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.