Saturday Spotlight at Junk Chic Cottage

Today is sooooo exciting!  Kris from junkchiccottage has spotlighted me in her Saturday Spotlight.  I was so excited when she contacted me to see if I would be interested in being a part of her Saturday Spotlight.  Boy was I!

It has been so wonderful since meeting Kris.  She is so thoughtful and helpful with every detail.  I am so glad that she and Terry walked into the Carriage House the day I was working.

Please stop by her blog to find out all about her.

Thanks Kris!

www.junkchiccottage.blogspot.com

Finding Treasures

I just had to show a picture of the great giant pig bank that I found at the Mukwonago flea market on Saturday.  It's for sale in my space at the Carriage House Antiques right now.  I had Ethan carry it to the car since it is really heavy.  Isn't it cute?

Today we visited NIU in Dekalb.  We had a chance to visit some resale/thrift stores on the way home.  There are soooo many more that we didn't have a chance to stop at, but will soon.  I see a girlfriend trip in the near future.  2 really good finds:  Whatever! on S. 4th Street and My Favorite Things on E. Lincoln Hwy.  I found a lot of treasures at both places.  A few of the other stores weren't open on Tuesdays.  I love exploring new places.  You never know what you will find.  That's the fun with treasure hunting.  I wanted to stop at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore, but we ran out of time.  That is also a must stop at place when you are in that area.

Happy treasure hunting!

Awesome in White

There are a few things that I have been looking for.  For a long time I have wanted a white chippy lawn set with chairs and animal figure milk glass pieces by Westmoreland.

Well, Friday was my lucky day!  I can't even count how many sales, estate/rummage and garage sales that I went to on Friday.  My second stop was an estate sale where I was 5th in line.  Always good for me when I'm pretty early in the line.  Anyway, I spotted a wonderful patio set in white iron like I have always wanted.  The best part, the part that sold me, was that it was $40.  I had to have it!  It took me 4 trips to my car to load it, but it was worth it.  It is now in my sunroom and it looks great with the green/white/seashell theme I have in there.  The corner where it is looks so open now.

My last stop of the day was a garage sale.  I instantly saw the table full of milk glass.  Milk glass isn't popular at this time, so there was a lot of it.  I found a few Westmoreland pieces that I have been hunting for.  One is a duck on a nest and the other is a lion on a nest.  They are so wonderful!  I rearranged the collection in my dining room so that they are in the center.  I bought a few other pieces, but these are staying in my collection.

The Wisconsin State Fair was sooooo much fun!  I had never been there.  We ate way too much.  Especially deep fried......way too much.  I was expecting more agricultural themed exhibits, but the food was plentiful.  We spent some time in the Horticultural building.  I love looking at the knitted and quilted entries.

I had to keep the excitement going, so today we went to the Mukwonago flea market in Mukwonago WI.  Wow was it hot!  Even at 8:30 in the morning it was steamy.  There is only 1 more on September 12-13.

Happy treasure hunting!

Carriage House Space Redo

I just wanted to share some pictures from my space at Carriage House Antiques in Crystal Lake.  I spent over 2 hours this afternoon (after a fun day at the Elkhorn Flea Market) redoing my space.  I added soooo many new treasures.  Many of them I found while on my trip to NJ.  I took out many of the spring and summer items to make room for the additions.  Hope you stop by soon to see for yourself.

Next weekend, August 15-16 is the Mukwonago Flea Market.  Remember to stop by the COW for deep fried cheese curds.

Happy treasure hunting!

Summer Travels

The boys and I went to visit my family in New Jersey last week.  In the short time that we were there, we visited Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut and the Poconos in Pennsylvania.  We made sure to visit the Jersey Shore and went to Sandy Hook.  It was sooooo hot while we were there, mostly 97, and very humid.

We made sure to visit lots of thrift stores (we found a new one called Bo's Attic at 455 Highway 36 N, Port Monmouth NJ), garage sales and one of my favorite flea markets in Saylorsburg Pennsylvania.

The trunk was filled!  It took me 3 days to unpack all of the treasures that I brought back.

Tomorrow is the last day of the McHenry County Fair in Woodstock.  We had entries in vegetables and crafts.  My pillow got 2nd place and my felted purse got a blue ribbon.  I was so excited.  I love this time of year when the fair comes around.  Starting on Tues Aug 11 is the Boone County fair in Belvidere IL and the Wisconsin State Fair is already in progress.

August 14, Friday, is a rummage sale at the Joyful Harvest Church on Johnsburg Road in Johnsburg starting at 8am.

Happy treasure hunting!

Visiting Flea Markets

This past weekend, I was super excited to be treasure hunting at 2 flea markets on the same day.  My husband and I were kidless, (the boys are away at camp) so we headed out early for the Mukwonago WI flea market that was held on Sat. and Sun.  As we were approaching Lake Geneva, the black storm clouds were also.  It was pretty scary driving under them.  Thankfully, we didn't hit any bad weather.  The rain had already passed at the flea market.  The dealers were still setting up, so we just went around it about 3 times to make sure that we didn't miss anything.  Of course, we had to get the cheese curds even though it was only 9:30 in the morning.  It's not a flea market without them.

We spent a few hours at the Mukwonago flea market and then decided to head over to the Rockford Vintage Market.  It was slightly out of our way, but it was one that I had never been too.  There were about 30 dealers there and the prices were good.  It ranged from vintage, primitive and repurposed items.  (The breweries were selling beer too).  I found a few treasures so the trip was well worth it.  Check our their facebook page for the Rockford Vintage Market.

Crystal Lake downtown area will be having sidewalk sales Thursday-Saturday.  On Saturday, the Antique Mall on Crystal Lake Avenue (across from the Carriage House) will be having a flea market.  The Church on Walkup Road in Crystal Lake will be having a rummage sale on Friday July 24 starting at 9am. Friday and Saturday will be the final Gallery in the Garden in Woodstock.  It has many artists selling their goods with music and food also.  It is located on Lawndale Avenue next to the house that was in the Groundhog Days movie.  

Happy treasure hunting! 

Using Vintage Fabric

I love to make pillows out of vintage fabric whether it is a vintage tablecloth, doily or quilt pieces.  I won't cut up a vintage tablecloth unless it has holes in it or some pretty bad stains.   I have a collection of crochet flowers and vintage buttons.  I like to use them on the pillows that I make to add pretty details.

Recently, I bought a Singer sewing machine from Jo-Ann Fabrics.  They had a sale a few weeks ago and I had always wanted a sewing machine that had an assortment of stitches and a buttonhole maker. Today I finally used it to make a pillow using a vintage tablecloth and the trim that was on it.   Such little pleasures in life!

Stops Along the Way

This was the week for college visits.  It was also the time to visit new towns and new antique/vintage stores.  While it was bittersweet visiting the colleges, it was also exciting for a new chapter in all of our lives.  My first child to go away to college.  All of the memories surfacing in my mind of his youth and all of the new memories to come.  I know that I have another year with him at home, but, boy do those years go by fast.

Ok, I'll wipe those tears away and focus on the stops that we made along the way.  Reflections of the Past is a vintage clothing, jewelry and consignment clothing store located at 182 West Main Street in Whitewater WI.  I like her selection of vintage clothing.  Treasures for the Home at 18 W. Beloit Street in Darien WI had a nice selection of vintage items and great prices.  They will be moving in the next month so check with them first before going there.  Needles 'n Pins Yarn Shoppe has a huge selection of yarn located at W903A County Rd A in Delavan.  Check out their hours before going since they are closed a day or two during the week.

                                          University of Wisconsin Whitewater Landscaping

Donn's Antiques & More at 104 N. Main Street in Toluca IL was a fun find.  We stopped by with only 10 minutes to go before he closed and he stayed open for longer because he sometimes does that.  He has a nice selection of vintage items and some you have to dig for.  Reclaimed Resale is at 104 S. Menard St in Metamora IL.  They had a nice selection of thrift store finds but the vintage items were a little pricey.  Fun to look through though.

Tomorrow is the Heritage Fair at the Historical Museum in Union IL.  The barn opens at 9am with a vintage sale.  This is always a fun place to visit.  The flea market in Cedarburg WI is tomorrow also.  Saturday July 18 is the Rockford Vintage Market (see their Facebook page for more info).  Also that Saturday and Sunday is the flea market in Mukwonago WI.  July 30 is the rummage sale at the Calvary Church on Route 31 in Crystal Lake.

Happy treasure hunting!

Surprise In My Driveway

My friend, Cecilia, and I leave surprises for each other.  She is my treasure hunting buddy.  So, how nice it was the other day when I drove into my driveway and saw the cutest pink metal chair sitting there.  It is the perfect compliment to a potted lavender plant that is in a vintage bucket.

She said that she knew it was perfect for me as soon as she saw it.  I love when I find treasures that I know will be perfect for someone.  I usually put it away for a present at a future date. Those mean so much.

A Wisconsin Weekend

We spent all weekend in Wisconsin.  Saturday we started out heading for New Glarus.  As we drove through Brodhead, we had to stop to see the pink bicycle and fence that leads into a private driveway.  It was so cute.  At Christmastime, they had a truck parked in that spot with Santa sitting in it.

We made our cheese/sweets run at the Swiss Colony Outlet and Alp and Del Cheese store.  Both are a must when you are in Monroe.  We usually eat in town, but since we were going to New Glarus for the Taste of New Glarus, we didn't.  When going to New Glarus, you must stop at the New Glarus Brewery on the way.  They have a really neat stone patio and steps leading up to it.  The day was perfect, sunny with a nice breeze, which made it even nicer to sit outside.  The Taste of New Glarus is always a nice way to experience what the town has to offer.  They even have a craft fair set up.  Make sure to stop at the bakery to buy nuthorns.  You will love these pastries.

On our way to the Belvidere flea market in Belvidere IL, we drove back through Brodhead and found a great antiques and resale store inside a church with a sign, the Best of Brodhead.  His store is called, Good Olde Stuff.  He has old, used, rough, salvage treasures.  You have to dig, but what fun you'll have!  It is packed.  And I mean packed with treasures.  He is open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday noon to 4 located at 905 10th Street.

The Belvidere flea market did not disappoint.  It is a small flea market but the prices are soooooo good.  I bought some big items, but we managed to find a space for them in our already packed trunk full of cheese.

The Elkhorn flea market on Sunday was also fun.  (I had the best weekend!)  The weather was good, sunny again with a slight breeze.  We all found some nice treasures, but Ethan found the best.  A Mickey Mouse toaster.  Can't wait to make toast with Mickey's face on it.

July 12th is the next Cedarburg WI flea market.  On the same day in Union IL at the Historical Museum is their open house, auction and white elephant sale.  It's a fun day for history.  July 18-19 is the Mukwonago WI flea market.  I also found out about a vintage market in Rockford IL the third Saturday of the month.  I don't know anything about it, but was told to check it out on Facebook at Rockford Vintage Market.  I will do that.  I always love a new place to find treasures.

Happy treasure hunting!

Meeting Kris from JunkChicCottage and Vintage Linen Friday

Yesterday was my day to work at Carriage House Antiques.  It had just started to rain when in walked a woman and a man.  I knew that she looked familiar and I had to take a double take.  It was Kris and her husband Terry from www.junkchiccottage.blogspot.com.  It was so nice to meet them since I follow her blog.  She always has such wonderful pictures of her house and her undertakings.  It is a pleasure to read her writings.  Take a look at her blob.  You will surely find some inspiration in it.

Today, I got the boys up early to go garage/estate saleing with me.  It was so much fun.  We hit a few estate sales in the area and I found the most wonderful collection of vintage linens.  Ethan spotted them and called me over.  He didn't want to ruin my concentration while I was looking over items in the kitchen.  I'm glad he told me!  I had the table to myself and I cleaned her out.  I was so excited.  There were napkins, curtains, fabric, kitchen towels, Christmas, Easter and just everyday.  I will be keeping a few for my collection and then putting the rest up for sale in my space.  They are wonderful.  I just love vintage linens.  The colors and graphics are great. I never get tired of looking at them or using them.  They add so much to a space.

I found another milk glass punch bowl with gold trim at a garage sale and bought it.  I didn't need another punch bowl but it would make a lovely salad bowl.  It came with 10 cups.  I will be letting go of another punch bowl set in the near future to make room in my cupboard for this new one.  I have gotten pickier with milk glass since I have so much of it, but I couldn't pass this up.

Remember that tomorrow is the Belvidere Flea Market  at the fairgrounds in Belvidere starting at 3pm and on Sunday is the Elkhorn Flea Market in Elkhorn WI at the fairgrounds starting at 7am.  If you want to take a road trip, it's the Taste of New Glarus in New Glarus WI.  The main street in town is closed to traffic so that local restaurants can set up areas to purchase their food.  It makes a fun day/trip.  The nuthorn cookies from the bakery are soooooo delicious.  You can even stop in Monroe to buy cheese and visit the Swiss Colony outlet store.

Happy treasure hunting!

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!