SOLD!...YOU BOUGHT IT!!

I've told many of you that our area is very fortunate to have sooooo many GREAT antique and junkin' places! From the WONDERFUL antique malls, thrift and consignment stores, hideaway (shure enuf!!) junk places my friend and me are able to enjoy them all on any given day!!

Great Auction Finds...

Super chest for storage! And someone walked away happy!

Ever seen a BLUE Coke Ice Box? Lots of interest here...

Most of you will not remember the old Dr. Pepper jingle...(but many of us do!!) DRink DR. PEPper, 10---2---4...

You never know what will come up for sale...

Tables of silverplate...many pieces still wrapped in bubble wrap from the estate sales...

Happy, happy, happy...my friend and me had a great time at the auction! And until the next time...

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!
Jan

(Photos taken at The Auction House, Maplesville, Al; approved kitchen serving variety of foods)

A Good Day for M R Ducks!!!

Rain, Rain, Go Away, Little "Johnny" (my friend and me NEED to go junkin'!!) Wants to Play!! Even out on the lake the only living things I see are the DUCKS (m r ducks? o s m r!) and they are having a hard time staying in the water!!

I love signs and sayings. I get a KICK out of the emotions that a few choice words can trigger. The old junky discarded ones are true finds! From the hilarious to the sentimental I enjoy all of them!

My favorite ones are those based on scripture. These little tiles are great used as coasters or just "cutesy" items to give as hostess gifts.

And the CROSSES...

So many of the newly engaged couples are registering for gifts that include items which include a message...

Old and new marrieds like these...

"SIgns, SIgns EVEryWHere a SIGN..." This one is perfect for when I worked and the stress built, in my mind I would "go the beach"...

Living on the lake we compile a vast assortment of "huggies"...

These need no explanation...(my #1 son says live in a climate where flops are the norm!)

This could very possibly be my motto...

Hope you've enjoyed my tour of signs! Next time you're out shopping look for those that give you a little giggle or better yet some inspiration!

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!
Jan


(Tell me about the found signs that speak to you! Love to hear your comments!)

"Laissez les bons temps rouler"...

My friend asks if I'm speaking a new language? No it is an expression used in Cajun French meaning "Let the Good Times Roll!" It's Mardi Gras or Carnival Season!!

The celebrations begin on or after Epiphany and culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday." (referring to the practice of the last night of EATING richer, fatty foods before the ritual of the Lenten season beginning on Ash Wednesday) And make no mistake, my friend and me ATE our fair share tonight!

Although we did not partake in the popular practices of wearing masks or costumes, dancing or parades this year we did enjoy the decorations that others had made.

I LOVE the colors associated with the season!!

Another history lesson if you will indulge me; Mobile, Alabama is recognized as having the oldest continual annual Mardi Gras celebration in America having begun in 1703! Mobile is a beautiful city and I will share with y'all in a later post!


Don't you just love this large antique cabinet? It has been painted in a gorgeous shade of silver. It has that "frenchy" look!!

And who wouldn't love snuggling in this bed after a night of celebration!!

In English "Fat Tuesday" is known as "Shrove Tuesday" associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins. Also in many religious groups one is asked to "give up or not consume" something for the 40 days. But this year I'm asking everyone "to show an act of kindness" each day until Easter Sunday. I think it will bring a smile to many!

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!
Jan

(Do you enjoy Mardi Gras? Send me a message!)

Color! Refreshing and Inspiring...

I've kept my friend very, very busy these last few days! We've been reclaiming and refurbishing furniture! Sooooo, I needed a rest and naturally my daydreams turned to summer, vacations, & warm weather! AND, COLOR, how to capture those dreams in my home...

COLOR, as refreshing as a cool breeze during the heat of summer! As the weather tempts us with warmer temperatures my thoughts turn to visuals of the ocean, the beach, the seaside! I love the neutrals of sand, shells and driftwood, with the varing shades of grays and blues that make up the ocean and sky! It has a calming effect! I can close my eyes and almost smell the salt of the sea, hear the pounding of the surf, feel the wind upon my face! (a nice dream in place of the harsh cold wind of March!)

This chest that my friend refurbished illustrates some of the color palette...

The grays and browns of weathered primitives...

Add a pop of color and your space has that refreshed look...

(These featured items may be found at Consigning Interiors & Antiques Mall, 2838 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Al 35124.)

NOW that I've had my little daydream I must return to MARCH WIND, the reality that summer breezes are still a few months away! However I CAN surround myself with all those special colors in my home! Now just to get my friend and me a gallon of paint...

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!
Jan

(If you have colors that evoke special memories & feelings leave a comment. I love hearing from you!)

MOVING IN...ON THE HUNT

What a whirlwind of a week, exhaustion has set in! We've moved into our three new locations but we are not "pretty", at least not yet! I've sold several items. That's a good thing!!

Don't you just love my little NUMBERED chest?

And this original bamboo table would make a great addition to a sunroom or enclosed porch. The possibilities are endless!

We invite you to shop ENCORE RESALES. The location is 2831 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Al 35124 Look for us in the new addition, #671, Cottage Chic & A Little Antique.

I'm asked,"What makes a successful store?" And my answer is always PLANNING, that's the key. It takes a lot to set up new stores. To decide what is best to display, how to display, is a constant challenge. I try to find the new, the unusual, the different to sell in my stores. So My Friend & Me are off again to hunt for those items! ROAD TRIP!!

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!
Jan

(Leave a note! I love to hear your comments!)

Favorite Auction House...

Even though the weather looked a little "IFFY" (that's southern slang for beware "StORmy WeaTHER...!") my friend and me decided to spend the evening at one of the area's auction houses. My friend says it is the best FREE entertainment, IF you don't raise your hand! Just to sit back and listen to the auctioneer sing his song; "whatdayagive,hundred,twenty-five,five,five, NOW fifty,fifty"...see the intense rivalry between TWO bidders aiming to get the prize with a raised hand, or nod of the head, or tweek of the nose...Ahhh, the entertainment is differently there!

As expected the house was packed with treasures!

And PEOPLE...looking in boxes, under tables, behind doors...testing the wares!

Collectibles...

At the auction surprises are always in store for the alert bidder...

Happily, my friend and me left the auction with several GREAT FINDS! But that will have to wait until another post!

Have a Blessed Day! And see you down the junkin' road!
Jan

(If you have an auction house experience please leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!)

Pardon me...I have no excuse...

I have been delinquent in posting on my blog! But I will try to do a better job! My Friend & Me have opened three, yes I said 3, stores (booths) in local dealers' malls! I am so excited!! The first is CONSIGNING INTERIORS AND ANTIQUES MALL located in Pelham, Al. This is one member of the family consisting of Hoover Antiques and Urban Suburban. You may find us in the RED ROOM. The second one is just across the street in ENCORE RESALES. This eclectic store is so much fun to shop! Look for BOOTH #671 in the new addition by the name of COTTAGE CHIC & A LITTLE ANTIQUE! And third is in CHELSEA ANTIQUES AND DECORATORS MALL located on Hwy 280 in Chelsea, Al. Find us in the back room again booth #671 COTTAGE CHIC & A LITTLE ANTIQUE! We are so happy and know you will enjoy spending time exploring these 3 malls!

Have a Blessed Day! And see ya down the junkin' road!!
Jan