Ball Jar Love

Mason Jars are the new thing. Who knew that young mainstream culture would embrace relics?
I'm totally into it. With our economy tanking, it is high time we all grouped together to savor the objects of old.

My embracing of the ball jar started in preparation for my wedding. The Ball jar is an old-fashioned decor that is easy to come by in rural Iowa. I started collecting the "blue-green-ish" colored ones -- because they're beautiful. And, after getting a hold of enough, I found that some of the jars had no lip at the top under the lid, and had thicker glass and air bubbles in the glass. Turns out, those are the older antique jars that dated before 1910! Who knew? Bob Clay knew. He wrote a paper on the history of the Ball company. Check it out here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~raclay/DatingBalljars.HTML

And here's his reference guide to date the jars according to the emblem style. How handy. Thank you Bob.
Enjoy.

I Prefer Imperfect People

Due to the pressure of a squirrely door-to-door magazine seller, I now get Natural Health Magazine monthly. I felt the guilt to donate to him and his cause, so I settled on a "Natural Health" subscription.  I figured that I'd come across some topic that I'd find interesting in pages concerning health and all things natural. And, when my first issue came, I knew I must share my first find: "Flaunt your flaws" -this was a section in the magazine I could relate with! It stated that the 2012 summer beauty trend is to be imperfect! Washing and brushing your hair less and having less perfect makeup. Yes! I knew it! I'm beautiful! At least for this season!

And, I'm pretty much trend setting, as I've been a forerunner in this "natural avenue to beauty" since 1995. When other girls woke up early to curl their hair before school, I stayed slumbering, knowing one day, I'd be recognized for this "natural beauty".

And, my favorite friends in life happen to share this same trend setting ability. On a trip to Europe 5 years ago, 3 of my great friends and I went to visit my sister in Spain. After a grueling day of travel, enduring motion sickness and a lack of showers, we got to the hostel. I was ready to look the 2007 version of beauty and asked the girls if I could borrow a brush, I didn't think to bring one, and neither had any of them. :) A moment I smiled upon then, and I smile upon now. That is when our friendship was sealed forever. And, who knew in 5 years that we would be the image of beauty.

Hitting the Road

Simply Rooted is mixing it up and hitting the road... for good... which means we are sorry to announce that we are closing the storefront in Kalona. Gasp! I know, I know... I loved my little shop, and loved the people I met and I will miss the sweet town, but my gypsy soul was getting restless...and packing a truck and trailer and riding the pavement eases my heart... but, to keep from being too emotional about the whole bit, I'll keep it business... here's the details:

Find us at:
             Urban Finds : Des Moines  Sept 14 and 15
             Washington Craft Show: Sept 15
              Junk Jubilee : Des Moines  Nov 16-17

But for now:
Come to my shop during August for clearance pricing.
Thurs - Sat 12 - 4
Final Closing Aug 25

Who Cheer? We Cheer. At What Cheer!

I love a good flea market. Hillbillies and junk :) And, I do love junk!
This sale was particularly exciting with hot weather on Friday, a huge storm on Saturday and a COLD Sunday. Yes, cold. I wore a coat...a coat. But, the dynamic weather didn't stop sales. People were still strolling the grounds, and buying some of our goodies! A good problem to have!
Here's our little booth.

 Love this rustic metal drawer!

 Wire... it's the new thing. Whether it's baskets or birdcages

 What can you dream up from these materials?

Find us next at: Urban Finds Sept 14th and Washington Craft Fair the same weekend!