KANE COUNTY REPORT

What a funny show! The usual traffic pattern was tossed out by the inside dealers long about lunch time Saturday. We didn't sell much in the way of furniture until afternoon Sunday, and next to none of our regular wholesale crowd was in evidence. That being said, we actually ended the day slightly over our sales goal, but it was anything but business as usual! Smalls carried the day; garden and industrial are still going strong. As always, many thanks to all who came out to shop -- the Robinsons reported a record crowd for Saturday. Yeah! The show looked great, too. Some really creative displays and ideas in evidence. A special thank you to our new friend from Texas -- she came to the show after reading about it right here. Thanks for introducing yourself! Hope you had a great time. xo



 BOOK END  

I am still trying to figure out Bloggers new platform! Sorry if this layout looks goofy! That aside, be sure to check out "The Perfectly Imperfect Home," by Deborah Needleman, former editor of the beloved DOMINO magazine. Needleman is a wonderful writer, smart, but witty and warm . The book is perfectly charming, full of great advise -- like chatting with a helpful big sister with a great eye -- and the illustrations are charming. 

GRAYSLAKE IS UP NEXT

We are super excited for this coming weekend and our trip to Grayslake for two special reasons -- it will be Mother's Day, and that weekend is always dynamite. Plus, the focus will be GARDEN -- all the dealers will be pulling out the stops to make sure it is fabulous. We started work today and have lots of big plans! Be sure your weekend includes coming to see us! As always, print the red HALF-OFF coupon and bring it along. It is good for 50-percent off regular admission. See you at the show. xo

Come See Us This Weekend at Kane!

Come see us this weekend at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, Illinois! One of the oldest and largest markets in the Midwest, Kane never disappoints. As always, we are in the Main Building -- our double space will be PACKED with great stuff. We have some lovely furniture, including a beautiful sofa table and two buffets, plus lots of great stuff for the garden, some new industrial and lighting, as well as tons of smalls and projects. I am promising to TRY and get some new pics up on Facebook today -- just click the link on our sidebar to see. And if you need more information about the show, such as hours or directions, there is also a link there to visit the promoter's website. See you there! xo

Rin-Tin-Tin: Allegan Report

We've been snapping up these great vintage tins whenever we find them. Usually made in England, it's fun to imagine what they originally held -- biscuits? cake? tea? candy? But think of all the repurposing possibilities -- gift container; storage for office supplies; catch all for jewelry or craft supplies. And too cute for words! What could be better?

The ones pictured here were part of a group we had over the weekend for the season opener of the Allegan (MI) Antique Market. What a great show! Our set-up had to be postponed on Saturday due to rain, but thanks to the help of our excellent pal, Lynda Boyd, (and getting up at 3 am!) we were ready when the gate opened Sunday morning. The crowd was waiting, and the weather improved all day long. By afternoon, we had shed our mittens and boots -- the sun was shining and things were hoppin'. It's always so much fun to see our Allegan customers and dealer pals, whom we miss over the winter season. We're already making notes for next month.

Yesterday, we started work on next weekend's show, Kane County (IL). New pictures coming to Facebook! See you then. xo

'Tis the Season: Welcome to Allegan

I love an antique show, whether it is inside or out. But there is just something about an outdoor show that seems extra special, especially if the weatherman cooperates. I am not sure what it is -- the flock of canopies, treasures strewn everywhere, a little sun and a nice breeze...maybe just that the thrill of the hunt seems MORE like a hunt when it takes place outdoors.

And in our book, there is no better hunting ground than the Allegan (MI) Antique Market. Actually, you get the best of both worlds, as there are 200 dealers inside and 200 out. Plus the fairgrounds has that wonderful, old-fashioned feel, with lots of trees and quirky little nooks. Not to mention some of the best deals around.

Do plan to join us this Sunday for the season opener! Details are just a click away on the show sidebar. Come early and plan to spend the whole day. Happy Hunting!! xo

Looks We Love: Folding Tables; Plus Burlington Report and BookEnd

Here at rhubarb reign, we have yet to meet a folding table we don't love! From wooden sawhorses:

converted ironing boards:

and vintage drafting tables:
to metal sawhorses:
our customers seem to agree. What these tables all have in common is a clean, modern look with a great vintage vibe. The folding feature is an added bonus: while they can have a permanent place in your decor, they are easily stored and brought out for use at a moment's notice when an extra surface is needed for projects or entertaining. What could be better!

The tables pictured here all played a starting role in our set-up at the Burlington (KY) Antique Market over the weekend, our first show of the outdoor season. It was fabulous! Gorgeous weather and a front-page news story really brought out the crowds. We were a little nervous Saturday as heavy rains complicated set-up, but the weatherman was true to his word, and skies cleared overnight. Sales were good in all categories, but especially garden, as you might expect! Many thanks to all who came out to join us. In two weeks, we'll be headed for Allegan (MI), hoping the weather forecast stays in our favor. Make plans now to join us there -- their season opener always rocks!

BOOKEND

My folks gave us the Downton Abbey ultimate fun-pak for Easter -- two videos, guidebook and soundtrack! My whole family is hooked. If you haven't seen it, the PBS series follows the daily life of the British aristocrats, the Crawleys, and their staff, just as the first World War breaks out. This time period is one of my favorites -- so much cultural and technological change, just like our own time. Plus the set and the costumes are awesome. Check it out if you aren't already hooked. xo

P.S. Wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to Chicago customer Bill Rawski whose company, ZAP Props, was featured last night on American Pickers! And to encourage everyone to vote for our pal Chef Mark Trombley before the week is out. Type in youtube.com/user/sodexocsr, then scroll through to find Chef Mark Trombley and click Hospitals 2. Many of you know Mark McKee, our frequent show neighbor and dealer of all things awesome -- Mark, alias "Sherman" is his partner! Let's send them both to New York!

Season Opener: Burlington Antique Market

Join us this Sunday, April 15, for the start of our OUTDOOR SEASON and the SEASON OPENER of the Burlington (KY) Antique Market. We are too excited about both things! The tent is out of storage, and the trailer is packed with treasure. If you don't know the show, it is located at a picturesque old fairgrounds in horse country, but just minutes from Cincinnati. Last year, the show was host to "American Pickers," and this year we've learned it will host a new show, "Market Wars." If you do know the show, you know it is full of some of the best bargains around -- it is truly one of the best places we get to shop all year. And tomorrow, it is supposed to be 80 degrees with only a 10 percent chance of showers -- sounds good to me! Need more details? Just click the Burlington link on our show sidebar. See you there! xo

Grayslake Report, Bookend, and Looking Ahead

GRAYSLAKE REPORT

People often ask us if we are bummed about working every weekend, especially when it's a holiday. Truth be told, I guess, like lots of other folks with non-traditional schedules, you just get used to it. Sure, we'd love to be home, but we also really enjoy spending time with our "other family" -- our great customers and dealer pals. It is just one of the trade-offs in doing what you love. Grayslake was packed on Saturday and steady Sunday. A thousand thanks to all who came out to see us! Smalls ruled the weekend; didn't sell much furniture this time. And today we started work on our first outdoor show of the year, the Burlington (KY) Antique Show. If you've never been, Burlington is an awesome place to buy! Come and see us this Sunday. Click the show sidebar for details.

BOOKEND

Run, don't walk! Buy "I Like You" by Amy Sedaris today. A spoof on entertaining books, it is totally hilarious. Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. xo