Getting Out of a Rut

After the holidays I tend to slide into a bit of a slump–emotionally and physically–and sadly my store fell into a slump too! So with my mood in the dumps I realized I needed to switch things up.

On the Health Front

Health wise I knew it was time for a 36+ hour fast. Fasts have a multitude of benefits including putting your body in autophagy (cleaning out damaged cells), promoting fat burning, and helping to break cravings. (My go-to-sources for all things fasting are Dr. Mindy Pelz and Ben Azadi on YouTube.) The downside is that you may feel tired and slightly ill as your body gets rid of toxins. And of course you’re hungry! But so far I’m at 48 hours without food and feel good so I’m going to continue. (I allow myself lemon water, herbal tea and black coffee.) I’ll break my fast tomorrow morning with some eggs.

On the Vintage Front

I decided I have to make going to our local flea markets a priority this year. In the past I have found some amazing pieces at the nearest one and honestly, my thrift stores just aren’t yielding enough. But I know I need to shop with my brain and not my heart. My sourcing choices so far this year have been mixed.

So at 8:30 I headed out into the 38-degree frosty morning. I had to park about 1/2 mile away but I figured that would help me get some steps in. It was a little tougher picking because there weren’t as many vendors and too many were selling clothes and new stuff. But within a few minutes I found an 8″ marble vase. It was a handsome piece but didn’t have outstanding coloration (beige, browns and a little pink). The vendor told me the price was $30. I would have bought it at $10, maybe even $15 but he was sticking at $30. He did his best to convince me it was a good deal to the point of following me after I had left his area and continue to wax lyrical over it. I have sold marble vases in the past, but unless it’s outstanding they typically only sell in the $50 to $60 range for me.

Another vendor had a box of long, vintage chandelier crystals similar to this one. She wanted $10 a crystal or $50 for a box of 12 (though not all were perfect). She really wanted to sell me all of them and I seriously thought about it because I adore old chandelier crystals. (And yes, crystals like this do sell.) But thankfully my brain took over with a firm “no.” It was a heart wrench to leave them behind but that was an antique store price, not a flea market one.

So what did I buy?

I thought this vintage framed print of Saint Fabiola by Jean-Jacques Henner was a stunner. (Fabiola is the patron saint of nurses and abused spouses.) The print is nicely done and the old Hudson’s Detroit frame is possibly gold leaf.

The vendor attributed this enamel on copper ashtray to Sascha Brastoff, but it’s signed Prima. Either way it’s a cool, exotic thing. Very ’70s. I’ll likely put this out on our coffee table till it sells.

This vintage bonded leather on wood box was so beat up but also rather wonderful. It reminded of a centuries-old family heirloom that you find in an English manor house tucked away, but not tossed out. You know, the box that the great, great, great grandfather stored bits and bobs in. While I have sold similar boxes with “patina” like this, I’m wondering if this one is too far gone!

Total spent: $17.

So no valuable finds. Nothing extraordinary, but it lifted my spirits to be out. I chatted with a few vendors. Saw some amazing items and had a good time. And tomorrow I’m eating!!

Wishing you happy hunting!

Karen