A love for something old

I came across my first piece of vintage Pyrex at an antique store in Kalamazoo. Up until then I only knew the Pyrex brand from the label on the bottom of a standard glass measuring cup.

I did some research (even bought a book!) and learned that the glassware was very popular in the 40's, 50's and 60's because it was affordable, durable and came in a variety of colors and patterns. Colors and patterns? Straight to my heart!

Nowadays, Pyrex can be found at most flea markets and antique stores for very affordable prices and you can often find pieces in great condition. I certainly enjoy finding new patterns and shapes to add to my collection, but I also like the idea of furthering it's life and respecting something from the past.

Below is a photo of the red bowl I picked up for $8 this past weekend at the Ann Arbor Antiques Market. It was one of only 6 pieces I saw at the entire market! Certainly not a huge inventory.


Here is how you know something is indeed Pyrex. Just flip the piece over and look for this stamp.


A few of my favorite pieces. The small white bowl with orange poka-dots I bought at a garage sale for $.25!


My handy salt container. I really like to use my Pyrex, what good is it sitting on a shelf?

You know what they say about April showers...

After waking up to realize I left a window open in my living room and that's why there were little wet footprints throughout the house, I figured it'd be nice to remember what better weather looks like.

This is an outtake from a project I worked on last week for AnnArbor.com

To move, or not to move...

The longest I have ever lived in one place (since childhood) is two years. I've got moving fever. Since graduating college over seven years ago, I have lived in eight apartments. That is a lot of moving. As my current lease is nearing an end, I am faced with a decision, to move or not to move? It's the first time in eight apartments worth-of-time that I don't know the answer to that question. But I have narrowed down my options to 1) a larger two-bedroom apartment within my current complex, or 2) NOT MOVING. And though I know the decision is up to me, I figured I should blog-it-out in hopes of a actually making a decision.


Current apartment on the left.


Lue doesn't care where we live.

Portrait of Two Chairs

Those who know me, know I love to collect things. I'm not a crazy collector, you'll find no hoarding here, but I've got small collections. Pyrex dishes, teapots, fabrics and even a box of Lego men circa 1992. Part of the fun of collecting is the thrill of the hunt, or find, in my case. Although two isn't exactly a collection, these new additions to my living room were a thrilling find! I came across them a few weekends ago while at an antique store in Eastern Market. There was a going out of business sale and I snatched up these mid-century, Grand Rapids, MI made chairs (along with a beat up end table) for $75! Best deal in the world? Who knows. The price was worth the find and I can now end my endless hunting on Criagslist!

Special thanks to Mark for the wood-working surgery needed to save the life of the one on the right!