Tools, Picking and eating New England.

Last week was a whirlwind but worth the stress of making sure everyone’s life would be smooth in my absence. I embarked on a road trip with my friend, combined forces and expenses and came home with some great new items, memories and new friends.  I don’t care what you sell or specialize in, we are all the same deep down and the cast of characters at the auction will keep me laughing for years.  

The first leg- We had concert tickets for a Monday night show.  A Philly band we both like, Waxahatchee.  The tickets were bought months ago so I ended up getting home very late and doing my two days at work Monday and Tuesday.  Home for Tuesday evening but not really as that is when my band rehearsed so I did not get caught up on my sleep.  Wednesday morning I had to head back to NJ to leave for the trip but not until I stopped at the upholsterer to pick up the finished X Benches. I buffered in time to that stop and luckily so as he was still finishing them up.  I left before 10am and headed straight to my friend. We arrived within minutes of early other and got on the road.  We made great time and it was a very scenic trip....New York skyline, the NEW Tappon Zee Bridge, beautiful areas I could never afford to live in and continued through Connecticut and Massachusetts.  We arrived in Nashua, NH by evening and had dinner with some friends in the hotel restaurant.  It was good to put faces to the stories my friend tells me and everyone was excited about the buying and selling happening all week.  I even caught some interest in what I do so conversations were easy and light.   

My friend was out shopping the swap meet at 5am Thursday and I was getting up and ready to do my scheduled delivery.  Turns out it was a beyond crappy morning with rain and yes even snow.  Cold and miserable.  My friend had his fill of shopping and decided he would accompany me to the coast and by the way, found an estate sale close by just across the boarder in Massachusetts.  We stopped and I snagged some great items including a just listed Calif/Asia rattan lounge chair and a set of Amish Butterprint Cinderella nesting bowls.  After trying to buy a set of Jarts and being told they were illegal by the estate sale company, my quick thinking friend spun the request to just buy the plastic fins and nuts.  I have a set of wrecked ones so hope to make him a set with the parts. You do know kids split skulls with that famous yard game? 😂 We continued on to Rye, a beautiful coastal town just outside of Portsmouth and delivered the goods.  Then had some lunch in a cute little burger joint.  Portsmouth is really adorable.  We got back to the hotel and then had a super seafood dinner at a local joint with all the characters we were hanging out with.  Of course, it was Lobster Roll for me!  Friday was more parking lot swap meet action, I was schooled at how to shop for Stanley Chisels, in case I find any while I am picking.  Who knew people were so passionate about chisels?  The auction started so we hung in there a bit.  This is one of the biggest tool auctions in the country so there was definitely many collectors and dealers driving up the prices.

 As the auction winded down and the money ran out, it was time to move on to the next leg of the trip.  We headed to Rhode Island to my friend’s Aunt and Uncle where we stayed for the night.  It was my first time in the state so excited to have now been in all the north eastern states.  I got to try Quahogs or Stuffies, which are like a crab cake only with chopped clam. So good!  There were some other delicacies like wine biscuits that were also pretty awesome.  We had a great night visiting and loaded my van with some furniture that was going home with my friend and we headed out for the trip home.  It would not have been a complete trip without a craigslist deal and my friend had one lined up.  We actually went to PA to pick up a tiller before we got back.  Then we hooked up with my family and our VW friends at a car show for the night in Trenton.  It was an awesome week and hope we can do some more joint adventures soon. 🤘🏼

So what did I bring home?  First off, here is a look at the X Benches! I am in love.  These great benches were popular in the 70s and often attributed to interior designer Billy Baldwin.  They are super popular now and look fabulous at the foot of a bed.  I used the plush Blush Royale velvet from Joybird after my client selected it in another color for the wave couch.  Amazing fabric!!! I have some yardage left if anyone is looking for a small project.  Available now in the Etsy shop!  

Another darling restoration in the books! These were extremely labor intensive and are priced accordingly to cover the upholsterer, my fabric and markup.  I have included shipping in my price.  If you are local I may be able to come down some.  Reach out!  

They are sturdy and comfy and you can sit on them!  Under a console table, at the foot of a bed, in a small sitting area, these make awesome room accents! Interior designers love them. Blush is a hot trending color and looks great in a white washed room.  

Super hot in boho, Jungalow and eclectic decors, this Calif-Asia bamboo and wicker chair is so cute! In excellent condition! Add a fur or skin, kilim pillow or other accessory and you have a loungy chill space.  Just listed! Milo Baughman actually designed some lines for this company although I do not think this chair was his.

Another super Pyrex set just in! I am saving this and the pink gooseberry set I have for the Mid Atlantic Pyrex Swap in just a few weeks.  If you are headed there too and want to reserve one of these sets message me! 

Gorgeous Victorian Settee! This chair is in amazing condition and is superbly made! One cushion needs a patch.  Bad 🐶.  I will assist in repairing that for you.  Some sun fade but otherwise in amazing shape.  A very cool piece for a Victorian home or eclectic decor. I just love the details and look at the fringe!!! Upholstered in Philadelphia. message me for info!

I am headed out today to swap some things out in my booth space for the weekend. If you are coming to Kutztown or Adamstown this weekend for the spring Antiques Extravaganza, stop on by the Fleetwood Antique Mall and check out my space! If you want to pick up anything in my online inventory there message me and I can get it out there for you!  i am taking camping, picnic and summer stuff out! 

Have a great week!  XO MALISSA

Last call for New England Delivery -Do I have any New England fans in the house?

I will be delivering a set to New Hampshire next week.  If you are in the Nashua or Rye area or Rhode Island, I might be able to connect you with something.  This is a rare opportunity to have something delivered to your area without having to hire a shipper.  If I can fit the item you want in my car with the set I will bring to you.  Message me now to discuss!!!!  That said, I also will be unavailable most of next week for shipping/inquiries.  I will respond to you, but I will be away from my inventory most of the week.  Any purchases made will probably not go out until the following week.  Please place any orders you need shipped fast by Tuesday before I leave.  My kids are involved in sports and music events right now so my nights are jammed packed.  I will continue to pack and ship asap, and you will be notified with a plan if I need more time to pack (large items mainly). 

I have two shipments out on Greyhound right now and although I am pretty disgusted with their lack of insurance coverage, I would still consider a shipment if it is A)NOT restored and B)NOT fragile.  We all will have to take the risk of it being damaged and I will not refund for damages.  I pack well so I can guarantee that every effort will be made to protect your item, but as Greyhound says.....if it ends up with an engine and that slams into your chair....well......that could happen.  I have a pretty broad delivery region.  I have gone as far as Washington DC burbs to deliver if it is a large and expensive piece.  I may have to add additional for delivery on a distance like that if I do not have a buffer factored into my price for that, but it would still be cheaper than hiring a shipper.  My past clients can attest, I help move your piece in with you too.  :)  So I don't leave you hanging out to dry with 'curbside' delivery.  I want my babies to be safe until they are in their new forever spot so you can count on me to assist in that.

Lots of great items have been moving out!  Spring has sprung and everyone has decorating on their minds.  The pair of X benches are at the upholsterer and I may have them back this week.  Stay tuned to my social media for the big announcement pics! 

I am currently trying to get through some back stock and add some smalls to my etsy for sure. Keep your eyes peeled for some great glass items and maybe some china.  I have some Russel Wright I was hanging on to but honestly, I have a McCobb set for keeps and it would not make sense to hoard it.  :)  I will post a few pics of my recent adds.  Lots of stuff in carts on etsy.....if you are one of the cart people and need to talk to me please reach out!  I know buying furniture or other expensive items remotely is difficult and I am here, we can talk via phone or message!  I talked to two clients last week on the same day on the phone!  I love connecting with you guys in real life!    I am sure some of your hesitations could be resolved if we had a convo. 

LOCAL PEEPS.....what do you want to see?  Message me or post on my FB!  I am itching to swap out the booth space and really want your help!  I have so many cool things and only can fit a fraction into the space.  If you are frustrated with the 'cheap' used goods that aren't fixed, have scratches, bad upholstery, not clean, etc.....TRY ME!  I guarantee you will LOVE my service! I take pride in providing goods that are clean, repaired, restored.  All details are taken care of!  Stop by Fleetwood Antique Mall at 14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood (ROUTE 222 just south of Kutztown) and find me on the 2nd floor, rear of barn.  I am currently featuring some great restored items and they are priced lower than my online markets for cash/carry.  The great staff at the mall will help you load your items and don't worry if it is full of my smalls for sale, they will get it all cleaned off for you.  If you will be in the area and want to see something specific, kindly give me a few days heads up and I will try to get it out there for you to see/purchase! 

Thanks for sticking with me!  Also, once again announcing that I do suspect foul play with MailChimp.  If you get my emails and never visited my web page and signed up (2 step process!....you have to confirm after you submit your email), please let me know! I see people coming and they get their first email and they drop the list.  I was able to connect with one gentlemen who said he never was on my web page?!  I have no clue how he got on my list and suspect mail chimp is pulling something shady.  I apologize if you are a victim to this!  I never add people to my list and it grows organically.  If you are new, thanks for reading and I hope you consider sticking around!  xo  Malissa

This great shot glass and mini carafe set by Finnish designer Tappio Wirkkala, ‘Ultima Thule’ is amazing! Like drinking out of icicles. Purchase this set with the large carafe and save $25. 

1979 Miller Lite bubble sign. Great for you man cave, bar or rec room! 

This pink gooseberry Pyrex set is available to reserve for pick up at the May Mid Atlantic Pyrex Swap! If I get no takers there it will be listed in my markets.  Message me for pricing and to reserve! 

Large 9-1/2” dia Cathrineholm Lotus enamel bowl.  

Spring refresh, back to school and other thoughts on business.

The Etsy shop sale is winding down.  Please check out by midnight Saturday to save.  I will hold price onlarge items with a deposit.  Message me to secure your favorite piece! 

Thanks for al the love I the last two weeks! I have been packing, shipping and delivering some great items! Spring is such a great time to spruce up your home. We just repainted our bathroom and I picked up an incredible shower curtain by Sin in Linen so set off the warm grey we chose.  More painting to come and hopefully some new flooring before I get to work on my couch restoration.  Here’s a peek at the bathroom.  Our home was built in 2004 with 70s era blueprints so we have new home luxuries with smaller rooms like an older home.  I do miss not having cool things like tiles and hardwood but as things are aging we can refresh with the details we love. 

We formerly had a light green tint wall, which over the years showed a lot of dirt and wear.  I choose the flooring with green so needed to work some green into the space and this shower curtain really brought it all together! 💕. Cannot wait for the next transformation!

I have been taking a Small Business class with a division of Kutztown University and am about half way through the session.  Learning how to take my business to the next level and our final project is presenting a Pitch to lenders.  I am not looking for a loan, but will be a good experience.  I am focusing my efforts into reaching a more regional audience of interior designers and Home stagers for other services besides just sales.  I am about 5 years into selling and although my numbers are fantastic, it really leaves little in my pocket and the goal was to replace a full time income which I am still very far from.  I do not feel it wise to go into debt at this point.  I have a great inventory I built up with little personal investment so I feel slow and steady wins the race.  I also feel  like my own area is not my market and I do hope that after spending time working that market and alternative revenue streams, I am pleasantly surprised by my findings. This business is very volatile.  Not only do trends change quickly, you are at the whim of big box knock offs and worse, the crappy economy.  Last year has given me PTSD as overall I did well but there were many successive months that I scraped by. The only pay I get is that this business pays my car payment and I had to reach into my pocket to do that last summer.  My pocket can not afford that payment.  😂. So this year, I am going to start going lean and keeping a stash in case that happens again. I will be picky about my buys from this point forward just because it is easy to just keep buying but when things stop selling it is a very stressful place to be.  Summer generally is the slow time.  Anyway, I plan to offer more custom services so reach out if I can assist in coordinating a restoration for you.  I have a few stunners ready for new upholstery now! There is something special about saving a piece and making it your own! The pride you will get of showing off the piece and talking about how you helped create it, that is priceless! 

Enjoy your week!!!! Malissa