There's Treasures in Them Thar Hills!

The hills of Bel Aire and Hollywood that is.

The last couple of weekends I have expanded my explorations and estate sale shenanigans to include some pretty fancy zip codes in LA County.

I didn't take a lot of pictures while on the road because, well, they were so winding and hilly that it took all I had just to steer and listen to GPS lady.  Thank goodness for her, by the way - I never would have found some of these sales tucked away in these beautiful hills.

I found a supermarket at the top of one hill and stopped in the parking lot and took these pictures.  

Then I finally found one of the destinations and parked after several attempts and keeping in mind my studies from getting my driver's license (which hasn't come yet - frustration).  "When parking on an incline/decline, which way should your front wheels point?  Towards the curb, or away from the curb?  And what if there is no curb?"

I finally parked uphill with wheels pointed  away from the curb and the emergency brake on.

Now I expected high, high prices at some of these estate sales and I wasn't wrong.  However, I did find some fun finds within my budget.

These unique stacking baskets that look quite nice in our living room and will be welcome extra storage.

I had picked up these two pretty king size pillow cases at that same sale. Not vintage or old, but pretty and they will either be used by us or turned into something different.

I did go to one sale in Beverly Hills. At a huge old mansion.  I really wanted to just see the inside of this beautiful home because I knew the prices would be very high.  We were limited to three rooms and were filmed on security cameras the entire time.  Nothing was marked with a price - if you have to ask...  

Lots of beautiful linens, lace, art and collectibles from people who traveled extensively.

I had very good luck the weekend before when The Maven and I got entangled somewhere (only the GPS lady knows!) in another beautiful neighborhood in "the hills".

I have been wanting something in my office that I could use as a magnetic board for notes, etc.  I found this really nice enamel tray that works perfectly.

I need to neaten up my space a bit and this will help me keep stray pieces of paper in view.

Good thing The Maven was with me because I needed help to carry out the other item we found at this sale.

The little booklet says "1933" as the date of publication,

 so I am assuming that this old sewing machine comes from that era.

Love the drawings, and I will need all the instruction I can get!

I tested it out to make sure it works and it does.

It will serve a dual-purpose as a nice side table when closed up.

And as a basic sewing machine that I can do some projects on until I decide what I will do ultimately with the machine - keep or sell eventually.

I guess I better start practicing.  It's been quite awhile since I've used a sewing machine.  

I think my first project will be some simple pillow covers.

This weekend I will be getting ready for our first visitor, Orlando Grandma!

She will be here next week and I can't wait to show her some of the wonderful places we've discovered in our first couple of months in our new home.

Have a great weekend!