A Girl Named Timi

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Timi's How To
Not Ever Host Thanksgiving Dinner

Yes I'm 29- 39ish and I still don't cook one stinkin thing for Thanksgiving!

It's not because I don't know how or because I don't want to. It's because my family revoked my holiday hosting privileges many years ago.

Back in the early 90's I worked for a company in downtown Seattle. I loved working for this company. They are now out of business so the name isn't important, but this was one of the best jobs I ever had. I worked with really great people, met some friends who I'm still close to, and I got to travel for the first time with this company.
This is also when I got bit by the travel bug.

We were a young group at this company. Most of us were single, no kids, and barely makin it on our own. This company also liked to recruit employees from all over the country and send them to towns where they had no family or friends.

Well Timi decided that she would host Thanksgiving at her little 2 bedroom apartment for 9 of her orphan coworkers, parents and brother.

Super excited!
Went shopping days before, got my big 20+ lbs. turkey in the fridge defrosting, special cocktail recipes found, spent days cleaning, decorating and making things beautiful for hosting my first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving came and I got up at O'dark:30 in the morning to get started!
Just like my Grandmothers always did... and my mother. Dinner would be served at 2 and guests would start arriving about noon. Cocktails, apps, and football was on the agenda before dinner.

When I went to get my turkey out of the fridge it was FROZEN SOLID! That sucker had been in there for 4 days and not done a damn thing to help me prepare for my big day!

I panicked!

What to do? What to do?

So I filled the sink up with warm water and let it sit, with warm water running on it. There I sat on a stool staring at a frozen turkey freaking out trying to figure out what to do.

Finally after a couple hours I got that ole' bird to a point where I could at least try to attempt to get the guts out of it.

I fished around in there, got the flashlight out and looked in there, and could not for the life of me find them. What's a girl to do?
I needed to get this bird in the oven!

Totally stressed out!

Call Grandma!
I called my Grandmother to find out where else they may have hid the guts. After she gave me some pointers on how to get that turkey more thawed out I was able to find the frozen solid packet of giblets stuck up inside of that bird.

Time to get that bird in the oven!

So I prepared it and in the oven it went.

Now to get the other items prepared.

Next up............. The sangria!

It was important that this be made early so it could sit for a while and all the flavors could marry together. Because I was 20 something the booze was always important.

Here's the recipe.
This seriously is one of the best sangria recipe ever!

Timi's Sangria Recipe

2 16 oz bottles of Cabernet Wine ( I have always used St. Michele cab)

1/4 bottle of Dubonnet I leave this out most of the time; it’s not something always on hand.

3 oz Brandy

3 oz Peach Schnapps

6 oz Triple Sec

Sugar to taste about 4 Tablespoons

Simple Syrup works better because the sugar doesn’t always dissolve.

32 oz Orange Juice (1 Quart)

I use the Orange Pineapple Juice concentrate mix when I can find it or the carton in the refrigerator section. It works really well.

6 oz Pineapple Juice
Mix and garnish with

Lime Slices

Orange Slices

This makes a lot and you will need a pretty good size bucket to mix it in. All amounts are approximates. You will want to taste as you mix. Always taste before you serve it. Especially if it’s been sitting for a day or so. The flavor changes a lot.

This keeps for about a week and it’s always better the second or 3rd day. I suggest mixing before hand and let set over night at a minimum.

So I'm mixin, a tastin, a mixin, a tastin and trying to get this recipe just right. While doing this I was multi-tasking and trying to get everything else ready too.

Well then BAM!
Out of no where it hit!
I was drunker than a skunk!

My guests started showing up and I was H A M M E R E D!

images from Apron Goddesses

Things went a bit downhill from there.
Ok, a lot downhill!

Thank GOD for Mom's.
My Mom showed up, didn't pass judgment and stepped right in and got dinner going.

She wasn't frazzled at all by the drunk daughter and the husband (my Dad) telling her "I told you, she should have just done BBQ Hamburgers!"

2 pm.............The turkey................. NOT DONE!

It took that mostly frozen bird about 2 hours longer to cook than planned and Mom getting dinner ready by herself took a little longer.

Mom saved the day!

This would be a Thanksgiving that guests were spared the disappointment of no dinner and chewing off their arms from starvation.

It's been almost 20 years and I have never been asked to host Thanksgiving dinner

again!

When I suggest that I might like to do it

I'm given the "look"

Yes the look of

"no I don't think so"

Then I'm quickly reminded of "that Thanksgiving"

I called my mom the other day to see what I could bring on Thursday

This was her response;

"oh I think I got everything, why don't you just bring a banana for the fruit salad"

Now none of this was planned out... it was just an unfortunate sangria accident, but now that I'm older and not so ambitious...........

It's worked out pretty well.

That my friends is how you get out of all work involved with the holidays.

It just takes one incident of drunken irresponsibility and you are off the hook for years!

Have a wonderful day and take a moment to be Thankful for all the good in your life.

Me..........

I'm thankful I accidentally got drunk 20 years ago!

I'll be enjoying a day of lounging in my eatin pants.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

ROAD TRIP!

Photography by my niece Princess Spoiled Brat

A few months ago I heard through the grapevine about a little go-ins on over in Spokane. So I made some phone calls and invited myself to the shindig I had heard about.

Sometimes that's what a girl has to do.

So this little shindig was happening during the week when apparently, my usual road trip posse has these things called jobs, and kids, and they couldn't go.

I know!

Those jobs and kids are always getting in the way of my fun.

Anyway...............

I finally found someone to go on a little road trip with me to the shindig that I had invited myself to.

and my partner was................

HAPPY TO GO!

Meet Princess Spoiled Brat!
My road trip partner

So we gased up, got some Diet Cokes and we were off to Spokane!

We did a little chatting, Princess Spoiled Brat did a little artwork

Then about an hour into the 5 hour trip she was board.

So I handed her the camera and said

"you will be the official road trip photographer"

Of course we start the session off with a fabulous photo of the driver.

NICE!

Then I beat her with the camera!

So we drive and drive and drive and drive and finally arrive at our first destination

Our hotel!

We decided that on our trip we should have fancy accommodations.

So we got checked in before PJ could get home and log in to his on-line banking to see what we had been up to.

Not to mention Princess Spoiled Brat demanded a pool.

So we stayed at Northern Quest

Yes I took the kid to the casino!

Beautiful rooms!

This was the closet with the fancy white robes.

The door lit up when you opened it.

Our fancy bathroom

This is the night light that was on in the bathroom when the lights were off.

It was very swanky!

The view from our 7th floor suite

The next day we got up early, we spent A LOT of time in the bathroom getting ready. Doing hair, makeup, ironing clothes and looking just right.

This was a very important shindig.

Then we finally arrived at our destination

That's right! You read it right

Princess Spoiled Brat and I went to the taping of Diners Drive-In's and Dives

I've been a big fan of Guy Fieri since he was on Who Wants To Be The Next Food Network Star

and................

He's on my list!

What list is that you ask?

It's entirely OK for me to ~~have sex~~ play spin the bottle with Guy if the opportunity comes up.

PJ can't get mad.

Princess Spoiled Brat is a big fan of Minute to Win It and Diner's Drive-In's and Dives

Can you guess where we were to see this taping of Triple D?

That's right!

Chaps

One of my most favorite places ever!

I had heard through the grapevine that Chaps had been selected to be on Triple D

So I immediately got a hold of Celeste and asked if it was true.

She said yes and then I explained to her that Guy was on my list and if the opportunity came up for us to ~~have sex~~ play spin the bottle, PJ would be fine with it.

This was my opportunity!

So we arrived on time, lipstick on, nails done, and teeth brushed!

OMG!!!

Yes he was that close!

We watched quietly as they taped the opening

Then I was sure I would get my opportunity to make my move

No such luck! It was more waiting outside for us

We waited and waited

We waited with those crazy Mermaids of the Lake

and that wacky Hollie of Funky Junk Antique Show

We had all kinds of fun while we waited.

Then we got called in!

Yes, I was chosen to go inside and have a little "one-on-one" with Guy.

We talked about me being from Seattle, about the blueberries, and just how fabulous Chaps was.

Then I peeded my pants!

Well not really but Me, Myself, and I were sitting there tongue tied and trying to keep our cool.
It wasn't easy.
I don't know about you but I have a hard time on a daily basis not making a fool out of myself.
Put a big time celebrity in front of me and............
well it's just a recipe for me making an ass out of myself.

Me, sitting next to Guy chatting. I couldn't believe this is what was happening in this moment of my life and totally forgot my mission!

DAMN!

So Princess Spoiled Brat and I loaded up and headed home

More photography by Princess Spoiled Brat

The trip from Spokane over HWY 2 in to Monroe really is beautiful

but there are a lot of bugs!

We were getting closer to home and the picture taking quality out the window went down hill quick!

We had one more stop to make in Leavenworth WA

A little shop called The Hat Shop

I might not have gotten to play spin the bottle with Guy Fieri but I knew who would play spin the bottle with me!

We picked up this little number for PJ

WHALA!!! Instant Guy Fieri!

How can you not love a bald man who will wear this hat for you?

I KNOW!

So that was our Hollywood road trip!

This was Princess Spoiled Brat's first overnight girls only road trip with me. She was the official photographer on almost all the pictures.

We really had a great time and at times it really was hard to believe that it was all real. A girl doesn't get too many opportunities like this.

Thank you Celeste!

The Chaps episode airs Monday November 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

I'm not sure if I made the cut or if I ended up on the cutting room floor. Either way I don't care. It was so much fun to see all this unfold before my very eyes. Even more exciting to to see Celeste and her Chaps crew get national recognition.

Way to go!

Princess Spoiled Brat got a lot of Show and Tell material also.

Have you never been to Chaps?

You must go!

Here's a fun event coming up that you might like to attend. Two celebs for the price of one!

This next Friday November 5th from 10 am - 1pm Serena of The Farm Chicks will be at Chaps signing copies of her new book

Go on down, get yourself a maple scone from the famous Celeste and then get yourself the new book from Serena The Farm Chick

That right there has GREAT DAY written all over it!

Have a wonderful day!

Ruffles & Rust A Vintage Market to Inspire Show Updates

2010-10-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

I have show updates!

Click Here

We hope that you can join us

It's Show Time!

2010-08-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about the show I'm putting together in October.

Please go check out Come Junk With Us for all the details about

Early Shopping - Blogger/Facebook Fan Ball on Friday Night

Classes on Saturday by The Fancy Farm Girl and Beth Evans Ramos of Living A Greener Life

You will be able to Shop Til You Drop!

It's looking like we will have 50 vendors!

Not 50 spaces, 50 vendors that have multiple spaces.

The vendor line up is JUNKTACULAR!

I'll be talking more about this in the weeks to come and posting the vendor list.

2010-08-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Why Men Shouldn't Be Unsupervised

Ever since PJ and I have met he has talked about his love of airplanes. To the point sometimes of making my eyes cross when explaining to me the difference between propeller and a wing. Really all I care about is that a plane will not get me to the crash sight first.

There was a weekend when PJ was unsupervised. It was just him and Charlie hanging out. They were suppose to be doing yard work the entire time I was gone.

When I got home on Sunday PJ made a huge announcement

I've signed up for flight school!

I was excited for him.

I knew he really wanted to get his pilots license and I thought this was fantastic! Then I went to this really great day dream while he was explaining all the details.

My daydream went a little like this.................

As usual, had I been listening instead of daydreaming about PJ flying me to antique shows, and fabulous shopping destinations in a luxury Learjet with all my BFF's I might have been a bit more prepared for the weeks that lay ahead of me.

First off I became a flying widow!

PJ has been flying almost 7 nights a week and when he is home I have been gone with

Come Junk With Us business so we haven't seen much of each other.

Not to mention it's almost time for Omador's Landscape Marriage Counseling to come back out to our house.

So after some really long stressful weeks of too much on both our plates I said "you want me to go flying with you today?"

Like a bar troll at closing time being asked to an after party he very excited said YES!

It was a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest. You could not have asked for a more beautiful day. Clear, not a cloud in the sky.

Look at PJ doing all his pre-flight stuff.

So professional!

Then PJ says "I'm going to need your weight!"

Me; What the hell for?

PJ: "for the paperwork, and it needs to be your real weight not whats on your drivers license."

Me: "I don't know, I've weight 125 since I was 16 years old"

PJ; "well then step on over here"

Now I'm thinking why in God's name is all this important when I'm about to get on a luxury Learjet with staff?

I go with PJ..............

This is what he takes me over to.

Not a counter where I can sign up for what I'd like to be served for lunch or to drink on the flight but some damn scales!

This was horrible! Who gets on scales before a luxury flight on a Learjet?

NOBODY!

Then as I was looking at PJ horrified, what do I see right next to the scales?

Yeah!

A vending machine!

What was in that vending machine RIGHT NEXT to the scales?

Oh wait it gets more annoying

So what kind of jackass puts a vending machine right next to scales? A vending machine with all the things this little chubby girl loves!
You know I love me some Hostess Products!

It was just wrong and this should have been my first indication that my beautiful daydream about flying was just that. A freakin daydream!

So then it's out to the tarmac

This isn't a luxury Learjet!

WHAT? PJ's doing all his own pre-flight checks?

What about those guys in the coveralls?

That's PJ shoving me in the back seat. Riding in this plane in the back seat was like riding in the back of a VW bug.

Getting things ready to go

PJ and Brian going over a few things

Brian is PJ's flight instructor. It's possible that I might have babysat Brians FOLKS!

Yes, he looks that young!

The only thing I get to control while shoved in the back seat...

The air and reading lights

Here we go!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH LORD! Here we go!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHITTTT!!!!!

Something a girl wants to keep handy!

What a beautiful day! This is approching Tacoma

Do we not live in one of the most beautiful places?

So I made it about 45 minutes before I was thinking I would like the window rolled down.

PJ did a fantastic job on take off, circling, and landing. I don't know much about flying but I think he's pretty damn fantastic!

And then it was over!

Then we went for what pilots call the
$100 Hamburger

We ended our day with a little lunch at Full Throttle Grill

If you are ever in the Auburn area by Emerald Downs I highly recommend this place.

It was a great day and it was nice to spend some time with PJ
I'm looking forward to more trips.

HOWEVER............
Let this be a warning to you when you say "I'll see you later today, have a good day Honey!"

2010-07-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Girl From Bow?

Do you even know where Bow Washington Is?

Most people don't

Bow is about an hour north of Seattle and right off one of the most beautiful drives in Washington State Chuckanut Drive.

This is where I grew up...

Farm Country!

The type of farm life where we named our cows

T-Bone

Roast

and

Hamburger

A farming community where the day after school was out for the summer, the kids went out and started working in the fields.

Strawberries, raspberries, peas, cucumbers, blueberries, and corn.

If you didn't work in the fields then you helped your folks on the dairy farm.

The girls in my neighborhood rode in posses on horseback.

We rode to the little grocery for soda and penny candy, bare back, in cut off jeans and halter tops. We rode as soon as we could get out the door in the mornings until it started getting dark.

It was the 1970's man!

I've made it no secret that I wasn't the best student in school.

I did however do really well in socializing, and penmanship.

I had teachers tell me that I should learn to measure well because all I'll ever be doing is cooking for all my kids.

Well I still don't know how to measure very well, and

I don't have any kids, but I can do retail math quickly in my head.

You know... % off, buy one get one free, average sales, total sales, and that kind of stuff.

I can also do Fakebusy like nobodies business

and throw one hell-of-a party!

Those are my skills and that's how my resume reads.

A few months ago I got an email from a really nice lady in New York City

asking me for my phone number because she wanted to talk to me about an opportunity.

I was like

Yeah right!

She probably needed me to send her a $5000 Wal-Mart money order!

You know one of those scam emails.

Well I looked at the bottom of the email at the company name and it looked interesting so I did a google search.

HOLY SHIT!!!

It was legitimate!

It was a TV production company!

So of course I had to call and find out what she wanted to talk to me about.

I called and chatted with the nice woman

who talked to me for a long time about Come Junk With Us and my blog AGirlNamedTimi.

Then she told me about a new TV show they were producing.

They asked me to audition for a new TV show!

Now this was exciting but yet super scary all at the same time.

ME? Timi? Really?

So PJ and I worked on an audition tape for what seemed like forever.

This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life!

WORSE than math problems in 7th grade on a chalk board in front of the entire class room!

Not only was it hard to do, but it made PJ and I fight more than me making sneaky trips to the casino.

Those people in front of cameras on your favorite shows make it look super easy

It's not!

And.....................

I sucked!

But I sent off my tape anyway. I didn't get the job, and I was totally ok with it.

It was just really fun to get asked.

It was like getting picked first for kick ball teams knowing full well that you SUCK the worst at kick ball. It was just nice to not be last picked for a change.

THEN...................

Last month I got asked to submit some information to a magazine about myself and my little company

Come Junk With Us.

So I did.

Thinking...............that's cool but magazines are for other people.

I once had a guy friend (whom I thought I loved more than breathing) Paul Williams tell me that if I wanted to impress him I would have to be published first.

Well SHIT!

Guess we are going to have to break up (even though he didn't know we were dating, only I thought that) because that was never going to happen.

Being published... that's for... well educated, talented, pretty people.

Not girls from Bow that don't know how to measure properly.

GUESS WHAT????

Here it is!

September 2010

A Girl Named Timi on the pages of Romantic Homes Magazine

I KNOW!

Shit!

Who would have guessed? Not me!

Now I know you are all thinking

Oh this is great.

This is going to go to her head and she will forget where she came from and who she is and it's just going to be a freakin nightmare next time I see her.

PJ won't let it happen.

When I opened the package I got with the magazine in it I was jumping around all excited.
What did PJ say?

"Hey, you need to go pick up dog poop so I can mow!"

He handed me a shovel.

I know there was that story I wrote last summer that was published in the Paula Deen online Magazine last year but this is totally different!
This has pictures and everything!

Now, to all of those who offered no encouragement, (including you Paul...) I'd like to quote the great comedienne Kathy Griffin (my idol) who said "SUCK THIS!"

I have lots more exciting news, but I'm going to have to run to town right now to buy up all the copies I can find!

Thank you Tres Birds Photography for the fabulous pictures submitted to Romantic Homes Magazine!

2010-07-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Who's Tough Enough?

It's not something we like to talk about. There are some people who think it's gotten too much press, it's gone too commercial and they're sick of having it shoved in their face everyday.

The day I wanted some new measuring cups and I couldn't find what I wanted except in the color pink.

I was so annoyed!

I like the color pink don't get me wrong. But on every freakin thing?

Then there are all those annoying ladies who dress up in crazy outfits and then are some how transformed in to the loudest most loyal cheerleaders ever. They walk like maniacs, ask for money and hold countless bake sales, garage sales, and car washes.

Again........GAG!

You know who I'm talkin about

Yes you guessed it!

Breast Cancer Activists!

They are super annoying right?

I'll be the first to admit that I have talked smack about them, I have whintzed and rolled my eyes with so much annoyance that it was hard to hide when my friends said "I'm doing the Susan G Komen 3-Day walk this year"

or "lets do a fund raiser"

Well I got put in super-duper "check your shit" the other day on this subject.

I would like to introduce you to Jill

Jill and I have known each other

well since.......................

let's just say

Her parents were friends with my parents when they were in high school.

They are like family

Jill is a breast cancer survivor

5 years 6 months and 10 days

Yes, you know exactly how long you have been cancer free when you have

a husband and 4 kids at home depending on you.

I remember when Jill was diagnosed

She was young and her kids were all still little

It was heart breaking

All you could think was "how could this happen to someone so young? So active and always health conscious?"

It was just crazy and trying to wrap my brain around it just never happened.

Jill is one of the toughest ladies I know!

She made having breast cancer look like it was an afternoon of cocktails by the pool.

It soooooooo wasn't !

Jill's passion is horses and she has been riding since she was 5 years old.

Over the 4th of July weekend Jill was asked to ride and carry a flag in a rodeo

There's a campaign happening right now in the world of horses, rodeos, cowgirls and cowboys

It's called Are You Tough Enough To Wear Pink?

How cool is this?

I KNOW!

She's the shit right?

When I talked to Jill about this little ride, she told me that she was so honored that her riding club had asked her carry the flag.

And of course.......... WHY WOULD THEY NOT?

She's one of the millions of poster children for Breast Cancer Survivors

The whole riding club wore pink on the 4th instead of the traditional red to show their support.

They raised a lot of money that day for cancer research.

So amazing!

Check out the YouTube Video of the riding club

This got me thinking................

Let me just take you down that road in my wacky jacked-up twisted brain for a minute

Most of you have met my Faux Aunt Reta

She too is a breast cancer survivor

Another tough lady.

She made having breast cancer look like she just got back from vacation

It wasn't a vacation at all but she looked fantastic the entire time.

Remember my dear dear Nurse Friend Michele?

She saved my life remember?

This is her and her mom Marianne

Marianne is a breast cancer survivor too

PJ and his mom

She's a breast cancer survivor also

This is my friend Genine

This is Genine meeting her mom at the finish line after doing the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk.

Genine's Mom is also a breast cancer survivor and a foster parent for special needs babies

Can you say Freakin Saint!

Even my own mom has had a breast cancer scare or two.

Then I just found out another friend whom I have just met recently and totally fell in love with and admire so much is waiting for test results as we speak.

So after all this got done running through my head I was in tears.

I for one should shut the hell up and be happy that all those ladies are willing to commit all their time energy and resources to raising money for breast cancer research. I should be happy that all those companies have got on board to donate a portion of the proceeds of sales.

I am sooooooooooo NOT tough enough to wear pink!

Here are my friends who are tough enough to wear pink

My BFF and partner in crime WSU Laura, Mother Madden, and Alexa the niece

Annette, WSU Laura's sister-in-law

Team Walkers For Knockers has been working hard for 10 months raising money so they can participate in the

Susan G Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in September here in Seattle.

This will be WSU Laura's 4th year walking

Did you know that each walker raises over $2,000.00?

Did you know that these ladies start training to walk 20 miles a day for 3 days in February?

Did you know that in the cold, in the rain, and heat these ladies walk?

These ladies are tough enough to wear pink and they wear it proud.

They should!

Only July 24th Team Walkers For Knockers will be participating in

Along with so many others who will be walking for the cure

Here is a little information on this event

The 3rd Annual Crafts 4 a Cure

Craft Show & Vintage Flea market

Saturday, July 24th & Sunday, July 25th

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (each day)

On the corner of 9th & Proctor in North Tacoma

We are going to have a junkin' good time kickin' breast cancer to the curb!

There will be 15 vendors and crafters on hand; selling handmade and vintage items! In addition Baby Dream Photography, named #1 Best Portrait Photographer by KING5's Best in Western WA, will be on hand Saturday taking Children & Family Vintage Photos! For just $20.00! It's a wonderful opportunity to preserve a memory and join in the fight against breast cancer! *Baby Dream Photography is donating 100% of the proceeds!

You know.................

Breast Cancer doesn't care anything about you, who you are, how much money you have or don't have, nor does it care what your schedule is. It just shows up like a big zit on your face on prom day.

Because of all those who are tough enough to wear pink, breast cancer is no longer a death sentence, it's just a damn inconvenience if caught early enough.

Let's help them raise the money to find a cure so it's not even an inconvenience anymore.

It's just something we talk about USED to happen.

Stop at the car wash, buy something from the bake sale even if you're on a diet, stop at the garage sale, or stop that group you see walking everyday and see if they still need donations.

Want to donate but don't know anyone?

Walkers For Knockers still needs donations

Be tough enough to wear pink in some way!

Still think breast cancer gets too much attention and there are so many other worthy causes?

Donate to one of them today!

If you can't donate money, how about time or goods.

They can use your help

2010-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

I Need To Be Two People!

There is so much going on this weekend that I wish I were two people.

Donna and I are going to take off today and headed over to The Vintage Barn

I have heard so many wonderful things about this sale and when I finally met Rolane at Farm Chicks this year I knew I had to make the trip over to Idaho.

How cute is this?

Rolane's new truck

You will find Donna and I here bright and early Saturday morning

Then after that...................

We are headed to the Latah Summer Market

Where we will find some more friends

June Bug

Funky Junk Antique Show girls

Celeste from Chaps

and the list goes on and on

I do love a road trip!

If you're going to be in the Seattle area don't miss

2nd Saturdayz Market

Held at The Warren Magnuson Park aka Sandpoint.

Now I know there has been some confusion about the Sandpoint Sale

Let me see if I can clear it up

There has been a sale at Sandpoint for years held on Sundays

it's called Sand Point Antique and Desgin Show

It's still happening

BUT

In addition to that sale there is NOW the 2nd Saturdayz Market. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

This is a GREAT SALE. It's fresh, it's got some great vendors, and it's TOTALLY different from the other sale.

If you haven't been able to attend I suggest you make this Saturday the day!

Why you ask?

Well I heard that Top Pot Doughnuts will be there

AND

It's BUY ONE GET ONE FREE weekend!

Print off this coupon and take a friend for free

Imagine how impressed your friend will be when you call and say "Let's go, it's my treat!"

Another event happening....................

Miss Julie has been getting ready for weeks for a big sale this weekend

and I bet for this one you will have to wait in line just like we did last time

Glitter and Ivy in Monroe

is having Christmas in July sale today Friday July 9th

Glitter and Ivy in Monroe Washington has the biggest selection of

Christopher Radko ornaments you have ever seen

I loved these travel ornaments

There is always really good food and drink at Julie's open houses.

I have some insider information that this open house is going to be

REALLY REALLY GOOD!

There is always discounts, free stuff , and food!

This is the perfect recipe for an event.

Can't make the sale?

You can always order on line

Glitter and Ivy

Glitter and Ivy is also an official Come Junk With Us ticket outlet.

You can purchase tickets for Barn House or Clayson Farms at the store.

Don't miss this sale!

Have a wonderful weekend!

2010-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Why You Should Listen

Everyone once in awhile I catch my self not listening to what PJ is telling me.

Ok, lots of times.

The other day he came home from work yammering about something he heard on the Don and Ron radio show. I only half listened but it was about something with the Department of Revenue and getting unclaimed money.

I was thinkin "yeah yeah yeah, another scam "I'll see you on the news with Get Jesse, trying to get your money back...nobody ever gets money from those things"

After he told me this big long story that he heard on the radio while on his way home from work (me not listening) he said "what do you think?"

Me: "great! You should do it"

I have no idea what I just agreed to but off he went to his computer and me........... able to play Family Feud uninterrupted.

Have you tried Family Feud yet on Facebook?

It's really good!

Anyway........................
Back to my story

About a half hour went by and he was yelling at me from another room to confirm my social security number, asking me some former addresses where I had lived, quizzed me about some places I had worked.

I'm thinking "great now he's going to drag me in to his big money scam"

About a week later Charlie and I walked out to get the mail

Look what came

That's right checks!

Apparently I had some money from an old job back in the early 90's that I had a stock option in.

Who knew?

NOT ME!

I don't listen!

PJ apparently missed an escrow check getting to him while out to sea on an aircraft carrier

BT............ Before Timi

I guess I should start listening a little better.

CHING-CHING!!

Now I'm off to town!

2010-07-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Glamping Will Never Be The Same!

PJ and I do love to go camping and it's been fun to be able to step it up each year with adding a new tradition and items to our Glamping gear.

Our camping buddies The Flusterclucks, The Gotstheirshittogether's, and us, The Nuckinfuts have had such a good time over the last couple years. It's been fun to reminisce about the first camping trips

Our first trip to

Pacific Beach

Camping Trip From Hell

Family Reunions
and so many more that we still laugh about.

Well this year in addition to the donut maker, and the outdoor movie projector, we have added

Drum Roll Please................

The Hot Dog Machine!

Yes folks it's true!

We are the proud owners of a Hot Dog Machine.

While looking through the 2nd Saturdayz sale in Seattle a couple weeks ago PJ spotted this under some other items.

He snatched that up and brought it home

Took it all apart and pain strikingly cleaned ever inch of this thing.

It made it's debut to camping

at Seaquest State Park at Mount St. Helens.

It was an eye catcher sitting on the table in front of the Mobile Estate.

Especially since it was gray, dark and rainy the whole weekend.

Those lights where the brightest things in the park

PJ was instant popular-guy!

After beating the window lickers off with a stick

he told them all they needed to have a ticket to get a hot dog.

They looked at him like "what are you talking about" then they all disappeared and came back

WITH TICKETS!

They had ran off, made themselves some tickets and got in line!

Hot Dog Time

It was a hit!

Finally it was time for PJ to have a dog and a beer

Oh which one? Which one?

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good!

What's better than a hot dog?

Brownies!

Served on a silver pedestal plate.

Mrs. Gotstheirshittogether has not only gone full throttle on glamping but now the

little Gotstheirshittogethers are totally in to it also.

I LOVE IT!

Oh wait! Don't take off with that just yet!

It will go nicely with beer!

How cute are they?

I know!

You want to know who that new kid is?

She's not normally in our Glamping Posse.

I would like to introduce you to............

Mr and Mrs Accidentwaitingtohappen and their cute kids

You ask "why?" "why is that their name"?

It's simple!

We don't get to see The Accidentwaitingtohappen very often but when we do

They have the best Emergency room stories ever!

See that scar on Mr. Accidentwaitingtohappen's hand?

Funniest story I have ever heard!

I wasnt' sure if I should pee my pants from laughing or from being horrified at the actual accident.

There are always stories of an unfortunate "accident" with this family.

We love them!

Mrs. Flustercluck and I didn't do a very good job of Glamping and setting up our campsites.

We were a bit put out by the rain, wind, and cold.

But then cocktail hour came around and we had to do something!

white damask tableclothes, the good Baer wine, the fancy Riedel Wine Glasses, and flowers in a silver ice bucket

We were set!

You can't camp without roasting marshmallows and making smores

Just before we went on this trip, my foody-friend Heather of Farmgirl Gourmet told me about a different way of making smores.

You put a piece of chocolate inside the marshmallow and then put it on the stick to roast it.

When it's all brown and toasty on the outside the inside is all melted with chocolate

It's called a poopie diaper!

I shared this information with the kids.

Now not being a kid owner myself, I had no idea the frenzy this would set off.

The frenzy of saying the word poop every chance they got.

Thank Gawd they weren't in my trailer that night being all hopped up on sugar and seeing how far they could push it with the poopie diaper business.

Mrs. Gotsthiershittogether having herself a poopie diaper smore

After the kids go to bed and finally stopped saying poop is when the adults have a couple cocktails and play some cards

Yes for money!

Why else would you play?

Mr. Accidentwaitingtohappen brought a little adult treat

Apple Pie Moonshine

Click Here for some recipes

I couldn't resist looking it up

Looks a little like a "speciman"

PJ took a little sip

Taste like Speciman!!! Naw...This is all show!

He enjoyed it and said it was like apple juice

which we all know that cocktails that don't taste like cocktails are dangerous!

Notice the jar at the end of the table

Almost gone

Cards got more interesting and .........

well I can't show you the pictures....

I promised.

The next day we had a lot of relaxing

game playing

Watching our new friend "Speedy" and his progress of getting across the campsite

A lot of visiting, catching up and story swaping

Camping buddies got to play together

The Gotsthiershittogether's

Aren't they the cutest family?

Love the girls and mom in thier matching Glamping Gear

Mother Madden was the only one who went full on Glamping decorating!

Got to love that she always brings her full on "A game" for whatever the event!

Rain or shine!!!

It rained, we were all soaked, covered in mud but once again

A GREAT TIME!

Someday you will have to come

Glamping with us!

2010-07-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

WSU Laura and I were invited to a dinner party from a very talented lady

Can you guess who?

Her signature colors are the turquoise and red

You guessed it!

We went to Patricia Mackey's house!

She is the famous Tippy Stockton

I KNOW!

RIGHT!

Not only was I totally thrilled with getting an invite to her house, but when I got there.........................

who was there?

Kimberly of Mimi Charmante and Tiffany of Fancy Farmgirl

Damn the luck!

Then it just started getting better with

Lisa from Humble Pie

Lisa from Salvage Studio

and

Deb and Bob Kennedy of Retreat Design

and

Cindy from Haley's Cottage

In my mind, this was totally a blogger's A-list party

How I got invited, I have no idea,

but somehow I did!!

Actually, what I think happened is

Miss Tippy's husband, "Boy Wonder" likes PJ.

I think they were thinkin "if we invite her, she'll bring him and it will all be good"

WRONG!

PJ was busy so I brought WSU Laura who EVERYONE likes!

I'm not dumb! I know how to keep myself on invite lists.

Doesn't this look like a party being held in the Hampton's?

It was such a nice evening

Above is Boy Wonder cooking up some grub

Miss Tippy snapping some photos

Look at the table setting!

It was so pretty

The food was fantastic!

Every detail thought of

A little lemon chicken grillin

Miss Tippy used a recipe from

Ina Garten the Barefoot Contessa

Did you know Miss Tippy actually met Ina Garten?

Chatted with her and conversed with her?

Not in a book signing line at Costco either.

Not like me and Paula Deen

It was in her store, in the Hampton's

you know why?

Because Miss Tippy is the shit!

The ladies enjoying some good conversation

The lovely smiling lady sitting next to Tiffany is

Miss Judy.

She lives next door to Miss Tippy and is an incredible lady.

I could have hung out with her all night

In fact I think I'll start cruising the neighborhood looking for a house next to hers.

Maybe start asking her elderly neighbors about their health and financial situation

Hey! You never know!

Lots and Lots of laughing at this dinner party

Then whats a dinner party with a Fancy Farmgirl if she doesn't go to her mini van and bust out her chickens?

I say BORING!

These were the lucky two chickens who didn't make it to the lemon marinade, then to the grill!

KIDDING!

The night ended with some fabulous desserts, a little fire, some more laughter

and WSU Laura and I pinching each other saying "did we just get invited to the best party or what?"

This was the prefect evening to start off a long summer holiday weekend!

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend!

Blogs of those at the dinner

Maybe there needs to be a big blogger/Facebook party?

I'm on it!

2010-06-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Can You Stand More?

I wrote an article about going to Farm Chicks and it was featured on Vintage Indie Magazine

Click here to see article

Also go check out these articles written by

Amber of Tres Birds Photography

Click Here for her article

Deb Kennedy of Retreat Design

Click Here for her article

It was fun to read such different prospectives from friends on the same show.

And just when you thought you couldn't stand any more great news.................................

Deb Kennedy is having a HUGE HUGE sale this weekend at her Petite Retreat with some really great guest vendors

Tippy Stockton Jewelry

Seabold

Gussy Chairs

All on Camano Island this weekend!

See ya there!

2010-06-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

This Must Be What

Giving Birth Is Like

So right off the bat let's get you caught up on how the prime rib dinner turned out

Look at PJ all happy slatherin his meat

Yeah, I'm crackin myself up right now.

This was a great recipe that I got from Farm Girl Gourmet

It was super easy

Asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and some sliced sweet onions.

Ready for the oven

Also ready for the oven

Twice baked potatoes

These are my very favorite

The dining room table was cleaned off for a change and set.

Aren't ya lovin my placemats that I got from Grand Heron?

Dinner turned out good.

PJ over cooked the prime rib a little but it was still really good.

You notice we don't have any pictures of done food

I wasn't quick enough to get pictures

It was all gone!

House was cleaned up and ready for our Come Junk With Us Posse dinner

See that little black and white ottoman?

That was a gift for the Farm Chicks Junk Junket from Summerland Style. It matched so well I almost couldn't give it up for the door prize.

Had there not been so many witnesses that saw it arrive with a bow on it, I might have kept it!

So now the real story..........

The behind the scenes of

Come Junk With Us Farm Chicks Junk Junket

It ended up that having this dinner was a good thing. There were some problems that came up at the last minute for our trip. It was good to have someone else help in solving them.

So we got it all worked out.............

so we thought

I know !

It's a freakin disaster but truly it's a lot better than it had been.

The swag bags were done, the door prizes collected, wrapped and ready to be loaded.

I was actually ahead of schedule on Wednesday.

Then it started setting in on Thursday, that I was really doing this.

I had been out running errands when I pulled in to the driveway and all of the sudden I had a complete meltdown

I was freaking out in my car, crying, telling myself I couldn't do this, I'm not ready, what was I thinking. I'm too stupid to pull this off, PJ is going to kill me, I'm going to look like a fool

OOOOOOOh the badself talk was going well.

Then I heard a voice (yes sometimes I do hear a voice) that said "it's going to happen whether you're ready or not!" "now stop your crying, suck it up and make this shit happen!"

That's when I decided this whole undertaking must be a lot like child birth

This was the picture of getting ready to load on Friday morning.

We had to change some plans and go from a charter bus to vans. Which I thought would end up better, but in the long run the insurance killed me. There were a lot of tears, cussing, and meeting with insurance agents before we found someone who would give us the insurance we needed for this trip.

It also poured down rain that morning while trying to get stuff loaded

After this picture

It's all a blur to me

This is where Amber from Tres Birds Photography picked up

Click Here

to go see all the pictures from my Come Junk With Us trip to Farm Chicks

See Deb? She's all relaxed taking nice pictures, lookin great as usual!

See me?
STRESSED OUT!
Looks like I might have a stick up my ass or could cry at any second.

Every single stinkin picture of me was like this. It's bad enough that I take crap picture anyway but to add stressed-out to it.............. Totally not my friend!

Shit picture but a great picture of me stressed out again!
Face bright red, trying to remember everything that needs to be said.

Don't get me wrong I'm so happy that I did this and I love doing it but I'm going to have to find a way to relax or I'm going to have a heart attack.

Speakin of heart attack and stressed out.................

You all know my son Charlie right?

He's cute right?

Well don't be fooled!

He's spoiled rotten, he doesn't mind, he runs away every chance he gets, and he's been kicked out of Doggy Daycare twice.

I had to talk them in to giving him one more chance

During one of my very stressful moments at Farm Chicks when trying to get people's treasures where they needed to be in order to make it home with them, get lunches delivered, and find who needed me, I get a phone call from Doggy Daycare telling me I need to come pick up my dog because he was getting aggressive with one of the kennel keepers and they can't have that.

Are you freaking kidding me?

He's 18 pounds!

Pick him up and throw his ass in a kennel until I get back!

No can do!

Thank God Mr. Flustercluck isn't afraid of Charlie

He and the Flustercluck kids were the super heroes for that day.

They took him home with them and he was fine until we got home on Sunday.

I guess he just hates those ladies at Doggy Daycare.

Here are pictures from a few moments that I wasn't a stress ball

This is Rene Groom

One of the nicest ladies in the entire world! She was down at the State Park with Sisters On The Fly the same day Farm Chicks was going on. She had her new fancy trailer down there and I could have hung out with her all day long!

Myself, Amber, Antonya, Cindy, Tiffany and Jo snuck down there in the afternoon
to tour all the trailers and let Tiffany and Jo Photograph them.

My BFF Heather of The Farm Girl Gourmet and Antonya

I know you're thinking "why don't you have pictures of the trailers? "

Amber and I got a little side tracked.

All and all it was a good trip.

Am I glad I did it?

YES!!

Was it the hardest thing I have ever done?

In the top 5

Would I do it again...............

give me a couple months of recovery and I'll get back to you.

This weekend we are off to do a little R&R along with Glamping with

The Flusterclucks, The Gotstheirshittogethers, and a new family Mr. and Mrs Accidentwaitingtohappen

It should be a much needed fun weekend!

2010-05-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Is Anybody Out There?

Does anybody read my blog anymore?

Probably not!

Well, I guess that's my fault since I haven't posted anything for so long there isn't anything new to read.

I have even been remiss in reading blogs too.

I'm sorry

I suck!

Enough of the apologizes right?

Just get on with it.

I was sitting here thinking about all this heartfelt and deep insight I was going to share with you as to why I haven't blogged in a month or so.

But then I was like............. ahhhh screw it!

I'll just tell you the truth!

You know I can't just tell you some bullshit story...

The last thing I need is my last two readers who spam me 4 times a day sending me hate comments in Chinese for lyin.

So why no bloggy Timi???

My life has been consumed by The freakin Farm Chicks Show!

WSU Laura and I on a planning trip in Spokane recently

I swear to God I have been living and breathing Farm Chicks since November of last year! Yes, for 6 months now I have been talking about nothing but The Farm Chicks show and Come Junk With Us going to the show. It consumes my life. PJ is so sick of listening to me talk about Farm Chicks, plan for the Farm Chicks trip with Come Junk With Us that I could barley get him to proof this post for me because I mentioned.......................

Well you get where I'm going with this.

We were volunteers at the Snohomish Antique and Arts Faire a couple weeks ago.

I'm excited that it's all coming together and my dream of doing a large group of people to the Farm Chicks to share what I like to call the "Junkers Religious experience" is going to be great!

This planning hasn't been without its dramas, it's "pinch me! is this real?" moments, I'm going to come unglued on someone's ass moments and the ever-so-frequent Ooooooo SHIT moments!

Planning this trip has been a really great experience for me in business, life, and learning about myself and what is important to me.

I guess you could say I have been finding myself.

The direction I had dreamed about for Come Junk With Us when starting last summer, has totally taken on a new direction that I'm really excited about.

I have lots of stuff I want to blog about but haven't had time to, and some stuff I want to tell you all, but have been sworn not to.

I don't know what those people were thinking either?

You know it's just a matter of time before I blab!

I'm feeling so out of it, not knowing what bloggers are going to be at The Farm Chicks Show.

Who am I going to see there?

Will we get to meet?

So in the middle of my last minute freak-out before the big show, I decided that I would have the Come Junk With Us posse over for dinner on Sunday just to fill them in on everything that is going on, changes, and well... what's a little freakin out with adding some other huge project in the middle of it.

My project on top of 900 things I need to get done????

I'm attempting to make my very first Prime Rib Roast.

My very dear and caring friend Ma Kettle brought me this big ole rack of meat last spring when I had my shoulder surgery.

PJ and I have been talking about cooking it several times but were too intimidated. It's a lot easier just talking about it.

Well this weekend..............no more talk!

I consulted my friend Heather of The Farm Girl Gourmet, and she hooked me up with a recipe and directions.

I was talking to another amazing cook friend about tips on cooking this hunk of meat and she said "you're an idiot if you can't cook a prime rib roast"

This is why I keep these people as my friends!

Who wants to be the idiot?

Well I don't!

So I'm attempting it.

I'll have to see if I can't get PJ to take some pictures while I'm trying to make this dinner an impressive spread for my posse.

They have been working hard for me, putting up with my crap for months. It's the least I can do.

This is what it's suppose to look like.

Wish me luck!

2010-04-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

Let the Campin Season Begin!

and Other Blog Worthy Adventures

Over Easter weekend PJ and I kicked off camping season 2010!

Oh I'm shameless when it comes to advertising Come Junk With Us and our next trip to The Farm Chicks in Spokane. No window goes unpostered at this house.

So we headed to Pacific Beach to enjoy a little down time

The plan was to do NOTHING

I had a stack of magazines I was going to get caught up on reading, I was going to do a little blogging, and I was going to do a lot of laying on the couch doing NOTHING.

Well that lasted as long as the thought!

On our way there I had to stop at the lovely Grand Heron in Aberdeen

I have read about it on blogs, seen pictures on Facebook

and

The lovely Lisa from Coastal Nest and I have been chatting through blogs, email, and facebook for a little over 2 years now. It was time we met face to face.

She is part of the Grand Heron

This was a meeting long long overdue!

I was so excited !

When Lisa and I met it was like we had been friends forever!

So sorry............I dont' have good pictures. I stole some of the photos off the Grand Heron fan page on Facebook.

Lisa and I spent hours talking and she gave PJ and me a tour of the project that her and her family have been working on

This is the old location of Grand Heron but it will be soon be the new and improved

location. After Windstorm 2007, the store was destroyed and they have been rebuilding ever since.

It's coming along and it's going to be BEAUTIFUL

I'm tellin ya, if you need a trip to the coast, plan it when these ladies are having their grand re-opening.

It's going to be spectacular!

A little sneak of what Grand Heron has in the store

Not one ugly thing in this store!

Not even one thing that makes you say "ya, I don't really care for that!"

I left wanting everything!

These ladies know how to decorate!

Look at that! Come Junk With Us flyers at the front desk

Thank you ladies!

This is my fabulous package with my purchases from Grand Heron

Wrapped all pretty

I bought these great placemates.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them but I really liked them

My silver trophy

Again not sure what I'm going to do with it but I really liked it.

After a lovely afternoon with Lisa and family it was back to Pacific Beach

oooooooooooooooh it was nasty!

High winds, we woke up to snow on Friday, then rain, then more wind, then more rain and it was FREAKIN COLD!

See all the campers?

Yeah!

I KNOW!

We were the only fools to camp in a wind storm

Friday afternoon WSU Laura and family joined us

They camped in the spot next to us

Laura and I both laid awake all night Friday night listening to the wind thinking "this is it!" "this is where we start flying through the air and end up in Kansas!"

One of the employees at the front desk on Saturday morning told us that they clocked wind gusts up to 132 mph at Westport. Which means......we were close to that!

And PJ never once woke up!

Princess Spoiled Brat didnt' care!

She bundled up and headed to the beach with her Dad.

Good Daddy

Auntie wasn't getting out of the trailer unless it was to go shopping in another well ancohered to the ground building!

So we did a lot of looking at the weather on line

Visiting with WSU Laura and DH

Then WSU Laura and I went in to Ocean Shores to check out a new store that

Lisa had told us about.

She has a space called Sea Worthy in a store called One Whacky Woman.

VERY VERY CUTE STORE!!!

I'll go out on a limb here and just say it.............

This is the best store in Ocean Shores!

They are located right next door to Going Coastal which is another of my favorite stores but I'm lovin this new store One Whacky Woman.

Sorry no pictures!

Look at this cute coffee mug I found at Ace Hardware

I thought it was so fun I had to have it

I don't usually "own it" but I'm going to start trying!

Charlie had a lot of napping on this trip.

He didn't even get to the beach this time

The Easter Bunny left Princess Spoiled Brat an Easter Bowl on the table Sunday morning

Now before you start judging about how stupid that is

The Easter Bunny didn't know she was going to be there so he had to improvise

WSU Laura and I thought he had done a pretty good job considering he had a bit too much to drink the night before!

Sunday morning, the sun was kind of out, the wind had stopped blowing and the sea was a little calmer

We started our day with a little brunch at the resturant in Pacific Beach

PJ givin ya a little beach pose

He's so stinkin cute! I think I'll keep him!

Then after brunch it was off to Coastal Nest to have a little cocktail and visit with

Lisa and "Bob Villa" before we left.

We could have hung out with them for hours. What great people!

and that little beach rental they have is so

FREAKIN FABULOUS!

WSU Laura and I didn't want to leave.

This little place is so wonderful.

They have done such a great job of remodeling, decorating and thinking of everything at that beach house.

If you are needing a little beach get away

Coastal Nest at Pacific Beach

you won't be sorry!

I'm thinking one of you crafty ladies needs to rent it and do a retreat there!

With not wanting to say good-bye

PJ and WSU DH had to pry mine and WSU Laura's arms off from around the porch posts and we were off to home!

Charlie met a new friend at the rest area

This is Rosie

She was so cute I could have taken her home with me.

Very cute!

I came home, did a half ass job of cleaning up the trailer, worked on some arrangments for The Farm Chicks Junk Junket and then........................

I grabbed Donna and we took off for Spokane!

We first made a stop in Seattle at the

2nd Saturday Market planning meeting.

If you're on Facebook join their fan page

This is going to be a fabulous new show in the Seattle area starting next month and then EVERY 2nd Saturday of the month.

How fun is that?

We are getting our own fresh new flea market in Seattle

Where you ask?

Sandpoint Hangers over at Warren Magnuson Park

Put this on your calendar!

May 8, 2010

I'll be there with all my Come Junk With Us gear

I'm very excited!

Then it was off to Spokane!

I had some appointments that I had made for planning The Farm Chicks Junk Junket

First stop

Not an appointment but since I was in town...................

Saturday morning Donna and I got up early and headed out to

The Original Funky Junk Antique Show

Great show!

I was greated by Hollie giving me a very cute t-shirt because I was a facebook fan

How fun is that?

Everyone loves something free!

Look how pretty it was out that day

A perfect day for a sale

Lots of people at this sale

Great stuff, great prices, vendors all super nice

What more could a girl ask for?

Being Princess Lazy Ass I'm always drawn to any type of chair that looks like it will recline and allow me to sip Diet Coke and read magazines

I so wanted to buy these but PJ would have had my head if I brought home one more "recliner" type chair. I resisted

Some of the fabulous items found at this show

I would like you to meet Miss Kelly

We met over her fantastic handbag

Isn't it fabulous?

She has them special made for her by Buttercuppity for her cute little shop

Gardenstone Creations

More pictures of the show

The fabulous Celia and Gladys of Junebug

I had some bit-ness with them!

Yeah that's right

We are tryin to cook something up

These are a couple of the fantastic items I found for myself at the show.

These will be showing up at a campground near you this summer!

After the Funky Junk Antique Show we head to Chaps

More planning!

I can't even begin to tell you how funktabulous this resturant is.

I snapped a few pictures while there

Just to give you an idea

The Chaps Truck parked out front

From Chaps it was off to a couple more stops

for The Farm Chicks Junk Junket planning and

THEN.....

Lunch with Rene my blog buddy that I met in person last summer at mine and Annie's

Hot Blogust Nights.

She invited me and Donna to join her and some of her Farm Girl Friends.

We all look scared for some reason. We really weren't.

I was introduced to some new friends by the fabulous Rene Groom and her husband.

Have you met Rene?

Rene writes the wonderful blog for Mary Jane's Farm called Rural Farm Girl

P.S..... Mary Jane's Farm Store has a Facebook Fan Page now

Also at lunch was

Heather Scholten and her hubs

She has a super cute little 1947 Silver Lark Trailer which she blogs about.

She also is THE realtor to contact if you need one in Spokane

William Keller Spokane

Grace Brown and husband were there.

They got there first, so Donna and I had a chance to visit with the both of them for a while.

VERY VERY NICE people.

Grace is also the owner of a very cute trailer

Check out her trailer blog

After that we hit a couple more appointments I had while in Spokane

and then....................

it was home to take all the information I gathered and get ta plannin!

Last weekend was the sale at Annie's in Snohomish that I co-hosted.

Stay tuned on Come Junk With Us blog for that update.

Super fun!

I'm currently off on another adventure!

2010-04-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Let's Play A Game

It seems lately I am playing the CATCH UP game more often than not.

If it's not planning for the upcoming Farm Chicks Junk Junket in June, it's laundry, dishes, finding the dining room table under all the mail, trying to get taxes done (which by they way, they aren't), figuring out what to do with my overstock of buttermilk from our milk deliveries, or trying to remember what I'm suppose to be doing and where I'm suppose to be at on any given day.

So today..............

As I consume Peeps, cookies and Diet Coke I'll be dragging you with me in my game of CATCH UP

So let's catch up on blogging................

Last week Tiffany at Shabby Scraps hosted a weekend crafting retreat that I have heard through the grapevine was FABULOUS!

You should go visit her (and scroll through a weeks worth of posts because she's NOT behind) and take a look at her pictures and read about it.

So Friday before all the guest were to arrive at Tiffany's, Donna and I met up with Lisa and Isabel for a little junkin and luncheon in Sumner.

It was so much fun to shop and visit with them for a little while.

Thank you Lisa and Isabel for asking us to come meet you. It was fun and we have to do it more often!

Go check out Lisa and Isabel's blogs also for great stories and pictures about their weekend in Washington.

Taken at Today's Country Store

One of our favorite places in Sumner.

On the way home from Sunmer Donna and I swung into Kirkland to the new of home of Haley's Cottage for a grand opening party.

Have you been there yet? It's down on the waterfront on Parkplace next to Cactus Resturant.

Lunch and Haley's sounds like the perfect plan to me!

It's a beautiful store!

If you haven't been in there yet, go see Cindy and her fabulous new space.

There's no"I" in Team

2010-03-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Theres no "I" in TEAM!

Last weekend I hosted my first Antique/Vintage inspired Flea Market.

Now, I have hosted events before but nothing like this.

It went really really well!

I had been planning this event for months.

I planned for about 75 people on Friday night. We ended up with over 230 guests!

On Saturday, we planned for about 200 and we had over 400.

It was AWESOME!

I was a crying blubbering mess all weekend and most of this last week.

I was so touched and over whelmed by graditude that I have been barely able to form sentences that make sense this week when talking about it.

Thank God WSU Laura, Donna, and PJ who can finish my sentences for me.

I was so touched by how;

The vendors all worked with me and with each other in getting the word out about the event to guests. How they all helped each other in putting together a great display of all their talents

This picture gets me all choked up!
4 of the most talented, kindest, sucessful women in this business. I will always be greatful that they took a chance on me.
Joy, Linda, Mary, and Cindy

And how my friends showed up from all over to help when I called for back up

My family showed up to help and ended up staying both days with no questions asked

Charlene (the life saver, never mind Organic Gardener extroidnair), Mrs. Gotsthereshittogether, Faux Aunt Reta, and my mom.

How Kathrine who planned for 75 guests on Friday night had to make it work for 200 and the ladies from MA Graphics (who also do Tom Douglas's Catering) rolled up their sleeves and got in that kitchen to help.
I can't thank Marie and Julie enough.

Isn't it beautiful? It tasted even better than it was pretty!

How Tiffany from Shabby Scraps and Kimberly from Mimi Charmante showed up early and then went home and posted how fabulous the show was going

immediatley on their blogs.

How Charlene and vendors husbands (thank you Sue Baker and Charity for loaning us your husbands when you were just as busy) jumped in to help with the parking nightmare that happened on Friday night.

Your Saturday Parking Crew
Pistol Packin Pretty Boy, Jimmy Hoffa, and PJ

My Dad will now have the nickname Jimmy Hoffa since he spent all weekend trying to get all my help and the vendors to organize and form a union. There were many "union meetings" held in our Mobile Estate over the weekend. I never heard any feedback about how those went but I did happen to see a lot of beer bottles in the garbage.
Thanks Jimmy for always keepin them laughing and the pot stirred!

Just a little side note/behind the scenes on the parking issue Friday night.....

We ended up having way too many cars all at once on Friday night so people naturally started parking themselves. Well the fire lanes got blocked, and we had ONE car that parked a little too close the the RV park enterance. We tried our best to make the announcement that cars needed to move, we even went and asked guests if they owned these cars. The manager from Lake Pleasent RV Park took it upon himself to stand out in the parking lot screaming at customers and us that we had too many cars. He also sent someone over to walk through the sale yelling at people that he was having their cars towed and that there were too many cars in the parking lot.

NO SHIT!
And you're helping us alot by screaming at us and threatening to call the police.

I don't like to give a bad review to anyone. If I wasn't happy with someplace or someone, I just won't say anything.
This will be an exception to that rule!

DO NOT STAY AT
Lake Pleasent RV Park in Bothell Washington unless you have heard they changed managment.

The manager is a HUGE jerk!

Ok, I'm done!

Back to the good...............

Yes, I planned it, I had the ideas, I put all the money up front,
but seriously...............
You know I'm a hot mess and this could have just as easily been The Hindenburg, and me divorced on the following Monday after the show.

I couldn't have done it without the vendors who took a chance on me
and my friends and family who came out to help.

The Come Junk With Us Team

Thank you
It's been an amazing experience to see what happens when everyone works together.

Here are some more pictures

Thank you Amber at Tres Birds Photography

Now there is no "I" in TEAM but there is an "I" in Tim -meeeeeeeee

I know!
It cracks me up too everytime PJ says it!

So speaking of that..........

Did you get to see all the cool merchandies I have been working on, designing and perfecting?
These are some of the reasons I haven't been able to blog on a regular basis.
This has been so much fun for me. Some of my ideas coming to life.

I was very excited about this!
Especially since I have the Diet Coke "problem" and all ya know.

16 oz cold or hot tumbler. Double walled, hard plastic and reuseable.
PERFECT!

No Junk Queen can be without a cute shopping cart liner right?

A pocket that holds the Junk Queen tumbler or a Grande Starbucks hot cup.

These liners have pockets in them so your wallet, camera, handbag, or whatever dosen't fall to the bottom.
My cart I had last year at The Farm Chicks didn't have any pockets and I kept losing all my stuff in the bottom. Everytime I needed my camera, wallet, or Diet Coke I had to fish through all of my purchases to find it.

NOT THIS YEAR!
We made these so they will fit into several different size shopping carts...new and vintage.
We sold out of them but we will soon be having more on our STORE page on the Come Junk With Us website.

My next fun item was the Junk Queen folding chairs

These aren't your ordinary camping folding chairs

Sturdy, fold up easily, strap for throwing over your shoulder, side table that pops up, easy to get in and out of. What could be better??

And...............Look at all these pockets?

I know I already used this photo
It was good!
Thank you Shabby Scraps

This is the t-shirt we had.
All crystal encrusted
They were very cool in the sunshine! Lots of glitter.
I'll be getting more of these and I'm also looking for nice-fitting plus sizes.

We also offered a starter charm bracelet and then each vendor had a different charm that you could purchase for a $1. Some people had some really great bracelets at the end of thier shopping time.

This is one of the customers bracelet. She had been on the Junket to Sumner and collected all the charms and then some more at our sale. It was fun to hear why she choose each one of those charms.

We had so much fun and this was an amazing experience for me.

It's made me even more excited about the upcoming Farm Chicks Junk Junket and all the other Junk Junkets and events we have planned for the rest of the year.

Here are some great upcoming events

Annie's on First in Snohomish
Anniversary Sale
April 17th

Snohomish Antique Faire
Saturday May 15th
This event last year was really good.
They are accepting applications for vendors
You would have the tourist draw for that event. All of the vendors that I talked to did really well last year.

There is a new Market opening at Sandpoint!

It starts May 8th
If you would like to be a vendor
Contact Linda for Information

Poppyseed in Stanwood
is looking for vendors for thier flea market also
They start in May
Watch their blog and Facebook Fan page

Start watching Retreat
they have some really fun and exciting events coming up. If you're not on thier mailing list, facebook page, or following Deb's blog you might want to. She's been a working fool for months. You don't want to miss out on her events!

Have a wonderful day!

It’s Time!

2010-03-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

IT'S TIME!

It’s finally here!

This weekend I’ll be doing my first show. I’m a nervous wreck!

I know your sitting there thinking

“what the hell is she talking about?”

“what's this first show business?”

"she never tells us anything anymore!"

Well as most all of you know I have no talent or creativity when it comes to crafty, decorating, painting, sewing or anything along that nature that makes for an excellent vendor at a flea market or antique show.

The one thing I can do along with my good friend WSU Laura

Is throw a freakin kick ass party!

Sooooooooo I started Come Junk With Us.

That way I would have an excuse to attend every show I could, and take 40 of my new best friends.

Perfect Fakebusy plan!

Well that turned out to be a whole lot of fun.

After one of my Junk Junkets, I had some really great vendors along with Come Junk With Us bus riders asking me to organize a show local here.

Of course I said “Sure how hard can it be?”

Not to mention it would be a great place for me to talk to people about The Farm Chicks Junk Junket,

Well it has been hard but boy howdy has it been fun!

This weekend is my show

The coupon for you to print off and get a discount entry on Saturday.

You have to have the coupon to get the discount entry.

I just updated the website on Come Junk With Us with some really fun items I’m going to have at the show.

Go on over and check it out

and

Come Junk With Us!

Stop in and say hi

If we haven't met before, I'll be the one looking like a train wreck, running in circles, barking orders.

I shouldn't be hard to find!

Have a great weekend!

Smokin Deal

2010-02-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

Bargain Hunting 101

Not everyone is a bargain hunter. Some people don’t have the patients for it. Some think it’s unnecessary and some like it, but just don’t have a knack for it, so they give up.

I became a bargain hunter because…… well……….I was always broke. I usually still am, but it’s not as tough as it once was.

I enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

To be a successful bargain hunter you have to be patient. You can’t just go out and buy something because you want it right now.

That my friends will get you FULL PRICE!

I have been looking at the Pottery Barn Basic chair and ottoman for years.

I’ve always had a vision of my living room looking like this

for the last 4 years. It’s been a dream

But it hasn’t happened yet and probably never will.

Also I’m just too thrifty of a shopper (or calling me cheap is fine) to spend that kind of money on chairs. They are stinkin expensive!

I know, I know, you get what you pay for.

You’re right!

Which leads me to the next part of this story.

When I started filling up our living room with furniture, I took another route because I couldn’t find Pottery Barn Chairs reasonable… or something similar. PJ kept saying “Just go buy them” but I was too thrifty (cheap ) to trot my happy ass down to Pottery Barn and pay full price.

I found this cute little couch (bottom right) on Craigslist and had a slip cover made for it out of an old chenille spread. I loved it, but it just seemed like we had too much furniture in the living room.

Now mind you , we seldom use this room. As you can see Charlie uses it to look out the window most of the time.

This year during our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party we had to take furniture out because of the amount of guests we were expecting

So we edited.

I ended up really liking just having the big couch in front of the window and the couple chairs with the little table.

But then PJ said “can’t we get some comfortable chairs?”

Guys!

They so don’t get it!!!

So the search was back on!

I got rid of the couch and started looking for some chairs.

Yes, THE chairs.

The Pottery Barn Basic Arm Chair and Ottoman!

Now…way back when… When I was looking for chairs in the beginning, I used to go visit IKEA about every 6 months looking at the EKTORP chairs and ottoman. Very similar to the PB brand, but less than half the price. Every time I would go there I would leave thinking

“those are so cheap that they are going to fall apart”

Then the other part of me was like

“you never use that room, who cares?”

So again I would let go of the idea.

After I got rid of the little couch I made PJ take me IKEA again where I revisited the EKTORP chairs and ottoman.

Again I left IKEA with no chairs.

During all these trips to IKEA past and present, PJ is saying

“ Just go buy the damn chairs at Pottery Barn”

I refuse!

I decided to stop Farkling (stupid game on Facebook for those of you not addicted yet) and get diligent about finding some chairs.

SCORE!

Craigslist

2 very similar chairs that the owner says are from JCPenney and look to be in excellent condition.

Email ASAP

Set up a time to go take a look

BAM!!!!

I’m the owner of two like new Pottery Barn similar chairs!

One problem…………….they have beige slipcovers on them.

No problem I’ll call my slipcover lady to come make some.

PJ suggests I see if the Pottery Barn slipcovers might fit before I go contracting custom made ones.

What PJ fails to remember is that custom doesn't always mean expensive. In my past experience custom was a lot less expensive than purchasing ready made.

BUT…..I’ll look

ARE YOU KIDDING??? $450 for just the slipcovers. NO %#$*ing WAY!!!

So then I get to thinkin…………………………

I wonder if that EKTORP slipcover will fit on them?

PJ and I do a little measuring, get dressed, jump in the car and head back down to IKEA to pick up a couple slipcovers to see if they really will fit.

SHAZAM!!!

They fit almost (you wouldn’t notice) perfect! $29 each!

So now PJ is lovin these new chairs as well as I am because they are super comfy.

We need an ottoman!

So back to craigslist…………….

I find an EKTORP ottoman with a beige cover on it for $80. Owner say “ used in house for staging”

Ok, that means it should be in fairly good shape. So I email them. Yes, she has it but she won’t be available until tomorrow or the next day. No problem.

THEN…………………..

Donna calls

Not kidding……….right after I got off the phone with ottoman lady.

She wants to know if I can take her to IKEA in the truck to purchase a coffee table that wouldn’t fit in her car.
”of course!” “ I want to go down and get a new white slipcover for an ottoman I’m going to go buy on Craigslist so let's go!”

So we head down the road to IKEA.

We get Donna’s coffee table, we pick up my slip cover, I price the ottomans ($139) and think…….the craigslist one will be fine. I’ll just go get that and save myself about $40.

Donna and I are on our way to checkout and we decide to stop and look at the “AS IS” section just for fun. Well on our way there we see a pallet of EKTORP ottomans with no covers. Brand new $80.

Donna and I decide it would be better to just get one of these, not mess with the Craigslist one and be done with it.

PERFECT! Load it up!

Then when we get to the “AS IS” section. There in the back is another pallet of EKTORP ottomans, only these are marked down to $40!

"Get me someone that works here" I shout at the top of my lungs in the middle of IKEA.

Not really, but we did go chase someone down. Then we asked “so what’s the difference” The guy says “nothing actually." Some random company sent them ottomans and corporate said “no we don't want them, so half price them” So same as the $80 one, just from a different company.
SHOOT! I don’t care.

So we unload the $80 one and load up the $40 one.

We are standing in line to checkout and Donna says “Oh hey, I signed up for IKEA discounts to receive on my phone let me see what coupons I can get today” So she downloads her coupons, goes over to the coupon reader and ……..

DING DING! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

25% off all AS IS items!

IKEA was very good to me!

Donna and I were so excited that we immediately had to call everyone we knew and tell them.

It was the deal of the day

What do you think?

I’m lovin my new chairs and slipcovers

I’m having a hard time trying to decide how to arrange them. I do love the fact that I can sit and read, talk on the phone, use my lap top and look out the window.

I know your sitting there wondering……………………….”so how much did you get these little gems for?”

Well let’s just say………….I got both chairs, ottoman and slipcovers for almost half the price of ONE Pottery Barn slipcover.

So what’s been your best deal of the day? Let me know.

Happy Hunting!

2010-02-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

Have You Seen It?

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA!!!!!!!

The new Flea Market Style is out!

It’s fantastic!

Inside you will find a fabulous article with some of the most beautiful pictures of Barn House.

Yes, our Barn House right here in the Pacific Northwest.

I have a special place in my heart for the guys of Barn House. I had loved reading their blog, attending shows, and met them a couple times, but didn’t really know them, nor did they know me.

I was just one of their many fans.

But then one day at one of their shows , I got my nerve up and approached them with a crazy idea of bringing a bus load of ladies to their next show. They said “Yes, let’s do it! Here is what we can do…”

Not only did they “do it” but they went far beyond my expectations and Come Junk With Us was born!

They once again set the standard on a old idea and helped make it new and fresh.

Here is a little insider info on that photo shoot that is in the magazine………………….

I (along with a bus load of my friends) were there just hours after they had done the photo shoot for the house.

Yeah I know!

Very cool!

The magazine pictures are lovely, but they only show you a small little tidbit of how gorgeous and serene Barn House really is.

Joe and Jermonne took an old farm house and transformed it into a beautiful home. They not only have a talent for decorating with junk, but they also have a talent for inspiring people.

Congratulations Joe and Jermonne!

It’s a beautiful article.

Another friend has big news too!

I love it when people have worked so hard and get recognized for it.

It makes me giddy for them!

Deb and Bob Kennedy of Retreat have been featured in Porch Magazine. Now I haven’t got my hands on one of these yet to see all the funktabulous myself.

I’m sure it’s lovely!

Has Deb and Bob ever done anything that wasn’t funktabulous?

Go check out Retreat for yourself and get back to me.

They have also been very supportive of Come Junk With Us.

These two have given me business advice, talked me out of arson, and…….well they have been very good to me.

They welcomed me into the community of junkin and decorating and said “you run with it and we will be there to help!”

I’m so happy for them to be featured in PORCH.

Congratulations Deb and Bob!

Yes funktabulous is a word!

WSU Laura and I made it up and are trying it out.

Funktabulous; a little funky a lot fabulous!

We suspect it will be in the dictionary like HOT, PHAT, or EVOO soon and you will be able to say

“Hey I know those two fools!”

Have a wonderful day!

Come Junk with us has new blog buttons!

They are super cute and will look FUNKTABULOUS on your blog!