I drive by this everyday.A few weeks ago we noticed that the facade had been stripped, revealing a gorgeous 1930’s enamel- tiled original front.And a beaming sign that readsSNAPPY SERVICE SYSTEM5¢.A little google digging reveals:Forgotten Chicago research department went to the Newberry Library to go through Chicago white and yellow pages from 1925 to 1959, looking for “Snappy Service System” restaurant locations. The Snappy Service System restaurant recently revealed at 1141 North Ashland was curiously not listed in any of the phone books examined. Following are the Snappy Service Systems restaurants listed from 1934 (the first time these…
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I love going thrifting and rummaging through antique stores to find one of a kind items. But these places are also good for finding items that can be used in your everyday life. It’s not only, usually designed better, but it is also green, because you are using things that have been made and forgotten.I went on a journey this past weekend to collect some special finds that could be used around Camp Wandawega and this is what I found. We found these really great vintage billiard chalk cubes that are in great shape and are perfect for use with…
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For those who believe Saturday mornings are meant for yard sales, not sleeping in…who re-sort their recyling for “upcycling” possibilities…who have a special place in their heart for old houses…and see rust marks as a sign of beauty, not deterioration…you’ll love our editors’ “What We’re Reading” design book picks for August. check it out:
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I thought I knew every flea market in Argentina. Until this weekend…. A great Argentine flea market: 1 hour. 5 amazing finds. 1000 pesos. Here is the take!
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I had $26 and 30 minutes at the unique thrift up in Lincoln Square neighborhood: WHY I LOVE THIS JOINT: Charger & amp; matching plate from England- $5 Antique (new old stock ledger with leather binding) $2 2 1950’s faux wood trays $2 Assortment of vintage kitchen utensils: $5 Hand knit angora 50’s sweater: $2.90 6 decks of retro cards: $3 Herringbone wool throw: $4 Vintage thermos in mint condition: $2 This is why it is physically impossible for me to drive by one of these if their lights are still on. Thanks, unique. see you soon.
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19th century cafe. still in operation on the square in the san telmo neighborhood of buenos airies. every square inch of the walls have been carved with names dating back a hundred years. the waiters are charming old men in old school aprons. the floors are fantastic b+w check stone. the walls still have original advertisements for products they havent carried in 80+ years. its filled with light and they have fantastic espresso. it sits directly across from the starbucks (a sin). but also right across from the san telmo flea market…. every sunday the square floods with dealers –…
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1. brazilian models. (casting sessions are hell on your self esteem here) 2. the flea market. (makes life worth living) 3. the faena. (phillipe stark bliss) 4. retail windows in palermo 5. Olsen. (favorite scandinavian restaurant- just had its 10th bday) 6. street art. (love this bob marley string art installation. it was huuuuge) 7. Architecture. 8. San Telmo coffeeshop 9. Fueguia 1833 Patagonia- Laboratorio de Perfumes
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…is also where you find the cheapest swag. CASE IN POINT: the flea in Prague and one in Vienna, Austria. I found…. …the above beautiful hand carved black forest oak frame. The hand-inked label is still on the back (does anybody read Czech?). And the matt board is completely intact (with embossed details). It only cost $20. I found a stack of WWII maps, backed onto linen and individually hand labeled for $3 each. (I’m thinking about making a huge wall installation with these at some point). I got some handmade table runners in the most beautiful hand-spun linen. The dealer said…
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the early morning drive across the Austrian countryside. the largest and oldest flea market in the center of Vienna. “Naschmarktz” learning to haggle in Czech with our local friend thomas (above, working his magic on a local vendor for this century old traditional childs ceremony vest)we ended up getting it for half his asking price, with a combination of crown, euro and dollars. piles and piles of lederhosen & old school Alpine hiking boots. and vintage ski sweaters (here is the leiderhosen vendor wearing one) this is the backdrop for the flea. both sides of the street are lined…
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ONE: a flea market laiden with teensy booths of books and paintings…oh my! TWO: a 1940s alpine leather and canvas backpack. THREE: vintage scones (for the new sterlingworth cabin we just moved to wanda!). FOUR: the most beautiful little piazza. FIVE: tapas. to no end. SIX: mens clothing boutique (a mix of ivy league meets polo club meets lodge). SEVEN: an enormous table full of antique trophies (i got the huge one in the back left). EIGHT: the OMM hotel. NINE: Sagrada Familia. TEN: sangrias!
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