Cottage Elements

"Pamper Yourself" Trunk Show Pics!

2013-02-06T11:05:00.000-06:00

If you were able to make it out to the Pamper Yourself Trunk Show at Otten Bros. Greenhouse in Long Lake, Minnesota, thank you! It was a fabulous turnout. Every year it gets better and better. And with such a great bunch of vendors, how could it not be busy!

I did manage to take a bunch of pictures before the sale, and a few during the sale, so I thought I'd share them with you.

Stay tuned. Future dates are going to be added for this year! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Bedroom Bar for that Morning Java Jolt!

2013-02-04T11:17:00.000-06:00

After recently seeing a coffee bar in one of my friends bedrooms, and then seeing a recent post by fellow JUNKMARKET Contributor Jasmin Marisett on the JMS site where she was showcasing a coffee bar, I decided it would be a great idea to add one to my bedroom. I had recently purchased this vintage medical shelf at a local occasional sale and if you've followed my blog, you'll know I am a huge fan of medical pieces. I think this one is perfect for my coffee bar, don't you? It's just what the doctor ordered!

I am also a big fan of white, and since I obviously need a coffee pot, this small white Keurig was just what I needed! It sits on top of a vintage yellow milk glass dental tray. Again, a favorite piece of mine with a medical theme.

I obviously needed something for water to make the coffee. I already had this metal thermos and it fits the bill.

The K Cups sit in some vintage ironstone.

So do the creamers.

And like most of my vintage items, the more imperfections, the more character.

Of course it's okay to add some new items to your displays. The coffee cups and ironstone tray are newly purchased.

This well loved ironstone pitcher holds some vintage silver plated spoons.

And vintage books sit on the chair next to the coffee bar, just in case I feel the need to read while enjoying my morning cup!

The vintage oil painting that hangs above the bar is another example of a well worn and well loved piece.

Of course I have to show off the vintage church door that I had installed when our home was built. It has it's original glass. I have to say it's pretty awesome!

Guess I'm now ready to get my day started with a little jolt of java!

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

Isn't it Time for a Little Pampering?

2013-01-30T13:20:00.001-06:00

Come spend Ground Hog’s Day with us at the 3^rd Annual JUNKMARKET Style “Pamper Yourself” Trunk Show sponsored by JMS and Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping. This show is back by serious popular demand…just for you! We started this “girls just wanna have fun” event three years ago on kind of a whim to put a little ray of sunshine in our Minnesota winter. What has happened is not to be believed! Women come out by the groves to take in the sunshine, the plants, awesome product, and the AMAZING group of vintage vendors gathered at Otten Bros.

Signs of spring will be most obvious in the tropical greenhouse so you won’t have to travel all the way to Punxsutwany to find out what Sir Ground Hog has to say. Rumor has it he’s staying above ground this year…or at least for just one day we can believe winter is over. We deserve that much, don’t we?! Most of the uber talented dealers that cater to all your womanly needs will be returning, not to mention some very cool, fresh, and all new surprise vendors will be on hand to make your day a whole lot better than your average February 2^nd. Doesn’t get any better than that!

Let’s face facts together…the holidays are lovely, yet exhausting and the Minnesota winter weather has a way of zapping our energy. That’s why Otten Bros., JMS, and a few of our favorite friends continue this tradition that has now become as watched and followed as Ground Hog’s Day. OK, maybe that’s stretching things a bit…but not much! One thing is for sure, this trunk show remains to be focused on one of your favorite people…you!!! Come join us in the sunshine without shadows…you’ll be glad you did. To see more vendor profiles, click here. Here’s the skinny.

What: Pamper Yourself Trunk Show…You Deserve it!

When: February 2, 2013 9AM to 4 PM

Where: Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping, 2350 West Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake, MN 55356

Why: Because girls just wanna have fun in the sun with no sign of shadows!

Other Area Attractions: Harvest Moon for breakfast, Country Cake Cupboard for lunch, The Red Rooster and Birch’s for happy hour and dinner. Now that’s a girl’s day out!!

Here is your list of “Not to be Missed” vintage dealers, jewelers, crafters, and artisans!

JUNKMARKET and GETFRESH Vintage

Cottage Elements

Grace and Corazon

Junk re [defined]

Flirtations

White Line by Kriss Lecocq

Jolie Raimondo

Julie Pierce

Minnesota Robot

Chipping with Charm

Signs of the Times

Ladeeda Design

Pickin’ and Grinnin”

Stonyhill

Mary Jeans

Taco Soup Served up Ala-Junk Style!

2013-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to 2013! I've decided to try to put a new spin on my blog and when I find a great recipe I like, feature it! And of course it has to be served up ala-junk style! This was a recipe I first saw on facebook. Unfortunately, it didn't give any attribution to the originator of it so I did my research. Thank you Google! And thankfully I did find the creator of it, Rebecca Crumb of Ezra Pound Cake, and decided to try my hand at it. I'm definitely not much of a cook, but it was easy. And I can most certainly can say it was a tasty meal. My family loved it! It makes a fairly large batch and can probably serve up to eight people. But lucky us we had leftovers! Since we are such a Scandinavian family, we're from Minnesota after all, I did cut the amount of diced green chilies down to one can, and added only about half of the taco seasoning. But for us it was perfect! You'll find the complete recipe after my pictures. And if you do give it a try, I'd love to hear your opinion!

You will need these canned goods, along with two pounds hamburger and 1 to 2 diced onions.

Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet.

When the meat is no longer pink, drain with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a stock kettle.

Add the canned ingredients. Stir in taco seasoning and ranch dressing.

Let it simmer over low heat for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

I've decided to serve it up on one of these vintage soap stone bed warmers along with some of my vintage Jadite dishes.

With a little embellishments, we're all ready for the soup!

Now doesn't that look perdy!

And it tastes as good as it looks!

Here's the recipe:

Taco Soup

Rebecca Crump (EzraPoundCake.com)

2 POUNDS GROUND BEEF
1 TO 2 DICED ONIONS
1 (14 1/2-OUNCE) CAN DICED FIRE-ROASTED TOMATOES
1 (10-OUNCE) CAN RO*TEL® DICED TOMATOES AND GREEN CHILIES
2 (15-OUNCE) CANS BLACK BEANS
1 (16-OUNCE) CAN PINTO BEANS
1 (15 1/4-OUNCE) CAN WHOLE KERNEL CORN, DRAINED
2 (4 1/2-OUNCE) CANS CHOPPED GREEN CHILES
1 (1-OUNCE) ENVELOPE TACO SEASONING
1 (1-OUNCE) ENVELOPE RANCH SALAD DRESSING AND SEASONING MIX
GARNISHES: CORN CHIPS, CHEESE, SOUR CREAM, GREEN ONIONS

In a large skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain, using a slotted spoon, as you transfer browned beef and onions to a Dutch oven, stockpot or slow cooker.
Add tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, corn and green chiles. Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch salad dressing mix.
If you’re cooking on the stove, cover the pot and simmer soup over low heat for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
Garnish individual servings with corn chips, cheese, sour cream and green onions, if desired.

Recipe by Rebecca Crumb of Ezra Pound Cake

Styling by Lanette Lorsung of Cottage Elements

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

Christmas Cookies Served Up Ala-Junk Style!

2012-12-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

And I have a cookie recipe that was created by Minnesota's own Marjorie Johnson, the famous Marjorie Johnson that has been seen on The Tonight Show and The Today Show. I'm proud to say she's a local gal from Minnesota. She's won countless of awards for her cooking and backing and if you've had a chance to see her, she's definitely a hoot! I've taken her award winning recipe, and I've added my junk twist to display them!

I was introduced to these little goodies via a friend who anonymously dropped them on my doorstep. They were gone in no time, and when I finally found out who they had come from I immediately had to make a batch myself. These are the fifth batch I've made in about two weeks. We are addicted. Not great for the waste line, though!

These are the ingredients: Honey, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, flour, eggs, salt, baking soda, butter and cloves. Ooops! I forgot some ingredients in the picture. Where's the butter and baking soda?

My daughter Bekah has really gotten into this with me. She practically can make them blind folded!

She's becoming a pro at it!

I have to be honest. I've had this mixer for about four years and it hadn't seen much work until recently.

And of course I have to use a vintage cooling rack!

I used a couple vintage pieces as my display pieces. First was this antique soapstone bed warmer. I've always had a soft spot for these pieces and I thought it would be fun to use it as a serving piece.

The additional embellishment is an old stove burner. Love how it looks like a flower! I just added a miniature vintage ornament to it.

This scale was purchased from a sale Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET had. She's passed onto me her passion for them and I love using it for serving. The dishes the cookies sit upon are vintage restaurantware Fire King and they date from the 50's or 60's.

And just for a little extra to the display, I added these awesome vintage Pyrex lab jars. I have to say they are quite cool! And of course adding some "new" is okay, too, so I incorporated this little tree with the bells on.

There you have it! All done up ala-junk style! Come and get it!

Thanks, Marjorie, for this awesome recipe! If you make them, please let me know what you think!

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

Chalk It Up to Another Type of Christmas.....Tree!

2012-12-13T08:47:00.000-06:00

In past years I've shown you real trees, faux trees, post trees, painted wall trees, a forests of trees....well you get the idea. But this has got to be the first chalk tree I've ever had. Nice thing about this tree is it doesn't need water, it doesn't loose needles, and the cats can climb up it or play with the ornaments! Gotta love that!

I had a painted tree last year on this wall, but I had since painted it with chalkboard paint. I wasn't in the mood to repaint it, so this was the next best thing!

It was kind of fun exploring the artistic side of me!

I removed some of the other pieces on the wall, but kept my dustpan chalkholder. I just added some small vintage Christmas balls to make it look more festive!

I thought about just doing the whole wall in a tree, but I love this little table and thought it would be a shame to put it away.

It has incredible patina!

So I filled it with rock salt, and popped in these limbs from a vintage bottle brush tree, along with the small vintage Christmas balls.

These little diddies were plain ol' clear votive candleholders, but with a little silver spray paint, a little sanding, and some rhinestone snowflakes, wa-la!

Alongside side I placed this newer silver tinsel tree. And although it's new, that's okay. It still has that vintage look.

These perdy little pearl-like strands of garland add a little something to the tree that I like.

I filled the bottom of this planter with some pearlized vasefiller. It was just enough to keep the tree in the stand and add a little pazzazz. They fit perfectly with the pearl-like garland!

A vintage scale, an old rusty wheel, a cloche and a little cement bird seems to complete this vignette!

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

A Bar Everyone Can Join in On!

2012-12-05T12:17:00.000-06:00

My sincerest apologies for being so negligent of my blogger duties. I know....my bad, though the break was kind of nice, and maybe a little deserved.

But here I am trying to get back into the swing of things. And after recently having my house featured in once again another local home tour, I thought it would be the perfect time do some posting and share with you some of my holiday decor!

In the past I'm sure you've seen many a wine bar, but how about something everyone can join in on! I decided I would feature a hot chocolate bar on the recent tour. It's something everyone can enjoy, both young and old! And who's says you can't through in a little additional "spirit" for the adults to enjoy! Here's my take on the hot chocolate bar!

I've showcased a lot of different serving ideas on my sideboard, but I decided to change it up a little and feature a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings!

I picked up this cute little medical cabinet at a local vintage sale (you know me and my fetish for vintage medical pieces). It'll work just dandy for holding all the fixin's.

I love these little frames from Ikea. A buck a piece....seriously! What can you get for a buck now a days. Not even a cup of coffee (okay maybe at McDonalds). And A little sign was needed just so you know for sure what you'd be gettin'. Ha!

And of course I need all the goodies to make that hot chocolate even better. Some carmel, more chocolate, some flavored marshmellows, cinnamon sticks and/or peppermint sticks. What's ever to your likin'. Hmmmmm good!

Some gift tags were used to clarify what you're actually putting in those drinks ;-) But like I said, you could add a little spirit in there if you wish! It is Christmas-time after all!

And I thought some coffee fixings might work in cocoa as well! I'm all for trying new things :-) And the industrial thingamagig (great technical term) and silver tree is an awesome addition to this display.

And of course I need the hot chocolate!

I already had this awesome beverage dispenser and since there was no need for cold beverages, it'll work as just the right tabletop embellishment, along with the cute little wire tree.

And some vintage cups (along with a couple new ones) are just what we need to serve up that there hot chocolate!

Now all I need is the guests! Who's up for some hot chocolate?

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

"Just Poppin' in to Say Hi!"

2012-04-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

Well hello there! You may have noticed, but I was absent again for a little bit. I actually was on vacation. Yippee skippy and lucky me!! But I just had to pop in and say "hi", to let you know I haven't forgotten about y'all. I was actually in Texas takin' in some of their good ole southern hospitality! Loved Texas! Hopin' I'll be able to get back there again real soon. It was for the National Disabled Hockey Tournament and got to watch my daughter play with her team, the Minnesota Special Hockey Stars. I didn't get any antiquing in (darn nab it). But that's really okay. It was a family affair, so they took precedence.

Stay tuned. I've got a give-a-way in the works. Keep your eyes pealed!

Until then,

Does This Side Table Stack Up?

2012-04-06T09:38:00.001-05:00

Does this side table stack up? I think the answer is a definite YES!! I recently purchased these newspaper books. They're all from the City of Glencoe, Minnesota and house each year of the Glencoe Newspaper, from the early 1900's up to the 1960's. What a great find! And how fun to flip through them!

Each book was dated by the year.

Most of them were actually hardbound, but this one had a cardboard cover with the date stamped on the top. It was also nailed together. Yes, I said nailed. Very unique!

It was fun looking through the ads and articles. This one is kind of funny. Anyone need any dead stock....eeeew!

The cartoons are hilarias! I'm wondering if this is how all the kids are feeling right about now with all this amazing weather!

I found two articles in one of the books about this same man. One was annoucing his retirement, the other announcing his death. Makes you not want to ever retire!

Hey guys! You can get your new suits just in time for Easter! Ha! Okay, now I'm getting way too carried away looking through all the articles and ads!!

So back to my side table. It became totally obvious what these needed to be when I had them all stacked up...a side table!

Waa-laa! Instant side table! Easy peazy!

And I actually think the backside looks just as cool.

This numbered box goes with the flow on JUNKMARKET Style Contributor Jim Healy's Top Ten List to hold the remotes.

Now I'm all set to sit down and watch my favorite shows! American Idol anyone?

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

April Fools or Happy Monday!

2012-04-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

So maybe it's "late" April Fools, but I snatched this picture of our cat "Indy" in the only spot of sun he could find, bathing himself. He even placed his paw in the appropriate spot so to be more discrete. It was so cute, I felt it would give everyone a good "April Fools" laugh, or if you read this tomorrow, maybe just a Monday morning pick-me-up. He's a strange creature and sometimes I can't figure out if he really thinks he's a dog, or perhaps even human. And yes, I have caught him watching TV sitting like that! Like I said, he's a strange creature. April Fools or Happy Monday!

One of My Top Collectible Picks for 2012!

2012-03-26T10:32:00.000-05:00

As an Editor and Contributor of the JUNKMARKET Style website, I was asked to choose one of my top collectible picks for 2012. Of course my top pick would have to be "Industrial". Does that surprise any of you, coming from me? Ha! I've had a great fondness for industrial pieces and have found many ways to intigrated them into my decor. And whether it be farm industrial, office, medical or manufacturing, it seems to all work. And I simply can't get enough of it! Let me tell you, I have plenty of it in my home. And I do think it will continue to be a big collectible in 2012. So without further ado, my top junk pick is....drum roll please.....Industrial!!

This industrial desk sits on my front porch. It came out of some sort of factory. Must have been quite the factory though...love the gorgeous turquoise paint!

And how about this honkin' industrial fan. It was actually handmade and is on a stand. Can you say fab-u-lous!

An office file holder is a great industrial piece to display my vintage black and white family pictures.

And an industrial file cabinet can have so many uses.

This vase was a bottle gas cylinger cap. It's a fabulous industrial piece!

Wish I knew where this piece came from. No worry, I found the perfect place for it in my kitchen to hold my recipe books.

I'm very fond of medical industrial. This Torsion Balance Pharmacy Scale was a particularly great find.

These laboratory beakers give a softer edge to the medical industrial.

Industrial vintage store displays have great repurpose in kitchens. And of course this one has to be a wine bar!

And one of my most cherished industrial pieces is this highway guard rail. Who would have thunk a guard rail could look this chic!

Don't ever be afraid of industrial. It can fit into so many different styles. And it doesn't have to be hard. Soften it up with plants, painted furniture, wicker, natural woods. You may find you'll love it as much as I do!

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

Conveyor Belt turned Table Runner

2012-03-20T08:00:00.003-05:00

A picked up this little table runner beauty from Sarah Smith of Smith's Salvage at JUNKMARKET Under Glass in the fall of 2011. When I saw it, it was love at first sight! Sarah had two of them, and I had already missed out on one. Luckily I snatched this one up. I knew it would fit in with my industrial style and with my eight foot tin top table, it would work magnificiently! Sarah tells me she get's these all the time and she'll be at The Vintage Marketplace in Springfield, Ohio on May 18-20. I better let her know to bring more of these beauties! They are an amazing find!

I LOVED the metal mesh on this when I saw it.

And it's just the perfect width for a table runner.

Long enough, too, for my eight foot tin top table! Looks like my naughtly cat Hercie likes it, too! Dang cat....get off the table!

My cast iron English street sign will be the centerpiece on top. Ooooh...I like how this looks!

It says Castledine Avenue and it's VERY heavy!

I had to Google the street name to find out exactly where it is (of course I did....I Google everything!). It's located in Quorn, Loughboroughin the U.K.

Before Sarah came up for the JUNKMARKET Under Glass "March Madness", she called to let me know she had a baby conveyor belt/runner. You know I had to have it! And it fits perfectly on this little metal table I have.

Like I said....it fits perfectly!

Did I tell you...it fits perfectly!

Dang cats....looks like they all like my table runner!

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click the link on the side of my blog.

More About You, Less About Everyone Else Trunk Show!

2012-03-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

So I may be a day late and a dollar short, but here are pictures from our January Trunk Show called "More about You, Less about Everyone Else". This was the second annual event and was once again held at Otten Bros. in Long Lake, MN. It was a huge success! Lots of people, lots of buying, lots of laughing, lots of lots! I love these small venues as it gives you a more intimate setting with your customers as well as the other vendors. Here's a few pictures of this fun event....because it was all about you!

Our blank canvas....perfect place to hold this event on a cold January day.

Sue helping me empty my vehicle. Thanks, girlfriend!

The bare bones of my space.

Not only did she help me empty out my truck, but she also helped me with my space :-)

The finished product! How's it look?

Have you noticed how I love aquariums? They are great for display!

I had purchased a whole bunch of these little boxes. They were a hot commodity!

Something else I bought a ton of, these keys and key fobs from a Nebreska convent.

Annie of Grace and Corazon was the first dealer to get set up.

Her religious inspired jewelry is always a big seller. Love!

She always has a beautiful display.

Along with her gorgeous jewelry!

Love this cuff....stunning!

She also has a line of hand created rings.

Jolie Raimondo is the next dealer who showed up...along with her hubby for help with the physical labor!

Her paintings are superb!

She does a great display...

and the quality of her work is truely amazing!

Julie Pierce from The Loft on 2nd was there with her creations.

She's known for her handpainted pots and tags.

But this was a new line of hers....wooden plaques. Lovely!

Mary Den Hartigh of Mary Jeans was there with her hand made pillows. So elegant!

And her messenger bags....I want this one. Oh my.....

Love Mary, too!

Lori Gravink of Ladeeda Design was there with her hand made recycled clothing line.

She also sells vintage.

Two of my favorite vendors, Tracie and Lee Anderson of Histories.

Isn't this industrial light phenomenal! Wow!

These jewelry stands by Histories are great for either business or personal.

Gretchen Schaumann of Mimi Torias Designs was also there with her unique one of a kind jewelry. Her displays are as fabulous as is her pieces!

Gretchen had a great variety of her vintage inspired earrings

I wanted this cabinet...alas it was part of her display :-(

Laurel Putman from Chipping with Charm is so darn cute! The photo is a little blurry, but I just had to put it up.

She's as cute as her booth!

Larry Moore of The Country Junk Sale also had some of his vintage farm pieces in the mix.

And then there's Devin Johnson from MakeShift accessories. His creativity is over the top amazing!

Is brother is always along for additional help. Wish I could remember his name. Oopsie doopsie!

Amazing cuff from Devin!

Like I said...amazing!

We had a great turn-out!

But we still had top to chat with the other vendors. Gretchen and Sue, get back to work...lol!

Lori's bleached out T's were so much fun!

And Annie's booth was always busy!

Isn't Sue the cat's pajama's in this vintage suit from Ladeeda Designs!

Hope you enjoyed my little tour! I know I go C-R-A-Z-Y sometimes with the pictures...but that's just me :-) Have a great day and see you in my next post. Hey, I think I'm getting back into the swing of things. Yeah!

Destination Vintage Marketplace - Springfield, Ohio!

2012-03-10T09:25:00.003-06:00

Talk about a road trip! Ventured to Nashville, Tennessee already this year with Sue Whitney and JUNKMARKET Style. Next destination, Ohio! Yippee skippy! I get to see all my junking peeps once again! I'll have pictures soon of the Nashvillle trip, but here's the info for the Ohio show. And if you've ever been to Springfield, I hear they really know how to do it right!

Here's all the details.....

Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET Style will be on board to help launch the Vintage Marketplace to the Springfield Extravaganza in Ohio. This was a wildly popular addition to the Music City - Tailgate show in Hendersonville, TN this past February. So popular in fact, that the show can now be found this May at the Springfield Extravaganza. There will be returning vendors from Hendersonville, dealers from JUNKMARKET Under Glass, long time participants from the Extravaganza, and some brand spanking new vintage experts. Sounds like a not to be missed combo to me!!! JMS will be present a design booth (which means she better get my rear in gear) featuring fresh ideas for your home and garden all done up JUNKMARKET Style!! We are busy working on all of the details and events so stay tuned for for the nitty-gritty! Rumor has it there may be Friday night festivities, treasure hunts, shop alongs, possibly some good old fashioned Bingo for Show Bucks, and more! Woo hoo! i seriously can't wait. This promises to be way too much fun.

For those of you who have never been to the Vintage Marketplace or the Springfield Extravaganza- here a little bit of the back story. The Vintage Marketplace is a new edition to the Jenkin's shows. Think all things vintage, stylish, modern, junky and chic. This group of dealers will be housed in a series of large tents in the center hub of the May Extravaganza- May 18-20.

The Extravaganza itself is a 40 year old institution featuring 2,000 vendors and over 20,000 customers. The show boasts antiques, collectibles, garden, vintage, & flea market finds. Simply put, if you can't find it here, it can't be found.

The addition of the Vintage Marketplace to the Extravaganza means one thing. Take out your 2012 calendar and write the words "can't miss" on the dates May 18-20,2012.

Please visit www.vintagemarketplacestyle.blogspot.com for all of the details. I you would, please grab the badge on the side of my blog and put it on your blog to help spread the good news.

As she always says...."Create Your Own Style...One Piece of Junk at a time! At the Vintage Marketplace in Springfield, Ohio you can do just that. See you there!!!

Hey, Remember Me?

2012-03-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

Wow, a lot has happened in the last few months. You already know I worked a Christmas job (at Target). And lucky me, they liked me so much they kept me!? Oh joy?!! Then I went road tripping to Nashville (for the Vintage Marketplace) with my gal pals Julie Broshat of JULZ, Annie de Jongh of Grace and Corazon and Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET. That's a story in and of itself (always is with Sue)...and it was an absolute blast!! Then...I quit my job at Target (happy, happy, joy, joy, happy, happy, joy!). Can you say relief? Let's just say it wasn't my dream job. But in Target's defense, it's an Amazing (with a capital A) company with amazing people. That's why I stayed on after the holidays. I just didn't want to say good bye to all my new friends!

Ok, now where was I?? I get so easily sidetracked! That darn A.D.D.! Oh yes, just some little thing I was doing next. Nothing big. I was just co-promoter with Sue Whitney for JUNKMARKET Under Glass "March Madness". Did I forgot to mention that??? It was really, really exciting (and a lot of work). Needless to say I have been a busy girl! And now I'm on to my next adventure. And with Target behind me, back to blogging. Yeah!!!!

So where do I go from here? We'll it's off to Ohio in May, for The Vintage Marketplace that's part of the "huge" Springfield show. I am so excited for that!!! I'll be back on the road with my gal pals. Yippee! And I'll also get to go hang out with Lisa from Urban Farmhouse (love her!), and meet more fun an exciting people. Wow, life is good!

I've got tons of pictures from the past events and will be posting them bit by bit. Guess I wasn't too busy to take pictures :-) I've really have missed my blogging friends. Can't wait to get back into the swing of things!

2011-12-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Oh great birch tree, how lovely is your bark. And your branches, they reach high to the sky (insert sound effect of me clearing my throat). Okay, okay.....so I'm certainly no poet by any means. But I do love the look of the birch tree, and its bark, and so I decided to do a little vignette in ode to it and well...nature in general.

When you add birch into your indoor home decor, it brings a little bit of nature into your space. So when I decided to change up the little alcove I have as you first walk into my house, I found myself putting a little birch theme together.

This little twig tree was purchased new, but it fit right into my "theme". The planter was made for me by my good friend Sue Wolfe. One of her Destination Art creations.

You could probably create your own version of this tree if you want to. Just decoupage' newspaper or book pages around some twigs.

How about a real birds nest placed in a vintage drinking bubbler. Can't get much more le'naturale than that!

And how about bringing a bird bath inside? Filled with these huge pinecones, it seems to be the perfect addition.

I decided the bird bath needed to be raised up a bit so this old iron grate fit the bill.

Birch wallpaper added over an old picture was the perfect backdrop, also created by Sue Wolfe. It hangs next to an old English Bus Roll.

Hey!! Herc, move away from the birds nest! Ooops...I think keeping this here may be a problem!

And of course I do have birch branches mingled throughout my home. I love the thicker branches that are mature enough to have the white bark on them.

And then why not put a tree in your house? You could have a whole forest in there! Hahaha. Well then again...maybe not.

Until next time...

Where Have I Been and What the Heck Have I Been Doing?

2011-12-04T23:44:00.000-06:00

So some of you have been wondering where I've been and what the heck I've been up to lately. Actually, something quite crazy overcame me (and I mean crazy)! My husband was complaining (what?...a complaining husband??) That never happens now does it? Ha! Anyways, he was complaining that all I did was go out for lunch (who me?). So I sat down at my computer and applied online for a job....at Target.

Mind you I hadn't applied for a job in over 30 years so I really didn't think I'd get it. And I know, like I really have the time. But guess what? They hired me! Seriously? It must have been my charming personality. Or maybe it was my striking resemblance to that crazy lady in all the Target Christmas commercials (I even had a customer insist it was me...hahahaha It must be my psychotic personality!) But I have to say the extra Christmas money is certainly pretty handy (let alone the discount). Mind you it's only seasonal. But it does seem like they've had me working quite a bit of hours. So my time is definitely limited. And let me tell you, for the fashionista in me, it has been a little bit of a challenge making khaki and red look chic!

But in all the craziness of my life, I've been busy working on a couple projects. Seriously! What is it with me and over extending myself! But these are a couple of pretty darn big and exciting projects! But you'll have to stay tuned. In the meantime, I'm going to try to catch up on some project posts I've been working on. Plus I have to get my Christmas decorating completed! Darn it anyway. Anyone want to help a girl out. LOL!

Again, stay tuned......

Well Another JUNKMARKET Under Glass is Behind Us

2011-09-14T06:00:00.003-05:00

We'll another JUNKMARKET Under Glass sale is behind us. Can't believe it. All the preparation and anticipation. And it's done. It's all so bittersweet. I met so many fun and creative people. And the time spent with them was a great bonding period. These are truly the best group of dealers and vendors out there. We all felt like those in our "quadrant" were the greatest group. And our next sale in March is way too far away!

But on the last day of the sale I was able to sneak away from my booth to capture a few of the moments to remember it by. The pictures aren't great by any means, I was way too tired. But you'll get a hint of the beauty we had here. And it was beautiful. Both customers and vendors alike will attest to that. What a superb venue. The plants seemed to add the icing on the cake. And I also have to recognize the superior staff at Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping. They were above par. Seriously! We would not have been so successful without them. How lucky could we be!

Again, these pictures may not be the best, and may not do the sale justice, but I wanted you to get an inkling of how beautiful it was. But don't take my word for it. Come and see for yourself at the spring sale which will be held March 1-3, 2011. It'll definitely be worth the trip. Also, if I forgot to credit anyone, please don't hesitate to let me know. They all deserve recognition. PS We actually even had someone travel from Japan just for the sale.....seriously. How amazing!

The picture at the very top is the amazing work of Sue Wolfe of Destination Art. Julie Pierce, her partner in crime from the Loft on 2nd, brought her hand painted pots, along with some of her great vintage finds, to the show. They certainly made a great pair.

Okay, how excited was I? I was right across from Heidi Comfort! If you are not familiar with her handmade bags, you need to be!! I LOVE her things! You have to check out her website. I wanted everything in her booth. And not only did I love her bags, but I got to be able to know what an amazing person she is. What a talent!

I felt like I really scored! Yes!

And then kitty-corner from me was Kari Blackwood from Shabby Chick. Like I said, we all thought our little quadrant was the bestest! Before I knew her I loved her things at Haupt Antiek Market. They're lucky to have her!

Once again, Gretchen Schaumann of Mimi-Toria's graced us with her talent and her fabulous jewelry. Sounds like she had an amazing show!

And then there was Annie de Jongh of Grace and Corazon. Her religious inspired jewelry inspired me. My favorite piece (which I own) was a metal given to someone for their faithfulness....aaaahhh. Love that!

And her leather cuff's? To die for!

Stunning!

And then there's another favorite dealer of mine, Jan Berg of Summerspell. I love her industrial look. I'm surprised she had anything left!

This was Cindi Halverson's first visit to JMUG. Her style is impeccable. If you've ever been to her store in Carver, The Nature of It, it is one of my favorites. Her style fits perfect in the greenhouse.

She has amazing style, doesn't she.

Here they are! Cindi is on the front right, her friend Barb is on the left, and Tracie of Histories is in back. Wait until you see Tracie's booth!!!!

Love Julie Broshat of JULZ. Her claim to fame is her belt buckles made from vintage finds. But she also has wonderful metal cuffs, bracelets and necklaces. She's great at whatever she put's her mind to!

And then of course there are two of my dearest friends. Marge Utley of Emma's Nook and Granny on the left. And on the right is Sharon Vreeman of the famous Pfarkel sisters and Junk Re-Defined. I have the best time with them.

Remember I was telling you about Tracie from Histories? We'll this is her booth along with her husband Lee. They have great industrial stuff. And better yet? They are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

This is her husband, Lee.

What a great stash of gears they have!

These gals were her for the first time from Iowa. Becky Hiatt and Jenny Boevers, a mother and daughter duo. The name of their business is called Junk Revised and it has a retro flair to it. I wanted this Minnesota sign!

Her I found Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET, the show organizer, taking a well deserved break!

Some great vintage signs from Judi Shackelford of Rubarb Co.

What a fun display this was!

These gals, Jolie Raimondo of JolieRaimondo.com and Linda Morall of Northwoods Boutique, were taking a break. Sorry, I'm not sure the gal behind her, but she was another fab dealer who joined them..

This light, courtesy of Otten Brothers had my name written all over it. What a fun piece!

This wood box was seen in one Sue Whitney's Country Garden Magazine articles.

Sarah Smith, from Kansas, was my neighbor and I was so glad to be by her. We've become fast friends and she has great stuff! Did I just say great? It was AMAZING! Her WWII French Army bags were a huge hit, along with her reconstructed vintage jewelry and English Bus Rolls. Another LOVE!

This is her friend Meloney's booth from The Seed Box Antiques. She is another one with impeccable style.

This little cabinet of Meloney's was wonderful! You know me....I love industrial!

I was able to snap a picture of Sarah Smith (left) and Kari Blackwood (right) taking a break. Love these gals!

And how could I forget Shayne Barsness of Style Minneapolis. She has great Style! Fab is the word!

And l saved the bestest for last. Judy Hill from Texas was here! Seriously! The Judy Hill! How did we rate? Thanks Judy for making the long track from Texas. We loved having you!

How could you not want to spend time in this beautiful booth. Judy has the touch!

Here's a picture of Judy on the left with Laurel Putnam of Chipping with Charm on the right.

Like I said, my pictures aren't the best, but I hope I was able to give you an feel of how amazing the space, product and people were. It was truly the best of the best!

My Booth at JUNKMARKET Under Glass!

2011-09-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

After a long day, I thought I'd throw out some pictures of my booth. I like how it turned out. All it needs is some plants, and they'll come tomorrow. But I'm tired, so here's the pics! Short and sweet :-) To see the pictures larger, just click on them.

Hope to see you this week! For times and info, go to junkmarketstyleevent.com.

Displaying Memories

2011-08-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

There's something about old family pictures. They are something I look on with great fondness. To be able to see the heritage from which I've come, to see my parents as children, or my grand parents as young adults. It just gives me so much appreciation of where I've come. And I think those things are so important. So when I come upon something that can display those prize possessions, I'm all over it. I only hope the next generation can look from the past to help them in their journey to the future.

This piece was originally used to hold files folders, possibly in a dental or doctors office.

I wasn't very fond of the brown paint, so I simply sanded it off. It hadn't been put on their very thick, so it took very little work to remove it. I did make sure I protected myself with gloves and a mask in case the paint was lead base.

The piece needed some embellishments. These European house numbers would suffice.

Being both the pieces were metal, all I needed was some magnets to attach this to the file holder.

This brooch turned into a magnet, also adds some additional interest.

And then I need my family pictures. This is my Dad back in the '60s when he worked in radio. A very special photo.

Or how cute is this! Probably taken in the late '30s or early '40s.

I love how it all came together.

But then again, if I want to change it up, it works great for notes, business cards and other things I may need handy.

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click on the link on the side of my blog.

I've also linked up to my friend Amy of Whisperwood Cottage's Linky Party "Authentic Style". How better to show my style then to show you some of my favorite things! Hop on over there and check it out!

Good Friends, Good Times and Good Junk...My Weekend in Oronoco!

2011-08-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

I just had the most amazing weekend in Oronoco at Gold Rush Days! If you're unfamiliar with Gold Rush Days, it's an event that the whole town of Oronoco gets in on. They open up all the public spaces, along with private yards, and it's one heck of a sale! This year, I was able to tag along my friend Sue Whitney for a photo shoot she was doing on the event for Country Gardens Magazine. I've tagged along before on photo shoots, and it's such a thrill for me. This time unfortunately I seem to have forgotten my camera, so guess what? No pictures! My bad. I guess you'll just have to purchase the magazine next summer to see their pictures. Ooops!

So here's a run down of what was going on.

We drove down on Thursday evening and were able to set up our JUNKMARKET Style booth....oops. No pictures for this! You'll have to trust me. It was stunning! We did run into a bit of a pickle. Sue and I didn't know how to put up the "easy up" tent. What can you expect from a couple of blonds! Thanks to Jeff Marthaler from Dona Rose Antiques for his help in this venture. The Pfarkel Sisters came to help after a distressed call from me (they've helped us put up a tent in the past when we were having difficulties), but they got there too late. No sweat...they did however help finish getting the booth put together. Thanks, gals!

The famous Pfarkel Sisters from St. Charles, Minnesota, Sharon, Diane and Janelle!

The next day we were up early to get ready for the day. If you know me at all, being up early is no simple feat. Mornings and I don't go together so well. But this was for a worthy cause. So after a few supply runs, we arrived in Oronoco around 9:30 ready to start an exciting day!

The morning was spent greeting people and sharing about JUNKMARKET and JUNKMARKET Under Glass. Because the booth looked so spectacular (thanks to Sue's great style), we drew in a lot of people. It was fun meeting new and old fans of JUNKMARKET! Thanks for all who stopped by!

In the afternoon, Sue spent the day with the photogs, Greg and Chris, photographing all the fun sites of the sale. Me? I was out with the Pfarkels, looking for some great finds....Oronoco is the bestest!

Here's a picture of us from last summer's photo shot. Chris is on the left, Greg's on the right. What a great couple of guys. They are fab!

At the end of the day, I spent it with the Pfarkels, Marge (an adopted Pfarkel sister), Sue, Greg and Chris at the Pfarkels campsite with good food, good wine and good friends. Perfect way to end the day. Aaaah....

Tammy asked in the last post what I purchased in Oronoco. Here are a few pics, Tammy :-)

This metal desk was a steal. I LOVE vintage metal pieces...specially if they're medical.

Some great spindles. I wish I would have bought more. There must have been fifty of them, or more. I went back later in the day and they were all gone. Darn!

I've always loved these (don't ask me what they are). This one was extra special...it's more tall and narrow then most of them I've seen. Can't you see it with a candle behind it?

I picked up a couple of these vintage metal coolers. I have a few more at home. Love!

Know what this is? A table fan which is literally a table. Another piece I love! The color is fabulous!

It came from Northwestern Hospital (where ever that is). That makes it even cooler!

Many of these items will be fore sale at JUNKMARKET Under Glass....hope to see you there!

A Can't Miss Event....JUNKMARKET Under Glass "Fall Edition"!

2011-08-17T06:00:00.016-05:00

I've been meaning to get this out to you...it's coming up quickly! It's our first ever JUNKMARKET Under Glass "Fall Edition" and it's just around the corner! The spring one was so much fun, and we had such a great response, we just had to do it all over again!

I've been gathering up things throughout the summer and seem to be coming up with a couple of themes. Most recently I ventured out a couple of fellow junkers, Amy of Whisperwood Cottage and Jan Berg of Summerspell, to a local flea market where I found some great vintage pieces. See if you can pick out what themes where developing here. I've got a few pictures of some items I've found and cleaned up, but I have lots more to get ready! I'm such a procrastinator (can ya tell?).

I'm really hoping to meet a lot of fellow bloggers/junkers/JUNKMARKET-eers at this event. So please, please, please be sure to stop by and introduce yourself. I may not be great with names, but I'm certainly hoping to be able to connect with a lot of you. Please let me know your thoughts on here, too. I love hearing from you!

I found this great library book shelf.

It's just too cool for school....literally!

This pale blue metal mail sorter would be amazing used as wine storage. Wowzer...it sure could hold a lot of wine!

This is a post office scale.

Can you see a theme here?

But then again, I have another "blue" cubby! I might have another theme developing. Hmmmm....

Or maybe it's a scale theme I have going on? You know how I love scales!

And this one gives you the "exact weight"!

This ladder is all hand made...which makes it even more special!

What a find this vintage ballot box is. I just might have to keep it!

This window washer swing has some of it's original "blue" paint. It's gonna be the center feature of my booth.

This old "blue" heater is just a shell, but it still has that "cool" factor and contributes to one of my themes.

I think this piece is extra special. It may not get to the sale either.

Old wicker has really been speaking to me lately. Am I the only one?

I also found a boat load of these tin pieces...love! Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with them!

And after a good day of junking where do I go with my friend Amy...

...and my friend Jan?

No better place than Sonic! The perfect end to a perfect day of junking!

Here's the rest of the details...again, please come and say hi!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things!

2011-08-02T06:30:00.003-05:00

"Rain drops and Roses and Whiskers on Kittens" might make Julie Andrews feel better when she's down, but for me? It's scales and cloches, along with some other great vintage finds! So "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply rememeber my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad!" Who really needs Prozac? All I need is some really great junk!

I have always had a love for scales, but this one is particularly beautiful. It was the inspiration piece for my happy place.

Ooooh, what is it about a worn piece of ironstone? This one is particularly special holding some of my favorite flowers from my garden, Annabelle Hydrangias.

In the basket of the scale holds a few of my scale weights. Though they are a little rusty, they make me happy!

I love the wear on these pieces. Two are from an old pillar and one, a piece from a wooden pulley. Again, LOVE!

Now who wouldn't feel better looking at a vintage clock under a cloche?

And this piece? Not actually a cloche, but the globe from an old hanging light fixture. Perfection!

Now doesn't that make you happy?

And who doesn't love rust? This piece, though not perfect, is beautiful.

The piece that holds this "happy" vignette was actually a tithes box from a church. Notice the slot to put your tithes in?

Now doesn't it all together just make you go, "Aaaah"?

Mudd Lake Sale Pictures!

2011-07-29T13:34:00.001-05:00

Two posts in a little over a week! Can you believe it? I've got a few pictures from our booth at Mudd Lake. It was such a fun sale, and even though the weather didn't always cooperate, it was very successful. Glad to meet so many fun and new people, too!

I had the fortune of being in the "horse barn", along with Bob Kratch from Mudd Lake, Otten Bros. and Sue Whitney JUNKMARKET. So when the storms came, we didn't get any of the wind and rain. And on those hot days, we had a cool cement floor and ceiling fans. Now how do I rate? Haha! Thanks to Sue for letting me help her with all her creative displays. I love working along side such genius! So without further ado.....

Does this look like a horse barn to you? We had three creative table displays to give you oodles of ideas.

Can you give me an "E"?!!

Only "Junk" in this trunk is the good kind (unless maybe we're referring to this manekins backside)....lol!

Loved the mixture of the white chippy pieces with industrial and natural wood. My favorite look lately!

Now this is what I call a flower bed!

My absolutely favorite room! Love how organic it is....you had to see this in person!

We had lots of outdoor vendors, too!

Can't remember if this was taken before or after the storm? Looks like everthing is in place here.

Photo Credit: Mudd Lake

And then we had Nick. His beans were to "die for", along with all the other good food he made. Nummmmmm!

Photo Credit: Mudd Lake

Look good to you?

photo credit: Mudd Lake

Looks like someone shopped 'til she dropped!

Thanks to all who worked tiredlessly on this sale to make it what it was! Also thanks to Mudd Lake for putting this on.

Miss Me Yet?

2011-07-21T00:03:00.000-05:00

Thought I might have to remind you what I look like. I'm sure you must have forgotten...I mean it has been a while. Well actually it's been over a month! Have you wondered where I've been? Well I've been taking a slight break from blogging to work on a lot of fun new adventures (plus have some quality summer family time). It's been a fun summer and I've got some very exciting happening's on the horizon.

And what kind of adventures, you may ask? Well first off, I've be I've been having some "huge" fun with my friend Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET. We've joined forces with Bob Kratch of Mudd Lake and have been busy transforming his horse barn, yes a real horse barn, into a shopping Junk Mecca! And it hasn't been easy. This Minnesota summer has been brutal! With high's in the 90's, we're putting in a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But it's gonna be worth it! It's looking pretty darn amazing! Sue's one extremely talented lady, and am so thrilled to be able to "assist" her in this venture. I just need to get out there and get some pictures taken!

So here's the details:

Mudd Lake Presents:

"Junk in the Trunk" Art, Antique, & Junk Flea Market!

Join us at Mudd Lake Farm, July 22nd-24th from 9am to 6pm.
Mudd Lake is located at 10685 County Road 24, Watertown, MN 55388

"Shop the fields with numerous Art & Antique dealers as they abound throughout the apple orchard. This event is JUNK MARKET STYLE APPROVED!"

To see more on this fun event, go to Sue's post "Big To Do at Mudd Lake Furniture Company" on the JUNKMARKET Style website. And for directions go to Bob's website at muddlake.com. Hope to see you there!

PS Stay tuned to more upcoming events!