Family in Feast and Feria

I wanted to share some unlikely places of getting resources such as books and materials for my home, home education and the Liturgical Year.

Do you Freecycle yet? It's so easy...find out if there is a group in your area. Some women recently gave away 10 Tomie dePaola books. I didn't have 5 of them, and was able to share the wealth with one of my sisters. Someone else gave me an old-fashioned egg-beater so my son can use. I have four brass "chalices" that my son can use for his home atrium. I've received some very useful items, but it's also been helpful in purging items from my house. My only stress is just coordinating pick-up time.

I've been looking in particular for items to use in Montessori exercises. I've tried local thrift stores and haven't had much luck. I really enjoy antique stores, particularly those large antique malls with multiple dealers. In our frequent trips we stop along the way or find places in PA. Antiques are a mixed bag -- some things can be overpriced junk, or just a treasure you can't find anywhere. The word "antique" is overused...just apply "old" or "used" and the label is less intimidating. Here's where I keep my eyes open for bargains. I found a little hand-painted Portuguese creamer for my son to use in the morning to pour his milk. I found some unused Swedish candle angel chimes, something I've wanted for so long but didn't want to pay a lot.

Sometimes there are dealers trying to push their items, so they post sales for the items in their booth. And other times dealers have to buy a large lot to get the special piece they want, so push the other items for cheap.

Antique shops are the best place to find linens in all shapes and sizes. Don't go for the ones in expensive, pristine shape, but the items that need just a little TLC and you have a deal. And if have imagination, the pieces can be made over into something else.

My latest find was a dealer selling tons of white tablecloths, all different sizes, all different types of material for $4 each. I bought 5 in different sizes. Most are in terrific condition, perfect size for my dining room table, home altar and extra table. They just need a good soaking in OxyClean and detergent to whiten them up. One has a small hole that I can patch. I also bought small pieces of beautiful Irish linen to make altar linens for my son's home atrium. (I'll post on that later). I have to use a tablecloth in our dining room, but after a meal, the cloth usually requires cleaning, and I need something else to cover the table, especially if we have guests several times in a short period.

I love to be "antiquing" again. When dh and I were engaged, some of our "dates" were spent haunting antique stores. They were (and still are) a great place to find out likes, dislikes, childhood memories, plan home decor, etc. Our search at the time was for teapots and teacups to use as centerpieces at our wedding reception. Now our goals have changed (dh now looks for Steelers stuff), but we still both enjoy antiquing. And ds does, too. There's a lot to see and discuss with him.