My newest bad habit -- online auctions

 A few weeks ago, I shared a box of old photos I'd won in an online auction. Since then, I visit the auction site every morning, looking for more vintage gems. 

My first big purchase was an old metal dollhouse, just like the one I had when I was young. Maybe you did, too.

Except for a missing dormer roof, the house arrived in great shape. But it was empty. So the next step was to find furniture to fill it. As a kid, I collected "Petite Princess" sets, available at my local discount store. Could I find the same sets for sale? Of course I could!

I was thrilled to find the exact same pieces I had when I was younger. What I didn't recall, though, was that the furniture was too large for the dollhouse. They crowd the rooms and the grandfather clock is so tall, it has to stay outside on the porch.

So I continued shopping. I hoped my next purchase would fit better.

This time, the furniture (and slightly chewed people) were too small. Except for a huge playpen.

I wasn't giving up. I crossed my fingers and tried one more time. This set, happily, fits the house almost perfectly. Look at that vintage washing machine!

Thanks to their many metal joints, the happy couple can actually sit on the chairs and bend over the sink. They just need a little touch-up to make their faces less horrific.

In addition to dollhouses, I love old telephones, and there are plenty for sale. I snagged this toy Barbie phone, complete with tiny vinyl LPs.

Now I just have to figure out how to make it work! I've bid (and lost) on my dream phone:

And I wouldn't mind owning an old metal phone sign. But other bidders are willing to pay way more than I am.

And I have to confess, I would LOVE to own an old phone booth. But how much would it cost to ship it across country? Too much.

But what I really, really want is an old wooden library card catalog. There are a few up for auction, but again, how can I justify paying more for the shipping than the actual piece? Also, as my husband likes to tease me, what would I put in all those drawers? Still, a girl can dream....