About Julie

Thank you for visiting The Vintage Barn.  I am Julie, mommy to the two sweetest, cutest and liveliest little girls I know! My handsome husband Anthony, is a 3rd generation CA dairy farmer, and works very hard.  We live right on the dairy...and there isn't a better place to raise kids.  I didn't grow up in the country...but, I sure do love it now!

I grew up in a small farming community in Central California (pretty close to us now.)  I have wonderful parents, a sister who is a labor and delivery nurse and is married to a fire fighter (I know...perfect pair, right?!?)  My parents built and own their own towing business...totally on their own nearly 40 years ago.  I would say they are a perfect example of what hard work will do for you!  Working hard for my own business is just in my blood!

In my former life (aka "Before Kids") I was an elementary school teacher.  Teaching is truly a rewarding career.  Not too many people really understand the love teachers have for their students...unless you have taught.  I still enjoy seeing former students...honestly, it can make me feel old quick!

When we had our first baby,..I "retired" from teaching to be home with our little family.  I found out QUICKLY that being frugal was more than fun.  Being frugal was a necessity...necessity is the mother of invention...and The Vintage Barn was born.  Today, with our two girls...my plate is full...and I have more fun than I could have ever imagined!

I am also mommy to Millie, the BEST Chocolate Lab in the world!

 AKA Millie Monster

I am not a professional interior designer nor am I a journalist.  I am, however a do-er, thinker, dreamer and a creative junker.  My mind is definitely a business mind (or just ALWAYS busy??)...with a creative spin.  If I had a dollar for every time I told my husband, "I have an idea" we would be rich!

Almost every piece of furniture in our home is from a yard sale, thrift shop or a relative that no longer needed it. I rearrange and change furniture layouts and decor often...using what I have and tweaking it somehow.   I LOVE using what I have and what we love to decorate.  That is what truly makes your house...your home.

A can of paint, my sewing machine and my rubber gloves (I have to keep my nails nice for manicures from our 4 year old!) are some of my must haves! Making our house a home did not at all involve "breaking the bank," and it doesn't have to for you either. I hope you will be inspired by my vintage finds, the cute stuff I find and create at The Vintage Barn (www.thevintagebarn.etsy.com) and will live YOUR real life!

Love & Junk~

Julie