If you've seen American Pickers, you know how Mike and Frank scour the countryside for vintage and antique finds. Their travels have taken them to far-flung places across many  states. In case you didn't know, Mike has become a bona fide Tennessean, with a residence in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee and he's often spotted hanging out with our friends at Blue 32 in Columbia. So how did Sherri and I get started picking? And do we pick like the American Pickers? And where can YOU find great picking spots?  

The obvious answer: you haul it home, of course.

If you know me, you know I have a thing for anything with drawers and cubbies - the more, the better. (And a rather serious vintage mixing bowl fetish....but that's another story.) I've traveled hither and yon across the mid-state for card catalogs, usually just the 18-drawer stacking cabinets. hefty, but manageable, especially if you remove the drawers.

​Last week, a grand-daddy of a cabinet came my way, and to be honest, I'm still not sure how two of us actually loaded it in my Armada. Adrenaline, baby.

Now the question is, what to do with this 400-pound beast?

Last month, we explored the fabulous world of vintage drinking glasses - from swanky swigs for your morning juice to tumblers and goblets gracing your dining table. Barware encompasses some very specific and fanciful glassware, as well as other fun accoutrements like shakers, stirrers, measuring jiggers and zesters.

​Whether it's the novelty or nostalgia drawing you in, it is hard to resist the allure of a freshly made drink measured and poured by your favorite mixologist. As we ring out the old year and welcome the new one, we're resolving to make 2021 a year filled with more festivities and reasons to celebrate, make great memories, and share more joy and laughter.

This article was originally published by the Busy Bee Trader in their January 2021 issue. We are proud to create articles and advertise in this long-running  guide to antiques and boutique stores in the mid-south.

It's true that heirloom sets of delicate china are no longer in vogue. Brides aren't putting china on their gift registries, and all those place settings that were hand-washed with care, lovingly displayed and protected are no longer worth much, by and large. But that doesn't mean there isn't a market for certain pieces, namely teacups, silver teapots and spoons, and delicate linens. Here are some ways to use your existing pieces, or create a sweet collection of mismatched pieces that bridge the gap between the past and today's tables.

Do you love wrought iron settees and tables? Or maybe you hanker for a metal glider or rocker like you sat in as a kid at your grandparents home. Even concrete statues and planters from days gone by can add a touch of unique style and grace to your outdoor living space. Here's a quick rundown of what to look for when shopping for vintage outdoor pieces, and how to care for them to prolong their life.

Will the real McCoy please stand up? Or maybe it's Shawnee, or Roseville or even UPCO planters that grab your eye and heart when  you're out hunting through antique stores or estate sales.  Some of us gravitate to a particular color, others are interested in specific figurines, such as birds, lambs, dogs or baby boots. Then as now, these little planters make a great foil for a tender indoor plant. And this time of year, everyone could use a little promise of spring, in the form of a fern or cyclamen or African violet. Tucked in a vintage planter, it's the bees' knees.