One thing I have thoroughly enjoyed about blogging is meeting amazing, resourceful and creative women who have started their own businesses.  I have met some all-around awesome entrepreneurs.  One that I had the pleasure of meeting last week was Yasmin (and her sister, Nadia) of Wuslu.  We met for dinner in Frederick, MD and I was fascinated to learn their story.  I’m going to share it with you one day, because it’s so inspiring.  At dinner, we kicked around a bunch of ideas and one thing we came up with was Miss Mustard Seed’s pick of the month.  If you’re not familiar with Wuslu, it’s an online home decor shop that offers only one item each day.  Because the item is bought in a high volume, it’s less expensive and the savings are passed on to you.  Brilliant, right?  So, each day they have a hand picked item up for sale

There are times when I see something that is fabulous and I really want it. Now that I have a blog and antiques business, I have a reason to buy some of those “must haves.”  Perpetual calendars have been on my radar for a while, but I never felt a burning desire for one until I spotted one on The Savoy Flea.  It was all over after that.  One must be mine.  I needed one.  You know, for photo shoots.  For my business.  Finding one is a part of my job.  OK, that is a bit of an excuse, but it is partly true.  You are going to see this in a lot of pictures.  I purchased it from the Etsy shop AM Radio.    Sigh.  Love.  Are there any “must haves” you’ve been drooling over lately? 

I set out Friday afternoon to hit one of my favorite antique shops and I was not disappointed.  I found… A small storage caddy that was handmade out of vintage cheese boxes.  How resourceful is that?  And I love the grass green color.   …a tool caddy.  Again, I love the color of the chippy, worn paint.   …an antique sheet music book. …and some antique primers, readers and other books.    I love ones with names or inscriptions inside.  I can’t resist the history they hold.   All of these things are headed to Lucketts next week!  

I tell you…things could not have worked out more perfectly.  I posted about my bamboo mat last night and received an e-mail this morning from one of my sponsors, Wuslu, notifying me that MY bamboo mat is the deal of the day TODAY!! (July 27)  I swear this wasn’t planned. You can buy it today only, while supplies last, for the great price of $134 plus $5 shipping.  It gets even better, though.  Wuslu and I thought it was the perfect time to offer one up for a giveaway!  To enter, visit Wuslu and browse through their history, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know which past product was your favorite.  That’s it!  If you are the lucky winner of this giveaway and have already purchased this rug from Wuslu today, a full refund will be issued back to you.  So grab one now while supplies last!    You

I’m often asked why I buy what I buy.  It’s a very unscientific process, unfortunately.  I just buy what I like and go with my gut.  I think the best way I can explain it generally is to say I buy what I think will look great…in a room, in a photo, in my retail space.  I look for the decorative quality in furniture, antiques and accessories.  I rarely buy something because it’s “collectible” or “valuable.”  If you want more specifics…here you go! I always look for… …solid wood antique and vintage furniture.  It has to be well constructed and have great lines. …things I can use… …to make other things. …things that are a little quirky. …things that once were functional and can now be art. …ironstone.  ‘Nough said. …things that are good for display. …daily, household items like alarms clocks… …fans… …and scales. …containers.  Think baskets, caddies and totes. …things that make great photo

As long as I’ve been hunting for antiques, I have been drawn to textiles.  I love linen napkins and tea towels, quilts and spreads, grain sacks and pillow cases.  I think they’re pretty, practical (for the most part) and can really make a space.  Here are some of my recent acquisitions, favorites and some tips… Last week I found this pair of red work pillow cases.  I had some feather inserts that were the perfect size for them, so I washed and pressed them and put them on the pillows.  This pair is off to Lucketts to (hopefully) find a new home next week….although they look pretty stinking good on my guest room bed.  Hmmm… I also found this embroidered tea towel.  I’m going to make pillow case out of it and haven’t decided if it will stay at my house or not.  This antique, feather-filled ticking pillow was a surprise yard