Nellie's Barn Sale

01/12/2026

MY HEART IS FULL...

We had a somewhat busy weekend. My son, who lives in Boise Idaho, arrived Friday night by way of an Alberta Canada work trip for a 2-week work trip in Wisconsin. He's not staying with us but at least we'll get to see him sporadically as he's only a half hour away. Yesterday was filled with an impromptu dinner for him and his five workmates who also flew in yesterday plus his best friend and his wife. A quick pot of pasta and Italian sausage did the trick. Lots of storytelling, laughter, and conversation at my kitchen table. I don't have a very big kitchen so needless to say it was a little cramped on space but nobody seemed to notice. It was fun to stand back and watch my son interact with his friends, who we had never met prior. They are all charmers.

Well, since it's almost lunch time, I suppose I should go get dressed for the day.

Have a good one.

01/04/2026

I need all you Illinois vintage shoppers help...

I know many of my friends and business acquaintances are big supporters of local estate sales. Not to mention the thousands of you vintage shoppers who love popping in to an estate sale on the weekend to grab a vintage treasure to add to your home.
Currently the Illinois Senate wants to change how the 'estate sale industry' is regulated and lump them in with auctioneers. They expect all estate sale companies to get new training and auctioneer license to continue to do business. Needless to say it's a waste of their time and money to do such. The estate sale industry runs perfectly fine and doesn't need to be changed. If you're interested in helping out the hundreds of small businesses that operate in Illinois as an estate sale company please consider signing the petition below.

The Issue

For over three decades, I have dedicated my career to the estate sale business, providing families a means to respectfully and efficiently sell personal property. Now, Illinois Senate Bill 2351 threatens to wrongly classify on-site estate sales, failing to recognize the unique nature of our work. Unlike auctioneers, our services require neither psychological manipulation nor bidding wars, as we operate on a straightforward pricing model. The requirement for an auctioneer's license and training is not only unnecessary but also burdensome for professionals like myself who are experts in our field without it.

Senate Bill 2351 mandates that individuals conducting on-site priced-based estate sales must obtain auctioneer licenses, thereby equating our services to auctions. This misclassification disrupts the estate sale industry by imposing undue regulations that do not align with our method of operation. Estate sales differ fundamentally from auctions; they are intimate, on-site events where items are tagged with prices for purchasers to see. The essence of this business is distinct and should be recognized as such by Illinois law.

SB2351 undermines our ability to continue providing a vital service to communities across Illinois. We bring families together in times of transition, offering peace of mind during difficult situations. Our customers rely on the integrity and trustworthiness of estate sales professionals who bring transparency and simplicity to each transaction.

According to the National Association of Estate Liquidators, the demand for estate sales has seen consistent growth over the past decade, reflecting their importance in the economic landscape. Imposing auctioneer requirements could stifle this growth and limit opportunities for both sellers and buyers. The regulatory framework proposed under SB2351 fails to account for these factors and unjustly penalizes a sector that contributes significantly to local economies.

We call upon Illinois lawmakers to repeal SB2351 and establish a distinct category for on-site estate sales. By doing so, they can ensure that estate sale professionals continue to operate within regulations that respect the tradition and purpose of their work. Let us differentiate between real estate auctions and estate sales, providing clarity and fairness in the law.

Take a Stand

Stand with us in urging the State of Illinois to recognize the unique value and necessity of preserving the integrity of estate sales. Sign this petition now to support the reclassification and protection of an industry that serves so many, and ensure that estate professionals are free from inappropriate licensing mandates. Together, we can make a difference.

https://c.org/NyZnMVVwV6

Send a message to learn more

01/01/2026

It was a fun and fulfilled year. Vacation time. Lake time. Family time. Friend time. What could be better?

Here's to a healthy and happy 2026 for all of you. Thanks for following along.
Happy New Year

12/26/2025

RACOON IN A CANOE. ✔️

For a few years now I've been on the hunt for a taxidermy raccoon for my lake cottage. Score one for my gal pal who found it, and my husband & son who bought it for me.

Now I just have to choose a name.

12/24/2025

O HOLY NIGHT...

Sending wishes for peace and joy this holy season.

Vintage Christmas

12/23/2025

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVE...

I'm kind of smitten with cow tags. So when I found this 307 tag I was especially excited. It's the address numbers of the house I was born in. And it's perfect for the holidays with a gingham ribbon.

The Merriest of Christmases to all of you that have been kind enough to follow along.
Vintage Christmas
Vintage Decor
Cow tags
Maximalist Decor

12/13/2025

A QUIET COLD DAY HERE IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS...

12/09/2025

VINTAGE LOVERS UNITE...

I know you're knee deep in holiday shindigs...but be sure to 'ink in' the dates for the spring Vintage Shop Hop!!!!

We hope you can road trip with us!!!

11/29/2025

The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch...

Better known as the skating minister, this 18th century oil painting is a favorite many at this time of year. Over the years I've passed many versions of it in antique stores but decided to get myself a copy. Fnding an antique top hat recently was the icing on the cake! And yesterday I spent the day making dried orange slices just for this display!

Enjoy your snowy day!

11/27/2025

11/23/2025

JOY TO THE WORLD WITH A 41 MEMBER CHOIR...

Getting my little choir ready is one of the joys of the season. I can't believe I have 41 members already! Just a short 4 years ago they all fit on a silver tray on the end table. Now I devote my vintage Bible cabinet to them. They are tucked among Bibles, some are more than 100 years old, prayer cards, and funeral rosaries. When I found the 'CHORAL' door sign, of course I had to have it. If you like videos check my post from yesterday showing the same choir, but personally I love still photos.

What's your favorite Christmas collection?