Booth at Cottage Crafts 2024

Main Booth

Just a random picture of my main booth at Cottage Crafts. If you been following my blog you've seen most of the stuff I've picked. Now that I have a good source for cool vintage, I can keep my booth updated and fresh. Yes, it's a thing to say fresh.

The new label maker I got has been a game changer! I really can't believe how easy it makes to get things into my booth now. Thermal printing technology is such a game changer! 

The summer months are super slow at the store and for most vendors it's a loss. My sales have always stayed steady, not gang busters but it covers the rent. Now that we're heading into fall, sales should pick up for everyone! It doesn't really change things for me but the empty booths start to fill up and the store starts to look very festival!

Jewelry Booth 

" I told Your So" moment

Today was a "I told you so" day at the store. I didn't say it out loud but I was thinking it the whole time. :) 

A month ago another department wanted to use a local auction house that I've been buying from for over 30 years. As a buyer, I've had no problems but I've heard the gossip about the major issues sellers have had. I warned them and well, they found out I was right. I knew it was something they would just have to learn on their own. 

The second thing was being more welcoming to resellers. The old guard volunteers have a very negative view on resellers. On Monday we had a reseller who spent close to $2,000! We had a $1,400 Lalique vase for sale. To be honest I didn't think we would be able to sell it. He also spent $600 on vintage clothes. I make it a point to talk to these resellers and get their contact information so I can let them know when the good stuff comes in. Resellers come in buy quickly, pay what we are asking and leave just as fast. 

A box of baccarat figurines was donated today. These are what I would call "the good stuff" and of course I sent pictures to all the resellers on my list. There isn't any discount but if we can sell it fast and not have to put it in the locked cabinets all the better. 

My Lucky Omen Showed Up

Do you  believe in omens? For me when I hear and see a hawk it's a good sign for me. Could be just wishful thinking but I'm going with it! This morning as I was playing the Cooper and Pippa out back, a hawk landed in the top of a very tall redwood tree. Well all redwood trees are tall. :) Didn't get a picture as I had to keep my eye on Cooper who would knock me over if I wasn't paying 100% attention. I haven't seen a hawk or falcon in a long time so I hope this means good things are coming my way!

There are a lot of redwood trees in this neighborhood, being that most of these homes were built in the 1930's. I'm sure back then there were groves of redwoods. More and more of the homes are being turned into monster homes because the lots are big. Back in the day when you had to a full size barn out back. All the new builds, have no redwoods which I can only guess got cut down. 

Sunday Auction Finds 2024

It looks like I go picking every Sunday, but I really don't. I check out MaxSold every week and if there's something interesting I'll put my maximum bid in. If I get it super, if not no big deal. This week I picked up two different lots at two different locations. One of the major downsides to online auctions is you can't inspect the items in person. 

The buckeye root beer mugs looked interesting but sadly when I got home I found a major crack in one and a chip in another one. I buy from this company all the time and never had any issues. Their descriptions have always been good. In the picture you can see the crack which does go all the way through the mug. The other one has a chip. 

Years ago I collected chocolate molds. It was when there were still a lot of local candy makers that used metal molds. None of those places are around anymore. :( 

When this mold lot came up, I did a low bid of $15.00 and won. Not sure what the resell market is now but the Santa, shoe and turkey cross over into other collectable categories so I'm not to worry about being able to resell them. 

Life with a big dog

Having a big dog fall asleep on my feet brings back so many memories of Annie. She started as a puppy sitting on my feet and she never stopped. She learned early on when I was working on my computer it was her quiet time. She would just fall asleep under my desk. I learned not to move my feet or chair too quickly because I never knew how close Annie was. I guess I still don't move much or at least not very fast. 

During my time here, I'm sorting out massive amounts of Lego. I think I got all the imitations sorted out. Now on to sort the real Legos in categories so when the boys want to build something specific we can find the right parts. 

Enjoying Perfect Weather

It's always a learning curve when babysitting for someone new. Getting use to their schedule, personality etc... I asked about when to take the dogs out for their walk and they said I didn't have to, they have their backyard. The massive backyard has plenty of the space to run full out laps. I still think it would be nice to take them for a walk but they're not really leash trained, at least the lab isn't and he's way too big to even try.

Now for the people in the family, the backyard is just lovely. Besides the salt water pool and gardens, there's an over the top entertainment area. Now that we're back to our mild weather, it's lovely to sit out here while the fur babies run around. 

The house was built in the 1930's but they completely remodeled it. They didn't go with the over the top monster home, but a nice comfortable single story, with all the upgrades. I think just as much was spent on the backyard, which is my favorite part. I know if I ever get to design another house and garden, I would copy this one!

Latest Babysitting Gig

I'm currently babysitting these guys. Cooper is the lab  (high energy) and Pippa who's very bossy. 

They have a very nice big backyard and even a salt water pool to play in. 

Last night neither of them would go into their crates. Since I didn't want to stress them out, I let them sleep on the bed with me. Cooper was good and didn't move around at all. He took up most of the bed so it was good he wasn't fussy.  Pippa on the other hand had to be on top of me, so whenever I moved she had to readjust too. 

Cooper was so excited to play fetch, I got body slammed several times before I figure out how to dodge him as he threw his toy at me. Guessing he doesn't get to play fetch too often to know it's not good to knock the person throwing your toy over. Would be a hard stop for sure! 

Green Queen and Pearl Bowls

This is a close up shot of the vintage "Queen and Pearl" bowls I picked up last week. I didn't know the name of the pattern until I got home but it does have an ocean vibe. There isn't a big resale market for bowls like this but I just could pass them up! It was also fun that I had to climb over boxes of junk to get them. They were all wrapped up in very faded yellow newspaper so I knew whatever it was, it was old. The hunt is the best part of thrifting!

I may do another booth make over at Cottage Crafts now that the weather has cooled down. 

Did a little retail therapy

I was having a pity party on Sunday just thinking about having to find yet another place to live. The thought of having to pack up everything again just makes me mentally tired. 

I decided to do some retail therapy and visited my favorite picking spot in Campbell. The parking lot sale will only last until the end of year as they also have to move to make way for even more condos. Really how many condos and high density housing do we really need? 

Do I need more stuff for my booth at Cottage Crafts? No I don't, but I found some very cool stuff that I never see at the thrift stores.  Breaking down the cost of every item (paid $10 for the lot) it worked out to about .25 each. Can't really beat that price. 

This wooden chicken egg cup lead me down the rabbit hole. It was on top of a small box that was packed in 2003. I didn't go through the whole box as everything was wrapped so well. Just took a chance on it because why would someone take the time to package it so carefully if it was the "good" stuff. :) I wasn't disappointed!

Everything will be at Cottage Crafts this week. 

Having to pivot yet again.

I'm totally bummed that I once again have to move. The landlord told me yesterday they are selling the house now that their children are done with school. 

I was just starting to feel at home here now that I have my back patio area nice and comfy. I've been enjoying having my morning coffee out here and pretending to be by the ocean. The morning commute traffic sounds just like the ocean waves. Yes, my hearing is not so good. :) Now I have to decide if I should keep watering my front garden. I know who ever buys the main house, will tear it down to build a monster home. The same developer has purchased all the homes in the neighborhood and basically builds the same house over and over again. She's been doing this for years to the homes go up very fast.

Chicken Tenders

Doing meal prep has been a real game changer for me. I do like to cook but having to clean up everything because of the ants has been a pain. Before I can even eat, I have to make sure every surface is wiped down or in soapy water. 

It is nice to have my lunch and dinner ready whenever I get hungry. Tuesday and Thursday I spend all day at the store so it's nice to pack a solid lunch. 

This month I thought I would change it up and get a Costco size bag of chicken tenders. It cook up super fast and you can adjust the seasoning. You don't need an air fryer! I'm getting better at making the rice on the stove as I like my jasmine rice with a lot of seasoning. 

Up next is teriyaki chicken! 

Another Good Score

Just a sample of what I picked up. 

I didn't get anything on MaxSold this week but I stopped by their warehouse anyways to pick through their junk lots. Being estate liquidators you never know what you will find. I fill up a  banker's box (bulk buy) and only paid $20.00. 

Met a very nice couple who drive all the way down from Oakland (about an hour north) who buy a lot from MaxSold too. We chatted about the pros and cons for reselling and what our goals are for the future. 

I was super thrilled to find the vintage green glass, (top left corner) that was wrapped in newspaper from 1980. I love that the pattern gives a sea urchin vibe. I think my latest haul will add a nice mix to my booth at Cottage Crafts. 

You never know what will sell

I stand corrected. When these clear luncheonette plates (holds a tea cup on the plate) came in, I said nobody buys these any more. I was ready to toss the whole box into the Hope bins. Anything we think we can't sell or didn't sell, we toss in large bins for Hope. When I saw that they got put out ($2) and sold I had to take a picture. This young gal was so thrilled with her purchase and proved me wrong. The fact that the plates were clear, also a hard sell was surprising too!

Louis Vuitton Box

Years ago (when I was a newbie) while I was at an auction down in Monterey, I saw one of the employee (I think it's against the rules)  bidding on a lot of just empty jewelry and watch boxes. Normally you don't see employees  actively bidding but it did make me realize what that was all about.  Things resell for way more if you have the box. At the Dragon we have sell Tiffany boxes and pouches all the time. 

As we were leaving for the day, someone had left some bags out by our gate. I just threw everything in the back of my car as I didn't want to have to open up the store. I saw the Louis Vuitton box with its shopping bag and didn't want it to get wet. Now we will see if the box sells for $20.00.

Update: It sold in less than a day. 

It's birthday time

My son's birthday is coming up so I'm boxing up his birthday presents. A friend who has a vacation home close by will be driving up the boxes. 

Since Lake Tahoe is has very limited grocery options, I send him random Asian snacks. There is nothing healthy at all! 

Milk Street - Spicy Crusted Pork Loin

I'm a cooking nerd, not a foodie. I think there is a difference. I like the science behind cooking and using all the equipment and gadgets.  Am I willing to pay $150.o0 for something that looks like a cat coughed up at a fancy restaurant, nope. 

Several years ago when Chris Kimball left American Test Kitchen (hasn't been the same since) and started Milk Street, I've been a follower. This spicy crusted pork recipe was one of the first ones his group published. I made it a few times years ago and really liked it. I've been wanting to make it again but every time I'm at Costco, I can't see going through that much pork. I finally decided to just break down and get a big one at Trader Joes.

I used what spices I had so I didn't get the crusty part but the pork did come out very moist. I've also gotten better at making the jasmine or balsamic rice (can't remember which one I used)

on the stove. I really flavored up the rice with broth and spices. Very happy with how that turned out.  It doesn't cook up the same as Japanese rice so I can't use my  very old rice cooker. I'm sure if I had one of the fancy modern rice cooker I could make it work but they are way too big for my tiny kitchen. Now that I do more meal prepping this one pork tenderloin made 3 dinners. 

Chairs for the future

Don't ask me why I bid on these chairs but I did. There is a chance I will be moving again and I could use more chairs. Maybe wishful thinking on my part but I learned that if you find something unique you like, go for it. 

They listed them as MCM but that's a stretch to call them that. I do like the whimsyness of these chairs, something you don't see everyday. I would say more country farm cottage. 

I bid low ($12) and forgot about them. Not until I got the alert my credit card was charged did I know I got them. I'm going to see if Cottage Craft would like them for their front window. I will sell them but if they don't I'm happy to have them in my future space.