Reminder about Blog Party

Just one more reminder about my Blog Party next Sunday, Sept. 27th, and I wanted to post some more info. about it for you first timers.  But first, please don't forget that I changed the time to 6pm so that my friends that are at other shows can come down and have a good time too.  The last few times it's been at 2pm, and in Texas normally by this time it's just too hot.  You are all invited, come out for a great time and meet other bloggers.

Some of you asked, so what is a Blog Party.  It's the chance to meet other bloggers or those with websites or not.  If you want to attend and meet others and just have a good time and visit and eat, well this party is for you. 

As a side benefit, Stan Williams will have his new book, THE FIND, available for you, and what a great assest to add to your book collections.  I don't know if you are like me but I devour books.  I love good decorating and idea books.  So, this is exciting news to be able to get a signed copy from him.

One last surprise.  I've been told by a very reliable source that a famous blogger from France may be coming to the blog party.  I am so excited to meet her.  You don't want to miss it to see who it is!

Here are pictures from this past Spring's Blog Party.  We had Sue of Junk Market there signing her new book:

Thhhhheeerrreee'ssss Cat Daddy ~ How do ya'll like his hat?  Someone doesn't like it, but we won't mention any names...

There's Elizabeth, TOT, and Shelley:

 

Here's the group with Sue of Junk Market.

Here I am with Elizabeth and Debbie:

Heidi, Deb and Cher were waiting on their book from Sue:

Here's more lining up to get Sue's Book:

The area that was set for Sue's Book Signing:

Thank You!!

I wanted to stop in very quickly and just say a big "THANK YOU" to each and every one of you that left comments or stopped me this weekend to give your condolences.  We may live in a big world, but the blogger world is small and so special.  Especially for many of you that you would leave a comment to a total stranger.  I am so touched and blessed to have you as blogger friends.  While we may never meet face to face, I feel I know so many of you.

The funeral for our niece will be on Tuesday morning.  Again, I just want to thank you all for your sweet comments and I want you to know how much your kind words meant to our family.

Please pray for my family

I just received word that a niece of mine was found dead in her apartment in Austin.  We are now in the process of planning a funeral.  Please pray for my husband's family.  They just lost another child not 2 years ago.

One Week until the Shows

Can you believe time has flown by so fast and it's one week before you can get your hands on the finest junk (I mean antiques) in ALL OF TEXAS!!  Guys and Girls I hope you are ready?  I know I am.  I thought with this post I'd give you a preview of the Texas scenery that's at the shows to wet your appetite.  When we were there this past weekend, as you can see the tents are starting to go up, that's always a good sign that the shows are just right around the corner:

 

I love the old Halls that can be found here and especially the churches.  They are just the best:

 

(Old Church in downtown Round Top)

 

(Church in Shelby)

  

(Old Hall in Winedale)

I had also been told about a sale that was in the area so of course we had to go.  I found some really awesome things, one being a French Bed that is so pretty it's beyond words.  I know it's a sickness that I'm still shopping before the shows, but I just couldn't pass it up.  Here's a small sneak peek of things and colors you'll find this year in my booth:
 

 
Hope your bags are packed, your shopping cart is ready, you've made plans to attend my BLOG PARTY, your prom attire and cowboy boots and hat are packed and you are ready for the prom.  See ya in a week...

Last White Wednesday Before Shows

This will be my last White Wednesday probably for a few weeks, since this time next week we'll be headed to Junker's Paradise.  I wanted to feature some white things I saw during last Fall's antique show:




















TOT's booth at Marburger.





















My booth at Zapp Hall.

Kim in her pretty "white" attire at the Blog Party, there's TOT, Trash, Sister Trash (in the background) and Shelley.

 Gloria of Sweet Pea's white pumpkins.

I'm so going to miss seeing Linda Parker's things at Marburger, but you can still find her at Uncommon Objects in Austin.

Here's Donnie of Gone to Texas show.
























Carolyn Westbrook's pretty booth.






















Janet's booth at Cole's.






















Judy Hill always has great white things.


















Gina's booth at Zapp, wonderful Christmas whites and colors.

Magnolia Pearl's booth, Marburger.





















Here's Peg of French Vanilla at Marburger.

















Of course even a white shirt can count for this post.  Michael and Lauri at Leftover's Antiques.






















Melonie and Brian of The Seed Box ~ Don't forget they'll be at Zapp and starting this weekend at Cole's.

Here's Shelley's booth at Marburger.

And of course Janet of Rubbish at Marburger.  Be sure and check out Kathleen's blog and all the other participant's in White Wednesday.

10 More Days & 10 Shows (UPDATED)

(Photo: Vickie's Booth of Texas Rose Show)

Okay, my antiquing buddies, only 10 more days left before the shows officially start.  If you are in Texas, you still have time to make plans to come out and shop.  If you are wanting to stay more than one day, I'm sure by now if you haven't already booked your room, they are pretty much booked up.  You may still find some places in Austin or Houston but near by places start booking 6 months in advance. 

With this post I wanted to feature 10 Great Shows you don't want to miss stopping at. There are many many more you can go shopping at but are 10 must see places:  

1.   Zapp Hall is located in downtown Warrenton and opening day is Friday Sept. 25th - you know I had to feature this one as number one since I'm here at this show.  You can find my tent right in front of the Hall-I'm the only tent that backs up directly in front of it.  Deb of Talking Trash is located by Royers, Carolyn Westbrook has her own cottage to the side of Royers, Gina of Country Garden Antiques is behind Carolyn in the Big Tent and Richard of Alston Antiques is beside her. Bobby with Shabbytiques is my neighbor (I know his Mom is going to be reading my blog~so I have to say hi to his Mom!).   New to this show are Melonie and Brian of The Seed Box Antiques will be in the Big Tent-you've no doubt probably seen them in the past at La Bahia, but they are moving here and to the Cole's Antique Show.  The Cowboy and The Lady have been at Zapp for a long time and they specialize in primitives and there are many more great vendors in the big tent. Change of plans for my buddy Troy of Junk Exchange, he's going to have his own tent in the middle of the show.  Mary Ann is located in the Chicken Coop and sells wonderful chandeliars, shell items, and Florentine tables.  You all know The Junk Gypsy crew and they have their own tent by the road.  Don't forget to make plans to attend their prom on October 1st.  There is no charge to get into Zapp Hall and have lunch at Royer's while you are here~the pie is divine!!  

2.  Marburger Farms Show - is in Warrenton, but this show does not open until Tuesday, Sept. 29.  You will have to pay $25 to get in early but I promise you it is well worth the early rate for the best stuff and displays.  If you wait until after 2pm, it's only $10 to get in but all the great things are gone by this time.  Here you can find Theresa of Time Worn Interiors, Shelley of Sweet Pea, Donna and Rhonda of Curious Goods, Donna of Carriage House antiques, Trisha of The Red Door, Pam with Country Meadows Antiques and Peg of French Vanilla (and this only the beginning in Tent H).  Next, is Judy Hill of JHill Designs, Robin of Magnolia Pearl, Linda of Willow Nest, Terri of Garden Worthy, and Mo of Rubbish and these are only the one's I stop by to quickly visit with, there are so many more vendors here you can shop with. You can find their exact locations at the Marburger website. 

3.  The Texas Rose Show - is located right across from Marburger Farms.  You have to see Vickie's displays.  She is just so creative.  Here you will also find Maggie of The Veranda, Lillie of The Junk Palace, LeAnn of The Vintage Laundress, and Hector and Susie and several more.

4.   Cole's Antiques is located off Hwy 237, downtown Warrenton, and here you can find Janet of Sweet Talk, Tricia of The Red Door, Melonie and Brian of The Seed Box Antiques and Peg and John of French Vanilla.  Mel and Peg are sharing a tent and they are new to this show.  They will be located in the big tent on the corner of Hwy 237 and across from Clutter.
5.  The Clutter Show - opening party is on Friday, Sept. 25 @ 4pm is run by sisters, Shirley Schwantz and Staci Schwantz, and there is no charge for this show.
6.  Ex-cess Show is located next to Clutter.  Here you'll find Leftovers Antiques and many more.

7.  Bar W Field is next after Ex-cess and Andy & Susan of Found Around will be waiting to see you.  They are located in back corner by all the port-a-potties and there are many great dealers here.

8.  The Gin is located on the side of Zapp, but across the road.  This is where Gloria of Sweet Pea Collection is and Saints, Sinners & Virgins.
9.  Little House on the Hill Show is where you'll find Jill Suzanne and the most awesome candles and antiques.  Buy her candles, they'll last a while and are the best! 
10.  Tree Top Antiques is the last show on the left.  Look for Lisa of La Rustique Market on the last entrance to this show on the right.  She's been on the hunt to bring great things.

This is by no means all the shows that you can shop at, these are just a few that I thought I'd highlight.  You can also find great things at the La Bahia show and The Red Barn in Round Top as wall as many smaller shows around Warrenton.  For more show info., check here.

Here are more tips.  If you buy a big piece of furniture there are shipping companies you can use and anyone at the shows can point you to them.  Also, remember the comment that Gale left about show tips and using her ATM card and being charged extra to use it.  Well remember to find out first if the ATM machines charge more than you would normally be charged before using it.  She also had a really bad experience with one of the machines.  She took out $200 and the machine only gave her $100~now if there's anything that makes me madder than a hornet is when people get taken advantage of.  When she reported it to the guy that runs the machine she said he basically called her a liar and would not give her the amount that the machine did not give to her.  Luckily, her bank refunded the amount.  Just a few more important tips to know before you shop.

I promise there are enough shows to shop at until your heart is content and your feet are so tired and dirty that you'll be glad to head back to wash up.  It's the most fun you'll ever have in a lifetime in Texas!!  See you there my friends in 10 days if not before!!

2 Chippy's Project

Back in May '09, yes that seems so many months ago, the 2 Chippy girls Laurie and Lulu had this brilliant idea of having a Chippy Contest to create a scrapbook to journal their blogging adventures.  Their idea was to allow bloggers to create the pages.  I won this contest to start it off and I must first apologize for not completing my page much sooner, I guess I have no excuse other than life and a busy busy life.  I hope you two forgive me for taking so long.

Well I've finally completed my page and will be mailing it on this week to the next person in line.  Be watching your mail box, I wonder who it will go to next?  You'll have to wait and see when they post it on their blog.  Here's my finished project:

 

Here is the front of the book, isn't it just gorgeous:

 

Here's their page they created:

Book Signing Event @ Blogger Party

I am so excited to announce that STAN WILLIAMS will have a book signing event at My Blogger Party on Sunday, Sept. 27th, My Booth @ Zapp Hall, 6:00 pm to debut his new book, THE FIND.  I've been reading the raves on this book on different sites and kept telling myself I needed to take the time to go to my bookstore and order it, but now I can just pick up a copy at the party. 

The first time I saw his book mentioned was on LeAnn's Blog, The Vintage Laundress, and I was hooked.  The stories he told of, as read on her blog, "living in Independence, Missouri  searching for treasures in the dark, musty garages, the "crack-of-dawn" trips to the flea market, the exploration and excavation of thrift stores throughout the years, have all been his story in the making - actually a book in the making - The Find".  You can read more of the interview here.

This really reminds me of how my life is, how I got started in the business, after having grown up with antiques all my life, eyeing my aunt and grandmother's things and promising them that one day they would be mine is a story for another day.  I am guilty, so guilty, of getting to a sale way before it starts, with a flash light in hand, searching through grungy stuff, asking if something is for sale when it's normally not (and of course they usually will say, you know I hadn't thought about selling that, but what will you offer me?) is just part of who I am.  Taking a vacation to go sell my things at antique shows across Texas rather than going on a "normal" vacation is what I long for.  The best life for me is out finding the next treasure, which I must confess is sometimes daily but most certainly every weekend.

I know you all are probably wondering, does he have a blog, well of course.  You can find it here. Go over and read just the Press Features he has listed on his side bar, great reviews.  And, just as a side note, some of you are already listed on his fav list!!

Other Book Signing Events Stan will be at:

**The Texas Rose Show**, Saturday, Sept. 26th & again on Tuesday, Sept. 29

Thank you so much LeAnn for emailing me.  Leann will be setting up and selling her vintage wares at The Texas Rose show.  She probably doesn't know this but I first discovered her at the City Wide Garage Sale in Austin when we there selling a few times and then I've seen her many times in the fields of Warrenton.  I'm so glad to have the opportunity to meet Stan and of course get this awesome book, The Find.

Please make plans to come out to the Blogger Party on Sunday, Sept. 27 @ 6pm.  I changed the time this year to later in the evening to allow those that are already open and selling to be able to attend and also I'm hoping it will be a bit cooler with it being in the evening.  It's open to anyone, no invitation needed.  Actually, just consider yourself invited.  If you have a blog or website you are welcome to come and even if you don't, please still come out and meet others.  It's becoming a must attend party each season at Zapp Hall and I'm so thankful for all that have preciously attended.  Hope to see you there!

NOTE: If you could please let me know if you are able to make it to the party, I'm just trying to get a head count, thanks I would appreciate it.  You can either leave me a comment here or email me. 

I've been nominated for Queen

Well, just for a day (or a post) whichever way you want to look at it.  Our own Texas Queen, Ms. Deb herself of Talkin Trash, nominated me for the Queen Award.  Ya hoo!!  Now my boys and husband will have to wait on me for a change!  Thanks Ms. Deb, I appreciate the honor. 

You know I love awards, but I hate having to only pick only a few, so I want to nominate those that are new to blogging.  I'm to pick 5 blogs, so here goes:

1. 
   
   Anne of Fiona and Twig:  Is that just the cutest name is not only new to blogging but now she's an O-ffical Antique Dealer/Vendor/Entrepreneur in the biz.  She's moved into her first mall to sell her wares and I'm already planning a road trip to come and check her out.  But first, she says she's coming to check me out.  Well, I can't wait.  Go over and read her adventures in the antiquing world.
2. Ruby Grace - They have a booth in Lonestar Antiques in Haltom City and often share pics of their space as well as others.  They have come across some awesome finds and I will be seeking them out when I go to Lonestars soon.
3. Amy of Bloom & Bee Swanky owns this shop in Waco Texas.  The last time we were there I just loved her displays.  I love her style and she such a sweet person to boot.  I'll be there sometime in November, can't wait to see how much it's changed in the year I've been there.  I wish she lived closer.
4. Debra of Common Ground shows some of the prettiest pictures of her home.  She has a great eye for find vintage items and displaying them throught her home.  Go and visit her when you get a chance.
5. Lee has the blog Inspired Comblogulations ~ say that fast 5 times.  She's a natural born artist and creates really unique and just beautiful paintings.  She also has a B&B very close to Canton Tx, so if you are in this area contact her and see if she has a room available.  Be sure and read the story of her son ~ what a miracle.

Gatherings in Georgetown

Just a reminder that Gatherings Antiques in Georgetown Texas is having their semi-annual garage sale this Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 10-12 from 10:00 - 5:30.  You don't want to miss it.  They always put great things in their sales at really great prices.  The sale will be in the back of the shop.    A floral designer is liquidating their business and there will be Christmas wreaths and garlands, silk florals, dried florals, decorative balls, rusty decor, Christmas and Fall decor, as well as antiques, columns, outdoor items, and so much more.  Many items will be under a $1.00. Go early for the best selection of things.

When we were there this past weekend, they had started getting the shop ready for Halloween and it looked so festive. I'll do a post of what all we saw here later.

The shop is located at 1009 S.Austin Ave, Georgetown, or they can be reached at 512/930-2600.  Call Stephanie or Cathy if you need more info. about the sale.

Check Her Out

Gloria of The Sweet Pea Collection and Winnie and Tulula's was featured in the recent Romantic Homes magazine.  They did an awesome job of featuring her shop.  She owns The Sweet Pea Collection and Winnie and Tulula's, which is located in the same building.  Check out the post I just did at W&T.  

Congrats to Gloria, what an awesome job they did of featuring her beautiful things.  Next time you are in Athens Texas, stop by for a visit.  You can find Gloria's antiques, bedding, and accessories here as well as the other great dealers in Winnie and Tulula's.  Also, on Saturday from 11:00-2:00, there will be a book signing here. Come out and meet Joe and Daisy and the author of The Mystery of the Spaniel Family's Dog House

15 Days & 15 Tips

Today marks 15 days until the Antique Shows start in Round Top/Warrenton Texas and to kick off the countdown I thought I'd offer 15 Flea Market Tips.  Can you believe we are so close to being in Junker's Paradise.  The shows have grown so much over the years and the displays only become more fabulous with each show season.  Well since it's officially 15 days until you can junk until your heart's content and time is flying by, here are 15 tips I thought might be helpful for those of you that may be new to coming out to the shows.  I always try and post show maps and tips each season for you.

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes - I can't stress this enough, not cowboy boots that you are just trying to break in, save those for the Junk Gypsy Prom on October 1st.
2. Dress in Layers.  Sometimes the mornings can be a little chilly here, but it won't take long for the day to warm up.
3. Bring a shopping cart with a liner to carry your purchases in or bring a large tote bag.  Just remember as you purchase things, the tote bag can get heavy.
4. Bring water and snacks.  You need to stay hydrated while you are shopping and snacks will help you keep your energy so you can keep going.
5. Bring cash and small bills.  Some dealers do not except checks while most do and only a small few accept credit cards.
6. Find a show map to become familiar with all the shows that are here and try to arrive as early  as you can at the shows for the best selections.  You'd be amazed at just how many towns you can shop at and you don't want to miss any of the cool things. Remember not every show opens on the same date.  Some open earlier (the weekend before, also referred to as the preview weekend), while others don't open until later in the show like Marburger and The Red Barn.  Also, some shows charge an entrance fee but many of them are free of charge.  For many shows you can park in one location and walk, but since this show encompasses so many towns it's best to have a plan of what town you want to start at and where you will go next.
7. Bring a small notebook and pen to write down what you've purchased and it will also help you remember if you need to go back and pick up things and where it's located.  It may be helpful to bring a small measuring tape if you are needing to measure something.
8. Be nice when working with dealers.  You don't know just how hard we all work to find you the coolest things we can, clean it, price, haul it and display it, and courtesy can go a long way in this business.
9. Remember to inspect what you are purchasing.  All sales are final and you can not return an item and expect to get your money back. Shows vendors are also required to charge tax, so if you do not have a tax number, you will have to pay sales tax.  However, if you do have a tax number it's always a good idea to carry a copy with you because many will require to see it.
10. Bring packing materials, blankets, bubble wrap etc. to wrap your purchases in when you get back to your vehicle.  Bungee cords or twine are also helpful when tying things down to your vehicle.
11. Ask vendors if you are looking for certain items but maybe don't see it.  Sometimes they have merchandise that is still in their trailers or they may have it and your eye doesn't see it.  Also, if you are uncertain about things ask the vendors questions.  If you are interested in something the vendor can sometimes offer more information about an item.
12. There are always parties you can attend at the shows.  Find out through the vendors what parties they may know of.  I've listed several on my side bar for your info.
13. There are some great places to eat during the shows.  Ask around, you never know where you might find a place to eat at that otherwise may have been hidden from you.  There are several places we like to go in the evenings, so be sure and ask me.
14. Watch the weather for the shows.  It can be storming one minute, sunny the next, cloudy and over cast on another day and snowing before you know it.  Yes we have literally experienced every one of these weather conditions during one show.  It happened last Spring!
15. Have Fun!!  This is your time to find cool stuff and just to have fun doing this.

Since it's also White Wednesday, be sure and stop by Kathleen's blog to see all that are participating.  Here's my white item for you today.  Dawn of The Feathered Nest featured white flour sack towels that you can buy at Wal-Mart, so last week when we were in Austin I purchased them.  And I love them.  They are so versatile, while you can use them in the kitchen, I think they'd be great using them to cover small stools, etc. and you can tea stain them too. It's the simple things in life that sometimes makes me happy. 

Thanks Dawn for your tip.  Happy Wednesday to you!  See you hopefully soon at the shows.

My Booth At Winnie & Tulula's

 We were in Athens this past weekend to redo my space at Winnie and Tulula's and load up for Warrenton, so while I was there I totally redid my space.  I pulled things out of my home and garden to redo my space with and I thought it turned out very different.  I normally like a lot of smalls but this time there are more bigger pieces.

 

The arbor was made by my bother-in-law for his daughter's wedding many years ago and since she no longer wanted it, they gave it to me.  I've proudly had it in my back yard so I think it makes a cool statement in my booth.  The Baby Bed has been SOLD.

You can also see two white metal flower stands that are on each end of the arbor that I've had for quite a while.  I've used them each season to add seasonal holiday flowers to.
 

 

The ice cream parlor chairs and table are another item I've had for many many years and was going to redo them, but when I have had the time to.  The Chimney concrete stand can be used in so many different ways (the concrete stand is SOLD, thanks Debbie!). You can add a floral arrangement to it or use it at Christmas to decorate a tree in, used as a base.

I just love the floral shade on the tall lamp.  Use it as is or take it off and wire a light through it and hang it from the ceiling.

 

And, one of the last items I added to my booth was the white metal lamp that you can see behind the arbor.  I think this was one of the coolest finds I found one season in Warrenton.  Judy Hill had two similar ones she used during one of her Spring Home Shows.  They were on top of her dining room table, as posted about here. 

So if you are in Athens during the next week, stop by and check out my space at Winnie and Tulula's.  Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day!

Another Shopping Trip

I've got one last Road/Shopping Trip planned this weekend before the Round Top/Warrenton shows start and we have to head to Zapp Hall to start setting up.  Can't wait to show you where we went, it's to some of my most fav places to go when we are in this area.  

When were in Canton this past Thursday, I found a few things and on the way back of course had to stop by Winnie and Tulula's.  And oh my goodness, that Liz and Fran are two super talented girls. They just moved into the shop and look at their booth.  They haven't even been here a good week and they are already selling so many cool things in their space.  Can't wait to see what new things they'll bring in next.

 

When we were in Canton, we saw Ms. Erline (she's the one that emailed about Heritage Antiques).  So I took a picture of her and Junkin Buddy.  Thanks again Erline for telling me about Heritage Antiques.

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend and Labor Day!!

I NeEd YOuR HeLP

Hi, I'm TJ and I need your help.  My mommy is leaving for Warrenton Texas really soon and she was trying to pack up things while I was trying to convince her she needs me in Warrenton.  I can help her sell things, and people will come and love on me, and buy her things.  Then, she can feed me and I'll take a nap and she can feed me some more when I wake up.  I might even let my friend Smokey Grey, we call her Smokes for short, tag along.  If she promises to be nice to me when I'm trying to share my food with her.

Anyways, back to the subject, you have to convince my Mommy to take me with her.  I'm kinda worried.  If she's gone for 10 days who will feed me and give me my treat of milk.  And, who will pet me and love on me when she's gone.  Come on bloggers we can unite together and if you email her I bet she'll listen to you.  She's always talking about how much she loves her blogger friends and I've seen pictures of those that could be my friends, IF YOU convince her to take me along, I can finally meet you at the shows.  I could be a show cat!  I won't be in the way and I promise to show you my cute face, like this one:

Only 20 days left to convince her to take me with her to Zapp Hall.  Come on I know you can do it, I have complete confidence in you that you can convince her.  It's for a good cause...