Changing Things Around

I can't believe that I haven't posted in a while.  Sorry.  Things have been busy and my internet has been slow at times.  I'm glad I could get on it today.

A few years ago, I bought a black iron trellis and just put it at the back of the yard until I knew where it should go.  Well, I finally figured it out.  We moved it to an area on the side of the driveway that leads into the vegetable garden.  It is the perfect spot!  It will take some tweaking to finish it off, but it's off to a good start.  I'm pleased so far.  Now if I could only find some time to weed the garden.

Today I had some time to visit Savers Thrift store in Crystal Lake.  I found a white cubicle cabinet for $4.99.  (But, with my 30% off coupon, it only cost $3.50).  I knew that it would fit perfectly in Austin's room to hold his ever growing collection of comic books.  He even has some room in it for future purchases.  I was hoping to get rid of a few other cabinets in his room at the same time, but we found uses for those, so they are staying for now.  The best part is that it was already white and I didn't have to paint it.  I just love when I find those great finds.

Saturday June 27th is the flea market at the Belvidere Fair Grounds starting at 3pm.  Sunday June 28th is the Elkhorn Flea market.  Gates open at 7am.


Happy treasure hunting!

What a Sale Weekend!

Sooo many sales this past weekend.  I had a great time.  I tried to fit in as many garage sales/estate sales as I could.  The boys and I were out full days hunting for those treasures.

We actually stopped at Nellie's Barn Sale in Roscoe.  It was fun.  It was nice to meet Ann.  I found a few small vintage Christmas treasures.  Her next sale is on Oct 9-10 from 10-4pm at 10985 Main Street in Roscoe.  Afterwards, we shopped a few sales that were in Rockton for the Route 75 sales.  Rockton has a cute downtown with at least 4 antiqueish stores.  It is a nice place to check out.   We then stopped at the Klehm Arboretum for their garden fair and bought flowers at great prices.  This is always a great place to pick up lots of flowers.  The weather was beautiful for a day outside.  I can't believe how much we walked that day.

On Saturday, we visited Northwind Perennial in Burlington WI for their annual antique show/flea market.  It was another perfect day with many treasures to be found.  I left with a vintage wire display stand to hold linens in my space at the Carriage House.  I set it up yesterday and displayed my linens in it.  I love it! (I have a wooden box filled with linens that are on clearance to make room for the new ones I'm bringing in).  I also bought a white chippy plant stand that is now in my sunroom holding off white planters of all types.  I'm selling the black vintage metal stand that I was using to hold the planters.  Chippy Shabby had a booth at the show and Jeanine always has the most wonderful chippy treasures.  It's always so nice to stop by to see her displays.

Immanuel Lutheran rummage sale in Crystal Lake is on Friday June 12th.  I thought it was on Thursday since that was what their website had.  The newspaper has it on Friday so just double check before you head there.  Grayslake changed their flea market date to June 20-21 this month.

Happy treasure hunting!

Busy Week

Last week was so busy, but so much fun.  It took me three days to rearrange and organize my space at Carriage House Antiques for our Spring and Garden open house.  It was amazing!  I had so much fun when the doors finally opened.  People were waiting to come in and it didn't stop until we closed the doors on Sunday.  The weather cooperated for the most part.  Thursday was the best sunny day of the open house.  It was great seeing everyone.

So, this week it's back to normal.  I tweaked my space and added a few new items.  I also set up a clearance area on vintage linens.  I really marked them down so that I can make room for newly found linens that I want to add.  I was running out of space.

School for the boys ends today.  I'm looking forward to the summer with them.  (Even with the full calendar of camps and events that already is marked on the calendar).

Friday and Saturday is an antique fair at Northwind Perennial in Burlington WI.  I like this fair.  It's not far from Lake Geneva so you can head over there when your done.  It makes for a nice day.  St. Charles Flea Market is also this weekend.  Klehm Arboretum in Rockford is having their garden fair Friday thru Sunday.  You can get plants for great prices.  It's a nice event.  Nellies Barn sale in Roscoe is also this weekend.  I have never been to it, but it looks great.  I'm hoping to get there this year.

June 11 is the Immanuel Lutheran Rummage Sale in Crystal Lake.  June 13 is the Urban Farmgirl Fair at Midway Village in Rockford with load of vendors.  See her Facebook page.  June 27th is the evening Belvidere Flea Market at the fairgrounds in Belvidere.  It is also the Taste of New Glarus in New Glarus WI.  (Past Monroe WI).

I have so much to do in the garden, but an estate sale is calling to me.  I'll try to make time for both.

Happy treasure hunting!

Carriage House Spring and Garden Open House

Thursday thru Sunday (May 28-31) will be a Spring and Garden open house at Carriage House Antiques in Crystal Lake.  The store will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare for it.  There will be sales, raffles and refreshments with a chance to win a gift certificate and flower arrangement from The Greenhouse on Route 31 in Crystal Lake.  So many wonderful garden accents are being added daily to get ready for the open house.  Not to mention all of the wonderful items inside the store.  We have so many wonderful treasures to help you create what you have been dreaming about.  Please stop by to see us.  Check out the Facebook page for more details.

Yesterday we went to the Cedarburg WI flea market.  It lightly rained the whole time so many of the vendors covered up or closed up so we didn't get to shop that much.  I did find a few treasures but not like I usually do.  It was disappointing but at the same time, it was fun.  I love going to Cedarburg and walking around the town.  We didn't get much time in town either because of the rain.  The next one is July 12th.

Garage saleing was fun this past week.  I found many wonderful treasures and even decided to keep a few of them this time.  I have been trying to not keep anything, but I couldn't help it this time.  I found a wonderful, quirky metal stand that has a figure of a woman at the top.  I changed around my room and added her in the corner.  I just love it!

We finished planting the garden today.  I have been waiting for the perfect weather and couldn't wait any longer.  I'm glad we did it tonight.  The soil wasn't too wet and it seemed like the right time.  I need to buy more tomato cages though.  Another errand for this week....

Bethany Church on Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake is having their rummage sale on Friday May 29th.

Happy treasure hunting!

The Past Few Days.....

Whew!  The past few days were extremely hectic but fun.  I did have my garage sale on Friday and Saturday, so the days prior I was busy setting it up.  The turnout on Friday was a little slow but after the rain ended on Saturday, it got really busy.  Anything that was left over, went right to Savers in Crystal Lake.  I don't like to hold onto anything that didn't sell.  I also don't like to wait to donate it somewhere.  As soon as the sale is over, we pack up and off it goes to be donated.

I had never been to the Pecatonica Flea Market in IL.  It is twice a year and on a Saturday and Sunday.  We were planning on going to both the Pecatonica and Elkhorn flea markets in the same day.  I know that it could be done but once we got to the Pecatonica flea market on Sunday, we never left.  It was fabulous!  We made 3 trips to the car and left with a full trunk.  My favorite buy was a vintage blue stool with the coolest pattern paper on top.  I put it into my living room in a corner by the china cabinet and just put one blue/white vase on top.  It looks so nice.  I'm keeping this stool.  It was a gift to me.  I picked up a few pottery planters, jewelry, garden items, wooden boxes, comics for the boys and I can't even remember what else.  The rain stayed away and it turned out to be a beautiful day.  I had so much fun.  The buys were great and so were the prices.  The next one is Sept. 19-20.

May 29th is the Bethany Church sale on Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake, Immanuel Lutheran Sale in Crystal Lake is June 11th and the Calvary Church Rummage sale on Rte 31 in Crystal Lake is July 30th.

Stay tuned for the open house dates at Carriage House Antiques.  It's coming up next week......

Happy treasure hunting! 

Everything Homespun

I finally had a chance to stop at Everything Homespun in Delavan Wisconsin.  What a great store!  Not only are there many treasures to buy, but the owners are the nicest people.  It was so much fun.  Lots of primitives, but also candles and an assortment of items so that you will not leave empty handed.  I bought a sap bucket and a vase.  They are only open on certain days so be sure to check out their facebook page.


Happy treasure hunting!

Mother's Day Weekend

Happy Mother's Day!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.  Mine was hectic but enjoyable.  I got a huge beautiful basket of flowers that I put in front of my house on a vintage white ice cream parlor chair.  (It sits on the concrete square that covers up the well.)

We stopped by the Pepper Road and Friends Spring Market on Saturday in Lake Barrington.  It was nice to be at an outside market with so many fun items from an assortment of vendors.  I found a cute black iron miniature plant stand that I'm using in my room to hold my flower frogs and assorted office supplies that I use.  It looks great!  I new that I would have a use for it.  I also found a wonderful necklace with a heart that has Vintage Girl on it at Tattered Tiques.  It is by a jewelry designer Beth Quinn.  (She has a website, Beth Quinn Designs, and a Facebook page).   The boys tried to convince me that I didn't really want it because they wanted me to walk away from it so that they could buy it for me for Mother's Day.  How sweet they are!  They just ended up buying it for me right away so that I could wear it.  I love it!

On Mother's Day, we visited the Wilmot Flea Market in Wilmot, WI.  Since the weather was misty and cold, there were only a handful of vendors.  We didn't find anything, but they are open every Sunday.  It costs $1 a person to get in.

Speaking of flea markets, Elkhorn WI flea market starts the season this Sunday at 7am.  I love this market!  There is also a flea market in Pecotanica IL.  I have never been to this one but I hear it is a great one too.  I'm hoping to get to both on Sunday.  (I think the Pecotanica one is Saturday and Sunday).  I will probably be having a garage sale on Friday and Saturday so I have to fit in both flea markets on Sunday.  I know it can be done.  I'm hoping for nice weather for the garage sale.  There is a subdivision down the street from my house that is having one at the same time and I was hoping to get some of their traffic.  I will start setting up tomorrow after checking the weather reports again.

Since we were having some nice weather the past few days, I started planting kohlrabi and swiss chard.  It must be a bad year for ticks because I found 3 on me this past week.  I always panic and threaten to never go outside again.  At least I found them before they attached.  Be careful this time of year and be sure to look yourself over well after coming in from outside.

On Thursday is the McHenry County Defenders sale at the Algonquin Township Office and in the afternoon is the Grace Lutheran Church Rummage sale in Woodstock across from Woodstock Water Works pool.

Happy treasure hunting!

Some Redecorating

These past few weeks have been extremely busy.  Time is just flying by.  I was going to have a garage sale this weekend, but with so much going on, I just couldn't.  There's prom for Ethan and Austin's birthday.  Way too much to prepare for.

In between everything else, I did some redecorating.  I found the most amazing blue velvet chairs at the Huntley church rummage sale and I just couldn't part with them.  I love them!  I found the perfect spot in my bedroom for them.  The chair I had in my bedroom is now in the basement for extra seating.

I have been looking around for a cabinet for Austin's room to hold all of his collections.  I finally found a metal locker cabinet at an estate sale this past week when it was half price.  $7 seemed like a great price to pay for it.  Yesterday we rearranged his room (and dusted).  It looks so much brighter in there now.  He even likes it.  We used a 3 tiered shelf that we didn't need in his room anymore to hold collectibles in Ethan's room.  It's always fun to move pieces around the house for the perfect fit.  The plus side in all of this is that Austin got rid of some items and we put them in the garage sale bin.  It was a very productive day.  Hopefully I will have the garage sale in May (weather permitting).

On Thursday there is a church rummage sale on Bull Valley Road/Crystal Lake Avenue in McHenry starting at 12 noon.  Also, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday is a vintage garden show at the Waukesha County Expo Center in Waukesha WI.  Keep your eyes open for garage sales and estate sales.  The season is just getting warmed up.

Happy treasure hunting!

Meeting Melinda Myers

Yesterday I attended a luncheon for the Klehm Arboretum (located in Rockford, IL) at Giovanni's in Rockford.  It is their yearly fundraiser.  Melinda Myers was the speaker.  I have always wanted to hear her speak but could never fit her engagements into my schedule.  Until yesterday.  I am so glad that I went to hear her speak.  She is an amazing speaker and an even nicer person.  We had some time before the event to talk and I felt like we had been friends forever.  She is so down to earth and full of great ideas and tips for the garden.  It's funny how when gardeners get together, it always feels like visiting with a long time friend.  She has a new book out now, Midwest Gardener's Handbook.  See her website at www.MelindaMyers.com. She will be at the Wisconsin State Fair in August and other speaking engagements.

Saturday was Gardenfest 2015 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.  It was a long, fun day.  Roy Diblik from Northwind Perennials in Burlington WI was the keynote.  He had some wonderful gardening ideas.  He is such a nice person to talk to and so full of proven techniques to make it easier in the garden.  I taught my class on Flea Market Gardening in the afternoon and had about 35 attendees.  They were just as excited as I was to talk about using flea market treasures in the garden.  I had so much fun teaching it and visiting with the attendees.

Today is the church rummage sale in Huntley starting at 12 noon and at the Methodist Church in Woodstock on South Street starting at 3pm.  Next week are quite a few rummage sales.  1st Congregational Church on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake is on Thursday April 23rd as well as the Presbyterian Church in Woodstock on Route 47.  April 24th is the Lynn, WI church rummage sale right outside of Lake Geneva starting at 7am.  April 24-26 is a Spring Fling at 1106 Millview Drive in Batavia (I have not been to this before) from 8-4 and Blumen Gardens in Sycamore is having an event.  Saturday April 25th-Sun April 26th is a Spring Garden Show at Antiques of Winfield at 27W461 Beecher, Winfield, IL (I haven't been to this either).  What fun and exciting upcoming weeks ahead.

May 9th from 9-5 is a Spring Market on N. Pepper Road in Lake Barrington with a bunch of stores participating.

With so much going on, there is sure to be lots of treasures.  Happy treasure hunting!

Spring is Blooming

The crocus are up, hyacinths are just beginning to open and daffodils are starting their birth.  I love spring with all of the promise of what is to come.  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and Passover.  We were invited to our first Seder dinner this weekend.  It was a memorable evening.  We celebrate Eastern Orthodox Easter on Sunday April 12th.

This Saturday is Gardenfest at Mchenry County College in Crystal Lake.  My presentation is ready.  I am so excited to share my love of creating gardens with flea market finds.

I have been so busy with finishing up little projects, searching for treasures to bring to Carriage House Antiques and anything else that comes up.  I had this wonderful night stand that was sponge painted a pink/grey color.  I painted it white this weekend and added a glass nob for a more vintage look.  I love how it came out.

The Mchenry Garden Club is having a Container Garden Show on April 28th at Mchenry West High School in Mchenry.  Carriage House Antiques donated a wonderful basket filled with garden related items for the raffle.

Once again, I rearranged my space at the store.  It looks so light and bright.  I love moving things around so that everything looks so new.  I brought in this wonderful bird cage with white chipped/rusty patina.  It looks so awesome hanging from the ceiling.

Next week I'm going to start planting lettuce/spinach/swiss chard.  I can't wait to taste the freshness!


Happy treasure hunting.

Treasure Hunting Day

We had so much snow on Monday that I thought what better day to pot some of my bulbs that I just got at Walmart.  I had some decorative angel vessels that I knew would look really good with the flowers in there.  I was right.  They were a perfect fit.  I also needed to plant a few flea market finds with plants for the class that I am teaching at Gardenfest on April 11 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake on Flea Market Gardening.  I had an enamel colander and a strainer that worked really well as a planter.  Hopefully the hyacinths and tulips will bloom in time for the class.

I visited a really neat resale store in Oregon IL called Rock River Resale.  It's at 404 W. Washington.  They have a great assortment of treasures that are priced from really inexpensive to a little much.  But, there is definitely something for everyone.  Of course Austin didn't want to go in.  He was a little tired from all of my treasure hunting.  But, of course, he was the one who found the treasures.

Happy treasure hunting! 

Garden Finds

Happy Spring!

Spring started for me the other day when I found these wonderful garden treasures.  The rusty patina and chippy paint made them even more awesome.  I don't always come across white wrought iron pieces, so I grabbed them.  So lovely to look at.  They will be great in the garden.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate so I can finish cleaning up the gardens today.

There are a few estate sales this weekend.  On March 26 starting at 5pm is the Methodist Church rummage sale on Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake.

Happy treasure hunting!

Cleaning Up the Gardens

Even though today was considerably colder (only around 44 degrees), I still wanted to get outside to work more on cleaning up my gardens.  It always feels so good to be outside after staying in all winter.  The housework can wait for another day!

I worked on raking the leaves out of 2 more beds.  I like to keep the leaves as a groundcover to protect the plants in the winter and I don't deadhead any of the plants until in the spring when I do my cleanup.  It was so nice to see the tulips, hyacinths and crocuses peaking out of the ground.  It's well work the hard work of raking when these surprises are waiting.

The front door area still needs a little tweaking, but for now I'm leaving it.  I added the word "GROW" and love how it plays off the coming of spring.  We all need a little humor after a long winter.

Only 2 more garden beds to cleanup.  I'm going to have the boys help me with working on the raised beds.  I'm going to add more soil to them and would like to plant mostly swiss chard and kohlrabi in them.  Last year the swiss chard grew so large and beautiful and then the deer ate them.  I'll fool them this year and put it behind a fence.

I'll be out tomorrow treasure hunting.  Hope you can too!

Vintage Crates

I was so happy to be out in the wonderful weather this past week.  Even today was beautiful.  I took advantage and started to clean up my gardens.  I'm a little out of shape and my body is a little sore now, but, boy do I feel good.  I accomplished a lot and even put out some of my garden ornaments.  Spring is definitely on its way even though tomorrow is supposed to get really cold again.  I can handle the cold now since I've had a small dose of warmth and sunshine.

On Friday, I stopped at a few sales and was very happy to find some vintage Pepsi crates.  They were really wonderful.  I also found a vintage bottle crate from Boylan Bottling Company in Paterson NJ.  Since I'm from Jersey, I'm going to keep it to use in Ethan's room as a shelf for his turtle collection.  I hope to get to it soon after I finish with outside cleanup.  I put the Pepsi crates in Carriage House and am using them to hold vintage treasures.  It looks really nice.

I was busy restocking my shelves at Carriage House.  I always love to see what I have put away to sell at a later time.  It's like Christmas every day!  Pretty soon I'll be taking over garden items.  I'm still working on that.  I hope to get those treasures in the store by Sunday.

There is a flea market in Wheaton at the DuPage Fairgrounds on Sunday.  I have never  been to it before so maybe I'll take a ride over.

Happy treasure hunting!

Sales are Starting

The Vintage Shop Hop went so well this past Friday and Saturday.  I hope you all had fun and thank you to those who came and shopped at the Carriage House in Crystal Lake.  We had so much fun doing it.  The weather was cooperative so many people were out and about.

On Sunday, I went to a sale at Elgin High School.  This was its 42nd year.  I went for the first time.  It was sooooo much fun.  Over 200 booths with vintage, antique, new and more.  I found the most adorable handmade plastic Easter eggs.  I had to buy them.  The picture doesn't do them any justice.  I also found a wonderful 25th anniversary framed basket and a vintage photo album filled with newspaper clippings, recipes, pictures etc.  I don't know which item I like more.

We also went to the Algonquin Library book sale on Friday and found some good books on gardening and knitting.  The prices are always great.  The next sale dates are:  July 9-12 and November 12-15.

I found out about 2 sales.  The spring garden show at Antiques of Winfield at 27W461 Beecher, Winfield IL April 25-26 from 10-5.  I have never been to this one, but it looks like fun.  The other sale is a new one this year at:  22029-22049 N. Pepper Road in Lake Barrington on May 9th from 9-5.  It's a spring market with 9 Barrington area shops hosting it.  Another sale that looks like fun.

Remember that this Thursday, March 12th, are 2 church rummage sales.  One in Prairie Grove on Rte 176 and the other in Cary at the Methodist Church on 1st Street.

Happy treasure hunting!

It's Almost Here!

Spring is coming (I hope) soon.  I'm starting to get the winter blues.  At least the Vintage Shop Hop will be on Friday and Saturday.  In case you haven't heard, its over 200 vintage shops from IL and WI that are participating.  All of the details are on Facebook at Vintage Shop Hop.  It will be loads of fun.  Treasure hunting always is.  Carriage House Antiques is ready for the day with 10% off the whole store and linens and framed pictures are still 20% off.  I will be there on Friday so stop by and say "hi".

Thursday March 12th is the church rummage sale in Prairie Grove on Route 176 starting at 9am and then at 11am in Cary is the Methodist Church rummage sale on 1st Street.  Yeah!!!!!! The season is beginning.

For the first time in about 10 years, I went to the Kane County Flea Market this past weekend.  I had stopped going because there was so much new junk.  I had heard it had changed so I wanted to see for myself.  There was a nice variety of vendors there and I had a good time.  I would like to go back when the weather is warmer and the dealers are outside.

Happy treasure hunting!

Braving the Cold for.....Vintage Linens

I braved the cold today since I wasn't sure if I would be venturing out tomorrow with a high forecasted at 2 degrees.  With it being around 8 degrees today, I thought it was warm enough.

I'm glad that I did.  I visited a few of my favorite places and found loads of vintage treasures and like vintage treasures.  My trunk was full!  A large white birdcage came home with me.  It is just darling with flowers wrapped into it.  Today seemed to have a garden theme which made me wishful for spring.  At least I can have spring in my house for now.

One of my favorite places to treasure hunt is at the Sparrows Nest.  Today I stopped in at the one in Cary and was in heaven.  Every February, vintage linens of all kinds are put out for sale washed and ironed.  They have an amazing assortment right now.  I found sooooo many wonderful pieces.  I just have to keep a few of them for my own collection.  (Maybe all of them.)  I did leave a lot of them for others to buy.  I also found a navy blue vintage leather Coach cross body purse.  I wanted a cross body bag to use when I go treasure hunting so both hands are free to pick up treasures.  This one was perfect.

Stay warm while treasure hunting and have fun!

Just a Few Things.....

I always love finding vintage Christmas treasures.  I look for them all through the year.  What a surprise it was to find a load of them the other day.  I had seen the sign for a moving sale on Thursday night when Austin and I were out.  So, on Friday I decided to see what it was all about.  The sale had started on Wednesday so I didn't think there would be much left.  How wrong I was!  The back room in the basement had boxes full of vintage Christmas.  My trunk was filled when I left.  I found 14 boxes of Shiny Brite ornaments, a vintage Nativity scene and many other figure ornaments.  I couldn't believe it.  The man said that no one had even looked at the Christmas items until Friday.  I'm glad I got there early.  Usually once a season of looking for treasures, I stumble upon something like this.  I'm still going through the boxes.  They are so lovely.

After that I thought I should keep going and I found another sale.  Behind some other items, I spotted a giant pig that happened to be a bank.  Too cute not to get.  I just have to clean it up and it will be even cuter.  I love the unexpectedness of treasure hunting.  The not knowing what you will find is part of the fun.

But, here are some planned upcoming events:  There is another Rummage-a rama in West Allis WI this weekend at the State Fair Park.  March 5-8 is the Algonquin Library book sale.  Remember that there is a $10 fee on Thursday only.  March 12 is a rummage sale in Prairie Grove on Route 176 starting at 9am.  March 6-7 is a Vintage Shop Hop where over 200 shops will be having sales.  There is a map on Facebook at Vintage Shop Hop for all of the participating stores all over Wisconsin and Illinois.  It should make for a fun 2 days.

I have started spring cleaning in my house.  I like to begin towards the end of February because once the weather starts to warm up, I'm outside in the garden.  I had to buy a new vacuum and it was amazing to see what a bad job my old one did.  The house looks so much brighter after using the new one.

Happy treasure hunting!

Loads of Vintage Hankies

Since we are having a special on vintage linens at Carriage House Antiques, I wanted to share some displays that we have in the store right now.

Karen came up with a cute idea to attach hankies with small clothespins onto a small metal dress form as its skirt.  It is adorable and it is really easy to see all of the patterns on the hankies.  She also came up with the idea to put hankies with crochet trim into a mail sorter.  Karen and Di are so creative with displays.  There is also a bakers rack filled with vintage linens.  It looks so cheerful and inviting.

I tried to display my linens in an easier way so that they all are in view.  I almost succeeded.  I have so many right now that you have to dig a little to see them all.  Isn't that the fun way to do it?

I enjoyed treasure hunting today since the sun was out for awhile.  It actually felt warm.

Happy treasure hunting!

Linens.....

I love to change my vintage linens seasonally.  There are so many beautiful ones that I wish I could display my whole collection.  There are some wonderful hand embroidered pieces, crochet, handtowels, aprons, handkerchiefs and tablecloths.   I have spent time going through them and have put many for sale at Carriage House Antiques.  This month it is 20% off all linens.  (All framed pictures are also 20% off.) It is a nice time of year for me to reorganize and share the treasures that I have found over the years.

Yesterday, since we had so much snow on Sunday, school was closed.  The boys and I went to the Carriage House in the afternoon to set up my linens for the big sale.  I promised them some time afterwards at Starbucks as a thank you.  What a surprise when we got to Carriage House to see how much snow needed to be shoveled in order to just get in.  Something about being outside with all that snow working together to get it cleared.  It was actually fun.  They helped out tremendously inside and out.  As promised, we spent time at Starbucks (so did practically the whole town) and used their internet access.  (We still have problems at times with ours.) So, try to make it over sometime in the month of February to look at the linens and pictures.  20% off is a nice surprise.

Happy treasure hunting!

Crafting Felt Hearts

Last year I crafted felt hearts using vintage aluminum light holders and tinsel as well as vintage fabric to embellish them.  They came out so wonderfully that I thought I would make them again this year.  I especially love how the red hearts came out.

I used vintage earrings and vintage fabric yo-yos to embellish them.  I even had some great crochet pieces that I used on them.  The pink sparkle felt heart came out wonderfully too.  I also put crushed lavender in them.  (I had no idea how hard it was to find lavender at this time of year.  This summer I will be sure to harvest lavender and dry it from my garden.)

I had drawn the heart free hand and then saved the sample for future use.  The embroidery thread that I used to sew it all together was found at sales.  I always buy embroidery thread when I find it because it can be used on so many projects.  I just happened to have the right red and pink colored threads to match the felt.  I try to collect objects all year round when I find something that I really like and am not quite sure what I will use it for.  There will always be some way to use it on something.  I just had to go into my stash to find the perfect items to embellish the hearts with.

This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is a flea market in Milwaukee at the State Fair Park called Rummage-a-rama.  It is located at 640 S. 84th St in West Allis WI.  Enter at Gate 5.  Parking is $5.  Admission is $4 per person.   (Check the construction updates because the ramp for 84th St off of WB I-94 is closed for the winter).  I have not been to this before so I don't really know anything about it.  If the weather is fine, I just may have to check it out.

Happy treasure hunting!

Winter Garden View

I have been busy putting together a powerpoint presentation for the Flea Market Gardening class that I'm presenting at Gardenfest in April.  Since yesterday was slightly warmer and it actually felt like spring was in the air (wishful thinking), I went outside to take pictures of my garden with the snow.  This way, I could show the attendees how wonderful flea market treasures look in the summer and in the winter.  All year round glory.  Each picture brought a smile to my face, but my favorite one is with the giant turtle that I purchases a few years ago.

Ethan loves turtles, so when I spotted it in an antique store, I had to buy it.  I have moved him around the yard a few times, until I found this spot by the swing set that sits quietly now.  Originally, I had it in a place closer to the woods.  We have wild turkeys that come and go in the yard and one in particular that was always by himself.  We named him Jackson.  Well, one day Jackson was walking along when he spotted the turtle.  I just happened to be watching from the kitchen window.  Jackson slowly approached the turtle and ran away a few times each time he got closer to it.  It was so fun to watch Jackson being afraid of this new "animal" in the woods.  I'll never forget it.  After a few times of circling the turtle and running away, Jackson seemed to have known that the turtle wouldn't bother him and he actually went closer to explore this new addition to our yard.

Flea market treasures bring some fun and whimsy to a garden.  I hope to share this with all of the attendees in April that take my class.

It's a New Year!

Happy New Year to you!

I am a few days late I know, but things have been busy.  After taking down all of the decorations, (at home first) and then at Carriage House Antiques, I spent 5 hours at the store redecorating and putting out Valentine treasures.  The booth looks so light and airy.  I love it!

Even though the snow is falling outside right now and the temperatures are sooooo cold, I'm thinking of spring.  The new Vintage Style magazine is out and it is a really good issue.  Maybe because we are stuck inside and the kids have been home for 2 days due to school being cancelled, I'm dreaming of flea markets and looking for treasures.  The Vintage Style magazine makes it worse since the pages are full of wonderful treasures to hunt for.

I have also been busy preparing for my presentation at Gardenfest on April 11th this year at McHenry County College.  I'm presenting on Flea Market Gardens.  It has been fun researching and seeing pictures of what others have done to their gardens.  But again, it makes me dream of spring and all that will come with the warm weather.

Remember, rummage sales will start in March and that isn't really that far off.  It gives me time to organize my home for all of the treasures that I will be filling it with shortly.

Keep safe and warm this winter.

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

On our way up to Monroe Wisconsin last weekend for our bi-annual cheese run, we were driving through Brodhead and came upon a truck outside of someone's driveway that was a perfect Christmas card picture.  We just had to stop.  I thought it was a wonderful image to use to wish each and every one of you a joyous holiday season whether you celebrate Christmas on December 25th, Hanukkah or Christmas on January 7th.  Hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family and that the new year brings you good health, love and lots of time to enjoy life.

An Unexpected Gift

I got such a nice surprise today from my friend Cecilia.  I had just finished cleaning up a mess from a toilet that overflowed and was pleasantly surprised to find a holiday gift waiting for me.  My friend Cecilia loves vintage Christmas items probably as much as I do.  She had wrapped up a candle that is sold at Anew Interiors Anew in Woodstock and tied on a vintage snowman ornament.  I have never seen an ornament like it.  It is beautiful!  I am touched and so excited.  I hung it on my silver tinsel tree where it belongs.  Most of the ornaments on that tree were purchased from Cecilia.  It was so nice of her to think of me.  She is my friend that I go treasure hunting with.

On another note:  I found this vintage Santa bank today.  I love it.  Santa is winking.  It will be for sale at Carriage House Antiques on Thursday for $26.99.  I am tempted to keep him......

I love to just sit and look at my decorated Christmas tree.  All of the tall trees at Menards were sold, but we did manage to find a blue spruce for $12.  It is so full and beautiful.  This year I chose to put on homemade/crafted ornaments and other favorites.  Every year its a new look.

Hope you find some time to treasure hunt!

Decorating for Christmas

As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are put away, decorating for Christmas in my house begins.  Since I worked at the Carriage House Antiques on Friday, I started as soon as I got home.  I just love to bring out the vintage ornaments where I am always in awe of their beauty.  Vintage Santa and elves are my favorite.  I put up my 3 vintage tinsel silver trees where each have a theme.  The smallest one is for Santa only.  One is for vintage figures that I purchased on my treasure hunts this year and the other one is for vintage ball ornaments that I also purchased sometime this year on my treasure hunts.  I did bring out some old favorites.  I had to!

I like to set up the vintage decorations first before I set up the tree.  It's nice to spend time on each so that I can savor the moment.  We will probably put up the tree this weekend.  We usually put up a real tree.  We don't go far.  Usually just to Menards where they have a nice selection for a good price.  It has become our tradition.

Enjoy making memories this holiday season!