a pricey little hobby...

We love to antique. We antique at shops, shows and even on-line through CraigsList. The Kentucky antique scene is incredible! I inherited the trait from my mom and, over the years, have successfully converted Kris into an antique-lover, as well. I dread taking my kids into Meijer or Target for fear of how they might behave, but, almost monthly, we take them to a big antique show near our house and never worry about them breaking anything as they are now friends with all the dealers and have come to respect the furniture and collectibles. Well, either that, or nothing looks as shiny and new as it does at Meijer and Target so they just aren't that interested! :)

Our friend, Amanda, asked me to write this post. I am referring to her as Amanda as that is her professional business name, but really she has come to be affectionately known as Mandy, Midge and even Marge at our house. :) Her Sister, Sister post this week that she put together with Ashlie was all about their favorite piece of furniture. Each of them featured a different antique in their homes and I completely agree with her that antique pieces, while slightly pricier, hold more character and are more durable and well-built than much of the furniture sold at mainstream stores today. I guess I just feel more at ease bringing these pieces into my home knowing that they have already endured years of wear and tear somewhere else and survived, so they should be able to last through many more years of wear and tear in my own home.

After Mandy...ahem...Amanda sent me a message that she had posted about furniture, I spent way too long wandering around the house trying to decide what really is my favorite piece. Even though we have many pieces that hold sentimental value, it came down to a toss up between two pieces that Kris and I picked out together in recent years. And I finally decided on this one, because the other of the two was the giant desk we share, and posting it would have meant having to clean it off, and, well, I just didn't have it in me at the moment. (I know Mandy is cringing right now, as she is self-employed as a successful home organizer!) Anyway, here it is:

We acquired this china cabinet from a local shop soon after we moved to Kentucky and I was so excited to find a piece of furniture that could both protect and display my collection of antique china and crystal. It was a bonus that it blended so well with the table and chairs that were my grandparents' years ago. I love this piece and that we picked it out together and love that it just adds to the atmosphere of my current favorite room in the house.

I may have to do additional posts on this subject because we have so many pieces that have a story behind them that I hold dear. Thanks, Mandy, for making me stop and take a look at the furniture we've collected over the years.