Bring on the Bargains...and the Rain!

Whistlestop Antiques in Santa Rosa, CA will be overflowing onto the sidewalk this weekend, Aug. 8-9, with everything 20% off. This sale only happens once a year, so don't miss it if you're in the area. Munch some free popcorn and browse their huge selection, watch Bob the Train Guy demonstrate his trains and meet Betty Boop, world's cutest umbrella stand! Now they just need some rain!

Visit their website at whistlestop-antiques.com and view their Facebook page at Whistlestop Antiques.

Benicia Peddlers' Fair Sat., Aug. 8

They started off small, but now they're a town tradition: Over 52 years the Benicia Peddlers' Fair has grown into 300 select antique and collectible dealers from all over the country, attracting 20,000 visitors, spanning the entire 11 blocks of First Street in the historic town of Benicia, CA. Along the same route are a number of antique and vintage stores to browse. Proceeds from the Fair go to the preservation of St Paul's Episcopal church, built in 1859. Admission is free, and free appraisals are offered by Steve Yvaska. See the Fair's website for more info, www.BeniciaPeddlersFair.org

Photo: Benicia Peddlers' Faire website

Turn It Into a Planter!

Urban Ore in Berkeley puts their passion for recycling, repurposing and Zero Waste into practice by making planters of all manner of things, from wheelbarrows to bathtubs to old tanks. 

And believe it or not, the gardener who has transformed their grounds is named Alice Green! 

For inspiration and an idea of the vast selection of items they've rescued from oblivion and made useful again, visit their website, or their Facebook page.

Silver by candlelight

Candlelight, crystal and silver make any table setting romantic and festive. Pasadena Antiques and Design has a stunning display of sterling silver and silverplate serving pieces and candlesticks. Our favorite: the unusual candlesticks with removable butterflies from Thistle & Bee of London (top). The graceful water pitcher is the "Lancaster Rose" pattern by Poole Silver Plate.
 A real statement piece, the solid silver Spanish tray from the 1920s (bottom). See more of the collection on their Facebook page.

Remember these?

Albany Antique Mall in Albany, OR has a new dealer specializing in old advertising signs, some with chalkboards, some with thermometers. Visit the store's Facebook page, at Albany Antique Mall.



Albany is gearing up for their 18th Annual Antiques in the Streets and Classic Car Show on Sept. 12, when antiques, vintage finds and classic cars will be on display on the downtown streets. For more info, go to their website.

News Flash: Scottsdale, AZ

Antique Trove in Scottsdale is midway through a storewide three-day sale. Visit their website at www.antiquetrove.com, and see their Facebook page — lots of irresistible items! Shown here, a color-themed shot (in my favorite blues!) of garden décor, a beautiful wicker buggy overflowing with flowers, and a very decorative birdcage.

Lighting up the night

Last night was the longest night of the year, and it's no wonder everyone's turning on the lights.  No matter how you celebrate Christmas, chances are you're adding some lights to warm up the long, cold, dark nights.

Here's how Solvang Antiques in Solvang, CA dressed up their storefront with lights. Lovely!

We hope your holiday season is filled with light and joy.