Tips for Shopping Yard Sales and Our Latest Finds

Today, we’re sharing our tips for shopping yard sales and our latest finds from the treasure trail!

Last week, I had the chance to spend some uninterrupted time with my parents at Bliss Barracks.  Both of their schedules really start to pick up once the Fall season begins so it was fun to squeeze in some time with them before the hustle and bustle. 

While my Dad was on the golf course my Mom and I decided to visit Renninger’s in Mount Dora.  It’s a place we’ve visited many times before, but this is the first time we’ve ever been in the summer.  If you guys haven’t been to Florida lately, it’s scorching hot down here.

Shopping at Renningers…

My Mom and I usually attend the tri-annual Renninger’s Extravaganzas in November, January and February and they’re always tons of fun.  They’ve recently added a yard sale type event to their summer schedule in June, July and August though so we thought it would be fun to check it out.

Obviously, it’s not as big as the Extravaganza because those are major outdoor events.  That said, we found a lot of goodies. 

Honestly, we weren’t really looking for anything specific.  My Mom and I have been trying purge and organize our homes lately, so we selected each item with care. 

But you guys know how it goes when you’re not looking for anything, right? You wind up finding a few things you just couldn’t live without.

Our Latest Finds…

The first thing we found was this cane for a client’s home my Mom has been working on.  We did the install late last week and it was perfect!

My Mom found this gorgeous embroidered pillowcase and the details are amazing.  It wasn’t in perfect shape, but I think we’re going to be able to make a pillow cover out of it. 

The color has aged well over time and is really pretty.  I’m already excited to see how this project comes together. 

She also found this beautiful set of mother of pearl knives.

Another thing we found was this brown and white transferware bowl.  It was $20 and we could not believe it.  I plan to use it as part of the breakfast nook refresh as a centerpiece. Can’t you just imagine pumpkins in this bowl for Fall?

This large platter would be fun to use at the holidays too! It has a beautiful onion pattern all the way around it. 

I don’t know if you’re supposed to use it for spaghetti and meatballs or for turkey at Thanksgiving but that’s how big the platter is. 

I picked up this gray transferware plate for a song.  Most people I know either love crazing, or they hate it.  I’m in the love crazing category and this plate has lots of it.  It really makes for a pretty patina.

The Best Deals…

One of our favorite Extravaganza vendors happened to be at the yard sale event too.  He usually travels the country picking up treasures during the summer months to sell at the November Extravaganza.  His prices are always amazing!

My Mom immediately spotted this silver tulip vase,

and we picked up these two silver platters for just a few dollars each as well. 

We’ll probably leave the edges tarnished but we could always use our easy way to polish tarnished silver if we need another option.

These mounted antlers were less than $10 at the same booth.

I don’t know what it is about old brushes, but we can’t get enough of them in vignettes.  Vintage and antique paint brushes at the Extravaganza usually sell for around $8 each. 

At the yard sale they were $3 and $5 each. 

The Two Things We Couldn’t Live Without…

Finally, I found this piece of signed artwork for $10 and knew it had to come home with me.  While I adore all things equestrian, even I know that sometimes you can have too much horse stuff (wink wink).  I just couldn’t say no to this piece though. 

I’m pretty sure I’ll find just the right spot for it at my house but in case I don’t, we’ll be able to use it in several room makeovers at Bliss Barracks.  We’re still in the planning phase right now but my Mom found this vintage piece of fabric at an antique mall and totally fell in love. 

I can’t wait to see how all her plans come together now that she’s found her inspiration piece after months of searching.

The World’s Longest Yard Sale…

The World’s Longest Yard Sale will be taking place in just a few days and I know several of you are super excited about attending this year.  If you’re not familiar with this event, this yard sale is 690 miles long and travels through 6 states mostly along Highway 127.

This event is a bucket list item for so many treasure hunters but if you aren’t able to attend try finding an event a little closer to home.  Obviously, all yard sales are no created equally, but we’ve learned good deals can happen almost anywhere. 

Tips for Shopping Yard Sales…

• Be sure to stay hydrated while you’re shopping and pack a cooler with ice cold drinks when you can.
• Pack healthy snacks as you never know what food options will be available, especially if you’re shopping in small towns or off the beaten path.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and to wear a hat and sunglasses. Sun protection is key!
• Remember to pack tissues, hand sanitizer, flush-able wipes and moist towelettes as sometimes portable potties are your only bathroom option.
• Make sure you travel with a market tote or bag that will be comfortable yet sturdy enough to hold your treasures.
• Be sure to pack paper and bubble wrap for small items and blankets to protect larger items.
• Finally, cash is king! Vendors are starting a much better job at accepting credit cards but for the most part, they still prefer cash.

I hope these tips have helped! We’ve already found homes for most of the goodies we found on the treasure trail at Renninger’s and a few others we’ve packed away for upcoming room makeovers.

I can’t say we buy things at every yard sale or outdoor event, but the hunt is definitely what keeps us going back month after month.  It’s so much fun!

What types of goodies have you guys found at a yard sale or on the treasure trail lately? 

We’re always interested to see what types of things you guys pick up! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo