~ The Search ~

So what is your flea market strategy?Do you go and browse? Waiting for the perfect item to make itself known?Do you go to flea markets in search of a specific item? Or additions to your collections?I have to admit, I used to be a browser. However, after years of accumulating, editing and then more accumulating I am more thoughtful when I am at flea markets and antique stores.There are some exceptions...

Happy Monday!

Anyone else love Pandora internet radio as much as me?I have Pandora as an application on my iPhone and it is probably my most used feature. You see, with the kiddos back at school and the midwest weather turning cooler by the day, I find myself in hanging out in my home more and more. Music is a necessity to me...can't live without it. Oh, and I have lots of music moods too - from opera, to country,...

Grand Giveaway

This is my friend Kasey. I imagine many of you consider her your friend too, because, like me, you faithfully read her blog Lola B's Boutique. I was lucky to meet Kasey in real life at the Farm Chicks Antiques Show, where this picture of us was taken.Kasey is celebrating her 300th post by offering a very generous giveaway. Hurry over to Lola B's to leave your comment and become a follower (if you...

Junk Bonanza....Chapter Two

Deep breath....ahhhhhh......Ok everyone, I am feeling the pressure of this post.You see, the Junk Bonanza was a really fun experience that brought together so many wonderful midwest dealers. It was BIG. Yes, I took lots of pictures, many of them blurry (sigh). I am really trying to improve my picture taking abilities. My fancy camera is good to me but can only take me so far.One of reasons the...

Junk Bonanza....Chapter One.......

First, I must say, I am a bit overwhelmed by the sweet comments left for me after my last post. I have read each and every one and find them all so wonderful. It is so nice to know you are out there! Writing this blog, taking the leap and really "putting it out there" has really been one of the best experiences...I mean it.I am humbled and honored to be featured on my friend Kim's blog (Mimi Charmante)...

........please..........

I know you are expecting a thorough post featuring all the highlights of the Junk Bonanza....don't worry....it's coming...tomorrow.....First, dear readers, I wanted to make a request.You see, I am coming up on my 100th post! I can't believe it.I started blogging because...well....to be perfectly honest....I started blogging because I needed friends. You see, I had just moved (for the 3rd time in...

~~~~Junk~~~~~~

Please accept my apologies....this post contains (gasp!) no pictures.....Just wanted to post a quick update on the Junk Bonanza. The doors opened yesterday for Early Birds at 8:00 am - there was such excitement from shoppers and vendors. As I said to someone, all the vendors really brought their "A" game to this year's Bonanza. At 10:00 when the doors opened to general admission attendees, they estimated...

~Good Junk~

I have been having a blast being the Junk Bonanza's "Thrifty Mom" - today I got to go on a local television program to help promote the Bonanza! I brought some of the items from my table and got to show just how stylish you can be while shopping thrift stores! I was completely nervous but recorded the show and watched it with my girls after school. Both girls thought I did well and did not embarrass...

Junk Bonanza Project...Sneak Peak....

I have been having a blast with the "Thrifty Mom" challenge project. Ki Nassauer, founder of the Junk Bonanza, challenged me (yes, little ol' me) to shop one of the sponsors for this years' Junk Bonanza, Arc's Value Village (a local thrift store) for a stylish table setting for eight. I was given a budget of $100. The table will be set and displayed in the Arc's Value Village booth at the Junk...

Where you can find me on September 17....

Not to be missed. Besides the opportunity to shop for fabulous junk from over 100 vendors, the Junk Bonanza is hosting a blog party on Thursday, September 17 from 1 - 2pm (yeah right, you think bloggers can only get together for an hour???).Besides yours truly, the Farm Chicks (yes they have names - Teri and Serena), Heather Bullard, and Matthew Mead will be there!Please leave me a comment if you...

What's a girl to do?

Hello friends! Life has been busy around here at the Forever Cottage...kids to get ready for school, parents visiting and oh, that "little" project I have going for the Junk Bonanza (which I will blog about tomorrow - complete with some sneak peek pictures!).In all my "spare time", I found a very interesting article yesterday in my local Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper titled "Decor or diamonds?"....