My World

While sifting through a few boxes of buried treasures, I came across this vintage metal globe I purchased a few years ago. Sure, it had a bit of rust along it's bottom...but who really cares, right?
Apparently Pippa liked it as much as I did, prancing around the shiny blue ball - becoming all "fluffed" as if it were a prize she'd caught.
Funny thing is...I could relate.
Hope you enjoy the weekend in your world!
Taking junk to another level.

Do Something Different

Do something different.

Of all the articles I've read and the shows I've watched on the subject matter of the new year - that saying sticks with me most. My family's recent relocation gives me a good jumping off point to do something different, but where do I go from here?
We've stood atop a mountain which was definitely different for me and I loved every minute of it. We've gone walking and biking in December...something else that was different for me since I've only known Ohio-living before now. I decluttered considerably which was very different for me and I feel a bit of relief with that.
But to me, to do something different means so much more than that.
I will do something different by reaching out and nurturing closer friendships in real life. Friends I consider strictly "party friends" no longer fit with my lifestyle. (Although I still love a craft brew every now and again). And let's face it, "facebook friends", while enjoyable - most won't be there if or when I really need them most. And why should they? I haven't established a close bond with many of them since high school or I may just be acquaintances with some of the others through another facet of my life.
I will do something different by creating more alone time for me and my husband. This has to be a priority. Over the last several years Hubs and I haven't done much of anything together outside of the home. With that being said, I already have a "date night" scheduled for early February to get the ball rolling. Yes, February. (That's not so bad when you consider we haven't done anything in over a year.) Haha.
I will do something different by taking my health more seriously. I hit the big 4-0 in the third quarter of 2010, and that number got me motivated like hell! One reason is my mom suffered her first mini-stroke at approximately 41 years of age. And with this extra 50 pounds jiggling around my butt, thighs and gut, I need to get to steppin'...as on a stair stepper! Seriously though. Better health in 2011 for me.
I will do something different by placing importance on prettying myself up. I will no longer put off my hair cut, or covering my grays, or buying clothes or that special makeup I like. I will also look into having my teeth professionally whitened, possibly a microdermabrasion for my face, I will get semi-regular pedicures and maybe a manicure here and there. Oh, and I will definitely splurge on some of the yummy fragrances I've been catching a whiff of in the magazines. (We don't often spend money on a lot of extras so I will have to budget this carefully.)

So for the year 2011, I can not only DREAM, but I can DO (something different).

And let the sun shine down on me...

Taking junk to another level.

We Have a Winner! Happy Tuesday!

Congratulations Angela from The Service Family blog! Angela won our American Pickers giveaway and will receive the Season 1 DVD! Thank you ALL who participated!

Taking junk to another level.

'Tis the New Season of American Pickers Giveaway

Hi folks! We finally completed our journey that began in Ohio and ended in Arizona. (As you can see, our kitties already staked their claim to a certain spot in the new place.) Yes...the Allens are officially transplants and we are ready to get in some junking in these parts (or pickin' as some of us say). I just hope The Grand Canyon State is ready for us! (I'm hearing there may be slim pickins this way but I'll just have to decide that for myself.)

With that being said, what about that giveaway I mentioned in the title of this post?!?
Are you like me and love the boys of American Pickers? Mike and Frank are about as genuine as one can get. And although they are businessmen, I feel they have a great balance of being respectful and fair to the non-business person when it comes to sifting through their treasures.

I'm excited to say the new season of American Pickers begins Monday, December 6th at 9/8c on the History channel. Trust me, you won't want to miss it! Imagine my delight when I was contacted to give away a complete set of their season 1 DVD's on the Junk Sophisticate blog!

So, whether you are just hearing about these guys for the first time, or you'd like to relive the hilarious and drool-worthy stops Mike and Frank made on season 1...this giveaway is for you! ($29.95 value)

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post OR write on Junk Sophisticate's facebook wall referencing the giveaway for a chance to win! Add a link to my giveaway on your blog or facebook business page and receive additional entries! (Be sure to note where you've done this in your comment so I can locate it). Feel free to add something about a favorite episode or quote from the show in your comment so we can all enjoy too. Drawing to be held Monday, December 6th at approximately 4pm central time. Winner will be announced and must contact Junk Sophisticate with contact information.

About “American Pickers”:
"As professional “pickers,” these childhood buddies comb through memorabilia and artifacts, hoping to find treasures among the trash. Sometimes they make a few bucks; and sometimes they walk away with little more than the history of an item."

**Be sure to check out American Pickers' new season premiere on Monday on the History channel to see where they'll be heading out this time around. I also highly recommend you 'like 'em on facebook...that way you can keep even closer tabs on 'em. ;)

I must say I am truly enjoying the weather thus far here, and am really getting used to the 77 degree temps in December I've heard so much about. And like everyone also says, "if you want to see snow, make the trek to Flagstaff".

I'll be sure to update you on my junk pickins in the state of Arizona and hopefully into California! I'm going to make the most of the new year coming...guaranteed!

Taking junk to another level.