Another Weekend of Sales

What a fun weekend I had!!!! It started off on Friday with my friend Cecilia and I going out for the day to treasure hunt.  We try to go out frequently since we have such fun treasure hunting together. We bounce ideas off of each other.  The best part is that we don't often fight over the same item.  I say not often because we kind of did this time.  We take turns though on who gets what.

We started off going to the Methodist Church rummage sale in Barrington.  We were there for a few hours at least.  The car was pretty full at that point but since we just started, we had to keep going. We continued on to more garage sales and a few estate sales so the car just kept getting fuller and fuller.  We even made use of the back seat.

Sunday was the final Cedarburg flea market for the season.  That one is always my favorite because of the fall theme in most booths.  It was pretty crisp (we needed gloves), but it was really enjoyable. It was definitely a vintage tablecloth and jewelry day.  I came home with 10 tablecloths.  I found one with a Paris theme.  I was so excited.  I had always wanted one and couldn't believe it was only $1.  It has some stains on it, but I'm soaking it right now.  This is definitely one for my collection.

Today a group of us Master Gardeners put the Harvard Community Garden to rest for another season. We harvested the remaining vegetables and pulled all of the plants and irrigation.  It's always sad to me when the gardening season comes to an end even though I enjoy the fall and the cooler weather. Now I need to put my own garden/yard to rest.

Friday is a rummage sale at 8am at the Lutheran Church in McHenry on Route 120.  Nellie's Barn Sale Vintage Extravaganza is on Oct 9-10 from 10-4 at 10985 Main Street in Roscoe IL.  There is a $3 admission fee.  There is supposed to be a flea market on Saturday Oct 10 in Capron on Rte 173 and 4th Street.

Enjoy this cooler sweater weather.  Happy treasure hunting!

Gardening

It's always so sad when gardening season comes to a close.  We have enjoyed lots of tomatoes this year as well as hot peppers.  Ethan has discovered that he really likes hot peppers and tries to find the hottest one by eating them all.  It's funny to watch him when his mouth is on fire! Last week, I had the boys pull the plants out of the garden.  It looks so empty now.

For those of you that don't know, I am a Master Gardener in McHenry County through the University of Illinois Extension.  I help out as much as I can on our community garden in Harvard Illinois. Every Monday during the growing season is harvest day so the vegetables can be taken to the food pantry for next day distribution.  So far this year over 5000 pounds have been harvested and donated.  Next week will be our last day of harvesting and then the hard work of cleaning up the garden begins.

It is so rewarding to be a part of this garden.  I have met some wonderful people not to mention that we have a great time while working.  The time just flies when we are laughing and talking with each other.

I have one part left in my garden to clean up.  I had put in a few raised beds and they have been shaded out in the past few years.  I plan on pulling them out and just leveling the ground where they were.  Since the weather is turning cooler, I'll be working on that project soon.

Flea market season is also coming to an end at some of my favorite markets.  Sunday is the last flea market in Cedarburg Wisconsin for the season.  It is also the harvest fair at the Union Historical museum in Union,  First Methodist church in Barrington is having their rummage sale starting on Friday at 9am.  Take advantage of the last garage sales that are going on.

Happy treasure hunting!

1 Year Anniversary

Today is my one year anniversary selling at Carriage House Antiques.  I can't believe how fast the year has gone!  I am having so much fun hunting for treasures and bringing them into the shop for others to enjoy.

I look forward to working at the store my designated days and meeting so many wonderful people. Today I was there for our open house and I met Becky from Burlap-n-Boots.  www.facebook.com/burlapnboots. She has a space at the Crystal Lake Antique Mall across the street from the Carriage House.  She makes vintage looking signs and will even customize them for you.  She will be doing a vintage market at Whispering Hills Garden Center in Crystal Lake on Sept 26 from 8-4. www.facebook.com/whisperinghillsgardencenter.

Also on Sept 26th, the Crystal Lake Antique Mall will be having a flea market in their parking lot starting at 8am.  The downtown area is having a Johnny Appleseed festival at the same time.  It is a fun day.

Saturday and Sunday Sept 19-20, is the Pecatonica IL flea market.  It's the last one of the season.  I like this flea market alot.

With fall arriving, I am sure that there will be sooooo many fun activities to choose from.  Happy treasure hunting!

Carriage House Antiques Fall Open House

Carriage House Antiques Fall Open House is scheduled for Thursday Sept 17-20.
(21 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake IL)

Here are the hours:  Thursday Sept 17 from 10:30-7, Friday Sept 18 from 10:30-5, Saturday Sept 19 from 10:00-4:00 and Sunday Sept 20 from 12:00-3:00.

There will be raffles and refreshments!

*Salvage sale of doors, windows, architectural elements, hardware, tools and *jewelry will be up to 20% off.

Everything else not already reduced or marked firm will be 10% off.

We will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before the sale to prepare for it.

(Please see our Facebook page)


I hope to see many of you there!  I will be spending the next few days preparing my space with lots of wonderful treasures.  I am so excited to share them.

Happy treasure hunting!

An Unexpected Visitor

The last time I worked at the Carriage House on a rainy day, Kris and her husband Terry from Junk Chic Cottage walked through the door.  So, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that on a rainy day today, while I worked at the Carriage House, that Janet from Lucky Junk (405 S. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights IL) walked through the door.

This was the first time that I had met her, so of course I had to tell her that I knew of her from Kris at Junk Chic Cottage.  (What a small blog world it is).  She was delightful!   I promised to stop by her store soon.  She is open the 2nd and 4th weekends of every month.  luckyjunkshop.com

Thank you Janet for stopping by.  Hope to see you soon!


Main Street Market at the Midway Village Museum grounds in Rockford IL is Saturday Sept 12th.

Happy treasure hunting!

It's Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!  Even though it feels like summer still outside, we all know that Labor Day usually signifies summer's end.  I'm okay with that.  I am looking forward to the cool temps of the fall.  I also love the changing colors.    (I'm not ready for the "S" word though.  It's still too early for that.)

I spent a part of today putting my fall decorations outside.  It was way too hot to do more.

Speaking of hot, yesterday we went to the Cedarburg WI flea market.  It was unbearably hot.  We managed to spend the day there, but I was wiped out by the end.  It was nice to see some of the fall treasures that the dealers had set up.  The last one, October 4th, is my favorite because of all of the holiday treasures that are there.

I did find some treasures and of course I found another scale.  It is black and sooooo rusty and chipped.  It was perfect!

November 14th is a craft fair at the Elkhorn WI fair grounds.  I have gone to it before and found some really nice items.  It is held in a few different locations away from the fair grounds also and you have to drive to each one on your own.  That part was a little confusing for me since I'm not from that area, but I was given good directions from the vendors.  Just Google it to find out more.

Next weekend, Sept 12-13 is the last Mukwonago WI flea market for the season.  Sept 12 is also an art/craft fair at Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington WI.  I like this event.  It's a wonderful place to spend the day.

I will keep you posted on the fall open house at Carriage House Antiques.  It will be in Sept.  We have some wonderful treasures to add just for the event.  It will be loads of fun.  As soon as everything is finalized, I'll be sure to blog about it. My 1 year anniversary with Carriage House Antiques is Sept 18.  I can't believe that a year has past since it has been so much fun.  It doesn't feel like that much time has past.

Happy treasure hunting!

Finding a Vintage Scale

I seem to be finding vintage scales lately and it's now an obsession to find them whenever I'm out treasure hunting.  I already found 2 this week.  One has a green color and the other one is rusty black. It's the rusty black one that I'm excited about.

The other scales were up to 24 lbs.  This one is 60 lbs and it was made in Connecticut.  It is sooooo rusty and chipped that it was love at first sight.  I originally intended to sell it, but I can't part with it. I had stopped at a garage sale that didn't have many things for sale and there it was!  Even if a sale doesn't look that good from afar, I stop anyway.  You never know.

The scale has a similar color/patina to the vintage trophies that I have in my living room.  So, I added the scale to where they are and I love it!  They are a perfect combination for fall decorating which I will start next week.  I can't believe that summer is almost over, except for the Indian summer that always comes in October.  I do love the cooler days/nights when I can wear a sweater.  I am definitely a sweater girl.

Here is another upcoming event:  Sunday Oct 4th is the Cider Fest at the Historical Society in Union IL.  It is a fun day of fall activities and the barn is open for a rummage sale.  There are always really neat vintage items there.  See their website at:  www.GotHistory.org

Happy treasure hunting!

Trophy Finds

While treasure hunting in New Jersey, I came across this champagne bucket at a thrift store, Unique.  There are many locations in New Jersey that I always make sure to stop at while I'm there.  (I believe that there are some in Chicago, but I haven't been to those).  It had the perfect patina on it.  I thought I was going to sell it, but have since decided not to.  I just love its look.  Right now I put some dried fall flowers in it.

Last week while garage saleing, I came across this pitcher that is also a trophy.  It is engraved from a Windy City Challenge participation.  I love the patina on this one also and once again, can't part with it.  For now, I grouped them together and love how the patina plays off of each other.

Here are upcoming events that are on my calendar right now:
Sept 6 Cedarburg WI flea market also Oct 4th which is the last one of the season
Sept 12-13 Mukwonago WI flea market (last of the season)
     Sept 12 is the Taste of Lake Geneva and St. Gabriel Flea market in WI that I haven't been to.)
Sept 17 Church rummage sale in Prairie Grove IL
    Sept 17 is also Indoor Plant Week and McHenry County College in Crystal Lake is giving away a       free houseplant on that day from 6:30-8:30pm.
Sept 19-20 Pecatonica IL flea market (last of the season)
Sept 27 Elkhorn WI (last of the season)
Oct 9-10 Nellies Sale at 10985 Main St Roscoe IL (check it out on Facebook.  I haven't been to this           before but it sounds like fun)
Oct 16-18 Autumn Drive in Woodstock IL on Garden Prairie/Franklinville Roads
Oct 24-25 Rummage A Rama in WI (I haven't been to this either but it sounds like fun!)

So many fun ways to treasure hunt that are coming up.  Happy treasure hunting!

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!