Ho Ho Ho.....Merry Christmas! Just a few more days until the big "C"... wow. I'll bet the mall is a beehive of activity today. Glad I am done with my shopping!

As a reminder, Irvin's wax melters are still on sale both in store and online through December 24th; pricing as follows:

Mini Melters $15.00

Jumbo Melters $17.00

Oval Melters $19.00

Jar Melters $20.00

I am running low on a few designs in all four styles, so I will thank you in advance for your flexibility with substitutions. And due to the late date and our West Coast location, any online orders placed this week will very likely NOT make it to you before Christmas... please keep that in mind.

This year the Christmas goodies are going straight to 50% off, starting the week after Christmas. Since I do not have any consignment items this year, there are no exceptions to worry about! I'll be placing stickers showing the discount on all Christmas candle rings, cards, snowmen, Christmas candle scents, primitive and feather trees, etc. Technically, the sale pricing will run from Tuesday December 28th through Saturday January 8th but you might find a few bargains on Christmas Eve as well.

In other news, Bradley & Englert has decided to undergo a name change to "INDULGE." The owners of the shop feel it more accurately reflects the vibe there, and I am sure they will be getting their signage, business cards, etc. changed over in the coming weeks. Also a brief mention - there shouldn't be any variation of their hours on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, but if you are late heading out there on either of those days, feel free to call them at 541-747-3185.

Crossroads reed diffusers did not arrive as planned - sorry about that; we will shoot for January on those. If you were planning one as a Christmas gift, please consider purchasing a Gift Certificate from INDULGE. They do have them available in whatever denomination you choose, and the nice thing is that you can then redeem the gift cert. for any merchandise - you aren't just limited to The Buttermilk. I found that out this past week and thought it was good to know!

Back in stock and in store now are Carrot Cake wax cookie melts, Clove wax melts, and a large selection of Black Crow jar candles and room sprays. Coming soon will be Cinnamon Stix wax melts and the pretty Redwork Samplers as featured in one of my Country Sampler magazine ads last year. Web customers - I have not forgotten you and do still plan to send you a discount coupon to be used in 2011. Thank you for your patience during this transitional time for The Buttermilk.

Thank you all for your friendship, encouragement and loyalty in 2010. Till we meet again, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all AND a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

~Christina Z, Shopkeeper

Buttermilk Junction
located inside INDULGE
1461 Mohawk Blvd., Springfield OR

541-747-3185 or 541-998-1563

Hours: Tues thru Sat, 11-6pm

Sale on Irvin's Wax Melters - in store and online!

This is the biggest sale on Irvin's Wax Melters I've ever done.... so let the savings begin! From now through December 24th, ALL in stock Irvin's melters will be on sale as follows:

Mini Melters $15.00

Jumbo Melters $17.00

Oval Melters $19.00

Jar Melters $20.00


If you've ever tried a wax melter, you know that they are absolutely wonderful. Because the heat from the electric lightbulb melts the wax you place inside or on top of the melter, you can enjoy the fragrance of a candle without ever having to light one! No soot, mess or flame to worry about. And made in the good ole' USA to boot.

The sale prices apply to in-stock merchandise only - discount pricing does not apply to special orders. Sale prices valid both in store and online - online prices have been adjusted and are ready for you to order*. If you'd like to place an order and pick it up locally, please do so and select that option during the checkout process. I'm always happy to help in any way I can!

*Please note that because this sale is running both online and in store, your first choice may not be available at the time of order. If that is the case, I will notify you if your first choice is unavailable. However, I have lots of stock on these and it's very likely that I can fulfill your request!

Happy Holidays, one and all.

Well the transition is almost complete.... and things are looking so great at the new location! I snapped the above pictures when I was at at the new location yesterday.

I delivered votives to "B & E" (as I am calling it) as well as multiple jars of wax melts. Here is a fragrance list of what I have there now:

Votives ($2 each):
Orange Vanilla
Buttered Maple Syrup
Apple Bourbon
Cinnamon
Orange Clove
Cranberry
Balsam Fir

Wax Melts ($1.50 each):
Orange Clove
Log Cabin
French Vanilla
Hazelnut Coffee
Buttered Maple Syrup
Cinnabun mini melts (pk of 10 / $4)
Candy Cane
Spice Stick - coming soon!
Brown Sugar - coming soon!

Wax 'Cookie' Melts ($2 each):
Gingerbread
Lemon Cake
Christmas Cookie
Toasted Marshmallow
Carrot Cake - coming soon!

When you make your selections, you will notice white paper bags next to each display of 'wax.' Please utilize these paper bags for the appropriate 'wax' you are purchasing, so the staff at Bradley & Englert can properly ring in your selections.

Also back in stock is Buttered Maple Syrup in both the 16oz. and 26oz. jars. Anyone who has tried Buttered Maple knows it is simply the best out there. Over the next few weeks, I will be getting the Reed Diffusers back in, as well as a large re-order of both Black Crow jar candles as well as Goose Creek. This is the "candle time of year" and you won't be disappointed if you try any one of these fantastic candles! Don't forget that local customers may call me on the shop phone (541-998-1563) any time to pick up or have candles delivered. Email works too!

In other exciting (local) news, Ann at Emerald Valley Compounding Pharmacy here in Junction City is now carrying the Legacy line of greeting cards. I so enjoyed having these wonderful cards, but my new space was just not conducive to moving them there.... so Ann has picked up the line and has them available now. "EVCP" is located at 375 Holly St Junction City, and their hours are Mon - Thurs 9-5; Fri 9-4.

Speaking of cards, I just received a new shipment of the "Of Purpose and Spirit" cards, which are blank cards featuring beautiful photography of time worn, simple objects. There is a wide variety of Christmas images available at the new location.

Other new and recently restocked items are candy cane striped battery candles, regular battery candles, caramels in packs of 6, Holiday candle rings, cake candles in tin cans (so yummy!), gingham kraft gift wrap, a huge tin snowman cookie cutter, grubby tea light battery candles, assorted stockings made from coverlets, and much more for your Country, Holiday Home!

The next email I send will include information for the annual SALE on the always wonderful Irvin's wax melters... this sale will take place both online and in store. Details are coming soon so stay tuned! Happy December ya'll!

~Christina Z, Shopkeeper

Buttermilk Junction
Inside Bradley & Englert Antiques
1461 Mohawk Blvd, Springfield, OR

541-747-3185 or 541-998-1563

Tues - Sat 11-6pm

The “Inventory Reduction” sale went extremely well! For that reason, our last day at the Junction City location was Saturday November 27th.

Friday, November 26th, marked our 5 year anniversary...a bittersweet one, for sure.

Quite a bit of our inventory has been moved over to the new location. Officially, we are already open for business at Bradley & Englert Antiques; however, our space won’t be fully stocked there until Tuesday December 7th. I'm working on it pretty much every day! All the Christmas goodies have been delivered over, and there are some darling primitives for the Christmas season!

Goose Creek jar candles have also been delivered to B&E as I am calling it. Tin wax melters and wax melts will be available there soon as well. Over the next week or so, I will have wax melts, jar candles and votives at home too. If you need anything in the meantime, please call me (phone number below) or email me and I will make sure to get some wonderful "smellies" to you asap!

I hope you and your families had a Happy Thanksgiving!

~Christina Z, Shopkeeper

Buttermilk Junction
Inside Bradley & Englert Antiques
1461 Mohawk Blvd.
Springfield, OR

541-998-1563

In-Store Inventory Reduction Sale Continues!

Hello one and all… how has your November gone so far? Mine has been interesting, to say the least. I can hardly believe we will soon be Giving Thanks for our many blessings and feasting on turkey and dressing. Gobble Gobble!

The “Inventory Reduction” goodies are still plentiful and there are some wonderful things to be found, such as select Goose Creek and Black Crow jar candles, 2011 calendars, homespun fat quarters, framed stitcheries, wall décor, furniture and TONS of primitive country décor. Two items you may not have known were on clearance – a huge selection of votive candles, and ALL the Legacy greeting cards. Now is the time to stock up on these items and there are plenty available.

The sale percentage increases to 40% off this week – here is a reminder of the sale schedule:

Week Nov 16th - 40% off
Week Nov 23rd - 50% off
Week Nov 30th - 50%-75% off
Fall goodies 50% off til gone
Final day current location - Saturday December 4th

Today we move most of the large furniture over to the new location. Officially, we will be open for business at Bradley & Englert Antiques as of Tuesday November 16th, however, our space won’t be fully stocked there until about the first week of December.

I mentioned in the last email that you would still be able to shop locally for all the wonderful candles we are known for. As I have told many of you, I will be stocking all the popular jar candles, votives and wax melts at my home here in Junction City (in addition to the full selection available at the new shop location). I am working on the website so that you can order these items online and select local pickup, local delivery, or deliver to the new shop location. While we are in transition, these items will mostly be available at the “old” store location but will be filtering out to both home and new shop very soon.

I am working on cards and brochures for the candles… I should have them done in the next few days. In the meantime, PLEASE email me or call me on the shop phone at 541-998-1563 if you need anything. I am keeping this phone number so please make a note of it or save this email.

The Christmas sale “Blackberry Junction” is in full swing at the Albany “Fairmount” Grange… all our Christmas goodies are there and I’ve heard it’s been a fabulous show! Blackberry Junction is open 10am-6pm daily through Saturday November 20th… don’t miss it! The Fairmount Grange is located at 835 N. Albany Rd. in Albany, OR. Visit their recently updated blog at: http://blackberryjunction.blogspot.com/

As I’ve said before, special orders are ABSOLUTELY still welcome! Jar candles, curtains, braided rugs, lighting… anything and everything you need for home decorating or gift giving.

Thanks for all the well wishes, hugs and tears…. and thank you again for 5 wonderful years of Buttermilk fun. Here’s to many more!!!! You'll be hearing from me at least one more time before this location closes.

~Christina Z, Shopkeeper

BLACKBERRY JUNCTION CHRISTMAS SHOW/SALE

Be sure to check out the wonderful Christmas show, Blackberry Junction! Located at the Fairmount Grange in Albany, this sale always has wonderful treasures!!

Ring in the Holiday Season with a visit to Blackberry Junction. The sale starts this Friday, November 12th and runs through Saturday, November 20th - 10am-6pm every day.

The Grange is located at 835 North Albany Rd... if travelling on I-5. exit at 233, take Hwy 20 West through Albany - follow the signs to "City Center/Corvallis." Cross the Willamette River and take the second right on North Albany Rd - the grange is located on the right, just past Ray's Grocery Store.

If you'd like to visit the "BBJ" blog, click here: www.blackberryjunction.blogspot.com

See you there!

Announcement

I have a bit of news to share with you.... so may as well get right to the point and get it over with.

I am returning to the "working world" ... and truth be told, I have been presented with a job opportunity that I cannot pass up. The hard part is that I cannot be in two places at once - darn it anyway. This is one of those "grown up" things that you wish someone else would do for you.... well shoot, this one is all on me! Deep breath, here goes.....

Since I have to return to work, I will be downsizing the shop and moving. I found a wonderful location, a "co-op" called Bradley & Englert Antiques in Springfield. I knew the minute I walked in that it was the place I wanted the shop to be, and if you have not been there yet, you are seriously missing out! If you are scratching your head and going "huh??" please know I am taking this action because I adore Buttermilk Junction and want nothing more than its continued success, and want to continue to meet your country décor and gift-giving needs for many years to come.

I absolutely plan to continue to carry jar candles, wax melts, Irvin's melters, lots of country primitive décor and vintage pieces at the new location. Special orders will still be welcome. Although I will be stocking all the wonderful primitive treasures we so love, my space there will be a tad smaller than what I currently have. That means over the next five weeks, we are having a BIG inventory reduction sale!!!! I know this is a lot of information to digest.... but here are the details:


Everything that is NOT going to the new location will be progressively discounted. Naturally, this discount will apply only to in-stock merchandise and will not include furniture, which will be marked with a set price and will not be subject to further discounts. Again, items that are going to the new location will not be discounted.

Week Nov 2nd - 50% off Fall items 'til gone
Week Nov 9th - 30% off (Inventory reduction sale starts)
Week Nov 16th - 40% off
Week Nov 23rd - 50% off
Week Nov 30th - 50%-75% off
Final day current location - Saturday December 4th

While still at the current location, we will continue to be open Tuesday through Friday from 11-5; Saturday from 10-5; closed Sunday and Monday.

There will be display fixtures, backroom shelving, etc. that I will offer for sale... however some of these items cannot be picked up until the end of the month. If you purchase one of these items, I will give you the dates and times during which you may pick them up.

Happily, we have been invited to participate in the Blackberry Junction Christmas/seasonal show at the Fairmount Grange in Albany. Everything I have that is Christmas is going to this show, so if you are in a Christmas mood, you NEED to go to Blackberry! The show runs November 12 - November 20. Anything that does not sell at Blackberry Junction will either go to the new location or return to the current shop location and be included in the inventory reduction sale. The location of Blackberry Junction is the Fairmount Grange in Albany... the address is 835 North Albany Rd. You can "mapquest" it or just email me and I'll send you directions.

From this point forward, there will be no layaways or items held. Gift certificates will no longer be sold. All sales are FINAL - no returns or exchanges will be accepted. Outstanding gift certificates may be redeemed right up until December 4th... expired gift certificates will not be honored. After that date, outstanding gift certificates will be considered null and void. If you have a gift certificate and cannot come in before December 4th, please call or email me.

IMPORTANT!!! Wax melts and jar candles will still be available in Junction City - if you are currently buying these items from The Buttermilk, you will continue to be able to do so and right here in town. I would not leave you in the lurch on this!! Buttered Maple Syrup makes life worth living! Ha ha. But seriously, all the wonderful scents you have grown to love will be at your disposal. I will provide details on this soon.

For web and long distance customers - because inventory levels will be changing rapidly during this transition, it will not be possible for me to offer the same in store discount to you. However, after the first of the year when things settle down, I will get the web site updated and send you a coupon to use for a nice discount on your online or phone purchase.

I couldn't have succeeded these past 5 years without my wonderful customers... please know it has been a joy to help you. Thank you for your encouragement during this transition.

~Christina Z

Furniture For Sale

Time for a couple pieces to find new homes! I have recently reduced the price on the corner hutch, and marked both these cribs for sale.

The corner hutch is a 1920s reproduction, but that date makes this piece an antique in its own right. It measures approx 90" tall at the highest point, and is on casters (that you cant see) which makes it easy to move around. This is a beautiful cabinet - if I had room it would be in my dining room right now. I have marked it $495, which is less than what I paid for it.

Also for sale is the cast iron crib in shabby cream paint. It does have the front rail, but the hardward to attach it is gone. I am sure you could easily make something or use the rail for a seperate display, towels, etc. It measures approx 55" long and 30" deep. Marked $85.

Last I have the really unique wooden crib for sale. I do not know its vintage, but it does have the original wheels (we just took them off to make work in a display - we can reattach for you). This piece is $50.00 and measures approx. 38" long by 20" wide.

All furniture available for local pick up only. You must have a way to transport the corner hutch, but we will help you load.

~Christina Z

My First Quilt!

Well I did it... my first quilt! I've had the pattern for several years.. it's called "Slim Pickins" by Primitive Pieces by Lynda. I only had to buy 5 fat quarters to do this whole quilt... that's how much fabric I have been hoarding over the years! It took me almost exactly two months, start to finish. I did the blocks and all the hand applique while at the shop, and finished the borders at home. The leaves, stars and berries are all done in wool, and the overall size is about twin size. When I took the picture, I think I had too much flash... the picture looks really light... even my wall color is washed out. In real life it does not look light like that... it is primitive and dark.

I'm already on to my next project - an "Orange Peel" quilt from the book Remembering Adelia. I am hooked, for sure!!

Don't forget about our new hours... closed Sundays and Monday... starting Oct 11! Have a great weekend all!

Where does the time go....

For heaven's sake... do you mean to tell me I haven't updated my blog since JULY? That is stinkin' ridiculous! Why is this so hard....

I need to let you know that our hours will be changing at The Buttermilk. As many of you know, I've been working 6 days a week for awhile now. As the dentist so tactfully informed me this morning, "I am approaching middle age" now. Using that as a partial excuse, I just can't keep up this schedule! So I've made the executive decision to return to a schedule that is closer to what I used to have... starting October 11th, the new hours will be:

Tuesday - Friday 11am-5pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. I've really been struggling with this decision and it just feels like now is the time to make the change.

Fall is in full swing here... I hope Oregon has a nice long Fall this year. You never know though!

Sorry I am making this short... I'll try to do better about keeping up with things. Now at least I'll have two whole days off every week - woo hoo!

~Christina Z

It's time! It's here! Buttermilk Junction will be having the annual "Summer Sale" this Friday and Saturday, July 30th & 31st. Check this out:

40% off
Amish barn stars
throw pillows
flags & select patriotic goodies
floral garlands & select wreaths
table runners, shower curtains & valances
rag rugs
select electric candlelights

30% off
Irvin's wax melters
lampshades
Family Heirloom Weavers queen-size blankets
penny runners
wool hooked rugs

20% off
special order cotton braid rugs

NO... you don't have to memorize this! Everything that is on sale will be clearly marked with a discount tag.

So sorry... sale pricing does not apply to web/phone orders and unless otherwise noted, does not include special orders. There will be no holds prior to the sale.

You can call it an inventory reduction sale, Christmas in July or simply a summer sale...but don't miss it!

One quick update... we should have the Tea Lady Teas in time for the Scandinavian Festival, which starts August 12th. Til next time, stay cool!!

~Christina Z, shopkeeper

The mailman was very good to me yesterday... I received the new Judy Condon book, The Comfort of Home!!I have only a couple copies left as the rest have already been spoken for... I just listed them on the website and they are $24.95 each.

The mailman also brought me the latest issue of our favorite magazine, Country Sampler! This is the September issue... chock full of wonderful Fall decorating ideas. 10 copies are available at $4.95 each.... dont wait too long to get yours!

I can hardly believe it's been a whole year since the issue that featured my house came out. Time sure do fly! The next update will give the particulars for our big annual sale. Stay tuned and enjoy the sunshine!!

~Christina Z, shopkeeper

I am pleased to welcome Sophie's Cottage to Buttermilk Junction as we host our very first Trunk Show! My friend AJ (a.k.a. Sophie)and I met a few years ago when she had a shop in Hillsboro, OR. She still has her goodies in several antique malls in the Portland area, so I asked her if she would put together a "Shabby Beach" themed display for the month of July and take her show on the road! We just finished putting it together and I think it looks terrific. Love those aqua tones against that red wall.

The Sophie's Cottage Trunk Show will be available for at least the next few weeks...be sure to check it out!

All flag items are still 25% off... that includes all flags, flag finials and anything with a flag on it! Sorry, consignment items are not included and sale does not apply to phone/web orders.

The next email will give the particulars for our annual Inventory Reduction sale. Stay tuned and enjoy the sunshine!!

~Christina Z, shopkeeper

We had a great turnout this past weekend at the Annual Parking Lot Sale! There were a few leftover goodies, which are now in the clearance section of the shop. There are still some great bargains to be had!

We will be closed on Monday July 5th.

Starting Saturday July 3rd, all flag items will be 25% off... that includes all flags, flag finials and anything with a flag on it! Sorry, consignment items are not included and sale does not apply to phone/web orders.

Happy summer all!

~Christina Z, shopkeeper

Just Listed!

I just put the homespun fabrics on the website! They are available for purchase as both yardage (one yard min.) and fat quarters. I hope the pictures do them justice because they are gorgeous in person! Nice soft homespun, not the scratchy & rough stuff from the big boxes.

Our annual Parking Lot sale is comingTHIS Saturday, June 26th from 9am-4pm. If you've been to my sales in the past, you know I mark sale items way down! We'll be set up in the parking lot on the south side of the building... if you pull in and don't see parking available, the entire parking lot on the north side of the building is available on Saturdays... even spaces marked for the insurance office. And one last item regarding the sale... to keep prices low, on June 26th we will not be accepting credit card payments for sales totaling less than $10.

We have two things happening in July. First, we'll be having our annual "Inventory Reduction Sale." Last year we did it in August, but have decided to move it ahead a bit this year. Details and dates will come in the next newsletter!

Secondly, we will be carrying pre-packaged tea from Eugene business "Tea Lady Teas!" This is exciting for The Buttermilk! Some of the initial offerings will be Peppermint, Yummy & Creamy, African Violet and Jazzi-Tea. As the teas arrive, I'll be posting them on the website with their own shipping rate. This will keep them affordable for those not in the area.

Last item to note in this newsletter is that Fall will be coming early to Buttermilk Junction! A nice selection of goodies will be available in early August. You were asking for it early last year so this year we're not waiting until September. Woo hoo!!

Hope to see you very soon!

~Christina Z, shopkeeper

An "Oops!"

I've been meaning to post something here and, well... you know! I did an "oops" in my ad in the latest Washington/Oregon edition of the Country Pleasures magazine. I had been debating about changing my hours to be just Tuesday - Saturday and I guess I thought I had made a firm decision so I let the publisher know. Well short story long, I decided NOT to fiddle with my hours and never changed the ad back.

We will continue to be open MONDAY - SATURDAY from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused!!

Primitive Night Lights back in stock!

The darling primitive night lights are back in stock... thanks to the FedEx man :>) I have brown, red, mustard (shown) and brown with brownish bulb available once again. I'll be listing them on the website tomorrow. Also new to the shop and shown in the picture are the Irvin's outlet covers in blackened tin. I have the standard double outlet in stock, but they are also orderable in many other configurations, including GFCI outlets, double lightswitch, etc. Will get them listed on-line tomorrow too! Bye for now!

Almost forgot! I promised Buttermilk customers Linda and Joe Harris that I'd post a link to their house. The Harrises were featured in the same issue of Country Sampler as my home... Aug/Sept 2009. Their home is OUTSTANDING... and currently for sale! Take a minute to click on the link below... you will be ready to move right in! Toota-Loo for now!

http://www.sunriserealtyllc.net/2710whisperingoakspl.htm

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you're probably about ready to float away... geesh.... talk about April showers! My niece, who lives in San Diego, called me a few days ago to "complain" how hot it was... 85 degrees. Poor baby!!

My new battery candles have arrived and they are way cool! I ordered these at the PA show and they were one of the last shipments to get here. There are several styles available... all are shown in the picture above. From left to right, top of shelf... small "votive" size BOC (battery operated candles) available in red and primitive brown, medium size "cake candle" BOC that actually has a timer function.. available only in prim brown, and a tall BOC avail only in mustard (and this is the only one). Lower shelf has the tall "cake candle" that have a full size taper BOC that slips down in the wax sleeve... avail in must and burg, and the new lumpy bumpy pillar BOC in mustard, tan and burg. All feature a very waxy, thick silicone bulb. Very different from the other BOCs I carry :>)

Also shown are two other items from the PA show (do these people realize it's been almost 3 months?!?!) One is a black metal sleeve with star cutouts... this will fit over a candle, but also has a small cut out at the bottom for you to feed an electric cord through. And the mustard star unit is made to show off whatever large jar or cake candle you are burning. Would even look darling with a large BOC!! Also available in several other colors.

Bye for now dear friends and HAPPY EASTER!

Gratitude

Just wanted to take a break from my typical Blog posts and write about gratitude. That is, MY gratitude for the wonderful customers I have!! When I think about the success of Buttermilk Junction, I am blown away that we've continued to grow each year the shop has been in existence.

For those of you who don't know, I have wanted to own a country shop since I "found" country decorating in the eighties. In November 2005, my husband Lee and I rented the tiniest storefront we could find in Junction City and started setting up shop. If that space was 200 square feet I'd be surprised. Even though we knew it could never be our permanent home, we had to "test the waters" before jumping in any further. In April 2006, we moved to a 1000 square foot shop nearby and enjoyed that space until the summer of 2007. Due to issues with building management and a flood caused by an upstairs renter, we started looking for a new space for Buttermilk Junction. On Sept 1st 2007 we opened in a neat shop 3 blocks away. I thoroughly enjoyed that location for the two years we were there, even though parking was a huge problem as well as a few other issues. At the end of August 2009, I began packing up once again and moved over to Ivy St. to share space with our local quilt shop, Thimbles & Threads. That was 7 months ago and I haven't looked back since. Not only did my wonderful customers support the move, we've made many more country-lovin' friends since then and the past 7 months have exceeded my hopes. All this to say that without you, there wouldn't be a Buttermilk.

We are not rich by any stretch of the imagination... my husband and I BOTH need to contribute to our finances to pay the mortgage, car payment, etc. I always had a corporate paycheck and when I lost my full-time job to overseas outsourcing in 2008, I was not sure what to expect. But God is so good! And I thank the good Lord every day that I get to do what I love (DECORATE) and be my own boss. It's hard work but very rewarding and I look forward to whatever the future holds. When you come in and say Buttermilk Junction is your favorite store, or you'd rather shop there than anyplace else, I am truly honored. Thank you for your friendship and your support!!!

Homespun has arrived

Well poo I am a week behind in my posts... I have been working really hard to get my new "POS" system up and running. It's been very time consuming to enter everything... hopefully another week and it will be done.

Look at this gorgeous homespun!! I have 8 bolts now... loves it! The red reverse windowpane and the mustard/black windowpane are my two favorites. I am so thinking curtains! This is very nice quality homespun, not the rough stuff from the "box" stores... $8.75 per yard. A reminder that the fabric ladies are happy to do the cutting.... you don't want me to do it... I cut fabric like I wrap gifts... and that's not a pretty picture my friends.

Spring Open House was a wonderful success! Too bad it didn't feel like spring... but that's OK, it does now :>) I've received SEVEN more boxes of goodies since the S.O.H.! Not all of it is seasonal... there was the homespun, some wonderful primitive "tabletop" cubbies, faux tallow berry candle rings and garlands, reed diffusers are back in, repro tin Easter chocolate molds, new braided trivets and coasters in wonderful colors, etc. I am also expecting the new Judy Condon book any day now. Oh and the UPS man brought me a big box of runners, shower curtains and window treatments that I haven't even opened yet!!

If you haven't been in the shop in awhile, please come see all that is new! Will try to get some of it on the website over the next few weeks... POS taking priority right now as I have to be up and running by April 1st.. no foolin'!

Happy Friday all!

Spring Open House next week!

Won't you please join us for our Spring Open House... scheduled for Friday March 12th and Saturday March 13th from 10am - 5pm. Come have a look-see at all that is new!

How has everyone been.... I have felt very productive this week! I managed to spackle and touch up paint my office, in addition to getting my decorating theme nailed down for that room (not to mention cleaning up the extreme CLUTTERY mess!). Also, I moved a wall cabinet to a new location and a shutter became a wall hanging in my dining room... and I even started a Goodwill pile. The highlight was putting my new coverlet and duvet on my bed. Next project will be a new bathroom countertop if I figured my tax liability properly and we actually DO get a refund!

Oh ya... I also decorated my house for SPRING! Yeehaw... so nice to see some Springy things here and there. Before you know it we'll be putting out the seashells and flags. Aack! Have a wonderful week all!

Well shoot.... I missed my Friday deadline last week! I think it was because I got in a great big ol' box from Family Heirloom Weavers and I got caught up in the moment. While a few things I was expecting were backordered, the box did contain my new duvet and my "Sea Star and Jewels" coverlet. Ooooh la la this coverlet is a beauty!! I raced home at 5pm to put it on my bed. Loves it!! Still some decorating to do in the master bedroom but these two pieces were a major part of the redo.

The pillowcases are from pbteen.com ... they are black with white polka dots! The pillow and bedskirt are Ralph Lauren "Cold Springs," a black and linen mattress ticking. Also, the coverlet reverses to linen background with black. I must comment, that white basket looks out of place in the photo... funny how the camera really highlights certain things! Maybe I will get out the black paint this weekend.

The UPS man was not very good to me last week! I think he stopped twice; once with a tiny box of not much to speak of and the other time with the blankets. He did show up yesterday with a huge supply of 2010 Country Sampler Home Tour Editions, which was great... but I had hoped for something even a teence more exciting?!?! Mr Fed Ex brought two ginormous boxes from Lt. Moses Willard lighting... a special order for a customer. I told Mr UPS he better not let me down on Tuesday. He didnt seem particularly amused.....

Well this is a short one since it's already Tuesday and I need to be back on schedule by the end of the week. Bye for now!

WOW... Spring Fever is going to be rampant if this weather keeps up. Even though I have to be at the shop all day, it is still so nice to look outside and see glorious sunshine. It's probably 60 degrees out there, yet I just saw someone go by on a motorcycle wearing a T-SHIRT!!! Crazy people!!

The UPS man didn't have anything too exciting for me today (tissue and bags... yawn....) but the FedEx guy brought me some Amish barn stars. I have never ordered them before, but am trying out the 10" size... they are adorable! Perfect for the authentic barn star lover with a space problem! They will retail for $18.95 and I'll try to get them scattered around the shop tomorrow.

Have been keeping myself busy today with a painting project using some new paints I ordered at the Winter Market. So far it's, er, interesting! It's quite a process and I am anxious to see the end results. Since the day is almost done that probably wont happen until Monday. Also managed to do a little hand stitchin' today and whipped up some cute SEED bags. Will have to wait til Spring Open House next month to see those tho....

**UPDATE** Furniture is SOLD......So I just got a call from my BFF Laura and she asked me to post on my blog that she has reduced the already bargain price of her IKea Ektorp set to just $500! For everything!! OMG I wish I had an empty room somewhere! Here is a link to the IKea website / Ektorp page so you can see how wonderful a deal this is....http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20031656 This link shows the sofa slipcover... and as you can see it's $149 just for that ONE slipcover... so $500 for an entire set of furniture plus three complete SETS of slipcovers is an incredible deal!! See my previous post for more info.. it's the one from February 5th.

Well I shall close for now as part of "Blog Friday" is writing in my own blog, but the other part is reading some of my faves!! Happy Weekend all!

New tin "Petticoat" lamp - USA made

New tin hanging taper holder - USA

Tall tin "hogscraper" electric candlestick - USA

Grapevine garland with tiny twig STARS attached!

Oval penny mat

Black crows

Tan primitive cat

Faux bay leaf wreath with "pip" berries

Does anyone else have the "wintertime blues?" I have just been struggling to get motivated to get ANYTHING done! Cant get interested in doing too much of anything... and there is so much that needs to be done. I hope this feeling doesnt last too long... I much prefer to feel productive and energized (well, who doesn't, right?)

The UPS man has brought me a few new things this week.. always so fun to see him coming with a big ol' box! So far it's just been the "tip of the iceberg"... most of the larger orders are still yet to arrive. I snapped a few pictures as I unboxed this week... as shown above. A lot of what I ordered at the show was "Made in America" product and I am tagging things as such as they come in.

I've been putting new goodies out as they arrive, except items that are spring-specific. Those will have to wait until the Spring Open House, March 12th and 13th. I hope I have enough product for Spring.. I always worry about that. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Happy sunny Friday! We are all going to get a severe case of Spring Fever if this keeps up.

My BF Laura found out yesterday that her house has sold, and she and her hubby Mike will be able to buy the "farm of their dreams." I am so happy for her, but I will sure miss hearing her go "toot-toot" every morning as she's on her way to work. Although, the new place is just a mile up the road.

Anyhoo... Laura has a collection of IKea slipcovered furniture that she is wantin' to sell. She has a full size sofa, loveseat, chair and footstool in the "Ektorp" line, complete with a denim, a tan and a white (washable) slipcover for EACH piece! She is asking $1000 or best offer for the entire set... that's probably cheaper than the 3 sets of slipcovers alone. I can attest to how well these pieces go with "our style" of decorating because I have the loveseat in my living room. If you are in driving distance to us here in Oregon and are interested, please give me a call here at the shop and I will put you in touch with Laura.

Still patiently waiting for my new goodies to arrive! So far all that has come has been new plastic bags and a giant roll of tissue. B-O-R-I-N-G! As things start rolling in I'll put some pix up here. Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Friday! I think I have sufficiently recovered from my jet lag, however, the euphoria from my trip is still lingering!

I've spent today in the shop brainstorming "Spring." Always a hard season for me.. just not into the cutesy pastels and what I call "bunny-chicky" stuff. Next week I need to get out into the big world and do some research on what direction the shops are heading as we move into February. Of course I will be receiving new stock over the next 3 months.. lots of small wooden cupboards, new linens from Family Heirloom Weavers, new pillar candles and much much more.

Redid my master bedroom before I went on my trip and my guest bedroom was the unfortunate recipient of all the red things I stripped out of there. So I think I will start sorting through that mess tonight (but it's so much easier to just close the door!) A few things will go on EBay, some will make their way down to the shop and others will just go in the "decorating closet" for the next time I change something around. The main things I am waiting for to finish the redo are the homespun duvet I ordered at the PA show and I need to make a decision about lampshades.

Also on the agenda for this weekend is clearing out the dining room - that was my dumping ground for all the goodies I bought at the Cash & Carry... some are for the spring open house so they will need to find a new hiding place until we get closer to March. Come to think of it, once I get that guest bedroom cleaned up I can stash them in there. :>) Oh it never ends!!!

Well I have to say... this has been a MOST overwhelming trip! I arrived in Pennsylvania at about 5:00pm on Weds and have been immersed in primitive country ever since. WOW. Here are a few highlights so far:

• While waiting for my van shuttle, I bumped into Kathy and Sharon from my favorite store of all time... The Country Loft!! Who would have thought that an Oregonian would see people she knows from San Diego in Philadelphia! Of course I figured they would be coming to PA for the Market, I never dreamed we'd share a van ride from the airport! That was very cool....
• I have filled an entire suitcase full of "Cash & Carry" items... oh if I only had a truck and trailer, I could have spent a mint!!
• I met Irvin Hoover, of Irvin's Country Tinware!!
• I have placed TONS of orders for wonderful new goodies.. many "Made in America"
• I am heading over to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner! (or is it lunch... I am still on West Coast time...)

That's all I have to share right now... I am still trying to soak it all in and get my game plan for some ordering tomorrow. The show ends at 3pm tomorrow and I am transferring hotels right afterward, so I am across the street from the airport (currently 30 mins away). I'll probably blog more tomorrow evening!

Well I am being true to my word about posting every Friday... although I can't think of a whole bunch to post about!

Very quiet in the shop today... January is usually the slowest month and this one's coming in true to form. That only make me wish I were home decorating something, anything! I was surfing around this morning and saw THE most gorgeous master bedroom... done in all cream, black and brown, with mocha colored walls and toile valances. Oh my I was ready to redo my whole room right then and there. My master is still the same as it was shown in the Country Sampler Fall issue... Pottery Barn "Margaret" collection in red. I do so love it but also love a change so my mental wheels are a-turnin!! My bed is matte black iron and I already have the cream colored quilt, so it wouldn't take too very much to change it over... some pillow cases, a new duvet, some different lampshades, toile drapes... hmmm......

I recently had my master bathroom painted and aside from one wall cabinet, I haven't put any of the decor back in. I'm just not sure what to do with it. I have a new PB shower curtain (Mum pattern.. cream background with shades of dark mustard, spring green and rusty-red orange). We have an awkward space between the two mirrors that I've never quite known what to do with. I have a couple ideas but hate to put holes in the wall in fresh paint until I know for sure.

My next post will be from Valley Forge, PA and I am sure all those primitive country goodies will put me in seventh heaven. Woo hoo!

New shop pics as promised