Summer Fun at C.J.s Antiques

Hot, hot, hot but who's complaining after that long icy cold winter I promised I would not complain about a long hot summer! The containers in front of C.J.s Antiques are filling up with new plants as so many of our old favorites bit the dust this winter. Our shop is full to the brim with some great stuff so if you haven't been here in a while it's time for a visit. You can keep up with us on facebook or get our seldom but important tweets. I know I know Antiques and computers unseemly isn't it. Lovers of the past can still appreciate the present. I can't help myself I love old stuff and the internet. I admit it is hard to keep up with both. Blogging, facebooking, tweeting can all become a full time job. But since C.J.'s only connection to the computer is Solitaire and he would still rather do business in person than on the telephone (that tells you where he is on the information super highway). Please, please check us out on facebook, follow our tweets and visit our website at www.cjsantiques.com so I won't feel like all my hard work is for naught.

Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days Nov. 5th, 6th & 7th, 2010

Right around the corner Ponchatoula will be hosting the Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days & Arts - Craft Fair. This will be our biggest ever. Vendors from all over will be setting up Antiques & Collectibles, Fine Art, Crafts, Food featuring local cuisine, pastries, candys, cupcakes, strawberry jellies and much more. Great time to do some Christmas shopping. Children's activities include pony rides, inflatable slide as well as a free petting zoo. Live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoon provided by Rocky Denney & Lagniappe to here a sample of their music visit www.rockydenney.com. Free admission to this outdoor festival hosted in historic downtown Ponchatoula. We here at C.J.'s will be open from 9:00AM to 6:00PM and our porches will have plenty of seating space to relax and get your second wind. Don't miss it come on out and enjoy. For more information contact 1-800-617-4502 or visit www.ponchatoulachamber.com.

Antiques Recycled Treasures Great Prices

You hear a lot of talk about going green, recycling and buying down in this economy. Probably one of the most overlooked areas is Antiques & Collectibles. What better way to save a tree than buy a piece of furniture that was built to last. When antique furniture was built or even manufactured natural resourses were plentiful, craftsmen were abundant and furniture was purchased to last a lifetime or more. This is what I call a two fer you get the oppurtunity to buy something that not only goes up in value but also is enviromentally friendly. Comparison shop old and new example we have a 5 piece depression era bedroom set (not technically an antique for about 21 years) with a double bed, vanity with stool, chest of drawers, nightstand on sale for $695.00 made from solid wood. This would make a great set for a guest room, teenager or newlywed. Now compare the workmenship to a new set with the same quality you have to be diligent in your homework when comparing to a brand new set, is it solid wood are just solid wood veneer over pressed wood. Is it really mahogany are just a mahogany finish. Some people shy away from antique furniture because most antique shops don't have the space to set the pieces up with mattresses and bedspreads pillows etc so you have to visualize what it will look like in your space. So use your imagination, save some money and buy quality at a much lower price. One of my favorite new trends is recycling wood you can buy some great pieces of furniture (we happen to have some) made from old wood. Another trend which is I like is buying individual chairs for a dining room vs a set. You can get some great buys on individual chairs that are not part of a set. Don't let chairs that has been repaired underneath scare you away if it is good repair and the chair is sturdy. Most guest won't be turning your chairs over to have a look. A tip when purchasing individual chairs for your dining room table measure, measure, measure. Insure the seats, backs and leg width of different chairs are the correct width to fit together at your table. Seat height is also important as this gives a more pulled together look. Remember if you have children think sturdy. Don't shy away from upholstered seats these are one of the easiest problems to solve don't like the fabric with some new fabric and a staple gun this is a simple, inexpensive do it yourself project A handy tool when shopping is bring your own measuring tape most shops provide them however just in case its nice to have your own. September is great time to visit us as we are kicking off Labor Day Weekend with storewide sales from 15-75% off. Check out a sampling of what we have to offer at http://www.cjsantiques.com/ 15,000 sq feet under one roof, open days a week 9AM - 6 PM including Labor Day. Until next time, keep watching for more tips and info.