Wow. Just realized that it's been months since I've done any serious buying. I used to collect and resell for fun. More collecting than selling sometimes. Oh, I still frequent my favorite thrift store, and stop at an occasional sale, but no hardcore buying since we started looking at properties last summer. Then, once we got our new place, all my time and energy went there. I haven't had a no-holds-barred, sunup to sundown, antiques and collectible glut in ages! I'm actually sort of proud of myself. I definitely need less stuff, not more.
I did drag LJ to the local architectural salvage a couple weeks ago. I'm trying to go out with a purpose if I do head out shopping. Shopping for something specific instead of for whatever strikes my fancy... interesting concept. What I want right now is a set of andirons, preferably arts & crafts style. We have a woodstove, not a fireplace, but I want them to hold the wood we bring in the house. They'll need to have a fairly long shank, as I will need to put a rack across them to stack the wood on. The salvage place had quite a few sets. The only problem is that their prices are fairly outrageous. LJ would say, "they're really proud of their stuff". Exactly. No way I'm paying $300+ for damaged or hideous andirons. Ugh. They had less expensive sets, but still far too expensive for what they were. So, for now, I'm watching craigslist like a hawk.
As for less stuff, not more. This move has been a serious downsizing opportunity. Almost all of the Danish modern is going bye bye. Goodbye dansk, blenko, enamel, and west german pottery. At least most of it. Feels pretty good! I can't give up my book obsession, but I'm holding out against buying other things, for now. I sure miss it, but there's too much to do at the house. I'll be good. :)