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Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Did somebody say AUCTION?!

July 25, 2012 by Bethany Sy

Yesterday, Nick and I headed into the kitchen (each holding a girl) to scrounge up something to feed the babes and ourselves. And Nick says in passing ‘did you know there’s an auction in town tonight?’

An auction? Like where they have sweet old pieces of furniture and random little nick-knacks?

me: ‘what time?’

Nick: ‘five o’clock’

me: ‘that’s in 9 minutes’

So naturally, I whipped up some sandwiches, and we threw the critters in the car and took off for the auction! After last night, I consider auctions right up there with garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. Count me in!

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I can’t keep my eyes (or my hands) off that fine piece of cowboy holding my offspring.

OK! So check out our finds!

We have an old Duncan Phyfe table that’s been taking up room in our basement for a long time, cause there’s no sense in fixing it up if there’s no chairs to go along with it. But now, there’s nothing stopping us! I love that the backs are high, they’re unique, and they’re solid wood! Things were built so much better back in the day. Can’t you picture these babies with new foam cushions with a cheerful fabric?!

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We also snagged this huge antique frame that will be a perfect fit for our massive picture of the twins as newborns. We need to have it professionally matted though. And I haven’t decided if I’ll paint it, or maybe just glaze, or just leave it (GASP!).

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I stepped out to tend to some baby-related mishap, and while I was gone, Nick picked up this old can of buttons! My man knows I love me some buttons! We spent a good half hour picking through them when we got home. So many buttons… each different, and with stories we’ll never know about.

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And finally, my favorite purchase of the night… this S.W.E.E.T old map of North America! We’re pretty sure it came out of a school or something. I can’t say we know exactly what we’re going to do with it yet. But it’s OURS. And it’s AWESOME.

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It was HOT, but the atmosphere was wild! And the girls loved all the action! They got Peeeee-LENTY of attention from other auction-goers.

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And Nick and I scored some great finds for stellar prices! I think we’re going to be regulars! Guess who has a new hobby! MEEEE!

About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 12

    Anonymous says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Please don’t paint the frame— Argh!!!

    Reply
  2. 13

    de says

    July 29, 2012 at 1:14 am

    I discovered auctions when I was pregnant with my first child – that was the winter of 1977-78. I love outdoor auctions the best and am always on the look-out for estate auctions in the Des Moines area at least one weekend a month.

    Reply
  3. 14

    suzieQ says

    July 27, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    Have to second Tobey’s comment that your husband is such a keeper and cute to boot.
    Things were made so much better in the past. This afternoon, I went to The Old House Parts Company in Kennebunk, Maine to look for a knob for a candle box. The detail, heft, beauty and quality of the majority of the items was unbelievable! I ended up purchasing 3 knobs and two pieces that were meant to cover screws on a bed, those items looked like jewelery, they were so pretty. Same thing with old buttons-can you believe how beautiful buttons were back in the day? No wonder people saved them.
    I just adore old things and you found some great items, especially the map and those chairs. Show us how you updated them and I’ll add my 2 cents, leave the frame without paint, those babies are all that needs to be added for the perfect focal point.

    Reply
  4. 15

    Meagan B. says

    July 26, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    I need those buttons too!! I’m going to try to get crafty for my girls’ room and do their initials in buttons on fabric-wrapped canvas a la Pinterest. Wish me luck!

    Reply
  5. 16

    Meagan Dobbs says

    July 26, 2012 at 2:18 pm

    So glad you had fun! 🙂 I will take some credit for reminding you about our local auctions! 😉 jk! But a little jealous! I’ve been looking for a jar of buttons FOREVER, you lucky duck!

    Reply
  6. 17

    Anonymous says

    July 26, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    I love the map! you could use it wall paper the bathroom? or the girls room! Mary in NY

    Reply
  7. 18

    Leslie Shelton says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:51 am

    Map – awesome find! I just picked up a 4×5 foot old schoolhouse, real slate chalkboard at Goodwill for $10.99. Many people don’t understand the purchase..but it looks awesome in the family room, and my grandchildren will enjoy it for years to come. In the meantime, my teenage son (who ridiculed the purchase) and his friends are having fun with it…even though they won’t admit it!

    Reply
  8. 19

    Ally says

    July 25, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    Aren’t auctions awesome! Unfortunately you can get caught up in the excitement and bid excitedly on a mouse infested leopard print chaise. Like I did. While my husband tried to grab my wildly flailing hands. Looks like you scored though. Need a chaise?

    Reply
  9. 20

    Tobey says

    July 25, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    I love auctions but tend to get carried away lol. you scored some great items, love the chairs can’t wait too see what you do with them. I have to say a man that looks through buttons with you and knows what you like and reads to you and works on projects with you. You probably know what a rare find you have, but I have to say you are a lucky lucky girl. I love my hubby but he would never do any of those things. the only thing he has ever read to me is crude joke out of easy rider. I would have drooled over your gorgeous little girls too. hugs Tobey

    Reply
  10. 21

    Jacklin says

    July 25, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    Ahh! This is kind of crazy. That auction house is about five miles from my parents’ home. I was looking at the pre-auction photos on their website and fell in love with that map instantly– So much so that I asked my dad to see if he could pick it up for me, and was just about to call and ask if he had when I saw your post. I guess I know what his answer would have been. 🙂 Glad to see it’s going to a good home!

    They have GREAT stuff. I’ve been following your blog for a while, and we seem to have similar tastes. Coincidentally, almost all of my furniture was bought there!

    Reply
  11. 22

    Jacklin Stonewall says

    July 25, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  12. 23

    yorkess247 says

    July 25, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    This is awesome!! Makes me want to go find an auction somewhere!! Great finds. LOVE that map! So jealous, been scouring online antique stores to try and find one for my son’s playroom!

    http://meigonbeingamomandwife.wordpress.com/

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
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