Follow me on my pathtojunkentreasure as I hunt for treasures at flea markets, garage sales, rummage sales, thrift stores, estate sales and even on the side of the road. I'll share my love of ironstone, hammered aluminum, vintage Christmas, vintage jewelry, doilies and tablecloths, flower frogs, garden items and anything rusty and chippy. You can find me at Carriage House Antiques in Crystal Lake Illinois. Please join me on my pathtojunkentreasure!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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?

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

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!

Monday, July 15, 2013

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. 

Friday, July 12, 2013

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. 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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.