Now Playing At The Palace

Cat Daddy and I hit the road early this morning heading to East Texas and the grand opening of Lillie's Junk Palace. We were just a little late in getting there and too bad for me. The checkbooks were out and the cash register was dinging it's little heart out when we walked in the door. Lillie and her posse were working it! So many sold tags, none with my name on them. Dadgummit!!! So I just did what I do best and schmoozed, hugged and squealed! There were so many people there, some I knew, some my first time to meet. I could drop names but you just wouldn't believe me. It was the creme de la creme. It was just like a big ol' junker's convention in there. Renee and Patti had made the cutest name tags to wear(wish I had thought of that). The only 2 things missing were funny hats with tassels and y'all. But I promised y'all photos and I got some beauts. I know others are going to be posting on this great event so I'll just show you some of my favorites starting with Cat Daddy. You all know it begins and ends with him for me.Since I was doing a lot of gossiping, I mean networking, I didn't get photos of everybody there and I'm regretting that one already. EVERYBODY was there! I said that already, didn't I? Sorry, I was just a little stargazed. Lillie and her band of warriors had done a wonderful job of getting everything ready for the crowd and it all looked amazing. The cold didn't keep anyone home. Longhandles seemed to be de rigeuer along with a lot of shiny bling. We Texas girls feel absolutely naked without big hair, lipstick and a lot of jewelry.Here is Lillie looking fresh as a daisy as if she just came in from a day at the salon. She and Maggie looked gorgeous(you'd never guess they had been swinging from the ceiling the day before.) Three words described the greeting we received.....gracious, warm, and inviting served generously with a hug.The Funky Monkey!!!!

Judy Hill of J. Hill Designs (as if you didn't know that!).

Time for a little back patting. Bear with me. This area of the shoppe was breathtaking-very Swedish inspired. I love this photograph. I'm not going to take credit for the styling-that belongs to the owner, but I don't always take great photographs. I am very proud of me for this one. I think I'm going to print it and have it framed. It was a beautiful spot by the window and I just love looking at it. Scold me if you must, but this area really inspired me. OK, I'll stop grandiosing(y'all know that really isn't a word, but I like it) now. I'm getting a cramp in my arm anyway.

Are these not the coolest? I meant to ask Lillie about these. I have a set similar to them that I got at the Red Shed(which btw, Valarie was there so I got to meet her too!). I put them out at Christmas and pretend they're presents to me. I really need to add these so it will look like next year I was an extremely good girl, don't you think? (Note to self: Self, call Lillie).

AND I meant to ask if this chandelier was for sale, but because I was so busy networking(y'all know what I was really doing)I got sidetracked and forgot. This I think is the perfect chandi for the Casita de Trash. Lillie, I think you and I need to talk.

Do you see that silver cylinder on the right? That's part of the old building and Lillie built this beautiful vignette around it as if it were an altar. Loved it!

Girls, I want you to meet "Shirley". Maggie informed me this fantabulous rusty kitchen cabinet complete with sink is a girl's best friend. Notice she has a name tag. How cute is this? In a garden house or mud room this would be Fab U Lous!

Don't ask me why, but I love the old floor to ceiling pole lamps from the 50's and 60's. I mean I really love them. This is one of the best ones I've seen and I'm always on the lookout for them. Call it a secret vice-one of many I have.

Do you really need me to say anything here? Dreamy!!!

This was another of my favorite spots in the shoppe. I totally dug this etagare'. There are shelves for it but I like the way she used it as an easel for the funeral print. That's thinking outside the box while placing it in the box. Cuh-lev-er!

This is what you saw first when you entered the shoppe. An arbor had been built and a beautiful tablescape was placed under it.

Isn't it lovely? I wish y'all could have seen it all for yourselves. I left so determined to go home and try to make some magic in my own home.

Just a little light reading on a cold winter's afternoon. Oh and before I forget, her store hours for now will be Thursday through Sunday, 11am-5pm.

I didn't get Mr. or Miss Fishy's name, but how's this for a fish bowl and stand? Pretty groovy, right? You should have seen the stuff that got away! (Ba Dam, Crash!)

I got a little artsy fartsy with this shot, but I was just trying to capture the magic that was inside this great shoppe.

I was so excited to meet this lady. Been dreaming about it and how I knew we were going to be instant best friends. Guess what? I was right. Meet Patti of Delighted Heart, winner of the Yellow Box house shoes giveaway. Her blog name says it all. She is an absolute delight!!! I know she and I are going to be hanging out together again real soon. Right, Patti? Say yes, or you'll break my delighted heart. We were laughing about how we were all going to rush home and try to be the first one up, but you can't imagine how long it takes me just to get photos on.

I brought shoes, but guess who got cookies? I told y'all it all begins and ends with him. Besides, I guess he deserves it for driving Miss Lazy to the best party of the day and being the rock star he is. I wish you could have heard the girls swooning "Cat Daddy" when he walked in the door. Y'all have no idea how hard it's going to be to live with this man from now on.

I hate to brag, but since that's what Texans are famous for, I will! There are so many talented women in Texas, Lillie included in that list. I am not famous, but I get to be by the blessing of being friends with some of those that are such as Lillie, Theresa, Maggie, Renee, Marion, the M&M's and now Patti. I am a fortunate woman indeed!

I had heard these chocolate chip cookies of Patti were prize winners and now I know why. Needless to say, we didn't wait to take the lid off the cookie jar before we got home. Do you see my church key Patti attached to the jar? That is my new key to the Casita de Trash!!! How much fun is that. I hope y'all enjoyed my tour and if you ever get down to East Texas, head straight to Malakoff and the Junk Palace! I swear up and down, you won't be disappointed.

News Flash!!! This day just keeps getting better! Lillie just informed me I won the drawing. I told y'all I am blessed!