Why is Jadeite Milk Glass so Cool?

 

Lovely Martha Stewart Jadeite Milk Glass Cake Stand

So, have you ever stumbled upon this absolutely dreamy, green glassware that just screams vintage charm? That, my friends, is Jadeite, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of collection that can make any kitchen or shelf look fabulous.

Vintage jadeite is like the cool grandparent of kitchenware. It's got history, it’s seen some stuff, and it’s still standing strong. Originating in the early 1930s, it hit its stride around the mid-20th century. People loved it not just for its aesthetic but because it was tough and reliable. Fast forward to today, and those vintage pieces are fetching high prices. You can also find new pieces of Jadeite on Amazon and at other retailers.

While vintage jadeite holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, the production of new jadeite offers an opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of this glassware without the hunt (or the price tag) associated with vintage pieces. Modern manufacturers have taken inspiration from the original jadeite, producing items that echo the charm and appeal of their vintage counterparts. These new pieces make it possible for anyone to incorporate the timeless elegance of jadeite into their home decor, regardless of their budget or access to vintage markets.

2am vs. 2pm

 Broken porcelain reused for this temple decoration.

 The weekend market in Bangkok, Thailand

We just returned from a trip to Bangkok, Thailand.  After seeing the mosaics at the spectacular temples in Bangkok, I now want to cover everything in colorful mosaics. I also did a fair amount of damage at the markets, they have the most excellent junk.
Sadly, our trip ended on a rather sour note, namely my sobbing like a baby in a bathroom at the Hong Kong airport. I won't bore you with the details, I'll just give you the low points. We thought we were two hours early for our 2pm flight from Bangkok to Shanghai. We were actually 12 hours late for our 2am flight. Who flies at 2am? Everything was sold out to Shanghai, so we flew to Hong Kong. We missed our connecting flights, I cried like a baby, we bought 12 one way tickets for four people. The worst part of this ordeal was the flight attendants storing my new pink carry-on case in the bathroom of the plane. Anyone want a pink carry-on case covered in funk?

Nie Hao and Xie Xie

It has been a very long time since my last visit. Facebook, YouTube, and Blogger are all blocked here, so it is rather difficult to post. It is hard to believe that we have lived in China for a year and a half. Sometimes it feels like we just arrived, and at other times it feels like it has been 100 years. It was quickly discovered that I no longer possess the ability to learn a new language, especially Mandarin. I finally scrapped my lessons and Mandarin teachers everywhere celebrated.

I have many new pals here and I drag them to the shadiest places I can find. Here are some photos from my latest outing.

 I am always a bit terrified that something is going to crawl up my pant leg here.

Places like this make me forget about all of the things I miss back home. I especially miss programs about hoarders, best TV ever. Is there something wrong with me? Drinkable tap water and buying shoes are distant memories. People will laugh and point if you require anything bigger than a size seven.

I have developed relationships with many of the vendors at my favorite antiquing street. Negotiations are done by passing a calculator back and forth. My favorite lady says "you killed me" when we finally  reach a price for an item. I have killed her on countless occasions.

Art Supplies In Shanghai

Aren't these pretty?

I am trying to figure out a project for these, any suggestions?

I picked up a lifetime supply of crepe paper! I loved the chaos in this booth.

I recently visited the indoor art supplies market in Shanghai. It is a crazy, cramped, and claustrophobic place. Some commonplace items are still hard to find here, but random weird items are plentiful. Packages of tiny people and paper mache fruit can be found in just about every booth. I single handedly cornered the world supply of crepe paper sheets!!! I will keep you posted on what I am going to do with all of it.

The Fabric Market

The Shanghai Fabric Market had been on my "to do" list since moving here, and I picked the hottest day of the summer to finally make the journey. It was an overwhelming experience of beautiful colors and patterns. I bought two silk pillows and I scoped out tailors to make some vintage inspired dresses for me. The prices are extremely reasonable and I may never buy off the rack again.

Antiques + Warehouse = Love

My first trip to an antique warehouse in China involved stepping over small piles of burning garbage and one dead animal. That said, I was still thrilled with what I found under all of the filth. Today I ventured to a snazzier warehouse, no dead animals and no fires. I bought an old basket (below) and the large pink papier-mache pot (pictured above). I can't wait to return with a few more coins in my pocket!

Big Stuff

The ones that got away

Giant Maos, you will be mine!!!

Migrating duck boats in Shanghai

You would think I would have learned my lesson! Why did I discuss with my husband my plan to buy a kiddie ride that was for sale in our classifieds? Blah, blah, where are we going to put it? Blah, blah, why do we need a kiddie ride? Blah, blah, how will we get it back to the U.S.? Sadly, the kiddie ride suffered the same fate as the Big Boy I wanted to buy in New York, and the vintage photo booth I was bidding on in Omaha, and the swan boat sale in Chicago's Lincoln Park.
My next big purchase is going to be large sheets, I will use them to hide the giant Maos and duck boat.

Shanghai Junk Shopping

 

The Notions Market

                                           

                                           

 Opera Prop Store

                                           

                                         

The Cricket Market

The Notions Market

It has been a very long time since I updated my pals. We moved from an apartment to a house last month. It is nice not having to hush Deke every second or tell Lulu to turn down her music.  I am hoping to meet more people in our new neighborhood, but I will have to wait a few more weeks for our neighbors to return to their homes. We are apparently the only people on our street toughing it out for the summer. I don't plan on leaving the house until the temperatures get under 100 degrees, so I can finally update my blog. I have pictures of our house, and photos of some of the things I have found to make it seem like our home. I can't wait to show you!!!

New Stuff

We are moving from our furnished flat to an unfurnished home in one month. I have the task of furnishing our new home in China in a very short amount of time. I lucked out with a wonderful shop in Shanghai called Kenas.  I could easily take two of everything!
We purged lots of furniture in Chicago before our move and put our collections in storage. I can see all of these pieces working beautifully in our home back in the States. I am guessing that we will have to rent an entire ship to bring everything back.

Trying To Butter Me Up?

I have been looking high and low for a large blackboard to use as our family calendar, just like we had in Chicago. Who knew this would be so difficult? I have found a few blackboards hanging in old shops, but the shopkeepers treat me like a serial killer when I try to pantomime that I want to buy their old beaten up board. Can you see that she is ready to use deadly force with a corn cob to get me to move along?

What's For Dinner?

I am going to start by showing you some of the pretty things in the grocery store across the street from our house. I love the colors of the Chinese sweets (above) and the cut pineapples (below) are less than $2.00 each!

I have no idea what kind of fruit this is below and how one goes about getting inside of it.

The dried fruits and flowers are for teas and have the most wonderful scent.

 I filled a bowl with dried citrus and it makes the room smell great.

 I tend to walk quickly through the dried & flattened fish area below.

I divert my eyes when I walk past this big basket of unknown food. 

My sympathy to the yaks????

Deke did not believe a word I said when I told him this was a pet shop in the grocery store. They have a variety of live snakes, turtles, and some surprisingly large frogs. I  have successfully avoided the tanks containing three of my phobias.

Grocery shopping has been fun and challenging. Packaging is obviously written in Chinese and sometimes I have no clue what is inside the package.  I was strolling the aisles and spotted a bottle of something called "Swallow" imagine my surprise when I discovered this was dishwashing soap.