Oh my goodness, I have been running non-stop this fall.  We were out and about at various local antiques events every single weekend including our own monthly sales.  In fact, a dealer we met at one event likened it to being a carnie.  It is so funny because it is true.  I think I’ve become an antiquing carnie this season.  And for some crazy reason, I love it.  Yes, I’d give up a stable corporate desk job for this gig.  Call me crazy.

And wouldn’t you know that I have this weekend off but we’re having a party at our house?  A circus themed party none-the-less!  I kid you not.  Funny thing is that the theme was decided months ago before my carnie status set in.  Oh the irony.

Because my life has been a circus lately, why not embrace it and invite all of my friends and family to join as the sideshow for a day?  I’ll let you know how that theme plays out.  Missing Halloween this year (due to the storm) definitely has us in the costume party spirit.  Actually, Ryan and I (Wilson too) are always down for a costume party.

While gearing up for the circus party, I’m also preparing for the holiday season this week.  It seemed to come on strong and early this year.  Shops are decked out for the season and having holiday open houses already.  Our shop’s holiday season officially starts on November 17th when we re-open.  In fact, we’ve added lots of hours and we’ll be in the shop until just before Christmas with vintage and upcycled gifts, tons of holiday decor like wreaths, handmade stockings, ornaments and more.  Plus there will be milk paint gift baskets for the DIYer in your life.  Be sure to pop in over the holidays.

As for fall, we had a great season.  We closed it out yesterday at a chilly Clover Market. Regardless of the burr factor, my mom and I had a great time again.  Clover has such a wonderful community of vendors and shoppers.  Seriously is every city this small business friendly?  We’ve got some of the best artists and dealers around here along with some seriously savvy shoppers.  It amazes me how supportive all of the vendors are of one another too.  I love it!

I couldn’t be happier with everyone’s support in our efforts to raise money for MS research one Mason Jar Soap Dispenser at a time.  We nearly sold out of them again.  I say “nearly” because I’ve gotten better at forecasting how many to bring.  Thank you so very much!

Let me leave you with an image of what I believe is a unique treasure that the ‘rents and I found while scouring what seemed like the entire Eastern seaboard on Saturday.  Yes, you better believe I scooped up a 2 gallon Ball jar drink dispenser!  You know how obsessed we are with mason jars around here.  How could I not?  This will be filled and proudly displayed at our circus party this weekend.