Thinking of Spring

We missed the heavy snow that fell in the Chicagoland area yesterday.  I was so happy.  I do love the snow, but at this time of year, especially when we had a warm weekend, I can't wait for spring.  It doesn't help the feeling since I spent some time outside, without a coat, cleaning up the yard of Christmas decorations.  Things were finally thawing out.

Inside was beginning to feel like spring too.  Away went the hearts and out came the Easter decorations.

I rarely find vintage Easter decorations, so when I do, I keep them for my collection.

My mother always makes stuffed cabbage (the best by the way).  So one year, I bought my brothers and her a pottery cabbage bowl.  Some were plain on top, one had some vegetables and a few had a rabbit.  I put mine out every year for Easter.

While shopping at Aldi, I couldn't pass up flowers for $1.50.  The house looks so much brighter with flowers on the kitchen table.

I have been changing them around with this assortment that was a birthday present from my friend Christine.

Since spring means that flea markets/rummage sales/garage sales will be starting soon, my friend Mary gave me a very thoughtful gift.  She filled a mason jar (that has a chalkboard space on it to write on) with items I will need when treasure hunting.  There was a flashlight, tape measure, hand sanitizer, coin purse with a dollar and a penny in it, a small bungee like cord, arrow sticky paper pads, black sharpee and of course, jolly rancher hard candy for sugar energy.  She had it in a great bag with french inspired tissue paper.  I'm going to try to decoupage the paper onto some vintage clip boards.

Which now brings me to the Vintage Shop Hop.  There are now over 270 shops in Illinois and Wisconsin that are participating on March 4-5.  It is sure to be a good day.  I will be at the Carriage House on Saturday March 5 for the Shop Hop.  Stop by to say hi. https://www.facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent/

Another date you might want to write down is for Gardenfest at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake on April 9.  Every year the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners hold a full day of gardening classes for beginners to advanced.  This year's keynote is: Kerry Ann Mendez. Registrations is now open. http://www.mchenry.edu/gardenfest/

On May 14 is the Proven Winners event at the Chicago Botanic Garden with P. Allen Smith.  He is an amazing speaker whom I have had the pleasure of seeing before.  I can't wait for this event. https://www.provenwinners.com/Outdoor-Living-Extravaganza-2016

I noticed that a few of my crocus are peaking through the soil.  Spring is definitely on the way!  Keep looking for those sales to find treasures to fill your garden.

Happy treasure hunting!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.  I hope your day is filled with love and beauty.

I recently made these hearts with vintage trim and small doilies that I have collected over the years. I have an obsession with vintage trim.  I can't pass it up even if its only a tiny piece.  There is always a use for it.

This one made use of a vintage corsage that I just couldn't pass up.

Here are all of the hearts together:

I displayed them on a great silverplated tray that I found for $5 at a garage sale.

My 2016 Favorite Flea Markets page is updated with all of the current dates and websites.  Make sure to put these dates on your calendar.  It will give you something to look forward to, especially since tomorrow is supposed to be brutally cold here in Illinois.

Happy treasure hunting!

Hearts and Wishes

Yesterday was an emotional but fun day for me.  I turned 50.  I know that the number shouldn't matter but for the past 6 months I have been re-examining my life and remembering some childhood experiences and I just can't believe how fast time flies.  (Made even worse by Ethan turning 18 on Saturday). Today, I'm fine.  I thought too much and felt too much.  I have a lot to be thankful for and that's what I should focus on.

My good friend Cecilia spent the day with me treasure hunting.  We always have so much fun together and she made me enjoy my day for what it was.  We went to one of my favorite stores in DeKalb called, My Favorite Things.  It was her first time there and she loved it!  Last time I was there I bought a small heart sewn from vintage quilt pieces so there were some tattered places on it which added to the charm.  This time I found 2 more but slightly larger.

These had even more tattered places on them to add to their charm.

I also found a wonderful green rusted and chipped iron plant stand.  I have sold a few that I had displayed in my sun room and now have it down to three with this one included.  It is fabulous!  

Notice the snow outside of the door?  The sunroom is not insulated so I don't spend much time out there right now.  I have been slowly going through my planter collection and as soon as it warms up, I will be able to find a home for this stand in the sunroom.  For now it looks great on its own.  Like a giant flower.

Happy treasure hunting!

Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake

While I was getting my car tire repaired, I took advantage of the free WI-FI and looked up ideas on Pinterest.  I came across a recipe for Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake from Taste of Home and since I had frozen blueberries I thought I would try it.

It was easy to make (one of my baking requirements) and most importantly, it is delicious!  The recipe is on my Baking section on Pinterest if you are interested.

Since I decorate extensively for Christmas, I keep my decorations for Valentine's Day at a minimum. I like treasures with pinkish flowers and lately I have started a new collection obsession with small floral pitchers.

Make sure to check out the Vintage Shop Hop (https://www.facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent)
March 4-5 where at least 250 shops in Illinois and Wisconsin are participating.  Each stop has their own specials and lots of treasures.  Carriage House Antiques is on the list!  It's such a fun way to have a day of just vintage shopping.  Obviously you can't get to each shop, but its nice to find out about other shops for a future trip.  We had people coming in throughout the year that had found out about us from this event.

Happy treasure hunting!