Second Hand News

My hubby and I made a trip to Value Village today to try and find a cheap crockpot. We read somewhere recently that simmering old hardware in one of these for several hours will remove the layers of paint that have accumulated on them over the years (we’ve started working on our doors).
Of course, they had every appliance under the sun besides a crockpot, but after much arm twisting, I convinced my non-thrifty husband to spend some time looking around. Actually, “non-thrifty” is not an entirely accurate description – he’s very thrifty in that he hates to shop, but he also hates sorting through racks of stuff hunting for that perfect thrifted treasure.

Speaking of treasure, shortly after giving up our hunt for a crockpot, I spotted this Krumkake iron sitting on the shelf. I’ve been wanting one of these for quite some time, but they’re always ridiculously expensive, so I was really excited to find this one for $5! The best part is, it’s made by Jotul, the same company that made our wood stove and my aebleskiver pan (once I find a company I like, I stick with it!). The pan is used to make crisp little Norwegian cookies that are rolled into cones and either eaten as is, or filled with whipped cream and fruit.

This pretty tablecloth was another find. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me, but there’s no way I would have bought something this flowery a few years ago. I must be getting soft in my old age.

I always make a point of checking out the cookbook section while I’m there, and I wasn’t disappointed. I picked up this gorgeous book, as well as a book of B&B recipes for my mom (she’s hoping to turn her lovely heritage home into a B&B sometime next year).
And, believe it or not, my skeptical man even came away with three new (to him) shirts. I wouldn’t exactly call him a convert, but maybe next time it won’t take so much begging!



20 thoughts on “Second Hand News”

  • Oh, you are making me want to go thrifting! I also check the art section. The last time I went, I found a couple of Warren Kimble prints in cute little wooden frames for $1.50 each. One of them hangs in my kitchen now, and it makes me happy every time I see it. Happiness for a buck fifty… not bad!

  • Hey! Greetings from Prince Albert, SK. I googled “line drying in winter” and your post (from January) came up. I like it here! I’ll be back!

  • Wow, and wow again. What fabulous finds. You sure know how to find treasures. That cookie iron is amazing. I love linens and cookbooks. You are definitely my hero when it comes to thrifty finds.

  • WOW!!! Yet again, you amaze me with your thrifting prowess.(:

    Yeah, my dh is super thrifty as well and doesn’t like to go shopping. Although, the other day I did find him some shorts at the goodwill and he was delighted. But, not enough to come with me next time.

    That krumkake (I just love saying it, I know I think I am 5 half the time)iron is awesome! I’ve never seen a jotul one. My SIL has an electric one but I like yours much better.(:

  • Cheryl, you continue to amaze me with your “finds”. I am a mom with grown kids, and I hand off kudos to you as a “youngster” because I am honestly learning so much from your blog. I’ve been really trying to be much greener in many ways. Thank you.

  • Danica – What a great find! I’ve never thought of looking for art before, but I will now!

    Lauralea – Thanks for stopping by!

    Dawn – Thank you, but it’s really just plain ole’ luck!

    Chelee – Oh well, I don’t see my husband suggesting that we go thrifting together any time soon either.
    You’re right, krumkake is definitely one of those fun words!

    Heather – Thank you again for the award!

    Kristin – Hi! Come back soon!

    Burdockboy – I know, how lucky is that?!

    Garnet – Isn’t it a nice one?

    Phelan – Thanks so much for the award!

    Steffi – Thank you, I will trust your opinion on the fabric, since you’re such an amazing seamstress.

    Lu – Thank you very much, what an amazing compliment!

    Shawna – Thanks!

  • Oh my lord! I near died when I saw that incredible cookie iron! What a find! Hope you’ll make some and post about it!! Those doors and then this – plain luck or not, you deserve an award!

  • Cheryl
    Soak your old hardware with paint over night in vinegar—it will remove it very well. Scrub it with an old toothbrush (and a dental type pick for mini crevices).
    We used to have a 1917 prairie—we’ve cleaned paint off of plenty of old brass knobs,plates, brackets etc that way. Works great and you don’t have to worry about toxicity (or electricity use either)

  • Man, why can’t I find such fabulous finds closer to home?! You are not helping with my itchy addiction. Makes me want to find more thrift stores further away from here. maybe then I would find more like the above.
    I think we have a village thrift close to here -in the falls. i will have to check it out in the near future. Amazing finds Cheryl.

  • Monica – Thanks for the tip about the vinegar, I will be trying that out!

    Tammie – It goes both ways, my dear. I have pined for more than one of your thrifted finds!

  • 5$ make by Jotel?!!! Do you know how hard those are to find? And I don’t even think Jotel even makes them anymore. If they do, there is no one that imports them anymore. They are extremely difficult to find. And, it has my favorite pattern!! Wow!!

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