My Friends and I

2012-01-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

The instructions for this cute heart hanging is here it's on Martha's web page. I seem to remember making something like this in school years (Many) ago. And I think I made this with my kids. Wax paper and crayons is what you need. Pretty cute.

2012-01-29T09:18:00.001-08:00

If your reading this blog it means that your at the right place. I just got an email that I put the wrong www address on the cards we pass out. Forgot niles. Really I have got to get my head on straight! I am going to make a sticker to go over that part on the label. I just can't seem to help making more work for myself or should I say for the girls at the shop, cause I'm going to make them do it when they work.
Sometimes it's good to be the one who gives the orders. LOL
What beautiful weather we're having. Why not get out and come to shop today and see what's new.

2012-01-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like this? Well I have and do. I'm still on Southern time. They are 3 hours ahead of us. When I got there I didn't want to go to bed and I sure didn't want to get up. Just as I started to adjust it was time to come home. Oh well it will take a few more days and then I should be back on CA. time. I'd better catch up soon.................I have way too much to do!

2012-01-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

I loved Savannah and Charleston but it's good to be home!
We spent a lot of time site seeing and taking in local culture. The Victorian homes in both cities were spectacular as were the beaches, light houses and museums we saw. We visited lots of cemeteries and I must admit I have a thing for them. Some were from the 17 and 18 hundreds and the head stones were works of art. We even went on a night walking tour of cemeteries in Charleston. FUN. The gal who led the tour was a great ghost story teller. Of course every place in Savannah and Charleston is said to be haunted, even the B&B's we stayed at. Most of the supposed ghosts were real people, so learned a lot of history about the cities with each story.
I bought lots of really cute stuff at the Gift Show in Atlanta. It will start coming soon. I will post pictures and I put in all in the shop.

2012-01-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well I'll leave you with one more sweet clipart I found. There are so many wonderful illustrations from days gone by it makes me wonder if any of todays images will be so special in years to come. If you want to see the site I found this one click here

2012-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

I'm off to spring market in Atlanta tomorrow. I'm sooooo excited. Not only am I going to the gift show which is where I find all the cute wonderful new merchandise for the store, but my girl friend from Sonora, her daughter and one of my daughters are going from Atlanta on a road trip to Savannah and Charleston. I will take pictures and see if I can get my daughter with her trusty iphone to post some here on the blog for me. Great fun!

Have you ever wished someone would make you a cake? I'd like one just like in the picture below please. Speaking of cakes. Anyone want to share recipes of your favorite? Email them to me and I will try and put them on the blog to share with everyone. I'm thinking that it would be a fun addition that everyone would enjoy. By the way, we're handing out another free recipe in the store this month. It's called Apple Dewies and it's yummy. Stop by and pick up your copy.

2012-01-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

I just posted the link for this cute calendar page you can print over on facebook. But in case you don't follow us on facebook I wanted to make sure you got the link. So click here to go to the site. I think it's really neat that so many talented people want to share. I signed up for her email so I can get a new page each month. Have fun with this and share with friends.

2012-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Bo is the talented new dealer just in the shop on the second. She makes the cutest doll outfits that fit the American Girl doll or any doll that size. I mean they are so cute, forget the doll and just hang them as a wall decoration. She also does vintage metal trays made into memo boards with button magnets. The scottie is a picture of one. She has lots to choose from. She also makes wonderful jewelry, not pictured.

Also going on in the back 2 of our dealers Joanne and Diane have split the last space and are busy filling it up with some pretty neat stuff.

Come by soon and see it all. And sign up for the drawing I told you about in the last post.

Click on picture to make bigger

2012-01-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Well I've got the 30 packets made up for the drawing this month. Really fun putting all this together. Here's what's included. A page from a vintage music book and a 1936 yearbook. A vintage postcard, black and white photo, greeting card, valentine, bingo card and 10 cute playing cards, like the ones we laminate for our business cards and buttons thrown in just for the heck of it. There will also be a discount coupon that can be used in February.

You can win a packet by entering the drawing each time you come to the shop. For a one time entry chance you can email me that you want to win or make a comment on my facebook post. I will then put your name in the drawing. BUT the best and most fun way to enter is to come in the shop of course!

How every thing looks all bagged up.

2011-12-31T14:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS!
2012 is the beginning of our 30th year in business!!! and we owe it all to you, our
wonderful loyal customers.

To celebrate, we are going to be doing some really fun things each month and announcing it by email, on the blog and on facebook.

January 31th we will be having a drawing for 30 packets of wonderful vintage paper items, including a vintage Valenine or two. This is really, really cute stuff.
You can sign up for it every time you come in the shop in January.

We will be doing fun things in the shop all year long, so keep a watch each month
For the latest news in our emails, blog and on face book.

Thanks again for the last 30 years. We couldn't have done it without you!

2011-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

We have this little bitty lemon tree in our back yard and this is just a few of the lemons it produced. The recipe after the picture is the best lemonade I've ever had. I know your saying to yourself what could be so good about a lemonade recipe? Well trust me it's wonderful.
Get yourself some lemons and give it a try!

Lemonade

1 3/4 cups white sugar

8 cups water

1 1/2 cups lemon juice

1. In small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate untill chilled.

2. Remove seeds from lemon juice, but leave pulp. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water.

2011-12-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Because of a medical problem I have, Frank and I will be unable to open the store Christmas Eve as planned. So we will be closed the 24th and the 25th and will open back up on the 26th with a sale on Christmas items. Hope to see you then.
Carol

2011-12-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

Time change on the train of lights I told about in last post. It got back into town tonight at 5:45 and left about 6:00. So come before that if you want to see it arrive in town all lite up.

2011-12-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Remember we are open till 6:30 every night through 12-23.
We had lots of people in the store after our usual closing time and everyone was so happy we were open a little later. By the way if you come to town in the afternoon and hang around till dark the pictures below are what you'll see. (my night pictures aren't so good, but you get the idea)

Depot in Plaza

Train of lights

The first ride leaves town at 4:15 and comes back in around 6:00. They are sold out this year but you can still enjoy the view when they pull back into town. You go stand behind the Plaza on the patio to get the best view. The picture is just a few cars on the long train. The train runs every night this next week including the 23rd.

2011-12-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Starting tonight we will be open every night till 6:30 right up to Christmas Eve. That day we will close at 4:00. Come in and say hello. We've love to see you.

We will be closed Christmas, but yes we will be open on the 26th.

2011-12-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

I just had someone call us and want to know if we still have Christmas merchandise left. Well..............of course we do! Just look at this cute little frosty setting. Couldn't you buy it all and group it together? Just plain cute!

2011-12-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

When I read this, I thought "oh so true!" Christmas is best through the eyes of a child.
Enjoy the season, it will be over way too soon.
• Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde

2011-12-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

What a smart guy that Cat in the Hat is......................Love this!

2011-12-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Today I brought in some really cool fun old metals that I picked up on my trip last month. I honestly couldn't leave them in IL. LoL

This Panda got one pinned on him. He's so proud!
They would be great to use in scrapbooking, altered art projects, put on dolls or teddy bears OR just collect for fun. There's a bunch, come in and see them. I think they are a bargain at $3.50 ea.

2011-12-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

Niles Main Streets Assoc. presents the annual Holiday Christmas Home Tour this Saturday Dec. 10th. The tickets are available on line and in our shop till Friday at $15.00 each then you can buy them on Saturday for $20.00 ea. You can get more info about the event and buy your tickets on line here.

Also that weekend our good buddies Tyme for Tea is having their Special Holiday Tea of Good Tidings on the 10th and 11th. Jessica the owner told me she has just a few more sitting times left, so if you want a truly wonderful tea experience click here for more info.

2011-12-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, the ideas that people come up with.
Cut the top out of an empty salt container and put it in the rim of a canning jar lid then screw on canning jar. I don't use much salt any more, but I will certainly save the next container I get. I would love to put sugar in it.....................or what ever! Clever!

Don't forget to like us on facebook and give me a comment to be in the drawing for cute prize on left.

2011-11-29T15:27:00.001-08:00

December Give Away.
Box with a wooden bird, bird paperweight, bird seed which is actually a wood box and a pretty vintage hankie. There are 4 ways to enter the drawing. Send me an email and tell me you want to win. (click email to left) Click on comment on this post and leave a comment. See this on facebook and click like it on the post. AND best of all enter in the shop every time you come in. You can do all 4!

2011-11-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here's the sign that will be in front of the store today.

Come on down. Shop Niles!

Here's the candy I made for this weekend. I will also be giving away the recipe.
(you can see the recipe in last post)

We have a winner. Mom and Daughter. Cute!
(Keep a eye out for picture of our next giveaway coming to
My Friends and I soon)

2011-11-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

I've posted this before, but it and the picture of it is way back in some older post and since I'm going to be making it to pass out in the shop this Fri. Sat. and Sun. for the Merchants of Niles Christmas Open House I thought I'd post it again. It's really good and really easy. I bought all the ingredients at Wallmart. I couldn't find the white almond bark any where else.

Crock-Pot chocolate candy~
2 lbs (36 oz) salted dry-roasted peanuts
4 oz (4 squares) German's sweet chocolate
1 12-package semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
2 1/2 lbs white almond bark

Put the peanuts in the bottom of a 4-quart slow-cooker. Layer the chocolate over the peanuts, beginning with the sweet chocolate, followed by the chocolate chips, and then the almond bark. Set the temperature on low and cook for 3 hours. DO NOT STIR THE MIXTURE. After 3 hours, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth. Drop the candy into cupcake pan liners, using about 2 tablespoons per liner. Allow the candy to cool completely before removing the cupcake liners. (I don't remove the liners, looks festive left in them.)
Makes 30 to 40 pieces. I used the tiny cupcake papers and it made 3 times that much.

Don't forget the Tree lighting and Parade is Friday evening. 6:00 pm for the tree and 6:30 for the Parade.

2011-11-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

My friend Diane at the wonderful quilt and yarn store COLOR ME QUILTS AND MORE is having her 5th Anniversary sale this weekend. She's offering 40% off Halloween and Christmas fabrics and several bolts of fabric that will be 50 to 60% off. Don't miss your chance to pick up some fabric or yarn to use in your Christmas projects.
The shop is located at 37495 Niles Blvd.

If you go in please tell her you saw all about the sale on MY FRIENDS AND I blog.

2011-11-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Silhouettes are in the store. My oh my they are really pretty. Come see.

2011-11-16T17:36:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't readable from here but if you click on it, it will get bigger. You can also go to this site http://www.theydrawandcook.com/recipes/christmas-lollipops-by-amy-king and you can see this and others. Really cute stuff. You could print these from the site and use them as cards.

2011-11-15T16:05:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for Thanksgiving? Well don't forget that the town of Niles has it's Annual Christmas Open House Fri., Sat., Sun. after Thanksgiving.

Friday night is the tree lighting at 6:00. then the parade of lights starts at 6:30. Come to town early, bring your chairs set them up somewhere on the sidewalk to save your spot and then go shopping! Can't make it Friday? Stay away from the crowded malls and come to town on Sat. and Sun. and get into the Christmas Spirit. Most stores will have cookies and a big smile for you.

2011-11-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'm back home and glad to be. I love to travel and I had a lot of fun, but there really is no place like home.
I loaded all the stuff I bought on the road from the camper to my van and I hope to start putting it a little at a time in the shop starting tomorrow. I will try and remember to take my camera and take a few pictures.
In the meantime I saw this idea on a site I was on this evening. Never too early to find cute Xmas ideas. Wouldn't this be cute place card holders for Xmas Dinner?

2011-11-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

My Niece in Ark. has the most outstanding collection of Pyrex that I've ever seen. The picture uploading to the blog at the RV park we're at tonight is so slow I'm going to wait till I get back to Fremont to post others. It's so colorful and happy.

This was taken out the truck window some where between Gallop New Mexico and Holbrook Az. It was prettier than it shows in the picture. I needed that break in the landscape because most of the view isn't that great.

2011-11-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

This is just funny!!!

2011-11-07T15:43:00.001-08:00

I'm back on the road again. We got to my brothers in Arkansas on Thurs. Didn't have Internet while there so wasn't able to blog. But I've got it here at the RV park in Amarillo TX. A lot of you know I was born in Niles and grew up in Fremont. Trust me, Fremont is wonderful. LOL

I was all prepared to stop at 2 of my favorite Antique stores in Okla. and they are now closed on Monday's! Poo! I now know how people feel when they come to Niles on Mon. and Tues. and almost everyone but us is closed. It's disappointing!

Boy did we hit some weather. It rained and hailed so hard we had to pull over. You couldn't see ahead of you. It was kind of like fog in CA. Pretty scary.

The big talk on all the news stations here is of course the Earthquake in Okla. We were in Ark. close to Ft. Smith and we didn't feel it although some people say they did. I probably wouldn't have thought it was an earthquake even if we did. Just don't think about Earthquakes there. Poor people. They have to put up with Tornadoes, now earthquakes. Bad news. Saw an elderly lady on the local news and she said she was from CA and knew right away what it was. She said to the news caster "honey I was out the front door before the dust could settle!"

We still have some places to stop, but will be home and have new stuff in the shop soon. Stay tuned!

2011-11-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

We left IL. this morning, all of us a little teary eyed. We are getting better at saying goodbye. When the kids moved here 5 years ago it was a lot of crying from all of us when it was time to leave. It's makes our hearts feel good that our 11 year and 13 year old Grandsons still care about us enough to be really sad when we leave. (yes it's sad, but still makes us appreciate them) Same for the kids in CO.

We went to Saint Joseph IL. yesterday and were shopping in a store we love and call the "Museum" because the guy has some really outstanding stuff, but very expensive. Anyway he knows I have a shop in CA and came up to me with this box of silhouettes and said "do you sell these at your shop in CA?" Well of course I said "YES!" Well needless to say I couldn't resist buying them. There are 37 of them all different. They weren't cheap and it took me the whole time we were in his shop to make up my mind to buy them. I can't wait to get them in the shop. If your a collector of silhouettes you'll love them and even if your not, you'll appreciate how pretty they are.

Only 4 pictured below

2011-11-02T07:39:00.001-07:00

Want to see something funny? Click here . It will take you to a short little movie. It will make you smile.

2011-10-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

My Daughter has gone thru her stuff and pictured is some of the things she doesn't want any more. Some of it will be in the store when I get home. Boy am I going to have a great yellow section in the shop. Know any one who loves yellow? There's some wonderful Christmas gifts here.

I'll be back by Thanksgiving so come in and see what's new. Remember the Parade of Lights is the Friday night after Thanksgiving and all the stores in Niles will be open for the day and most after the parade. We're also open Sat. and Sun. Skip the crowded malls. SHOP NILES!

2011-10-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

As seen on a blog about buttons I was exploring. Hmmmm......maybe I'll start carrying a tiny pair of scissors. LOL.

2011-10-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

This picture goes with post below. Taken at The Great Pumpkin Farm......Yep that's us. King and Queen!

2011-10-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur IL. What a place! Martha Stewart has been there and the guys who started the place have been on her show. Last year they were in Washington DC at the white house.

There are pumpkins, gourds, and squash everywhere. We had lots of fun.

2011-10-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

Look what my daughter made her Dad today. Hmmmmmmmmm Apple Pie.

See the top? She saw on a blog to use a cookie cutter to cut top and decorate with.

Pretty cute.

2011-10-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

If you want to see some really cute goblins, princess's, pirates, etc., get to town Monday to see all the kids (400 plus!) from Niles Elementary school parade and trick or treat downtown niles. You don't have to have a child in the parade to appreciate how cute they all are. It's just plain FUN to watch! It will make you feel like a kid again. My Friends and I will be open as ususal on Monday and passing out lots of candy to all those little trick or treaters.

A little side note about the parade. I used to take my now 22 year old Grandson to join the parade before he was in school. I wish I could go back to that little guy one more time. They grow up soooooooooo fast.

I found this funny picture on the web. Cool ideal for old sheets.

2011-10-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well we just got to IL. today. We got out of CO. in the nick of time. It snowed on Wed. We left on Tues. I have done a lot of shopping and will take some pictures and post them tomorrow. If you read my last posts you know that I left my charger at home. My son-in-law thinks there is an extra one where he works. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that.

Just a little interesting thing my daughter told me today about a grocery store here in IL called Aldi. It's kind of like Trader Joe's, but here's the interesting part. All their grocery carts are locked up and you have to put a quarter in to get one. (like at the airports) Then when you take it back in you get your quarter back. They never have carts in the parking lot cause if someone doesn't return it themselves, there's always someone who grabs it and gets the quarter. Also if you don't bring your own bags they charge you for the bag that they put your groceries in. Wonder if it would work in CA.?

Hope to add some pictures tomorrow. Stay tuned!

2011-10-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo here in Colorado Springs. It's a wonderful, beautiful zoo right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. We have always enjoyed it, but this time was the best. Weather was perfect and the trees and plants were a blaze in color. Beautiful.

Looking out over the City of Colorado Springs from Zoo. The view was spectacular.

Today was swap meet day two here in Colorado Springs. Wow was it fun! Look at the back of my daughters little Ford in the second picture. The picture below is some of the goodies that

were in that mess.

Yep that's a vintage Alumumin Christmas Tree you see. I bought it without checking to see if all the parts are there. When I get home and if it's all there I plan on putting it in the store window. Guess then I'll know won't I?

2011-10-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in Colorado and I'm having a blast. We did a lot of shopping today and I'm loading it up and getting it ready to come back to CA. and to MY FRIENDS AND I. I'm working on getting a charger for my laptop and will put pictures on as soon as I get one. In the mean time here's one I took of the shop before I left.
Later............

2011-10-19T18:04:00.001-07:00

Well we're on the road and so far it's just been a boring ride. NV. WY and most of Utah is pretty open and not much to see. Hopefully we can start shopping from Cheyenne on to Colorado Springs. I just realized that I left my computer charger at home and don't have much battery power left on this thing, so will put a few pictures, etc on my daughters computer in a few days.

We did check out Park City Utah today and the fall color was wonderful. We have been this way many times, but have never gone to the town of Park City. Very quaint and very touristy. No Antique Stores to speak of and that is really our interest, so we just had lunch and moved on.

I promise to post while at my daughters houses. Hope they have a spare charger they can lend me while traveling.

DON'T GIVE UP ON ME!

2011-10-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well the open house is over and it was a real success. THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENED. If you weren't able to make it, no worry, the store is still packed with lots of cute stuff.

Now that it's over I'm headed across county for a much needed Grandkid fix. I will be going to Co. Il. Ark. and every where in between. Follow me here on the blog for reports and pictures of my adventures.

2011-10-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Yes we're tired! Yes we were feeling silly.....................but we are almost ready for Friday night.
Look at those head bands. So...............cute. Hope to see you this weekend for our Open House.

2011-10-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

After 2 full days of opening boxes and putting stuff out it's finally starting to "look alot like Christmas" at MY FRIENDS AND I. It's hard to stay busy in our own spaces cause everyone wants to see what everyone else is putting out. CUTE STUFF!

2011-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sneak peek of a snowman angel that has a hook on bottom for stockings, wreath, etc. She can hardly wait for everyone to see her at the Open House. (see post below for info) Next to her is the poster that will be on our covered up windows after we close on Sunday. The excitement for us is building........is the supense getting to you yet? I'm going to try and put little teaser pictures on the blog daily, so keep checking back.

2011-10-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's Christmas Open House time again!

Here's the dates.

Oct. 14 6pm - 9pm

Oct. 15 and 16 10am - 6pm

To get ready we will be closed Oct 10 till Oct 14 6 pm.

We are excited and anxious to get started decorating the shop with all the cute new merchandise we've been getting in daily. If you've been to one of our Open Houses before you know you won't be disappointed. If this is your first one, then get ready to be WOWED!

With that said............I again want to THANK you, our loyal customers for supporting MY FRIENDS AND I these last 29 years. We wouldn't be in business all these years without you. Your the best!

Carol

2011-09-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for decorator books and as you can see from the picture I have lots. I ended up with a duplicate, so I'm going to be doing a drawing in Oct. for the one pictured below. Fall is coming and on a cold, rainy evening I love to get my books out and browse through the pages for inspiration.

To win this one you need to email me that y0u want to win and or enter with any purchase at MY FRIENDS AND I.

2011-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Click here to find the site that has this darling clipart plus more. Don't ya love it?

2011-09-25T08:46:00.001-07:00

We have a new dealer in MY FRIENDS AND I. She has cute stuff! Her name is Diane and when I can catch her with my camera I will snap a picture.

2011-09-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Remember the post where "BOO" was spelled out in black buttons on a pumpkin? Well here's another wonderful thing to do with buttons. Look at the last. Of course I like it because it's my initial and colorful, but truly I love them all.

C is for CAROL

2011-09-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

I saw this today and thought it was a cute ideal. The second picture shows how she put the plate on a platic pipe (I think that's what it is) and attached that to the wall. Maybe glued??? I'm sure if any of you want to do this you could come up with some way to make it work. Let us know if you do this project and how you did it.
The plates here are cute, but I would like vintage ones instead.

2011-09-20T20:20:00.005-07:00

For this and other cute Halloween things you can print click here have fun exploring the site.

2011-09-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

I met Roseann when she became a dealer in MY FRIENDS AND I and even though she's not in the shop any more we have remained friends. She has just gotten a job for a company called Picaboo where you can make the most wonderful books to share on line and to buy.
The picture below is the cover of one she made from pictures of her garden. (she has an amazing yard). If you'd like to see the whole book click here. I think it's wonderful.
When you get to the site, just click on the arrows under the picture. Enjoy!

2011-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

You can thank good ol' Martha (Stewart) for this. Isn't she cleaver? Or should I say her paid staff cleaver? Who ever thought this up was really good. I like it alot. How about you? The hats are darling.

2011-09-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

I was just snapping some pictures in the shop. Peggy in Space #16 agreed to model the hat bands they have for sell. Soooo cute. (Peggy and the hat!)

Click on picture and you'll be able to see it bigger

Music at the Plaza Sunday 9-11

2011-09-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Before the music below starts, right at 1:00 there will be a short recognition of 9-11.
Along with a great summer day and music at the Plaza , it's a date we shouldn't forget. Come join us for the last concert of the season.

What's Up Big Band
Sunday, Sept. 11
At the Niles Plaza Amphitheater

What's Up Big Band - 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
A twenty-piece orchestra based in Newark, CA, will be performing "Rat Pack" classics and more!

Tracey Newman & the Reinforcements
Tracy Newman & The Reinforcements - 2:00 pm

Yes, "Tracy Newman" songwriter and Emmy-Award-winning TV writer; with the Reinforcements make a folksy combo featuring award-winning songs full of optimism, humor and insight.

Co-sponsored by: Niles Main Street Association & Golden Spike Music Program. Presented by Mudpuddle Music.

Look to the left!

2011-09-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

SEE THAT CROW SINGING? Here's what he's singing about. A $25.00 Gift Certificate drawing in September. Here's how to win it. Email me and say you want to win or enter every time you come in the shop the month of September. EASY!

Don't forget we're on facebook now. Click link to see us there.

2011-09-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

The gal who has this blog does the most wonderful art work. I love her birds!
She puts a calendar page for download on the blog each month. Here is what Sept. looks like. If you'd like to go see for yourself and download the page click HERE.

2011-08-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Look at this. Buttons to spell out BOO and take a look at the sweet bow. I will be making a copy of this picture and making a few bags of black buttons to sell at shop, just enough to do this little project. Probably $2.00 or 3.00 for the bag. But I will give away 10 bags of black buttons to the first 10 who email me and say they want some. If you win you can pick them up at your convenience any time in Sept. Your name will be on a bag. More FUN from MY FRIENDS AND I!

2011-08-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Antique Fair over for another year. Whew!
It was really tiring, but really fun too.
So many nice people coming in the shop all day long and lots of really nice comments about MY FRIENDS AND I. We heard "this is my favorite shop" several times during the day, and truthfully that's part of what keeps us going year after year. All you great customers, who now seem more like old friends. THANKS for supporting us!

Aren't these pumpkins cute? Just pile em' up and add some masks. FUN! I personally like the Monkey. Looks vintage to me but I haven't bought costumes for many years, so could be new. I may have to hunt some up to do this.

2011-08-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

We're tired already and it's not even Sunday yet. We have been poking stuff in every little space all week.
Here's a little write up I found about tomorrow, and really folks the Pancake breakfast is here in the early a.m. too.

The pancake breakfast is also back, beginning bright and early as vendors arrive to set up shop at 5 a.m. "The Dawn Breakers Lions Club has been putting on the breakfast for about 20 years. People show up around 4-5 a.m. with flashlights to start shopping,"

Fall recipe site

2011-08-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

I was checking out different web sites and found this one for Taste Of Home. There are some really good sounding fall recipes on the site. Click here to go there.
I think these little spider goodies are a kick!

P.S. We now have 56 friends on Facebook. If you haven't liked us yet, click the facebook link on left and join in the fun.

The Big Day Is Almost Here

2011-08-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's Antique Fair and Flea Market time again. Where has the year gone? It's happening this Sunday in Niles 6:00 Am to 4:00 Pm.

The day is really tiring for all of us, but it's a really fun exciting day too.

*MY FRIENDS AND I* hope if you come to town you'll stop in and say hello and of course check out all the cute Halloween goodies we've been bringing in.

2011-08-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Come to Niles Tomorrow (Saturday). Cars for the guys and for you girls new Halloween stuff to check out at MY FRIENDS AND I. Fun for all!

2011-08-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Cat with a bat wand...........so cute. I worked all day putting in Halloween and Fall and we still have more to go. Every thing is so fun. Come and see!

Boo to You!

2011-08-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a teaser picture for you. Halloween is arriving in the shop. I know, I know, it's early, but it's too cute to keep boxed up for another week or two. Things will be coming in pretty steady in the next week or two.

P.S. I post pictures on facebook too. If you haven't liked us on Facebook yet click the link, top left. We'd like more friends on Facebook..................Pretty please!

2011-08-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that summer's almost over and the kids will be going back to school.
It also means that the free concerts are coming to a end. There's only a few more left.
Don't let summer go by without coming to Niles for a concert. This Sunday's is 1-4.
As you can see from the picture not too big of a crowd and plenty of room to sit.

P.S. There's some early Halloween in the shop!

2011-08-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

When my daughter was here from IL. she took this picture of the store. I wish I could take pictures that looked as good as this! I'm bringing in new things all the time. Come in and see what's new at MY FRIENDS AND I.

2011-08-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is another *Free Concert* in the plaza. The *Gourmet Food Trucks* will be back with a great selection of yummy food for all you foodies out there. ALSO if you come to town Sunday and purchase something at MY FRIENDS AND I and say you saw us on the Blog, in an Email or on Facebook you'll get entered in a drawing for a *$25.00 Gift Certificate* (sunday only)

If you haven't done so already go to the Facebook link on left and "like us on Facebook!"

August Giveaway

2011-08-03T16:56:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of the giveaway for August. It's a cute little bird basket, 2 eggs and a $25.00 Gift Certificate. You can enter to win every time you come in the shop OR you can email me from this blog, tell me you'd like to win and I will enter you. EASY!
If you haven't done it yet, click on facebook symbol below our heading and like us on facebook!

Candy samples

2011-07-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today at the shop I gave out samples of the candy I made from the recipe below. It was a BIG hit! Then I gave everyone this blog address to get the recipe. So many had never been to our blog. If your new here WELCOME! I Hope you'll bookmark it as a favorite and come back often. If you're a blog regular HELLO to you and thanks for reading us.
Either way, make this candy. Your going to love it!

P.S. If you click on older posts at the bottom you can read all our posts from the beginning.

Crockpot Candy

2011-07-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Remember way back in one of my post I gave you a link to the Crock- pot Candy recipe? Well I finally made it and it's really good AND really easy!
If you come into the shop this weekend you can try a sample for free. (pictured is just a small amount, it makes tons). Want to make them yourself? Here's the recipe.

Crock-Pot chocolate candy~

2 lbs (36 oz) salted dry-roasted peanuts
4 oz (4 squares) German's sweet chocolate
1 12-package semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
2 1/2 lbs white almond bark

Put the peanuts in the bottom of a 4-quart slow-cooker. Layer the chocolate over the peanuts, beginning with the sweet chocolate, followed by the chocolate chips, and then the almond bark. Set the temperature on low and cook for 3 hours. DO NOT STIR THE MIXTURE. After 3 hours, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth. Drop the candy into cupcake pan liners, using about 2 tablespoons per liner, Allow the candy to cool completely before removing the cupcake liners. Makes 30 to 40 pieces. I used the tiny cupcake papers and it made 3 times that much.

Just a note: I had a hard time finding white almond bark, but found this at Target (that's where I bought all the ingredients) it worked just fine.

2011-07-24T17:09:00.001-07:00

Really great food on those trucks! AND we did hit the cupcake truck. We brought them home for later. They will be back on August 7th. Mark the date come listen to free music and try out some of the food for yourself.

P.S. Did you notice the facebook link on the left sidebar? Yep we're on facebook now. Hope you'll go check it out and like us on facebook.

2011-07-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the Free Concert in the Plaza AND the Gourmet Food Trucks in the parking lot. My family is visiting from IL. and we are all excited to check out the food being offered. We can't be there till around 4:00 so I hope there will be some left! I went on line and the one that has cupcakes got my attention!
Come on down it's going to be a beautiful day.

2011-07-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

This Sunday July 24th is another free concert in Niles.
Here's who's performing in the plaza from 1 to 4

Patrice Pike Band (Americana Rock from Austin)
Rita Hosking Duo (Songwriter, folk, traditional)

In addition we are going to have Feed your soul with the following Gourmet Food Trucks in town from 12-6 that day. They are the new rage in gourmet eating.

Grill Stars - www.TheGrillStars.com -- If you remember Boss Hawgs BBQ in Niles then this truck will send you back in time with Gourmet Burgers Like the "One and Only" or Succulent BBQ flavors of Southern Pulled Pork and Texas Beef Brisket.

Thats Sweet Dessert Truck - http://www.thatssweetbakerâ€'y.com/ --
This Truck serves up Gourmet cupcakes that will have you coming back for more with flavors like, Salted Carmel, Chocolate Maple, Red Velvet and Maple Bacon. Also serving up a variety of other sweet sensations.

Twisted Chill - www.Facebook.com/TwistedChâ€'illTruck -- The Name of this truck says it all. A self serve, soft serve ice cream truck with 8 different flavors and endless amount of toppings And two Cool Owners make this "One Epic Truck"

BBQ Kalbi - www.BBQKalbi.com

MOGO BBQ - www.Mogobbq.com

Five Ten Burger - www.FiveTenBurger.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here are the dates for Niles Plaza Summer Concerts for this summer. You might want to mark your calendar . More on these concerts in future blogs.

Aug 7 Royal Dueces Confirmed (East Bay Rock-A-Billy)
Ron Thompson (Newark's own, a Blues Hall Of Fame legend)

Aug 14 WOOSTER (Pop/Rock/Raggae from Santa Cruz )
Gregory Page (Jazz/Pop from San Diego)

Sept 11 What's Up Big Band ('Rat Pack' classics, two singers & a 20 piece)
Tracy Newman & The Reinforcements (L.A. songwriter & SNL alumni)

2011-07-13T20:34:00.001-07:00

DOG SHOW THIS SATURDAY...................come on down and enjoy the day!
Click Here to go to the Niles Main Street Web site for all the info.
Hope to see you in Niles this weekend!

2011-07-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

The winner of the June giveaway pictured in the post from June 1st is Rayette. Look to the left to see the basket that we are giving away in July. You'll have 2 ways to win it. Email me that you want to win it and you can enter everytime you make a purchase in the shop.

Here's where you can see all events going on in Niles, including the free concert 7-10 and the dog show on 7-16. Click here to go to link.

2011-06-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to welcome new dealers Lynn and Katie to MY FRIENDS AND I.

Do stop in and check out their space. Some cute stuff here.

Don't forget music in the Plaza is tomorrow. We're giving away a Gift Certificate. Read last post to see how to win it. Fun day in town. Hope you can come!

Music in the Plaza

2011-06-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is the first of the Summer Concert Series in the Niles Plaza. We are lucky to be right across the street and can hear the music while we work.

In celebration of the first concert of the season come in that day and say "that you saw the info about the concert in a email from us or on this blog" and be entered in a $25.00 Gift Certificate Drawing. ( only Sunday the 26th)

Come on down to Niles and have some FREE fun!

2011-06-16T18:12:00.001-07:00

I found this recipe for this Crock-Pot chocolate candy while surfing the web. If you think it looks good and want to see how easy it looks to make go here for complete instructions. I'm heading for the grocery store tomorrow for all the stuff to make some. YUM!
P.S. click on the sidebar that says recipes. This gal knows how to cook and gives wonderful instructions.

$100.00 Gas Card Winner

2011-06-08T13:38:00.001-07:00

MY FRIENDS AND I along with ANTIQUE TREASURES and TYME FOR TEA had a drawing for $100.00 Gas Card in our May email. Here's the lucky winner.

If your not getting emails from MY FRIENDS AND I you should be! Click on the link on the left to email me and tell me you wanted to be added to our email list.

Giveaway this weekend

2011-06-04T07:51:00.001-07:00

As you know we love giveaways at My Friends and I and we are doing a special one in honor of Charlie Chaplin days today and tomorrow. I will be hanging the really cute little banner pictured in the photo below (says to our fighting guys and gals we salute you!) in our front window with a sign that says "WIN THIS". Don't let the rain spoil your weekend. Come on down to Niles and celebrate Charlie Chaplin Days. Click here to go to a web page that shows everything going on. Rain might hinder some of the events, but it will still be a fun weekend in Niles.

Want to see all our old blog entries from months past ? You can see them all by clicking Older Posts at the bottom of each page.

2011-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the Pam and the May blog giveaway she won just for emailing me and saying she wanted to win. If you haven't done it yet, email me that you want to win June's giveaway. It's pictured on the left and in the post before this one. It's free, easy and fun! To email me, just go to the left and click on where it says click here to contact me by email.

We have a winner!

2011-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

The winner for May's giveaway is Pam Brees. Congratulations Pam. Hope you enjoy it!

Some of you have asked and yes I really do put names on slips and do a drawing for the winning name for the monthly giveaway. Just wanted to let you all know how it works.

Look how cute this months giveaway is. Same rules. Just click email me at left and tell me you want to win. Easy!

2011-05-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a really cute site you can print out lots of crafty stuff including this cute Bingo Card. Wouldn't it be fun for a 4th of July party? Click Here to go to site. FUN!

You still have time to enter in the drawing for cute bird planter, etc. on left. Email me!

More hooray's!

2011-05-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

For the Red, White and Blue that is.

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue

2011-05-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling very patriotic lately so I decided to re-do the office in red, white and blue. Believe me when I say there is some really cool stuff to see in the office display case and wall. Come on in and see if there is something you can't live without. Even if you don't decorate in red, white and blue you can always find a corner or table in you house to display something patriotic. Can't you?

P.S. I forgot to draw for the cute little planter, bird etc. on the left so I'm extending it till the end of May. Just email me and say you want to win!

Gas Card Drawing

2011-05-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Aren't the gas prices crazy? Well ................... to help the situation
MY FRIENDS AND I along with TYME FOR TEA & CO. and ANTIQUE TREASURES is having a drawing for a $100.00 GAS GIFT CARD for the whole month of May.

To enter, shop any of our stores, make a purchase and sign up for our email list.
That it!

Music in the Plaza

2011-04-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

This Sunday May 1st. from noon to 4:00 pm the Niles Main Street Assoc. is hosting a day of live music and kids games in our beautiful plaza. It's suppose to be a wonderful day weather wise so why not come down and join fun.

change of plans

2011-04-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

I won't be working in shop on Tues. after all. Just found out that one of our Niles Property owner associates and friend Alan Heyman passed away and the service is on Tues. Our thoughts are with his family and his many other friends during this difficult time.

What's in those tin boxes?

2011-04-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'm still in IL. and I'm having a really good time. We went to all my favorite Antique places and I found a few things, but it's still like winter here so the dealers haven't gotten out to shop and buy for their shops yet.

I have found on other trips that buying tin picnic baskets to put in my luggage protects stuff I buy and as a added plus I can sell the ones I don't want for my self in the shop. The down side is no matter how well I pack them there is no guarantee that the people at the airport won't open them to do a check (they won't believe the stuff!) and if they do, it might not fit back in. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that won't happen.

I'll be working the the shop on the 26th and will be bringing the stuff in to mark and put out.
FUN!

Just a sample of what's in side the boxes. Click on pictures to make bigger.

2011-04-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hello from IL. We are missing WARM, SUNNY California, but are having fun with the Grandkids. Yesterday it was 40ish, rain and cold. Today is still chilly, but at least the sun is shining. Hope it keeps it up all week. I was checking my email and received one from the gal who has these cute bunnies along with other cute printables on her blog. Check it out by clicking here enjoy!

2011-04-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm off tomorrow to see kids in IL. Don't know how much shopping I will get done, but hope to do some. There are 3 or 4 places I like to shop while there. Keep a watch on this blog for updates and pictures of finds.

Open House Weekend

2011-04-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

This is our OPEN HOUSE weekend. Hope to see you either today or tomorrow. Remember everything is 10% off and there is a drawing for a $100.00 gift certificate. We are open 10-6 both days. While surfing the web I found these cute little cupcake toppers you can print. Look how she put them on marshmallows. Then they could be plopped on cupcakes. Clever! Click here to go to site to print them.

2011-04-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of the March giveaway for the cute bunny and towel is Lynn Hoffman. If you didn't win don't dispair there will be a chance to win something every month. Here's the giveaway for April. All you have to do to win is email me. EASY!

Don't forget our Open House is coming fast. Read about it in my last post.

Spring open house

2011-03-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

All of us at MY FRIENDS AND I would like to invite you our 29th Spring open house April 8th-9th-10th 10am-6pm. We are offering 10% off everything and we are also having a drawing for $100.00 Gift Certificate.

Hope you can come!

2011-03-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

I heard someone say the other day is this rain ever going to stop? Well yes of course it is, but just like everyone else I'm yearning for sunshine. Here's a cute old seed add for you to enjoy.
Don't forget to sign up for the bunny drawing pictured on the left. You just have to send me an email.