Found Schmound

Is it just me or do you get irritated when you see a major catalog that claims to have "found" items for sale?
I am sorry if I am alone in this but when searching for true "found" objects it is hard to believe that one can find enough of said object that they can offer them in a catalog that is sent out to millions homes and into billions of online accounts each month. To me "Found" objects tend to be very rare and unique, not some mass-produced knock-off(not to be confused with the knock-offs we attempt to do - ours are awesome:)

Take Pottery Barn for instance. They have recently been offering "found" items in their catalogs/online.
Does it seem like that whenever items are 'In" and "hot" that the PB Team miraculously "finds" all the exact same goodies??

First Up -- Found Pharmacy Bottles

PB Price: $69.00 – $149.00 WHATTT??

Similar bottles can be purchased at various stores for much less and the labels look like they are from the fab site of  The Graphics Fairy.  Also if you do want REAL AUTHENTIC bottles you can find those at much better prices at flea markets and thrift stores.

Next: "Vintage" Grain Sack Table Runner

PB Price: $79.00 :/

Ikea has some similar that they do not pass off as "found" for $5.99

You can also find real ones generally around $10-$20  if you look for them -- plus they will be unique not all the same.

Next: Wood Dough Bowls

PB Price: $199.00 – $249.00 *seriously*?

I know these are a super hot commodity these days but  I have seen these real beauties in various places for between $30 - $75(depending on locality) 

Last One: "Antique" Pickling Jar

PB Price: $139.00 – $179.00*speechless*

They must have found the mother-lode of all pickling places to be able to offer these babies.

I was at Wal-mart today and noticed they have a new collection of awesome jars and such. All sizes and shapes. Priced anywhere from $10.00 - $25.00 Grab you one of those and Google "How to make glass look old" and you can DIY at a fraction of the cost!! 

I know there are some people out there without the time or willpower to look for the Real Found Objects so they simply plop down the credit card and get the fakes from PB or similar places. I feel sad for these type of people because they do not get to experience the thrill of the chase, the treasure hunting, the Thriftiquing, or the camaraderie that goes along with the search for that One piece(or two) that you can't live without.

Thankfully I am lucky enough to live near someone who likes the search as much as I do. If you recall Heather from {twenty}something introduced me to Ikea for the first time this past Sunday. Welllll-- tomorrow afternoon I am introducing her to The Scott Antique Market. Tomorrow will be see real "FOUND" objects- no worries I will have my camera to document the finds. I may be loaded up on cough medicine but I am deteremined to go -- plus we are swinging by Ikea again so that is an extra plus! 

What is one of your pet peeves? Also what are your fabulous weekend plans??

Thriftiquing 2.1

I am so behind on this post that it is sad -- but I have actually been doing crafting so in my eyes at least that makes up for the delay!

A few weeks ago I was able to spend a Sunday afternoon with Heather just hanging out. Now if you have been reading the past few weeks you know that when H and I hang out it really means spending time doing our fave kind of shopping ~~ Thriftiquing!

Here are a few of the things we spotted:

-- The Metal Chest was a tad pricey but it would be too cute to hold office supplies!

-- I have a secret plan for that fish basket ;) (hopefully it is still there HA)

-- I have seen better priced Spritzers but I loved all these green ones.

-- Vintage Chalkboard -- 'Nuff said!!

-- Cute little Kodak Photo Cutter -- LOVED it!

-- These Acorns were such a sweet pair.

-- Not sure what this huge wooden hand was made for but I give it props for originality.

-- Vintage travel banners and a fabulous old shutter!!

BEST PHOTO OF THE DAY AWARD

-Awarded to Heather@TwentySomething for not being afraid

to very loudly voice her shock at finding great prices on items

and for freely showing love to new found treasures!!  Love you girl!

Are you a lone thriftiquer or you do you like to hunt in pairs or groups? 

Are you a spur of the moment shopper or do you plan the trip for days?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Can't wait till the next trip!!

Thriftiquing 1/2/11 -- The Unknown

Yesterday I was able to sneak in a quick trip to the local antique mall just to hopefully get a shawl I saw last week but alas I couldn't find it so I decided to see what else I could find. Note to Self: If you see something you LOVE -- Get it!! Do not hope that it will still be there the next time!

As I was meandering up and down the aisles I was beginning to think that nothing was going to catch my eye.  I was almost to the end of the last one when I noticed something tucked behind a plant and being the "Hide-it-till-I can-come-back" kinda chick that I am, I just knew I had to pull it out and see what it was that someone else wanted to hide out of way.

I got it out, held it up, looked at it -- then I made Emma hold it up so I could get a better view and the funny thing is that I still have no idea what it really is?!?!?

Close-up

It is a large round thingamabob made up of smaller round circles soldered together. 

It isn't flat but it isn't quite a bowl either.

With the $14.00 price I couldn't pass it up even if I didn't know what I was going to use it for.

So I did what anyone would do. I brought it home and put it on our coffee table(for now).

I have always liked the combination of metal and wood so this fits right in. It also has an industrial chic look which I am so loving at the moment!

Do you have anything you have bought without knowing what it was or what it was really used for?
Also -- if anyone has any ideas on this piece I do hope you share your thoughts :)