MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale 2012 Part 2

I really enjoyed working at the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale this past weekend! One of the highlights was meeting Deb from Mountain Breaths:

Here are a few photos of the Barn and Tents before the huge crowds were let in to shop:

Each evening the tents were restocked and looked like this before the shoppers arrived:

The "enamelware" barn was always packed:

And I truly think the Courtly Check was the most popular item of the sale!

I was able to get some photos from "behind the scenes" and will share them later. And I got a almost everything on my "wish list", too!

What's new at MacKenzie-Childs....

Today I got a sneak peek at the new Parchment Check Enamelware:

I will be back on Monday to tell all about the 2012 Barn Sale!

It is so much fun to work to work there!

Outdoor Rug with checked trim

While I am working at the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale this weekend, I will leave you with this quick outdoor rug.

I took an old beach mat and a roll of checked Duck Tape:

I cut the mat in half and simply taped off the cut end quickly before it unraveled. I then taped off the other 3 sides:

I placed the tape under the mat (about 1/3 of the width) and then folded it over to the front, laying it smoothly:

And now I have a mat for outdoors - and if it gets wet, who cares? Remember, it's a beach mat!

One of the mats is in front of the loveseat on the front porch and the other is in front of the wicker chairs at the other end of the porch:

Sharing with

Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Passion Parade Friday @ Petite Passions

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

How to dry fresh thyme...

Although I hate to garden, I do enjoy planting a small herb garden. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with how big the plants can grow, so I dry the herbs in the microwave.

This is how to dry thyme:

Holding the stem, slide you finger and thumb down from the top to "peel" the leaves off the stem:

Place the leaves on a paper plate:

Scatter the leaves so that they are spread out:

Microwave for a minute, toss them about, and microwave for 30 seconds more:

They are now ready to store in a jar or zip bag:

I collect small jars throughout the year to store my dried herbs. I always have some on hand for hostess gifts or to add to gift baskets.

Sharing with:

No Minimalist Here

MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale 2012

As you know, I retired from teaching at the end of June. I want to try some new jobs, some fun jobs, jobs that don't require me to have to work too hard or think too much!!

So, it begins...

Want to know a secret?

I am thrilled to tell you that I will be working the Barn Sale this year at Mackenzie-Childs! My husband, John, will also be working!

I have my list of what I hope to buy, but what I really look forward to is seeing what other people buy. It should be a fun time because everyone is so excited to be there. Even in the hot and humid weather, people are generally happy to find the treasures on their wish lists!

I have received many emails from blogger friends asking about strategies, where to stay overnight, what sites to take in and I am hoping to meet some of you there! One thing I know for sure is that the weather report is saying it will be 90' during the weekend!

I will be a "wrapper" behind the cash register and John will be a "runner".

Are you going this year? What's on your wish list?

If you go, I hope you stop to say hi! I'll have my camera with me!

To visit old posts about M-C : Barn Sale 2010 Barn Sale 2011 Farm House

Fireworks in Baldwinsville, NY

We saw the best fireworks in Baldwinsville, NY last week:

It was a hot night and perfect for sitting outside to see the show:

The concert before the fireworks was just as enjoyable.

Fireworks always brings back great memories from my childhood!

End Table Makeover

I bought an old wooden, sturdy end table at the thrift shop for only a few dollars. I used the "chalk paint" that I made a month ago - YES, it stays fresh in a plastic tub!

I painted the top with stripes and gave the knob a trim of gold:

I also waxed the table to protect it.

And I am hoping this sells quickly!

Sharing with:

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

What to do with Wine Corks!

A few years ago I decided to create a few things with my large box of wine corks.

I made a Cork Wall, a Cork Wreath, and a Bulletin Board

I am still saving our wine corks and just made this strip board:

It was quite simple to make. I took a long, thin strip of wood, corks, a ribbon and Elmer's Glue.

I lined up a variety of corks, each one is different:

The corks were each glued onto the strip of board.

As I was gluing, I thought you could use a ruler or yardstick as a base, too.

I was lucky that I still had a variety of corks :

Yes, we like wine!

I added a ribbon loop at the top and it was complete.

A very easy board to create to hold memos or photos.

Sharing this idea with:

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal

Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch