BOOKEND

Just in time for a chilly inaugural weekend, our pal Patty Suttle shared Maira Kalman's latest book with me -- "And the Pursuit of Happiness," all about the founding fathers! It is AWESOME and not to be missed! Go get it right now!! Before I have to use any more !!!! xo

P.S. For Christina -- sorry that I just now saw this, but yes, whenever we mention coupons, we mean the half-off general admission coupon, which is good for any Zurko Promotions show.

Best Bets for 2013, Grayslake Report, Wheaton Update

TOP TEN:  For most of 2012, the trusty owl was one of our top sellers, in all shapes and forms. Now, turning the calendar to 2013, it's any body's guess what will be number one. Whatever the case may be, I always love to read the lists different publications come up with, giving their answers to what's gonna be a winner in any given year. My pal Lynda just sent this clipping from her Chicago-area paper. There nominees are: Indian Clubs (ok, we can see that), Redware (maybe a little too traditional for our folks), Beaded Purses (ditto), Thread and Yarn Spools (ditto squared), Baby Shoes (possibly), Tramp Art Frames (love), Steiff Bears (cute but pricey), Crock Lids (what?), Mortars and Pestles (follows with Cabinet of Curiosities trend), Bird Figures (safe bet for spring almost every year). Hmmm...any thoughts? What do you see climbing to number 1? We should take bets or come up with our own list!

GRAYSLAKE REPORT:  There were lines of people waiting to get in until well after noon on Saturday -- lots of new faces. We felt the buying was a little light, however, given the size of the crowd. Kind of like last month. However, Sunday turned out to be a pleasant surprise -- we were steady all day, despite the weather taking a turn for the worse, at least compared to Saturday. All said and done, we had a good show. Probably about even between furniture and smalls. Many thanks to all who came out to support the show!

WHEATON UPDATE: Due to a schedule conflict, we will not be at Wheaton this month, but your admission coupons are still good. We should be back to normal in February. xo

GRAYSLAKE IS THIS WEEKEND

OK, I promise to make it a New Year's priority to post something other than the red coupon! But it seems like time is just passing me by and I don't want you to miss out. So, remember that Grayslake is this weekend. We have been doing LOTS of shopping, so come see us. And for goodness sake, use the coupon! It is good for half-off general admission. Need more details? Just click the link in our calendar sidebar. See you this weekend! xo

Happy New Year! Join Us for the DuPage Expo Show

Get your New Year off to the right VINTAGE start! Join us for the DuPage Expo Show January 5 and 6. We will have all your favorites -- furniture, artsy smalls, graphics, handmades and more. Show hours are 11 to 5 Saturday and 9 to 3 Sunday. The Expo Center is located on North Avenue in St. Charles, Ill., just across the street from Pheasant Run. Print this page for HALF OFF general admission, too! See you there. xo
P.S. If you need more show information, just click the link in our calendar sidebar to visit the promoter's site.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I love the lights at Christmas time. I think there is a basic truth revealed in them -- there is something fundamentally comforting about a light shining in the darkness. Jesus came to bring that light, whether to the vast darkness in Newtown, Conn., or that which crouches inside every heart. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2. For your share of the celestial light show, all you have to do is believe: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 This Christmas, let your light shine! Believe. Have a wonderful holiday. xo -- Sandy and Joe

Wheaton This Saturday

Join us this Saturday for our last show of the season -- the Wheaton Antique Market -- from 8 to 3 at the DuPage County (IL) Fairgrounds. We will have new furniture, great smalls and all the holiday you need for decorating and gift giving! Print the red coupon on this page for HALF-OFF general admission (or show it on your smart phone at the door). Need additional details? Just click the link in our calendar sidebar to visit the promoter's site. See you at Wheaton on Saturday. xo

Kane Report: Marvelous Megillicutti; Grayslake Coupon

Kane Report: As the calendar slowly but surely turns into December, I find myself with a vague sense of dread growing. Most of this is due to the weather -- the possibility of snow and ice just add another layer of uncertainty to the stratification that always exists in this business. Plus, a number of our show neighbors take the month of December off for various (lame!) reasons, like family commitments. Blah-blah. OK! Just kidding. But we do miss our regular pals for real. While the weather turned out to be reasonably lovely for early December on Kane weekend, we knew we were missing several of our favorite show neighbors. BUT! We couldn't have been happier to have Melissa Parks of Megillicutti fill one of the empty spaces. From the fabulous merch to the fair prices, not to mention the amazingly creative displays, Megillicutti was a big hit. We found ourselves begging Melissa to come back on a regular basis. Plus she, and her helpers*, husband Jerry and son, Davis, were super nice to boot!

Another regular space was ably filled by Judy of the Iowa Junk Gypsies, so all in all, we didn't fare too badly at Kane -- good weather and good neighbors!

Last week, we restocked our space at Mishawaka Antiques. The store looks really lovely. I posted some photos on Facebook so you can take a look. Do stop in -- there are lots of wonderful pieces that would look great under your tree -- or in your living room!

And if you scroll to the bottom of this post, you will find the HALF-OFF general admission for this weekend's Grayslake. Be sure to join us for the last one of the season! As always, I will post some photos on Facebook by Friday so you can take a look at some of the goodies we will be bringing. Can't wait! See you there! xo

P.S. Melissa doesn't have a blog, but you can find her on Facebook -- check the LIKE box on our page.

*Melissa -- Know you had another friend helping, too, but I forgot to ask her name! Sorry. sg