OLD vs NEW...what's a girl to do?

I decided we needed old tubs for our new home. I just love them! Bentley Boy and I were on a mission this past weekend and that brought us to a good ol' fashion auction. We had our sites on some old clawfoot tubs. Unfortunately, I was outbid on them. I had predetermined that I wouldn't spend more than 50 bucks due to the condition they were in . However, I did walk away the proud owner of this old pedestal tub...15 bucks!!! She'll need some work, but I think we can handle it.

The kiddos gave it a test run and they approve.

I was feeling a little bummed about not getting a clawfoot tub, but then divine intervention stepped in. At the auction, a sweet lady came up to me and told me that she had a clawfoot tub in much better condition than any of those and she would sell it to me. Later, I called her up and went to check it out. Besides getting lost on all the country roads (the given directions involved no actual street or hwy names...so I did my best but it took awhile) it worked out perfect. It was indeed a great tub and she sold it to me for 40 bucks! (sorry, no pics of that one yet) So, it was a happy ending after all.

If you've never been to an auction...put it on your bucket list. You'll meet some characters along the way. Bring a good friend or two, pack some food and hopefully you'll find a little treasure. This was my other purchase... a little vanity that I plan to use as a desk. She was 12 bucks.


I was tempted a few times to buy some other things because they were sooooo cheap. However, I maintained my self-control and refrained from bidding on a set of old school monkey bars and an animal pen. I was considering the monkey bars for little miss and the animal pen for baby boy:) I will need something to contain that boy when he gets mobile if I plan on getting any work done! All in all it was a good day for some deals.

Now, my next "old vs new" decision is the kitchen stove. I also love antique or vintage ranges. This one is listed at the Habitat ReStore in DSM. What's a girl to do?

Hunting and Gathering!

Although I haven't been able to work on my projects...I have continued to hunt and gather when I am out and about. I convinced my husband that we needed a minivan after we had our first child:) It comes in pretty handy. I always have the back seat out so I can fit furniture in it. I've been busy snapping some "BEFORE" pictures and I thought I would give you all a sneak peak.

Here's a few of my latest curbside finds:

A cute little bench, a child size rocking chair and a vintage trike!

I am always looking for old frames. I am so happy about these.

A great little side table found at Goodwill.

I found these chairs on craigslist. I hope to use them in my dining room.

My Averi Grace likes them as well.

Mr. Bentley is going to help me with the repairs.

Here's a great little dresser I found at a garage sale.

Another dresser that I get to work on. This one was given to me by a friend who no longer wanted it. Lucky me! Not sure I will be able to part with some of these pieces.

So, my hope is very soon I will be singing this little tune:

"hi ho hi ho it's off to work I go."

And from the looks of this picture, I also hope I can get some sun soon too.

That is one pasty girl:)