Well, Hello Monterey Bay California

I love this part of California. It’s got beauty, history, great food and temperate climes and bonus, we only live about 90 minutes away so it makes for an easy and appealing getaway! And we did just that. Spent a few days splurging at the Gosby House in Pacific Grove which included a nice breakfast each morning and wine and cheese in the afternoon. And bonus our room had a gas fireplace to take off the chill at night. (Trust me, it was chilly!)

We tootled around by the ocean, had a picnic at Lover’s Point and of course I popped into a handful of antique and thrift stores. On our last night various bands performed up and down the main street (Lighthouse Ave). The quirkiest set up was Phill’s rock band inside his barber shop. Outside were some comfy chairs on the sidewalk so we nabbed a couple and stayed a while. What fun!

What I noticed on this visit, more than I have in the past, is that everywhere I went folks in the town seemed to know each other. They greeted each other in stores, on the street and on the band night. And that was delightful to me.

On the vintage biz front, I visited three antique stores and four thrift stores.

This was one of my favorite booths at the Antique Mall on Cannery Row–all mid-century modern with tons of great pottery pieces.

In the end I didn’t buy much on this trip, but here are a few of my fav finds…

I thought this Gun-Marie Nilsson, New York City, crocheted purse with faux tortoise links and bottom was fabulous. That was found within the first three minutes of looking in the huge Antique Store at Cannery Row, but afterwards the next hour was fruitless.

Antique store, paid $10, will list for $60.

I’ve sold a number of old baby shoes and these charming all-leather Turkish? baby shoes with embroidery called to me! There is a little damage to one as it’s missing its strap holder. (I may remove the other holder.)

Antique store, paid $8, will list for $45.

This small teddy bear was marked down 75% at an antique store so I had a closer look. I wasn’t sure what to make of him. His arms and legs are jointed. His body was red (now mostly a faded orange) and he’s holding a stocking so I’m assuming he is a Christmas bear. He appears to have some age, but there are no tags or sign of where a tag might have been. I feel like he “could be something” but so far my research is coming up bupkis! (Paid $5.)

At a small Goodwill lacking in hard goods I was set to leave empty handed when I noticed a heavy (six lb.) clear glass bowl on a bottom shelf. It was signed “Orrefors Berit Johansson.” Bingo! It needed a bath but I didn’t find any chips. Sadly back at home I felt a few small fleabites around the rim and one scratch inside. Darn it!! I should be able to fix these with a file and a little glass polish. Still it’s more work and expense. Not sure what I’m going to do.

Thrift store, paid $4, listing price unknown.

This small teddy bear was complete with original tags. Handcrafted by Darleen and Dana, he is one handsome chap and a perfect present for someone special.

Thrift store, paid $5, will list for $48.

But after three days I was ready to be home and it was wonderful to walk in our front door, but that night we were back out at a Heartless concert in a nearby park. These guys are a Heart tribute band and do a fantastic job. Our daughters joined us which made it doubly fun.