ANOTHER FABULOUS FRIDAY (I HOPE)

You haven't heard much from me this week.  I haven't done much shopping this week and when I have, I haven't had much luck.  I must of used it all up with my buys last weekend!  Well, I hope that luck comes back for tomorrow.  I'm headed with my antiquing friend back up to the O'Fallon, Illinois area to shop the shops there and then head over to Mascoutah to check out Popsy's Trading Post for the first time.  We went to The Painted Horse a couple weeks ago, but it was just before they opened their carriage house for the spring, so we're headed back to check it out!  I'm hoping we find a yard sale or two along the way too!  Oooh, or maybe a rummage sale!  I've got to get on craigslist and do some checking.  I also have an app for my phone, Garage Sale Rover, you should check out.  The Belleville News Democrat also has an app for garage sales.  I'm like a girl scout, prepared!

Front Window of The Painted Horse a couple weeks ago

I did make it to ZUMBA three times this week!  And that's two weeks in a row that I've made it to three classes, but who's keeping track (I am actually).  I LOVE getting my dance on!  I spent a lot of time in dance spots in my early 20's, maybe some of you from the area remember Mr. A's and The Elevator in Belleville.  Anyway, what fun getting my exercise and reliving my disco days, both at the same time!  And actually, I think my zumba deal is quite the bargain!  I go to Curves for Zumba class, but I am not a member.  They have this great deal where non-members can purchase a punch card for $20 and take 6 classes with it.  I like this pay-as-you-go option.  My life is anything but routine where I know I can go to a class at a specific time week after week or that I will even make it to class every week.  And I hate when I'm paying for something that I'm not using.  Ugh, the guilt.  So I think its a great buy that I only pay when I go, and if I don't go, I don't pay.


For instance, I usually go on Monday and Friday mornings at 9 a.m. (and on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m.) but I can't go tomorrow morning (hellooo, I'm shopping!) so I went at noon today instead.  So, off shopping I go tomorrow with no guilt, I got my 3 days in baby!  Classes are held at a variety of times with a variety of instructors.  I was worried about catching on to the songs and dance moves and yet, also afraid of getting bored by the repetition of songs and steps.  But they do a great job of repeating enough of the steps and songs as for it not to be hard to learn but they mix it up and change the tunes often enough that you don't become bored either.  Hey, I've found out that "I'm Sexy and I Know It" (the song, not me, really)  It's been a LONG time since I've done any exercise on this regular of a basis.  Get this, I actually look forward to it!  Ok, not quite as much as I look forward to shopping but its a close second!

TRASH OR TREASURE

It's time for your weekly: is it "TRASH OR TREASURE"???  Here for your consideration is an old (vintage?  antique?) Cyclone Trademark Seed Sower, made in Urbana, Indiana.  So, what could you do with one of these?  Well, if its trash I guess throw it away, but, if its treasure, well then there are some possibilities.  What would you do with it?

Back side and bottom of seed sower

Close up look at logo on front of seed sower bag

VISIT TO THE DISTILLERY (BUILDING)

LOVE the antler floor lamp!

I ditched the housework Tuesday and hit the town for a little shopping at two of my favorite local shops.  The weather was exceptional so I had to make it an exceptional day!  The Distillery Building on Main Street in Columbia houses two exceptional shops - Elements Off Main and Agnes Ross.  Owner, Erika Gregory Baum, keeps the store merchandised so fresh and fun to shop.  She has an excellent mix of consigned furniture and home decor along with jewelry bought at market and crafted by local artisans, a line of candles, handbags, women's and children's clothing, other local artists' work and more.   Check out the photos of a few of the finds at Elements.

60% select jewelry pieces!

Beautiful dining room set and tabletop items.

Think Spring!  with these tabletop items.

A pair of fun, funky and fabulous lamps!

I guess I had lamps on the mind because I found an antler lamp that I would have loved to have and I thought the two white globe lamps were just so fun and funky, I only wish I had a home for them too!  Maybe one of you can give them a good home!  Visit Element's website or find them on facebook for more information.

Agnes Ross is down a couple doors in the same building.  What a beautiful store, they just recently went through a remodel.  Lauren Nobbe, the owner, has exquisite taste and carries many lines of fine items from gourmet food to wine, Caldrea, K. Hall Designs and more.  Check out the photos from my visit there.

75% off items at Agnes Ross

Yummy gourmet food items.

The interior of the shop

K. Hall Designs and more

Oooohhhhhh, WINE!

I picked up a couple of bottles of wine on my visit (and enjoyed one of them last night) and an arts and crafts period reproduction copper light switch plate (whew, that's a long description!) that was 75% off!  Visit Agnes Ross' website or you can also find them on facebook.  I suggest "liking" both stores on facebook so you can follow their new arrivals, sales and promotions.

CABIN FEVER!

Where our weekend begins!

That title could be called a double entendre.  Even though the winter has been mild I am still experiencing a little cabin fever.  I'm ready to head back outside! Sip a beverage on the deck or porch, take a walk (and not be cold), plant my herbs, spring things! I also have the "fever" to spend more time at our cabin, just south of Carbondale, IL.

We love our time there, its a real getaway, a million miles from Monday, like Illinois says. So, in recognition of my cabin "fever" I'm going to share some photos of the cabin and some of my finds I've furnished it with (and where I unearthed them and what I paid for them if I can remember) over the next few postings. I hope you will find your own inspiration from my sharing - whether that's decorating ideas, dream following (that's what the cabin was for us) or the initiative to start your own bargain-hunting adventures! Enjoy your blessings!

Sunset on the lake

BIG BARN BONANZA BARGAINS

Rain or shine we'll be selling our bonanza of bargains from the barn at 2442 Otten Road in rural Millstadt. And we'll even have the heat on in the barn if we need to, so you can shop in comfort! Join us for this FABULOUS sale! For more details and photos see my prior post or check Facebook for the event "Big Barn Bonanza"! We think we've got some special treasures for you so join the hunt!

BIG BARN BONANZA Photos

You asked and here they are - photos of the BIG BARN BONANZA BOOTY! For details on the sale like times and address please check the prior post for details. There'll be at least one more posting of photos to follow! I hope you can make it out to the sale! If you have any questions about the sale please either post your comment here or email me at debbieahrenssells@yahoo.com.

Photos as promised/Big Barn Bonanza!

Here are some photos of the items that we are selling at our Big Barn Bonanza this weekend! Individual items are subject to prior sale (or a change of heart on actually selling them!)but come check out the sale, we are adding more items daily up to the day of the sale - which is Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I just can't get up that early two days in a row! You'll find the sale at 2442 Otten Road in rural Millstadt, IL. Follow signs from Rt. 163 and Imbs Station Road. Cash Only.

BELLEVILLE FARMER'S MARKET

If you head to downtown Belleville this Saturday morning for their Sidewalk Sale, be sure to check out their Old Town Market while you're there.  The market is located at 1st and West Main and offers free parking.  The hours are 7:30 a.m.. till noon.  This week you'll find tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, plums, blackberries, other summer vegetables, fresh baked goods, honey and fine artisan crafts.

DETAILS ON PAINTED HORSE SALE

I told you yesterday about a sale at The Painted Horse in Freeburg (scroll down to find it or click on the title of the original article to find it).  Anyway, I've found out some more details on it.  The sale's hours are Thurs. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  It's their Dog Days of Summer Sale, their biggest Sale of the Year!  Outside, on the parking lot, is their 8th Annual (Cash & Check Only) Huge Parking Lot Sale with items starting at 25 cents.  For more info call the store at 539-0146.

ULTA OPEN IN FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

The new Ulta Beauty store is now open in Fairview Heights, next to The Bed Bath & Beyond on Route 159.  Their grand opening sale is going on through Saturday, August 1st.  Their sales flyer, which has been in the Belleville News Democrat, has a coupon for $3.50 off a $10 or more purchase.  In make up they are carrying such brands as Cargo, Smashbox, Benefit, Lorac, Urban Decay, bareMinerals, L'Oreal, Cover Girl and Revlon.  You'll also find Ulta's own store brand.  In hair products they carry such brands as Graham Webb, bigsexyhair, Paul Mitchell, Catwalk, Joico, Nioxin, Redken and more.  You'll also find facial products, hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, razors and more.  Salon services are also available.  Visit their website at www.ulta.com for all the details.  

INSPIRATIONAL GREETING CARDS BY DEBBIE LARGENT

Debbie Largent of Waterloo shared with me her new endeavor.  In addition to being a floral designer at Memory Lane Gifts and Floral on Main Street in Columbia, she is now also one of their resident artists.  She is producing "inspirational " cards that combine her photography with inspirational verses.  At the present, her collection includes 20 different photographs.  Some of her photographs are from her travels while others are from right in her own backyard.  She carries her digital camera with her at all times just in case she needs to pull off the road and take a picture. She thanks Gary Edwards of Dupo for all his help in providing her with the spiritual verses. Debbie said that the photographs are nice by themselves and the spiritual verses are also nice, but it took both the photograph and the verse together to make the card "complete".  Debbie is very excited that her cards are ready to sell and also equally excited that her name is on the back of the cards.   Currently the cards can be purchased at Memory Lane and Drew's Landscaping in Evansville.

Debbie will also be participating in the Art on the Bluffs Art Walk in Columbia on Saturday, October 3^rd.  The Art on the Bluffs Committee is in their final push to round out the slate of participating artists.  If you are interested in displaying and selling your art in the fair please get your application in as soon as possible.  Applications are available at City Hall and by emailing artonthebluffs@hotmail.com.  The committee is also looking for sponsors for the event.  If you would like more information on the various sponsorship opportunities please contact Carol Fetcho by emailing her at dfetcho584@aol.com.

BIG SALE THE PAINTED HORSE

OK, I haven't been there yet, but I've always heard good things and I'm hoping to check it out myself this weekend.  It's the Painted Horse in Freeburg, IL.  They are located at 810 South State Street in Freeburg and according to a friend they are having a huge SALE event this weekend.  The sale runs Thursday through Sunday and I believe they have extended hours during this event.  Call the store at 539-0146 before you head out.  I believe they are going to be discounting everything in the store from 10 to 75%.  And there is also going to be an extensive parking lot sale going on at the same time.  It sounds like a cross between a yard sale and a flea market, I'm not sure, but it sounds well worth checking out!