Windy Days

Yesterday was an exhausting day- up at 5:30 to clean the house for 2 hours then over to the barn to clean until 1:00. I've got some great parents- they came to help. We each took a section and it was hard, dirty work. It was so windy we couldn't open the doors and there wasn't much room to re-arrange everything like I had hoped. We made a huge difference and although there is still work to be done- it's a lot more presentable. I had planned to work over there this afternoon- but the wind is just too much again. I'm hoping for some time tomorrow to really dig in and get things finalized and priced. If you get a chance to stop by- remember it's a barn! Here's my cash wrap area and my sign with a huge spider that I haven't taken down since halloween. The signs made from an old victorian fainting couch. I'm hoping to fill all the bottles on the shelves with fun stuff- and if it's pink- all the better!

Some Great Finds

I was lucky enough to get to shop early last year at a local antique dealers garage sale. I found some wonderful things. I asked her if I could do the same again this year-YEH! This is most of what I bought. I've got a few things I need to pick up.

The planter is a keeper- it's exactly my style and I have rarely seen a window like that-I think it would be perfect for old pictures. The metal piece in front(we both didn't know what it was) will be spray painted to put in my garden. The metal tall round items are old lamp shades which she put candles in the yard. I have several of the old pictures from the 70's of the bathtub scene. I don't have them up anywhere- but I'd love to have a little cabin to put them in. A great day for finds!

The Spirea's Blooming

A beautiful morning- the sun is shining and the birds are singing!

The local thrift store

I LOVE to thrift store shop. I've loved it since I was a kid. It the thrill of finding something you've never seen before, you don't know what to expect, it's a surprise, it's cheap, it's recyclying, it's the hunt, the something extra to add to your collection or wardrobe, or you may find nothing at all, but there's always next time!

I just want to have fun

I just read today on someone's blog a quote from Mark Twain that in 20 years we'll be more disappointed in what we didn't do that what we did. I think that is probably true. How often do we get to do the things we really want to do (within reason)? I don't want to travel, don't want fancy things-homes or cars. I love my little old house (most of the time) and my pets(3 dogs, 3 cats). Just want to have fun with each day- which is difficult with everything we have to do-work at work and work at home. I want to be that fun person people say- I want to be like that -kinda crazy and just enjoying life. Here's my latest wish/want- something I know that I would enjoy along with my family and friends. Life is too short (and it seems like it's getting shorter all the time)-let's have fun and live it!!!!

A Day of Rest

With all the rain- I'm just trying to take it easy and rest and not think of anything! My body and mind needs it. Three more days of work and then off for 4 to get ready for the barn sale. More rain in the forecast - so I have to get ready for plan B-having the barn open even if it's raining. Hope you're having a relaxing day!

Getting it Done

Inspiration

Mine

I've been spending what little extra time I have to try and complete some little fun projects such as these cute hangers. I have a lot of these wooden hangers and decided to see how they would turn out. I think -not too bad.

Light Up Doll

I've never seen one of these-but it's kinda neat. Her eyes match her dress beautifully. I picked her up at the thrift store on Wednesday.

Remember This?

When I bought this I wasn't sure what color I was going to paint it- but I knew I wanted to make it into a chalkboard to use in my shop. I was painting a little mirror this color and decided I just couldn't leave it the wood color- so here it is pink- I always go back to pink- white is nice, but pink is pinkalicous!!!!!!!!!!!

Projects, Projects, and More Projects

Mine-bottom

Inspiration -top

Every day off from work (and at work I'm thinking about it) I'm either planning, organizing, hunting, searching the internet, painting, cleaning, (I just got up and I'm tired typing it) to get ready for the first barn sale of the year. I'm never totally ready. I plan to re-arrange in the barn this year (it needs it!), but it's difficult to do when it's so full. I may get to some of it next Thursday (with my parents help) or it may have to wait until the next sale. I'll shoot for at least one or two areas redone! Here's what I've been working on.

Missed One

A close up

The flowering almond-I love the blooms on this one- pink and ruffly - just like I like my plants (and everything else!). I'm spending my day getting things ready for the next barn sale-going thru barns, painting items, figuring out where to place items, deciding what I still need to get- a fun day just working on the small items- still time to panic later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday's Finds

Not much found on Saturday. I found a couple of pillows also and a little stool. The cabinet might be painted and used in the shop for display. I love the little vintage kids sink/stove combo. I might paint it. My sister's twins(they're 8)will love to play with it. I have some vintage pink metal appliances and they love to come over and play restaurant. They serve the funniest combinations of foods. The chairs were seen several days ago at Catholic Charities and I decided to get them- because they're pink and fun!

This is the mirror that I hadn't posted from Friday- the details are beautiful-now what to do with it. I've seen some people just hang them on the wall without a dresser and also on a mantle.

What's Blooming in My Yard

This is a close up of the cherry bloom. I just love the ruffly pink flowers.

A little further away.
The cherry tree.

A pink tulip. I have a few of these in my yard - but not enough.

One of three lilac bushes- all different varieties.

I have two virbanim bushes at the corner of the house. It's a heavenly scent that only lasts a few days. The bloom are little flower clusters in a pale pinkish white.

Yesterday's Rummage Finds

Well I'm off and running- to garage sales that is. I don't get to go as much as I used to with my job. I was able to go to 3 before going to work at 8:00 am and snatched up some cute vintage fruit tea towels. I decided to go to the last one at lunch and bought this little metal suitcase. You don't see the metal ones very often. I was on my way to tan when I saw a garage sale sign and got all the rest of this stuff. What a lucky day. I haven't taken out the beautiful dresser mirror yet. I going to plant some flowers in the chicken feeders and place in my herb garden by the back barn. The metal brackets I may use in the sale barn for a shelf. Happy hunting!

Another Glass House

My dad will be selling this glass house at the First Barn Sale on Sunday, May 2nd. He decided not to paint the outside white so that the buyer could decide how they wanted it. I think they are really neat and are such a great focal piece for any holiday- wouldn't it be great decorated like a mini haunted house for halloween or a gingerbread cottage for Christmas. The buyer could even go in and add extra details such as a porch. Decorative paint could be added to the windows or they way I like it with any flowers sitting in the garden!

I just couldn't wait any longer

I just couldn't wait any longer to buy flowers. These were calling my name. My favorite annual is the rosebud or double impatient in pink. They come in a solid green or a variegated leaf and several colors. I always purchase pink, but these are a little darker than I usually like. I don't hang them up(the birds make their nests and I can't bear to disturb them so I let the plant die), I put them in pots around the house.

A second chance

A few months ago I walked into the antique store where I have a booth to see a sold sign on a rusty old child's petal toy. I thought- that one got away. I've always thought these were so cute, but never could afford to buy one. Two days ago I walked in and it was back. The owner had bought it and didn't know what to do with it so she decided to sell it. I don't know whether this is keeper or a seller. I leaning more toward selling because it would look great in someones' yard that had kids(I have none). It could be decorated for any season- plant for spring, American Flag for the 4th, pumkin for the fall, and a santa with packages for christmas. Am I talking myself out of selling it?

What's to Come!

It's time to kick in gear for the first Barn Sale of the Year. I'm hoping that my friends who are vendors will come. I have one friend(Terri Temples) who is making some wonderful garden totems out of glass jars and bottles. They are so colorful and unusual. Nova Hunt is a very talented painter who normally prefers to paint Christmas/winter scenes, but can do anything. She paints on vintage items such as shovels, doors, window, ironing boards, and even coffee perculators. Then there is my best friend, Teresa Dennis. She is working on some cute little brag books(photo albums) that are perfect for a gift(wedding, birthday, Mother's Day) or even for your own purse. They are one of a kind and very girly. She designs the covers on her computer with vintage clip art. I am working on some ideas for an idea Teresa came up with called Garden Glitz. Fun stuff for your yard. Mark the date on your calendar for Sunday, May 2nd from 1-5. Hope to see you there!

Look What I found in my yard

I found this perfume bottle. It's marked Avon on the bottom with a #2 in a circle. I wish it was something really old - but this is the first thing I've found in the 16 years I've lived here. I would like to get a metal detector and maybe I'd find some real treasures!

What I brought Home

I bought the masher and mirror from Jami and grabbed the little blue mittens for children's mitten collection. I love the little pink wheelbarrow- it will go with my planter collection!

My husband asked did I make any money? Yes and No. I reinvested it in some new treasures.

My first purchase was from Jill (http://www.forevermoreantiques.com/) a vendor we met last year at Brocton and love to visit with. She has the most wonderful things. Something for everyone, from primitive to country to shabby chic. I spotted the pink chair and trellis first thing and nabbed them. She has a cute little shop (which I haven't visited yet, but plan to this year) full of goodies- you won't leave empty handed! We were headed back for our second load when a vendor was unloaded the banister and I told her that I would take it with me. I also purchased some tin from them. The little size 2 watering can (I've been looking for one-since I have all the other sizes) and the adorable wheelbarrow came from another vendor. I had purchased the green/blue shutters early on and decided to buy the little cabinet at the very end of the show. The old ladder and stepstool never left my driveway because I bought it out of the back of my friend's van before we left. I got some pretty neat stuff, but I let one get away that I'm losing sleep over- some gingerbread. I'm really beating myself up over that. I didn't need it- but I so wish I had bought it. It was pretty expensive and I just couldn't justify it- but I wish I would have because now I'm just sick about it. They say win some, loose some- I wish I would have won that one!

Second Day at Brocton

Sales were down- I think the weather was just too nice! Talking with other vendors, they felt the same way. Another year- more learned- and some nice visiting with customers and dealers!

First Day at Brocton

The first day was slow- really slow. They let in customer before the 12:00 opening, not leaving us time to make final adjustments or shop other vendors booths. We had to make an un-expected trip back to the barn to get another load. The booth didn't have enough in it, then we had too much. We made some adjustments after this last photo and took down some small tables. I did make some fun purchases of my own which I'll post tomorrow. I hope today is a busier day!

Brocton Here We Come!

Today's the day- whether I'm ready or not! I hope I'm ready- we'll see when I get there what I've forgot. It should be a good day visiting with a good friend of mine, Jami, seeing other good friends, Linda, and visiting(shopping) at the other vendors booths.

Glass House

I have my dad making these and I'm taking this one to Brocton Red Barn Festival this weekend. I really want to keep it for myself- but I guess he can make more. It's the perfect size to put in a garden or on a table and display flowers, pots or any item.

Forsythia Blooming

Brocton Red Barn Festival This Weekend

It's finally here- and I've not even started to get ready for Friday's opening date!!! I've got to get into gear to make this happen. A lot to do and I work every day, plus I've got to clean the house since my girlfriend, Jami that helps me will be staying overnite! Time to make some lists!

Daffidils in my yard

The beautiful signs of spring!

Stuffed Rabbit Collection

I didn't realize I had all these until I got them together- and the exciting part is the little rabbit with the doll face- I didn't remember ever buying it. I also have a little stuffed yellow duck!

Plus I found a large glittery egg (which I have opened in the picture) and a large carrot, all together in a little doll bed!

I hope you all have a blessed Easter and remember the true reason we have an Easter celebration.

I'm off to go camping-see ya in a few days!

Easter's On it's Way!

The signs of spring are here-finally. I'm getting ready to go camping over the easter weekend-something we always did when I grew up. It's just more fun to hunt easter eggs when you're camping! Tonite- Maundy Thursday service to get me into the real reason to celebrate Easter- the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. My hope for you is that if you don't already have Jesus in your life- to seek him out -he's been waiting for you!

Bunnies made with handkerchiefs

Egg Topiary

Nestled Eggs