The Importance of Flossing...

...and not eating Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Laffy Taffy like they are going out of style.

I was still having a good time at this point...not so much now. Remember kids...brush daily and stray away from candy before bed!

United Estates of Madge (Reading Nook Edition)

At long last, I have the vast majority of my reading nook complete! It's such a great feeling to set out on a plan and accomplish it!

I'll start by giving a preview of the remainder of the items I picked up this weekend.

A frame, not too much to say besides I had one heck of a time finding the sale this guy came from!

These two books came from the same sale, the owner must have really had a passion for art, because there were SO many coffee table art books. I could have bought the whole lot, but had a clear picture of what I wanted to accomplish.

This is a really fun book about Matisse, I believe it's geared for children. Really colorful.

My favorite part is the inscription, I love when books have inscriptions, and this one is great!

The next is a fun Andy Warhol book.

The next three books Mr. MTM actually picked out, I'd have to say he did an excellent job!

We have the Marjorie Rawlings Reader, Complete Secretary's Handbook, and Communicating Through Letters and Reports.

The Marjorie Rawlings Read has a very nice book plate.

And Communicating Through Letters and Reports has a lot of interesting notes on the first page including the sentence, "Why always "gentlemen" when you know man's name?"

At the final sale we picked up 3 blue glass bottles and a banana tree painting in a frame.

About 2 months ago I was reading an article in Southern Living where a reading area was designed, they were working in a really small space and I thourghly enjoyed their usage of shelves. This is was the original design looked like.

Article courtsey of Southern Living

My idea is the shelves with a cozy chair next to them. And here is what the quasi finished product looks like, now just need to get a comfy chair.

Just imagine a relaxing chair to the left of the shelves...

Total spent by Madge: $6.50

United Estates of Madge (C'est La Vie Edition)

"If we would have just gotten here 10 minutes earlier, we could have gotten that chair!" This was the phrase of the day today for Mr. MTM and me. It seemed that every sale we pulled up to, someone was walking out with a great, cozy, reading nook ready chair.

C'est la vie, we took defeat gracefully and persevered.

I hit up a few sales on Saturday, nothing too extraordinary, like a delightful reading chair. But I did snag this lovely scarf. I was drawn to the M's all over it, again...all about my monogram. Upon further inspection it is made by Mikimoto (yes the designer of fabulous pearls), thought that was very interesting.

I can see this tied around a white purse for a bit of added flair, it also fits in well with the nautical theme for Spring/Summer 2010.

I also picked up some nice glazed pots for my attempt at gardening. Let's just say, I don't have the greenest of thumbs...but I have officially kept a poinsettia alive since Christmas. Miracles can happen.

One purchase I did make yesterday was quite random, and I'm not exactly sure what I will use them for. But the guy made me a good deal...and I just couldn't pass them by...

5 Tartan Worsted Wool Swatch Books...alphabetically ordered by clan!!! I was really excited about this one!

Back to the adventures of today. One of the sales we went to had an "art studio" in the back, as we were walking up we came across these old work boots just hanging out...

I just thought it was a sweet reminder of the man who used to walk this path everyday to get to his art studio.

So the studio was something amazing. Piles upon piles of music posters, lots of foam core boards, spray paints, styrofoam. Just a load of random artsy supplies. I was not all about digging through the random posters that ranged from Tony Bennett to Billie Holiday to Sade. But Mr. MTM just dug in.

And boy, am I glad he did. He found 2 of these lovely gems, the lady next to us squealed with excitement when Scott gave her the second copy. I just heart GWTW.

Turns out the man who used to inhabit this art studio worked for Sony Records for decades. He would put together their promotional materials for new releases. What an awesome job!

We picked up a lot of other items, but I'm happy to announce we have worked all afternoon on installing the reading nook shelves. Oh joy! I plan on posting the remainder of items purchased along with pictures of the shelves tomorrow. To quote Willy Wonka, "The suspense is terrible... I hope it'll last."

Total Spent by Madge (Thus far): $7.50

Essential Guide to Estate Sales

One of my dear Aunts introduced me to the "5 P's"--Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. This phrase and estate sales go hand in hand. This is Madge's "Essential Guide to Estate Sales."

1. Usually Tuesday or Wednesday I will check out estatesales.net, this is typically when address and pictures are displayed for the upcoming weekend sales. Typically, I will peruse the listing and look at the pictures to see if anything jumps out at me. I also check out my local newspapers online classified section, you can search for estate sales, and sometimes you will find some that aren't listed on estatesales.net

2. Make a list of sales you want to check out. In this list include the address, time of sale, dates, and any special notes there may be about a sale (no parking on the street, gate code, vintage purses, etc.). Depending on the amount of sales, you will want to set up your route from this list.

3. If you have an idea of what you are looking for, jot it down on your list or bring a magazine clipping if you are trying to duplicate a look. This is what I'm doing for my reading nook.

4. Day of Sale. Items to bring:
a. List of sales/note pad and pen. This will come in handy to write any notes; you may find a new restaurant while you are out and about, a fun shop, or hear a good song on XM Radio that you want to download.
b. If you are looking for something specific, like a chair or table, bring a tape measure (and be sure to get the measurements you may need before you start your adventure.).

c. A camera. Who knows what kind of crazy stuff you will see along the way. For instance, the bust of Elvis.
d. Directions. Either Mapquest them or if you have a navigation system--plug the addresses in. I'm lucky to have a nav application on my phone that gives me turn by turn directions. I would be lost like Hansel and Gretel otherwise.

e. Remember to stay hydrated--so very important. I usually treat myself to a delicious caffeinated beverage and bring a bottle of H20 with me. And if need be, you may need to bring a snack, like a muffin, to keep blood sugar and energy levels at their peaks.

f. Hand sanitizer. Some of the places you will venture to have seen better days...'nuf said.
g. Some good tunes to listen to. You may be driving for an extended period. I usually jam to XM Radio, however today I brought back a relic of a CD, Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine." Side note: Dear Fiona, please get into the studio soon. I enjoy your music so. Thanks, Madge

5. Get over your social phobia and prepare to meet some interesting characters. You will be walking into someones house and dealing with people who's business it is to come in and sell said person's belongings. I honestly feel it takes a very "special" person to have such a career. And sometimes they may want to talk your ear off and/or may be a little crazy.

6. Mentally prepare yourself to dig. Sometimes you will be looking through a lifetime of belongings. Some sales are very organzied. Others--not so much. You will come across lovely houses and you will come across houses that haven't had a breath of fresh air in decades. To find the good items you have to be willing to look, this isn't Target where everything is merchandised peeps.

7. Most importantly have fun! Estate sales are a great way to learn your way around if you are new to an area. You can get some amazing deals on items that have character and flair. You can meet new people. And what I like the most, you can find merchandise with a story--and if you can get the story, please do. You will appreciate it!

In other news...it's a lovely spring day here. This pic is dedicated to my fam back in the Mitten, I see your low tonight will be 33 degrees...

United Estates of Madge (What Was That All About Edition)

$5 plates, a bust of Elvis, Grecian urns, a John Paul Gaultier armoire, and dresses worn by Miss South Carolina. These are just a few items that this bizarro sale had today; it was so bizarro I could not wait until Sunday to include with my other updates.

First off, the driveway...the grade on this bad boy had to be at least 30%. BCF and I were panting when we got to the top.

Here's BCF almost tumbling down the driveway.

We finally summit the driveway and make it inside. The house is SPECTACULAR. Just amazing. But everything is way overpriced. There was a complete room of Christmas Ornaments and the cheapest one started out at $5...that's how over priced we are talking.

We made our way into the basement area, where the more affordable things are located. And out of no where we are bombarded by this overpowering voice letting us know that everything was for sale, including all the fixtures. BCF then strikes up a convo about where this 6'7" man who may or may not be gay, who is also clearly intoxicated, is moving to. "Oh I'm moving home to Ohio to take care of my parents."

This is when Madge chimes in, "Oh really, I'm from Michigan." Candied homeowner then asks where I am from. I tell him the small town I grew up in, and in a rage of excitement exclaims that he "LOVES" that town. Here I am thinking, wait a moment...are we speaking of the same town? Because I know no one who really "LOVES" that town.

He then proceeds to explain that he used to be a professional Polish dance teacher...wanted to know if I polkaed...if I was Polish, etc. Ohh, we opened a can of worms.

Somehow we snuck out without him noticing and started to make our way to the other sections of the house...

Here is the pool lined with statues.

Bust of Elvis in the living room.

We made it half way through the living room when he screamed across the house at us, "Hey Polish Girl...let's polka." He proceeded to come over to where he danced and sang and gave me lots of hugs, and long hugs at that. At one point I mouthed out, "HELP ME" to BCF. I understand that it must be hard to sell your a-freaking-mazing house and earthly possessions; however we have crossed the friendly bubble barrier.

The strangest thing we came across had to have been in the bathroom. Now, it's quite apparent that I am one for a good monogram. However, this...takes the cake for any sort of personalization I have ever thought of.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is a roll of monogrammed toliet paper.

I ended up snagging two cute funky magnets.

Lucy and Desi.

1952 Hebrew National Frakfurter Queen.

We high tailed it outa' there before we had to come in contact with the Polish dancing king. The journey down the driveway was even more difficult that the way up. We literally had to walk sideways.

Total Spent by Madge: $2.00

We got in the car and BCF turned to me and said, "What the hell was that all about?"

Thursday Tune-age

"He who sings scares away his woes." - Cervantes

Ladgy Gaga - Speechless (Live)



Joel Plaskett Emergency - Fashionable People


YACHT - Psychic City


Anita Lindblom - Cigarettes


Dolores O'Riordan


The Streets- The Escapist

Epic Bedroom Fail

After work, my significant other and I ventured to great land of Ikea. We went with a mission of finding shelves for my reading nook in my bedroom.

Every time we go, I talk about this bed. How much I want this bed. How I cannot wait to get rid of our bed frame we currently have and get this one. How it's such a great price...etc., etc.

Well today was no different, I expressed my love for this bed. And it's agreed, we will finally purchase my dream bed. Joy!

Everything went so smooth. The packaging fit in Sammy the Saab like a glove. No crazy moments. No arguing. Nothing.

We get home and I'm so excited to put this bad boy together. I quickly snap some shots of the bed frame (which I may or may not have had since I was in 9th grade).

 I get the old bed dismantled as Mr. MTM is unpackaging the new one. I thank the old bed frame for all the wonderful years that it has given me, and explain that I will be donating it so another young gal will have a nice bed of her own. I'm getting all sentimental.

We start the contrusction of the new bed, we were even mindful of the possible loud noise that putting this bed together may create and start the project in the livingroom as to not wake the bratty child next door.

And then it happens. My husband looks up with that sort of confused look dogs sometimes get, and asks me, "What size is our mattress?"

"I believe it's a queen. Why?"

"Are you sure?" His eyes are darting back and forth between the mattress and new bed frame. So I turn around, and see what he is looking at. The mattress and bed frame are NOT even remotely the close size. WTF?

It turns out we have a full size bed. No wonder anytime anyone comes into our bedroom it's always asked, "You guys sleep on that bed?" in amazement.

Currently this is what my bedroom looks like...

The partially built bed frame is on an angle; and the box spring and mattress are on the floor. I turned to my husband and said, "It's official. I'm back in college, I'm sleeping on a mattress on the floor." He claims that we are "camping out" tonight.

I did some research and the bed does come in a full, I'm going to be placing a call to Ikea tomorrow to see if we can exchange bed frames. Fingers crossed.

On a positive side note...we have two new additions to the fam...

They will be housed on the shelves in the reading nook. $1.50 each and the pots were $.49.

Little Cobra Beats

My lil' brother is a very interesting cat.

He's a prognosticator, I swear. Anything he thinks is cool, 6 months later is a fad. Case in point: skateboarding, golf, and tattoos--before they were "the in thing" he was in to them.

Next big thing: Surfing. Mark my words.

He's an excellent musician, he plays several instruments. As of late he has been "making beats" on the side...he's teamed up with a few other dudes and what they are producing is pretty funny...

Madge presents Little Cobra Beats:

A Lovely Night with Uncle Karl

Mr. MTM is OOT, out of town, this weekend. What does that mean? I get to do all my fave girly things that get nixed normally. One of which is watching anything that has to do with fashion. Last night, I had the opprotunity to watch "Lagerfeld Confidental," starring none other that Uncle Karl Lagerfeld.

It was A-mazing. I highly recommend watching it.

About 15 minutes into it the flick, I had to pause it to grab a pen and paper to jot down what he was saying. Cheesey I kow. But seriously, to me, this man is like a modern day profit.

"At some point I need to be alone, which is fine. Creatvie people need to be alone to recharge their batteries. I hate people who can't be alone."

"The best things I've ever done have come from dreams."

In regards to his mother..."She could also be unpeakably nasty. She made slaves of everyone--her lovers, her husbands, everyone. She could get her way with people and never thank them."

I agree with Uncle Karl on the being alone bit, I'm loving my space this weekend!

Did some recon work at the Mart today. Came across this super funny dishtowel. (BCF and I decided this was going to be our typical greeting to eachother.)

And here's a sneak peek at the uber lovely display I'm putting together for Spring 2010...

T.G.I.Fing F

I fear a nervous breakdown coming on soon...

to fuel said breakdown I give you Gaga's latest video.

United Estates of Madge (Quickie Edition)

As I posted previously, I didn't think I would end up making it to any estate sales this week. The thought, quite frankly, made me very, very sad. I think I may have developed an addiction to estate sales.

Well, fabulous news--BCF and I were able to hit one up during lunch today!

I was able to pick up some more nick-knacks for my reading nook that seems to be taking shape, if only I could find a nice chair!

I picked up 2 more books with pretty bindings. They are Readers Digest Condensed Books. Each book has a few good reads; one has "To Kill a Mockingbird." One of my favorite all time books. And that lovely figurine perched on top of the books is a bird and a bell...a bird bell. I couldn't pass it by.

Birds are so hot right now, they are everywhere. This guy had a lot of personality, I especially like the bow that he is sitting on. And who knows...hypothtically I could have to have my tonsils removed and need a bell for service. :o)

I saw this pin and had to have it...

The lady looked at me a bit strange when I paid for it, considering it didn't have a price listed and she had to inquire with 2 different people to get a price, and I explained that I was Scottish and had spent sometime in the country. And she pointed me in the direction of some magnets. Side note: notice the bird peeping up Mr. Bagpipers kilt? Goes with the "bird theme."

Now if there is one thing I appreciate in life, it's a good magnet. Who doesn't love some refrigerator flair? Scottish flair makes it ten times better.

I snagged a Polaroid 600 camera with 2 packs of film. I was so excited when I found it, I have been wanting a Polaroid camera for ages.

Here's BCF and her "thumbs up" pose.

My excitement has been short lived, I got home and did some research on where to purchase film only to find out that A.) Polaroid no longer makes instant film (After reading this, a light bulb went off in my head and I had one of those, "Oh yeah, I vaguely remember hearing something to that affect a while ago," moments.) and B.) Fujifilm does not make any film that is compatible with my Polaroid 600 series.

I'm not giving up hope just yet, hopefully I will find a website that will point me in the right film direction!

"Hello my name is Madge, and I'm addicted to...estate sales..."

Total spent by Madge: $12.40