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Friday, February 4, 2011

I’M IN LOVE WITH TOM (and that’s NOT my husband’s name)!

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My sweetheart (who is NOT Tom) had to attend a business meeting in Memphis last week, so I got to tag along for some junkin’ therapy.  Normally, if I drive alone in Memphis, I have to stay on one major street, where there is a little bit of shopping, because I am directionally challenged.  Although I have been going to Memphis since I was a child, I cannot find my way around (I can’t find my way around any place other than my small home town, and sometimes I even have trouble with that!) 

On this trip to Memphis, I was able to go wherever my heart desired, because of my new favorite thing!  For Christmas, my daughter and son gave me a “TomTom”.  I’m in love with Tom!

tomtom

Tom knew where I was, even when I didn’t know where I was.  If I gave Tom an address, he told me when to turn and when I had arrived at my destination.  He let me know immediately if I had taken a wrong turn, and how to get from there to where I was supposed to be.  Tom didn’t even get upset if I became agitated about driving and got snappy with him (which I did several times)! I should have had Tom in my life years ago!  What freedom I feel when I’m out with Tom! I always kind of resisted any kind of navigator thingy, because I was afraid it would be hard for me to operate (I am also gadget challenged).  But Tom is so easy (don’t you love a guy who is easy?) that I am thinking Tom and I may have many wonderful adventures together in the future.

car on road

The last time I met bloggers in Memphis, I had to tell them that we would have to go to a restaurant on Poplar, because I would get lost if I got off of Poplar!  Last week, I was so excited to be meeting sweet Susan from Thoughts from Over the Rainbow, and I was so proud to tell her that I could meet her at whatever restaurant she suggested!  I had such a fun time lunching and shopping with Susan!  If you don’t know her, you need to go check out her blog.  She is an amazing floral arranger; a gourmet cook; has a beautiful home; and her commentary is always a joy to read.

Susan took me to some fun junkin’ stores, so today,  I’m sharing some of mine and Susan’s favorites we found. 

Isn’t this little child’s stove cute?

toy stove

Loved this painted pillow!

pillow

If I had any wall space left at my house, these puppies would have come home with me.

dogs

Somebody in Blogville is probably already making these cool mirrors.  These are rolled magazine pages.  It looks like a project that would require a lot of patience.

mirror mag

This one is rolled book pages.

009

Susan and I fell in love with these lamps.  I’m sure somebody in Blogville is, or will be, making these.  I just hope their tutorial isn’t too difficult for this “tutorially challenged” blogger!  I face a LOT of challenges in my life!

lamps

My favorite thing all day was getting to spend time with Susan.  She’s such a cute, fun person.  Doesn’t she look adorable, trying on this vintage hat?

susan

Susan, thank you for a wonderful day.  Tom and I hope to come visit Memphis again soon! 

Just one more favorite photo:

party sign

Thank you for coming to visit this very challenged blogger.  (Is there a TomTom for blogging?)  Please go visit all of the wonderful bloggers who have linked up with Favorite Things today.  Next week’s Favorite Things linkup will be the Valentine Party.  I know you’ll be glad to not have to see any more “advertisements” for the party on my blog!  I hope you’ll join the party (anything pertaining to Valentine’s Day, hearts, or love).  The linkup will be here on Thursday night, February 10th. I can’t wait to see all of the wonderful Valentine Party posts!  laurie

 




52 comments:

Jewel Sauls said...

My daughter gave me a TomTom for Christmas and I love him too! It looks like you and Susan had lots of fun!

Unknown said...

I am very relieved to learn of Tom's identity, glad to know you did not have to go off the other side of a deep end..:) We have Gertrude Pauline Spagullicuddy (GPS) who is a wonderful guide and can be a frustrated nag too. Loved the idea of used pens, is it? around mirrors. Looks like you had a fun time...

Candy @ The Little Round Table said...

I love mine too, although she's a girl ..... and at times her voice does get a little witchy. :-)

Candy

Glenda/MidSouth said...

A Tom Tom sounds like something I need. I still shudder when I remember making a wrong about a year and half ago.
Looks and sounds like y'all had a fun time. Maybe next time.
I still have not put out anything for Valentine's Day - guess I should get busy.
Enjoy your weekend and stay warm. Looks like we are in for another couple of rounds.
Glenda

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I have a GPS(not Tom I must admit) and I love it! Has saved my behind many a time. We got a new one at Christmas and it's even better...tells me which lane to be in and everything. Love all your fund finds and Susan looks like a great gal, I love her blog. Memphis is only 390 miles from me, maybe I can join you next time...LOL!

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, Laurie I love those things. We have the Charmin' Garmin'. The men in the house picked out the female voice they liked on it and they have declared they no longer need me to navigate on vacation! LOL Love the book page mirror, very neat.
Sherry

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

OMG, you found my Little Stove from my childhood!!! I HAD that stove AND a Fridge and wringer washing machine that matches it...Mine were a rose colored pink though and I LOVED THEM!!! Thank you for my memory of it. I sure wish I still had them! Hugs to you, Donna

Susan Freeman said...

Hi Laurie! I love that little stove ~ so sweet! Susan looks like she could be Claudia's sister! Thanks for another fun party!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Diann said...

Hi Laurie!
I can completely relate to your love with Tom! My parents got us one for Christmas as well and we love it! Except now the princess refers to the highway as the "motorway". Glad you had a fun adventure and I really like the dog picture as well!

Natasha in Oz said...

That must have been such a wonderful day! I would love to meet up with some bloggers one day. You are so lucky!

Thanks so much for having me today. I haven't been by for a while as we have all been busy fighting floods and cyclones and Mother Nature's fury over in Oz. Anyway, things are getting back to normal now so I am thrilled to be getting back to my beloved blog!

Have a lovely weekend Laurie.

Best wishes,
Natasha.

lvroftiques said...

Oh girlfriend I needs me a Tom too!! They don't get much more directionally challenged than me! You sure found some cuties to share! That little stove is darling! And Susan looks like a hoot! (That being the ultimate compliment in my book *winks*)
Are y'all out of wall space too? I did a little tiquin' and found myself a painting I liked and ther's NO where to put it and I mean nada! Those puppies sure were darling.
Thanks for hosting this party my friend. I really am grateful to have somewhere to share my insanity....ahem... I mean favorite things *winks* Vanna

Erika . . . with a K said...

I love those lamps and the mirrors!

KimMalk said...

Hi Laurie, aren't those GPS things terrific? I don't have one yet, but a couple of friends do. I'm so glad you had a fun time junkin' and not getting lost! Blessings, Kim

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Hooray for TOM!!!! It looks like you had a great time! I loved the pillow and those lamps! YOu can get etching kits at Michaels and do that. I just saw etched glasses on someone's blog recently. It must feel GREAT to be free to go wherever you want now!!! XO, Pinky

Sarah said...

I have one too, but it's built into the car. The voice is pretty funny at times, but I feel safer now that I have someone to direct me when I'm lost. I'm directionally challenged too!
Glad you had a fun time. Reminds me of our little lunch. You need to come back so we can SHOP. ~ sarah

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Laurie, what a fun time and I love that painted bunny pillow. Those lamps are just like the ones that Target was selling. I have one. Thanks for hosting.

Jacqueline said...

I am so glad you are in love! Did you know that the challenged can also be challenged by GPS machines! We almost threw ours out the window when we first tried ours. We gave her a derogatory name, but we have since come to like her better (knowing we need an exact address helped). It is amazing isn't it. Loved the painted pillow. - How fun to spend the day junking together.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Girl I would be losted without the Tom in my life..it's gets me to every flea markey around ha ha!! Now Laurie I love that bunny pillow what came home with you..I know with your bottomless purse something had to jump in it..I'm joining you today my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Infatuated with Homes and Gardens said...

I know exactly what you mean ,I got my first Tom Tom about 5 years ago ,and before that I was too scared to drive anywhere and I had a job which meant I needed to drive all over the city ,this has been a lifesave not mention amoney saver ,we have so many toll roads in Sydney one return trip can cost as much as $25 but with Tom Tom ,ha can help me avoid these and surprisingly the trip is only about 5 to 10mins longer.

xinex said...

So glad to hear you got your Tom, Laurie. I don't have a Tom but I have a Sony who I call Navi. I cannot go anywhere without her. I talk to her when I am driving because she is so polite, tells me to "PLEASE make a U turn if possible", all the time, lol. How fun to meet Susan! She is one of my favorite people in Blogland....Christine

Anonymous said...

Laurie- I so need a Tom in my life!! I am terrible with directions and then if people who are giving them say" head south or turn west" yikes!

Bee blessed
mary

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie! Now I need one of those! I only know one way to go anywhere...if that! I hope you are having a great weekend and are not all snowed in!...hugs...Debbie

Sonia said...

Wow Laurie..thought you really had a new beau! So glad he is only a techie..I hadn't heard of a Tom Tom! LOL. Looks like you had a great time in Memphis..I love that little red stove!!

Miss Bloomers

susan said...

Oh Laurie-We did have fun! I just don't look like I have all my marbles in the picture :) I am going to get our Tom out of the closet. Do you think I can teach it to drive? :)Thanks for a great day!! Have a good weekend.

aimee said...

im so glad tom is stearing you in the right direction! i have gps on my phone and i love it. i have not been lost since i got it, and it saves me so much gas. before i had gps i would drive all over the city and my gas tank that once read full when i started my venture would read less than half tank by the time i reached my destination! i so understand your love affair :) enjoy your weekend.
blessings,
aimee

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Laurie,
I got my hubby a Tom for his birthday last July and I have to tell you, we are both in love with him!
He is such a handy guy!
Love the fun pics of you and Susan out looking for treasures! Oh what fun!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

The Muse said...

does your tom tom say recalculating in a sean connery voice ? LOL :)

oh goodness he is worth his weight in gold with all those lovely treasures you discovered~!!!

Debbie said...

Oh, I can relate to this one!! I call ours "Gypsy", and she is my new best friend. I seriously get lost in a parking lot and the use of Gypsy has given me a freedom that I love.

Of course, my most recent shopping trip was a walking trip so Gypsy didn't come along.

LOVE that mirror with the newspaper print border. I like the magazine one, too, but the newspaper one I love particularly.

And...I wondered if anyone would catch the envelope on the speedometer in my recent post. Although he probably DOES want to shield his lead foot evidence from me, he was just dropping off our power bill around the corner and didn't want to forget it on the way out of town.

Heidi Pocketbook said...

So far I am still Tom-less here...I'm not entirely sure he could help me find my way out of the corn, lol!

Looks like you had a very fun adventure! The little metal stove is so cool!

Maggie said...

Hi Laurie,
We have a satnav too, but not a TomTom.
Mr B downloaded some celebrity voices for it, just for fun, and so now we have Ozzy Osbourne telling us just where to go!
Makes for interesting journeys.

Anonymous said...

I love the lamps!

Sounds like you had a fun time!

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for Grandparents and Caregivers said...

What a fun post. I don't have a Tom but I have rented cars with their own version of a GPS. My grandchildren and I love to call them Henrietta and we have so much fun with them. Especially if we have it set for one destination but we change our minds and turn - against her "orders." One of my grandsons has so much fun telling her, "Nope, we're going THIS way." :)

Loved the various and intriguing crafts and goodies you found as well. Thanks for a lovely visit.

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for Grandparents and Caregivers said...

What a fun post. I don't have a Tom but I have rented cars with their own version of a GPS. My grandchildren and I love to call them Henrietta and we have so much fun with them. Especially if we have it set for one destination but we change our minds and turn - against her "orders." One of my grandsons has so much fun telling her, "Nope, we're going THIS way." :)

Loved the various and intriguing crafts and goodies you found as well. Thanks for a lovely visit.

Curtains In mY Tree said...

I wanted to see more pictures of your shopping in Memphis.

I am ready to go someplace today it has quit snowing and the sun is out don't think i'll make Memphis but some little town in Missouri maybe

I love Bargain Hunting with Laurie

Janice

Lady Katherine said...

What fun with your new Tom and Susan! I adore the hat Susan tried on! If I was there it would have come home with me. lol I found one in our attic similar, but not as good condition. Sounds like you both had a great day.

The Tablescaper said...

I'm so glad you found Tom. It sounds like true love! Can't wait to see where you go next.

- The Tablescaper

Lynn at Cottage and Creek said...

Loved your post today. I am so comforted by my Garmin (though Tom is a much cuter name!) especially when I want to venture deep into the city to an estate sale in an rough neighborhood. Wouldn't do it without a bit of directional help. Also want to say I LOVE that little stove!! OMG ... it is the cutest thing ever. Love your party and thanks so much for hosting.
~ Lynn

mustard seeds said...

Laurie,
The next time you are in Memphis, I would love to meet up with y'all. I enjoy yours and Susan's blogs so much. I'm glad you had such fun, and I adore that little stove. I want one just like it now.
Sheila

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Glad that you and Susan (and Tom) had such a great time!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

So glad you have Tom to help you when you travel. Looks like you had a fun time in the stores!

Sue said...

Laurie, How fun that you made it to your destination and had a good time shopping and visiting with Susan. I have a GPS that sometimes thinks it's smarter than I am. I hate when it tells me over and over that it is recalculating. All the while, I should be going the opposite direction. I never know if it's messing with my mind or not. LOL

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Looks like you had lots of fun!

I'd have brought that dog pic home too...if I had the room for it. It's so cute I might have made room for it.

Nancy

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Laurie...

My friend, I quick and signed up for your Favorite Things party last night and then had to run...I felt so bad that I was unable to leave you a note at the time. Sooo...here I am now! Better late than never...so they say! Hehe! It has been a hectic last two days but it's all good! I hope that my note is finding you and your sweet family all doing well!

Well Girlfriend, I think that Tom is quite the man to have around...sooo very useful! Wink! Sheeesh...I am so behind the times...I don't have a Tom! We did have a GPS while we were in Europe though...it saved us sooo many times and was so handy to have! I don't know what we would have done without it! So happy for you, dear friend...you are now a liberated woman! Hehe! It sounds like you and Susan had a wonderful time! I really enjoyed your photo of her...what a pretty lady she is! You sure found some pretty things! Ohh my goodness...can you just imagine the time that went into making the magazine/book page mirrors? Eeeks! I love the bottle lamps too! I'm so glad that you and Susan were able to meet for the day and have some fun! Thanks for sharing your time together with us! Also..thank you so much for hosting the Saturday Favorite Things party! I always enjoy when I get to participate!

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend!

Love ya,
Chari

Anonymous said...

Hey wait a minute!!! Tom is mine...all mine I tell ya! LOL
I gave Bobby G. a tomtom for his birthday last year and guess whose car it's been in ever since. I call my Tom Peggy out of pure affection. I am all ready for your party this week. I will be bringing a cake. :) xoxo

Dawn Marie said...

I have yet to get a Tom, but I think about if often as I to get lost alot. thing is though, I've always been the type that when I get lost, I consider it a challenge and will not give up until i find my destination. I like hitting up the gas stations. I've noticed lately though since employees change like the wind, so many dont know how to get around either. gone are the life long gas station owners who know everything.

Marlis said...

Sounds like a fun trip without the added excitement of seeing foreign territory! Love a good navigation system. Thanks for sharing all the treasures.

Olive said...

I am glad you enjoy Tom. I have GPS but it drives me crazy and I turn it off. Love the little stove♥

Kathleen said...

I would love to meet Susan! I like her sense of humor!
Looks like a lot of fun.
I have Tom's cousin, Garmin. I can't remember how to make him talk though! Maybe ply him with cookies?
I am working on your party. It's going to be really, really ??? :)

Entertaining Women said...

You can buy lamp kits that just fit into the mouth of most bottles, etc. They have a stopper that just kind of plugs in. You can also use them in candlesticks. I'll try to remember where I've bought them and get back to you, but I'll bet that you can find them on line. Cherry Kay

squawmama said...

Fun post Laurie... we have a Garman & LOVE it too!!!
{{{HUGS}}}
Donna

Lynn said...

Enjoyed my visit! I'll be back!

Kathleen Ellis said...

Hi Laurie~
I think my last comment got "lost"!
Congratulations on your new love! I totally understand your affections!
I have had a Magellan for several years now, her name is Madge...and she is soooo helpful!
Thanks for sharing your Junkin' adventure and finds with us...looks like you had a wonderful time..."off Poplar"!
Have a beautiful week~
;-D Kathleen