Getting the Goods. A Summer Survivor's Guide for "Picker~oholics" living in the Desert.

I don't mean to brag, but living out here in the desert can turn you into quite the rugged individual. Yes, I survived the great dust storm of 2011. Although my life, as of late, makes that "haboob" look like a trip to the dollar store.
And while living my life vicariously through these guys on Monday nights has somewhat quenched my insatiable thirst for the next treasure hunt, IT'S JUST NOT ENOUGH!! NOT ENOUGH, I TELL YOU!!!

Whew. O.K. Got that out of my system. Truth is, it's hard to search for antiques in over 100 degree weather. We may be tough, but we're not stupid. We don't have yard sales in the summer. So, I improvise.No antiques? Get my photographer son to take pictures of antiques. That's right. You heard me. Only took me 6 months to convince him to sell his pictures in my booth. He has a gift so this is just my way of spurring him on (and letting off some vintage~mania steam ~ two for one deal!). Now what do these things all have in common? Goodwill. Not one of my highest recommendations, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I typically don't find the best deals in there (Goodwill is getting a little too proud of their "junk"), yet, after visiting three stores and beating off (ehem, I mean, gently perusing with) the other pickers, I found these little sweeties.
A Franciscan "Autumn" pattern, relish dish. Could not find this on ebay or my reference book. Score!
I liked him. I just liked him, that's all. Found out he was made in the 50's in a little ol' pottery place from Laguna Beach, CA called "Riddell's". This would probably go in my husband's "wow, you are quirky sometimes Deb" category. "La, la, la, I can't hear you..." is my reply."Olde English Countryside" hand engraved plate from England and ye, henceforth, and such and so forth...
If I passed on the "Coca~Cola" pitcher my son would have let me have it. These sell quickly. I mean, in one day and out the same day.
Now this was my favorite because I took a chance on it. Just a simple sugar bowl and lid. Made in America. That's the clincher.
Opened up a whole other world to me, "Vernonware". And found yet another site dedicated to its collectors.
Keeping with the emerging desperation theme, a dear friend of mine offered to help me organize my home in light of my new found antique business. This is where I operate and hide all of my treasures, in the upstairs loft.

Note the trunk on the left. That's where I hide my bookkeeping paraphernalia as well as tools I bring to the booth.
Here's a clever nook dedicated to all of my reference materials.
Here's to hoping your summer is filled with rest and inspiration! Keep it Vintage Baybee!!