Mixing it up

A few weeks ago, my mixing bowl broke. It was a white stoneware bowl by the German company Asa. I have had it since I was in uni (so yes, I have had it for a long time...), and it has served me well: I love to bake, so it was used as an actual mixing bowl, it functioned as a salad bowl, and every now and then as a crisps bowl.

I found myself at a certain Swedish retail giant, about to purchase a new bowl. Suddenly it struck me: as a vintage lover, and occasionally seller, it seems absurd to buy a new, uninteresting, generic bowl.

We all know consumerism is killing the planet, right? In very short it means we need to buy less new stuff. Buying vintage makes that  possible, as it gives items a second chance. I love that about vintage.

I walked out of the store without a bowl and decided I will hunt for a great vintage one.

A quick online search showed me there are so many beautiful examples, like this ceramic bowl by Figgjo Flint, this enamel bowl by Finel, l or even this glass nesting set by Pyrex! I was thinking about using the yellow Italian fish bowl in my shop, but have decided against it because of the grooves in the pattern. 

As vintage aficionados, my husband and I buy many things vintage or second hand, but this mostly translates to decor and some furniture (And books. So many books - sorry hun).  In addition we have been buying high quality new items, with a classic design that will last for a long time, such as high quality pots & pans and a good cutlery set. One of my favorite Christmas gifts from my husband was a baby blue Le Creuset casserole pan. We have been using it for years. It is an absolute joy to cook in, also thanks to the fun color.

While I am on the hunt for the perfect mixing bowl, I'm also looking at other areas where I can buy vintage. Kitchenware is an easy one, because there is a lot of it around, and it can be cleaned easily. I'm also looking at vintage and second hand clothes, and I can tell you that it takes some effort, but there are amazing bargains to be had (hello vintage Moschino blazer for less than 5 euros!).

Of course I realize that these are only small steps, but it is good to think about this. The older I get, the more I start to ponder these things. If you have any tips about other things that can easily be bought vintage or want to share some amazing finds, I would love to hear!

If you are looking for cool vintage items to use in YOUR home, have a look at what I currently have on sale.

Pieces of the Puzzle

I know, I know, I just said I didn´t have time to blog... but I had to share this! 

Almost every "thrifter" I know has a list of ultimate finds. It contains items that would make your heart skip a beat if you would come across them in real life. Let alone if they are afordable too!

I practise my poker face every morning in the mirror (I can tell you, I need more practice), just so the dealer on the other end of the table doesn't know I am dying to buy their item.

The top spot on my list will always be a blue Roth vase. In imaculate condition. (Ha, like that's ever gonna happen!)

Furthermore, my top 10 contains a Ruscha 313 in Volcano glaze, Riihimaki uranium pieces, and a Bitossi puzzle vase. I love the wax technique that was used to create the puzzle pieces, and the colors are just great. It's a very sophisticated, but incredibly seventies colour scheme.

So... lo and behold what I found yesterday!

Isn't it wonderful? Added bonus is the beautiful shape. The decor works great on the circular body. It's a great design. I believe the design was by the great Aldo Londi. 

Sadly, I'm not allowed to keep it. We have strict collection rules, only Bitossi animals are allowed permanent residence in our family. Therefore, it will soon go in my Etsy shop. But yes, my heart did skip a beat when I spotted it.