Anyone up for a little story time? I hope so, because boy do I have a whopper of a story for you today! So it all started on a warm and sunny Saturday morning in June. I was drinking copious amounts of coffee, as usual, and browsing Craigslist for treasures. Being that it was Saturday I decided to pull up the handy garage sale category and I was pleasantly surprised to find a barn sale just a few miles from my house. Now, let me clarify. This was not just your normal, every-day-run-of-the-mill-garage-sale. No, this was a BARN sale my friends–which meant there was sure to be fabulous vintage treasures waiting for me. I jumped off the couch, shrieked in excitement, and began a frantic search around the house for cash and spare change. Since having cash on hand isn’t really my strong suit, I wasn’t able to find much. But I managed to scrounge together about fifteen dollars. And that was good enough. We loaded up, kids and all, and took off for the barn sale. I don’t know if you guys can relate to this, but these kind of things make me extremely excited. Like over the top excited. I was giddy like a kid on Christmas morning as we drove to that barn sale. I just knew something great was waiting for me. I could feel it. And then we pulled up to the sale….and my heart sank as I looked around to see a very small selection of random tools, lawn mowers, baby toys, a miniature trampoline, and random junk sitting around a big red barn. It sure wasn’t what I had hoped for, but we got out and started to look around. After just a few minutes it was apparent that this barn sale was actually just a glorified garage sale. Oh the trickery! I was so bummed, but I made myself look around just in case something great was hiding. Nope. Nada. Not one treasure to be found. I was crushed. I started to walk back to our truck when I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. Inside the barn, tucked away in a little corner, sat not one, but two antique wooden sleds. My eyes about popped out of my head. I couldn’t believe it. I casually walked over to them, you know–playing it cool, and realized that these sleds were the real deal. 100% real, vintage sleds. I had to have them. Again, acting as casual as possible, I slyly asked the seller how much the sleds were. She shrugged her shoulders and said, “Oh, how about $5 each?” I almost passed out right then and there. I took out my money as fast as my hands could go and paid the women her $10 for both sleds. Then I skipped off with my (very heavy) wooden sleds and lived happily ever after. It was glorious. Today, I get to show you one of those sleds!
Ta-da! Here is sled #1. She’s a beauty, right? I still cannot believe I scored this for FIVE BUCKS. Honestly, I almost feel bad about it. But you know what they say–one lady’s trash is another lady’s treasure. I definitely won that day!
I actually didn’t plan to put this sled in our entryway. A few weeks ago I was bringing both sleds into the house to find a place for them and just happened to lean this one up in this spot. I left it there for a few days while I worked on a few other things and then realized it doesn’t look so bad here, so I went with it. That happens a lot actually.
How adorable is this Reindeer Feed Grain Sack? I loooooooove it. I got this one from Farmhouse Wares, you can find it here. And the best part is it’s only $12. WINNING.
Well that’s our simple, vintage entryway. It’s a small space, so I don’t have a ton of room to work with, but I really like sprucing this area up as the seasons change. And that sled is the star of the show here, obviously. I hope my story today taught you a little lesson–no matter how bad the garage sale looks, no matter how junky it seems, get out and search for a treasure. It’s probably there, just waiting for some vintage-loving-lady like you to come along and scoop it up!
Thanks a million for stopping by my blog today, it means sooooooo much to me!
Don’t you just love an unexpected great find!
Your entry looks wonderful.
I’m in love with the vintage sleds. I have to find one. Oh I WILL find one.
I absolutely love that sled. That was an amazing find. I would love to find one that cheap. Your entry looks beautiful. Love it.!!
Looks fantastic!! I love it!! I wish I could find things like that! Wow you are a lucky girl!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much Abby. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
Sarah, wow what a steal for you. That makes it such a great day. I actually have the same vintage sled and i can’t wait to put it out for Christmas. I will be putting it outside on my porch but am so afraid someone may want to walk off with it (like roudy kids, LOL) so I am going to have to secure it. I love what you did with it and the Reindeer Feed Bag. Have a blessed Tuesday.
Hi Doreen! I was thinking about putting my other sled on our front porch too–but you’re right, I am worried someone might try to swipe it. Securing it would probably be a wise idea. Thanks for the tip!
Looks so pretty- I just love it! Great story!
Thank you Hilary!
Can you say SCORE?! ???? That is awesome and the sled is gorgeous! Looks fab-u-lous in your entry way!! So festive and Christmasy….it’s a word, right??
SCORE is right! And heck yes, Christmasy is definitely a word Jana!
Love everything about your entry!
Thank you so much Morgan!
Your entry is beautiful. Congratulations on the sleds.
Marilyn
Thanks Marilyn, definitely one of my best finds!
What a lucky find. I love your entry way.
Joan
Thank you so much Joan!
I have one like it I prop up in the corner next to my front door. I put greenery, red berries on it and leave it out till end of February. I must be a vintage antique too…..haha…..we used that kind of sled when I was a kid in the 60’s ???? Love the reindeer bag too!!
That’s a perfect spot Mary! I was thinking of putting the other sled I bought on our front porch too.
I had a sled like this when I was a kid, oh how I wish I had it now!!! You sure did score on your sleds, good for you! It looks awesome!
Oh I wish you had it too Brenda, that would be so special to have your childhood sled!
Awesome story. Don’t you just love when that happens . I love your entry way it’s just fab!!!
Thanks Teresa, these kind of finds make me so giddy. Can’t wait for yard sale season!
Gorgeous! I especially love the reindeer bag! So creative! Ok…now come to my house and work your magic:)
Gorgeous! And, great story, too … love the sled … and everything else! So Christmas cozy!
I loved reading your story. I know just how you feel when you find the perfect treasure. I get that feeling too. Butterflies in my stomach. I’m heading for a vintage Christmas market tomorrow. Don’t know if I will sleep tonight. Your sleds are beautiful.
*Smiles*
Oh thank you so much Pamela! Good luck at your Christmas market, I hope you find lots of treasures!
I still have my ” vintage sled” for when I was kid. I put it out on the front porch last year with a red bow and ice skates. Very cute. I also was worried someone would walk off with it since it is a part of my childhood.
Hi Alice! That’s a great idea. I’d like to put my other sled on our front porch too, but I’ma also worried about someone walking away with it. How cool you have one from your childhood, what a keepsake that would be!
Thank you it is. Loved your story, you never know what you might find in a barn sale..
I LOVE this story, Sarah!
Hello, I love the entry and all of your finds! But what also caught my eye was….the boots! What brand are they? ; )
Thank you!
Hi Kimberly! Those are Timberland boots. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I finally made the investment in a good pair of boots and bought those 4 years ago. They’re seriously so comfortable. I wear them 3-4 times a week in the fall and winter and they’ve held up sooooo well. I can’t say enough good things about them. I don’t think these exact ones are sold anymore, but this pair is very similar: https://rstyle.me/n/cck4f9b6hgf
Yes, I agree with everyone that your entranceway is fabulous. I love the warmth and old school feel it has. You nailed this.
Where did you get the bells on the sled? Been looking high and low without having to sew them on.
As always BEAUTIFUL!!!