Thrifted Vintage Cosco Step Stool, Vanity Seat and more

Rooster Figurine

 I went out hunting for some fun at the local thrift stores, and I found it! 

Two thrift stores and four really neat items that make me grin from ear to ear! 

The first one is this lovely little rooster chicken pottery figurine! He sits about 5 inches tall and is the prettiest creamy color. There is a hint of yellow left on its legs and more on his beak. The red is a little worn on his comb and wattle, but for me it just adds to his farm house fun look! The little sticker on the front reads, "Carlsbad Caverns". That leads me to feel safe in assuming it was made as a gift store tourist item. I think he will fit in with my other chickens and roosters that I collect! He looks good in front of my cast iron cookbook holder, don't you think?

Vintage Cosco Step Stool

The next smile I got on my face was really big! 

I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw this little  vintage Cosco kitchen step stool! 

Look at that pretty pale yellow. This stool is in such good shape! 

If you look at the ways it is constructed, you will see that it is not a reproduction, but a vintage one! This is completely metal with no plastic. If you look at the bottom legs, there are 6 not 8. If I understand correctly all the reproductions have eight legs. But I am not claiming to be an authority on this. They do have some really cool reproductions that you can get on Target online in red, yellow, and black for about $70.00. Etsy and E-bay have Costco step stools going from $60-$150 (Vintage or not).

 But I got mine at the thrift store, and only paid $10 for it! It only needed a quick wipe down with Windex!

Now that is something to smile about!

Vintage Cosco Kitchen Step Stool

 But the biggest reason to smile is I have wanted one of these for years. When I was growing up we had the phone in the hall. And me and my sisters spent hours sitting on my mom's stool just like this for hours talking with our friends! Remember those days? Unfortunately, my mom decided that she was tired of her old stool and threw it out for a new chair for the hall. "Mom, please don't throw any more out without asking if one of us wants it!" LOL!

My next smile that I found was another nice place to sit. I spotted this lovely little vanity seat. The silver circular swirled wire construction is just so feminine! The pretty little soft cushion looks pretty in gold velveteen out in my fall yard! I think it will be recovered though, not sure just how yet! Do you have any suggestions! I would love to hear any you have. 

This is something I will use for my kitty in front of the window to lay and look out the window. 

Or maybe as a seat in front of my large closet doors to sit and put on my shoes. 

So pretty!

Retro Vanity Seat

Then my last thrift store smile for the day would be this. 

A cute little garlic bulb baker. It has a terra cotta base and has never been used. It came wrapped and with the instructions. As much as I love baked garlic, I couldn't pass up using it as a little decorative cloche! 

What do you think? Cute again, huh!

Garlic Baker Made Cloche

I just hope you are smiling as much as I am, because all these goodies are something I can love in my home. They only cost me a grand total of  $25

Big Smile!

Have you found anything that has made you smile lately?

Bless you,

Little Susie Home Maker

Now be sure to follow the links to check out these really fun party hops! 

Old Time Party at Cindy's Old Time Farm House
Share Your Cup Thursday at Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Thursday Favorite Things  at Katherine's Corner
Vintage Thingie Thursday at Colorado Lady

Give Aways and Party Fun

Monday morning is a good morning! Today I went to visit one of my favorite new blogs, Old Time Farm House. This is Cindy's new blog she also has Old Time Pickers which is her other blog about her wonderful finds she picks up. Cindy is such a wonderful craft designer and transformer of old items into new treasure! And to prove my point look at this!

 

Isn't it beautiful? I have to announce that I was the happy winner of her first give away! Yes, this is what Cindy made and will be sending me! Now, I know you must be thinking.. "Why can't I win something like that?" Well, you can, because her new blog, Old Time Farm House has a new monthly party and give away! Yes, not just a party, but a give away!

 So if you want to join in, it will be on the first Monday of every month. See, I told you Mondays were good! I had so much fun at this party hop, and there are three catagories! So I am sure you can fit in!

• Pickers - flea market, thrift shop, curbside, any other thrifty outlet!
• Crafters - Your projects, involving glue, scissors, paint, and other creative tools!
• Healthy Home Makers - Show your healthy recipes, going green, gardening, homesteading, and maintaining a healthy balanced home skills!

So see what her rules will be next month for the giveaway, and maybe you could be a winner, too! If not, Cindy, has lot's of fun by just visiting as well. Thanks Cindy for letting me join in on your first party. I also, am so excited that I won the very first give away!

If you would like to make this pretty rake hanger, she also has a tutorial here so you can make your very own!

Bless you, Cindy!

Speaking of give aways, I have another give away that I would like to have you go visit and enter. If you don't already know Donna at Donna's Lavender Nest you have to go introduce yourself! She is a sweet lady that loves to quilt and collect vintage pretties, and do other pretty paper crafts! This week she posted about a new give-away from her Etsy Store! This is where she sells her wonderful quilting items, and this includes her very own Quilt pattern called Scrappy Love.

Donna is going to give away some Lecien fabrics from her shop and here quilt pattern! so if you want to win you have to go Follow her and leave her a comment. I want to support my friend Donna, because she has just been such a good friend to me. She is a wonderful quilter, and go see what it is all about. You won't be sorry!

Thanks to all of you for reading this post today!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

From Mud to Sweetness

How was everyone's weekend? We had a rather rainy and damp weekend here. Saturday morning, I had Bear's monthly appointment with his wonderful dog groomer. I had brushed out all his long thick Pekingese hair just before I took him for his beauty appointment, because I always like to take him in freshly brushed.

 When I was going outside the steps were so extremely covered with ice that I dropped Bear's leash. So that I could grab the rail and not slip. I made it down safely, but being the rascal that he wanted to be, Bear ran around the house to the back. The chicken yard gate was open and the chickens were out in the yard eating. He ran after all of them chasing them around the coop and through the garden, etc. 

It was really wet out, and he finally got a hold of one poor hen that he cornered up to a fence. Here he is all full of mud and twigs, pinning down the chicken. I was so mad at him! So I took him off the terrified girl, and put him in the car. He seemed so proud of himself, but I scolded him. We went on our way down the road and I wouldn't let him jump into the seat like I usually do, so he can enjoy looking out the window. I mean, he is a muddy wet mess! He was so thrilled to go to the groomers because they treat him so good and love him there. So here he is dragging me up the sidewalk on the leash to get to the door. We get inside and there is the groomer and her bather and they look mortified to see this usually well taken care of dog soaked in mud, and twigs and leaves stuck in his hair! I felt so stupid bringing him in like this! They are like, "What happened to him!!" So I tell them the story.

 She thinks he is like a child trying to get my attention and show me how talented he can be. I think she may be right, and I also think he is just a stinker!! 

They made him all pretty again, brushed, bathed, smelling good with his new Halloween kerchief. He was so sweet smelling and handsome! When he got home, he sat up on the ottoman all day yesterday like a little Prince in his beauty!! He is so funny, now he didn't want anything to mess up his pretty hair!!

Anyways, just another day here at the zoo! Haha! 

I hope you are doing good!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Come visit and party at these link below!!

Thursday Favorite Things 

Antique Folding Chairs

 I had a good time
 "Getting My Thrifting On"!

 I just had to make a trip to my favorite thrift store to see what might show up. 

 As I walked through, kinda looked through the dishes. No Pyrex as usual, not any fun vintage table cloths, etc. Wandered around looking at all kinds of stuff, but you know nothing too great was jumping out at me.

So just as I make my rounds back to the furniture and lamps etc, for the 2nd time. I see them unloading these folding chairs. I tell my daughter, "Look at what they are putting out!"

There were these two cute little chairs, and I knew I had to get them in my basket fast! Okay, I degress here.. Isn't it funny how when you see something that you know you love, you feel like you have to jump on it and fight others off? Or is that just me? LOL, it's like I have to defend my find!

So my daughter is learning this behavior as well, because this particular thrift store we have women trying to take things out of our basket quite often! Yes, really we do!  So she helps me start to pick one up, and we have hardly looked very hard before I have her hands on one and mine on the other, because yes, we already have people smiling and coming over saying do you want those? Well, yes, that is why we are trying to man handle them into our baskets! Haha!

 

 See these really neat cast iron hinges? They are not only beautiful, but heavy! The hinges work great and do not stick at all. They move so smoothly.

  The chair on the left is a chair and the one on the right is a rocker. They are pretty small, but surprisingly comfortable. I am not sure if they are school chairs, or from a theater or maybe a courtroom? But they are in really good shape. The hinges and the wood look great. They are missing a couple of bolts that I will have to replace.

Antique Chairs

 I am thrilled with the compact size of these, as I can keep them with out using up a ton of space. I put the rocking chair in a corner in my living room, and it is sturdy and very supportive for my back. I like it quite a bit. Does anybody think they know anything about these? I think they were a great find, and I am extatic! Price for both of them..$21
Yay!

Have you found any great thrifting items lately? Do people want to sweet talk them away from you?

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

 Come visit the fun parties!
Old Time Party at Old Time Farmhouse
Thursday Favorite Things  at Katherines Corner
Share Your Cup Thursday  at Daily Cup w/Mrs. Olson
Junkin Joe Vintage Thrift Finds at the Cottage Market

Vintage Doll-E-Crib, Chicken Scratch Embroidery and Color-Flyte Cream and Sugar Bowl

Not being able to go out and do some of my favorite things has been needless to say, a little frustrating. I have not been released to start driving as of yet. Friday when my daughter was taking us on some errands with her drivers permit, she made me so happy by driving me to two new thrift, antique stores in town. It was a fun day, and I am so thankful she is old enough to help me out like this!!

Ansco Vintage Doll-E-Crib 1950's

I found this to be kind of like a kid in the candy store kind of excursion! We went inside the first and I found this  vintage Ansco Doll-E Crib. Isn't it the greatest? I am guessing 1950's . It is made of metal. I think it was repainted white at some point, but the white is a little chippy with a pale yellow showing through.

Doll-E-Crib Lamb Decal

It has the cutest lamb and bunny decals on the headboard and the foot board. Look how sweet they are!!

Do you see the beads in the corners? Tactile fun for the toy and just cute. One is missing, so I think I can replace it. the crib also looks like maybe it might be missing some roller wheels on the legs. But that is fine with me.

Doll-E-Crib Decals lamb and bunnies

The bottom has a wire mattress, holder that is bent up a little. I can imagine a small child climbing inside of this crib! The side rail still functions and moves up and down and locks into place. 

This is going to be perfect to fix up with a new mattress and baby bedding. I will have to start planning what I want to do!! I will have a cute bed to put my childhood baby dolls into for display. Won't this be fun!

Light Blue Gingham table cloth with Chicken Scratch

Then the next thing I wanted to buy was this cute hand embroidered table cloth. it is the Chicken Scratch stitch that I adore! 

Look at the design that was brought out on the light blue gingham. I know somebody can tell me what this is called. It looks like a quilt block design to me? I think this is so pretty.

I really should have ironed it before I took pictures. I was so excited to be able to have something to share on my blog, I skipped this step!

 I thought the clothesline would be the perfect place to take the picture.

Then the last item I found was at the second store.They had lots of really high priced things in there, but I found these cute vintage Cream and Sugar bowls! I adore the lime green color, they are from a line called Color-Flyte. the actual name of the color is Spray-Lime.

Branchel LaMoyne Color-Flyte

I also, took the picture outdoors to get the best lighting! So no, I won't be displaying them on the tree stump! The bottoms read.. A BRANCHELL melmac Product el finest quality The Branchel Co. St Louis, MO, LaMoyne Designer 

This is great because in an article I found here . This dates the cups between 1952-1958. The designer Kaye LaMoyne achieved his greatest success designing melamine dinnerware for the Branchell Company, before it was sold to Lenox in 1958. If you are looking to find out some history on your Melamine. This is a good link to follow for more information and history of the company and designer.

My afternoon was a fun distraction. I was pleased to find some fun vintage items that I can enjoy. You will have to let me know if you know anything else about these items I found.

May you all be blessed and filled with joy and happiness.

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Harley wanting his best friend, Bear to come in and play!

Come and visit the fun blog hops!

Thursday Favorite Things 
Junkin Joe Vintage Thrifty Finds 

Quinch Your Citrus Thirst, LemonLimeAde

Hello Dear friends. Today I want to share a recipe for LemonLimeAde, it can be made with sugar or sugarfree, or Lemonade or Limeade. However you mix it up, It will be simple and great tasting!
 I will also talk about re-hydration a little.
With summer time in full swing, and temperatures hotter than ever, it is so refreshing to have an ice cold glass of something Citrus!

Lemons and limes are so plentiful and they are perfect sliced and added to ice water, or iced tea.
 But beside being delicious for a thirst quenching taste. They are also so good for you.

  

If you are like me, then you may be spending quite a bit of time outdoors in your yard and garden. Don't forget a quick pick me up of a hydrating drink, it is such a replenishing need for you. 

 So have some citrus fruits, lemons, limes, and orange slices on hand to add to your favorite drink, or even just add it to your water.

Not only will you be hydrating yourself, 

but cleansing out toxins and adding some all important Vitamin C to your day.

And don't forget the kiddos.
They play hard and forget to drink!

Yes, lemonades and limeades are good, but forget the sugar, and go for a little Stevia if you want to subtract a few calories.

 I am including my recipe for Lemonlimeade.

Lemon-Limeade Sugar Free

• 1 Quart Water
• 1 Cup Granulated Stevia or monkfruit (or sugar) *
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice 

Start by heating 1 cup of the water in a saucepan. Add the stevia/monkfruit when the water is warm. Stir the liquid until stevia/monkfruit is dissolved and remove from heat.

Place the remaining 3 cups of cool water into a large pitcher and add the lemon and the lime juice. ( Of course you can use only 1 cup of either type of juice if preferred). Then slowly add the stevia/monkfruit water mixture into the picture as well. Stir and chill. 

Serve with sliced lemon or lime twist over ice.

*For Stevia Conversion:

Sugar amount	Equivalent Stevia powdered extract	Equivalent Stevia liquid concentrate
1 cup	1 teaspoon	1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon	1/4 teaspoon	6 to 9 drops
1 teaspoon	A pinch to 1/16 teaspoon	2 to 4 drops

From The Stevia Cookbook, copyright 1999 Ray Sahelian and Donna Gates

Please enjoy staying refreshed this summer.
And don't forget to drink!

I know you have something to say,
so go ahead and leave a comment, please!

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

Linking to

All Star Block Party 
Thursday Favorite Things 

Thrifty Vintage Finds

 You know how you are driving down the street with no intentions to shop for vintage antique collectables, and then something happens. In my case there was a young man waving a Thrift Store sign trying to get my attention. And He did! So I pull into the little shopping center on my way home from a doctors appointment. It looks like a little second hand store, just a hole in the wall. Hmm.. This might be interesting!

So I venture into the little store. It is a bit messy and cluttered. I see some shelves with dishware. I start looking and the prices are not bad! My eyes first make a b=line straight for this little pyrex stackable square dish and lid in red! I have been wanting one of these! I am so surprised to see this in here! I look at the tag and it says $1 , yes!! It is in good condition, too! So looking more diligently, now. I wonder what else I may find in this shopping adventure. Then I spot  a milk glass vase and a milk glass bowl. They are marked $2 each.  I am starting to get excited now. This is really getting fun!

Now, you know my love of chickens. Here is the sweetest salt shaker, but no pepper to be found. It says made in Japan on the bottom. The little hen and rooster scratching to eat. So cute! I don't mind a little chipping along the bottom. No price tag. I will ask.

 As I go through the store, there really is not a lot of so great stuff. Mostly just second hand clothes, etc. But then I find a little bin and dig out these sewing notions! Oh, me, oh my! One zipper marked 50 cents and one marked a dollar. I grab up the cards of little hooks and eyes, and a card of buttons to cover.

 I wonder how old these are?

Check out the lady on the zipper pull packaging! Isn't she pretty! I am so pleased with my finds, I get this feeling that I am getting away with something! Gee, why do I feel this way?

Getting ready to check out and ask the attendant what they want to charge for the sewing supplies, I spot some pictures hanging on the wall. 

Nothing too special...  except this!

Isn't it lovely! It is a heavy molded frame of some kind of metal. The glass has a curved dome shaped, with the prettiest floral print in the frame! The back is a sun faded purple felt. The price tag.. $2 eek! I am really happy to take that to the register as well. I ask the kind lady behind the counter what the unmarked items will cost and she decides to charge me $8 for the whole bunch of goodies! I am thinking,  "WOW! I Scored!! Yippy!!" But I politely tell her, "Thank you so very much." with a smile.

I am so happy that I saw the young man with the thrift store sign waving me into the parking lot! I am feeling very happy and blessed with all my vintage discoveries! And I feel that some times these little unexpected changes in our day are the little things that make an ordinary day just a little bit more special!

Do you ever get excited when you find some little treasures?

Blessings,

Little Susie Home Maker

I am joining these fun parties, please visit them!
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday
All Star Blogger Block Party
Rednesday
Thursday Favorite Things
Show Off Friday 

Susie's Jade-ite Collection

Hello! Hello! Today I am so excited, because I get to share with you one of my favorite things! It is green jadeite glass! I have been collecting a few pieces here and there for a little more than a decade or so. I haven't added to my collection for quite some time.
Recently, I was blessed with a kitchen remodel. One of my favorite parts of this kitchen is the little built in china hutch. It may not seem fancy, just a cupboard with a dish rack underneath. But to me it is an exciting place for me to put my pretty things!

My built in china cupboard.

So recently, I was taking out my dishes, and trying to re-arrange and clean. I want to make the cupboard a little prettier. As I put the pieces on my dining room table, I looked and just had to take some pictures to share with my blog friends.
 Before we had finished the kitchen (It still needs a few things, but mostly done),
my pretty dishes had been stored away here and there.
I hadn't seen them all out and together like this before! I actually have much more than I had realized.

These pretty green glass beauties are mostly Fire King Jade-ite.

So arranging them for a picture was actually a bit of a challenge!

The salt and pepper shaker came from Cracker Barrel.

I found the candy dish at a second hand store.

When I first fell in love with this glass, it started with the salt and pepper shakers. They were from the front general store inside the Cracker Barrel Restaurant.
No not vintage, they are reproductions, but so lovely.

 Love this batter bowl. It is Fire King Jade-ite.yr 2000

Okay, batter bowls are just the greatest things! I love the big pour spouts and handles. I feel like I am really so cool when I make batter in this. I love batter bowls!

 These bake-ware pieces are Fire King.

Nesting mixing bowl trio, Jade-ite yr 2000. They are quite large, even the smallest!

 These candle sticks came from E-bay, not sure if old or not. But they are so pretty.

The little jar is missing the lid, I purchased at an antique store.

 My fraternal twins. Jade-ite and Green-glass.

Here is a shot inside my cupboard. I like the rubber mat, because I am a bit clumsy, and don't want to break anything.
The little silver strawberry candy dish was a gift from my Momma one year with her wonderful fudge!

 This is the label from all of the mixing bowls and bake-ware. My husband purchased them new for me!
I tell you, some times he likes to just spoil me, but just enough that I am not rotten! What a great guy! Thanks, Honey, I love you.

 I love them in the cupboard.

Those little crocheted potholders came out of a vintage bin for $1 each! I found at an antique resale booth inside out local flower shop. I had to add them to this cupboard, didn't I ?

The vintage crocheted potholders look cute with them.

I added the pretty lace edging to the shelves.

Okay finally to the end of my photos, if you held on this long! Good for you!

I wanted the cupboard to look prettier, so I took some paper doilies and cut them up and taped them together. I folded them down and slipped under the vinyl pad, so they would dress up the shelves.

Since I am forever trying to save money, I was proud of myself. I got the package of 50 paper doilies at the dollar store!

Now I need to maybe add something to cover the back inside wall? But it is a work in progress. Just like me. I am a work in progress.
So from being stored in boxes, to being displayed in my new little corner of my kitchen. I feel very proud, indeed!

When my Momma came to visit, I had to take her straight to this and open it up for her stamp of approval.

She gave it to me with much joy and happiness!

That is what makes me happy!

Bless you all so much! Thanks for looking at my pretty glass!

Little Susie Home Maker

Linking with  

Share Your Cup Thursday

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Friday Pretties