extra camera for Christmas. So I need to take my old camera with me when I go shopping to take pictures of my haul. A perfect example of when I should have taken my camera was the auction my Mom and I went to when I returned from vacation. It was an amazing collection of items that filled two huge barns at a fairgrounds. I had fun but actually didn't buy anything. I dug threw the trash and dumpster for my treasures. I ended up with a railroad conductor's style hat, a few 1950's day dresses (damaged), a handfull of broken jewelery pieces, and an antique doll for my Mom.

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

Well, I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow morning. I have been frantic with cleaning my house, listing to get some extra money, and getting ready for Valentine's Day parties at all three of my kid's schools. Need I say I have't filled my quota of listings for each day. I have been listing to get some extra money. I pulled out my best dresses I have been holding back. Here is a quick rundown of what I did accomplish.
On Ebay -
2/4 listed 27 items
2/7 listed 23 items

One Etsy -
2 relisted on 2/9
3 new items on 2/11
1 new item on 2/13
5 relisted on 2/15

That brings the new total to 3367.


I will get back from Vegas on Sunday.

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE

As a special surprise, I have added a 25% off sale on both my shops on Etsy. All you need to do is use the coupon code HEART at checkout to get the discount. You can use this for anything and everything.

So checkout what I have for sale at -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/oliveyouvintage?ref=si_shop


http://www.etsy.com/shop/andvintage?ref=si_shop

I'm a Busy Little Groundhog

It was Groundhog's Day yesterday and how likes beavers anyway? I have been working so much that I haven't had time to post. I have lots to tell.
We'll start with Ebay on Andvintage -

Ending tonight are 49 auctions of shoes, ankle booties, and boots. Here are a few of my favorites.





























There are so many more amazing shoes and boots, I just can't believe how cheap they are going.
The on 1/30/12, I listed 26 auctions of Valentine's Day dresses and lingerie. All sexy and fabulous. Here are a few of the highlights -


















Here's the naughty bits!!!!







To top all this off, I pulled out my best lingerie for Valentine's Night. There are 20 more auctions of mainly 1940's NOS nightgowns, underwear, and pajamas. Most came from the same sale and have very little wear.













On Etsy under Oliveyouvintage, I relisted SIX bathing suits on 1/27 and FIVE new items on 2/2.
That brings the new total to 3428.

Dragging My Feet..

I'm way behind but glad last week is over. My kids had a three day week at school. We also had a snowstorm, a night free to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary, and three days of calling big routes. It was a hectic week and I didn't get much work done. But here is what I did do..
10 NEW items listed on Oliveyouvintage (Etsy) on 1/18
10 NEW items listed on Oliveyouvintage (Etsy) on 1/19
11 relisted items on Oliveyouvintage (Etsy) on 1/20

That brings the total to 3428.

I'll slowly loosing the battle...

My life is getting in the way, along with the weather, and many other excuses. I need to change my habits and work better on getting the important things done first. I still keep going shopping. I need to stop and list.
Since the last post I have listed 8 items on Etsy (oliveyouvintage), 9 items on Ebay on 1/13, 15 items on 1/14 on Ebay, and 7 items tonight on Ebay. That brings the new total to 3459.
On a personal note, my youngest daughter turned FOUR on Sunday. We all went sledding and to Chuck E Cheese. It was a good day.



P.S. I am starting a new part of my resolution and going to take pictures of my new purchases. Along with a purchase amount.

Where have the days gone,,,

It's now January 10th and I'm still going. I just haven't posted in a few days. I have had a double birthday party for my youngest daughter and my niece. I have spent the last two days cleaning through my photo albums. Today my poor son got a big egg on his head during recess. But somehow I listed 21 new items on 1/8/12 and 21 relisted items on 1/9/12. That brings the new total to 3498.
I have already sold one of the new items I have listed. Going strong. I just need to get photos to get ahead.

It's Getting A Little Harder...

Yesterday, I didn't think there was any way I would get my count for the day. I had routes to call in the morning for my husband's business, then my youngest had preschool, then back to finish calling the routes, then pick her up from school. By the time we got home it was time for my kids to come home from school. My oldest had gotten off the bus at a friend's house, so I didn't have to worry about her. Of course that all changed when she arrived an hour late, sick, and still hadn't done her homework. She ended up vomiting within ten minutes of arriving. At the same time, the dog got sick all over the carpet. At this point, I was ready throw in the towel.
Somehow, I was able to control the chaos, clean up the mess, and get everyone to bed. I then spent the next couple of hours relisting ELEVEN items on Oliveyouvintage (on Etsy). These were the items I have been holding back because they are so fabulous.

Black Beaded Vintage 1950's Cardigan Sweater S

only $55.00



Peekaboo Lace Vintage 1950's Rockabilly Blouse S M

Only $25.00

I'm Getting More Done.

Well, I am happy with my progress but still have so much more to do. I got another FIFTEEN items listed on Etsy ( Oliveyouvintage) today. That brings to new total to 3551 items to go. I am still working on the items that I had gotten ready before Christmas. Most of them are vintage 1950's skirts and sweaters (all from the same estate). Here are a few of the items I am excited about ...
Black Wool Faux Persian Lamb Vintage 1940's Fitted Jacket

Only $15.00



Sailor Collar Vintage 1950's Beatnik Black Sweater XS S

Only $12.50



Grey Modesty Vintage 1960's Shift Party Dress

Only $25.00




On a more personal note, I am going a little disappointed in myself. I have a posty note in front of myself right now which reads "No Shopping!!! List 10 items a DAY !!!" I have been shopping pratically everyday this week. I have gotten my listing requirements done but shouldn't be shopping. So Me, Myself, and I can't stop Me, Myself, and I from shopping. I hope tomorrow will be a better day.

Still Going Strong...

As of yesterday I had 3580 left to list until the end of 2012. Today I got another FOURTEEN items on Oliveyouvintage (Etsy). That will bring the new total to 3566.

Red Feathered Vintage 1950's women's fedora hat

Only $25.00



Navajo Beaded Leather Vintage 1940's Moccasins size 5

Only $25.00

I'm still rolling on my resolution

Yesterday, the 1/2/12, I got some more items listed. There was eight added to Etsy ( oliveyouvintage). All new items and already sold one. Here is what is still available -

Stormy Grey Velvet Vintage 1950's Skirt S

Only $15.00



Batwing Bumpy Ivory Vintage 1950's Cardigan Sweater

Only $22.50



I also listed TWELEVE new items on Ebay ( Andvintage). I don't even know where to start on those. Each one is stunning.

Valentine's Day Red Vintage 1950's Day Dress XS S

Starting at $9.99



Embroidered Vintage 1950's Rockabilly Red Jacket

Starting at $24.99



Musical Notes Embroidered Vintage 1970's Skirt XS S

Starting at $9.99