The 4th Annual Roadkill Chili Cookoff in Poetry

Saturday was a beautiful day in Poetry. We threw one big shindig at my house! With 14 chili's submitted for the 4th Annual Roadkill Chili Cookoff and about 50 folks, we were grateful for sunny skies and no rain.
It is serious business when the tasting is going on. No time to stop and smile for David, my official event photographer.
The three top chili's were rewarded with a plaque. I'm kinda laughing at this picture, because the 2nd and 3rd place winners aren't smiling. I guess they were busy revising their recipes in their heads so they can knock Mr. Smiley Face off his 1st place pedestal next year.
This is the traveling plaque. The 1st place cook gets to take it and have his/her name added. Are you laughing at that tongue?
Ice cream was enjoyed.
David's daughter and her friend enjoyed some boating on the pond.
David's mom got some puppy love.
My mom and David smiled for the camera.
This black bass needs a little more growing time.
And you know this young man had a blast catching his first ever perch at my pond! That was one hot fire! We had chili dogs when we got hungry again that night. The fire was built up after the weenie roast. And then, the rain came. Whew! We got our party in, just in time!
You are, of course, invited to next year's cookoff. Start working on your roadkill chili recipe now!

Happy Monday!
~Mindy

Sunday is Comin'

IT'S FRIDAY, BUT SUNDAY IS COMIN'!

Click here to view an amazing video. Sunday is comin'!

Can I get an AMEN?

Rejoice, my friends!

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Happy Easter!
Mindy

Easter Animals

I should so be running around getting ready for the 4th Annual Roadkill Chili Cookoff. But, here I sit, posting an Easter Blog. I won't get another chance. With 50+ folks and 15 or so chili's coming to my house tomorrow, I most likely won't get back to y'all until Monday.

The transformation continues in my house. Thought I'd share some of the animals with ya. Here's an old child's bunny. I love his outfit!

And this felt bunny makes me smile.

I could not pass up this sheep at the thrift store this week. Love that face!

This chick might lay an Easter egg for me. Who knows?

David and I will take lots of pictures of our festivities. Y'all enjoy your friends and families this weekend!

Happy Resurrection Day!
~Mindy

Here's What's Happenin'

Remember this clock that my dad gave me after much begging on my part? I finally got it up on my entertainment center. Whatcha think?

I totally reset the entire top of the entertainment center. Before, everything was dark, wood and such. Today, I used a little bit of everything from wicker to enamel to chippy metal.

My sister, Lucy Jane came over, took a look at this frame/mirror/diploma and said "straighten it out". So, the lean is gone. I think she was right. No time to retake the pic though! Maybe later.

I'm still working on the entertainment center, but I wanted to give you a little peek at what is going on.

Happy Thursday!

~Mindy

Deals and Steals

It looks like an old trophy, doesn't it? I think it's actually an old sugar bowl without the lid. I found this at my favorite thrift store today.

This tray is old and very heavy. Cheap, cheap at the thrift store. he he he

David and I hit an Estate Sale this last weekend. It was more like a Mass Exodus Sale. The people were selling things out of dresser drawers. I seriously think they were selling the sheets off the beds. I bought a shower curtain that had recently been removed from the rod. I am wondering if Momma got arrested and they were trying to raise money for her bail. Or, maybe, they were about to get evicted and they didn't have enough boxes to pack everything. Who knows? Anywhoooo...see this clock? Eight bucks. Westminster Chimes. It works. Beautifully. I keep waiting for the police to knock on my door. The people who really live at the house probably just got home and discovered all their property had been stolen. Eeek! Until then, I promise to think about them every quarter hour, when the chimes echo off the walls of my home.

Happy Wednesday!

~Mindy

Primitiques Photography

Most of you know that my boyfriend, David, is a wonderful photographer. He had a little fun at Primitiques this last weekend, while I was pricing my latest goodies. This one he calls "Snake Oil."

I don't know what he did with the lighting in this next picture, but, I really like it. I have named my dress form Lucy. Seems fitting, doesn't it? I'm going to be a touch sad when someone buys her (but, I'll get over it). She adds a lot of personality to the store!

David took this next picture and named it "Grate Concrete Planters." Clever, eh? If you would like to peruse his flickr account, click HERE.

I took this picture of the baby crib. That bed had not been made 5 minutes before Miss Kitty came for a catnap.

This morning, I worked more on preparing for the Roadkill Chili Cookoff coming up. No fears, my readers. While the evite does say "Pull out your favorite recipe, scrape somethin' off the road, and let's chow! " As far as I know, we've only had beef, venison, chicken and turkey. Who knows what this year will bring! I'll take pics as things progress.

Happy Tuesday!
~Mindy

Roadkill Chili Cookoff Prep

Wanna know what is cookin' in Poetry this weekend? Chili! Lots and lots of chili. I am hosting the 4th Annual Roadkill Chili Cookoff at my place. This cookoff has grown from about 8 chili's and 20 people the first year, to last year's total being 17 entries and about 60 people. So far this year, we have 13 chili's entered and 50 folks have RSVP'd. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful weekend for it, upper 70's-low 80's.

Who would not want to take this plaque home with them?

As you can imagine, my list is long as my time grows short. I am ironing my vintage tablecloths for the outdoor tables. The lawn chairs are being brushed off. The flower beds have been planted and mulched. They look nice. Of course, the inside of my house is getting a little makeover, as well.

As this event grows, I have higher expectations for myself. We'll see what I come up with. I use real dishes. Restaurant ware bowls and old coffee mugs, as well as finger bowls. Real, non-matching spoons. Mason jars for drinks. A garden cart with old refrigerator drawers for dirty dishes to be stacked in. The drawers are easy to pick up and take inside the house for cleaning.

What else? Come on, you creative folks. Do you have any ideas?

Happy Monday!
~Mindy

Recent Finds

Since I committed to setting up and selling at the Fall Show at Zapp, I am in a buying frenzy. Just trying to get my look squared away. Or changed up. Or create a whole new one. Hmmm...Wanna see what I bought this week? You have to love this concrete planter. It is big and heavy. Love it! (I got 3 of them if you have a desire)

And here is a wonderful little child's seat. It has a rounded bottom. Maybe it's from a carnival ride or a swing set.

I'm fairly certain this white lamp kicks major booty. Great lines!

Here's a group shot of everything I got the last two days.

Are you checking out the size of those hanging baskets? They are huge and marvelous! Go here to see it all. By the time you read this, everything will be priced and at Primitiques. Come see me!

Happy Weekend!
~Mindy

Tips, Tricks and Pics

I've got a few tips I'd like to share with you regarding big, outdoor antique shows that are held in cow pastures and the like.

Here's a little check list of things to have on hand. Chapstick. Hand wipes. Debbie and Malissa will tell you that you need some good sunglasses. Malissa also recommends cold beer.

Hat. Uh huh. Keeps your hair from flying and if you choose wisely, it's a conversation piece and fashion statement. And good walking shoes. Check out Maggie's skull and roses boots. Maggie also recommends cold beer.

You will want your camera, fer shure! Amy will tell ya to bring on the big lens.

Deb likes a big lens, too.

What else do you need? You will certainly want a Wonder Wheeler. Sorry. No pictures of Staci and I pushing them...I cannot tell you how many people stopped us to inquire where we had gotten our Rolls Royce Carts. I bought a couple of these all terrain carts about 8 years ago and they have paid for themselves 20 times over. They store so much, reducing your runs to the truck to empty. Google. Do your own research. Read amazon reviews. Here is the newest deluxe model. These things are amazing. And, you too, can be the envy of all the other shoppers!

Vintage Shade Pull necklace. Another fashion statement with function. You know when you walk in and out of tents and you are constantly taking your sunglasses off? Simply slide the arm of your glasses through the pull loop. Easy to keep up with. And I think the necklace is darling! Don't you? Staci has one on in this picture. Debbie loves to mug for the camera!

If you don't bring your friends with ya, well, just come to the Blog Party and you'll find plenty! I think everyone here would recommend a cold beer!

One last thing. Bring your smile! Two of my very good friends got to meet each other at the show. Mayron and Staci. They have great smiles, eh?

Now, I promised y'all that I would take lots of pictures. Wanna see 'em all? Well, click right HERE and enjoy! By the way, it's not too late. Zapp's show doesn't end until Saturday afternoon. Book your flight and come on!

Happy Friday!
~Mindy

Facelift and Faces

Well, the facelift was at Primitiques and the faces are from the blog party. Read on, my friends.

I thought I'd show you what I did with some of my goodies from the trip to Warrenton. Primitiques got a little facelift! It's always fun to integrate new stuff.

I love this gold frame layered over the screen.

The wood spoons in the flower frog in the cracker box are cool, eh?

Look! Another picture from the Blog Party at Theresa's! And here is the roll call left to right. In the white shirt, Amy of WhisperWood Cottage. She came all the way from Minnesota to see us. And I'm glad. She's fun! Come back, Amy! Theresa of Garden Antqs Vintage. Who doesn't love this woman? She is so dadgum sweet! That is me in the black hat. Next, in the cute dress with cowboy boots is Shelley from Sweet Pea. I missed visiting her space, darn it! Then, in the kick booty green top is Elizabeth House. I'd never read her blog. Lots of good stuff. And next to her, on the far right end is Miss TOT (the other Theresa.) AKA, Theresa of Time-Worn Interiors. Love her! Missed her space. Dangit!

And that, my friends, is all for today. Check back tomorrow for more on the show. By the way, you local Texans. The show at Zapp continues through Saturday. It's not too late!!!

Happy Thursday!
~Mindy

Treasures from The Show

I know, some of you were unable to come to Texas for the show. And, I bet, that you, frankly, are sick and tired of all this Warrenton/Round Top/Marburger/Zapp Hall talk. If that is the case, don't look here! Cuz, here are some goodies I brought home and some goodies that didn't make it to my truck...

I brought this cute little trophy and white first aid box home with me.

I didn't bring this window home.

This marvelous cream door came with me.

I am really wishing these had come with me, but they did not.

Here is a pile of goodies that I brought home.

I thought long and hard about this old mission pull out bed. But, I left it behind.

And now...wanna hear about the Blog Party at Theresa's? Not gonna happen...not yet! But, here's a picture of the two of us. Did I mention that I will be setting up at the Fall Show at Zapp right across from our friend Theresa from Garden Antqs Vintage? It's a fact. Get your passports to Texas ready. Cuz, it's gonna be some good times and good shopping at Zapp!

Happy Wednesday!
~Mindy