Happy New Year!!!

A new year is about to roll over tonight and it will be 2011. People make new plans, new goals in a new year and they also evaluate where they found moments of happiness in the year that has slipped away. Make your own list that doesn't include material things or unrealistic goals. Give it a shot... here's mine:

Happiness is...
a grandchild on your knee reaching for your face.
a warm sugar cookie and a glass of cold milk
a photo card from a childhood friend
a nap on freshly washed sheets
a vase of flowers
a candlelight service with singing
a family recipe made with your children
a blue sky and puffy white clouds
God's grace

New Year's list...
eat healthier
stretch, walk, breathe and smile
read a historic novel
start a scrapbook for grandchildren
make new friends and stay in touch with old ones
help others in need

Happy New Year to everyone who has followed the Antique Queens blog and visited the store in 2010. We will bring you a lot of inspiration in the new year -- pop by often to see what's happening. We hope to see all of you in the store too, where there'a ALWAYS something new and fun to see at Antique Queens.
Stay safe, healthy and happy!

After Christmas Shopping

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, the rush of Christmas shopping is over and likely your houseguests have made their way back home. Now is the perfect time to come in to Antique Queens in Rockdale and leisurely browse and shop. Visit with Lanna and Laura and the remarkable staff and find something for yourself or your home. I have just completed my cottage and see several spots that need just the right touch. I don't have to go far to find something perfect. You might need something "oh shiny" for New Year's Eve - lovely vintage pins, bracelets, necklaces and rings are sprinkled everywhere.

Come in tomorrow and see what's on sale at Antique Queens, 106 W.Cameron Street, Rockdale, TX. We can't wait to see ya!!!

JOY TO THE WORLD

Christmas has come and gently gone. Some of us have already put away some of the festive trimmings and eaten most of the leftovers. But the real Christmas is still here day after day and night after night - the Joy to the World that came as the gift to all mankind.

Jesus is the Reason no matter the Season. Blessed Christmas, Holy Christmas.

Christmas Week!!

Are the stockings hung by the chimney? Are the bubble lights and tinsle on the tree? Is the homemade fruitcake wrapped in bourbon-soaked linen cloths? Is the divinity in the silver dish on the table? Is the big ham in the oven coated with brown sugar and cloves? And the family dog struggling to get out of the knitted sweater, poor thing. Those are some memories from my childhood. And even after I moved away, those thoughts swirled in my mind as I made my journey home each year. Whatever brings back those sweet memories is stirring in all of us this week of Christmas.

Antique Queens is an enchanting place brimming with items reminescent of those bygone days... I saw the same transferware that adorned my parent's table and the cranberry rimmed glasses that held the ambrosia (Daddy's favorite) there. Walking through Antique Queens is a glimpse into the lives of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents and the glad memories will flood back to you as you browse.

Come find a piece of nostalgia to place on your mantle this season or wrap up to place under the tree for a loved one. Antique Queens is open 10:00 am until 5:30 pm this week and until 4:00 on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You!
Cody & Zena, Lanna & Jerry
and staff

Get Your Jolly On

A few weeks back Lanna, Zena, Peggy and Maribeth went to a Christmas Open House at Gatherings of Georgetown. The photos arrived and here they are. No laughing at the vintage hats.... oh, go ahead. Tis the season to act a little wacky and be jolly!!

All of the wacky elves are at Antique Queens Tuesdays thru Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm. Come BROWSE, it's ones of the best places to shop in central Texas!!

Gift Ideas from Antique Queens

Selecting gifts can sometimes be confusing... so consider Antique Queens as the perfect place to find hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary items that will delight those on your list..

Some ideas...
College (girl): A perfect vintage, sequined clutch purse to wear to the New Year's Eve party! Warm her heart with an embellished, vintage window to hang in the dorm or apartment to remind her of home. Your daughter or granddaughter will be thrilled!
Teen (girl): Blingy necklaces, bracelets and tee shirts sprinkled throughout the Antique Queen's shop. Take a look at the trendy stamped messages framed and ready for a bow or 70s-styled "peace" sign to hang in their room
Pre-teen (boy): Jump-start a life-time of collecting with vintage comic books, trading cards, vintage trucks and toys (that Dad had as a child). It's a joy to share the memories.
Mom/Wife: Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but there's a vintage fur wrap or swing coat ready to go under the tree. Add some sparkle from the jewelry selection or designer shoes from the past and you've got a winning gift.
Dad/Husband; There are vintage knives for dad, comfy chairs and all-things collectible. He can toast in the New Year with a wine carafe and glasses. Show him that you care with something different this year!

Indulge your parents with framed art, a china platter or silver bowl. Need a gift for teacher, boss, grandparent, best friend or the white elephant gift for the office party? Antique Queens has something for everyone, Come see us soon for the best selection -- Let Antique Queens put the merry in Christmas!

Festivities Are Underway at Antique Queens

Antique Queens is hosting its 2-day Christmas Open House. There are fabulous sales throughout the shop (over 40 dealers)... we have yummy refreshments while you browse extravagant gifts, vintage jewelry, apparel, home furnishings, shabby & sassy trinkets and collections from the past. It's all so wonderful!!! Here's a glimpse of a few of our fabulous dealers...










Saturday (Dec 4th) is the big day with extended hours: 9am to 8pm. Antique Queens has the perfect perch to see the parade and greet Santa arriving in town. There are market days vendors in our parking lot and sprinkled througout Rockdale's downtown area. It's going to be a beautiful day to shop inside and out. REGISTER FOR DOOR PRIZES!!


Sweet Talk is a dealer in Antique Queens... featuring precious vintage cards, tags and ephermia that harkens back to a simpler time and yet it's so urban-chic too. Ooh-la-la they have a frothy pink tree showcasing many of the shops exceptional items ready for decorating and gift-giving. Come See!

Joie de Vivre is our newest dealer. Browse French industrial with a DASH of shabby, vintage and primitive altogether. Joie de Vivre (the JOY of LIFE) has Christmas stockings, home accents and gifts sure to please. See you soon!

YOU'RE INVITED!! CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT ANTIQUE QUEENS

Mark your calendar and tell all your friends to come join in the fun and merriment in Rockdale Texas on December 3rd and 4th. In conjunction with Market Days, Antique Queens is hosting Christmas Open House. Our dealers have decked the walls with many vintage, rustic, country and cottage styles... there's jewelry, clothing, candles accessories galore. Enjoy refreshments while you shop Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm And register for door prizes while enjoying sales throughout the day.

Outside the Market Days' vendors will be showcasing specialty items, crafts and gifts. Come early on Saturday to see the parade and shop til you drop. Several outdoor booth spaces available - call Lanna at 446-4655 or 429-0001 for details

Vintage Turned to Splendor

Recall, if you will, that moment when you selected a vintage piece for your home. You spot that perfect time-worn, chippy cherub to place on a certain shelf. Or a special little cabinet that will sit atop a table and create a charming spot. And suddenly you are full of joy and satisfaction. Like many of you, I long for those moments of euphoria. Twenty years ago, I could not imagine that I would prefer something old over a new item. Now I much prefer vintage imperfection over anything new. Buying vintage is so magical and enjoyable. At Antique Queens, we have many pieces that will start that magical moment to work in you. On Saturday I watched a perfect cabinet drive away on the roof of a station wagon.. darn, why did I hesitate? It was a perfect size and color for my cottage and I let it get away! Come find a special piece that will express your taste in combination with a style from the past.

ANTIQUE QUEENS, 106 W. CAMERON STREET, ROCKDALE, TX

Let The Shopping Begin!!

The Christmas shopping season officially begins today and Antique Queens is OPEN and FULL of spectacular choices for everyone on your list.

Store Hours 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

It's Beginning to Look a LOT Like Christmas

The wonderful new window dressing will draw you inside, but the stunning surprise awaits inside the door.... The Antique Queens' Christmas tree! It is fabulous and takes a while to absorb all the fun, style and expressions of the 10-foot stunner! There are, of course, the signature crowns and sassy bows, but there are extraordinary vignettes of doll lamps, vintage items, well-loved chairs and riding helmets and a large-mouth bass. What?? Yes, you heard what I said, Lanna's husband, Jerry, caught the monster over 20 years ago and had it preserved, but not even in their wildest dreams did anyone consider it would be featured on a Christmas tree.
Come catch the spirit of the season and browse the awesome selection of gifts and nostalgia at Antique Queens, downtown Rockdale, TX. This year select a gift that brings a special smile to your loved ones!
See you soon!

Vintage-inspired Tree ornaments

There are no rules for creating a masterful and vintage-looking Christmas tree. Rummage through a box of your family's photos and pick 8-10 that show your grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren... make black-white copies and glue them to card stock. Feel free to embellish grandma with a glitter halo or a crown for uncle Harold. Also glue a little craft trim around the edges and voila! So simple and charming.
In the featured photo, there are clock faces with a ribbon tie... ready to place on the tree. You may have a collection of vintage dolls, hair brushes, or angels that you can tie with lace or ribbon on your tree - set your imagination free.
HOLIDAY FLASH -- Lanna and Zena have been busy putting up the Antique Queens' Christmas tree. Hope you will come by this weekend and grab some holiday spirit. Browse our dealers for all sorts of vintage-styled inspiration. (Tree photos on next post.)

Hanging from the walls & ceiling

Over the years, the one area that is ignored by many of us is the light fixtures when we decorate for the holidays. Let me tell you that the chandeliers, table lamps and sconces around your home will add so much charm and warmth if decorated. My newest vendor booth at Antique Queens (coming Dec 1st) will have a central chandelier (can't wait to put it up) and I will definitely decorate it for the holidays. You can swag a little greenery and tie on ribbon in 10 minutes or hang little black and white family photos or vintage Christmas cards and a strand of pearls. Now you've got it. Come by Antique Queens and find a little something-something to update your wreath, tree or light fixtures. Go BIG, or go home (as they say). Have fun with flourish!

Gathering Inspiration for Shabbiness

Antique Queens owner, Zena Caldwell and manager, Lanna Caldwell accepted an invitation to a Christmas Open House from Gatherings of Georgetown, an upscale antique shop with vendor vignettes bursting with shabby style and creativity. Gatherings is located at 1009 S. Austin Avenue near the square in Georgetown, TX. Along for the ride were Peggy and Maribeth both vendors at Antique Queens. We arrived to find every corner of the shop absolutely brimming with holiday sparkle, gift ideas and warm hospitality. We were gob-smacked by a 9-ft Christmas tree adorned with cherubs, glistening letters, vintage hats, lacey cones, jewelry, figurines - a real wow moment! Steps away we began the wonderful experience of touring dozens of booths laden with painted furniture, vintage finds and holiday creative flair. So much to see the hours ticked by like minutes... and we literally closed down the store. Lanna and Zena found some special things to bring home to Antique Queens -- can't wait to see the holiday windows! Our group enjoyed warm wassail, sparkling wine and yummy hors d'oeuvres. You must place Gatherings on your list to visit this holiday season.

44 Days Til Christmas

The countdown is underway - yes, 44 Days 'Til Christmas. If you have promised yourself each year that you're going to attend more holiday events, help someone in your church or community or bake your grandmother's cherished recipes... this is that moment. Go right now and get your calendar and pencil in all the events that will make the season bright!

Antique Queens is marking its calendar and we hope you will come out and participate in the festivities in Rockdale. Beginning on Friday, Dec 3, 6-9 pm with The Christmas Stroll. Luminaries will line the downtown streets and the sounds of the season will fill the air when carolers in costume will stroll and sing. I can't wait! Antique Queens will be open late (8pm) along with other shops around town.

A full day is planned on Saturday, December 4, 8am-8pm. All Aboard The Christmas Express! Beginning with the Christmas Parade and arrival of Santa Claus. Arts & Crafts show at the depot. Market Day coincides with this event, so there's lots of great shopping everywhere (bring your Christmas list & buy your gifts early). Antique Queens will be open late and serving refreshments. Shop Antique Queens vendor booths for fabulous vintage items, sparkly jewelry, candles, art and much more.

Stay with us all through the season for more announcements. And don't forget to become a follower on this blogspot and be included in our Gift Basket drawing on December 20th!!

New To Our Team

Dipping a toe in the bloggousphere is not what Antique Queens is all about, so we're jumping in the deep end like Esther Williams... (Splash) Introducing a new member to our team - Maribeth Harvey. She will take on the challenge of blogging for the everchanging, extraordinary atmosphere in the shop and assisting with marketing ideas that will spread the news about the world of shabbiquities, special events and showcasing our unique group of vendors. Calling all like-minded vintage junkers, chic collectors and shabby-style shopkeepers to join with us. Become an Antique Queens blogspot follower now through December 20 and your name will be placed in a drawing for a fabulous gift basket full of unique gifts and accessories. Welcome aboard Maribeth!

Bathroom Renovation

Bathroom renovation