Snow for Christmas!

We already had snow on the ground when we got a few inches on Sunday.  Today it is so blustery cold that you can't spend more than a minute outside without freezing.  It is so unbelievably cold.

I thought I would share photos of my yard/garden in the snow.  I don't cut down or clean up anything until the spring.  I like the look of dried flowers with the snow on it.  The leaves protect the plants from freezing and thawing so that they can survive the winter.  I look forward to the cleanup work in the spring. 

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!  Have fun on your pathtojunkentreasure.

Creating....Necklaces

Yesterday I made 4 necklaces.  I'm loving the creative process and the results.  The necklaces are fantastic.  I had to keep the long stranded pearl one.  I fell in love with it.  It is so me.  My tastes keep changing and growing.

I used rhinestone pieces, clip earrings and other spare pieces to create the necklaces.  It's soooo much fun to see how treasures fit together.  Like they were meant to be.

I know that I'll be looking for pieces to create more jewelry as I go through my pathtojunkentreasure.  I would like to make rings next.  Keep checking back......

Today I went through my thread collection.  When I collect, I collect.  I can't stop at just 1 or 2.  It's usually way overboard since if I like something, I really like it.  Until my tastes change.  Anyway, I have over 150 vintage wooden spools of thread that I'm going to put on Ebay.  They are beautiful colors in cotton and silk.  They would be great displayed in a glass jar.  I know that someone else would love those. 

Creating.........Jewelry

With my Christmas shopping and decorating complete, I wanted to start on some projects that have been sitting for a while.  I really want to start making vintage inspired jewelry and have been saving treasures to do that.

So, yesterday I sat down to try my hand at creating.  I made 3 bracelets and am so excited with the results.  I am tempted to resume my Etsy store in 2014.  I used vintage screw back and clip earrings, charms and necklace pieces to design these bracelets.  They lay nicely on my wrist and wear well.  I am hoping to try my ideas on necklaces soon.

I placed them on a seashell mirror frame that I'm using as a tray.  I found the mirror last week at the Ridgefield Antique shops in Ridgefield for $12 (near Crystal Lake) while looking for Christmas ornaments.  I can't pass up seashell anything no matter the time of year.  The bracelets look really nice laying on the mirror for these pictures. 

I'm also going to start making pillows again for different seasons.  I love to change out the pillows.  It can change the whole look of the room.  JoAnn Fabrics is having a big sale so I'll stock up on zippers and thread.  I'll keep you posted......

Christmas Gifts

The kids and I spent a wonderful day with my Cousin Barb in Deerfield.  We always go out for a special lunch before opening presents.  This year, we went to Cheesecake Factory.  I always wanted to go there.  I have to say that the Adam's Peanut Butter cheesecake ripple was fabulous.  I love peanut butter and it was peanut butter paradise.  Austin got the Smore's cheesecake, Ethan got the Hershey's Chocolate Bar cheesecake and Barb got the Chocolate Raspberry cheesecake.  We sampled each other's just to make sure we weren't missing anything. 

Barb gave us some wonderful gifts, but I wanted to show you 2 in particular.  One is a metal cuff bracelet that is made out of vintage license plates.  It has New Jersey on it.  The picture doesn't do it justice since I couldn't fit in the words.  It is too cute.  The second gift is a collection of elf ornaments and figures.  I love elf figures.  These are great!  I already added them to my shelf display.

Here is something to look forward to:  A Vintage Market on April 25-26 in Rockford.  They are on Facebook.  I have gone to one of their sales when it was in a house.  Now they are having the sale in a farm field.  There are so many great vintage treasures and hand made items that there is definitely something there for everyone.

Proven Winners is having their gardening event on February 1 at Boerner Botanical Garden in Hales Corner Wisconsin.  It is a fun event but a little pricey.  Tickets are $70 per person.  You do get lunch and a bag of stuff.  Check it out at:  www.provenwinners.com

Estate Sale Treasure Hunting

I did stop at the Caring Transitions estate sale in Crystal Lake today.  I only had to wait outside in the cold for about 30 minutes.  The rooms were so tiny but there were some nice treasures.  I bought a wonderful vintage wire bell shaped mistletoe holder that had vintage ball ornaments around the bottom and dried mistletoe still inside.  I loved it!  I don't have anything like it.  For now, I have it sitting on top of some vintage ornaments.  It does look nice there.

Since I was in the treasure hunting mode, I stopped at Savers in Crystal Lake.  I hadn't been there in awhile.  They had lots of Christmas items but not much else on the shelves.  I did find a milk glass grape pattern bowl by Westmoreland for $5. 

Marshall's in Crystal Lake will be closing its doors the middle of January.  I'm going to make it a point to stop there to see what treasures I can find.  I really like that store.  There doesn't seem to be another one that close by.  I'm sad to see it go.

Vintage Treasure Hunting

Every Christmas, I make sure that I visit the Colonial Antique Mall on Lake Street in Woodstock.  I am bound to find some great Christmas treasures there.

Yesterday was my day.  Not only did I find some treasures, but I saw a few friends.  What a delightful few hours I spent there.  I like the different booths and the eclectic collection in each one.  I found a great gold glitter Santa (still in his original package for $5), 2 tinsel hanging sticks (still in their original packages for $2 each), a great gold bell chain for $4.50 that I'm using on my fireplace mantle to give it something more and another item to put in Caldwell's stocking.  I can't tell you what it is or show a picture of it because he and a co-worker Dan sometimes read this and I don't want to give it away.  The kids and I think that it will make a wonderful stocking stuffer.

Tomorrow is an estate sale by Caring Transitions in Lakewood.  The descriptions sound really good.  Maybe I'll see you there!

Christmas Tree

We got our Christmas tree on Saturday at Menards.  We have been going to Menards every year to get our tree.  (The price is right there and the selection is pretty good).  They still had some nice trees left.  This one wasn't shedding many needles and it is still drinking plenty of water.  All good signs.

While the kids and hubby were watching Men In Black 3, I decorated the tree.  I don't like stringing the lights so Caldwell helped this year.  I do love, though, hanging the ornaments.  I was selective this year and didn't put up every ornament that we have.  I only bought 1 new ornament this year.  It is a blue ball with Santa and his sleigh on it,  I bought it at Seasons by Peg on the Woodstock Square.  It is a lovely ornament.  The tree has a crafty, country, glitz look to it.  I hang ornaments that I love, not for a theme but for the mood I'm going for.  I just love to sit and be around the tree when it's all lit up.  The boys thought the tree looked "beautiful".  I couldn't agree more.

Dragonfly Dress

I got to wear my vintage designer dragonfly dress to the Master Gardener Recognition banquet (aka Holiday Party)on Friday.  I got this wool dress at my friend Kendall's garage sale this summer.  She had bought it at an estate sale.  At $4, it was a treasure.  It fits me perfectly.  I love that it is wool, but I especially love the silver glitz of the dragonflies on it. 

Cookies for Santa

This plastic vintage cookie jar gives new meaning to cookies for Santa.  Isn't it adorable?  I fell in love with it instantly at the holiday open house at Carriage House Antiques in Crystal Lake last night.
Austin and I stopped by (he enjoyed eating their summer sausage and drinking hot chocolate) to see what treasures we would find.  I spied Santa on a shelf and grabbed him quickly.  I also found some vintage ornaments.  They had lots of ornaments.  It was fun to see how many of those ornaments I already have at home.  (Sooooo many more than I thought I had)

Today through Sunday Kimball and Bean in Woodstock are having their holiday open house.  My friend Cecilia will be there with some of her creations.  It sound like lots of fun.  Kimball and Bean have great architectural and garden pieces and so much more.

I'm hoping to get to the Antique Mall on Lake Street in Woodstock before Christmas. I always find wonderful Christmas items there.  Now is the time to hunt for those holiday items.

Look What I Found!

Just as I am preparing for winter and Christmas, I stop at a Caring Transitions estate sale in Woodstock and found a wonderful shabby white iron planter for $20.  I couldn't pass it up.  I was already planning ahead for spring and what I would do with it and where I would put it.

You just have to grab that item when you see it or it will be gone.  I loved the patina and the scrolls on it.  I was surprised that it was still there.  Lucky for me!  That's why I love to treasure hunt.

Carriage House Antiques and "Good Stuff" 21 E. Crystal Lake Ave in Crystal Lake is having their holiday open house starting on Thursday Dec 5 from 3-8 and then Friday-Sunday.  I love going to their open house.  Always so much to see and to buy.  There is always a good assortment of ornaments.  I'm looking forward to this. Plus there are refreshments, a raffle and door prizes. 

It's Christmastime.....

I always usher in Christmas the day after Thanksgiving.  Christmas is my favorite holiday.  After clearing away the dishes and food from Thanksgiving, we headed out for Black Friday specials.  We sometimes go out early Black Friday morning, but this was the first time we headed out on Thanksgiving.  I wanted to get some good deals at Kohl's and I did.  Some really nice sweaters  from $9.99 to $15.99.  I also had a $5 off coupon plus 15% off.  The savings were worth the trip.  Kohl's also gave out Kohl's cash to be used the first week of December.

So, I spent about 5 hours on Friday creating my winter wonderland.  I love putting up my 3 vintage tinsel trees and looking through my vintage ornament collection.  I forget how many wonderful ones I have.  This year though, I put up less then usual.  (Which is still a lot).  All the while listening to Christmas music.  Tonight, we will stand in the cold on the Woodstock square like we do every year, to watch the lighting of the square.  It is really magical. 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you hold dear and may you usher in the Christmas season with health and happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a happy healthy Thanksgiving. 

I have a lot to be thankful for.  We lost power for 2 days this week and with no power is no heat and no water.  It's not fun....very stressful.  But, it could have been much worse.   I'm thankful for all that I have. 

I have been thinking about my Baba (Grandmother) lately.  She passed away 9 years ago.  I grew up with her around all of the time.  She made the same cookies all of the time, but we loved them.  I only make them around the holidays.  I have been wanting her sugar cookies for some time now.  The last time I tried to make them, they were missing something.  So, today, I tried again.  I use the same type of cookie tins that she did.  They came out perfectly.  Even if I say so myself.  Just taking a bite brought me back to my days with Baba.  The memories are precious.  At least I gave my family a taste of what I grew up with.  I have shared my memories of her with them and they feel very close to her.  I'm thankful to have had her in my life. 

I hope all of you have wonderful memories of loved ones this Thanksgiving. 

Felted Knit Purse

I finally had some free time to finish a felted knit purse that I started a few months ago.  It turned out really nicely.  I used a multi colored yarn on the top portion for some color.  After looking through my pin collection, I find a really nice one that blends in perfectly.  It felted nicely.  I always love the finished look of the purses.  The felting is always unique and the shape always varies.  This one came out just right.

After having the boys Christmas picture taken today, (at Portrait Innovations in Algonquin.  We had a coupon for a holiday special of 56 portraits for $12.99 plus a free coffee mug.)  we headed across the parking lot to Half Price Books to sell them 3 boxes of books.  We got $25 for them and ended up giving it back to them with purchases we made.  I have another few boxes to take after I see what doesn't sell on Ebay.  Ethan and I cleaned out his bookshelves this week and I am selling his collection of Star Wars books on Ebay.  His room looks much neater and now he has room to buy new books.  We love Half Price Books. The problem is that we always find something to spend our money on.

Vintage Santa Fun

I love Christmas!  I especially love vintage Christmas treasures.  Every year, the day after Thanksgiving is spent decorating for Christmas.  I just love rediscovering my treasures as I unpack them.

Today, Ethan and I spent the day going to doctor/dentist appointments.  Since we were in Lake Zurich, I thought why not stop at the Goodwill.  We haven't been there in a while.  It has changed so much since we were there in the summer.  It's a little more chaotic and messy, but, isn't that the thrill of treasure hunting?  While looking through the Christmas decorations, I spotted two Santa's that I don't have in my collection.  One is a red plastic Santa that held candy.  Since it had an orange sticker on it, it was half off.  So, it cost 25 cents.  The other is a black Santa.  I haven't been able to find one in my treasure hunting.  He was 99 cents.  I was so excited.  I had to glue some of his fur back on, but he looks great.  He is going to stay a part of my collection.  I just love it!

Mistletoe Magic

Mistletoe Magic was so much fun at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock yesterday.  I found soooo many wonderful sterling silver rings, a necklace and bracelets, a few vintage pins and 2 wonderful knitted hats.  Of course, one was for me and the other one is for a gift.   Not to mention that the kids and I bought a lot of cookies.  We started out with 2 lbs of cookies.  Before we left, we ate a few in the car and knew that we needed to go back inside to buy 1 lb more of our favorite ones.  So, we did.  We also bought a tin of brownies and chocolate chip cookie bars.  Yum!  We saw so many of our friends at the sale.  It was a nice festive atmosphere to catch up with friends.  I look forward to this sale every year.  It is held on the first Saturday of November.

We did get to the Algonquin Library book sale on Friday night.  We managed to fill up a huge bag of books, dvd's and video games.  The next sale is March 13-16, 2014. 

I will be updating  my pages with 2014 sale dates so keep checking back for dates to add to your calendar.

Bookshelf Clean Up

I was tired of looking at the chaos in Austin's bookshelf.  He had books and stuff everywhere.  It was time to tackle the cleanup.  I wish I had taken a before picture.  We took out books that he was done with and will take them to Half Price Books to make some money.  Some of the books we put in a "keep forever" box.  Those were books he loved and couldn't part with.  I only have about a dozen of those "keep forever" boxes in my basement.  On Friday, we will be adding to his bookshelf since we are going to the Algonquin Library book sale.

2 Rummage Sales in One Day!

2 rummage sales in one day is heaven.  I am so glad that I was off from subbing.  Sometimes things just work out perfectly.  Austin was off from school also, so he joined me in treasure hunting.  We spent the morning at the 1st Congregational Church on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake.  Austin found some Pokémon cards and Transformer toys.  I found a flag pattern milk glass plate for $2.50,  bags of fabric pieces from 50 cents to $1 each, a vintage pin for 50 cents and vintage earrings for 50 cents. 

The Methodist Church on Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake had their rummage sale starting at 5pm, so Ethan and Austin both went with me.  We did find some video games and Pokémon cards so the boys were happy.  I found a beautiful milk glass pedestal bowl for $6, vintage pins for $1-2 each and a vintage scarf for $2.  The scarf is really unique. I loved it at first sight.

It was fun seeing our rummage sale friends twice in one day.  Since the season is winding down for rummage sales, we won't see them until the spring when the sales start up again.

This weekend is the Christmas craft fair at Crystal Lake South High School in Crystal Lake.  It always has such nice items.  Friday Nov 1 is the Algonquin Library book sale starting at 4pm.  (You can go on Thursday but have to pay an entry fee).  This is a really good book sale.  Plus you get cookies and something to drink afterwards.  Nov 2, Saturday, is Mistletoe Magic at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock.  This is my ultimate favorite sale.  There are wonderful craft items plus vintage jewelry and trinkets.  The best part is that you can buy cookies by the pound that the members make.  We love that part!

I Was Craving......

I had a craving for my grandmother's pita with apple.  (Just like an apple pie.)  Since today was chilly, it seemed the perfect time to make it.  I love cinnamon, so I added a lot of it.  It was delicious.  We ate half of it after dinner.  It is easy to make.  I will be making another one of it this week since Ethan needs it for extra credit in Spanish class.  He needs to do a project on a deceased relative and if he brings in a recipe/food from that person, he will get extra credit.  Here is her recipe:  1 cup of sugar, 2 sticks of butter, 3 tbs sour cream, 1 tsp baking soda, 3-4 cups of flour.  Roll out the dough for 2 layers.  Filling:  slice apples and mix with cinnamon and 1/2 cup of sugar.  Lay 1 layer of dough in pan, fill with apples, put another layer of dough on top.  Bake at 400 degrees until brown.

That's it.  It's so easy and sooooo delicious.  Enjoy!

The kids and I went to the Cary Library book sale today.  We found so many good books.  I think I bought all of the knitting books.  I got half price since I am a teacher.  I just had to show my license.  It was nice to get good books for a great price.

The Methodist Church in Crystal Lake on Crystal Lake Avenue is having their rummage sale on Oct 24th.  3 rummage sales that day!  What could be better.

Autumn Drive

The day was cloudy and cold, but at least it wasn't raining like last year.  It felt like a perfect fall day.  It was the perfect day for treasure hunting at Autumn Drive in Woodstock. 

My cousin Barb and I have been doing Autumn Drive for the past few years.  We always stop at Lois's barn sale first.  I found some jewelry (from $4 to $6) and a blue milk glass compote for $6 and a vintage pitcher for $4.  I had been looking for a floral vintage pitcher all season and hadn't found one that I liked at the right price until today.  I bought some squash and Barb bought a pumpkin.  We stopped at a few other garage sales along the way, but didn't find anything else.  Autumn Drive was smaller this year and I didn't see as many treasures to choose from.  It is still a nice ride in the country though and a fun way to spend the day.

Tomorrow is both the McHenry and Cary Libraries book sales. 

Huntley Rummage Sale

Today was the Huntley church rummage sale.  I got there at 1pm and still found some treasures.  They had opened at 12noon while it was pouring.  I'm glad I got there at 1pm because the rain had slowed.

I found 3 vintage plates for $1 each, a few books for 50 cents to $1 each, fabric pieces for 50 cents to $1 each, doilies for $1, a Vogue pattern for 10 cents, a wood figure for 50 cents, a handpainted chicken vase for $3.50 and some sewing notions for 50 cents to $1 each.  I also found the cutest cow box (with udders) for $5.  I'm going to use it to put my mom's Christmas presents in.  It is perfect!  She will really love it.  We are always wanting the cow mailbox that my sister-in-law, Tina, has.  Now my mom has her own cow.  Maybe Tina will want this box.  It would make a nice planter (it only needs some holes in it for drainage).

Tomorrow is Autumn Drive in Woodstock.  It is supposed to be a nice day but on the cool side.  Perfect weather for a fall outing.  This weekend is the last event for Trail of History in McHenry.  It is worthwhile to see.  Lots of fun activities and vendors.  The Sparrows Nest stores have opened up their Christmas areas in the stores.  I know that Cary opened it on Tuesday.  Next week will be Woodstock and a few others. 

Shh... The Garden is Sleeping

The kids and I put the raised beds vegetable garden to bed today.  The weather was beautiful; perfect for closing the garden.  We picked the rest of the tomatoes and put in new soil for next year.  I already miss the fresh tomatoes right off of the vine.  We did find 1 yellow one.  The rest are green, but will ripen in the house.  (We even managed to mow the lawn.)

I rearranged some of the outdoor ornaments and cut down weeds and vines.  My back hurts but, it is a good hurt.  If you know what I mean.

I have been finalizing the presenters for Gardenfest on April 5, 2014 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.  It has been extremely busy and time consuming, but the end is in sight.  Once the brochures are done, I don't have much to do until January.

Tomorrow, the Sparrows Nest in Cary opens with their Christmas shop.  I start back to subbing and will try to go in the afternoon.  I love all things Christmas and don't want to miss it.

Vintage Tablecloths

Today was my day for finding vintage tablecloths.  I have to get them while I can.  I don't always come across them.  But, today was the day!

I found 2 of them at a garage/estate sale in McHenry.  The one is grey and yellow and it was $3.  I can't ever pass up a $3 vintage tablecloth.  The other one has 4 napkins with the tablecloth that is red poppies.  It was $8.  The lady told me it only had 2 napkins, but when I got it home, it had 4.  Even better.

The other 2 came from an estate sale in Woodstock.  One is a California tablecloth ($10) and the other is a smaller pink floral one with 4 napkins which was $5.  They were all pretty good buys.  Only a few stains, but no holes.  I already soaked 2 of them in Oxyclean and they came out really nice.  Tomorrow I will work on the other 2.

The Grayslake Flea Market is this weekend.  Too bad I can't make it.  Soccer season is still in full swing.  The McHenry and Cary Libraries book sales are next weekend Oct 19-20.  Those are good sales.  The Algonquin Library book sale is Oct 31-Nov 3.  (Thursday is preview night with a $10 fee admission.)  Oct 24th is the Congregational Church rummage sale on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake.  One of my favorite sales. 

Last Cedarburg WI Flea Market of 2013

What started out as a cold wet morning, turned into a cool sunny wonderful day.  We had sooooo much fun at the last Cedarburg flea market of the season.  We got a great parking place only about 1 block away from the flea market.  We made 3 trips back to it with great treasures.

We stopped in to see Mary, a vendor friend who sells vintage toys.  The boys found their treasures early at her booth.  Now we have a Homer Simpson Santa coming out of a chimney while he talks.  Doesn't everyone need one of those?  Next door to her, we found boxes of vintage pottery/glassware for $4 a box.  Ethan, Caldwell and I made our first trip to the car.  Austin waited with the cart for us to return.  Right across the street from my van, a garage sale was going on.  I found vintage pins for $1 each, a great hand painted plate for $2 and a bag of gold/silver chains for $5.  The bag was full of other vintage jewelry as well.  It was a find of the day!

Back at the flea market, we kept finding treasures at every booth.  Since it was the last sale of the season, prices were super cheap.  Austin found 3 golf club head covers of the 3 Stooges.  He paid $20 from his own money.  They even talk.  Ethan found a video game.  We ate a lot of food, as usual.  Caldwell found sunglasses for $1 each and splurged on 15 of them.  One for every mood.  I found some great salt/pepper shakers that I'm going to use for crafting.  I have a few ideas to start working on.  (They were only 50 cents to $1 each).  I only found 1 Christmas ornament for $1.  I found my father his Christmas present.   He has started to collect whiskey bottles.  I found him a potato whiskey bottle.  I know that he doesn't have one of them.  At one of the booths, I got a huge bouquet of dried flowers.  It looks really nice in a wooden vase in my hallway.  Great fall colors.  We stayed close to the end of the flea market. 

We then spent the rest of the day walking the downtown area.  We stopped in a gem shop and a jewelry store across from the winery.  Austin panned for gems and I found a wonderful amethyst stone silver necklace.  What a fun day we had.  We even bought spices at Penzeys Spice Store.

I always hate when flea market season comes to a close.  There are still some good ones open year round that I can go to, but Cedarburg is one of my favorites.  I have the dates for 2014.  I'll be counting down until May.

Oct 18-20 is Autumn Drive on Franklinville Rd/Garden Prairie Road in Woodstock.  It is a lot of fun.  Lots of sales all along the road.  Don't miss this treasure hunt.

Homemade Snow Globes

It's Christmas time again!  Once October arrives, I'm in Christmas mode.  It's my favorite holiday.

I found all of the items that I needed to make homemade snow globes.  I use artichoke jars (lacquer thinner removes the expiration date from the jar), Christmas cards, ribbon for the tie to hang and around the edges of the lid, a hot glue gun, Epsom salt for the snow, a scalloped scissor, a drill and bit and items to use inside the jar.  I spent this afternoon making them since it was raining outside and the technician was finally here to install satellite internet.  (I can finally post!)

I like how they came out.  They will be cute on a present.

Look What I Found!

I didn't have much time today to look for treasures.  I have been having so much trouble with my internet, that I am having a satellite put in for it.  So, I have to wait around for 4 hours for the service to be installed.  Bummer. 

I made sure that I stopped at the VFW in Woodstock.  They are having their soups to nuts sale.  The prices are always so cheap.  I spotted a squirrel cookie jar that I knew that my mom would like.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to ship it to her since it is quite large.  But, when the man said it was $1, there was not turning back.  I had to buy it.  I will figure out how to ship it to her unbroken.  It is going to be a part of her Christmas present.  Shh!

Getting Things Done

I accomplished a lot today.  First, I went to the Methodist Church rummage sale in McHenry.  It was really good this time.  I headed for the costume jewelry, as did all of the dealers, and just piled bags into my bag.  I got so many nice things.  Some I will use for when I create my own jewelry and some I will wear.  They were priced from 25 cents to $2.  I also found some books.  Amy Butler was one.  I love reading her books and seeing her style.  I like a lot of the same things she does.  I found the kids 2 Mario Halloween costumes for $2 each.  They go for $50 in the store.  I had been looking for them for years and finally found them today. I also found 2 vintage evening purses; one was velvet and the other has sequins. ($2 each).   So much fun.  I stopped at a few garage sales, but a few were closed because of the rain.  I went to one in McHenry and a friend that I have been working with at school was having it.  We talked for a while and she likes many of the things that I do.  Another treasure hunting friend!

In the afternoon, I finally finished 2 pillows for my living room in fall/winter colors.  They came out really nice.  I especially like the blue/brown color combination on the one.  I used some more vintage material yoyos and buttons on it.  The other pillow has some nice color combinations of flowers.  I used blue tassels that I bought from Material Girl in Crystal Lake to pick up some of the blue in the pillow.  I'm happy with that one also.

Sunday is the last Cedarburg Wisconsin flea market for the season.  I keep checking on the weather.  I want to go so badly that I'm not going to let it rain.  I don't mind the cold that's coming.  I just don't want the rain.  Rain, rain go away....

October 19th is the McHenry and Cary libraries book sales.  Both are good ones.   

So Much Going On!

I am on my 3 week break from subbing and thought I would be getting things done.  I have had so many little things to do that I'm actually not getting my list completed.  I have also been busy lining up the presenters for Gardenfest.  That has also taken so much of my time.

As usual though, I did manage to find some treasures.  I stopped at a sale in McHenry that was held by a person that does estate sales.  This was at her house.  I bought so many vintage costume jewelry pieces.  I was in heaven.  For half price too!  I spent quite some time there.

On Saturday, Austin and stopped at a garage sale in Crystal Lake and I found this cute blue table for outside. (It was painted this great blue color that I didn't need to even paint it).  Couldn't pass up a $3 bargain.  It looks really cute between my blue and green vintage lawn chairs.

Sunday, we went to the last Elkhorn flea market.  It started out foggy and wet, but turned into the most beautiful day.  It was so crowded that we could hardly shop.  I did manage to find more costume jewelry and jewelry pieces (I want to try to make jewelry).    The boys found a few treasures.  Afterwards, we stopped at the Apple Barn in Elkhorn for their festival.  It was also crowded so we got something to eat and left.

Thursday is a rummage sale at the Methodist Church in McHenry.  Sunday is the last Cedarburg WI flea market.  So far the weather looks good.  I can't wait to go.

Rainy Sunday

It has been raining all day so we never went up to Mukwonago for the last flea market weekend.  Bummer.  We will have to wait until next year for C.O.W. cheese curds.  Instead, I finished a pillow that has been sitting around for a while.  I found a needlepoint cat pillowcase when my friend Joyce was having a garage sale.  Austin knew that it would be perfect for his teacher who happens to love cats.  I didn't do much to it.  It was pretty stained so I soaked it in Oxyclean like I do with all of my linens.  Only one small spot didn't come out so I sewed a vintage material yo-yo to it.  Then, I added snaps and 2 red buttons as the closure.  When I was in New Jersey this summer visiting my family, I got hundreds of buttons from a family friend.  She used to sew for many design houses and these were her personal ones.  I couldn't believe how many there were and how beautiful they were.  So, I used 2 red ones from that collection.  The pillow turned out really cute.  I hope she likes it. 

I need to start sewing autumn pillows for my living room so that I can change them next week.  I will be on a break from the kindergarten substitute job next week and would like to begin fall cleaning/decorating.  So many plans.

This has also been a busy time for me since I am the co-chair for Gardenfest.  For those of you who don't know, Gardenfest is a yearly day long seminar of gardening classes put on by McHenry County College and the McHenry County University of Illinois Master Gardeners.  Next years date is April 5th.  So, I have been busy rounding up the presenters and topics since the brochure is being printed in a few weeks.  After that is done, things quiet down for a short while. 

Sept 20-21 is a vintage market at 6237 Linden Road, Rockford, Illinois from 9-4.  I went to the spring one with my friend Cecilia and had a great time.  I can't make this one since Homecoming and soccer take up that whole weekend.  I'm hoping for good weather for others to enjoy it.

The Methodist Church in McHenry is having their rummage sale Oct 3-5. I just saw the sign the other day advertising it. 

Finally a few sales!

I have been enjoying my week being a kindergarten substitute, but I have also missed my unlimited time looking for treasures.

So, on Saturday, I headed for the downtown area in Crystal Lake to visit Material Girl.  It is a fabric shop plus.  In their basement is a large assortment of clearance fabric and trim.  I bought some tassels for about 30 cents each.  The trim is now 70% off and they still have a large assortment.  Around the corner is a great store, Carriage House Antiques.  I love it in there!  I found a pink metal candle holder for $3.  I am going to hang it outside on a tree, but not use a candle in it.  I am still looking for the right item to go in it.  They will be having their fall open house in a few weeks.  It is always so much fun going to it.  They even have food for the shoppers.  That's my kind of sale.  The downtown area is hosting a yearly event, Johnny Appleseed festival on Sept 28th.  The antique store across from Carriage House Antiques will be having a flea market during the event.  I'm definitely going to that.  I always like to go to a new flea market.

Remember, Thursday is the church rummage sale in Prairie Grove on Rt 176.  Saturday and Sunday is the last Mukwonago WI flea market.  Also, there is a church rummage/barn sale at the Kane County Flea Market that weekend. Lots of fun sales to go to. Hope you can make one of them.

Labor Day Weekend

This past week has been crazy with school and other stuff.  I will be starting a long term kindergarten sub assignment on Tuesday and have been trying to catch up with small projects.  I still have so much to do.

This weekend I have been having fun with family and get togethers.  Probably eating tooooo many sweets also.  But, loving it.  I did manage to stroll through my garden to see what needs to be weeded and I saw that my flower pot had come alive with flowers.  I love these flowers that I have had for over 20 years from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.  They never cease to amaze me. 

Rummage sales are beginning on Sept 6th in West Dundee and on Sept 12th in Prairie Grove.  I won't be able to get to them until the afternoons (since I will be subbing half days), but I know that I will manage to find treasures anyway.  I have many sewing and jewelry projects in mind and hope to make time to start them.  I always like to create when it is cooler outside.  It just seems like the time to stay inside. 

Sept 15th is the last Mukwonago WI flea market and Sept 22nd is the last Elkhorn WI flea market of the season.  I hate the end of the flea market season.  Oct 6th is the last Cedarburg WI flea market.  I will be counting down until May when they begin again.

I Was Treasure Hunting

I did a little treasure hunting this weekend.  I don't always have time on the weekends to treasure hunt.  I usually do most of my treasure hunting on Thursday/Friday.  But, not this weekend.  I went to the Sparrows Nest in Cary on Saturday and they were having a 25% off storewide sale.  I found an aluminum Farber and Shlevin tray for $3 and a vintage pin for $3.  Really neat deals.

On Sunday, I stopped in at the third day for an estate sale in Woodstock.  I found 2 vintage Christmas tablecloths (one with 11 napkins) and 3 vintage porcelain plates.  All for $16.00.  I went home happy. 

I will start rearranging the rooms in my house and purging/redecorating soon.  I like fall cleaning!  I have some ideas for changing the treasures that I display.  I will post pictures as I go.  I am still in the back to school mode and have been trying to get my kids organized.  In another week I will be able to get back on track.

On Saturday, I made small tins of green tomato bread.  I usually freeze them.  It is really tasty.  The trick is finding green tomatoes that are still hard so that when you shred them, no seeds get into the bread.  (I have butternut squash bread frozen.  Another favorite.)  Today, I have spent most of the day making a meat sauce with vine ripe tomatoes.  The house smells soooo good!  I usually freeze about 8 containers for future quick meals.  With soccer season here, I need lots of quick meals.  I wasn't planning to make sauce when it is 90 degrees outside, but, when the tomatoes are ripe I have to work fast.  We will be having a delicious meal tonight with the green tomato and squash breads.

Another Vintage Linen Day

I found more vintage linens!  I stopped back at Joyce's garage sale and found a few that I overlooked the other day.  I went to soooo many sales and found a few other treasures.  The one sale that I was sure that I would find linens at was disappointing and very expensive.  I did happen to find some china from Japan (spent $8).  The one surprise was at an estate sale where I did find a Christmas tablecloth ($5), 2 aprons ($3 each) and a vintage towel ($1).  I may stop back on Sunday for half price day to see if anything is left.  There were more linens.

Goodwill in McHenry was another stop.  They were restocking the shelves and I spotted a wonderful golden glass basket for $5.  I have a similar one from my mom, but, loved the detail on this one.  I also stopped at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry and found a great Mickey Mouse tie for Ethan ($2).  He loved it!

I love old gardening books, kids books and just others that catch my eye.  I found an old Les Miserables book.  A little tattered, but, I love that charm.  Not bad for $1.

Surprise Garage Sale

My friends Joyce and Chris are having a garage sale in Crystal Lake on Friday.  Joyce has lots and lots of vintage linens to sell.  She knows that I love them.  (We often fight over them at sales.)  Anyway, she was nice enough to give me a sneak peak this afternoon.  I ran right over there.  She had boxes and piles to go through.  It was so much fun!  I only bought a few since I'm trying to be a little picky.  I don't want my collection to get too much out of control.  If it hasn't already.  I found some really neat ones, especially one with hand embroidered peacocks.  I love hand embroidered pieces.  I also found a nice cookie jar for my mom.  It will make a great Christmas present since she still collects cookie jars.  This was unique.  I know she doesn't have one of them. 

Friday is looking good for garage sales.  The weather is supposed to be nice and the paper is full of sales.  I'm going back to Joyce's sale to see what else she has found to sell.  There is also one on Lincoln Street in Woodstock that should be good.  I bought lots of vintage costume jewelry from her a few months back and she now has other treasures, plus.......vintage linens.  I can't wait to see what she has!

Sept 1st is the Cedarburg Flea Market in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 

Summer's Winding Down

Where has the summer gone to?  As the kids get older, the summer seems to go by faster.  We spent the last weekend of summer break in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.  (Caldwell had a two day car race).

I really like Elkhart Lake.  The boys and I spent Saturday morning walking around the farmers market.  (It's open from 8:30-12:30 on Saturdays from June-Oct).  We bought lots of vegetables and baked goods.  I like this farmers market since it is a combination of seasonal produce, crafts and antiques.   We visited my favorite store there, Rhine St General.  They have a nice selection of crafts, new items, and antiques.  It's always fun seeing what they have.   We got to play some tennis and swim in the afternoon.  We also ate our share of ice cream.  That's always fun!

I look forward to this trip every August.  It is probably really beautiful there in the winter.  I hope to find that out.

Sept 20-21 is a Vintage Market sale at 6237 Linden Road in Rockford from 9-4pm.  My friend Cecilia and I went to the Spring market and had lots of fun.  The fall market is supposed to have more vendors and it is at a new, bigger location. 

Fall rummage sales will be starting in September.  I'm looking forward to those. 

Elkhorn Flea Market

You would think that I would be exhausted after having my garage sale on Friday.  Instead, I have tried to visit lots of sales to replenish my treasures. 

We went to the Elkhorn Flea Market today.  It was very busy and had lots of good deals even though we were rained on for about 20 minutes.  We hid under the bleachers and the rain passed quickly.  So, we just started up again.   Lots of $1 tables where I found a needlepoint runner and a Japanese Poem book.  Caldwell found many treasures for $1 from duck decoys to metal popcorn poppers for over a fire.  Austin found a very large stuffed Spyro for $2 and Ethan found a huge bag of Yugioh cards for $10.  I visited Christina who sells under the stadium and found 4 pieces of costume jewelry for $4 each.  Lots of fun finds today.  It got me thinking that maybe next year I should try to sell some of my collections at least one time at the flea market.  The kids were all for helping out.  I will think about it over the winter and decide for maybe one date in the 2014 season.  I would have enough time to plan and gather my treasures and even add to the collections.  It would probably do me good to purge a little more.  I'm all for starting new collections that are different from my usual treasures. 

We then made our way to Lake Geneva where there was an art fair, HGTV book signing,  library book sale and Jelly Belly truck giving out samples.  Caldwell and Ethan tried tobasco jelly beans and they were hot!  Ethan got to try stinky socks jelly beans and thought they were good.  Yuck!  It was a fun time.  Kilwins for ice cream was part of the day, as usual. 

We returned home completely exhausted from having had a wonderful day. 

Garage Sale Day

We had the perfect weather for our 4 friends garage sale today.   A little cool with some cloud cover.  It was a beautiful day to spend outside.

I was up at 4:45am to start setting up at 6am.  I can never sleep the night before my garage sale.  There is always something to do and things spinning around in my head.  My friends arrived at 7am when the real work began.  People started coming at 8am (even though the sign in my driveway had 9am).  That's why it's so important to set up at least an hour before your scheduled start time.  You don't want to lose a customer.  We were busy in the morning, but slowed down tremendously in the afternoon.  We had just enough down time to shop each others treasures.  I got a beautiful vintage bracelet and earrings from Cecilia for only $1.50.  She didn't wear it anymore so it has become a welcome addition to my jewelry collection.  Even Donna and Mary found some treasures. 

Sometimes it is just nice to sit around and catch up with friends that you don't always get to see.  I enjoyed my afternoon with good friends.  I also saw many friends that stopped by the sale.  Most were rummage/thrift sale friends. 

Afterwards, the boys helped me clean up and we moved some items to the curb where most of them have already disappeared.  I have already made one trip to the Savers Thrift store in Crystal Lake (they give you a discount coupon with your donation.) and tomorrow I will donate the rest to the Sparrows Nest in McHenry.  I'm still watching the curb to see if the air hockey table has been picked up.  I hope someone can use it. 

I just scanned the garage sale ads for tomorrow (I can't wait to start looking for treasures again).   Sunday is the Elkhorn Wisconsin flea market and Lake Geneva is having an art fair and book signing at the Cornerstone Shop and Gallery by Monica who has her own HGTV show.       

Garage Sale Preparation

I spent most of the day preparing the garage and outside for my 4 friends garage sale.  But, not before the kids and I went to the Calvary Church Rummage sale in Crystal Lake.  The boys were disappointed that they didn't find anything.  That's what happens sometimes.  I found some doilies that they lumped together for 50 cents, a glass turtle for Ethan for $1, vintage Christmas ornaments for $2 for the box, 3 Stooges ornaments for $1 and an angel thrown in.  Not bad for someone having a garage sale tomorrow to get rid of too much stuff.  We stopped at a garage sale on the way home and both the young boy selling lemonade and myself got stung by a bee.  All I could think about was will I be okay for my sale tomorrow?  (I'm fine.  The sale goes on.)

Mary and Donna brought over some treasures today.  I managed to find a great shabby garden frame from Mary.  We'll figure out the price tomorrow.   I have set up a garden area, toy area, etc. so that tomorrow I don't have to keep moving things around.  I put a yellow sign on a wooden ladder in my driveway to let everyone passing know that there will be a sale tomorrow.  There's a sign at the end of my block already too.

It's going to be fun!  It's always a lot of hard work, but the feeling is great when my house is organized and cleaned out.  Then, I can start looking for treasures again.

 

I'm Having a Garage Sale!

I have been monitoring the weather and so far it looks good for Friday.  Right now there are 3 of us who will be selling and I'm waiting for 1 more friend to confirm.  I have wanted to have a "flea market" type garage sale for a while now.  This is going to be sooooo much fun! The good thing is that all of my items are priced and in bins so I can just grab and go.  It makes things so much easier.

I still need to go through my gardening items in the garage.  That will probably be tomorrow.  Too much to do-but in a good way.  I'm looking forward to it and spending the day with friends.

Rummage sale at Calvary Baptist Church on Rte 31 in Crystal Lake on Thursday.  Sunday is the Elkhorn Flea Market in Elkhorn WI and an Art Fair in Lake Geneva. 

Saturday Garage Sales

We found a few sales today.  We planned on going back to Chris and Christina's sale that we visited yesterday.  They did put out some new items.  I found a seashell box with a handle (made into a purse) for 50 cents.  My treasure of the day.

I stopped in at the Sparrows Nest in Cary since I hadn't been there in over a month.  I found the cutest turtle pins for a total of $10 and a seashell purse for $4.  It seems that everyone is getting rid of their seashell items since summer is coming to an end.  (It is going by much tooooo quickly).

I keep monitoring the weather for Friday.  If it's going to be nice, I'm going to have a garage sale.  I want to get rid of some clothes/air hockey table and other items before the winter.  I have some plans for the basement and need to clean it up first.  I do hope that the weather will be nice.  I also have some gardening items to clean out.  I usually set up outside in the driveway since the garage isn't big enough to have a sale in.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.  I don't want to hold onto anything through the winter.  The pile always seems to grow bigger and bigger during the winter and then my basement is full.  I would rather purge now and enjoy the room.

I like having a one day sale.  I then have time to donate the remainder and shop more sales!

The Fair Continues.....

We took a break today from the fair.  Yesterday was too exciting!  I won 1st and 2nd place for my coneflowers and 3rd for my daylily.  It was great!!!!!!  I found some more categories to enter next year.  I now have time to plan.

The kids and I went treasure hunting and school supplies/clothes shopping.  It was a busy busy day.  Time really does fly.  We were out for so much longer than I wanted to be.  We found a few small treasures including a vintage Nintendo game system.  They were thrilled.  Tomorrow I'll stop by a garage sale that Christina and Chris (2 antique dealers) are having in Crystal Lake off of Lake Shore Dr.  They always have nice things.  They are also busy getting ready for the Elkhorn Flea Market next Sunday.

McHenry County Fair

I just love when Fair season comes around.  We have entered into the Open class category for years.  Last night we dropped off some of our vegetable/herb entries and will find out today if we won any ribbons.

Last night we had to look to see if any of our other entries had won.  Austin won 2nd place for his Lego creation.  (We will find out today if any of his artwork won).  I won 1st place for a felted bag and a pillow.  I was so excited!  It is great to see so many other entries and their wonderful creations.

We usually spend hours at the Fair on the first day.  It is unlimited rides wrist band day.  Who could resist?

Back From New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania

For the past few years, the kids and I have traveled (by car) to New Jersey to see my family.  We did it again this year.  We made good time going in.  The weather was beautiful.  We had a great time in the Pocono Mountains where we made sure to visit the flea market in Sailorsburg.  It didn't have as many vendors this time, but we did find a few treasures.  We also stopped at the outdoor flea market in Blakeslee.  It was really good!  Lots of vendors and lots of treasures.  We even went to a blueberry festival/flea market in Thornhurst at a chuch there.  We got some really good blueberry muffins.

We spent time in Manhattan (where the Nintendo store is).  We visited New Hope, Pennsylvania which had changed sooooo much since I was a child.  We drove across the bridge to Lambertsville, New Jersey and just window shopped.  We even stopped in at Peddlers Village in Pennsylvania to get some ice cream.  It was a nice day trip even though we didn't find any treasures.

We even spent a night in Atlantic City at the Trump Casino.  There is nothing like the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the boardwalk.  We love to be at the beach before anyone else.  It is such a magical time of day.

One day was spent at the Thomas Edison Museum in West Orange, New Jersey.  It was well worth the trip.  The workshop and buildings were open to view Edison's office and creations.  It was really fascinating.  I'm glad we took the time to visit.

We went treasure hunting with my brother Michael to his favorite stores.  Unique (2 locations) and Goodwill in the Watchung, Union area.  We met so many of his fellow treasure hunters.  It was loads of fun and we found lots of treasures.  He even took me to his new Saturday night fun spot.  Rahway Auctions in Rahway, New Jersey.  Every Saturday night, they run an auction from 6-10pm.  I had lots of fun and only bought one Transformer toy for Austin.  It's always fun to see what other people are buying and how much they are willing to spend.

I even shopped in Michael's house for treasures and came away with some aluminum.  My car was packed.  I have been unpacking and finding homes for my treasures since we came back home.  It's a lot of fun remembering where I found them. 

Next week, Thursday August 8, is a church rummage sale in Crystal Lake on Route 31.  Northwind Perennial Farm is having an antique sale August 16-18.  Elkhorn Flea Market is on August 11 and Mukwonago is August 17-18.  The McHenry County 4H Fair starts July 31-August 6.  Lots of fun things to do!

Cedarburg Wisconson Flea Market

What a beautiful day it was for the flea market in Cedarburg Wisconsin!  This was the first time that we found parking in front of the gate.  This flea market in July usually has less shoppers/vendors.  It was definitely less attendance then the one we went to Memorial Day weekend.  It got really hot midafternoon.  We had a great time anyway.  It was a day for Ethan and Austin to find treasures.  Lots of Pokemon and Transformers figures.  We also ate lots of ice cream.  The best was from a homemade ice cream truck that was parked next to the deep fried cheese curds.  They had a great peanut butter covered in chocolate bar.  It was delicious!

We spent the afternoon walking around the downtown area.  Many of the stores were having summer sales.  Even though I didn't find any treasures, I had a great day.  It really was a perfect summer day.

Starting on Thursday evening is the Algonquin Library Book sale.  (Fee to get in on Thursday only).  The McHenry County 4/H fair starts on July 31-Aug 4. 

A Few Treasures

I picked up a few treasures today.  I got the boys up bright and early to go to a church rummage sale in Harvard.  We found some toys and I found two pieces of jewelry for $1.50.  It was more of an Austin sale today.  We stopped at a garage sale in Harvard also.  I found a large toile fabric piece for $2. 

We then headed to a vintage sale in Marengo on Kishwaukee Valley Road.   They had some really neat items.  I bought all of the unfinished quilt tops. (from $2-$4 each).  I have plans for them.  (Usually I start the sewing projects in the fall when I have a few more minutes to spare).  I also found 4 cute drinking glasses for 50 cents each, a wonderful pink vase for $4, a cute rose pattern mini plate for 25 cents and a yellow vase for $2.  Except for being eaten by the mosquitoes, I had a nice time.  (The boys hid in the car from the mosquitoes the whole time.  I don't blame them).

I also managed to stop at an estate sale in Woodstock and found a vintage pin for $5. 

I am really really hoping to get to Cedarburg on Sunday for the flea market.  The weather is supposed to be perfect.  It would be the perfect way to spend the day!

Tomorrow is the Master Gardener gardenwalk that begins at the Demo garden at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.  Tickets are $17 per person.  The day is supposed to be beautiful.  I will be working at garden F in Spring Grove.  I visited garden A today in Woodstock and it was absolutely amazing.  What a hidden gem from the street.  This Gardenwalk will be a great way to spend the day and will give you some ideas for your own garden. 

Chicago Botanic Garden Day

Today was the perfect day to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden.  Since we are members, Wednesday is a day for freebies.  I like freebies.  We rode the tram around the garden, saw the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit and walked through the Model Railroad exhibit.  We walked probably the whole garden.  Our favorites were the Japanese garden and the English walled garden.  We couldn't ask for a more perfect day.  Austin was amazed by the Atlas moth (in the butterfly exhibit).  It was definitely large.  The butterflies were beautiful, but it is somewhat creepy to have soooooo many flying at you and landing on you.  We didn't stay for long.

I am hoping to get to some garage sales in the next few days.  I am looking forward to one on Friday in Marengo that is a group of vintage girls selling their stuff for garage sale prices on Kishwaukee Valley Road.  Also, Sunday is the Cedarburg WI flea market.  The weather should be good for that one. 

Flea Market Weekend

2 Flea Markets in one weekend.  We had so much fun.  The weather finally co-operated and it was sunny and beautiful.  (Except for the Belvidere flea market on Saturday.  It was overcast, but still warm.)

On Saturday, we all went to the Belvidere flea market in Belvidere IL at the fair grounds.  It was from 4pm-midnight.  We went at 4pm.  I know that I wouldn't have been able to keep awake at those later times.  There weren't many vendors, but the prices were very reasonable.   We even ate deep fried chocolate covered bacon.  It was OK.  I found a vintage white bracelet and necklace for $2.  We had been looking for a golf cart and found one for $4.  The boys found a box full of Pokemon toys for $8.  I was happy with all of the prices.

Sunday was the Elkhorn Flea Market in Elkhorn WI.  It started out cool, but turned really warm and sunny.  There were sooooo many people.  At times it was hard to get around.  Of course we had deep fried cheese curds.  We actually ate more today then usual.  I found a bracelet and earring set for $20.  It was really nice.  I also found some hammered aluminum by Wendell August Forge and Arthur Armour for $5 each.  Great prices!  and nice scenes on them.  They are definitely  for my collection.  Austin found a great big box of Bionicle toys.  Poor Ethan went home empty handed today, but at least his stomach was full.

Now we have to wait until August for the next Elkhorn Flea market.

Clear Skies for Rummage Sales

Finally, the rain has stopped and the day is bright and sunny.  Yesterday I spent all day cleaning up my basement that had 2" of water.  I never get water in my basement, but it happened.  The drains all clogged and my basement was the only place for it to go.  It's a good thing that I keep most of my treasures in plastic bins.  Even the items set aside for my garage sale were in plastic.  We were very fortunate and didn't lose anything.  The good side to all of this is that I got to throw out stuff and reorganize areas in the basement.  Austin and I worked on the play area and toys last week and had everything protected.  I'm glad we did all of that.  It pays to be super organized (I'm a little crazed with that, but it worked out this time.)

So, since today was a new day, Austin and I went to the Immanuel Lutheran rummage sale in Crystal Lake.  It felt good to stand and wait in the very hot sun.  What a difference a day makes!  Once inside, he ran for the toys (of course, since his new thing is Transformers, again.)  He did find one for 25 cents and another Nerf gun.  I don't know what it is with Nerf guns, but he needs one of every kind ever made.  I wonder where he gets that from?!!!

I found a few treasures, a GROW sign for $1 which is now on my front porch, an English sugar bowl for $1, an aluminum tray for $3 and an aluminum coaster set for 10 cents (wow), a Christmas apron for $1,  and purses for $1 each for their handles.  These handles were in different colors and textures then what I have so I had to get them for my felted purses.  I'm working hard on finishing one right now. I just have to work a little harder.

More garage sales tomorrow and I get to pick Ethan up from camp.  Two weeks was a long time and I'm really glad that he comes home tomorrow.  It wasn't the same without him.  (Just wait to goes away to college in a few years.......)

Rearranging My Treasures

The weather has been terrible at times the past few days.  The rain has been so heavy that I didn't want to go outside.  So, what better time to look around my house and rearrange my treasures.  I've also been cleaning out my collections and pricing them for a sale in August.  To make room, I'm only keeping one of each item.  It looks much better now.  Everything feels like new in different areas of the house.

These pictures are of my dining room and my ever growing milk glass collection.  All of the items are from garage sales, auctions, flea markets, etc.  The large painting fits the wall so nicely and was only a $5 garage sale find years ago.  I love how it looks in the room.  I love the idea that you can decorate a whole room for not a lot of money.  I love being able to do that.  I like the history behind each item that I buy.  It means so much to me.  So many times when I buy an item, the person selling it tells me that they are happy that it is going to a good home and that it will be appreciated.   

Is Summer Finally Here?

Finally, today was hot and sunny.  I was so happy after soooooo many days of rain.  (I know.  More rain is expected this week.)  I'll take what we had today.  It was a glorious day to spend in Lake Geneva.  Since we couldn't spend the day on Friday in Lake Geneva, because of the rain, we decided to do it today.  Austin and I spent the morning walking around town and down by the lake, eating ice cream from Kilwin's at 11am and having a bite to eat at the bagel store on the main drag.  It was fun and breezy and slightly cool until 1pm.  We left just as the weather started to get too hot and the town became too crowded.  What a wonderful way to spend the best part of the day.

On the way home, we drive through Hebron and haven't stopped at the antique stores in town for years.  I figured why not today?  We were out enjoying ourselves.  So, we stopped at Grampy's Antique Store at Routes 47 and 173.  They have 3 floors of antiques and salvage items.  (The resale store next door has lots of "stuff" that we checked out also.)  I found the two cutest hand embroidered pillowcases for $3.  I already washed them in Oxyclean and put them on my spare guest bed.  They match the quilt that is on the bed.  Love it! 

You never know what treasures you will find unless you stop.  I'm glad that we did.

Northwind Perennial Antique and Garden Fair

Happy Happy Summer!  Even though it poured for most of the day.  Austin and I had a fun filled day planned.  We stopped at a few sales and found some treasures for $1 each.  Vintage needlepoint tablecloths and hand painted plates.  Love them!

We made our way up to Northwind in Burlington WI as the sky was getting darker and darker.  I was optimistic that the rain would hold off until we finished treasure hunting.  I found a wonderful black wrought iron cage (for $25).  It has a chain to hang it.  My heart was beating when someone else started to look at it.  I grabbed it when they walked away.  It was at that time that the thunder started.  We walked around some more and then the rain came.  We made a mad run for the barn, but still managed to get drenched.  Everyone was in the barn waiting for the rain to end.  It didn't.  So, we ran for the car.  Austin said, "Well, at least we found a treasure."  Yes we did.  It was a wonderful day after all.

Next Thursday June 27th is the Immanuel Lutheran Church rummage sale in Crystal Lake and on Sunday, June 30th is the next Elkhorn WI flea market.

Thursday Sales

Austin and I hit the garage sales today.  I knew that our first stop would be good for him.  He found a whole lot of Transformer toys.  He filled up a box that he referred to as his "me" box.  They were still new in the box.  That kept him busy for all of the rest of the sales.

I found a few items.  A blue mason jar for $1, another jar for 25 cents (to hold my seashells) and a three tiered tin for $4.  I loved the flowers on it.  I'm going to use it to hold my vintage buttons. 

I'm hoping to stop at some sales tomorrow on my way up to Lake Geneva for the Northwind Perennial antique sale.  The day should be perfect with a happy ending of ice cream from Kilwin's in downtown Lake Geneva.

Strawberry Picking

Today was the most absolutely perfect day to go strawberry picking.  I have always taken the boys (since they were little) to McCann's Berry Farm on Kishwaukee Valley Rd in Woodstock.  It is a U-Pick strawberry and blueberry farm.  We also got lucky today and bought some sugar snap peas.

Austin and I spent some time gathering the strawberries.  I think that he ate more than he picked!  I really love this farm because they never stop the kids from "sampling" the berries.  It is so much fun to watch the kids enjoying themselves.  I have a lot of happy memories from berry picking.  I was thinking about some of them today......since.....Ethan left on Sunday to go to a camp for two weeks.  It was the first time he has gone away.  Time sure flies!

I used to make about 30 jars of strawberry jam.  We ate so much of it when the boys were younger and I gave a lot of it away as gifts.  I haven't made strawberry jam in awhile.  Instead, I freeze them and use them throughout the year for crisps and strawberry bread. 

Blueberry picking begins around the middle of July.  We will be there!  Probably eating as we pick.

Crafty Kind of Day

Since it was raining all morning, I decided to do some projects on my list.  I hadn't knitted in a long time and was really having withdrawals.  I love to knit.  So, I made progress on another felted bag.  It is really coming along.  (It is such a stress reducer for me.  I really relax when I knit).

I also put some finishing touches on a pillow that I had made in the winter.  It needed something more and I decided to add more yo-yo circles with vintage buttons to it.  I love how it came out!  It looks really nice with the other two pillows that I made on my couch.

Garage Sales are Great!

We had so much fun treasure hunting today.  This was one of those days when we stopped at loads of sales, but didn't find much.  But, the few things that we found were great.

I had the boys sit on this $3 green metal rocking bench to make sure it could hold them before I bought it.  It was perfect!  The price was even more perfect!  I'm not going to do anything to it (at least for this year).  It has some wear/rust, but I love things like that.  We are going to put it by the basketball hoop so that we can watch each other play.  I'm not sure yet if I'm going to put a cushion on it.  It looks good the way it is and it is comfortable even without it.  I also found (for $1) a nice cigar box purse that has a picture of the Woodstock Square on it.  (The square in Woodstock, IL is wonderful. My favorite store, Interiors Anew, is on the square.)  Even Austin thought the purse was great.  He drew the line though when I asked him to carry it so that Ethan and I could carry the bench to the van. 

At another sale, I found a vintage rocking chicken planter for $1.  I loved the colors in it.  I added it to my windowsill of planters in the basement.

Hopefully it won't rain tomorrow.  I would like to go to a community garage sale in Cary that is outside.  It would probably be cancelled if it rained.  It is from 8-11am.   

Unexpected Treasure

The kids and I went to visit my cousin Barb on Sunday.  When we were turning onto her street, we noticed that the whole block was having a garage sale.  How fun is that!  Ethan and I walked around to the houses and I found a beautiful milk glass cake plate for only $5.  It was in great condition.  You never know what you will find at any time.  Barb gave me a really pretty pink floral tray that looked vintage.  I love it!

We spent three hours today helping to set up the St. Mary's/Montini church rummage sale.  The boys worked really hard moving boxes up and down.  There are some really nice treasures there.  I did get a few necklaces and Austin found some toys.  I have never helped out at a rummage sale and was sooooo happy to be allowed to shop early.  We really appreciated that.  We're looking forward to the sale on Thursday.

I spent more time today cleaning out my china cabinets and removed duplicate milk glass pieces to sell at my garage sale.  They are all priced and wrapped for that future date.  I like to price and wrap the items as I store them, so that when I'm ready for the sale, it is all done.  It really saves time. 

Garden Treasures

I love looking at my garden treasures to make sure that they are in the right spot.  The flowers are starting to grow up around them and since I live on a mostly wooded yard, even the weeds are starting to look good. 

The kids and I will be helping to set up the church rummage sale for St Mary's/Montini in McHenry.  This is the first time that we are helping and I'm excited.  It should be fun.  It is on Thursday, June 13th starting at 9am.

I spent a large part of today going through my treasures and rearranging them.  I redid my cabinets and changed my milk glass displays.  I had a whole table full of garage sale items.  I may take them to New Jersey (when I visit my family) to sell at the garage sale I will be helping my mom with.  Since I'm driving, it wouldn't be a problem to take two bins full.   I'll have to see what other things I will be filling my trunk with.  I may not have any room.  Otherwise, I will plan on having a garage sale in August at my home.  I have some garden items I would like to part with. 

Mukwonago Flea Market

Today was a lovely day to visit the Mukwonago Flea Market in Wisconsin.  Not too hot or sunny.  Just perfect for walking around.  Of course, we ate soooo many deep fried cheese curds from the C.O.W.  A perfect day it was!

We did find some treasures.  I found mine while leaving.  They were $1 apiece.  I loved them on sight.  The price was right too.  I also found a neat metal piece that I was going to use in my garden for $5.  Last year, I found a great glass piece at a rummage sale for $2 and didn't have anything to use on top of it that would cover the hole in it.  I just had to wait for the perfect item to show up.  It did today.  The piece looks like a flower and I just turned it upside down and it was exactly what I was looking for.  Sometimes things just fall into place if you wait long enough.

I walked around my yard looking for the right place to sit it.  Right now it is on top of a weathered bistro table.  I like the look.  While looking around my yard, I took pictures of other areas that I love.  I will share them soon.

The kids and I went to two church rummage sales on Friday and found some treasures at both.  I bought lots of vintage jewerly for 25 cents to $2.  We also had lots of fun talking to our rummage sale friends.  We followed each other to the sales.  I stopped at an estate sale leftover sale and found a nice train watercolor painting for my father in law for father's day. 

Thursday is the St Mary's/Montini church rummage sale on Route 31 in McHenry.  I love this sale!  The kids and I are helping to set it up this week.  I can't wait to get my sneak peak. 

A New Place to Treasure Hunt

While the boys were at a Pokemon tournament, Caldwell and I went to treasure hunt at an outdoor flea market in the parking lot of Odana Antiques in Madison WI at 6201 Odana Rd.  It was the coldest Sunday ever.  While shivering, (of course I wore my sandals) I found a great green vintage vase for $1.  Couldn't pass that up.  Inside the antique mall, I found another NJ hankie.  This one was even nicer than the one I found at the Elkhorn Flea Market and more money.  I did buy it and now that I have two of them, I will be choosier when I find one again.  We went next door to a thrift store and were amazed at how expensive they were.  I did find a vintage shell planter for $3.50, but had to leave without the other items that I liked because of the prices. 

Saturday and Sunday is the opening of the Mukwonago WI flea market.  On Friday is the St. John's church rummage sale on Route 47 North in Woodstock.  Friday thru Sunday is a garden show at the Klehm Arboretum in Rockford.   It is $8 per person and it is a really nice sale.  The plant prices are usually very good.  I hope the weather holds out for these events and for all of the neighborhood garage sales that are starting tomorrow. 

Northwind Perennial Farm and Nursery in Burlington WI is having their antique show and sale on June 21-22.  I haven't been to this before, but I will try to get there this year hopefully.

A Few Things

I have been going crazy these past couple of days because our internet service, Clear, hasn't been working.  I haven't been able to connect to the internet.  Boy, is it hard without internet service.  I couldn't even check my Ebay auctions.  Hopefully, all will be fixed within the week.

There were a few sales this week.  Ethan went with me on Friday to a rummage sale since he was out of school.  Yay for the summer!  He had so much fun finding video games.  I found a few nice things this week:  more fabric (I just cleaned out my fabric closet once again and purged to make room for these new pieces) for about 50 cents each, jewelry for 25 cents to $1, a sewing pincushion for 50 cents, gardening books 50 cents to $1.50,  Japanese plates for $1.50,  and Christmas items for 25 cents each.

So, with time on my hands, I walked around my garden and found some beautiful irises that had bloomed.  My potted plant, whose name has long since been forgotten (I got it from a friend about 20 years ago who received it from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. It loves rainwater and blooms like crazy when it is outside.)  It looks great paired with the irises.  The flower pot my sister-in-law Tina painted while following something that she learned from Martha Stewart. 

I love summer and am looking forward to some lazy days and treasure hunting.  Hope to see you!

Cedarburg Wisconsin Flea Market

What a wonderful way to spend the day.  The weather was beautiful up in Cedarburg Wisconsin.  We needed a light jacket in the morning, but by the afternoon it was warm and sunny.  Just perfect!  The kids and I drove the two hours each way just to go to the first Cedarburg flea market of the season.  I think that was the choice of so many others too.  It was packed and parking was at a premium.  We did manage to park in a private lot at an automobile shop.  It was down the street from the flea market so it wasn't too far. 

Our first stop was to Mary at her booth where she sells vintage toys.  We always buy lots of Pokemon toys from her.  Today was no exception.  What fun we had visiting with her.  The boys made many "friends" today talking about Pokemon and/or video games.  The flea market was filled with families and teens.  It was so nice to see.

We also found lots of Transformers toys, comic books, Mario items, and video games.  It was definitely a teen day of treasures.  I did find two wonderful seashell bracelets for $15 for both and a nice milk glass pedestal cake stand for $5.  I pushed around a metal shopping cart that I found at an estate sale this week for $2.  It was great to have and so many others had the same idea.  We filled it up!

We stayed at the flea market for around 5 1/2 hours and then headed off to the downtown area.  There were lots of garage sales on the way.  We walked around the town shops for awhile and I found a metal garden ornament for $20.  Tomorrow I will find a place for it in my garden. 

We had a blast today!  This was one of the best flea markets I have been to in a long time.  There were lots of new items mixed in between vintage/antique items and food.  More tasty cheese curds.  There was something for everyone.  It was well worth the four hours round trip to get there.  The next one is July 14.  Maybe we'll be up for another trip.

Vintage Pins

I love all kinds of vintage pins!  I especially can't pass them up when they cost $2 each.  I added 4 more today.  I'll be using the leaf pin for future purses that I knit.  I just loved the look of it.

Even on a dreary, cold and rainy day, I had to go to some garage/estate sales.  I was happy to have found the pins.  I also found another wire vintage shopping cart on two wheels for $2.  I know that I will find a use for it.  The other cart is now holding my supplies of bubble wrap and tissue paper.  It's great because I can wheel it wherever I need it to be.

Sunday is the opening day for the flea market in Cedarburg Wisconsin.  The weather is supposed to be sunny and cool.  Perfect for a day treasure hunting.

Elkhorn Flea Market

Opening day!  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  The flea market was packed and there were sooooo many vendors.  We stayed longer than we ever had.  We got there at 7:15am and there was already a line to get in.  All day it was busy. 

We had so much fun.  We didn't buy a lot, but we had fun looking.  I bought a few items for $1 each:  a planter, a Christmas tin tray, a glass turtle and a milk glass shell.  I also found a Texas hankie for $3 and finally, a New Jersey hankie for $10.  I splurged on the New Jersey hankie because that is the first one I have found.  They are hard to come by.  I was so excited when I found it.  Austin wanted a vintage black telephone for $8.  It was pretty neat so we bought it.  I also bought two white metal stands for $5 each.  We spent most of our money on food.  This was the first time that there was a deep fried cheese curd stand.  Our favorite food!  Another exciting find of the day.

I searched all over for an album by Kool and the Gang for the song "Get Down On It".  We heard it playing on the way and I was obsessed with finding it.  No luck today, but I will be looking for it on my treasure hunts.

Next Sunday, May 26th is the opening day of the Cedarburg Flea Market in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.  I hope the weather is as perfect for that one as it was today.

Vintage Plates

Yesterday was milk glass day.  Today was vintage plate day.  I just love when I find multiples of an item on the same day.  I went to the church rummage sale on Walkup today in Crystal Lake and found some cute things.  I got a small wooden box for $3 (which Ethan took), a cute vintage dog that is a pincushion for 50 cents, 2 necklaces for $1 each and some purses for $1 each to use the handles. 

I went around to many garage sales today and found a few treasures:  vintage doilies and tablecloth for $2-$3 each, and then I stumbled upon my treasures for the day.  I always go to this garage sale on Ridgeland Ave in Woodstock.  They had so many great items.  I found those vintage plates for 75 cents to $1 each, an aluminum pitcher by Rodney Kent for 50 cents (Wow!  What a find!), a mirrored tray for 75 cents (I had always wanted one and now I own 3), a vintage shell pottery piece for 50 cents, a milk glass miniature cup for 25 cents and a turtle for 25 cents.  That sale was so much fun!  I am really getting into those vintage dishes and I look for them everywhere now.  I look for floral patterns in mostly pinks or yellow or whatever catches my eye.  I hope I'm not starting a new collection.  Collections just seem to happen.

I'm really looking forward to the Elkhorn Flea Market on Sunday.  The weather is supposed to be beautiful.  Last year it rained a few times so I'm looking forward to the nice weather that is promised so far.  Keep your fingers crossed for sun.

Day Filled With Treasures

What a beautiful day it was!  Not only was the weather perfect, but there were sooooooo many sales.  I was out all day and must have stopped at over 50 sales.  Many were in subdivisions.  I found a few treasures along the way.  It was interesting to see that many of the sales did not have many items for sale. 

I took the kids after school to the rummage sale at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock.  I didn't think that there would be anything good left since we got there one hour after it started.  How wrong I was!  There was a table filled with milk glass for $2 to $4 each.  I bought so many to add to my collection.  I was so excited.  I also bought a tri fold vintage frame for $2, a mirrored tray for $1, some toys for the kids,  a vase for $2, vintage napkins for 25 cents, and jewelry.  Those items must have come from an estate sale that I went to a few weeks ago.  There were lots of vintage dishes there also.  I saw a cameo bracelet at the estate sale for $18 and didn't want to spend that much.  It was there at the rummage sale for 25 cents so of course I had to buy it.  I was surprised that no one had bought it yet.  I got a few other jewelry pieces that were priced from 25 cents to $1.  I just love rummage sales because of the treasures that you can find for good prices.  I now have to work on where I am going to put all of this milk glass.  I also found a milk glass cake plate for $2 at a garage sale today.  Other items I found were a lamb planter for $2, a giant white pottery turtle for $3, a vintage pyrex bowl with lid for 50 cents, two vintage plates for $2 each, and a sunflower cake plate.  After spending all day treasure hunting, I found the most and best treasures at the rummage sale.

Tomorrow is a rummage sale on Walkup in Crystal Lake (not far from Crystal Springs Road going towards Crystal Lake),  two estate sales and lots of garage sales.  I hope I can fit it all in.  I am sure going to try hard.  I hate to miss a sale. 

In the Eighties Today

Since it was in the high eighties today, I did lots of gardening.  I had 3 perennial plants to get in the right place.  I moved them around a bit until I found where they would look best.  I also planted my tomato and hot pepper plants in my raised beds.  I was so excited to get that going.  I love tasting tomatoes off of the vine.  I can't wait for that!  I mostly planted different color cherry tomatoes and lots of yellow and orange tomatoes.  I love that they have low acid.  They taste amazing.

I also did some spray painting.  I had a vintage metal chair that I wanted to spray paint with Rustoleum Grass Green.  I love that color.  This is the first chair that I kept the arms white like it was originally.  Usually I just spray paint the whole thing.  It looks great.  I have it drying in the sun.  I retouched my other two chairs with the Grass Green paint where they were starting to peel and rust.  I got a lot done today.  The weather was beautiful and there was even a slight breeze.  I couldn't ask for a better day. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!  I spent a wonderful afternoon in Lake Geneva (even though it was a little cold).  Lake Geneva is beautiful even when the temperature is chilly.  We took a ride to Northwind Perennial Nursery in Burlington.  I love going there.  I bought a few plants.  Even Austin wanted a plant (Horsemint).  We are going to plant it in a container so that it can't spread like wildfire.  He's excited about making tea from the leaves.  It will be his responsibility to take care of.  It was nice to see the tulips and the other plants in bloom.  I know that spring will be returning by Tuesday and I'm ready for it! 

We had dinner in town and then dessert at Kilwin's.  We love Kilwin's and always make that a stop when we are in Lake Geneva.  Hopefully, the next time we go to Lake Geneva the temperature will be warmer.  The last two times that we were there it was really cold.  It didn't seem to stop us from going there and I doubt that it ever will.

Cold Days Treasure Hunting

Boy have the past few days been cold.  Not too cold though to go treasure hunting.  I did manage to find some neat treasures.  I got a really great seashell for 50 cents that I put in my garden on a little table.  I also found a New York linen towel for $1, a lady planter for $1 to go with a new collection of them that I seem to find more and more of, some fabric, lace trim for 25 cents and today at the Sparrows Nest in Cary, a milk glass pedestal bowl for $6 (minus 25% for their sale today).  It's always nice to walk into the Sparrows Nest and find out that there is a sale of 25% off of everything in the store. 

I stopped at the Woodstock Farmers Market on the square in Woodstock today.  It was so cold and windy, but the Bull Valley Garden Club was having their yearly plant sale.  I found a few plants to add to my garden plus a few really cute planters that contained plants.  I had a really nice time as I always do when I'm shopping for plants.  Hopefully, next week the weather will finally warm up so that I can add them to my garden.  I also bought a few tomato plants and I'm ready to plant them, but Mother Nature doesn't seem to want me to. 

Thursday, May 16th is the Grace Lutheran Church rummage sale starting at 3pm in Woodstock.  There are lots of garage sales coming up this week.  Don't forget, the Elkhorn Fleamarket is opening on Sunday May 19th.  Yay!!!!!!!! 

Tulips

My green tulips have finally bloomed.  I am so glad that the deer haven't discovered them yet.  Last year the deer ate them before I had a chance to enjoy them.  I got smart this year and sprayed them with deer repellant.  They may not smell that nice, but at least I get to enjoy them. 

Tomorrow is the Service League rummage sale at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake.  Friday May 17 is the church rummage sale on Walkup in Crystal Lake.  I can't remember the name of the church, but it is on Walkup away from downtown Crystal Lake.  It starts at 8am. 

Free Comic Book Day Plus More Fun!

The first Saturday of May is FREE comic book day!  We love it!!!  We go to Al n Anns in McHenry every year to get as many free comic books as you wish.  They also provide free soda and cookies.  There are always super heroes on hand to take pictures with.  This year was a cartoonist doing caracatures.  Austin had his done for $5.  It was loads of fun. 

We decided to stop at the second day of the Ridgefield church rummage sale to look for a frame for his drawing.  We found one for 25 cents.  Today was half price.  We also bought a larger frame that we will save for a later time.  We also found a round rooster serving tray for $1.50 and two vintage, I believe Haeger, pieces for $1.50 each.  I was looking at them yesterday, but I didn't want to pay $6.  I couldn't believe that they were still there so I grabbed them.  It was amazing to see how much had sold since yesterday.  Almost all of the furniture was gone.  It was a fun sale.  Even on the second day we always manage to find something. 

I am so excited about the upcoming flea markets in May.  May 19 is the first Elkhorn Wisconsin flea market of the season and on May 26 is the Cedarburg Wisconsin start.  The countdown begins......

Projects and Treasures

I love sales!  I have been having fun these past two days even though the summer weather has disappeared.  It was a glorious 80 degrees for two days and now it is like winter again.  It is a good thing that rummage sales are here to keep me happy.

Yesterday I stopped at the Defenders Use it Again sale and found a great shabby plant stand for $1.  I couldn't pass up a deal like that.  I knew right away that a little spray paint would do wonders for it.  I have to check my stock of spray paint and then wait for the good weather to tackle this project.  I also went to the Barn Nursery in Cary again to buy a new plant, Raspberry Shortcake.  It is a thornless raspberry plant that can be grown in a container.  It was pricey ($29.95) but since I had a $10 off coupon, I thought I would try it.  My kids love raspberries and this will be fun for them also.

Today I stopped at the St. Pauls Church rummage sale in Crystal Lake and found a vintage tablecloth for $1.  They didn't have anything else that I wanted.  Then, I was off to the Ridgefield church rummage sale.  I found a Wes Moreland milk glass plate stand for $7 (a little pricey), a humidor box for $2, another seashell box for 50 cents, 2 frog photos for 50 cents each, a vintage flour sifter for $1, double picture frames for 50 cents each and some things for the boys.  It was a nice, clean, organized sale.  Some things were pricey, but deals could still be found.  I then stopped at a garage sale in McHenry and found an aluminum pitcher for $3 by Everlast.  I added it to my collection.  Aluminum pitchers are great and so pleasing to the eye.  They look great with flowers in them.

Thursday, May 9th is the Service League rummage sale at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake.  I like going the next day for their bag sale and half price sale.  Also, I saw signs for streets off of Crystal Springs Road in Crystal Lake for neighborhood sales starting on May 16th.  I'm looking forward to them.  I like parking my car and walking from house to house.  I hope the weather is beautiful on that day. 

Plant sales are starting soon.  You can get good plants for very reasonable prices.  Even garage sales sell plants for a good price and are worth buying.  This is a good way to add to your garden at a minimal cost.

Treasures at Interiors Anew

I haven't stopped by Interiors Anew in Woodstock for at least 2 weeks.  So, I had to go there today.  I had always wanted and looked for a vintage metal shopping cart.  There it was outside of the store today for $19.  I grabbed it.  I may use it for my yarn collection.  I'm not sure.  I still need to clean it up and then I will decide.

Inside, Judy was still pricing some items and I spotted a white garden stand.  It was $20 and I had to have it.  I plan to do some work around my gardens tomorrow and will find a place for it.  I have been plant shopping the past two days and have brought home some great pink/purple plants to continue my garden color theme.  I stopped at the Barn Nursery in Cary yesterday and used my $10 off coupon with a $30 purchase.  I found a lavender plant and an allium.  I also went crazy on vegetable plants that are in my basement right now until the weather warms up.  I just had to be ready for that time.  Today I stopped in at the Home Depot in McHenry and bought a few plants.  Some of the plants were 4 for $10.  I'm looking forward to finding a spot for them tomorrow.  I want to plant them before the rain that is expected on Thursday. 

I'm looking forward to the two church rummage sales on Friday.  On Thursday, the McHenry County Defenders will have their sale at the Algonquin Township office on Rte 14 between Crystal Lake and Cary.  I have found treasures there before.  It is worth a look.

Spring Sales are Here!

What a load of fun I had yesterday treasure hunting!  I went to the church rummage sale in Ringwood first.  I find something at this sale every other year.  Well, this was the year.  I found lots of sewing items, picture frames, fabric, crochet hooks and buttons.  Everything was from 50 cents to $1.50.  I spent some time this morning sorting the buttons.  Lots of cool vintage ones.  There were also lots of hand sewing needles and sewing machine needles.  I will never run out of needles, but always good to have handy.

I then stopped at an estate sale in McHenry.  The house was jammed packed, but organized and clean.  Not like the one I went to a few weeks back.  Anyway, I found a vintage 8x10 double picture frame to use with Austin's 8th grade pictures next year.  I had used one for Ethan's and wanted to have a matching one for Austin. Now I do.  I also found a black coal carved Lincoln statue (Austin loves all things from Lincoln), a hand painted metal tray for $3.50, a milk glass miniature vase for $1.50, a bag of vintage Christmas floral items for 75 cents, childrens records for 50 cents each, a large brass bell for $5, some really bright vintage fabric for $2 each, a vintage Christmas elf for $2, another seashell box, but really vintage for $1.50, a vintage Easter rabbit bobblehead for $1.50, a bag of vintage Easter toys for 75 cents and a vintage Christmas apron for $3.  I had a box full when I finally left.  It was a fun sale to be at.

I did garage sale for most of the day and stopped at a sale that I just happened to drive by.  It wasn't listed in the paper.  Sometimes those are the best.  This was one of those good sales.  I found a vintage blue cake stand for $4 and a purple pedestal bowl for $1.  Great great items.  I was very pleased.

I am so glad that spring is finally here.  I spent all day today weeding my gardens and moving garden ornaments around.  The yard is looking really nice.  I hope the sunny days continue.  I even had a few minutes to just sit on my porch and read Midwest Living Magazine.  I don't always make the time to just sit and read while sipping some iced tea.  I'm so glad that I did today.

St. Pauls Church in Crystal Lake is having their rummage sale on May 3 starting at 9am.  Remember, the church in Ridgefield is having their sale at 8am on the same day.  Since they are in close location to each other, you can go to both.  I know that I will be.

I'm Having Fun!

I'm having fun going to sales.  Yesterday, I stopped at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry and found a great pin (looks vintage and definitely me) for $2.50 and a cute pair of earrings for $3.50.  The pin has a nice vintage look with pearls and rhinestones.  I then stopped at the Goodwill in McHenry and found 2 small seashell ring size boxes for $1 each.  I added them to my ever growing collection. 

Today was a super day with 2 church rummage sales.  In the morning, the sale was at the Presbyterian Church on Route 47 in Woodstock.  I found a vintage gold trimmed oval mirror tray for $3 (I always wanted one), a vintage Enesco lady planter for $1, 3 pairs of clip on earrings for 50 cents each and lots of books for the boys at 50 cents to $1 each.  They had a great collection of books to choose from.  The books I bought looked brand new.  They will be great to give as gifts.  In the evening, the Methodist Church in Crystal Lake had their rummage sale.  I found a few books (again for 50 cents each) and 2 shell boxes for 50 cents each that I will probably use to give gifts in.  They are really nice lidded baskets. 

Tomorrow is the Ringwood church rummage sale starting at 9am and then lots of garage sales in Woodstock and McHenry.  I can't wait to begin my day!