Friday, August 6, 2010

Where ya been Vinnie???

I'll tell you where I've been...trying to stay cool, just like everybody else in Texas!  Can you believe this heat?  I don't know if you realize it or not, but mice sweat, too, and I've been all but swimming in it!

While I've been sweating, Brenda and Mike have been busy.  There's a new section to check out at the store...The Bargain Barn.  It's directly out the back door.  You can't miss it.  Here's the sign that marks the place...

Here's a peek inside the front door...


Okay.  So it's not much of a peek.  But it does give you an idea why I'm not too happy about the new Bargain Barn.  See the mouse perched on top of the blue toile fabric?  That's my bestest friend, Annie...short for Antiquity Mouse.  When things would get too crowded in the store---LIKE ON FIRST SATURDAYS!---I would slip out to the barn and hang out with Annie.  So what do Mike and Brenda do?  They EXPAND the store, taking over Annie's place and ruining my one and only spot to escape the crowds at Paply's, without having to call a taxi and head for the airport!  Sheesh. 

That sign says "Fill Up a Banana Box Only $5.00."  That probably doesn't make any sense, since you can't see what all is inside the Bargain Barn or the banana boxes you can fill.  The banana boxes are BIG and there's some really neat stuff you can fill your box with.  Here's a brief rundown:  all kinds of electrical accessories, like glass shades, fabric shades, glass domes, glass covers, chandeliers, and a whole bunch of other stuff.  Most of this stuff is brand-spanking new, so getting to fill a banana box and only having to pay $5.00 FOR THE ENTIRE CONTENTS, is a super deal!

Here's something else that is in the Bargain Barn...

In case you don't know what it is, it's a Paragon Kiln  You know, the contraption you use to fire ceramics and stuff. These things don't come cheap, but I heard Mike say he was willing to deal, so if you need one, head to Paply's and ask for Mike!

Besides the Bargain Barn, there are some other 'new' attractions at Paply's.  There is a new vendor who has all kinds of jewelry.  I took a quick pic, while noone was looking...

Necklaces, rings, bracelets...you name it, you'll find it in this booth.   Bling, bling, bling!  And there's another new booth that carries this stuff that I can't pronounce.  It's called Capodimonte.  Yeah, I know.  Sounds foreign.  And it is.  It's Italian home decor.  Here's a close-up pic of one of the larger pieces...

The picture looks ho-hum, but this stuff is really gorgeous!!  And there's lot of it, so come and check it out.

And then there is a display case that is full of the most bee-utiful dolls!  There is a newspaper article about the lady who made them.  Cool!  And there are all kind of dolls.  Big dolls like this one...
There are lots more.  Crawling baby dolls, and then there are these 'choir girls'...

These dolls are all captured singing their little hearts out.  Really cute...and highly collectible!

Okay.  So I guess you've figured out that tomorrow is the one day of the month that I really HATE. 
FIRST SATURDAY AT PAPLY'S GIFTS & ANTIQUES!!!!!!
There are going to be lots of people in the parking lot...I saw Mike marking off the spaces.  And a lot of vendors INSIDE the store have got really good sales going on this weekend.  15%, 20%. 25% and even some 50% off.  And there is one vendor, Cowpalace, who is having a CRAZY sale.  There's a calendar with prices on each day for a 3-piece desk set.  The price drops $5.00 every day until the desk set sells.  This started back in July and the price is still dropping.  A desk, hutch and tall bookcase make up this desk set.  College students and anyone is in the market for a place to study or work need to check this out.  It's like new and well made!

Well, I better get out of here.  Gotta get my beauty sleep, you know.  If you make it to Paply's this weekend, check out the Bargain Barn...and look for Annie.  She's the coolest friend ever!