Thrifting Treasures: Vintage Finds and Home Updates

Welcome to the Blog today, Friends.

A big apology for missing our usual Tuesday post—I truly appreciate your patience! Life has a way of getting wonderfully busy, and later in the blog I’ll share a few photos that help explain just why things got a bit behind. Let’s just say it was all worth it. I’m still catching up, so today’s post will be a short one. But I couldn’t let the week pass without sharing a few delightful recent finds with you. This time, I stumbled across a few pieces from Pier 1—yes, that Pier 1! Even though their stores have closed, their signature style lives on, and every now and then, I spot a treasure tucked away on a thrift store shelf just waiting to be rediscovered. There’s something so lovely about giving these items a second life in our homes.And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Thrifting Wonderland moment without a few bunnies hopping into the mix. You know I can’t resist them. It always amazes me how small touches—whether they come from a high-end shop or a neighborhood thrift store—can bring such joy and charm to a space. There’s beauty everywhere, especially when you look with a creative heart.

First, let me share with you these darling Wedgwood bowls, each depicting a scene from one of Beatrix Potter’s beloved stories. One features the ever-busy Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, the charming hedgehog laundress who bustles about with such purpose. The other captures a sweet moment from the original Peter Rabbit tale that so many of us grew up with. These bowls were originally designed as porridge bowls for children, and they bring back such fond memories. My brothers and I had Peter Rabbit dishes when we were little—mine is still safely tucked away, a gentle reminder of cozy breakfasts and well-loved storybooks.These particular bowls were in excellent condition and just under $3 each—a wonderful little find with a big sentimental heart.

While I was still smiling over those storybook bowls, I came across something a bit more glamorous—a lovely Pier 1 set that instantly brought to mind a New Year’s celebration.

This elegant porcelain pattern is called “Gold Swirl,” and it really does feel like it was made for ringing in the new year. The set included eight dinner plates and eight salad/dessert plates—all for hardly any money at all. It was one of those moments when you blink, double-check the price tag, and then quietly (and quickly!) add them to your cart.

The gold detailing is perfectly intact, catching the light in such a beautiful way. They look like they’re just waiting to be part of a party—perhaps a cozy dinner with friends, a holiday brunch, or even a sparkling New Year’s Eve gathering. However they’re used, they’ll add a lovely touch of elegance to the table.

The last little treasure in this round of finds was a set of six crystal glasses, also from Pier 1. It’s always such a treat to come across a full set in perfect condition—no chips, no flaws, just beautiful clarity and craftsmanship.

The design is a bit different—something about it caught my eye right away. Notice how the lip of the glass comes to a gently raised point. There’s a graceful simplicity to the shape, but with just enough detail to make them feel special. I haven’t had the chance to test them out just yet, but I think I’ll be “trying” them soon—perhaps with a bit of something bubbly or a refreshing iced tea.

There’s a certain joy in imagining how these pieces will be used—gatherings with family, cozy dinners at home, or even just an ordinary afternoon that could use a bit of sparkle.

So, those were my treasures from the last thrift store outing. The Peter Rabbit bowls are vintage sweetness, while the Pier 1 pieces brought back memories of leisurely strolls through their beautifully styled displays. I still miss browsing their store, don’t you?

There’s something lovely about mixing pieces that feel both timeless and familiar—especially when they come with a story or two tucked inside. Whether it’s dishes that remind us of childhood or glasses that sparkle like something from a special dinner years ago, each find has a way of weaving into our lives just beautifully.

Before I go, I thought I’d share a few pictures that help explain why this week got a little off track. We’ve been in the midst of some drywall work and painting in the great room, and it’s been a bit of an adventure.

We had to empty the room of nearly everything—only the largest pieces of furniture stayed in place. Every picture came off the wall, and many of the larger pieces had to be completely emptied before we could even move them. That part alone took nearly a full day.

Once everything was cleared, the drywall crew arrived, carefully draping their work area and getting started. The repairs took a few days because of drying time and multiple coats—and we even had a little repair done in the bathroom (but I’ll spare you photos of that, LOL).

After the drywall was finished, the room was re-draped and prepped for painting, including those 10-foot ceilings. We’ve painted them ourselves in the past, but this time, we decided to bring in the professionals—and I have to say, they did a wonderful job. We’ll tackle the walls ourselves later this summer.

Of course, during all this, we learned how often we actually open a cabinet or reach for the fridge—you don’t notice how much you move through a space until it’s off-limits!

Once the crew finished and all the draping came down, it took us another full day to clean and reset the room. Every item—artwork, display pieces, floors—was given a good cleaning before finding its way back home. It was a big job, but the space feels fresh, bright, and worth every bit of the effort.

Thank you so much for joining me today and letting me share these new treasures with you. From vintage storybook bowls to nostalgic Pier 1 pieces, it’s always a joy to bring home a few finds that spark memories and add something special to everyday life.

And thank you for your patience this week as we tackled some home repairs—it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I’m so happy with how things turned out. There’s something deeply satisfying about freshening up a space and giving it new life, even if it means a bit of dust and a few days of chaos.

As always, it’s such a pleasure to have you stop by. I hope your next outing brings you some delightful surprises of your own—and if you’re in the middle of a project or preparing for one, I’m sending best wishes (and maybe a little extra patience!) your way.

Until next time, happy thrifting, happy decorating, and may your week be filled with little moments of wonder.