Farm Chicks...the friends and the fun!

It's hard to put into words the fun that is had during a Farm Chicks weekend. For me, I began going to the Farm Chicks show about 7 years ago, long before I began blogging. I love it because it is just not your ordinary antiques show, it really is an event, a reunion of sorts for all of us who love shopping for vintage wares while channeling our inner cowgirl. And while it is not as easy as it once was to get there (I live in Minnesota!) and most likely means that I might miss one of my girls' weekend activities (this year I missed my daughter's dance performance!), the show has become a tradition that would be hard to give up. The Farm Chicks is one of MY guilty pleasures!

This year I was joined by my friend, and Farm Chick newbie, Allie. We had a blast hanging out blogging friends Melaine, Jen, Tracey and Tara.

On Saturday we arrived at the show at 8:30 - a full hour and a half before it opened. I think there were about 200 people in front of us and very quickly there were hundreds and hundreds behind us!



With cash in hand we were ready to shop!



This fabulous milk truck greeted shoppers as you walked inside. So cool, and no sadly, it was not for sale!



Very quickly, the aisles filled with shoppers....and really remained that way most of the day.



My friend, and favorite vendor, Cindi's (the QUEEN of Tarte) booth was wonderful - it was where I began my "hunt".



I love that Cindi mixes in contemporary elements that probably seem a bit "edgy" to your average shopper. Cindi and her husband Barry are talented vendors who can build, sew and create like no others. Their slipcovered ottomans and to-die-for!



The vendors really out did themselves this year - their spaces were creative and inspiring. This is a show that everyone brings their "A" game.



The overall tone of the event is one of excitement, like having all your best friends in one place doing something you love....together. The venue was buzzing all day with comraderie and friendship.



We shopped till we dropped! I think we took two trips back to the car with purchases - helps to get rid of the grain sack bolster pillow you are hugging to your chest (Baby Bijorn style) while trying to shop! We thought the view into the back of Allie's car looked pretty darn good!



The "hot ticket" for Saturday night was the vendor/VIP party at Chaps! I was lucky to score tickets to attend this FABULOUS party! Celeste, the owner of Chaps, really knows how to entertain. Her new bakery "Cake", that is opening soon, gave all us vintage decor lovers enough eye-candy to last the night! It is over the top wonderful.



Beautiful gardens surround the restaurant!



This vintage truck was used for serving the luscious desserts! How cool is that?


I am home and pooped! This is the last week of school for my girls - how did that happend? I am ready for summer, which will have me working a bit. I am on the Creative Connections team, working with Jo Packham and Nancy Soriano to bring creative and inspiring women together September 16, 17 & 18 at the Minnesota Convention Center. You can click on the link on my sidebar to get more information.

I am also reprising my "thrift-chick" role at the Junk Bonanza. Check out the website (under the "Activities" tab) to see my bio and learn more about Junk Bonanza. If you live near Minnesota and would like to attend a Farm Chicks style show - Junk Bonanza is very similar!



It is going to be a busy summer! I thank all of you friends in blogland for your support and comments - keep it coming. I am living out some dreams and look forward to sharing it all with you.