Antique Shopping

On the way back from Asheville, Jeremy pulled into an antique shop for me to peruse the aisles for a Biltmore-vacation style souvenir.


Pulling up, we spotted these large barn doors that welcomed us into the caves of wonder.


I really wanted to get something that would always remind me of the Valentine's day trip. It had to be something that I would love looking at, using, and it had to be a constant reminder of the fun that we had and the experience as a whole.


These early 1900's style handweights - carved from solid wood - would be a totally unique memento and have a worn-cottage feel to them. The Biltmore estate had some similar ones in the 'gym' and it would be a perfect reminder of the tour of the grand home. It would also be useful when I feel like I needed a quick workout. Or when I need a microphone to sing along with Britney.


I spotted this four-tiered silver plated server from across the booth and it is fab-u-lous. Not only does it have a Vanderbilt feel to it - aka richness - it is completely useful for many parties and get-to-gethers. And at 20% off - the price was just right.


I can't help but swoon over milk glass. I love it more than most celebrities love their spouses. And since I am no expert at antiques - I only look for items that mean something to me...ya know...I would choose a Suri over a Shiloh. Sure, one might command wheelbarrows full of money but I'll take the cuter one any day of the week. Sorry Brangelina - you loose to TomKat on this one. Back to the point - this display of milky white glass is a shoutout to the fact that the Biltmore estate began as a farm - with it's largest operation being in the dairy department. Get it? 'Milk' glass?! So naturally this would be a reminder of the trip too.


My girlie side said to buy these pink glasses in honor of Valentine's day. Aren't they just so Victoria's-Secret-fabulous?!? They would be perfect for serving some of that famous Biltmore Winery's crushed-grape beverage (yeah, we bought a case for future celebrations) and especially perfect for any ultra feminine parties. Seriously, if I was drinking out of these glasses, I am sure that any passerbyers would totally think "oh-that-girls-got-her-own-glam-squad".


Gray is my new favorite color for dishes after seeing these beauties. Not only are they completely practical because let's face it, it could go with ANYTHING. But they are also in great condition and the wee handles on the bowls would be perfect for a show-stopping soup dinner. I totally see the gray color with warm red tomato soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches. Yummy.


Lastly, there were these darling blue apple dishes. There were about eight that I found in different booths - and they are just sweet as can be. Not only are they reflective of the trip (we were shopping at Barber's ORCHARD antique mall) but they are perfection in terms of blending new and old styles. I would serve apple fritter doughnut holes in these turquoise bowls for a delish and springy breakfast. An apple a day, people, an apple a day...


So here's a guessing game for ya - what do you think I bought? I really wanted to buy it all but alas - I need to save room in the house for future adventure memorabilia. Hint - it is something pictured above. No guesses? Tell me what you would have gotten as a momento...oh and make your guess quick - cause you'll find out tomorrow the answer to this pop quiz!