Junker Newbie

Picker Perfect

2012-03-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE the show American Pickers. My 5-year-old son now watches it occasionally and I have my mom and 90-year-old grandmother hooked on it as well.

I heard that Mike & Frank from the show were in Upstate South Carolina filming this week. What I didn't expect was to see them while driving down Main Street in my town, Greenville, this morning!

I took my son to school and then had to stop by my husband's office because I left my wallet in his car last night. Turns out that was fate! While driving to his office I happened to see Frank Fritz standing in front of a hotel downtown. I nearly wrecked my van! I didn't know what to do and there was traffic so I just kept driving and metup with my husband as planned. He encouraged me to go back to the scene so I did.

The rest is all a blur...when I returned Frank was no longer there but Mike Wolfe was! (and let's face it, he's my favorite...sorry Frank!). I pulled my van into the loading zone, left it running, ran out with my iPhone in hand while assuring Mike I'm not a crazy stalker person. He couldn't have been nicer! He asked me my name (which I did remember, thank you very much), gave me a big hug and asked a crew member to take our picture...

I then thanked him, told him what a huge fan I am and left the scene.

What do I wish I had done? Congratulated him on the baby! Told him I'm a picker! Asked him to autograph something! oh and put some makeup on and fix my hair. ugh. I was just too star struck.

I think I need a nap now, what a day :-)

Looking for Me?

2012-02-29T17:45:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to say hi, and no, I haven't forgotten about Would You Buy It Wednesday...

Life is calling this week and I'm trying to learn to prioritize. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Perhaps! But I haven't forgotten you all and will be right back. Pinky swear.

Keep smiling!

Saturday Stuff

2012-02-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

Hi blogville,

I didn't have a post planned for today but just wanted to check in. I'm working on a few painting projects that I will definitely share when finished.

Here's a sneak peek at one...

It's a plant stand I picked up at Habitat for Humanity the other day.

Ok, I'm now realizing just how bad that picture is. Sorry!!!

What are you working on this weekend? Anyone going antiquing / junking?

Don't forget to link up in this week's Would You Buy It and/or weigh in on what others are sharing!

Have a great weekend...

Would You Buy It - #28

2012-02-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

Good morning my junker friends!

It's Wednesday and you know what that means...it's time for Would You Buy It!!!

Last week I asked you to weigh in on these pickets I found at Habitat for Humanity for 75 cents each!

Some of you said you would buy them for a project, some said you'd prefer old chippy one's and yet some said they wouldn't dare buy them. What did I do? I didn't buy them. I have enough stuff in my garage!

Also last week several of you shared your items. We had a tie for the most likes with these two...

First up, these lovely chippy chairs!

Would you buy them? Anne did! Go see how they look now!

Then we have Karen Sue from SueBee with this find...

She proved that sometimes you don't have to buy it! Go see what she did...

Thanks to everyone for participating last week! My linky party is still small but mighty!

Now, for this week I have this to share...(I apologize for the poor pictures!)

It said they are French vinegar jars and they were $50 for 2. Anyone know anything about these? Would you buy them?

Let me know in the comments below!

Here's How YOU Can Participate...

Comment on my post; let me know if you would buy the item I blogged about above.
Create your own blog post re: an item(s) you saw this week while you were out thrifting/shopping/junking.
Link up to your post below to invite all of blogville to weigh in on your find(s)! You have until SUNDAY at Midnight ET.
Please grab the "Would You Buy it Wednesday" linky button below OR at least include a link back to my blog.
Check out what others are linking up below and let them know if YOU would buy it!

Please Note: This linky party is NOT for links to stores or advertisements! Your links should only go to blog posts following the rules above. I apologize to those participants who have clicked on links recently that violated these rules. I will delete violators as quickly as possible!

<a    href="http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/"  target="_blank"><img    src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/junkernewbie/wednesdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

Bloggers Brought to Light - The Country Chic Cottage

2012-02-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to introduce our next "Blogger Brought to Light"! I really got to know this gal via Twitter...she likes vintage items AND she's creative. What more could you ask for?

So here she is, Angie from The Country Chic Cottage!

Fast Facts

Blog Name: The Country Chic Cottage
Etsy? Yes! http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrychiccottage
Twitter? https://twitter.com/#!/countrychiccott
Facebook? http://www.facebook.com/CountryChicCottage
Location: Tennessee
Salty or Sweet Snacks? Sweet! I love sweets!
Can't Live Without? Hands down -- my family!
Favorite Magazine? Woman's Day (I know I should say some decor magazine but I really love Woman's Day!)
Favorite Book? Most of my answers would involve children's books. :) We read alot here but they are mostly for the younger crowd!
Beach or Mountains? Beach! We own a cabin on the Tennessee River -- that is our beach!
Coffee or Tea? Tea -- green tea to be exact!

Q&A

Q: When did you start your blog and why?
A: I started blogging in January of 2010 after a New Year's resolution to spruce up my home. The blog was a way to keep me accountable. Here I am two years later and still plugging away!

Q: What's your favorite thing about blogging?
A: My love of crafting has exploded since I began blogging. I am so happy to have discovered it again.

Q: What's the hardest thing about blogging for you?
A: Time. I have a full time job, a hubby, and 3 kids.

Q: In your wildest dreams, where do you hope your blog takes you?
A: I don't know. That is the worst answer for a blogger. I would love to make a living off of it and be able to quit my job. But the way things are with health insurance, etc -- I doubt that is in the cards.

Q: So far, what is your favorite blog post that you've written?
A: I would say my rose petal chandy (http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2010/09/rose-petal-chandy.html). Because it was something I made for my daughter and we still love it til this day!

Q: What's your favorite vintage/junk find? Where did you find it?
A: Gosh. I find so many things! I do love these milk caps though (http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2011/09/thrifty-finds-vintage-milk-caps.html). They were found at a neighborhood garage sale. I was going to buy an entire milk bottle for ONE cap. I got to talking to the home owner and he said "oh I have a whole box full of those". GASP!!

Q: What's one thing you wish you knew how to do?
A: I wish I was better with power tools -- especially wood working tools. I would love to try my hand at building some furniture (without hubby!).

Q: Anything else we should know about you?
A: I am absolutely addicted to vintage items. I love displaying them in my home!

So, what are you waiting for? Go visit this gal now and show her some love!

Oh, and if any of you are going to Blissdom this year, you're in luck, she'll be there!

Show Me You Love Me

2012-02-19T02:00:00.000-05:00

You may have heard by now that Google has announced they are retiring Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites on March 1, 2012. Google has offered some alternatives, like using Google+, here.

Another way to keep in touch is via the new Linky Followers site. The same fine folks that brought us linky tools for our parties is now bringing us an easy way to keep in touch, sort our favorite blogs, follow each other and even find new friends! Click here to signup and learn more about this free service.

Even though I use Blogger and will not be impacted by the retiring of Google Friend Connect directly, I signed up for the new Linky Followers for two reasons...

A lot of my blog buds are not on Blogger and therefore will no longer be on Google Friend Connect
I'm moving my blog to WordPress later this year

So here's where I need YOUR HELP! If you like my blog and would like to start following me OR you are already following me via Google Friend Connect, please click the "Follow Me" link under the "Be a Follower" heading on the right side of my blog. If you are not already signed up for Linky Follower it will ask you to do a one-time signup, free.

Courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

By the way, I am also on Google+!

Note: If you have Google Friend Connect and would like to be able to export your friend information, click here for some good info.

Thank you!

Standing Out

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Every Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET, Crafterminds holds a chat on Twitter. The topics are different each week...the chat this past Monday was all about how to make your blog stand out in the sea of blogs out there.

Dollarstorecrafts.com suggested asking readers how you stand out. I thought that was a great idea!

So I'm going to put you all on the spot right now. Tell me, what about me or my blog stands out to you? Why do you read my blog when there are so many other blogs out there? What would you like to hear more or less about?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Please shout it from the rooftops! Well actually maybe putting it in the comments below or emailing me would be easier. :-)

I really appreciate any feedback you can give me. I've hinted before that I'm up to big things this year. One of those is to move my blog to WordPress so it will be a great time for me to update my blog, make things easier for all of you and ensure I'm focusing in the area(s) that you, my readers, want to hear about!

Thanks y'all :-)

Note re: Twitter: New to Twitter? Never participated in a Tweet chat before? Feel free to comment below or email me at junkernewbie at gmail dot com and I'll be happy to help! I LOVE Social Media!

Would You Buy It Wednesday - #27

2012-02-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

Hi y'all! Welcome to our 27th Would You Buy It Wednesday!

Last week I asked you to weigh in on these awesome boxes from Sarasota Architectural Salvage.

Most of you said you would buy one. Good news...I did buy one! I bought the silver one which is a WWII ammunition box! So cool!

Then several of you submitted your items for the week. Thank you!

A couple caught my eye...

The first is from Redoux and she didn't have to buy these at all!

I can't wait to see what she does with those doors!

The other is a frame makeover by A Vintage Green. Let's just say that frame had seen better days!

Nice work!

This week I have this to share...

I found these pickets at our Habitat for Humanity Restore...They are only 75 cents a piece!

Would you buy some? What would you do with them???
Let me know in the comments below!

Here's How YOU Can Participate...

Comment on my post; let me know if you would buy the item I blogged about above.
Create your own blog post re: an item(s) you saw this week while you were out thrifting/shopping/junking.
Link up to your post below to invite all of blogville to weigh in on your find(s)! You have until SUNDAY at Midnight ET.
Please grab the "Would You Buy it Wednesday" linky button below OR at least include a link back to my blog.
Check out what others are linking up below and let them know if YOU would buy it!

<a   
href="http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/"  target="_blank"><img   
src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/junkernewbie/wednesdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

The Side Table From Nowhere

2012-02-12T08:26:00.000-05:00

How long has it been since I've posted a before & after? FOREVER! Look, this was my last one!

I'm happy to say, today I have the story of a cute little side table. I love it's girly lines...

But I didn't love it's color and let's just say it needed some love...

So I took it for a spin with this new paint I found (well actually it found me) called "CeCe Caldwell" paint. The paint is made of chalk and clay and is green and Earth friendly. I chose the Vintage White color...

Then I finished it off 24 hours later with the CeCe Caldwell clear wax.

Finally I added some bling with some cool mirrored knobs from Hobby Lobby (during the 50% off sale!).

What do you think?

Here's the funny part...I have NO idea where I got this table! I cannot remember where I bought it, for how much, nothing! See, I have a thing for side tables. I seem to find them EVERYWHERE and for great prices.

So there it is, my table from nowhere!

Note: A special thank you to The Mill at Gibsonville for introducing me to CeCe Caldwell's paints and for providing the Vintage White paint used in this post!

Linking back to...

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/

http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.com/

http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/

Would You Buy It Wednesday - #26

2012-02-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is late y'all!

So in my life news...My baby boy turned 5 yesterday (gasp!) and I'm still recovering from that shock! He's going to start Kindergarten in a matter of months - he's ready but I am not. I don't think I've ever realized how big of a deal it is to turn 5! He is so excited and really thinks he's quite the big man now.

Ok, now on with the show...

Last week I asked you to weigh in on the watch parts I found for $20. Some of you said you wouldn't know what to do with them, some said you would love them! Well, I didn't buy them but I might not be so strong next time!

When you all submitted your items, this item from Sue Bee and Butterflies got the most likes...

Her friend is using the airstream as an office! How cool is that!? Thanks Sue Bee!

Today I have this to share...

I found these beauties at Sarasota Architectural Salvage last week. The silver one (with the arrow) is a WWII ammunition box! So cool!

So, Would YOU Buy It? Let me know in the comments below!

Here's How YOU Can Participate...

Comment on my post; let me know if you would buy the item I blogged about above.
Create your own blog post re: an item(s) you saw this week while you were out thrifting/shopping/junking.
Link up to your post below to invite all of blogville to weigh in on your find(s)! You have until SUNDAY at Midnight ET.
Please grab the "Would You Buy it Wednesday" linky button below OR at least include a link back to my blog.
Check out what others are linking up below and let them know if YOU would buy it!

<a   href="http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/"  target="_blank"><img   src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/junkernewbie/wednesdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

Weekly Love #13

2012-02-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

Yep, you guessed it, it's time for weekly LOVE...

This week I'm writing LOVE LETTERS to...

Infarrantly Creative - This blog is full of awesome ideas and info. Most recently, this post caught my eye - "5 Ways to Make Unique Business Cards". Some really creative ideas!

Craftaholics Anonymous - Linda over at Craftaholics Anonymous is always up to something fun! This week she shared a code for 40% off Silhouette machine accessories! You should also check out her amazing craft room!

Stuff I'd Like to Make - When I joined Pinterest I started a board called "Stuff I'd Like to Make". Kind of my "to do some day" list. Well, it's grown and grown lately! So, this week I'd like to send my love to all of the folks who have provided inspiration and ideas!!!

That's the love for this week! Smooch!

If you haven't had a chance yet, please take a moment to weigh in on our Would You Buy It items and link up your own!

Would You Buy It Wednesday - #25

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hi y'all!
Hope you're having a great week! I can't believe it's time for Would You Buy It Wednesday already again!

We've had some GREAT entries the last couple of weeks. Let's take a look...

Last week the link with the most likes was from Sweetpea's GoodJunks! She asked, would you have bought this bin of toys for $5?

Then Rob at Island Rustic shared some of his great finds including an old fan and some wheels that I love!

Two weeks ago (yes, I'm behind!) our entry with the most "likes" was this beauty from House of Hawthornes...

Isn't that croquet box a beaut?!? I LOVE IT! When I was a kid, we had a croquet set...so fun!

Thanks for EVERYONE who has been linking up. If you are on Twitter or Facebook or Google+ etc. I would love it if you would share a link to this party and encourage folks to join! Even if someone doesn't have anything to share they can still check out the great entries and "like" their favorites.

So now for this week. Here's what I found...

Watch parts...$20

What do you think? This box of watch parts was $20. Would You Buy It? What would you do with them?

So, Here's How YOU Can Participate...

Comment on my post; let me know if you would buy the item I blogged about above.
Create your own blog post re: an item(s) you saw this week while you were out thrifting/shopping/junking.
Link up to your post below to invite all of blogville to weigh in on your find(s)! You have until SUNDAY at Midnight ET.
Please grab the "Would You Buy it Wednesday" linky button below OR at least include a link back to my blog.
Check out what others are linking up below and let them know if YOU would buy it!

<a  href="http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/"  target="_blank"><img  src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/junkernewbie/wednesdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

2012-01-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

Hi folks!

How's everyone's weekend so far? Just wanted to check in real quick today.

First, I wanted you to know my mom is doing well after her surgery. We're hoping she can come home tomorrow but if not hopefully Monday. Thanks for all of your well wishes!

Also, don't forget about Would You Buy It! The deadline to submit a link or "like" one of the current links is midnight Sunday. We've got some great stuff linked up so far, go check it out!

Lastly, I joined a fun Facebook linky party today! Come over and check out the wonderful folks and link up your own page.

Have a great rest of your weekend and I'll be back to chat soon!

Would You Buy It Wednesday - #24

2012-01-26T07:41:00.001-05:00

Hi friends!

Sorry this is a day late. This is going to be a quick one because I'm on my way out to the airport! I mentioned in my "25 things" post the other day that my mom has to have surgery again. Well, the surgery is tomorrow, so I'm headed down to ~~eat the homemade hot fudge she made me~~ help out.

So, in the essence of time, I'm going to do a separate recap later of the great things posted last week.

Without further adieu, here's the Would You Buy It linky...

Here's How YOU Can Participate this week...

Create your own blog post re: an item(s) you saw this week while you were out thrifting/shopping/junking.
Link up to your post below to invite all of blogville to weigh in on your find(s)! You have until SUNDAY at Midnight ET.
Please grab the "Would You Buy it Wednesday" linky button below OR at least include a link back to my blog.
Check out what others are linking up below and let them know if YOU would buy it!

<a   href="http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/"  target="_blank"><img   src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/junkernewbie/wednesdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

25 Things

2012-01-24T08:11:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect! She has done 25 Things posts on her blog and they are hilarious and such a great way to get to know the person behind the blog better!

I loved it so much I decided to do it too! (hope she doesn't mind!)

Here goes...

I am in love with Adele. Her music is awesome and her personality makes me want to be her best friend. Adele, if you're reading this, I promise I'm not a stalker! ;-)
Mr. JN (Junker Newbie) gave me the DVD/CD Adele set for Christmas. I love him.
I sometimes have a Starbucks Frappuccino for my breakfast. Is that bad?
My little guy (almost 5 yrs. old) loves to sing Adele's "Rumor Has It" and others by her. It's awesome.
Remember when I shared we got a puppy last summer? Yep, she's 8 months and already almost 90 pounds. GULP.
I sometimes sing along with the Glee cast and think I sound a lot like them. Only when I'm alone in the car.
My little guy starts Kindergarten in August. I'm officially freaking out.
I may have spent a little time looking at baby pictures of him last night and crying a little. sniffle sniffle.
I just caught my son singing "Red Solo Cup" while he was building with Legos. I really need to start playing some kids music for that boy.
I have every junk/storage type show set to record and LOVE them. Storage Wars, American Pickers, you name it. I've got it.
My house is a disaster.
Our grocery store stops carrying whatever my latest-favorite-ice cream is EVERY time. What's up with that? Probably a good thing.
I LOVE traveling. We just got back from Disney and I'm already wanting to plan another trip. It's a sickness.
I really want to go back to Europe. I've been to Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Next up on my list would be France.
I would go antiquing/junking there, in France. Then I'd probably spend too much and have to ship boxes home. But it would be GREAT.
Have you heard of CeCe Caldwell paint?
My mom has to have surgery again....The stints in her leg didn't work. This time it will be bypass surgery.
I'm not sure WHAT I would do if I had to lay down for 2 weeks and couldn't drive. ugh.
After almost 20 years at one company, Mr. JN started a new job this past week. I'm proud of him...change is hard but it was time.
This March we'll have been married 12 years. O. M. G.
I feel old.
I'll be 38 this year. I used to think that sounded REALLY Old. Funny how it doesn't seem quite so bad once you get that age! LOL
Are you still reading this?
Oh, did I tell you what my new name is going to be?
Fresh Picked Vintage! More on that coming soon :-)

Weekly Love #12

2012-01-22T02:00:00.000-05:00

Last year I started a regular feature that ~~you guys loved~~ I think you guys liked called "Weekly Love". (new button below that I just made, like it?)

Well, it's time to start it back up again folks because I have found some awesomeness this week!

Here's my love list...

13 Steps to Being the Worst Blogger - I love this post by Karol K of ThemeFuse. I think I've been guilty of #9 lately, so sorry guys (GULP)!

The Rusted Chain - Have you ever checked out this wonderful little shop? Her jewelry is amazing! I wanted to share something specific from her shop though...for the month of January (only a few days left!) $10 from each purchase of this necklace will go to ICT S.O.S. - an organization to help stop human trafficking. I ordered mine!

It's Pinterest, Not Brain Surgery - If you are not on the FREE Pinterest site yet, what are you waiting for? If you need an invite, just let me know. This week I'd love for you to check out this great post on the Blog Guidebook - "It's Pinterest, Not Brain Surgery - Part 1". Great article! If you missed their first post about Pinterest you can check it out here.

Triberr - Have you heard about this yet? I'm new at it and still figuring it all out. Basically, you setup an account, join tribes or create your own. Then the magic happens and you have a great support group and a way to share your blog with more people. Want to learn more? Check out this great post about Triberr and here's a video about it as well. Ready to join? I'd love to have you with me in a tribe! Comment below or email me at junkernewbie at gmail dot com and I'll get you the info!

That's all for this week - it's a lot of love huh?!

What cool new sites, bloggers, etc. have you found? Let us know about it in the comments below!

Bloggers Brought to Light - Vintage and Flea

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-05:00

You may remember I started a series last year called "Bloggers Brought to Light". I don't do it every month but love to share more about bloggers as I meet new folks.

Today I'd like to introduce DeDe from Vintage and Flea.

Fast Facts

Blog Name: Vintage and Flea
Etsy? Yes! http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintageandflea (we are updating soon!!)
Twitter? https://twitter.com/#!/VintageAndFlea
Facebook? http://www.facebook.com/VintageAndFlea
Location: NYC, NY (Harlem to be exact!)
Salty or Sweet Snacks? Both, dark salted chocolate is my vice
Can't Live Without? The big three: Jack (the other half of Vintage and Flea), Internet access, and my yearly trip(s) to Brimfield Antique Show
Favorite Magazine? It is a tie between Flea Market Style and New York Magazine (which does a killer home décor issue every year). Before that it was Domino Magazine (http://www.flickr.com/groups/dominomag/) - so sad it is gone!
Favorite Book? I don’t read a lot of fiction - I am a non-fiction girl. I tend to like the last book I read best. I just finished “Killer Stuff, Tons of Money” (http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Stuff-Tons-Money-Flea-Market/dp/1594202931)
Beach or Mountains? I love beaches located down south where the water is warm. The ocean water is always ice cold here.
Coffee or Tea? Espresso.

Q&A

Q: When did you start your blog and why?
A: I have been blogging for a decade but my current site Vintageandflea.com started in July 2011.

Q: What's your favorite thing about blogging?
A: Sharing information that has my own personal spin. I like sharing things I learned and love.

Q: What's the hardest thing about blogging for you?
A: I run a blog for a large brand and I am also a paid writer for a few sites. I try to be diligent about posting twice weekly on Vintage and Flea but sometimes it is hard to put all the time I want into each post.

Q: In your wildest dreams, where do you hope your blog takes you?
A: I want to eventually be the apartmenttherapy.com of vintage and junktiques.

Q: So far, what is your favorite blog post that you've written?
A: Well that is hard. I love to write, and I also love to take pictures. Right now I guess my favorite post is "Yes, We Finally Bought a Vintage Typewriter". It is a companion post to an article I wrote for Worthpoint (http://www.worthpoint.com/article/retrophile-files-tippy-tapping-tricked-out-vintage-typewriters). But I also love the slideshows I create with Jack using photos we have taken at various flea markets and antique shows. My favorite is Brimfield Antique Show, September 2011 Recap.

Q: What's your favorite vintage/junk find? Where did you find it?
A: There are so many things that I found that I love. But I have three favorites. First is a vintage boxing painting we found in Tennessee (http://www.vintageandflea.com/home/2011/8/30/vintage-boxing-painting.html). Second is a Zodiac Clock by Mauthe (http://www.vintageandflea.com/home/2012/1/10/our-new-find-a-friedrich-mauthe-zodiac-clock.html) that I found at an Estate Sale, and lastly is this Keane like painting of a young couple (http://www.etsy.com/listing/82480812/original-vintage-painting-of-big-eyed) that I found online. However all these items I plan on selling.

Q: What's one thing you wish you knew how to do?
A: It is a tie. I wish I could snowboard and draw exceptionally well.

Q: Anything else we should know about you?
A: I am a bottle blond.

Doesn't DeDe sound like a cool chick? I would LOVE to go junking with her in NYC! Be sure to check out her blog and you'll also want to read her recent interview with Ki Nassauer!

Would You Buy It - #23

2012-01-18T08:33:00.002-05:00

For our first Would You Buy It of 2012, I'm going to do something a bit different. Instead of sharing an item I've found recently (cause let's face it, I didn't do any junking at Disney World!) I'm going to share a link to an internet auction I was checking out...here's the link. I'd love for you to check it out and let me know 1) what would you buy, if anything and 2) why?

*Note: I have NO affiliation to the internet auction mentioned above. It was picked at random (well sort of, it's near me but other than that there was no reason I picked it over others).

So, Here's How YOU Can Participate this week...

Visit the auction linked above and let me know in the comments below 1) what would you buy, if anything and 2) why?
Create your own blog post re: an item(s) you saw this week while you were out thrifting/shopping/junking.
Link up to your post below to invite all of blogville to weigh in on your find(s)! You have until SUNDAY at Midnight ET.
Please grab the "Would You Buy it Wednesday" linky button below OR at least include a link back to my blog.
Check out what others are linking up below and let them know if YOU would buy it!

<a  href="http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/"  target="_blank"><img  src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/junkernewbie/wednesdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

Let's Get This Party Started

2012-01-16T08:37:00.002-05:00

Hi - My name is Stephanie and I'm an absent blogger. (Hi Stephanie)

So...remember recently when I posted that I was back and had big things in store for 2012? I wasn't kidding I promise! But my hubby is switching jobs (very exciting!) and he had a bit of time off so we decided to take our kiddo to Disney! I promised myself I would not blog or tweet while we were on family vacation. What I neglected to do was let you know that! So sorry!

Well, now I'm back. I have to tell you I LOVE Disney! Have you all been? We went to Animal Kingdom twice and did the safari 4 times! I have some cool pictures...amuse me for a moment while I share ok?

This Giraffe walked right by us!

Look close - it's 2 hippos snuggling under water!

Did you know hippos wiggle their ears to get the water out?

Look into those hippo eyes!

Loved this guy. He sat & watched us as much as we watched him!

This rhino came up to our jeep and then crossed right in front of us

What do you think? Cool huh? I love that you see something different every time you go.

Now I'm back to blogging and junk and chatting with you guys! I can't wait!

I'm headed to my booth today and promise to take some pictures (forgot last time after I moved my booth, sorry!) and will share those this week. For those of you that have asked how it's going at the new place, thank you! It's SO much better! I'm not rich or anything but I'm selling stuff and that is a good thing! I've even sold some items that sat for 3 months at my old place. Yeehaw!

So what are you up to this new year?

Oh, and Would You Buy It Wednesday is set to go tomorrow so be ready!

So excited to get caught up with you all. Have a great day!

A Great Year

2012-01-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

Before we move on with 2012, I'd like to take a moment to revisit some of my favorite moments and posts of 2011 with you. Ok?

So...of course, deciding to start this blog and actually keeping up with it for the first year was a major milestone for me! I started the blog last January after stalking many blogs for quite a while. Thanks to all of you who have been with me since the beginning and also to those of you who just found me recently! I can't believe I have over 300 followers and even more readers!

I've created blog buttons, started a linky party and even monetized my blog by myself with your help! I still can't believe all of the things I've learned this year!

After getting my feet wet with the blog and receiving so much support from all of you, I started my first antique booth. Wow, that was such a HUGE step for me! I wasn't sure anyone would want to buy my stuff! Now I'm onto a new store which is doing even better for me and I'm super excited to see what happens with it in 2012.

Along the way, I managed to share a few of my projects. In case you've missed them or just want to take a look back, here are some of my favorites...

My first attempt at painting something other than one solid color on a piece of furniture...

How to make an easy table runner...

Using drop cloths for pillow covers...

My first before & after...

And many many fun garage/yard/estate sale finds!

I have a LOT of fun things planned for 2012 including a name change (for my blog/business, not me personally!) and a move to wordpress! Stay tuned :-)

What was your favorite Junker Newbie post of the year? Please share in the comments below!

Happy New Year!

2012

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year! I hope 2012 is all you dream it can be and more!

Chalk Paint Giveaway

2011-12-30T10:00:00.004-05:00

Have you heard about the fantastic Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Giveaway going on now?!

There's still time to enter!

My friend Jennie over at Jennie Leigh Designs has all the details.

Still thinking about it? This may help...the generous giveaway includes:

Two fabulous pots of Annie Paint Chalk Paint, Annie Sloan Soft Wax in clear and dark,

and Annie’s book Quick & Easy Paint Transformations.

PLUS a lucky winner of the holiday basket from each shop across North America will be entered for a chance to win a $350 gift certificate from Annie Sloan Unfolded. It is good toward your choice of a credit on your Annie Sloan American Tour registration fee or $350.00 in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! The big winner will be announced on Annie’s Blog on January 10, 2012.

So what are you waiting for? Go register for the giveaway now!

I'm Back...FINALLY

2011-12-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

What? It's still 2011? Good, I have time for one last post before the year is out.

I know I know. I've got some explaining to do...leaving you guys out here without so much as a single word for weeks. Thanks to those of you who emailed me to make sure I'm still alive. I really feel honored that you missed me!

Compliments of The Graphics Fairy

So here's the deal...as you know, I did my first holiday fair in the beginning of the month. Then I took a little time off to recover but then that grew into a very busy week of work for my "real job" and then...well, that grew into me having bronchitis. I honestly don't know when I've been that sick, I literally laid in bed for hours and days the week before Christmas. When I finally got out of my funk I realized I hadn't even wrapped one present! So then I went into crazy Christmas mode.

That about catches us up!

Now I'm enjoying a few more days off with family and am looking forward to chiming in the new year.

I've got some exciting things in the works for the blog (my one year blog-iversary is coming up in January!) and my business so please stay tuned! I promise I'm not going to go run off on you again. :-)

Oh and for those of you that are patiently waiting for another Would You Buy It Wednesday, let's start that back up next week ok?

I Survived

2011-12-05T15:41:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!

Just wanted to check in and let you know I survived my first holiday fair! I had forgotten what it's like to be on my feet all day like that!

Courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

I did ok - not going to be quitting my day job anytime soon though.

I'm working on a detailed post with my thoughts, observations, and recommendations for anyone wanting to sell at a similar venue. Look for it coming soon!

In the meantime my family is happy to have me back so we're catching up on holiday decorating, baking, etc.

Hope you are all enjoying your holiday season so far!

Back soon...

Holiday Fair

2011-11-28T04:01:00.003-05:00

If you are in the Greenville, South Carolina area this week, please come visit my friend Jennie from Jennie Leigh Design and I at the Holiday Fair!

This is my first time selling at an event like this and I'm a little nervous that I'll sit there for 3 days and sell nothing! Kinda like opening night jitters I guess. :-)

So, here are the details...

Where: TD Convention Center, formerly the Carolina First Center, in Greenville, SC.

When:

Thursday, December 1st: 10am-8pm
Friday, December 2nd: 10am-8pm
Saturday, December 3rd: 10am-6pm

What: I'll be selling ornaments, vintage items & decor and Jennie will be there with Annie Sloan chalkpaint and many more goodies!

Anyone else doing an event like this during the holidays?

I just love this time of year!