May 4, 2012

Although we were sad our favorite gypsy sisters, Amie and Jolie Sikes, were temporarily MIA as they prepared for their new show on HGTV, we knew it would be well worth the wait.  We caught a sneak peek of the Junk Gypsy genius this past November, but the real deal premiers tomorrow at 6pm CST. Set your DVR’s now people!  We recommend watching with a pen and paper in hand because you’re going to want to take notes on where these fabulous sisters snag their “diamonds in the ruff.”

Although we were sad our favorite gypsy sisters, Amie and Jolie Sikes, were temporarily MIA as they prepared for their new show on HGTV, we knew it would be well worth the wait.  We caught a sneak peek of the Junk Gypsy genius this past November, but the real deal premiers tomorrow at 6pm CST. Set your DVR’s now people!  We recommend watching with a pen and paper in hand because you’re going to want to take notes on where these fabulous sisters snag their “diamonds in the ruff.”

April 19, 2012

It’s time for Old Gruene Market Days!  Held the third full weekend of each month February through November in the historic district, you’ll be able to shop a variety of vendors this weekend April 21-22.  Open from 10am-5pm, we recommend arriving early to get the best pick of art, ceramics, clothing, furniture and jewelry.  The early bird gets the handcrafted wooden jewelry box, after all.

March 14, 2012

Last week we had a hankering for some vino, so–obviously–we made an impromptu lunch run out to Grapevine, the wine capital of North Texas. On a recommendation from a friend, we decided to drink dine at Winewood Grill, the latest concept from the folks who brought us Bob’s Steak & Chophouse and Mi Dia. Being Texans, it’s never too early in the day for red meat, so we noshed on the Tenderloin Bruschetta:

Yowza!–was this a treat–flaky bread topped with tenderloin, tomato jam, pine nut pesto, Parmesan cheese and balsamic reduction. We have to admit, it took a fair amount of restraint not to lick the plate.

Not ones to eat and flee, we decided to check out a few new hotspots along with a couple of old favorites on the Grapevine shopping scene.

First off, Great American West Gallery:

It has the largest gallery collection of Western Art and is situated in the old Grapevine Sun building.

Next up, we spied Morgan Dane Art Gallery & Studios next door to Best Store VETRO Glassblowing Studio & Gallery in the train depot:

This place presents an eclectic collection of fine art as well as some pretty cool jewelry.

Last–but never least, we stopped in at Best Store Red Shed Antiques, where one of our editors snagged this metal vanity set for just $85:

We’re strong believers that every woman needs a vanity. It just makes life fancier.

It’s time for Old Gruene Market Days!  Held the third full weekend of each month February through November in the historic district, you’ll be able to shop a variety of vendors this weekend March 17-18.  Open from 10am-5pm, we recommend arriving early to get the best pick of art, ceramics, clothing, furniture and jewelry.  The early bird gets the handcrafted wooden jewelry box, after all.

March 13, 2012

It’s finally here! North Texas’ largest and oldest flea market, Third Monday Trade Days, is happenings this weekend March 16-18 in McKinney from 8am-5pm.  Even if you don’t take something home from one of the 400+ vendors—though we highly doubt it—the drive out to McKinney is a picturesque one.  Parking is free all day Friday, so we recommend getting an early start followed by a delicious dinner in historic downtown McKinney—you’ll have plenty of cash leftover from all of the deals you scored at TMTD!

March 12, 2012

Antique, vintage, clothing, furniture and jewelry vendors from across Texas are converging on Waxahachie next weekend for one of the biggest vendor shows of the year.  Rodeo Queens Roadshow and Petticoats on the Prairie have teamed up for the grand shopping event at Chautauqua Auditorium in Waxahachie on March 17 from 9am-5pm. Shopping is open to the general public for only $5, but there will be a private Preview Party on March 16 from 5-8pm for $20—email waxpotp@hotmail.com to reserve your spot. Over 30 vendors, including tried-and-true favorites Ann-Denise Anderson, Phyllis Ann Shows and Sandra Feazel, will be on hand for the event.  The next Petticoats on the Prairie event isn’t until October, so you definitely don’t want to miss this one!

January 31, 2012

We had a moment of silence in the office when we learned that Homestead in Fredericksburg was shutting its doors.  So it was only natural that we grinned like idiots—a happy dance may or may not have occurred—when we learned the store would have a second(ish) coming in the form of Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities Laboratoire de Design.  As the woman behind the sheer genius that was Homestead, Carol has opted to relocate to a newer location, while expanding the offerings found at her old store.  Now at 301 S. Lincoln Street, Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities will be your go-to for country interior design and shabby chic design elements in Fredericksburg. Photography courtesy of Fiona and Twig.

December 5, 2011

Wee! We went to Canton First Monday Trade Days last Thursday and we l-o-v-e-d it! (As usual). It was a particularly good time because a) the weather was bearable and b) the vendors were geared up for Christmas shoppers. We’ve compiled a few tips as well as a showing of some of the coolest finds we spotted.

Our first tip for Canton-goers (besides comfortable shoes) is the “Canton cart.” Now, typically we’d advise against shopping with a cart anywhere but at the grocery store, but at Canton, it’s downright chic–not to mention smart. If you think you want to carry all your purchases around all day, you’re wrong. Line the collapsible cart with a large plastic tote and wrap bungee cords around the wires of the cart so that you can strap additional purchases to the cart once the bag is full. *You can buy “Canton carts” and all of their accoutrements at Trade Days.

We focused primarily on “The Arbors,” which are three ginormous barn-like structures filled with rows upon rows of vendors. Another tip: sport a cross-body bag at Canton–it’ll free up your shopping hands.

Love these vintage gas pumps.

“Redneck wine glasses.” Mason jars on stems. These gave us a good laugh.

Under a tent outside, we spotted all sorts of metal findings like these spurs, horseshoes and drawer pulls.

One booth was loaded with vintage signs framed in old windows.

So cool! One booth had an entire wall of old sign letters.

Salvage turquoise doors.

We came, we saw, we spent. (Entirely too much money). We recommend going on a weekday because it’s far less crowded, and know that there’s tons of food available to keep you fueled while you cool-hunt. From street tacos to crêpes to salads to Frito pie, there’s something to suit every palate.

November 22, 2011

Calling all cool-hunters! McKinney’s Old Red Lumberyard Junk Market is this Friday and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Think of it as the antidote to the Black Friday madness.

A collective of McKinney vendors will converge upon the Old Red Lumberyard to sell their cool vintage, retro and antique finds.

600 E. Louisiana St.

McKinney, Texas

November 4, 2011

TreasureSpotters, “An Eclectic Gathering of Treasures by Merchants of McKinney,” is hosting its grand opening celebration tomorrow and Sunday at 401 E. Virginia in McKinney. We’d get there early if we were you, because we can just tell that the good stuff is going to go quick! The shindig runs from 9am-5pm both days, and will be open the first weekend of the month from now on. Here’s a preview of the goods: