Junker's Willpower

I have to say, I have improved my willpower over the years. I automatically ask myself the mandatory six questions before moving ahead on a junk purchase. Do I need it? Do I have room to keep it? Do I have time to refurbish it? Can I afford it? Will I ever find another one? And most important...Will I regret not buying it?

Big Red Game Wheel. Thirty-six inch diameter, four feet tall on a base, double working wheels that make the coolest clicking sound when spinning, pristine condition. You may know, I am a sucker for game wheels and this is definitely the 'Granddaddy of Wheels'! My heart literally skipped a beat when I eyed it in the corner of an antique warehouse on a junking trip to Nebraska a few weeks ago!



Willpower out the window! It will be at Junk Bonanza. I feel a little sick to my stomach just thinking about putting a price tag on it. Do I need it? Do I have room.... I know I am not the only junker that struggles with willpower issues!
Cheers,
Ki

Where Women Create

I am honored to be featured in the most recent issue of Where Women Create, with fellow midwestern girl Amy Butler on the cover. You can check out my profile along with those of other creative women! Many of us in this issue will participate in the Thursday evening autograph party at The Creative Connections event.



I have a busy weekend ahead. We are bringing a glimpse of Junk Bonanza to Oronoco Gold Rush Days, a giant (over 1200 spaces) antiques and flea market in southern Minnesota. Actually we will have a Junk Bonanza booth Friday and Saturday at the event with selected vendor merchandise, copies of Flea Market Style magazine for sale and promotion for the Junk Bonanza. Stop by and say hello, I will be there signing copies of the magazine on Friday!

Can it possibly be mid-August already? The Junk Bonanza is right around the corner. Have you gotten your Early Bird tickets yet?

Cheers!
Ki

Random Thoughts.

I was recently at the Atlanta Gift Market and spent much of my time in crowded elevators traveling from floor to floor. The market was busy and the elevators were working overtime. Folks squeezed a bit closer each time the doors opened to make room for yet another passenger. We all joked and greeted each other while looking at the back of heads.

Did my hair look as bad as most of my elevator colleagues? I was horrified. I realized the only time I look at the back of my head is when my stylist, Bea, spins me around in the chair and hands me a mirror. That would be about 4 times a year...yikes!

Upon returning from Market, I ran to my friend Jane's shop and purchased a $4. vintage hand mirror. If I am in a hurry in the morning, I don't bother to look, as I would spend the day knowing my severe cowlick needed some work. What was the saying? What you don't know, won't hurt you?

I guess that is why I like flea markets...there are no elevators and nobody really cares what you look like. Have you checked out the back of your head lately?

Amy over at Junkologie blog is having a super giveaway. You could win tickets to the Junk Bonanza or a signed copy of Flea Market Style Magazine 2010. Hop on over and let her know I sent ya!
Cheers,
Ki
PS Yep, that is vintage peach and black tile in my bathroom. It is kinda a love hate thing with me.

I'd love to meet YOU in Minnesota!

Hope you are planning to attend 2010 Junk Bonanza on September 16, 17 and 18 in Shakopee, Minnesota. Along with the the incredible Bonanza team, I have been working hard to put together a spectacular sale showcasing the most talented vintage, antique & junk vendors in the Midwest! I heard airline fares to Minneapolis have been discounted in some parts of the country so if you were thinking of traveling, you might want to look into soon! You can also check out the “accommodations” link on the Junk Bonanza website for lodging options. Early Bird tickets are for sale on the website as well!

In addition to shopping for great junk, there are more opportunities for fun that just happen to coincide with the Junk Bonanza dates. I have provided links so you can learn more:

· The Bachman’s Fall Ideas House in Minneapolis will be open to the public during the Bonanza. The Bachman's Ideas house will take on a modern country look for Fall, a surprising mix of vintage and new for a harvest celebration! A side trip you won't want to miss. Get your tickets online as favorite times sell out.

· The Creative Connection Event will bring artisans and crafters together for classes, panel discussions and interaction during a 3-day event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Special guest Ree Drummond, the “Pioneer Woman” blogger has recently been added as a speaker and will be available to sign copies of her book, The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Visit The Creative Connection website for all the important info.

· The Handmade Market at The Creative Connection event will be open to the public for boutique style shopping. Bus transportation will be available between the Junk Bonanza and The Creative Connection event. (Bus tickets will be sold by Creative Connection)

Who knew that Minnesota was the place to be in September? There will be an abundance of inspiration and creativity - what fun! I hope you will join me!
Cheers!
Ki