Do you smell that?

I rarely visit Pinterest. I waste enough time online and figure I shouldn't add yet another site to my already lengthy list of internet obsessions. I know I am missing out on some great ideas, but I'm fearful of getting sucked in to the addiction. I recently saw one Pinterest homemade recipe that seemed simple enough for even me to replicate. The ingredient list was only 5 items long, one of which was water, and I had a few of the necessary ingredients already.

I busted out my shiny new pot this weekend. The pot isn't exactly new, but it hasn't been used since I got it nearly three years ago. I took all our Bed, Bath, & Beyond gift cards and somehow scored a sweet set of stainless pots and pans for less than it probably cost to produce them. And then I got a rebate in the mail. I love that place. Andrew said one of my talents in life is maximizing BB &B coupons; I take this as a highly prized compliment.  

So I have this great set of pots and pans, but I never use them. There are two reasons for this: 1) I'm no chef, and 2) when I do fix things (I don't call boiling pasta "cooking"), I use the cruddy old pots and pans I took with me to my first apartment from my mom's kitchen (thanks Mom!). The few times I used my nice cookware, I scorched the pan and left an unsightly stain around the rim of the pan. I even got some tips from a professional cookware associate at the retail outlet, but alas, the stains continue and my guilt for not knowing how to prevent them grows. I gave up trying and just use the old crappy pans and feel slightly better about my 'fixing' skills.  

Anyway, back to Pinterest. My teacher friend Michelle, also known as Mrs. Harveylicious when she busts out her science raps, is a pretty crafty gal and posted a pic on Facebook of all this potpourri she made...and she stored it in the best containers ever, blue Ball jars. I am pretty obsessed with them [the jars]. Here is the picture of her final products:

The recipe came from Pinterest, so I looked it up and figured I could attempt to make my own potpourri too. It was super simple. 

All you need is vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, lemon, and water.

I gotta give credit to the author of the recipe I found, so check out Mother Thyme's post for the details on how to make your own fresh smelling kitchen. It just a few minutes, you too can be saying, "Do you smell that?" to your family.

After simmering for a few minutes, I asked Andrew, "Do you smell that?" Just as the words left my lips, I cringed, fearing what his response would be, but he replied, "A candle?" Whew. Yes, babe, close, but way better. 

I didn't enjoy the scent for too long as we were headed out for dinner (I don't cook, remember?), but Mother Thyme says this concoction can last several days. Just simmer when home for that fresh spa scent!

Thanks to Pinterest, I finally put this pan to use. 

Have a chic week,

~Sarah

Spring Fever at Barn Chic

It is barely the middle of winter, but I know that I am not alone in wishing this beautiful spring-like weather that Texas is experiencing sticks around for a long while...like, until next fall. I'm certain that those of you who endured the deep freeze last week are ready to get past winter, and I saw that even my hometown in IL will be almost 60 one day next week (followed by 20 the next day), so a taste of spring may be coming your way soon too.  

I know Valentine's Day is a great opportunity for thematic decor, but I rid the booth of all red after the holidays and moved start on to light, fresh springtime colors (I need to do some spring cleaning on the blog look too!). My absolute favorite recent find is a shabby paper umbrella that has a pretty green, yellow, and blue pattern. I found this gem at the City Wide Garage Sale last weekend, along with the huge blue-green suitcase sitting below it.   

 

 

I love the vintage 'TV tray' that sits above the typewriter; the colors in the floral design are stunning. I doubt that the tray was actually intended for TV dinners, but I don't know what another use would have been?

 

Sold lots of ball jars yesterday, so restocked those today.  

 

The booth is full, but hopefully not overly stuffed. I have been selling lots and lots of smaller items, but I haven't sold furniture for months...hoping that trend changes so I can change up the look of the booth and have room for some new purchases! Less than two months to Warrenton and I am already looking forward to it! 

Have a chic week,

~Sarah

Junkology in New Braunfels

-ology: the study of. I probably did not remember this from my days as a student, but teaching middle school sure has hammered in my mind the definition of this scientific suffix. I have been studying the science art of junkology for a few years now. My favorite part about this subject is that there are no tests or homework, and I love that the learning is based on experiences out in the field - often literally! 

No student in the study of junk should be without a trip to the incredible Junkology store in New Braunfels (this cute German town is famous for the original Schlitterbahn water park and is in between San Antonio and Austin). Shawn and Kat have created an amazing storefront in an adorable house just a few blocks away from the convention center. I am impressed with my memory, as I bought something from this dynamic duo at the Country Living Show last year, and I remembered them saying they were opening a store in New Braunfels. Thanks to Google, I found my way to this sweet space. 

 

 

 

I loved the bright artwork on the walls and enjoyed hearing the story of how Junkology got this collection from the estate sale of a psychiatrist. The doctor had an artist as a patient who paid him with gorgeous paintings! Unsure of ethical guidelines on that practice today, but regardless, I love the story behind the art as well as the art itself.

 

 

Shawn and Kat's collection is extensive. Old games, metal pieces, signs, architectural salvage, garden decor, instruments, itty bitty collectibles, brand antiques, furniture, functional yard art, clothing, accessories, books, bicycles, and even pieces of airplanes.

 Pictured above on the ends of the refinished glider (their speciality!) are parts of a jet. Who would have thought to turn them into accent pieces for the home? Junkologists, that's who.

 

 

 

 

Where to begin with what I love in this pic!

 

 

This place was sensory overload. My eyes took in so much candy that my mind experienced a visual sugar coma...I walked around in awe for a good chunk of the time I was there. This is the kind of place where I walk away feeling so very inadequate and uncreative, but talking to Kat was inspiring and gave me perspective. Her professional career has focused on design; she previously worked in merchandising for one of the most reputable and trendy clothing companies in America, so she brings much formal retail experience and expertise to her store. It shows. 

Sure, I started working for Limited, Inc. when I was 16, but chunking panties and folding t-shirts didn't give me much design experience. Teaching middle schoolers doesn't give me much of an opportunity to hone design skills either (though I do have to give some fashion advice, like "Hey, those pants you have on are actually leggings...and should be worn with a shirt that covers the top third of them." Ahem.) I realized I am still an amateur with zero professional training in the subject of Junkology. There is much to learn, and I am thankful to know so many awesome junkologists who bring natural talent and years of experiences to their creative vignettes. I also appreciate all my readers who encourage me along the way of this fun independent study. I think my schooling should include a buying trip to Europe next summer - it's cheaper than tuition! 

Thanks to Kat for a great tour of the store and for sharing the story of your journey with me. 

Have a chic week,

~Sarah

Looking for junk at the New Braunfels Antique Show

Last weekend I visited the New Braunfels Antique Show. I walked in to find a sea of tables covered in fine china, pottery, glass, and collectibles.

I quickly discovered that this show featured 'fine' antiques. The value of breakables on one table is worth more than all the chippy inventory in my garage. I am looking for bargains with single digit price tags, but the refinished furniture from a century or more ago (though beautiful) was a bit over my budget. 

I almost gave up exploring when I spotted this guy on the wall of one booth:

I adore him!

I got to talking with the owners of Cheeky Mare and learned that this couple leads buying trips to Europe throughout the year. Their all-inclusive tours of the hottest fleas and markets in England and France even include packing and shipping of all purchases back to the U.S.! Sounds great, I said, but aren't the goods even more pricey across the pond? They said that due to Europe's declining economy, amazing finds are beyond affordable. They sold me; I am definitely interested in taking one of their trips in the future! 

Loved these artists' palettes. 

I was also really impressed with these flattened spoons with jewel embellishments. Seems like it might be less frustrating to make these then stamping words. Perhaps there is a new project in my future...

I rounded the corner of the last aisle and spotted some junkin' friends - Betsy and Elaine of Sisters' Treasures. It was great to catch up with them and their space looked awesome: full of vintage garden junk, just what I love!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This atlas could help me plan my buying trip to Europe!

Though I left empty-handed, I found great conversation and perhaps a future vacation. I would call that a good show! 

Have a chic week,

~Sarah

Unappreciated

I heard that today is Houseplant Appreciation Day. 

My poinsettia does not feel appreciated. 

Maybe it will perk up once it realizes tomorrow is Friday.

Have a chic week,

~Sarah