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Your Own Love Letter

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Shop Vintage on Etsy
The Middle Ground Market
Your Own Love Letter

Tag: Pit Beef

A Love Letter to Chaps Pit Beef

Dear Place

A Love Letter to Chaps Pit Beef

If you asked me a few years ago if I would discover one of the best sandwiches of my life…

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Oh Hey Krista Here

Obsessed with vintage aesthetic. Thrilled by thrifting. Seeking every story. Building a life on Cape Breton Island. Eating it all up. And blogging it all down.

Do you want a love letter?

Recent posts

Object History Mystery: Iridescent Cordial Stemware

1

Object History Mystery: Iridescent Cordial Stemware

Introducing the Object History Mystery Series for Vintage Treasure Hunters

2

Introducing the Object History Mystery Series for Vintage Treasure Hunters

How to Rescue & Restore Thrifted Pyrex in 10 Steps

3

How to Rescue & Restore Thrifted Pyrex in 10 Steps

A Love Letter to Chaps Pit Beef

4

A Love Letter to Chaps Pit Beef

Categories

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Dear Person
Dear Place
Dear Something
Dear Time
Object History Mystery

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loveletterlifestyle

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 I’ve got nothin

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

I’ve got nothing special planned for the occasion this year. 🙃 Do you?

I just realized that it’s been a long time since

I just realized that it’s been a long time since I’ve done an update...then I realized that it’s been even longer since I’ve posed for a decent photo. Oops?

Without many events or special outings to document, I can’t say I’ve felt like being in front of a camera lately.

Like so many of you, the past few seasons have been time to regroup and refocus. I’ve had my head down working on my businesses — @gatherandecho where I provide creative communications and social storytelling services + @cellarysellery where I restore and revive vintage treasures.

I’m also Creative Director of @blogjamatlantic, and I’ve got some new directions planned for the event and community...but it’s another branch of this twisting identity that’s been in flux over the past year.

In the meantime, I’m just living the socially-distanced life in Cape Breton. Beach walks with my pup, Bernie, and thrifting for treasures on the occasions I head “into town.” I love what I do and I like doing it quietly. 🥰

Anyone else just floating along and okay with it right now? 🤓

TREASURE HUNTER GIFTAWAY🖤 I’m a big fan of B

TREASURE HUNTER GIFTAWAY🖤

I’m a big fan of Bernie Sanders (I mean, I named my puppy Bernie Sandog as an homage) not just because I agree with so many of his political positions, but because he walks the walk. He leads by example. Case in point: the now iconic upcycled mittens worn to Biden’s inauguration — a moment where he chose sustainability even if it wasn’t the most fashion-forward.

Sustainability is my raison d’être when it comes to thrifting and dusting off the items we already have. My motto is to use your treasures — without ceremony or occasion.

So, I’ve decided to do a giftaway to encourage my fellow treasure hunters to shop sustainably by buying second hand.

First prize is a $25 gift card to Value Village (not sponsored) PLUS 2 winners will receive a pocket measuring tape (#1 item in a treasure-hunter’s tool chest) and a pair of Bernie Sanders mitten pins.

👉To enter: tell me about your best upcycle project or thrifted treasure. That’s it!👈

Winners will be drawn on Sunday, March 7th.

This contest is in no way sponsored by Facebook, Instagram or Value Village. Open to residents of Canada.

F L I P 👏 I T 👏 O V E R You know I ALWAYS r

F L I P 👏 I T 👏 O V E R

You know I ALWAYS recommend examining thrifted pieces thoroughly to determine provenance, manufacturer, condition, and to get a sense of original value...but it’s also worth looking for other price stickers. 😬

I’ve found some weirdly priced items in the past — the worst is seeing Dollarama goods marked up at the thrift store. 🤡

(I have a set of goblets that I use for succulents that were by the same artist as this candlestick but I ultimately decided to leave it behind.)

Have you ever found thrift store items that are more than they should be? Do you buy anyways or reconsider?

#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonvintage #thriftstorefinds #thrift #thriftsociety #vintagepottery #thriftedhome #thriftingfinds

Today in Stories I’m sharing the NUMBER ONE ☝️ item that I always grab while thrifting.

Nope it’s not the #Pyrex (but obvi, I’ll scoop that if it’s a pattern I want). It’s the cradle!

Do you have any cool cradles in your collection? Tag me! I’d love to see!

#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #pyrexcollector #pyrexlove #pyrexjunkie #goldenwreath #goldenwreathpyrex #eastcoastvintage #novascotiavintage

♥️Red Velvet Valentine Cookies🍪 As with an

♥️Red Velvet Valentine Cookies🍪
As with any red velvet recipe, the buttermilk is a MUST.

UNHELPFUL RECIPE👇

1/2 cup softened salted butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
red food colouring (optional)
1/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup icing sugar

1. Cream butter and sugars.
2. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. In separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix to form dough.
5. Add a few drops of red food colouring to buttermilk. Mix into cookie dough.
6. Scoop dough into 1 tbsp sized balls. Roll in icing sugar.
7. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Enjoy & happy Valentine’s Day!

I couldn’t help myself when I saw that @handmade

I couldn’t help myself when I saw that @handmadeeast had turned the iconic Bernie meme into buttons! I LOVE them. 😻😻😻
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I’m trying to think of a fun way to share a few with you. Any ideas? I might make a giveaway out of it with a few other treasures.
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #berniesanders #berniemittens #superbowl #weird #ecmmedia

🚑Copper Rescue🚨 I’m a big fan of copper.

🚑Copper Rescue🚨

I’m a big fan of copper. It’s just so classic, rustic, and warm aesthetically.

I was giddy with delight when I scored a pile of these gorgeous solid copper West Bend mugs at a Patterson Park flea market in Baltimore. Although their appearance suggested they had seen better days, I was happy to appreciate the nicks and dents knowing that a polish of elbow grease & @barkeepersfriend would get them glowing once again. (Not Sponsored)

I use a soft bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the Bar Keeper’s Friend over the whole mug. Then I let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off the paste and doing a second scrub to any spots I missed.

Photo 1 is a process shot, photo 2 is the BEFORE and swipe to photo 3 to see the AFTER reveal.
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#loveletterlifestyle #westbend #westbendaluminumco #westbendcopper #capebretonvintage #moscowmule #barkeepersfriendtotherescue #barkeepersfriend #vintagecopper #novascotiavintage #thrifty #thriftythursday

Treasure hunter spotted in the wild. 🦏🐆 Spe

Treasure hunter spotted in the wild. 🦏🐆

Speaking of hunting, my favourite thrifting strategy is what I call the “Catch & Release.” 🎣

Here’s how works + the key to helping you make the most of your thrifting trip.

The basic idea is simple: grab it now, edit your basket later. 🧺

Especially during the pandemic, you don’t want to spend too much time in the aisle, crowded with other shoppers, while you carefully inspect an item, mulling over the price, deciding if you love it, etc.

If something catches your eye or if you find yourself holding it in your hand for MORE THAN 10 SECONDS, put it in your basket and keep going.

Once you’ve hit all the aisles in that section (I do housewares separately, for example), pull off to the side and take a closer look at your items.

Now is when you check for imperfections, look for labels, consider prices, decide how many pieces you want to buy, text your friends for input (lol), and determine what makes the cut.

You’ll find that some of the things that seemed cool at the beginning of your thrift have lost their sparkle by this point. You can “release” these back to the shelves where they can become someone else’s treasures. 💎

The Catch & Release is especially helpful if you’re indecisive or extra thorough because it buys you time and saves you from making multiple small decisions, instead grouping all the decision-making into one deliberate moment.

It also forces you to justify your spending before heading to the register. No more regrets! I know it has saved me from buyer’s remorse on more than one occasion.

What do you think? 🎣 Will you try the Catch & Release method next time you thrift?

📸: @leahcnoble (caught me!)

#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonvintage #thriftstorefinds #thrifting #valuevillage #valuevillagefinds #valuevillagecanada #thriftproud

Winter is an underrated time for beach trips. 🏝

Winter is an underrated time for beach trips. 🏝
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CC @leahcnoble
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonisland #capebretonbeaches #glacebay #glacebaybeach #capebreton #glacebayexperience #aquaholic #beachlover #beachtherapy #sunandsea #beachy #sunshinetherapy #vitaminsea #sandytoes #saltlife #saltescape #saltyair #saltysoul #staysalty #seastheday

🔎It's time for another Object History Mystery!🔎
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If you have a treasure that you've pulled from your cellar, or found at a thrift store, or discovered in your grandmother's china cabinet, I can help you figure out when or where it was produced and how much it might be worth.
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I'm especially a fan of mid-century items so when Lyndsay of @coffeecreamdesigns sent me a photo of her newly acquired glassware, I was psyched to take a closer look. Her question was one that I always ask myself in thrift stores: "are these actually vintage or do they just look vintage?"
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Sometimes it's so tricky to know the difference!
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The characteristics I always check for are: logos or maker's marks on the bottom, seams along the sides, and if there are imperfections in the glass like bubbles or creases.
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Lyndsay found this set of 8 glasses for $12 at the thrift store. I just love the quilted diamond pattern and suspected right away from the charming shade of avocado green that these were a popular item straight out of 1970.
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👉Swipe to see her photos plus a reveal of what the original sets looked like new.
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My initial suspicion was right! This pattern, made by Anchor Hocking in the 1970s, is called "Madrid" (not to be confused with the Depression Glass pattern of the same name from 40 years earlier).
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It came in two sets: a set of 10 tumblers or a set of 6 tumblers and a 2qt pitcher. You could find Madrid sets in bright blue, yellow, or this charming avocado green.
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On Etsy or Ebay you can buy these sets for around $80 for a complete set, in-box or expect to pay upwards of $6 per glass.
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Great find, Lyndsay!
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #objecthistorymystery #historymystery #avocadogreen #anchorhocking #anchorhockingmadrid #niftythrifty #thriftyfinds #thrifty

P Y R E X 🚑 R E S C U E . See that chalky dishw

P Y R E X 🚑 R E S C U E
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See that chalky dishwasher damage on the left? How about that polished, vibrant colour on the right? 😮
Check out my stories for the secret remedy to dishwasher dulled Pyrex. 🤫
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(It’s oil! Coconut is my preferred but a drop or two of whatever you have in the kitchen will likely work. Just be sure not to use too much or your piece will feel greasy.)
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #pyrex #pyrexrescue #pyrexrescue #pyrexrestoration #pyrexcollector #pyrexaddict #myvintagehome #myvintageabode #ecmmedia #myeclecticmix

🚑SILVER PLATE RESCUE🚑 . No harsh chemicals n

🚑SILVER PLATE RESCUE🚑
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No harsh chemicals needed when you’re working with tarnished silver and silver plate. The BEST product you can use is...🥁🥁🥁🥁toothpaste!
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Are you surprised? It really does work! Just be sure to use a classic white (no gels) and do a gentle scrub with a rag or soft bristled toothbrush. 🪥
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👉👉Swipe to see these coasters BEFORE 👉👉
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #sustainableliving #sustainability #silverplate #grandmillennial #vintage #myvintagehome #myvintageabode #tiptuesday

Polish vintage indent ornament love. 🎄 . Rememb

Polish vintage indent ornament love. 🎄
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Remember to check the top of your ornaments for info. This one reads POLAND and was likely one of the many imported from Poland and Germany in the 1930s and 1940s before the USA started mass production in the mid 20th century.
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Watch my stories for more insights on my fave vintage ornaments.❄️
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #vintagechristmas #polishornaments #vintageornaments #novascotiavintage #homeinspiration #homestyle #passionforinterior #thriftedthis #thriftstorefinds #thritedfinds #chooseused #dopevintage #myeclecticmix #instavintage #eastcoastvintage #oldstuff #vintagegram #valuevillage #valuevillagefinds

Check your tops! . I’m sharing my tips in storie

Check your tops!
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I’m sharing my tips in stories for identifying vintage ornaments like these beauties from West Germany. Looking for a maker’s mark is the easiest way to know if you’ve got a real treasure on your tree. 🌲
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #westgermany #westgermanornaments #vintagechristmas #homeinspiration #homestyle #passionforinterior #thriftedthis #thriftstorefinds #thritedfinds #chooseused #dopevintage #myeclecticmix #instavintage #eastcoastvintage #oldstuff #vintagegram

Sharing my favourite vintage ornaments in stories!

Sharing my favourite vintage ornaments in stories! 🤳
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I have to caption and split into 15 second increments so I’ll be sharing in batches.
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These GDR-made silver balls are an extra special relic from East Germany — I’d guess 1960s based on condition and a few other details. Check out my stories for more on how to identify ornaments by era and let me know which are your favourites!
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #gdrornaments #vintagechristmas #vintageornaments #myvintagehome #myeclecticmix

Knock ✊ knock! I’m not done enjoying Christmas

Knock ✊ knock! I’m not done enjoying Christmas content so if you’re one of those folks who immediately clears away the holiday clutter, I’ll smell ya in the new year.
🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️🎄

Christmas morning strata in my most special #Pyrex

Christmas morning strata in my most special #Pyrex: the JAJ Snowflake. ❄️❄️❄️
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Anyone else love to spend their holidays in the kitchen? 👩‍🍳
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #pyrex #jajsnowflake #jajpyrex #inlandglass #vintagechristmas #christmas2020 #ecmmedia #strata

Milking these days of Christmas decor in the morni

Milking these days of Christmas decor in the morning light.
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #christmas2020 #cornersofmyworld #everysquareastory #darlingdaily #flashesofdelight #lifestyleblog #thatsdarling #stillswithstories #seeksimplicity #stilllifephotography #reclaimthehappy #pursuepretty #nothingisordinary #personalblog #lifeunscripted

My Grinchy heart has grown 3 sizes this Christmas.

My Grinchy heart has grown 3 sizes this Christmas. 🎄
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Merry Happy Joyful Holidays. ❄️ May your hearts be full today and every day this season and in those to come. ♥️
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#loveletterlifestyle #capebretonblogger #capebretonvintage #shinybrite #christmas #christmas2020

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Recent Posts

Object History Mystery: Iridescent Cordial Stemware

1

Object History Mystery: Iridescent Cordial Stemware

Introducing the Object History Mystery Series for Vintage Treasure Hunters

2

Introducing the Object History Mystery Series for Vintage Treasure Hunters

How to Rescue & Restore Thrifted Pyrex in 10 Steps

3

How to Rescue & Restore Thrifted Pyrex in 10 Steps

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