Thank you for finding That Old House amidst the chaos of the Internet. We are delighted that you are here.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Peach Pie and Vintage Craigslist!

Ummm... peach pie and vintage furniture bargains -- I'm having a grand Friday here at That Old House. Join me on a whirlwind tour of crazy Craigslist bargains, and then settle down for a slice of my daughter Anne's delicious peach pie!

***************************************

When we moved to That Old House last year, we had an extra 1200 or so square feet to fill, compared to our last house. Thus began my love affair with Craig -- whoever he is -- or more accurately, with his amazing creation -- Craigslist -- a giant free online garage sale.

***************************************

So today I am Hooked On Craigslist, and sharing a Peach Pie my daughter Anne baked. (Kids who can cook and clean are the pay-off for those years of diapers and spit-up.)

Toddle over to Julia's Hooked On Houses to read of other obsessions (click here!) . . .

and for some summer recipes that will get you into the kitchen visit
Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday (click here!).


If you like old stuff, and you don't mind looking past dust, scratches, bad photography and other funk to see the diamond in the rough, then Craigslist hunting is for you. I am lucky enough to live in an area where there are hundreds of new Craigslist postings each day, so I thought I'd share some with you.

I find the richest picking in Northern New Jersey. I have no idea why; I try surrounding areas, including New York City, but rarely find the same sort of bargains.

So, before we dig into the Peach Pie, I want to share some current Craigslist listings.

I've put some pictures here, taken from Craigslist (please don't turn me in!). Some are just links, and for any real junk junkies among us, I've got links (and links and links) at the end of the post.


All the links were active when I put them up -- but as things sell, the links are removed. Just so's you know!

The first one is a little surprising; I didn't realize how cute it is, till I really looked, and saw it in a different setting. . . Small wooden table -- clearly handmade, love the "spikes" between the legs.

Great for an Adirondack-style cottage, a camp in the woods or mountains -
and I'll bet, with all those nails, it is as strong as can be.


Great old desk, and with new paint would be a looker ...

Can you see it as a vanity? Look at the details -- ogee feet, and columns along the sides of the drawers.
Great looking brasses, rather French in feel.

Another desk
, may be the same seller. A very different feel --
this one looks as if it would be at home pinch-hitting for a sideboard.


This is a big, big mirror
-- and painted white or the color of your choice,
would be a knockout. And the seller says those magic words... "best offer."

Listed as "Patriotic Table." I had to look -- and so do you. You never know what you will find.

Now this is the kind of listing I love. Clearly it's in need of TLC --

but look at it! It's a classic. There is a missing wheel -- no problem; take off the other three. Who needs wheels on an end table? Paint this puppy off-black -- and you've got a piece that would look at home in a sophisticated setting. It's got great lines.
And it's ten dollars, folks! Ten dollars!

You may need to sit down now... all this bargain hunting is exhausting.
How about these wicker armchairs? $40 each. . . .

Some people write rather rambling explanations... but this bed -- provided the rails
and headboard really do exist -- would be stunning with a fresh coat of paint:

Look at the carving -- gorgeous!


Now I know I promised a free china cabinet listing -- but it has disappeared from Craigslist,
which means it has been taken. Boo! But here's what it looked like:

Not bad, eh?

Sometimes you find an ugly duckling and then realize it's got the Right Stuff:

This end table has strong French Empire lines -- and could paint up very nicely indeed.
And, best of all -- it's $15.

And here's a chest of drawers that would make a terrific sideboard:

Yes, really -- it would. It's got all its drawers, and while it needs some tender loving care, it's not hopeless. And look those lines! Construction workers would whistle at it if -- well, if they were other pieces of furniture.

This baby has a serpentine front, and what looks like barley twist roping along the sides. It's a quality piece. Needs handles, needs its finish restored, or a good coat of paint.
My dining room sideboard was in far rougher shape than this. And ... this one's only $25.

This little table makes me smile, and it just might have to come and join us here at
That Old House. We get so darned many magazines!

Love the sideways photography!
Can't you see this, freshly painted, in our study?



This fella's been around the block a few times, but he's got great classic lines. Well worth rescuing.

Despite the unusual photography, I think this corner cabinet is an amazing buy for $35.


Plus, it says it's great to display dishes. Dishes!

Another dresser, for $25. Would clean up or paint up nicely.

I know, I know, it says $50 on the headline, but it's $25 in the body of the text.

And because I am running out of time ... at the end of this post are just some quick links to more Craigslist bargains.

*********************************************

Well, all this stealing photos has made me hungry ... Time for Annie's Peach Pie.



Crumb Topped Peach Pie

Partially-baked pie crust
Enough cut-up fresh peaches to fill the crust (Anne used 5)
1/2 cup sugar (Anne used 1/3 cup Brown Sugar Splenda blend)
1/4 cup flour
Tsp. cinnamon

Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar (or 1/3 cup Splenda & Brown Sugar blend)
2 Tbs. butter
1/2 chopped nuts (which Anne didn't use 'cause Howard doesn't eat them)

Toss peaches, sugar, flour and cinnamon in a bowl, mound into crust, dot with little bits of butter. Cut flour, sugar and butter together with a pastry cutter or forks to make little crumb-y bits, add nuts if you want them, and put the topping on the peaches.

Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, then lower oven to 375 and bake another 20 minutes.

It may need an extra 5 -- you don't want underdone pies, ick. Take it out, let it cool a bit, enjoy with ice cream or whipped cream. Yum.


And just in case you haven't had enough of Craigslist.... here are more links -- follow them if you are curious, but don't forget to go to Foodie Friday and Hooked On for other great stories! -- Cass

Check this one out ... it's a $50 china cabinet by a good manufacturer...

vintage twin bed, rope

Antique Doors -- have you seen recent magazine pieces around turning them into headboards?

Pottery Barn Iron Benches, 2 -- OK these are adorable! On a sunporch or deck?

2 kind of funky chairs

1 rather adorable chair

gorgeous antique iron outdoor set -- OK not cheap -- but wow, I would love this set!

antique child's rocker
-- may actually be a nursery rocker, like the one I got from my grandmother. It's got nice age on it -- looks like the real thing, and may be a converted straight chair -- the rockers seem an afterthought.


Old twin sleigh bed

Old dresser .. ten bucks!

Old side table -- classic and $20


Old chest -- hope chest and $20 -- would look great painted, as a coffee table in a family room.

Enamel table, 4 chairs
... I think these may be coming home to That Old House -- we had chairs identical to these in our summer house when I was a kid. My mom painted them watermelon pink to match the refrigerator (which she had also painted watermelon pink).

I could go on and on and on ...
But instead, a quick disclaimer -- I don't get any profit from touting these Craigslist listings. And -- more importanly -- be very cautious dealing with Craigslist listers. There are finks out there, although thankfully they are not the norm.

Look at the item before paying, and never ever ever ever go alone! Be as anonymous as possible. I hope you enjoyed this silly Friday post -- have a wonderful weekend!

26 comments:

  1. Cass, this is my favorite kind of post... antiquing and dessert! And that peach pie looks great as does the potential to find something I love on Craig's List. I'm going to have to check it out on your recommendation. THANKS!

    Happy Foodie Friday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. What fabulous finds on Craig's List. I could use one of those fabulous dressers. Too cute. Your pie looks absolutely delicious. How lucky are you that your daughter is such a great cook. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! Fun!
    I found a fun barn sale today. Chelsea got a corner shelf. She is happy...I got wall art...I am happy.

    Now, maybe to Craig's list for end tables.

    Thanks for your kind comment on my last post. It was an emotional one to write.

    Becky K.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The peach pie is devine looking! We love your house - it's fantastic!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Much as I love peach pie the super deals are the things I am lusting over here.
    Please buy everything listed, put it in a trailer and drive it up to my house in Canada please.
    Oh yes, if you like you can paint it all first.
    Thank you, and don't forget to bring the pie too. I'll buy the ice cream because you have done so much.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love craigslist and peach pie!

    My favorites finds on craigs are the free curbside listings, when someone lists something they will leave on the curb in front of their home for a free pickup. I've done several listings like this myself, it's a great way to recycle rather than having something end up in a landfill. You know what they say, one man's trash is another's treasure!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Cass
    Your Craig's list is much better than ours is! Good thing really because it helps me to not buy more stuff I don't need!
    Hugs, Rhondi

    ReplyDelete
  8. Shopping for a great bargains and food!!!My kind of fun. :-) Some good prices on some of those pieces. I rarely look at the listings for my area - I am out of room here. My Sister shops Craigslist a lot (or use to ) and they have got some real good buys.
    No - you were not being nosey. :) You just sound like a caring person. It is better today. It hurt for a while when it first happened,, but is ok now. Thanks for asking and your compliment on the jewelry. Have a great weekend.:-) Time to find lunch - the pie made me hungry.
    Glenda

    ReplyDelete
  9. OH how wonderful are these finds! Can yo find me some great stuff here in knoxville? I never can do that with Craig. ;)
    The peach pie looks so good, and doesn't pie make you smile!!! Pie fixes everything!

    Hope you have a great weekend! Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh yeah, we both love craigslist! I actually did buy some antique wooden doors from CL last year with the intention of making a headboard. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So...just to be clear...all the great stuff on Craigs List....Would anyone like to guess who gets to carry everything? So what I'm saying here is please tell Cass she can get anything she wants on Craigs List as long as It's not much bigger than a bread box :)
    The pie was realy realy realy good.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi again, Cass. Somehow I've never looked into what's available on Craigslist in my area. I'll definitely start checking. Thanks for the inspiration!

    The pie looks delicious (as did the soup in your previous post)!!!
    Best regards,
    Bill

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Cass! I love that darn Craigslist. If you go to my blog and scroll down a few you will see the little white steel rocking love seat that I bought last week. It was rusty, and I spray painted it red, and oh my it is so precious. One man's trash is truly another man's treasure. Ofcourse I have to admit, I would take a slice a peach pie over Craigslist any time. Country hugs, Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  14. You made the peach pie, and I made peach ice cream..a perfect pairing..
    Love all your Craig's list finds. I know you didn't buy them all..(did you?)
    You would need a great big truck...
    I am into white wicker for my porch..I have to go check the chairs you mentioned!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love Craigslist. When I moved back east from San Francisco I sold almost my entire furnishings and household items on Craigs list. It amazed me what people would buy. I could not donate our bed to charity due to some mattress law and I gave it away free on Craigs list which saved me the cost of having someone pick it up and take it to the dump. Oh now onto that pie. I make 1 peach pie every August and basically eat the entire pie myself:) I am so thankful that after one piece my husband does not want any more:) I am so bad!
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love to furniture shop with you. You pulled together some great selections for us AND that pie looks almost indescribably good. Thanks for sharing it all with us. Have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Okay, I am ready for a piece of that peach pie. I have been wanting peach pie for ages now. I guess I will have to get off my lazy butt and make one. Thanks for the recipe

    ReplyDelete
  18. LOL you crack me up!

    You have wonderful vision

    I am not very original or see the potential like so many like you.

    Have a great weekend!

    TTFN~~claudia

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow! You do have a lot of great stuff in your area. I am a Craigslist newbie. I was looking for a cabinet for the lake, found several and then realized I was looking in the Chicago area. LOL!! Like I want to rent a truck to get it up to the lake!! So I have to start again.

    I really love the wicker armchair and I was so surprised when you said one of those last pictures was an empire cabinet. I have one almost identical and didn't know the name or what it was used for. It does make a great TV stand and the flip down door holds a DVD player.

    That pie looks great. Tell Anne I said so. I love a recipe that is simple and I love anyone who knows well enough to substitute Splenda for sugar!

    xoxo
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  20. Cass, Thanks for the comment on my blog. Yes, it is great to meet a Jersey girl!!! (-:

    I am in LOVE with your house!!! My house is actually in a small little town and it is "victorian" style as least from outside appearances...it is only about 100 years old though, and much much smaller than yours!

    Your house is AWESOME! I would really LOVE to have a much larger beautiful house like yours! (-:

    Glad I found your blog, can't wait to see all your home improvements. By the way, I loved your master bedroom paint color!

    ReplyDelete
  21. OMG, I think that desk belonged to my husband :)

    Fun post and what great finds!

    The peach pie looks even better :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Cass! I love Craigslist and have bought quite a few items of furniture! I believe your area has better prices than around here! I do go look just to look almost every day!
    Now that peach pie looks and sounds delish!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh my goodness, my head is spinning! That Craig is a wonderful man. I'm going to have to move back East to take advantage of these deals!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, I am so impressed! Never done business with Craig, but I am tempted. Tell us a little more (another great post?!) for the squeamish like me who have never bought anything from a service this. Do you go to their homes to buy etc.? Inquiring minds want to know :)
    Great post...oh, and I will be right over for my slice of peach pie! Yum-o!

    Misha

    ReplyDelete
  25. OK, I'm totally sold on Craig's List now! I have never even seen their site but you would think that in Dallas I could find plenty of good stuff!
    And that house .... it's so fantastic, I can't wait to have time to read your whole blog!! Thanks for visiting me.
    Cheers, Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cass,
    I am on Craigs list at least twice a week! I love what you found, I have to look in the Twin Cities area ( which is 2 hours from us) but it's where I find the best deals and selection! You got me back on Craigs list with all your wonderful finds!! Thanks for the wonderful post and wow! peach pie made by a daughter! Hugs, cindy

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting That Old House; it's always exciting to find new comments -- they are treasured! Because of increasing spam, I have reluctantly eliminated "Anonymous" commenting. Legitimate anonymous commenters, please forgive me! You might try using "Open ID" instead. Blogger's spam software worked for a good long time, but, sadly, no longer.