Flea Market Finds: A Good Citizenship Medal, A Souvenir & A Demonic Owl. Instastyle

I've been on a quest to find some "vintage" items for some projects and finally had a little bit of success today.  A lot of bloggers tend to find things at thrift stores.  I have never had much luck at a thrift store.  I recently read that it's best to visit thrift stores during the week and not on the weekend, that the mid-week visit is the key to finding great stuff.  That's not really an option for me (that pesky career of mine keeps me busy during business hours), so I decided to follow the other tip I received this week and visit garage sales and flea markets on the weekends.  I found one flea market going on this weekend, in Mount Airy, MD.  A bit of a drive, and I almost didn't go, given the very chilly weather.  But I pulled on my boots and coldgear headed out.  Here's what I found.  (Pictures taken with Instagram.  If interested, you can follow me on Instagram @emilytutorialtrials.)

I picked up this straw tote.  I have a weakness for straw totes, particularly ones that are souvenirs.  In fact, I would love to start my own collection of these.  (I have one other one, so now I can officially say that I have a collection, right?)  So I couldn't pass this one up. Perhaps I should have, because it was not in as mint condition as I thought.  Of course, I didn't discover this until I got it home.  It has a small water spot on the front and a small hole in the lining.  So, maybe I can't actually use it as a tote.  I'm also considering turning this into some sort of wall hanging, framing it somehow.  I still love the colors.

A demonic little owl.  I realize that in her current state, she is nothing short of creepy.  But I promise, I have big plans on her becoming cute.  Hopefully really cute.  Stay tuned for an "after" picture of this little one.

I have this little dream of making a bunch of little notebooks.  Perhaps this is the tiny business I should start? (A hobby business.) I thought these bingo cards would make great notebook covers.  Even if I just make them for fun.

 I bought this for the FRAME only.  No, I don't yearn to receive a "Good Citizenship Medal."  And I haggled her down to a $1.  And to think, I almost bought a frame just like this for $12.99 yesterday!  I also have a project all planned for this one.

If there is something I can't pass it, it's a nice container.  I can't explain it.  But there are endless uses for this little jar.  Lots of crafty things I can store it in.  And a real deal for $0.75!

The flea market visit was totally worth it!  I found quite a few things that I was looking for.  And a few things for future projects.  There is some good blog content on the horizon!  Stay tuned, dear readers, stay tuned!

Insta Friday: Fun During Summer Hours

I have had the great privilege of having "summer hours" since the beginning of July. I get to work 7-5 Monday through Thursday and 8-12 on Fridays. I may not seem like much, but for this working girl, it has made every Friday seem like a little micro vacation. I have really tried to go and do something that I might not usually have time to do. For instance, today, I visited my favorite vintage shopping area in Maryland, Ellicott City! Here's a little piece of what I saw, via Instagram pictures. (If you have an iPhone and you haven't discovered Instagram, you don't know what you're missing!! It's free and fun!) The first friday of every month, Ellicott City has a free concert. How cute is this chalkboard sign? Check out this darling window display at an antique store. It makes me want to go on a road trip! (Perhaps next Friday???) Some words to live by...

If only I lived closer to my nephew, Jack, this toy tractor would be coming his way. So cute! (And check out the Babar "rocking horse" in the background. What a classic!)

And this made my think of my twin nieces. A shell dollhouse!! I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a fixer upper for when my nieces get a little older. They would love something like this! And the crafter in me would love this for a project!

Paper umbrellas in a darling retro display.

If I had an outdoor space, I don't think I could have resisted these metal rainboot planters...

Linking here: Life Rearranged-InstaFriday

Sunday Outing: PYO (Pick Your Own) Flowers

On a whim today, I decided to visit the Outlet Mall in Hagerstown. On the long way home (on I-70), I saw a sign for Larriland Farm and decided to check it out. They had a pick your own flower garden. Despite the blazing temperature, I decided to give it a go. They give you a big plastic cup and pair of clippers and tell you to have at it. There was also a pick your own blueberry patch, which I didn't try as well as a little open air store where you can buy produce. I was so happy I stopped! (The bottom two pics are of the flower "arrangements" I made, the smaller one will be coming to work with me tomorrow.)