Flea Market LOVE

Today in Eureka was the annual flea market.I know annual means once a year, but that's really it. Just once a year.:( I heard last year was FABULOUS!!! So with the baby crying; I phoned my sister and put on my jeans, a frilly blouse, Dansko clogs, hair pulled up, lip gloss on,& I was outta here. Daniel kept the kiddos:) There was a few booths that looked like a garage sale. I always think why waste your time or money!? And then there was two. These 2 ladies put together some fab booths! EEKKK! 

My FIRST LOVE!!! TANGERINE CRUISER
Made me think of my Maddie who is away at College

Love the Gray Chalk Paint

Very Patriotic Purple Marten House <3

Burlap Slip Covered Chair

Love Old Silverware & Typewriters

 Repurposed Something Industrial

Great Scale ~ for the Kitchen?

??? Wooden Dumbells & ???

 

Love Stacked Suitcases, but with little ones.... just not possible!

 

 

So hope that made you SMILE, because I did.

Much Love!  xoxoxo! Beni

 

Vacation is Over

Wow the summer went by way to quick. This summer went by especially quick in our house because we sent our oldest to College. Insert {Love} for Truman University! Yes, It was a tear jerker and I'm sure there will be more tears to come because it has been only 56 hours and 3 mins since dropping her off. Joke its been 2 days. I'm not really counting the hours.... or am I? :) A week ago we returned home from a week in Panama City Beach, Florida. I love Sandestin so much more, however it's so hard to pass up a family owned beach condo for free! It rained almost everyday. Not a shower. A down pour. We got about 3-4 hours of sunshine a day, to play on the beach. That was perfect with two little ones. I got a chance to visit a few local stores during the rain. Yes, I went to the Goodwill, but it was sad!!! I did find a Fabulous store!!! The owner was so sweet! So If your down that way visit The Bay Cottage Unique Coastal Finds.

{love} the fireplace mantle. The burlap area is a bulletin board. So cute! EEkk!

Comfy seating

I will PIN these pictures & more from the shop.

Until next time. Peace, Love, and Sandy feet ;)

XOXOX, Beni

Vacation

So being in blogland is....demanding. So I'm going on vaca. I have 2 fulltime very demanding jobs. Mom and RN. I know some of you are able to juggle both. I am not. So I am out of service.

Much L<3ve, Beni

ON the Road AgAin

I just can't wait to get on the road again. Maybe some of you are to young to remember that song from the 80's. It's totally stuck in my head. I was thinking about my husband, Daniel. He's traveling in northern Illinois. He has a a meeting with a city buyer{?}. I guess the big dog that buys equipment for that city. Sure. Anyway. I just got off the phone with him and asked have you stopped at any junk stores for me. He said, " No. But I sure have seen quite a few in these small towns." {ugggg}  I usually don't like to travel with him because traveling with 2 children under 3 years old stinks is very difficult. The thought of small town junk stores makes me all {giddy}. True L<3VE!! I'd like to travel about freely like him! My girlfriends say every year we're going to go on some adventure, to a far away place. No husbands or kids..... and... no wild adventures for us yet. Maybe.. just maybe the family and I will make it to Florida this summer. We're so blessed to have a vacant family owned condo to go to.... we just gotta pack up and go! That still doesn't take away my urge or want to just go junking or flea marketing with the girls. :) I want to go to one of those big ones featured in Country Living. That would be fabulous!!! The Farm Chicks Show looks like so much fun, but Spokane, Washington is a no go for me. The fuel alone would be a mortgage payment.

Via ~ The Farm Chicks Show

 Maybe we could go to one in Illinois or Iowa. Country living has quite a few listed,

 but only a few close enough to say maybe. A few of y'all could come too!

We could be like a gypsy caravan. 

I'd love to have one of these sweet little trailers to haul around. Guys like sport cars.

Me, I love this little beauty. This is a make you smile kind of camper.

Via

Put your thinking cap on & let's go!

 Much love, Beni

Heres..... Maddie

Miss Madeleine will graduate from high school in 5 weeks. Where did the time go!?

 I've started planning her party. So many decisions!

 I found the cake  on Pinterest a few months back. I can say I am truly blessed to worship with such talented ladies. Tonight Dani said she could make Maddie's cake. I'm super excited! EEEkkkk!
Look at that cake. Super fabulous!!!!  These are also our school colors too. Double eeekkk!

Found Here


My dear friend Lisa G. has used drink canisters like this for years. I {love} them. I will be borrowing my sister's for sure. It just makes more sense. It bothers me to go to parties and see so many half empty soda pop cans!



 Find this lovely here


 

 Sweet decorating idea found here

 So we're in the beginning stage, as you can see. I'm trying to keep the menu simple, but Maddie loves "Grandma Pat's food" AKA soul food or downhome cooking. It is her party, but ........we'll see.
Any fun ideas? Let me know what you think. I'm open to suggestions.

With much {love}   Beni

Easter Egg Hunt

Last Saturday we went to a FABULOUS Easter egg hunt. Lauren got 12 eggs & one of them was the "golden egg." We we're so excited!

I just love the shadow!



Of course, Caleb was there too.


Happy Easter y'all. Christ is risen indeed!!!!!!!!!
{LOVE} Beni

APriL Calendar

Time to construct your desk calendar. April calendar is of course fun & versitle.
Go to this link t get yur very own. =) Have a super day! {love} Beni

Let It be...let it be

So Thursday I went to sign the contract for my space and...SURPRISE! No,not good surprise like we just won the mega million lotto. Surprise like we've changed your booth location and want you to be ok with that. No, I'm not ok with that. No I won't sign a contract. I was disappointed to say the least. And truthfully my heart sank. The location of the new booth was in a corner, to far from the door. I did look at the new booth and asked in my most cheerleader voice and smile to please keep me on the list for another one. I feel like I'm getting to old to settle. If it's supposed to be, then it will be. So our home is getting a little full with furniture and what nots. Maybe Lisa {my sister}& I will end up having a flea market/barn sale. That would be fabulous too! The more I think about it... maybe...just maybe we will! Wouldn't that be so much fun. A big yearly flea market. Of course with a fabulous sign like this to go with it.

http://suziebeezie.tumblr.com/post/588132057

                

I'll keep you posted.

{love} Beni 

rISKY bUSINESS

i AM SO EXCITED!!! eeekkkkk!!!  I got the call. What call? Marilyn from Great Midwest Antique Mall in Eureka (missouri) called ~ my space is available May1st. I go tonight to sign the contract. Yeah!!! An invitation from a Wednesday night Bible Study keeps running through my head: Have you prayed about it.? I have and I'm honestly still just a lil nervous. I have found some great ideas of booth decorating on Pinterest.

My favorite space!!!  number-nineteen.blogspot.com

bellashabby.blogspot.com

www.cotemaison.fr

I would really love to have a little store, but for now that's not an option. I realize I can't go from crawling to running a marathon..... so I'll be glad to start small. This way I can still go to farm auctions on the weekend and ........ keep my day job! {*wink*wink*}

Stay encouraged! Much L<3ve, Beni 

Under CoNstrUctioN

I must admit I love to try things I see on Pintrest. I read several blogs that have amazing photos. I guess either the photos are photo shopped or 200 pictures later. I take a lot of photos, but not 100 for a great post. Just a few to say ... you know what, I'm the average Mom. Blogging is not my full time job. I'm human and my family is too. So this is a few of our  family. We are who we are and learning along the way. :) ... And then I must admit I am not always patient or have the best timing. A lot of times I just grab the kids and go for it. As evidenced by the pictures below. Their clothes.... not the best. Both were tired. List list goes ON & ON! In the end poor Caleb!!! I do want to do this again. We'll see!

 Much Love! {Beni}

Farm Auction Indeed

My husband waits anxiously every year for the auction in Okawville, Illinois. I love auctions, so I was going with 2 kiddos and all. We arrive in this tiny town. Streets lined with American made trucks and plenty of trailers. We find a parking place. First thing, we had to get our number, brats, and homemade pie.  All the ladies from the Lions Club made these. YUMMY!!!!

As I start to look around, I realize {quickly} this really is a farm auction. Wonderful old tractors, hay wagons, huge Combines, and more. I then realized, I don't belong here! As I look around further, I see lots of men in overalls and then these gentleman.....

 I could not help but think about  Romans 12:2 New American Standard Bible (©1995)
~And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ~

We are so easily distracted by this world's temptations (I'm just as guilty!) I use this as a tool/reminder to keep it simple and stand for what you believe in. I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior. Modest is hottest. Keep your eye on the prize! I am not of this world! If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything!

I am so happy and full of joy to know y'all! {Love} Beni

Are you a Picker?

Going back to work has been such a whirlwind! I'm already behind on laundry everything! I feel like I'm missing so much! I'm trying to catch up on everything, except the laundry. I have been reading days worth of blog posts, pinning, and on-line (dream) shopping. I'm currently in my crafty mind set. Do you get like that? I have to write down my bigger than life ideas. When I feel like this, I go to Pick Your Plum. Have you heard of it? It's like groupon/ebay/FABULOUS! Everyday there is a new/crafty item CHEAP! I have been visiting it for awhile. :) {love} Example of  items ~ bakers twine in so many fun colors, glass bottles, and today muslin and jute bags.  The quantity is limited. So it sells out. My experience has been, if you over think it and wait to buy it... its gone. Go on over for a peek  to Pick your Plum. Visit often. Be inspired. Use the link or there's a new button at the bottom of my page. The bestest (yes it's a word...Not) is starting the morning with my kiddos and our routines.

Craft on. Be crafty! Love y'all!

Beni =)

This Thrifty ChiCK

I'm currently in the process of going through the childrens' clothes. Sorting & packing up the to small, wore out, or to be passed on. I think tutus are so cute and Lauren certainly has a few, however I don't think a little girl has to live in tutus to be cute. I love to see kids in "wow" pieces that tie the whole outfit together. I also like quality clothes. Clothes that won't fall apart after Lauren has challenged their durability. So I buy a lot of second hand. Why not!? I used to have more time with one child to thrift via Goodwill, Scholarshop, and local thrift stores. Then with two kiddos I had a little time. Now with three kiddos I have no time or atleast a very minimal amount of time. I am known to pick up a piece even if I have to wait a year or two for it to fit. My family isn't one of those that has to wear "this season" clothes. These are some of my favorite pieces from Lauren's future wardrobe.

{Lilly Pulitzer}$5.00 ~ Scholarshop

 And How cute is the owl  reverse.  EEK!

More Lilly Pulitzer. Pink velor with elephant waistband. Thats 2 eekks!

{Lilly Pulitzer} $2.00 ~ Goodwill

So stickin cute!

{Childrens Place} $2.00 ~ Goodwill
It reminds me of the jacket the Beatles wore on their Sgt. Pepper Album Cover. :)

{Gymboree} $4.00 ~ Goodwill
I l<3ve red raincoats.

So from my heart to yours, Love Y'all! Thrift on!

Beni

Weekend Roundup/Rambling

Wow what a weekend! This weekend went way to fast. I officially will be back on the floor this week @ the hospital. :( It is what it is. I know I keep saying it. Anyway, we made the most out of this weekend. It started Friday evening... Happy Hour with Grandpa/Greatgrandpa where he lives. It's great because Daniel's family is huge. So random family members show up. It's always fun. Leave there & took Caleb(#3)with me, because he's breastfeed, to a 31 Party. Good times ladies! Saturday we (Daniel, me, and all 3 kiddos) went to a farm auction. It was a lot of fun. How do you know you're at a farm auction??? Besides showing up in a field & in the middle of no where. When you see everyone wearing Camo & Carhart brown jackets. Good to know, right. Because here I am with my gray wool coat and coral pink hoodie on underneath. Oh well. I know next time. We stopped on the way home to eat at a little diner. Super clean. Cheap food. Big portions. Happy husband. Just makes me want to live in a small town. Then before you know it.. it's Sunday. I woke up at 6:30 to nurse Caleb and get the day rolling. Shower. Get dressed. Dress kids. Off to the Church building to Worship. After worship potluck at our friend's home. Good cooking. Now home. Kids sleeping. Daniel even took a nap. Not me. Caleb says no sleeping on the job. Oh Monday... I dislike you so much.

Pop Up Calendar

I wish that I had a desk to sit at everyday. No not really. Well...just for these awesome calendars. I was once a salaried nurse with a fancy shmancy office, had a desk, and AWFUL hours. Not gonna do that again! So back to the fun stuff. I found these calendars @ Go Scout Creative.  These are great to look at and a whole lotta fun to build. All of the months are fabulous, but the December Nutcracker.....beyond fabulous!!! Bonus: You can also get these automatically emailed to you, monthly. EEEKKK! Check out their website. Enjoy! Click HERE!

peace, Love, & baby ducks!

~Beni~

This is February's! So cute!

Lilly Pulitzer Inspired

As you can see I've got a new look. Well this page does. Same difference. :) My girlfriend Jaime at Life Illustrated inspired me. Do you like the changes? What would you change? I love the colors. They're Lilly P inspired. I know there is still work to do on it, but it takes me a long time. I'm a nurse, not in IT.

Goodnight! ~Beni~

Barn Door (part 1)

A few weeks ago we moved our oldest downstairs into the TV room/den. The doorway into that room is not a traditional size. I'm ok with that because I get a barn door!!! Yeah for me... I mean booo sorry babe (daniel) that you have to put so much time into this. The track is from our barn. It actually had a stall door on it. We no longer have cows so this door would better serve us, inside :) The wood is scrap barn wood. Lucky us ~ Actual whole of pocket expense = $0

Measure twice. Cut once.

Mean while back @ the OK Carrol... Daniel's dad and brother show up. I'm usually somewhat annoyed because then Dan gets to talking and nothing gets done. However, think lemonade here! Dan walks in with some glass door knobs and asks would you be interested in these? Dad has more. Hello!!!!! UMMM..YES! I go to the truck to dig through this bread box full of junk and find DIAMONDS 3 more sets of glass door knobs. EEKKKK! I also found a sweet little keyhole. So what if the barn door will take a few extra hours. This bought ya time babe! See if our husbands all new it was this easy! ;)

I love that chunk of red chippy paint wood. It's a left over from the door.
No it's not firewood, silly.

Dan has the key to my heart.... pictured above! :)

  Pictures/Tutorial to follow> I'm typing in actual time.

This is all being done as we speak/type.

Much L<3ve,  ~Beni~

Spring in Your Step

We have had crazy, wonderful, warm weather this winter. Which we have LOVED! We love to boat & so does the whole family. Daniel & I have been looking at lots to build, on Tablerock Lake. I've been putting together decorating ideas via Pintrest~follow me HERE. 

{love}

Lauren Summer 2011

 HURRY up summer... here we come!

Love Y'all! Beni =)

Repurpose

Lately I have won some great items at local auctions! I am so excited!!! My sister Lisa , who also has the thrifting gene and is a very talented furniture painter/refinisher, and I are waiting for our local antique mall to have a space for us to sell furniture, glass, etc. We have so many treasures and can't wait to share! This is a peek at what I won yesterday & will be repurposing for sale.

Just presh!
Purpose "COMING SOON" i love the chipy paint!!!!

One of my auction loves from a week ago.
Love the age! Maybe I'll save it for the lake house!?






This is the kind of items we will sell.Hurry up somebody and move out! Why? I have been off work for 5 months.(??? future post) Only by the Grace of God have we been able to last this long. I am returning to nursing @ the hospital next week, but Hope some day to be part time. I am truly grateful for my new JOB because I prayed for an opportunity to work close to home. I drive my husband's whale Ford 250 diesel truck and with fuel being so expensive it truly is a Blessing!!! This truck is great to pick up my auction junk treasures. :) So if it be God's will for us to do well selling and repurposing furniture/etc., then part time or home again I will be...happily! PLeaSe Wish us luck & Pray for us! 

JOY comes in the morning light!
~Beni~

The little things DO Matter

  

So back in November my sister sent me a picture of what she wanted for Christmas. (Our #2, Caleb, was born December 1st so Christmas was a little crazy this year.)Back to the story -> I replied, Really? Let me explain what it is before you look at the pictures. It's a jar with a metal zip tie around the neck. Screwed to a piece of wood. I know, right! You can be really creative picking the wood, jar, & ribbon. I wish I could say it was so hard because I'd still do for my sister, but it wasn't. This little project literally takes less than 10 mins if you have everything. While the kids napped, I whipped it together. When the kids woke up, we rushed over to her house. Lauren was so proud and carried the bag in. Part of any gift is presentation.:) Merry Christmas Happy Valentine's Day. She was so excited!!!!!!!!!

Supplies: 1 Screw', drill, piece/scrap of wood, a jar, and metal zip tie.(I don't know the real name for the metal zip tie. So that's what I'm calling it.) Jar & wood size of your choice. Size of metal zip tie will depend of the size of the jars neck.

Start with one big helper =)

Pickle Jar

Scrap wood from the barn.

Metal zip tie (thingy)

Before you screw the zip tie to the wood, be sure you can still get to the screw that loosens and tightens.

Put jar in the zip tie and turn the screw.

Next: It does need to be screwed to a surface. (I didn't because I'm gifting it)

 Last Step: Decide it's use & decorate. That's it. Voile'.

Love, Peace, & Joy

Beni