"But it is a cold lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy something, which does not represent your life and talent, but a goldsmiths."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
A week ago, I went to an antique store where I found a beautiful, blue and white,3 piece casserole dish set that I absolutely adore! I collect blue and white dish ware, so when I saw this set I automatically assumed it was going to be outrageously expensive. To my shock, the set was 25% off of $35. I was so excited to find something that I loved for such a bargain price. I felt like I had just won an Olympic medal. I knew I had a steal, but I couldn't resist asking if there was any better they could do on the price (it never hurts to ask)! Amazingly, the store gave me another 5% off and I literally paid and sprinted out the door.
There is a thrill that comes when you are searching for something that truly reflects your personality. I find that these items are often vintage, handmade,or one of a kind objects, which makes them all the more special. If you have the time to shop and enjoy hunting for that unique piece, you would do best visiting local thrift and antique stores. You may not enjoy or have time to shop so I have found a couple of great websites that let you virtually shop for your hidden treasures.
The first website is Etsy. Etsy, was founded in 2005 ,and spans the globe with buyers and sellers in more than 150 countries. There are hundreds of thousands of sellers on the site that sell handmade, vintage, and antique items. I thought their mission statement was rather interesting. It says, "To enable people to make a living making things and to reconnect makers with buyers". Although there are thousands of stores on this site, there are two in particular that I enjoy visiting; Bella Sera Designs and Teresea Sheeley. You can visit Esty by going to, http://www.etsy.com/
My absolute favorite website is called, "The French Cupboard". "The French Cupboard", is a website that features online boutiques. All of the stores are wonderful on this site, but my two favorite boutiques are, "Faded Plains" and "Piney Rose". Despite this site being amazing because it features such unique items, it is also special because it is run by the nicest Midwestern husband and wife team from their farmhouse. It is always nice to promote small business'! You can view their website by visiting, http://www.thefrenchcupboard.com/
Happy hunting!
Love, Lili
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