The City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair is almost here and we can't wait to introduce y'all to our friend Cari Cucksey, host of HGTV's Cash and Cari! When it comes to repurposing this chick has a knack for reinventing, so we caught up with her to help y'all get to know her a little better before the weekend...

1. How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

Very eclectic but tasteful (of course). I love a variety of periods -- my own home is a mix from the 1700s all the way to the 1950s! Obviously it doesn’t look like some crazy flea market but it’s all about melding together color and texture.

2. Where does your love of antiques & vintage stem from?

Well, I grew up in a 1908 Sears Roebuck and was surrounded by both sides of the family. My mother was a teacher and had a huge love for antiques, so when she was off in the summers she’d drag me around to go shopping with her, always wanting to teach me everything she knew about antiques. On the other side of the family was my grandfather -- the first American picker (way before Mike and Frank!). He taught me all about repurposing… after going through The Great Depression, he had so much gratitude and was just astonished at what people were willing to throw away. He would go shopping every day alongside the road and pick up what other people considered trash, then turn those items into things that were useful and beautiful. He really instilled in me a love for repurposing.

3. How do you know when you've found the perfect piece to refurbish?

I guess it’s just a gut feeling… sometimes I find pieces and I have no idea what I’m going to do with them. It’s all about your gut in this business though, and taking a chance and being willing to put in the sweat and equity to make something come to life!

4. What's the coolest piece you've reinvented?

It’s so hard to pick just one since I’ve repurposed so many fun things out there… I guess my favorite project though was for our wedding. We created 20 vintage vignettes and one of them was a cast iron tub that I cut the front off of and turned into a little vintage couch!

5. If you could only choose three tools to use for the rest of your life, what would they be?

A paint brush, my staple gun and mascara -- definitely can’t live without that one!

6. What's your favorite part about what you do?

I absolutely love the fact that I’m able to inspire people across the globe. Cash and Cari on HGTV airs in 40 countries and it’s so neat to me that so many different people are looking at objects in a different light. We’re bringing back the stories of these pieces and their owners -- if we don’t keep telling that history and educating people about what those items were and can be recreated into, they’ll get lost.

Catch Cari at the demonstration tent this weekend where she'll be teaching fair-goers the art of repurposing with Matthew Mead and Wagner spray tools! For more on Cari and show details, go here.

Aaaaaand, he's back! One of our favorite celebrity stylists is returning to the October 2015 City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair, and this time -- he's bring his secret weapon. We caught up with Matthew so y'all could get a peek into his creative genius and what to expect from him at next week's show!

1. How did you earn the nickname the "Lifestyle Guru?"
I've been doing this for like 20 years now, and I think it's the fact that I have so many different ideas -- I can dream up just about anything.

2. You've been a guest at the CFH pop-up fair twice now -- what are you most looking forward to about the October 2015 show?
I love to see all the great vintage items the dealers have with them, plus I've made lots of great friends at the show over the past couple of years. The vendors are all so talented and stylish, and they ALWAYS bring something new and unexpected to the table. So much inspiration.

3. Will you be looking for any pieces in particular at the Fair this year?
Well, I'm coming with a paint sprayer from Wagner so I'm looking for thing I can upcycle. Things like furniture and small pieces that are stylish but that I can also personalize with my own color palette.

4. What three tips would you give people who want to get into upcycling, but don't know where to start?
Upcycling can start at home, so look around your own house and find things that you already have that can be made better with a coat of paint. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with color -- think about the colors you like to wear or the paint on your walls. They're great for furniture too! Finally, consider the fact that upcycling isn't just limited to indoors... it's perfect for pieces outside too, like a park bench or patio table. You can even paint a doormat, a rug, or a lamp base. It's totally unlimited what you can do!


5. What can fair-goers expect to learn from you at the show demonstrations?
I want to get everyone really excited about being creative and the discovery of this incredible tool that can help them with such a variety of things that will just make their lives more beautiful.

6. Why do you prefer Wagner tools over others?
This one is special, no only because it is studio sized but because it also sits on a countertop and is very transformational. Plus, it doesn't leave any brush marks allowing it to turn something from really blah to beautiful in just minutes.

7. What do you like about City Farmhouse style?
I think it's just so engaging -- it's a real lifestyle that has that casual, comfortable, put-your-feet-up look but is super stylish at the same time.

Learn more about Matthew Mead and the demonstrations he'll be doing at the pop-up fair here.

July has been good to us. Despite the heat, we're feeling pretty cool over here at City Farmhouse. 

We're honored to be featured in not one, but TWO of our favorite publications this month: Romantic Country and This Old House magazines!!

Just this week we received shoutouts in This Old House.... they published a house tour in their magazine of a 1920s cottage, and "a designer with an eye for a find [that] gives her humble house a clean and pretty look."  

That featured designer and homeowner is Lizzie McGraw, a friend of ours who was headed back to California from a design job in New York City when she stopped at our downtown Franklin store! She bought an antique light fixture, an old Turkey Trot sign--that I really can't believe we parted with--and a vintage chest of drawers. She was such a sweetheart to make sure that we were mentioned in the article (thanks so much Lizzie)!

Click here to see our cameo and the beautiful spread in This Old House. Isn't it neat?

This Old House | Photo by Mark Lohman | That sign came from our shop!

Then, we found out that Romantic Country magazine named the City Farmhouse Popup Fair the #1 antique show or flea market in the country (in their Fall 2015 issue). Yes, really.... now you definitely have to come, right!? See that spread below or click here.

Wouldn't you agree it's been a dang good month? Until next time... happy pickin!

What's a event without a red carpet soirée? My favorite part of the City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair, is meeting new people from around the country + talkin' "antiques with new friends. That's precisely why we're rollin' out a burlap carpet (yep, burlap) on Friday morning for our early buyers. You can think of it like a red carpet pre-show event--you'll get the latest news about the Fair, hot shopping tips, predictions, PLUS we'll be serving complimentary mimosas from 8-10 a.m.

Early shoppers will have the chance to take a picture in front of our "wall of fame" and "walk the burlap carpet!" And you better start getting those voices warmed up, ya'll! We are hosting a friendly competition where one lucky shopper will win the chance to participate in early buying, meaning they'll get to skip the line and enter the show 15 minutes before anyone else--this fortunate individual will have access to the most sought after items, minus the crowd!

How do you enter? You must sing Tennessee's favorite tune "Rocky Top" as loud as you can in front of the entire audience. The participant with the most enthusiasm and gumption will win this coveted pass.

There's nothing we love more than a fearless personality who's willing to lay it all on the line and embarrass themselves for the sake of priority pickin'! Am I right?

For those over achievers, we've posted the lyrics to Rocky Top below so you can start brushing up. We'll also have copies of the lyrics at the show, for those that need it.

Rocky Top
Wish that I was on ole rocky top,
Down in the Tennessee hills.
Ain't no smoggy smoke on rocky top,
Ain't no telephone bills.

Once there was a girl on rocky top,
Half bear the other half cat.
Wild as a mink, sweet as soda pop,
I still dream about that.

Rocky top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.

Once two strangers climbed on rocky top,
Lookin' for a moonshine still.
Strangers ain't come back from rocky top,
Guess they never will.

Corn won't grow at all on rocky top,
Dirt's too rocky by far.
That's why all the folks on rocky top
Get their corn from a jar.

Rocky top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.

Now I've had years of cramped up city life,
Trapped like a duck in a pen.
Now all I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again.

Rocky top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.

Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.
Yeah rocky top Tennessee eee eee eee.

It's been more than a week now since we hit the fields in Round Top/Warrenton, Texas for some serious pickin. Just in case you've been living in a cave and haven't heard of this mile after mile stretch of junk (I say that lightly - there's some fabulous quality stuff on that dirt) - then here's the scoop. 

Twice a year in the spring and fall, land owners in these tiny towns (populations of less than 100), tuck all their cows away (where I've never known) and turn their pastures into vintage and antique shows. In all there's over 60 shows in swing during the 3 week event!!!

There's much more stuff than money to buy it for sure, so you have to pick wisely. And, so you can do just that, here's a few spots to hit to find some of the most unusual vintage/antiques all around. Remember, as to be expected, "unusual" comes with a slightly higher price tag but these spots seem to be on the affordable side.

1. Bar W Field - One of the larger fields in Warrenton, but one that doesn't vet vendors. So here, you'll find a little of everything from the great unusual pieces from several vendors like, The Seed Box and her neighbor Brenda Kilgore of Kansas City, to new market items, to just plain junk. But, I like the weird mix, even though it's much like an Easter egg hunt. You never know when you might find a treasure in the junk pile.

 2. Zapp Hall - Located right in the middle of Warrenton, this field is where the Junk Gypsy girls got there start! Here you'll find great primitive pieces, alongside sparkly crystal chandeliers, an ocean of goodies (seriously, a vendor sells shells of all varieties), and Nashville's own, Peach Jewelry has a complete jewelry store right in the middle of a cow patty, (that part's not true, but Vincent Peach really sells there).

3. Renck Hall & Field - Warrenton. It's where we scored this amazing early baker's cupboard. Need I say more!!! Well, actually, yes, I should. It's also where you'll find one of everyone's favorite ladies, Theresa Cano of Garden Antiques Vintage.

4. Behind the Hillcrest Inn - I don't think I've ever known the official name of this show that falls literally right in the middle of Warrenton. Much like Bar W, only smaller, this field is very eclectic. If you love digging through piles of rusty junk, this one's for you. Local Eagleville, Tennessee vendor Donna Hood is here too.

5. Travel just a few shows down to the incredibly creative display of Jill Suzanne. A few years back Jill moved an old farmhouse to the property on the hill. Instead of restoring it, she relished in it's beautiful dilapidated state, filling it with chippy, rusty goodness for your home. It's worth going, I promise.

6. Wrap it all up at Marburger Farms between Warrenton and the tiny Round Top Square. Here you'll find the creme of the crop amongst 300 vendors! And, yes, you really can buy well there (we do). Judy Hill, of J. Hill Designs, Cottonseed Trading Company, Georgia Morrel, French Vanilla, Craig Smith, Prize KC, are some names you'll recognize. We can't wait to go on Tuesday (opening day). 

I'm been invited to something really special on Monday.... can't wait to tell you about it.

Are you here? What are some of your fave spots? And, did you find anything at our honey holes?  

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We're Doubling the Fun this Summer and Fall ...

Because y'all love our City Farmhouse Pop-up Shows so much ..... we decided to double the fun this year!!! Can you believe it!? We're crazy excited!!! 

Mark your calendars for the weekends of June 19-20 AND October 16-17. We're heading back out to the beautiful Buddy Killen Estate in the charming Leiper's Fork area of Franklin, Tennessee. We're working on some really cool events, great music, and of course a fabulous line-up of the best vendors in the business. LEARN MORE HERE.

And, speaking of vendors, if you're interested in obtaining a booth space, jump on it--we are more than halfway sold-out of vendor spaces for both shows! For those of you who haven't yet requested your contract - please click on this link for info on what you need to do here.

Special Events ... We asked some of our devoted shoppers what they loved most about the Pop-up Shows. Over and over again we heard how much they enjoyed the amazing vendors and all the unique things that they brought to the shows. So this year, we thought it would be fun to create an event that will focus on design and how to use the unique pieces that you see at the show in your own home. I'm  thinking a large tent filled with loads of design inspiration, along with guest speakers who would share their ideas with you. What do y'all think about that? Or, if you have any ideas that you would like to see at the show, please let us know. We'll post all the details on the website very soon.

To make sure you don't miss out on a single thing, sign up for our newsletter by clicking the newsletter link at the top of the blog.

As always, thanks for dropping by and being a part of our crazy, fun life!

Who doesn't love decorating for the holidays! Especially, when you get the opportunity to decorate someone else's home for a holiday tour benefiting a fabulous cause - the Hillsboro Middle School Band - of which my grandson just happens to be a member. We're so proud of him!

I was so thrilled that I was selected to decorate the home of Robin and Patrick Evans. I knew I would have “good bones” to work with since Robin has such a great eye. There was never a doubt that her home would be filled with amazing unique pieces tastefully and artfully arranged (after all, she once was a stylist for Ralph Lauren Home stores).

Robin and I thought it would be fun to design the home using elements found in nature. Not only is nature's bounty beautiful this time of year but it can also be gathered from most yards, winter gardens, along fence rows, and simply from walks in the woods. AND, it's simple to work with naturals and inexpensive too - anyone can do it, no matter what the budget.

We collected branches, greens, dried flowers, nuts, leaves, pods, and berries to create most of the designs throughout the home. Using Robin's collections of silver plate teapots, creamers (and the like), mercury glass vases, ironstone, and pottery vessels, we were able to style every room on the tour for basically no money!! How fun is that!! 

In fact, we designed the entire dining room for about $10.00, which was the cost of the paperwhites and tapered candles. We made the placemats from burlap that I found crumpled up in a trash bag. I simply pulled the edges all around several times to create a fringed look. The pieces were wrinkled from being stored in the bag but we decided we loved the look and chose not to press them. 

How beautiful is this house?

We wanted the tree to be natural and airy, just like it would be at its home in the woods, so we kept the ornaments light, clear and sparkly. We spent money to purchase the tree but it was minimal. To adorn the staircase I snapped some magnolia branches from a tree and Robin added pine and other greens, topped off with Christmas bells. I loved that little jingle!! 

We both agreed above the fireplace in the family room would be a perfect place to create a Christmas tree made from twigs. It was so easy to construct. My friend Cindy over at Discovering Franklin wrote a blog post about it. You should go over and read about it here. Cost: $0. Yay!!

How do you make this Christmas tree out of three sticks? Go here to see my tutorial!

Robin and Patrick have an aaammaaazzzing courtyard!! Just see for yourself! 

I hope you enjoyed the tour.... I bet Santa is going to LOVE coming through this door!!!

Merry Christmas, y'all!!!

Dear StyleBluePrint editor, 

I'm not 8 years old anymore. But still, I have to ask... some of my friends say there is no Santa Claus! My love told me if you read it on StyleBlueprint, it's so. Please tell me the truth: is there a Santa? 

xx

Virginias Everywhere

Well, wouldn't you know it--StyleBlueprint responded lickety split, and this is what they had to say:

YES, it's true! Well, maybe not the real Claus, but who needs Santa after this, because.... City Farmhouse has partnered with StyleBlueprint of Williamson County to give away a $500 shopping spree to our shop in Franklin, TN!!! I know, I know, we're excited for y'all too! All you have to do is click here to enter your name + email address before January 1, 2014, and you're in it to win it.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Decorating for the holidays shouldn’t be stressful—it should to be fun! In fact, you probably have everything you need to create a unique display strewn around your home and garden.  Creating interesting decorations from found and collected objects makes for great conversation starters and shows off your talents—here’s 6 tips to get started:

1. Make use of the beauty in nature's bounty. This time of year yields the perfect opportunity to collect dried naturals from the garden, fencerows and yard. Gather branches (those dripping in lichen are particularly appealing), dried blooms and vines. To add a touch of green, clip a few laurel branches. This popular bush stays green all year and clippings last for weeks in water, as opposed to fir.

2. Gather a collection of vintage, colorful Christmas ornaments in a rusty basket or container. Their shiny mercury glass surfaces stand out against the contrast of the rust.

3. Draw together a collection using unexpected objects, like this gathering of sliced tree branches paired with miniature trees (a great find at yard and estate sales earlier in the year), and sparkly vintage garland.

4. Shop for inexpensive decorations. Garland can be costly but finding a resourceful shopkeeper with a creative eye can be magic—I love these unique cotton boll garlands at the Tin Cottage in downtown Franklin for only $36.00.

Pinecones are another holiday design staple that can be gathered from the yard... but if you want to step it up a bit, these giant cones from Michigan make for a beautiful display in a bowl. Just $10.00 at the Tin Cottage!

5. Use everyday objects around the home in your holiday design. An antique dough bowl filled with deer antlers is a quick and simple way to display with interesting impact. Using garden containers for your trees—think buckets and cast iron or cement urns—creates the feel of bringing the classic green foliage back into their natural environment.

6. The holidays just wouldn't be magical without the twinkle of miniature lights. Traditional long sparkly strands are great but look for something outside the box like these LED-lit twig chandeliers. Just $85.00 at City Farmhouse.

xx,