Going Daffy

Now here's the kind of daffy I like! The daffodils are in full bloom around our house. They peep out of the ground even when the leaves on the trees have not made their appearance. Signs of spring, cheerful hello's from the ground.

I'm loving it.

Yard Sales: What's Your Philosophy?

To me, there is nothing like coming out of a cold winter into warmer weather. Flowers start popping up and so do the yard sale signs.

Before I became an antique dealer, I rarely ever went to a yard sale. But for the past 8 or 9 years, I've really enjoyed them. My hubby can't AVOID them. He's driven to them like a moth to a flame. Lately it is getting harder and harder to find antique items at sales. The competition is fierce! That's why I rely on auctions to find the good stuff. But, sometimes a yard sale can be a great place for a treasure.

Here are some of the things I've learned about them if you're really interested in finding neat stuff:

1) Have your sales mapped out the night before.

2) Get up early. Get up early. Get up early.

3) Learn how to scan the tables quickly.

4) Don't be afraid to pick something up before you're

sure you actually want it. If you don't, someone else will.

5) Don't be shy about looking through boxes. I've found some of the

greatest items inside a box. If it's out there, it's waiting to be found.

6) Move on quickly to the next sale.

One year my husband and I were on vacation (yes, we even do this on vacation!) in a very rural part of Maine and went to sales even though we had no idea where we were going. It was a very interesting experience. You had to go to the local supermarket, look on their bulletin board, find the sales tacked on to it and then jump in the car and go hunting them down. Since we were not from the area we followed some of the other locals who had come to see what was tacked on the board. It was kind of like "The Amazing Race" for yard sales. They caught on pretty quickly that we were serious yard salers and they split themselves up into two groups so they could beat us to the next sale! It was very funny when we heard one of the ladies remark "Oh, we've got some outta stata's!" (out of staters.)


My husband and I have different philosophy's on how to yard sale. If I can't have fun then I don't want to do it. He feels if he can't get to them as fast as possible then why bother. So, we try to compromise and get a little of both in. Sometimes his way works better and sometimes my way works better. With a little patience, you can find a real gem you may not have noticed because you didn't stay long enough.

What's your favorite way to yard sale?

JUST LISTED! Vintage Clock Faces, Pin Ornaments, Mirror, Shabby Rose Plates

This week seemed to go by in a flash. Where does the time go?

Thank you, these have SOLD!

This past weekend the weather warmed up a lot. Just enough to tease me into thinking spring was finally here. Ha! It did get colder this week. Rats!

I do know it is short term because daylight savings is already in effect (yay!) and March 21st isn't too far away either. Not that it's going to be like Florida around here but one can hope.

I finally got a chance to load the rest of my latest inventory onto the Bella Rosa website. There's so many neat things to photograph and I love to display each piece to make it interesting to view on the site. Sometimes window shopping can be fun, too! I know...I like to look at all of the other bloggers stores and "shop." But every now and then I find something I just HAVE TO HAVE!

So here is my latest inventory in the "Just Listed" category, as well as the item's regular category. I created the "Just Listed" section to make it easy to see at a quick glance the "newest" stuff if you are a regular visitor.



These scalloped edged plates are soooooo neat because they have that vintage patina built in from time gone by. A dainty pink rose border is the perfect touch. I have some of the same pattern in Dear Bebe's nursery. Remember I did the baby meets shabby chic theme? I used the large meat platter as a tray to hold all of her lotions and other bottles on the dresser.

This little mirror (4" x 4") is too cute. I'm wondering if it came off of an old vintage photo album? I think it's great making it's own little statement all by itself.




Cake plates and I have a thing for each other. I love to buy (and collect) them and somehow they keep finding me! Especially this one with all of the pastel roses.


These pin ornaments are older and I just love the velvet pastel colors someone chose for the base. Too sweet! Secretly I'm thinking how great they are going to look this Christmas if they don't sell. Isn't that backwards? I'm supposed to hope they SELL. Not the other way around. I learned when you become an antique dealer you need lots of storage. Either that or will power. Seems like I have neither!

As always,

Antiquing: A Common Interest

(Thank you, this has SOLD!)

This blog is mostly about my latest finds for the website, Bella Rosa Antiques. Sometimes I post about the actual items themselves with a bit of history. Today's post is more about the story behind me and my Dear Hubby.


We have some things in common, which really helps our relationship. And you may be surprised to know we met online! I had listed my bio on "Love at AOL" and said I was looking for a man who enjoyed antiquing. I didn't think I would have too many replies on that request....but the one that did was a keeper! I guess the rest is history, as they say.

So our love for vintage things keeps us busy. While we may have different things we are interested in, we can both enjoy going out and hunting down old stuff. We go to antique stores, co-ops, auctions, estate sales, moving sales, and yard sales. I still think the best way to get the really good stuff is at an auction. I've seen some of the most beautiful and unique items sold this way.


My hubby likes vintage toys. I like old books, porcelain items or glassware. There are other random items that will catch my eye as well. Art, ephemera, and vintage fashions (clothes, hats, shoes, handbags!)



We haven't been to an auction lately and I'm getting the urge to go to one. But it also looks like spring is coming soon too...it will be great to go to local sales as well. I love the estate sales or moving sales. But this year we have a new addition to the family...our Dear Bebe...it will be interesting to see if she joins us in our love for antiquing as she gets older.

For now, we'll bring her along in her stroller and hope for the best!

Needlepoint Chair Covers ~ Clock Faces, Pin Ornaments & More

This weekend I went treasure hunting...and found quite a few treasures I couldn't pass up. Not with these luscious roses on them. What better inventory than this for the Bella Rosa website? I was so excited about bringing them to you. Here is what I found:

Thank you, the black chair covers have sold!

A set of 6, YES SIX, vintage needlepoint chair covers. Two in black, two in purple, and two in a lovely red. I can just see an entire dining room set covered in these beauties. Each one uniquely hand done. It is hard to find them these days... another lost art.






Thank you, the purple & red have now sold!

Then I came across this neat little box with the vintage rose .... and inside were pieces of old tatting! So sweet. Then I noticed inside on the lid, someone had written a sweet note with a date of 1898.

Thank you, this box & tatting has sold!

Needless to say, I was thrilled. And peaking of needles...um, I mean pins, I also found these ADORABLE vintage handmade ornaments. The colors are so soft and sweet. Would look great with a shabby pastel rose bowl or maybe even in your apothecary containers.

I absolutely loved this. A sweet little mirror with the words "Our Friends" etched onto it. May have come from a vintage album...but even by itself I find it irresistible!

And to add to my new "For Crafters" category... how about some old clock faces? The possibilities are endless to use in displays or mixed media arts. Someone creative could have lots of fun with these.

Thank you, the clock faces have sold!

All to be listed on our website, Bella Rosa Antiques, very soon! Keep an eye out for them. I never know exactly what day my listings will hit the internet...it just depends on how much I can get done inbetween Dear Bebe's naps and playtimes.

And as always...

Spring Forward SALE! Vintage Prom Dress, Tiara, French Jewel Boxes & Mirrors & More!

I don't know about you, but I couldn't wait any longer. It's time. Time to forget about winter and look forward to spring! And what better way to think SPRING than with a vintage Prom Dress and a sparkly tiara!

Thank you, this has SOLD!

This has sold, thank you!

All of the items seen above and below are listed as our featured sale items. Some up to 50% off! There are other items on the website for sale too, so don't forget to check out our other categories, like our flea market called "Flea Bella."

You could think spring cleaning with this lovely apron but maybe it would be too pretty to waste on a day of scouring pots and pans, eh? Oooh la la!



Thank you, this has SOLD!

This violet rouge box is soooo pretty...like a romantic vintage garden!

Pretty up your dressing area with this chic jewel box. Organize what you've collected over the winter.

(Thank you, this has SOLD!)

Nothing says spring to me more than a pretty display of roses...

I'm thinking of tea parties when I see this faux cake and pink glass stand...

Thank you, these have sold!

Rearrange wall displays and add a few mirrors to catch the sun's rays in a special nook in your home... sunshine, sunshine come on in!

Think SPRING! Think SALE! Quick click here to go right to our featured page on Bella Rosa Antiques.

And as always,

Antiques ~ A Hunting We Will Go!

I love hunting for antiques. The thrill of the chase. The needle in a haystack. And when you find something ... it is such a joyful moment. Sometimes it is just fun to get out of the house and browse around even if you have nothing in particular you are looking for. Recently we took one of those journeys at a nearby antique mall.

I thought this booth had a neat array of doilies and linens. Mostly doilies! That's a lot of crocheting that took place. Definitely a time gone by... you hardly ever seen anyone making doilies anymore.

I of course, love all of the pinks!

This booth was also fun. I am usually on the hunt for some of my favorite dinnerware pieces, LuRay. None to be found here. Sigh. Maybe next time. They sure did have a lot of neat retro items!

What do you like to look for? Leave me a comment....I'd love to hear about what you collect. We may even be able to add you to our "Seek and Find" list. If we find it we'll put it on the website and send you an email. Or, you could simply add your name to our "Just Listed" email list where we send you an email as soon as we list our latest finds.

This last time we were on the hunt we brought back a whole bag of neat things. Check them out in our "Just Listed" category!

Vintage Valentine Heart Candy Boxes, Aprons, Shakers and More!

Whew! I just finished listing some "new" items to my website, BellaRosaAntiques.
And I say "whew!" because I am doing this inbetween Dear Bebe's naps, etc. I also want to apologize to the gals on my email list. I accidently sent it out twice! I will make sure next time that doesn't happen. The saying "haste makes waste" couldn't be more true.



But anyway, here is what I have to offer this week plus more not seen here. With Valentine's Day around the corner, this is always so much fun.



This is a "double layer" sized candy box. Marked Martens' Chocolates from Summit, NJ. I'll have to do more research on this little beauty. I love the vintage decor on top.
Another Valentine Candy Heart Box. This one is covered in a hot pink satin with a pretty rose and netting decoration. Also marked Martens' Chocolates.

A very unique rose pocket vintage apron. It is so sweet!

I love these. My maternal Grandmother had one in her dressing area. I always thought it made her seem so exotic and fashionable. I love the "French Ormolu" detail.

Always adorable, kittens! This aqua and gingham apron is a unique longer length. Possibly came from a Mennonite home to cover a longer dress or skirt? Just a thought on that one.

And classic vintage shakers for your collection or as some of the gals have requested for glitter and crafting.

Don't forget we have the glitter word garlands...they're not just for Christmas. Choose from LOVE, XOXO, KISS and more!

Also just listed: A Christmas apron, another vintage jewelry box, vintage ROSE postcards...two are signed C Klein. Some are printed in Germany. They have the most gorgeous graphics!

Hope you're having a great day. I'm trying to keep warm and stay one step ahead of my little Bebe. Hoping to post a new picture of her soon.

Vintage Valentine Heart Candy Boxes, Cards, and Aprons

A preview of what is coming up in my "Just Listed" category:

And what do we have here in time for an upcoming special day? Vintage Valentine heart candy boxes! A few gals contacted me and asked to see them before I listed ...here are the pictures:

This one in a hot pink! Oooh la la!


A shiny red one.

I think this one (above) is the oldest one of the bunch...it is marked Martens of Summit, NJ.

Neat millinery flowers and netting on top of this one.

Sorry for the sideways view, I will fix that soon! This one is the largest I have in white with red and lace trim.

And a cute, cute vintage blue gingham apron with a kitten border. The rick rack is actually in the material and not sewn on. This one is also a lot longer than your average apron.

This one is my favorite. A sweet, white, see through apron with gorgeous pink roses...a really interesting pocket that looks like an umbrella. Again, another sideways view. Better pics on the website as soon as I can get them listed! I also picked up a few more. Two have Christmas themes.

Some neat vintage emphemera pieces... birthday cards, some rose postcards (two are C.Klein!), some rose ad cards from the turn of the century, and some valentine's day postcards.

I was asked to find some vintage shakers to use for glitter in craft projects. Voila! Here are two sets.

If you see anything you like, be sure to contact me soon before I send out my "Just Listed" email.

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday!