Rachel’s Junkinthetrunk Blog

Just a Little Creativity

2012-01-24T23:29:00.000-08:00

Wanted to introduce you to Molly ,a wife, mother of five, daughter, sister, friend. totally random and organized at the same time. thinker, processor, quiet, serious, moody, sarcastic& funny. Visit her blog to find found awesome projects and fun things for kids.

Easy Distressed Paint Technique Vintage Chair Make Over

Modern Art Thumbprint Tree

Grandma Lupes Authentic Tamales-Indio Tamale Festival 2011

2012-01-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Grandma Lupe with Aunt Vickie & Aunt Leonora

Indio, CA may be most famous for hosting the Coachella Music and Arts Festival every year, but it is quickly becoming the Tamale capital of the world. Roughly 100,000 people attended this year's Indio Tamale Festival, including Blue Ribbon Hunter's Allison Fishman. The festival was buzzing with Mexican folk dancing, a lively tamale eating competition, and of course an array of eclectic flavored tamales that one could only dream of. Strawberry tamale anyone?

Grandma Lupe & Mother-in-law Mary

(Pictured here with her daughter,Mary, my mother in law & yard sale partner ).

The real star of the festival is Tito's 80 year-old Grandmother known by everyone in town as "Grandma Lupe". Maria Guadalupe Nuñez Calsada, emigrated to the United States from Mexico along with her husband in 1954 and recalls that then many people in this country didn’t know what a tamale was and they had to be taught that to eat one you had to remove the cornshucks

Click here to learn more about Allison Fishman

Click here to see a little more on Grandma Lupe

If you ever make it out to Indio,CA the first weekend of December,it is a must see and taste!

A Total Tamale Treat!

JACK GEORGE VERTICAL LAPTOP WHEELER -Milano Collection

2012-01-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

This would have to be the best deal of all time in my yard sale adventures. Initially I didn't pay attention when the seller said the following:

Oh,my room mate isn't here yet she won't take less than $50! It was a gift and she didn't like the patent leather. "Yet,no one is looking at it so I will sell it for $15." I said are you sure? She said, yeah ,no problem. I saw the name "Jack George" which didn't flag any name brands in my,at times,fashion deprived mind. I loved how it rolled, the roomy feel and the clean look. I pondered for a second and shouted, I'll take it! Plus,the wheels were scratch free telling me it was never really used. I was happy to get such a bargain for something I could really use. To this day, it's my shadow. Instead of walking a dog, I walk my laptop wheeler. It's simply perfect for me.
Putting my research in the back burner for several months, I just looked up my brief case.

This is what I found:

The Patent Leather Collection from Jack Georges offers sleek and chic designs that will add modern day flair to any fashionista's wardrobe. Ever try to pull a wheeled laptop case through the aisle of an airplane’s cabin? Finally, with the Vertical Laptop Compatible Wheeler, you can carry your laptop, with up to a 15.4” screen, and fly with convenience and style!

Features:

Available in Black
Hand crafted from the finest Italian Patent Leather
Jack Georges signature lining
Nickel hardware
Our Easy Access Organizer
Large front pocket with a second organizer
Zippered inside pocket
Accordion divider
Open back pocket for papers or travel documents
Overall Dimensions: 15.5" H x 14" W x 6.5" D

$389.00 !!!!!!

Takeaway:

Never let your room mate sell your stuff at a yard sale.

Simple Collage Ideas

2012-01-21T23:22:00.000-08:00

Found a few random pictures of myself dating from 1979 to 1984. Instead of putting them in frames, I placed them on memo boards creating a simple collage "change" in my work room...

Vintage Hats

2012-01-21T22:50:00.000-08:00

Estate Sale Vintage Hats for Megan (click here to learn about Megan)

Love the big button

Praying Mantis Hitches Ride on Steamer Trunk

2012-01-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Had to share my new Blogger Buddie ,KJ of Junk Yard Gypsies recent post of a
Praying Mantis Hitches Ride on Steamer Trunk

Click here to read the post of the Praying Mantis

Click here to visit Junk Yard Gypsies Eclectic Emporium of Vintage Collectibles and Clothing store.

Saving Tips for Kids -Stuff the Pig

2012-01-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

The Thrifty Groove

Julia and I play a game called " Stuff the Pig" ...

We"Feed" the pig as many coins as we can. It may take,weeks or months.Once the pig is full and stuffed to the brim, we have to guess how much money is actually in the pig. Then the money goes in an her savings account. It's simple,fun, money saving and challenging. I didn't realize how competitive Julia and I are!

Sunny Simple Life

2012-01-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

A special Giveaway

From ........Drum roll ppplleeassse ....

From Elaine:
Happy New Year! To celebrate I am having a giveaway. Who couldn't use a fresh new something for the kitchen. I picked up from one of my favorite stores, William Sonoma, a bright red pot holder and oven mitt and just because I love roosters, I included a cute little tea bag holder.
To enter all you have to do is comment on this post and become a follower. If you want to mention it on your blog let me know in a seperate comment for a second entry.
I will choose a winner on Jan. 22nd.
This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
Good luck and thanks to all of you who bring such happiness to me everyday with all your sweet comments.

The giveaway .....another drummm roll please......

Click here to visit Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life

Free Vintage Digi Stamps

2012-01-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

This caught my eye!

FREE Digital Art Stamps!
FREE Printables!
All Vintage! All FREE!

Free Vintage Digi Stamps

Digital art and printables available daily! Most images are available in JPG and/or PNG format (with a transparent background).

Digital Art or Digi Stamps (and printables) are images you download/save/re-size and print from your computer printer to use in craft or collage projects, handmade cards, or DIY creations for personal use.

Unlike traditional stamping, where an ink pad and a stamp are needed, digi stamps are less messy and take up less craft storage. Digital stamps can be colored or adorned with wonderful craft embellishments.

It's ok to use the images for projects that you plan to resell (like handmade cards, vintage boxes, decoupage, etc). The images are not available for resale or making tangible stamps.

Feel free to use as many images as you like, please be sure to credit {or tell everyone} that you found them here on this site ......

To check out many more free images, go to

Free Vintage Digi Stamps

A Yard Sale Adventure

2012-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures of last weekends yard sale. With it being New Years Eve there was only 3 which meant better deals,less traffic.

From "Lucy" who was moving to Hawaii to Dick and his family from La Mesa clearing out some closets,there was something for everybody.

This crystal bear went home with a little girl. She was thrilled.

Up for a yard sale ? Go for it!

Alaina Kaczmarski of "Live Creating Your self"

2011-12-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

Meet
Alaina Kaczmarski

http://www.livecreatingyourself.com/

Had to share an amazing graphic I found on her etsy shop

Eiffel Tower Graphic

How to dress for a successful yardsale hunt ...or haunt.......lol

2011-12-31T12:37:00.000-08:00

rachelsjunkinthetrunk in action

Positive thoughts
Third eye to spot a bargain
Sunglasses
Hat
SP15
Coffee
Full Tummy (mine fuller than most but more to love)
Money (loose change & $1 bills,set a limit for yourself)
Full tank of gas
Patience

Feel free to add to my list .....

Paris & Beyond

2011-12-30T00:31:00.000-08:00

"This is a friend's blog who enjoys stores, fashion, and the unexpected as I do."

Paris & Beyond

Wire Dress Forms

2011-12-29T21:49:00.000-08:00

I love wire mesh dress forms. I only have one however already started playing dress up adorning it with bracelets,rings and a purse.

Sporting a Kohl's Mudd Bag

Mudd

Kohl's

Sitting pretty with other treasures

Standing Tall

50 cent ring from another yard sale

$2.00 Bracelet from -guess where? Yeah another yard sale!

Here are some other dress forms ...I see a collection coming on....

RH Baby and child

http://pinkylouloupartygirl.wordpress.com

Stampington & Company

www.ironarboretum.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing by 86Home

11 New Years Goals captured in one photo

2011-12-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

With 2012 around the corner, I decided to capture my goals with one picture.

Organize more,buy less purses, be a size 8,craft more,hang clothes more,new job,travel,save money,take more pics and exercise 60 minutes a day like the old days.......

Albertus Swanepoel for Target

2011-12-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

Never heard of Albertus Swanepoel
until Christmas Eve when I opened one of my gifts from my Mother in law, Mary.
After googling Albertus( yeah,I know,first name basis here)
I learned he is a fashion go-to designer for statement-making millinery. The South African native creates hats the old fashion way,but the results are strikingly modern. His collection for Target is truly the tops-at a price that isn't.

I also went to The Budget Babe for some guidance

Found My special hat !

Here are photos from both Albertus' website and Target

Ok so after all this research,what outfit do you think should be worn with this hat? Suggestions?

$1 Lamp

2011-12-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Latest yard sale find ....table lamp for only a $1.00 !!
Ok, I was a little skeptical thinking it wouldn't work when I got home. It did and it's perfect!

Add going to at least one yard sale in 2012 to your New Year resolutions .You may NEVER know what you may find or the money you will save!

Lady Gaga look alike

2011-12-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

Had to share a "Bow tie" updo Julia created this evening.
On a "braiding"kick, here I thought she was trying out another "braid" style she found on line.

Her inspiration:

This is the look she was going for......

Here am I , a 48 year old version of the Bow Tie ......

Feeling like Minnie's distant cousin once removed

Honoring my inner Gaga .......................

I love a Parade! Jamul,California

2011-10-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share pictures of a small town parade in Jamul,CA . If you are not familiar with Jamul,CA it's a quiet, picturesque community in the foothills of
the Laguna mountains, about 20 minutes outside of
downtown San Diego via Freeway 94.

Jamul ,CA (red dot) Map
Click map for larger view

Ok where is it? Where are they?

These guys made themselves part of the pre-parade

St.Pius Church

Rancho San Diego Club Scout Pack 391

Miss West Coast - Melissa Floyd

This YMCA rep had the song Y..M...C...A playing it was hilarious!

The End of a lovely parade

Rachel's Doll Rescue

2011-10-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

I love certain dolls no one else seems to want. I found 4 dolls at my last yard sale hunt begging to be taken home. The price was right with the larger 3 dolls priced @ $3.00 each and the smaller @ $1.00!
It's as if people were only seeing the one with a broken foot so they passed on the other 3. I love a challenge and took them all. Last night performed surgery repairing the damaged foot. The ceramic pieces were difficult to use with my glue gun yet, like everything in life, it didn't have to be perfect. Just loved. My daughter thought we should call a doll repair professional like Luel Studio yet that just isn't in the budget so you have to make do. Plus it was important to teach her a lesson in financing and compassion.You know, since I am the Know it all Ol' Frugal Wise One.

Come journey into Rachel's Doll Rescue:

Here is "Elizabeth"

"Broken" like a title of a sad love song

Rachel's Doll Rescue Tools

"Mended" like a recovery song from being broken

Elizabeth's adorable under garments

Elizabeth's close up

Introducing Catherine

Here is Catherine introducing her daughter "Tiara"

I named her Tiara after noticing her blue eye shadow automatically thinking of the Toddlers & Tiara's show

Lastly, we have the adorable Ashley

I love her fabric

There you have it!

The next time you see a broken doll or heart.... think of patience and love to help make then whole.

American Eagle T-shirt

2011-10-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

American Eagle t-shirt average price $20.00

American Eagle on EBAY $7.99

American Eagle at yard sale: 50 cents !!!!!

Daughter's smile: Priceless!!!!

Daughter sees post on blog: Trouble !!!!

OK so I couldn't pass on a box of 144 jars.

2011-10-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, see this box? Saw it at a yard sale and had to open it. Wheaton Science Products sounded so intriguing......here is what I found ...............

144 vials for $5.00! I had no clue at the time what I would do with them however I HAD TO HAVE THEM....Is that wrong? Thoughts of the hoarder show danced like sugar plums in my head. Once I arrived home I grabbed my 3M clear return address labels #3400-Q and made ......drum roll please....

Got Buttons?

Beads and more beads

Any suggestions on what to do with the other 142?

Vist "Notions" From Beatrice Banks

2011-10-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ever read a blog and it just hits home?

Visit "Notions" From Beatrice Banks

She shares:
I have a notion..... that I can't sew. These past few days have been frustrating as I've tried to make curtains, for those of you who correctly guessed what the fabric was for. Sewing tape and hot glue ain't cuttin' it! A friend is coming over to rescue me tonight. Truth is, I don't even own a sewing machine. Jealous of all of you talented seamstresses out there. I have the vision but not the know how.....

Click here to visit Beatrice Banks

There may be hope for me! I don't know the first thing about sewing yet these vintage spools have motivated me.....Thank you Beatrice Banks!

Honoring My Inner Grape

2011-09-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Mary, a High School Teacher is one of my closest friends and Mother in law.She is also my yard sale partner. Paid a visit to her back yard which I am now naming
"The Thompson Farm"

Of course I had to search for a recipe for grapes which I had to admit I've never made anything with grapes before.I went through my everything in the kitchen "grape" phase. I usually only have frozen grapes on hot summer days. Came across a "Flowering Tree Cocktail,featuring grapes from California! Hey, I'm in California so it sparked my interest. Doesn't it look delicous!

Flowering Tree Cocktail, Featuring Grapes from California on the Food Network

Anyone thirsty? It's not even 7am here in California and I am looking up alcoholic drinks on the internet. Good times.

Total Time:

5 min

Prep

5 min

Yield:

1 serving

Level:

Intermediate

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounce Zubrowka Vodka (If unable to find, put 2 stalks of lemongrass in your favorite vodka and let sit for 48 hours.)
3/4 ounces sake
1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounces Orgeat (almond syrup)
8 to10 grapes from California
Ice
Soda water

Directions

Put a handful of California grapes (any color works, but red are particularly striking) in a pint-size bar glass. Muddle for half a minute to break down the grapes, releasing their juices and separating the skins from the flesh a bit.

Add remaining ingredients, except for soda, to the glass. Add ice and top with a bar shaker and shake vigorously.

Pour into serving glass. Top with a splash of soda water. Skewer three or four California grapes and place on top of the glass as garnish

Flowering Tree Cocktail, Featuring Grapes from California on the Food Network

Fill in the Blank Fridays

2011-09-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

Via The Little Things We Do

1. One thing that is completely superfluous, but that I could never give up is finding the perfect nail polish color.

2. Seeing people argue makes me feel awkward.
3. I can't sleep in without feeling guilty.

4. Lime chips is my favorite snack.

5. Lately I've been thinking of re-opening my investigative business.

6. If at first you don't succeed eat chocolate and walk away from skinny jeans .

7. Fall is my favorite season bringing me closer to Halloween.

Lime flavor chips...the full "yum" .......

Happy Labor Day Weekend