Every year I try to fit in a few trips to my favourite antique spots around our cottage. Is it fair to say antique shops when sometimes it's really just old stuff hidden among junk? What is the right terminology?  Anyhow - for the sake of this blog post we'll go with the term "antiques". ;) Going back a year I did a pretty extensive roundup of my favourite antique spots to go hunting in the Kawarthas. Red Rock Antiques (pictured above) is still a huge barn filled with a TON of stuff but some pieces were now listed at Toronto retail prices which takes a little fun out of the hunt. I'm sure it leaves room for negotiation. Even with what I observed as raised prices it's just a fun place to visit.

My Coboconk stores never disappoints me. I love the people who run them, the love the atmosphere and how they restock often by going to auctions. Pricing has seemed to rise a bit - perhaps due to the popularity of the locations. But I scored the gold bar cart above for five bucks. So that makes up for some items I paid a little more for. ;) Score! (Ps., The bar cart is going to Tim, who I knew was looking for one - the joys of technology, I just texted him a photo and within a few minutes I got a "Yes!")

I also bought this brass planter for a few dollars....

I'm on a little bit of a brass planter kick. (I'll do a post in a few days on why I've been bitten by the brass planter bug - but if you are also digging brass I found a few brass planters over on Etsy)

I know the summer is almost over but if you're looking for any Fall road trips definitely hit up some of the shops listed here. I've updated the list with 2013 observations. :)  (Such as Argyle isn't as awesome a location as before) I'd like to make it into other areas outside Toronto to go hunting but it's pretty hard with a three year old in tow. Any spots you recommend around Toronto? And do chime in on your opinion if this is really truly "antique shopping". ;)

xo Linds

Ever since I spotted Heydey Design ceramic jars at the One of a Kind Show last year, I have wanted to have one in my house. It seemed like pure Canadiana to me and while antiquing in cottage country last week, I spotted in two different shops collections of old Canadian Crown Jars. Although I would still love one from Heyday Design, the price of the real glass ones were too good to pass up.

The weight to them is significant, and on the blue one, you can see that the glass is far from perfectly blown. Indents here and there make it feel like you're holding a piece of history. Unlike the new canning jars that you buy today these have significant weight and beautiful imperfections. I'll stop my collection here as I don't want to take away from the pleasure I have looking at these two, reminding me of our summer trip.

The blue jar I almost passed up, until the shop keeper pointed out that it had on the back T. Eaton Co. And 190 Yonge Street - the location of Eaton's as of 1883 [Source]. Although neither jar are likely worth much, they are finding spots in the (soon to be revealed) kitchen. :)

Ps., I really wanted to find an original beaver jar but I was told they are really hard to come by - and therefore, are expensive.

Over the last few years I've discovered a handful of great antique shops in cottage country. The recipe for the perfect shop is is location (like a barn or run down warehouse), clutteredness (there must be a thrill of finding things"), assortment of items (because each visit is different) and also - the friendliness of the owners. That for me, makes a great shop. Going into a well staged store just isn't the same. So here are what I consider to be the best 4 spots to find cool finds in cottage country this Summer.

1. Argyle Antiques

Argyle, Ontario



Argyle Antiques was my first introduction to country antiquing. Growing up my parents would drive through Argyle to get to the cottage. (See my last post on them here) In an old barn, it is stuffed with a treasure trove of fun things - and at great prices. I'd recommend popping in if you're looking for furniture - I always spot wood pieces I wish I could take home to refinish or paint. I think it's only open weekends, but if you can stop in I really recommend it. If you want to recreate our "road trip" be sure to stop in at the baker/shop across the road and pick up a butter tart. We always get one to share amongst the passengers in the car. Ps. Have to mention that the owner is really, really nice. Love this spot!

Update: Summer 2013 - It appears that this spot has changed ownership. It has been cleaned up inside and no longer has the same charm as before (and prices seem higher)

More after the jump.....
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Okay, so I mentioned in my last post that it's been a really long time since I've been able to "pour" myself into making my house a home and how exciting it is to be able to do so!

After 10 years of military life, our family is finally settling into the civilian world and IT. FEELS. GREAT. Not only because our kids will have a home to call their own even after three years of living here but also because I now get to make my house feel more like a home.

I can finally sink in, plant roots and cozy up the place without feeling the overwhelming sensation of the temporary life that belongs to so many military families across the country and world. Don't get me wrong, military life wasn't all bad by any means. There were so many great opportunities and friendships we were afforded through the benefit of being military. However, just like everything else, it had its downfalls and negatives and we just felt like those began to outweigh the benefits more. And so...after much prayer, tears and even laughter...here. we. are. And here we go...

In the next few weeks (and maybe even months), you will listen to me share this new season that God has brought us into and,specifically, how making our house a home involves more than just aesthetics. And while I know that God has given me a gift and a passion for the restoration of old things, He is the One who  makes ALL things new! For that, I am thankful!  

So, grab your favorite blanket or sweater and a warm mug of hot chocolate, coffee or tea and snuggle up for  a freshly brewed cup of inspiration. 

So, with all of  that being said, some of you asked what colors I used on the pieces from my last post. Well, here ya go! 

Dresser turned Media Stand: Sherwin Williams, Annie Sloan Dark Wax

Cedar Chest turned Coffee Table: Annie Sloan Cream, AS Clear Wax

Dresser turned Entry Table: Annie Sloan Cream, Annie Sloan Clear Wax

And here's my latest project...again, for my house. 

BEFORE
 This is by no means in horrible condition with the exception of a few scrapes and scratches on the top

I am attempting to put our living room together and it's coming together quite nicely. I am learning to take my time in decorating my own home and not feel so anxious about getting things done. Anyone else feel that way? Like you just have to put all together in a snap?? 

Well, I don't really have a choice in the matter since finding pillows for my sofa seems to be like finding a needle in a haystack! But....I digress...back to the table.

I really liked it. Had good bones. Only $30 and just the size I needed as an occasional table beside our sofa. So, just like any savvy shopper...I grabbed it and began to dream up all the wonderful and yummy colors and finishes I could give it.

This is what I came up with...

What do you think? I just love it and think it fits in so well with what I want the room to feel like. A little formal. A lotta cozy. And a lot of chippy.

I'll be revealing more of our living room in weeks to come...stay tuned! 

p.s. For those of you wondering, I used SW Jogging Path for the main parts of this table and Dover White for the accents. ;)

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