I usually save the more 'personal' posts like this one for my Haus Maus blog, but I am way too excited about my recent flea market finds to not share on decor8 today. For those of you who may not know, my husband and I took on a second home here in Germany in addition to our New Hampshire home (primary residence) since we visit Germany 2-3 months each year and last year we got REALLY tired of always staying in a hotel suite. We wanted something that belonged to us, that we could furnish and decorate and live in while we're here. And we needed a place where we could stay whenever we wanted, not having to check in with the hotel to ensure dates were available. BIG PAIN. Last Fall, we decided to take an apartment and it was gut renovated and became ours officially in April. Of course we weren't able to come over right away, so we let it sit and wait for us over the summer and then we arrived the first week of August. We are still here and will remain until the 3rd week of December. We will then return back to New Hampshire to spend the winter and most likely, in the Spring or early Summer, come back over for 3-4 months. I'm guessing this will go on for the next few years so I'm really enjoying the experience of dual residency and western European living -- it's so nice to experience!

With all that being said, I've been working hard on our apartment here over the past nearly 6 weeks. I had to start from scratch, we only had floors and walls pretty much! It's been a really fun process, but I have to say that I've enjoyed the thrill of the hunt the most... hunting for furniture and housewares. Between Amazon.de, a few German websites I enjoy, and all of the local stores I shop here in Hannover, I'm doing great and staying within my budget. One great tip I must share though is that if you do decide to relocate to Europe one day yourself, don't pass up your local flea markets. Find out where they are the second you arrive. Also look at 'junk' shops. They are really great and filled to the brim with mid century modern furniture (mostly 1950s stuff) priced to sell. I recently purchased two 1950s bed tables (solid wood) at a local thrift shop for ?20- for both! They will be delivered this Thursday. I also found a beautiful mirror with lights for 100 Euros and some gorgeous white porcelain vases.

Here's a vase/flower pot that I found just yesterday for ?2,50- (that is around $3.60) that is a mid century piece. It's very Jonathan Adler I think. I thought the flowers gave her some much need hair. She is so stylish!

From the local flea market I found some coasters with lace dollies and glass. All four for ?1!

Here is another local flea market find. This is an old French plate with great colors and I adore the illustration on it. It has a hook for hanging, which is what I plan to do with it. It was priced ?32 but I got it for ?25.

This is a vintage ruler for ?1. I will use it on my desk to hold my favorite postcards (once I get an actual desk, that is). Another great flea market find I think. I love old folding rulers in yellow. No clue why.

This is a little desk lamp from the early 50's. It was ?25 but I got the seller down to ?20. I have a rule, if it's over ?8 I never pay full price. :) The vase is also from the flea market, ?7!

These two blue/white floral bud vases are so sweet, both for only ?1 at the flea market.

I found the best pink lantern candles and small crystal cube holders at the thrift shop yesterday, 20 candles and 3 cube holders for ?2.50. I like to light them in my window at night. The bowls, tea tins, and the lilac and white bowls are new. The tins are from House Doctor and the purple bowls are from Rice. I'm not sure of the company that produces the Lilac/White patterned bowls because they are not marked, sorry.

For ?1 I found this stone mouse that hangs on the wall. I will paint it a soft gray and place it near my front door since my husband calls me 'haus maus'. I can't tell you what a great flea market day I had this past Saturday but I think these photos express that -- it was just great. It's amazing what a few vintage finds can do to make a new apartment feel warm and loved. I will be in Berlin this Saturday so I won't be at the Hannover flea market this weekend, but I am attending a garden & home festival on Friday and a fabric bazaar here on Sunday, so if I find anything good I will post some photos next week.

Hope you enjoyed some of my flea market and thrift shop finds for the month!

(images from holly becker for decor8)