September 17, 2012

Junk Bonanza

September 17, 2012/ Michelle Scheibe

I mentioned on Friday that I was headed up north to check out the Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, MN.

My chauffeur for the week-end was the awesome Kim from NewlyWoodwards. Kim and I survived 12+ hours in the car together. That right there is a test to see whether a friendship will hack it or not. I think I’ll still have lunch with her. Yeah, I think so. Even if she didn’t let me nap in the car.

My hosts for the week-end were the lovely Cindy and Nick from The Flipping Couple. These two are adorable. Kim and I were greeted with our own bedrooms in their beautifully renovated house. They fed us delicious meals. Their dogs kept us entertained with ball playing and petting. I highly recommend staying with the Flipping Couple if you’re in the Twin Cities. I should write a review on Trip Advisor.

Now for the junk. Hmmm, the junk. I’m going to be honest. I was a little disappointed. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations in my head. I was picturing many rows of booths with multiple vendors with a great variety in merchandise. In reality, it only took us 1 hour to get through the entire place. The booths were packed into 3 smallish buildings and there were a crap ton of people. Part of my problem is that I’m not a fan of crowds. It’s harder to bargain hunt when people are bumping into you left and right, blocking aisles, etc. I figured the prices would be a little higher but most of the items weren’t in my cheapskate price range.

Overall though it was still entertaining. I found some decent inspiration. I didn’t find any bargains but I still enjoyed the junk eye candy.

Can someone explain to me the obsession with creepy old doll heads? There was an entire aquarium full of them in one booth. (I’m sad I didn’t get that photo. I was trying to pull Cindy away from them.) But seriously. Can someone explain this weirdness to me?

I really liked these diagrams. I just couldn’t figure out a good place for one.

If the letter “S” (the first letter of our last name) was left, I would have owned one. But no such luck.

I can’t say I won’t go back but I also won’t necessarily make a special trip for it. Beings it only took us a little over an hour to get through, we had plenty of time to hit up the Mall of America and Ikea. Yes, I made my maiden voyage to Ikea and it was everything I ever dreamed it would be.

Anyone else attend the Junk Bonanza? Who wants to stay with the Germans? How was your maiden Ikea voyage? Do share.

September 14, 2012

Diggin’ It

September 14, 2012/ Michelle Scheibe

Wow. It’s Friday. This week went fast! Here’s our favorites from the week.

Dudette:

Have you all read The Night Circus? If not, you totally should. I’m not one of those people that has trouble putting down books. I like to read but usually have no trouble dropping a book. I had trouble putting this book down though. Amazing. Read it.
I’m loving the kitchen makeover by Rachel (Maybe Matilda). I’m always a fan of white cabinets and Barn Light Electric lights. (Rachel was this year’s lucky Barn Light electric giveaway winner!)
Today Kim (NewlyWoodwards) and I are headed up north to visit Cindy (The Flipping Couple). We will be attending the Junk Bonanza. So. Stinking. Excited.
- You can follow our adventures on Twitter and Instagram (My username is decorandthedog) with the hash tag #epicjunk. I’ll try to post updates on my facebook page as well.

Dude:

I’m liking this Manfrotto Table Tripod. I found that on our recent vacation I didn’t have my tripod with me when I wanted it. This tripod is perfect for putting in pocket when I don't want to carry around our larger tripod.
The Wacom Bamboo Splash Pen Tablet is on my birthday wish list. This product has been recommended by photographers I follow. It is supposed to be good for editing photos. Michelle asked “What is it?” The product description is: Bamboo Splash is a small format pen tablet designed for lite art creation, drawing, sketching, painting and document mark up. Autodesk Sketchbook Express and ArtRage Studio software is included. Use ArtRage to create paintings on canvas, concrete, numerous paper types and more. Paint with watercolors, oils, chalk, inks and crayon. Use the "stickers' tool to add multiple embellishments to your art and drawings.
Dog:

Ike thinks he needs this dog tag. I do too.

Big week-end plans? Read anything good lately? Anyone else heading to the Junk Bonanza?

September 12, 2012

Easy Sew Infinity Scarf

September 12, 2012/ Michelle Scheibe

Who is sick of those “I’m so ready for fall posts”? Aww, too bad. You get another one.

I’m normally a summer girl but this summer was just too hot. I’m ready for cooler weather…until it actually comes and then I’ll be whining that I want warmth…like any good Iowan does.

I recently sewed this fun infinity scarf. I’m on a sewing roll. Infinity scarves are so easy to make that I just can't stop!

Nothing says fall like flannel. I think Nate is glad I’ve traded a pair of ridiculously ugly flannel pajama pants for this flannel scarf.

I sometimes wear something other than grey shirts and jeans. Sometimes. It would look better with a long sleeved shirt but it 90 degrees when I took this photo. I only sacrifice so much for this little blog of mine.

This infinity scarf cost me $4.00 and 30 minutes of time. I can’t wait to make more!

Anyone with a sewing machine can make this. Seriously. Dust that baby off. You only have to sew sort of straight lines. You can do this!

You will need some fabric of your choice, some thread, and a sewing machine. I used a yard of fabric to make this infinity scarf. It’s a little large. I think I will like the bulk once it cools down and I’m sipping hot cocoa and pretending to watch Hawkeye football. Oh, Fall.

Start by cutting two 18” x 40-45” rectangles. You don’t have to be exact. I used the length that was provided by the flannel fabric which was about 43”.