I hope you all had a great weekend!

I did a lot of house cleaning on Saturday …… sneaking in a little Notre Dame/Purdue football …..BOO on the outcome!….. knowing that Sunday would find me MIA!

What did I do?

I went to the Country Living Fair in Columbus!!! 

OMG…..I loved it!

This was the first time that I have ever been; can we say newbie!!  My inner child coming out just as if it was Christmas day running to the tree not knowing what package to open first.  BTW…….xmas is just 3 1/2 months away. 😉    Couldn’t resist!!

I have heard about the fair,  even reading about it in their magazine, but I have never had the good fortune to attend.  My luck changed this past weekend, and if truth be told, I think that this could easily become an annual event.  Yep, it is that good my friends!!

I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos that I took throughout the day, giving you just a taste of what my day was like.   Just remember……this is only a snippet of what is in store for you if you are able to attend next year, or if you live in the Atlanta area you can still run on over October 24-26.  I was so engrossed in my surroundings I kept forgetting to take pictures.  There were over 200 vendors there; antiques, fabric, vintage and refurbished furniture, clothing, jewelry, artwork, crafts and so many upcycled projects and ideas that my head was spinning!!

Do you know who I ran into while my friend was purchasing a wedding gift from Saraboohs?  Cari Cucksey from Cash & Cari (HGTV), and owner of the store Re Purpose!!!!    {Squeal}  She had to be dead tired after manning her booth, and conducting demonstrations, but you never would have known it.  She was sweet as can be. 

You all know I have a thing for old bikes!  They make me feel as if I am riding along the coastline, breeze messing with my hair…..a rolled up towel, the latest novel, and a tall tumbler full of tart lemonade in a basket attached to the handlebars.  Of course the chain and gears will be all rusty because I can’t stop riding the biking along the waterline …. cooling my feet, of course!  Seriously, this is my perfect dream!!

If you know anything about me then you know that I am a sucker for signs with quotes & sayings, bringing emotions and feelings to the forefront.  This one happens to be made from old barn wood, and the meaning couldn’t be any truer!!

When my friend Cheryl pointed this one out to me I instantly melted.  This statement is so true, and I have a strong feeling that if you show up at my front door in the near future, you will be able to find this on my walls!

Aren’t these the cutest pillows?  I regret not buying the one depicting 4-5 ducklings; reminding me of the book based in Boston called “Make Way for the Ducklings”.  Have you ever read that book to your kids?

I love the industrial look of metal and reclaimed wood.  I know a couple of places that this bookcase would look ‘FAB’ in our home!

Speaking of iron and metal…..isn’t this porcelain dry sink with iron legs cool?  So many uses for this in any home; fill it up with iced beverages for a party, use it in your garden as a potting table OR actually plant flowers in it.  Whether you use it to hold bathroom amenities, blankets for the family room, I think that this would be quite the statement piece in any home.

If you are ever in Dewitt, MI you should head on over to the Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe!  If she lived just a little closer, I know that Linda Hundt and I would be “besties”.  What a small, ruffled ball of energy!!! So gracious and kind……   If I had known that she has won countless Food Network Pie Contests, I would have saved some room after lunch to try a slice.  I think a road trip to MI might be in order soon!

OMG……this witch is absolutely stunning!  Isn’t her face expressive, as if she is searching mine for some answers?  Wish I could have taken her home with me!!

Have a pile of leftover wrenches?  Why not make one of these amazing chairs!!  All I can say is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!

Isn’t the craftsmanship on this Noah’s Ark amazing?  This, and many more, were created by Mo Dallas from  Goodbook Folk Art.

It wasn’t all about the merchandise and crafts….we had to eat sometime during the day.  We chose the Sweet Carrot Casual Cuisine Food Truck.  I have always wanted to eat at a food truck, and the Chicken Meatball served with a tangy corn relish over a corn cake did not disappoint. 

The coolest part of our trip was learning all about the Sister’s on the Fly.  This group of women encourage sisterhood and having amazing outdoor adventures.  Traveling in the tiny campers is not required, but I must say…..I am ALL about these campers!  They are the perfect size for me and you can trick them out any way you want.  Seriously, look at the crocheted spare tire!  Doesn’t that say it all!?? 😉

Thanks Cheryl for being my partner in crime and traveling with me to the Fair!  Why was I always the one on the left when pictures were taken?  My left, your right……don’t confuse me!  😉  It is not even my best side!  LOL!  Want to see a few of the pieces that I bought?

This was my very first purchase, and I can’t wait to display it on our front porch with a Fall wreath layered on top.  Notice the 2 price tags on it?  Thankfully they gave it to me for the lower price; can’t beat $10 for a window!!

This cart makes me want to do the “Happy Dance”!  Love, love, love it!!  I will be cleaning it up, painting it…..and putting it in our basement to hold our countless blankets and quilts that we like to cuddle in. 

I also came home with some wonderful necklaces made from old silverware, and fashioned into bells or stamped with inspirational words!  I bought them for xmas gifts for my niece, but I think they will be staying around my neck.  I fell in love with them!  I will try to remember their location on the map and get you those names so that you can see how fun this jewelry is.   Then I can at least order some more for Mallory.  😉

Many thanks to Miriam from Hometalk for making this trip possible for me!  I missed out on meeting the rest of the Hometalk bloggers and Rachel Hardage Barrett (Country Living Editor-in-Chief), but the day was absolutely amazing anyway!  If you are ever needing a day out with your spouse or friends, check out the schedule to see if this Fair will be anywhere in your vicinity.  Definitely worth it!

Have you ever been to the Country Living Fair?  What was your favorite part?

                                                         Shaunna