Sunday, September 26, 2010

A New Normal


 We made it through our first week of empty nesting and am happy to say all is well.  My husband and I are finding a new normal and though things are different without our son around it's nice.


   One thing that has helped is the amazing technology available now which makes it so easy to stay connected through texting, facebook, iphone facetime and of course Skype.


We have also established a "new" routine for ourselves and have started each day with a brisk 45 minute walk along the bay.  


We've also tweaked our eating habits to include more vegetables and less sugar and carbs  which I think has gone a long way to support this transition we are going through.


But some things never change...
 and when the weekend rolls around it's all about the thrill of the hunt! 



I love to start out in the garage.


I was so impressed with the organization.








My husband told me the farmers back in Kansas would use old coffee cans to store their nuts & bolts like this.


Inside the house we were met by this enthusiastic 
helper


who was thrilled to see I could fit into these great vintage pumps, saying they were so "Mad Men".


On our way to the next sale we spied this beauty on the street.  Alas, we had to leave it there and move on but I couldn't resist jumping out and taking a picture of it.


This sale did not start until 10:00, so we took off for Sam & Mary's estate sale in Oakland.


They always have the best sales


and bring me to the coolest neighborhoods!




I always enjoy seeing the homes as much as I love finding the treasures.  This time though I left with just a couple things.


Leaving, we saw a sign that read "Vintage Treasures" which brought us to 3506 Woodruff Avenue in Oakland 


to a  most delightful shop called, All Things Vintage.


This immediately caught my eye and came home with me!


Take a look inside!





















They are only open 3 days a month but it's worth the wait and definitely worth a visit!
For more information visit their website at allthingsvintageoakland.com


19 comments:

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I so remember the estate sales that we use to go to religiously in San Diego, especially Rancho Bernardo. I still get emails from one co. of all the upcoming sales. My kids use to laugh in disgust when I'd take something home from someone that had passed away. I'm proud of you and your husband; your transition to empty-nesters has been such a positive one. We are finding our routine too. Need to work on healthier eating however. It's a new beginning isn't it? If our home would sell, then life would be vastly different.
Have a lovely Sunday evening, both of you!
xo xo

Anonymous said...

You don't have luck Terri - you have GENIUS~

A Perfect Gray said...

you live my dream life...


glad you are adjusting well. My husband and I just said this weekend - two more years with our only child...I tease that that I will be 'fine!' 'happy!' even. but I know I will cry everyday, at least for a while...

La Petite Gallery said...

great post, lots of good find..

yvonne

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wonderful estate and yard sales. Looks like there were some really good things to choose from. It is an adjustment to be an empty nester, but you do finally get use to it just about the time they come home. lol Hope you had a super weekend. Hugs, Marty

magnaverde said...

And if you ever change your mind about that great 1920 Chinese rug, let me know!

Unknown said...

You have the best treasure hunts! So glad to hear that your transitioning is going well!
xx

sealaura said...

I am so glad your first week as empty nesters has gone well! I like your new routine and the veggie intake plan. That's what I love about the start of school, we all get to start over and try new things or old ones!

Your pictures of the sales look like so much fun. It must be so hard to resist so many goodies. I am definitely smitten with those old cans and the repurposing.

Hope you have another great start to your week and GO BRUINS. Although I am an IRISH fan and alum I have a spot in my heart for the Bruins, being from LA and all!

vignette design said...

It's amazing how little time it takes to adjust to no kids! Glad you made it through the first week. I've got to get Skype. Number 2 son is in Italy and I need to see his face!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

It looks like you had a fun day and found some treasures. Have a great week.

Erica Cook said...

I've been thinking about you quite a bit and wondering how you're making out. Glad to hear that things are ok.
Also... do you have to keep posting these sales that make me so envious?? Um, can I please join you, at some point, so that I can buy one of these awesome treasures you come across? xoxo e

debra @ 5th and state said...

you cover some serious ground in an afternoon katie! enjoy the 2nd honeymoon
debra

lisaroy said...

It sounds like you're adjusting well and don't you just love Skype? Sure beats the hallway payphone my mom had to call me on while someone answered and came searching for me!
You seriously find THE BEST sales in your neck of the woods! All those vintage linens have me swooning! xo

Acanthus and Acorn said...

It is a big adjustment and I still have one at home! However, it has been amazing what we have knocked off since he left 6 weeks ago! This weekend is "family weekend" so we head off for a visit to see his face. He does the skype thing with his girlfriend who's at another college...gotta figure it out here!

Gwen Driscoll said...

Looks like so much fun. Glad you had a good weekend.

Anonymous said...

We're so happy for all of your wonderful, new changes... and even more happy that you are still hunting!

xo

E+J

Beach House Living said...

Glad you are trying out something new. It also sounds like Mr. La Dolfina is getting into being a treasure hunter as well.

Hamptontoes said...

Your post reminds that life is a journey with my chapters. Congrats on falling into a nice routine as soon as you became empty nesters. How lovely that you and your son can keep in constant contact.

Chats with Jack said...

Thanks for "hopping" over tonight! I'm so glad you did because your pictures are amazing and I'm hooked.

My oldest is turning 6 in January and I'm already freaking out a bit that 1/3 of his time with us is over. Enjoy the journey!