Thursday, November 15, 2012

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!


17 comments:

Olive said...

Hi Ann,I love the stacking baskets. They were a real score. The enamel tray as a message board is cool too. I would not have thought of that. I have never been filmed at an estate sale. That is interesting and creepy. I am loving that book and really want to curl up on the sofa with it as it is so gloomy today. xo, olive

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

That enamel tray ...is just cool! What a great idea and use for that. Those baskets are neat too.
But that old sewing machine. ENVY! What a great find. I don't know what you paid for it...but I say a used sewing machine- that works- pays for itself!
~Pat

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You found some wonderful treasures! And I'm glad you went to the sale in Beverly Hills! What a neat experience! I hope you didn't find anything too wonderful though if you have to ask the price! Have fun with your 'new' sewing machine!

Heather said...

You are so lucky!!!!! Estate sales and the likes! Love, love, love your finds! Cheers.

Unknown said...

Score!! Beverly Hills estate sales...can't imagine!!

Chatty Crone said...

You two are having fun and life is expanding for you. I love those staking baskets. And you in Beverly Hills. Awesome. Sandie

Val said...

Cristine would probably LOVE to take the sewing machine off your hands if you feel like parting with it. She seems to collect antique Singers.

Mr. Connor said...

Wow ~ from the pictures I would not think of LA. Some great finds ! Sewing machine with instruction book. What a great great find. More fun coming !

centerofgravity said...

Love the treasures that you have found. You and a vintage sewing machine. That is too funny. Got to say I never would have put that on your list of things to buy. Enjoy your MIL's visit. Hve a wonderful Thanksgiving.

CG

centerofgravity said...

Love the treasures that you have found. You and a vintage sewing machine. That is too funny. Got to say I never would have put that on your list of things to buy. Enjoy your MIL's visit. Hve a wonderful Thanksgiving.

CG

RURAL said...

So that's what a GPS is for, well now my husband knows...lol.

I think you did well, and like you said you got to see inside some mansions.

Jen

The Farmers Daughter said...

Sounds like you're settling into California! Great finds! I bought a sewing machine like yours at an estate sale recently. Haven't tried it, yet, but I know I'm gonna love it!
Sending Thanksgiving Blessings,
Dru

Kathy said...

Great treasures Ann! The old Singer reminds me of Mom's machine. Brings back memories of walking in the front door after school and hearing the purrr of her sewing machine.
Have a wonderful visit with Orlando Grandma!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

You really found some goodies. Love, love the baskets! I went to an estate sale today and came home with some fun treasures. A few items I thought were a little over priced. She lowered a couple for me. I don't know which I love more, the treasures or the hunt. lol! Now following you.
Hugs,
Jann

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
It's interesting to hear about your adventures - these places do sound very exotic.
And you seem to travel through some beautiful landscapes.
I especially like the Singer machine you purchased. I hope you'll enjoy it, they are a good machine!
Enjoy your family, and wishing you a good weekend too!
Brenda
P.S. Is your Thanksgiving this weekend, or next?

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Your having too much fun! Love the baskets and the enamel tray. I need one of those. I have a large collection of magnets but my frig here isn't magnetic :( Way to go on the sewing machine. I have my grandfathers Singer. He was a taylor back in the day. My book says 1928. That cabinet does look very modern. I think the little books are amazing on their own.

Unknown said...

Too busy getting everthing in order for my trip.
we have had some cool days over here too.
sewing machines seem to live on forever.y mother had one like that one. Looking forward to getting there.