Sunday, December 6, 2009

Pictures of my Home Show….and I’ve missed you all!

Bet you all thought I’d given up on blogging – well so did I!

It has been such a long time since I’ve been on here and I miss reading all my friends comings and goings and all the wonderful pictures of  your decorating for the holidays – of which I need to do this weekend.

Our home show last weekend was a huge success – everything we had hoped it would be and more.
We were set to open at 4 pm on Friday but there were so many customers waiting at the door at 20 minutes to 4, so we let them in….and from that moment it was non-stop until 7 pm, then after that there were a few more up till closing at 8 pm.

Doug manned the cash register, while my brother and sister in-law wrapped and bagged. This helped me be with the customers going from room to room greeting and answering questions…and offering wine to anyone wanting a little cheer – which were many! We had soft Christmas music playing throughout the house and screen room where the check out was.  Oh, our Candy Cane entrance was a success – it kept it separated very nicely.

Saturday was just as wonderful and customers started coming at 8:45 and never stopped till 3 pm and then a few here and there till 5 at closing.

We decided to have a SALE on Sunday from Noon to 2 and it was HUGE!!! We put approx. 80% of our merchandise ON SALE and told the customers at check out what we were doing and I couldn’t believe how many came back for those 2 hours.

And as far as pictures during the show…NO TIME!

So here are a few photos my brother took as I was setting up areas….I wanted more detailed pictures but didn’t have time to get my camera so I had to rely on him – I think he did a pretty good job.

FIRST IS THE DINING ROOM SET-UP

Show 30

Show 21

 Show 20

 Show 28

Show 19

Show 8

Show 17

Show 16 

KITCHENShow 14

Show 12

WE HAD DIP TASTING, CANDY AND LOTS OF KITCHEN TYPE THINGS IN HERE LIKE PRAIRIE APRONS/BONNETS, TOWELSShow 29

WE SOLD OUT OF OUR JAR TOPPERS IMMEDIATELY!Show 11

DEN AREA HAD THE MAIN TREE PLUS ORNAMENTS, POTPOURRI, CANDLES AND THINGS LIKE SANTA’S AND SNOWMENShow 22

Show 10

THE BATHROOM HAD ALL OUR SOAPS, MELTING TARTS, SPRAYS AND SMELLY THINGS
This is our tub area and Doug made a board to cover it so we had more use of the space

Bathroom 2

Bathrroom 1

OUR FAMILY ROOM HELD ALL THE REALLY PRIMITIVE ITEMS I WAS SELLING FOR A COUPLE OF FRIENDS….ONE WAS OUR FRIEND AND BLOGGER ‘ROBBY’ AND I MUST SAY HER ITEMS FLEW OUT OF HERE!
AND ‘JEANNE’ WHO I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE HAS ITEMS AT THE CRAFTERS MALL AT THE DELLS AND I REALLY LOVE HER WORK. I BUY MY PRAIRIE APRONS/BONNETS FROM HER…..AS WELL AS THE BEAUTIFUL ‘SUGAR COOKIE’ MELTING TART PANTRY CAKES
Show 2

Show 1

Fam Room 1

HERE IS WHERE THE ENTRANCE AND EXIT WAS IN THE SCREEN ROOM – THE PICTURE DOESN’T DO THE ROOM JUSTICE…IT REALLY LOOKED NICE AND SMELLED WONDERFUL WITH ALL THE GREENERY AROUND THE ROOM AND THE HEATER KEPT IT NICE AND TOASTY WHILE GUESTS WAITED TO CHECK OUT AND SNACK ON TREATS AND COFFEE
Screenroom 1

Well that’s it for photos – sorry there were so many!
Yesterday we packed up lots of merchandise and took it downtown to a consignment shop I take things to and as we were putting it out on shelves we started selling things. When Doug took some more things down about an hour later the girl said we had sold over $100 already! Good move to take the products there, huh? And today is her Open House so it should be a good day all around.

Now today it’s getting the house back to a ‘normal’ state….going to finish putting out our Christmas decorations and work on some orders….the holiday is fast approaching and I feel behind. Maybe after this weekend I will feel more in control.

Hugs to all who read this…have a wonderful week and hope to hear from you.

P.S. – have you ever had a true friend that IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU?….my best friend of 30 years just phoned me to ask if she could help me with ANYTHING….like cleaning, groceries, cooking, errands, whatever.

She was here on Friday picking something up and we had the nicest visit. She said when she was here she noticed I looked beat/tired and it bothered her all weekend. WHAT A TRUE FRIEND RENEA IS TO ME AND I LOVE HER DEARLY. She has gone through the best of times and the worst of times with me. Our kids were classmates and I met her when I got my job at the Hi-Liter 30 years ago.

Anyway….I didn’t take her up on her offer because I feel in control now but I guess I am a bit tired and looking dragged out….my back and hip/leg have been killing me, being all tense with Darren’s two surgeries, many orders, the show and life in general it has taken a toll on me I think….BUT IT WON’T GET THE BEST OF ME!
Thank you Renea for being there for me as always.

Karen

 

39 comments:

  1. I saw a couple of my goodies in the pictures!!!! I'm so happy you had such a great show! I almost asked you if some of the goodies in the family room were from that vendor at the Craft Mall. I got a really cute super primitive doll and thought it looked like her work. And those yummy smelling ornaments and potpourri! I walk by them and smile. So happy we made it down. Matt says thanks for the adult beverage. :D

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  2. I'm so happy that everything was a success for you, the pictures show everything that I'd want.LOL

    Does the lady who makes the prairie bonnets have a website? I'd like to order one or some!

    Your DH is sure a keeper too!
    Rondell

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  3. Karen! Oh if I could have come shopping! SO many wonderful things!! And so much work for you! I can understand why you would be tuckered out. But it sounds like all your efforts were definetly worth it! Congratulations! And what a dear friend you have. Your story gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling! Take care. ~Sarah~

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  4. Hi Karen and welcome back! I'm so glad your show was a huge success. I can imagine how tired you are. It made me tired just reading about it. Your Hubby sure is a big help with all he has done to get ready for your show. I hope your son is doing well. What a great friend you have! You should have let her help! I hope you can get some rest before Christmas, so you can enjoy it. Take care!

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  5. Hi Karen, Congratulations for your sales.I see many wonderful things in your show. Beautiful pictures!

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  6. Hi Karen,
    Everything I bought at your Open House is perfect in my house -- except I didn't buy enough! I see lots of great things in the photos that were already gone when I shopped on Saturday. Next year I'll be one of those early shoppers knocking on your door! Hope to see you before then...

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  7. You have been missed too Karen but we all knew what you were up to. I am thrilled the show was such a huge success and I hope you get some time now to enjoy your home and family. I hope your hip and back feel better. I am strugling with mine this month as well.

    And your displays looked amazing! Thanks for sharing those pictures.

    A friend like that is indeed a keeper!! Something tells me she feels the same way about YOU too!

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  8. Good Morning, Karen,
    Wow...You have so many amazing things. It is no wonder people were lined up early to get inside! I'm glad to hear the show was a success.

    Happy Holidays ~Natalie

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  9. I love your goods! Your show was set up so nicely. Great idea using your bathroom and areas for different good. I love your bathroom curtains! Glad you did well! Would have been a fun time!
    Jayne

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  10. Oh,Karen..............so good to see you posting again. I have been wondering all week how you did.
    Everything looks fantastic in your pictures. What great timing to have your show right before the consignment shop's open house!
    Relax a little bit this week.
    Linda/simplycountryseasons

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  11. Hi Karen! it's good to hear from you! Wonderful news that all your hard work and efforts were appreciate by so many....great pics of everything!

    I hope you can slow down now and enjoy the season and I hope your son is on the mend!

    Janet

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  12. Karen,your show looked great - glad it was such a success. Hope you can now kick back and enjoy the holidays.

    Pat in Texas

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  13. Oh Karen,
    It looked so FABULOUS!!
    Im so sorry I couldn't make it this year.
    But I will be there next year that's for sure. Im still drooling over all those amazing photos of goodies!!!
    Im sooo happy it was a success. But that isnt surprising to me because all of your items are prim perfection.
    Until next time...
    Take Care sweetheart and blessing to you and yours!!
    ~Tam

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  14. I am so glad it was a big success. You so deserve it. Just wish I lived close enogh to be there.

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  15. Oh Karen, what a fantastic place you prepared for your customers and visitors!!!!
    If I could have come shopping....
    I'm happy to hear you had a great success!!! Everything I saw in the pics are sooo cute!!
    Blessings,
    Laura

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  16. Karen, I can't believe how much sold before I got to your open house!!!! Congratulations on a terrfic show. I just love all my things that I purchased. I am so happy that we got to meet. You are my first blogging friend that I've met in person. I hope to add to that list this next year. I was just looking at your home in CS and have to tell you those photos are very nice, but being in your home was so warm and inviting. I especially loved the window treatment in the dining room for your open house. Now that I've rambled on.... Have a good weekend and rest up! ~Ann

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  17. I loved seeing all of your pictures! I would so love to attend your show! Congrats on your success!!
    Kim

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  18. Wow!! Looks that you had a lot of great goodies for your show!! Your displays look fabulous! I'm glad it was so successful for you! Hopefully, now you'll be able to relax and enjoy the holidays!

    Take care,
    ~Kris~

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  19. Karen,
    I'm thrilled for you that you had such a successful show. The pictures are amazing. You & Doug worked so hard for this & it certainly shows. I see lots of goodies I would have bought. I sure hope you get a rest now to give yourself time to heal up from all of that work. I hope your son is doing well, too. So good about the consignment shop. I just don't know how you do everything, girl!
    Hugs,
    Pam

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  20. Wow Karen!!! I can't imagine redecorating my home like that, then taking it down and redecorating. LOL. It looked awesome. Wish I lived closer to enjoy it.

    Mary

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  21. Karen.
    So glad to hear your show was a success....I can see why ...you have so many beautiful things....Its alot of work but so happy it paid off...
    Now take some time for yourself and get well for the holidays...
    God Bless...
    ..Trena..

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  22. I'm so glad you show was a huge success. Everything looked wonderful in your pics! We sure have missed you over on the CS forum. I started blogging (yay for me!) so whenever you get rested up and have a spare second (LOL) check it out!
    Hugs,
    ~Donna~ (Just Donna)

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  23. Karen,

    I really enjoyed your pictures, wish I could have made it! Do you ever have people wanting your stuff that's not for sale? Just wondering. Take care of yourself.

    Carey

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  24. HI Karen!
    We missed you too :)
    I'm happy your show was a great success! Your pictures are great...sure wish I was closer :)
    Everything looks fabulous! What a great team you and Doug make!
    I hope you can take it easy now...how's Darren doin, better I hope.

    Have a great week...relax a little and enjoy the holiday season!! :)

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  25. Karen,loved your pics.Glad to hear your show was a success.My daughter and I love the jar toppers I ordered from you.I'll make sure I get the Jack- o-lantern ones next year and more snowmen. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Hugs,Denise

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  26. Karen, I've missed you...but knew you were quite busy with everything. WOW!! What a home show....wish I was a lot closer to really check that out...everything looks great,and I know how exhausting these shows can be...we just finished up one here at our house this evening, except ours was only one day and it wasn't through the whole house like yours. Get some rest....and go get a massage with the extra earnings! ;)

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  27. Oh My! It all looked so wonderful! Glad it was such a success!

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  28. My goodness! No wonder you're wore out! I am amazed at the goodies you had. You guys did such a great job! It looks so awesome...wish I could have been there!
    I do have a friend like that, and I treasure her. We've been good friends for 25 yrs.
    I hope your son is doing well, and hope you both can get some rest now.
    Take care,
    Terry

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  29. Hi Karen, Welcome back to blogland. I missed you! It sounds like you have had your hands full. Now I hope you will take some time for yourself and relax.

    So glad to hear that your show was a great success, but that doesn't surprise me at all! I just wish I lived closer so I could come.

    Now sit down and have a nice cup of hot cider and do nothing.

    Hugs
    Donna

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  30. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I loved every single thing in every picture! I wish I lived closer so I could have a few of those items for my home.

    You are surely blessed to have wonderful family and friends to help out! That is something to treasure!

    Thank you so much for inspiration! I hope one day to be able to do this myself... funny, I was just thinking about it this afternoon. I know it's hard work, but it sounds like all the energy put into the weekend paid off for you!

    I wish you well, please take some time to relax and enjoy the rest of the year~

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  31. Karen, I knew your open house would be a great success! I'm so happy for you! I know it was a lot of hard work and very time consuming, but I hope it was worth it.
    I'm sorry that you have been in pain and I hope now that you can slow down a little, it will help. That sounds funny to say about anyone "slowing down" this time of the year, doesn't it?
    But I hope that things will settle down and you have time to enjoy this season and not just work, work, work!
    Not too many photos at all either! I would have loved to see MORE! :)
    Have a great week!

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  32. There was never a doubt in my mind Karen that your show would be anything but successful. You sell such wonderful things. I bet you are tired after everything you have been doing. Take the time now to relax and enjoy the rest of the Holiday Season.
    Warm hugs,
    AMY

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  33. I am so happy to hear that your show was a great success! Sure wish I lived closer, I definately would have been there :)

    Everything looked all so nice and such a great selection. When you do a home show like that, do you put your own items away so they don't get mixed up with the items you are selling? If so, that really makes a big job for you and hubby.

    Hopefully now you can have a little 'ME TIME' before the holidays set in. And I also hope that things are going better for your son.

    Take care of yourself and find sometime to unwind.

    Sandy

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  34. Everything looked so nicely displayed for what "10 minites" LOL!! Happy your open house was such a success - very impressive! Relax and enjoy the rest of December! Judy

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  35. Karen,
    I'm so happy for you that you had a great home show!! Sure wish that I lived closer as I would of loved to come. Everything looked wonderful!!!!

    And we have missed you too!!!
    ~Cindy~

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  36. Karen I was so excited when you told me!!!! Thank you again and again and again!!!! Wow....your whole house was done out!!!! Your sun porch is beautiful!!!!! That is so sweet for your friend to offer her services to you!!! Well...my money is going towards a new laptop...so my computer fund thanks you. xxxRobby

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  37. it was fantastic meeting you! i loved everything you had at your home show. i sure would have liked to buy some of your shelves and boxes you had sitting around that were yours. they were beautiful pieces too. thanks again for letting us come to your home.

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  38. That is really nice that it was a family event! Wonderful! I enjoyed your spectacular pictures of your home & everything looked so great. I am really glad that it was a huge success for you & that you continue to sell at the consignment shop. Now may you get the much needed rest with teh rest of the family.
    Blessings~ Kim

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  39. Very nice Karen!! You have a beautiful home, and great talent. I just love your screen room!

    So glad things went so well for you. I remember before my shop having the fall boutique in my home. It is a big job to dismantle the house and then put it all back together.

    Blessings on the rest of your season!
    Kathy

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So glad you came to visit - feel free to leave a comment.
I will try and answer as many as I can - maybe not immediately but I will get to you!

Karen