Shopping with New Friends

For me, flea markets are the best! Whether it's here in New York or one of the many great ones around the country, I just love feeling like I'm on an adventure, digging through history, discovering new ways to use old things. For four months now, ever since Jaithan and I started the blog back in July, I've also had the tremendous fortune of being able to connect with so many people who share my enthusiasm for beautiful, timeless design that everyone can afford. While most of you I've never met in person, it's through your kind emails and comments that I've begun to foster friendships that feel more and more real everyday. Well, last Sunday at the flea market here in town, seven such friends who'd previously existed only in Blogland, reading faithfully day after day, on lunch hours and coffee breaks, finally came together. And for this, my first shopping trip to the flea market, I could not have asked for a nicer group of people!

Early on, Jaithan and I decided it was important to keep it relatively small. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted the experience to feel personal, as though we were all just shopping with friends. And that's exactly what it was! First, there were the four spitfire girls—teachers all of them—from Long Island: Alex, Nancy, Georgette and Jennie. Next, the sweet couple from Virginia, Lauren and her husband David, together with their adorable one-year old Christian. And last, but not least, Claire, a writer and longtime flea market fanatic. Here's the group getting to know each other at our meeting spot, Cupcake Cafe, my favorite coffee shop in Hell's Kitchen. As you can see, we were all so excited to be there (including me!), the laughter started early...then never stopped the entire trip!

While we waited for everyone to arrive, I went around the room asking the girls if there was anything specific they were looking for, just so I could keep an eye out for it myself. From the left, Alex was looking for serving ware and utensils to mix in with pieces she already owns but wasn't sure how to do it. Nancy just moved into a new house and was looking for things to make it feel more like a home. Georgette...well, she was just looking! And finally, on the right, Jennie was looking for salt spoons and cellars similar to ones she'd seen on the blog and loved!   

Here's the group entering the Hell's Kitchen flea market with a booth full of fun costume jewelry. Just because it's jewelry, I explained, doesn't mean you can't use it for other things: Antique pins for Thanksgiving place cards, necklaces for Christmas tree garland and (my favorite!) vintage earrings as decorative magnets.

At the next booth, it was Lauren, a talented and very sweet interior designer, who scored the first find of the day—antique drawer pulls in the shape of dolphins. The dealer also had a great idea to repurpose them as towel hooks in a guest bath. How great is that?

Here we are at my friend Rich's booth, one of my favorite vendors. He's always cleaning out old homes and businesses upstate, coming back with all the best stuff...

...like this great Wedgwood bowl Lauren found for five bucks! It's going to look great in her house on a bookshelf, on a dresser for jewelry and change or even on a nightstand filled with flowers. 

Here's Alex and Jennie checking out a pretty fold-down desk from the 40s.

Look how pretty the detailing is on the interior. Jennie was actually looking for a piece like this for her foyer. To update it, I suggested she paint it a color she loved, then swap out the hardware. I thought this piece would look especially good flanked by two balloon back chairs covered in a fresh, modern fabric. As much as she loved the piece, Jennie decided to mull it over for now and move on.

But just before we did, Lauren spotted another great find—an unusual piece of vintage wood. She was planning on using it for display, which would be great, especially mixed with other, more refined elements like porcelain or silver. I also suggested turning it over and using it as an unexpected and one-of-a-kind cheese board for the holidays.

As we made our way through the market, this table attracted the group because it had so many different things on it—pictures, binders, serving ware and utensils. It's the perfect example of a booth where you never know what you'll find! All the more reason to spend a little time and dig, right?

Here's Nancy pointing out one of a collection of sterling silver souvenir spoons she loved, while Jennie, you'll remember, was on the lookout for salt cellars and spoons.

And wouldn't you know it? Among them we found a spoon engraved with Poughkeepsie, New York, one of the places Jaithan and I are looking at houses upstate. Do you think it's a sign?

The girls thought so!

Alex, meanwhile, still on the lookout for serving pieces, scored this sterling silver handle pie server at a booth nearby. This one she's planning to use as a hostess gift around the holidays. And for $20? What a thoughtful gift that's simple and timeless enough to mix in with just about anybody's collection.

When I saw the pie server Alex had picked out—simple and elegant—there was a Wedgwood platter nearby I thought she might like as well.

And sure enough—she did! It's actually quite similar to the pattern Jaithan and I picked up at the Chelsea flea market a few weeks ago. And with a price tag of $20 for Wedgwood, you can't even go to the mall and find something of that quality for a better price.    

A little further down, there was a new vendor at the market on Sunday, who'd driven in from Boston. He collects and refurbishes old, industrial ware, like this dentist's cabinet Alex and Jennie were looking at. This piece would be so great in a bathroom, I was telling them, if the back were mirrored and the inside shelves stacked with white towels and beautiful vintage glass jars filled with Q-tips and cotton. As much as Alex loved the piece, she just didn't have the room for it.

At the same booth, check out this Art Deco ceiling fixture I found. I love its shape and that it's black and white as well. Now, if only I had another cookie-cutter light fixture in our apartment that needs a vintage replacement!

And finally, here I am with Lauren, David and baby Christian at the last booth we stopped at before heading back. Check out this gorgeous aqua blue vintage bird cage! I could totally see it indoors planted with all kinds of mosses and orchids, while Lauren had a great idea of using it as a garden ornament with climbing ivy.

Before heading out, though, Claire had to stop back at Rich's booth to pick up this pretty set of 1940s tea cups she'd spotted earlier. For Claire, the rule is if she's not sure she needs something and it's still there when she's ready to leave, well...then she needs it! These cups, I was telling her, would be great not only for tea and coffee but also for a pretty dessert, a hot soup or even for miniature flower arrangements going down a table.  

Here's the group just before we left Hell's Kitchen for Chelsea. Lauren, David and the baby couldn't be in the picture because they had already left to pick up their car and meet us. It was a little chilly that day, so we were all looking forward to the Antiques Garage on 26th, our next and last stop!

Check out the scene! I know it looks a little overwhelming, but once you get the lay of the land, it's really very easy and super fun. Oh, and it helps to have someone with you who's been going there since—oh, I don't know—forever!

Do you remember those salt cellars and spoons Jennie had been looking for? Well, she found a pair...and such pretty ones too. And for $16, she couldn't go wrong. I can't wait to see the holiday table she going to set!

Meanwhile, check out this gorgeous Chinoiserie ginger jar lamp that Lauren found from the same dealer Jaithan and I bought our Greek key side chairs. The lamp is actually very similar to one her grandmother had growing up. This one she's planning to put on her desk at home, so I suggested pairing it with a pretty, silk pagoda shade. How elegant is that?

While mommy was busy shopping, baby Christian found a friend in one of the dealer's adorable poodles!

At a nearby booth, Georgette—it's her birthday today!—and I were checking things out together when I spotted this beautiful French porcelain basket. They're definitely one of my favorite things to collect and display on the mantel in our apartment, especially around the holidays potted with poinsettias. When I heard the price was only $15, I nearly fell over with excitement! $150 is even a good price for something like this, especially one in perfect condition.

Meanwhile, Alex was definitely gaining more confidence with her shopping, which I loved! She'd started off with the pie server and Wedgwood platter back at Hell's Kitchen and now look what she found! It's a great set of vintage California pottery leaf plates in a gorgeous shade of green. Alex, you might remember, had been looking for serving ware to mix in with her current collection for the holidays, and these pieces would be perfect! I suggested using them for cookies, cheese and crackers, or any other individual hors d'oeuvre. Plus, neither the shape nor color is particularly seasonal, so these pieces really could go from tableside to poolside, all year long.

It was definitely a big day at the flea market for antique salt cellars! Alex also picked up this pair in the shape of bushel baskets, together with cute little salt spoons made from bone.  

Here's Alex and Nancy settling up with a very sweet dealer named Jane.

Once we all got back together, it was time to head upstairs!

I love that Claire went right for the junk tables! She's definitely not afraid to dig, and in my experience, that's where you find the best deals!

I'm always running into friends whenever I'm at the flea market. Today it was my good friend Wendy Waxman, one of my old bosses from Food Network. New York can be such a small place!

My conversation with Wendy was cut short, though, when Alex called me over to look at something right away. "My heart's fluttering!" she said, as she'd found a ring so beautiful, she had trouble breathing! 

Check it out! I love all the cameos going around the pretty gold band. It really was special to her, but at $350, a bit more than she wanted to spend. After much deliberation, Alex reluctantly decided to pass.

Jennie, on the other hand (!), found a small Victorian diamond ring she loved because it reminded her of one her mother had worn. I think you can tell how special it was to her by the way she's folding her hands.

And while Nancy had gone the entire trip without buying a single thing, waiting for a piece she loved that would bring a bit of history into her new house, look at what she found! It's a gorgeous antique cruet set for salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar. When I saw it, then heard the price ($15!), I have to admit I was a little jealous. Another thing she could do, I told her, would be to fill each vessel with a single flower, like peonies, Casablanca lilies or even a simple fern, then use it as a centerpiece on a holiday buffet. I did something similar with an antique decanter caddy I found last summer at a yard sale in Sag Harbor.

The trip would soon come to an end but not before Lauren had a chance to browse through one dealer's beautiful collection of antique lithographs and etchings. Both she and her husband David found a set they loved!

And so even though they didn't get a chance to be in the group picture we took earlier, I definitely wanted to include them in this final shot of the day. By then, Jaithan and I had already said our good-byes to the others. Each, I remember, looked so happy for the trip we took together, digging for treasures, discovering old, beautiful things, all in the company of fun, new friends. Who says the friendships we make in Blogland aren't real? These, I know, will be some of the best I have. 

And check out this picture from the mailbox! Here are the four Spitfire Girls celebrating Georgette's birthday with cupcakes served on the Wedgwood platter I found for Alex at the flea market. Happy Birthday, Georgi!

Comments

[Zena]

Eddie,

Your blog inspires me in ways I never even thought to consider. You are so creative and inventive in all that you do, it's awe-inspiring. AND you cook and entertain like nobody's business.

Will you write a book? Or two, or lots? A big fabulous, coffee table sized one that I can design a vignette around? Or place on a dainty tufted ottoman, with a carefully placed zebra striped throw, (though it looks cavalier), in the master bedroom, so I can read it before I slumber and first thing when I wake up. =)

[Patti Balhorn]

Eddie:
I really enjoyed looking at your antique trip to Chelsea & the Antiques Garage. I am an antique addict and had the opportunity to live in the UK for 3 1/2 years and what a blast it was going to the markets there. The dealers & the customers all enter the market at the same time so its very exciting. I would love to show you my collection of 500 antique pepper grinders dating from 1850 - 1950. There is not one book in print on this subject in any country. I would love to go along with you on one of your flea market trips.

[Angela Utberg]

Hey Eddie,
I love your style, loved seeing you on top design. I live in Sweden, I am an American and
I cannot follow your career as I would like.

I
am starting a blog soon and would love to put you on my blog roll. Please let me know if that would be good for you. I would like for a broader audience to see your talents!

Angela Utberg

Thanks,

[Diva Style]

You guys need to do one of these in the Northern VA/DC Metro area! I would be there with bells on!!

[Maryam]

oooh, how very fun! How about we move the whole shopping adventure to the souks in Marrakech one weekend?

[Sher's Creative Expressions]

I. . . AM. . . JEALOUS!!!! LOL, I wish I could have tagged along with you and your friends. Looks wonderful. I saw so much eye candy that I would love to have.

Blessings,

Sher

[Mary Aarons]

Yes indeed...."sweet vendor Jane". She's one of my dear friends! We are bookclub buddies! Someday come up to Rowley MA for the Todd Farm flea market...it's fabulous, and you might find Jane there too. And you'll surely find her at Brimfield!

[Heather Bennett]

What fun!! I want to know when you are headed to the west coast for a flea market trip? It is the perfect time of year to come see beautiful AZ. Heck, it is sunny and 75 today. How is that for some outdoor shopping?? :)

[Carol Weiler]

I loved this post-one of my favorite things to do is flea-marketing. I go to Kane County every month(I live in the Chicago area) and always come home with what I consider a "treasure". I have one of those cruetts(SP?) that I keep next to my tub-filled with shampoo, liquid soap, bathsalts, etc. or anything that looks pretty! And I love how you always find a new purpose for things! There is so much stuff in this world-why buy new? Thankyou so much for your great ideas!

[Ellen H]

How fun! I've never seen a sale that big. Yummy!

[Karena]

How fun! I had a dropleaf writing desk so much like this one, which I painted a light terra cotta. It was so lovely, though went by the waysides in a divorce!

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

I guess french antiques dealers have to come to the states to buy antiques ! Everything seem so lovely and cheap ! The french china basket for 15 dollars , it is a gift , I can not believe it

[Kate@ Kids and Cocktails]

Ok, now I need a trip to NYC to shop with you! Looks like so much fun. I wish I had "known" you in August. I had a dud trip with my husband because he had to work the whole time. Boooo!

[Carolina Eclectic]

I dream about visiting a New York flea market some day! Your photos really entice me. I love the Victorian ring, because it looks like wedding ring I had custom made! I've never really seen another one like it.

[Lucien]

Wow, what a great time you all must have had! I wish I had been there! The fun is just starting for me! I have moved from VA to CT and now I have a new home to decorate! I am looking forward to inspiration from you! Happy Hunting! Loren

[lady katherine]

Hi,Rhonda over at Southern Hospitality sent me to visit your blog. I have enjoyed looking around your blog. I had so much fun shopping with you and friends today! It was an exciting day! I just wanted to hold on to the cruet set. The prices, I just could not believe! What a lot of great finds! I can't wait to hear more! Thanks for letting me tag along! It was so much fun!

[Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam]

First time visitor - over from Rhoda's Southern Hospitality. She bragged about you so much, I couldn't NOT come on over to meet you and SO glad I did. She showed one of your furniture rehabs of an old china hutch that you painted white and added mirrors to. I about fell out of my seat because it's the same one that I bought this summer at a yard sale and is just sitting in my shed. I was planning on painting it black, but your white looks SO wonderful. I will definitely be back. There is nothing I love better than coming along and watching people's GREAT finds (other than being there in person).

[Rose]

Hi Eddie,
I just found your blog yesterday and have read it entirely! You are such a delight. Keep up the great blog, and I will have such fun watching you and Jaithan finding your new home. Such an exciting and happy time for the two of you!

[Doug]

Good read, thanks

[Viera]

Hi Eddie, How I would love to come with you for a little flea marketing .I just need a bit of pick up after terrible storm we had here in Aus. I enjoyed your post greatly.XXX Viera

[Cathleen]

Hi Eddie,

Flea Markets are the best with friend to share it with. Love the great detail in your descriptions, as always great! :-)

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

WWhat a fun trip! I have to say that reading your blog has inspired me to get out and start looking around more. I even stopped by Goodwill and an antique store this weekend just to see what i could find. No luck yet, but I'm not giving up! ps - love the cruet set, it's gorgeous and I'm a little jealous too!

[leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville]

Hi Eddie & Jaithan,
That looks like such fun! I would so love to go along with you guys on a trip like that! I enjoyed reading about it. You all scored some great finds!

[brand-eye]

looks like you had an excellent time! flea markets are the best! i need to plan a trip to nyc soon, just to hit up all the flea markets. i never think of it when i'm there.

[Christie Lefebvre]

Hi Eddie,

I hit a church sale and that is such a cool place to get great stuff for El'Cheapo! So many of the folks who price things don't realize what they are marking, and my friend got these vintage French white serving bowls...8 of them for $8.00...I needed smelling salts for that one :) What a deal!!! I held a magnifying glass to my computer to see the great stuff in the back ground at your flea market. Great post Eddie and I love the adventures in you NYC Shopping Safari :)

Christie from ACK.

[sf]

What an enjoyable read!
Love your blog, Eddie.

[Rebecca @ Harmony and Home Blog]

Eddie...

TAG! You're it! Details at my blog!

Rebecca

P.S. Love the flea market trip! Looks like you all had so much fun!

[Elizabeth H.]

I would fly to New York just to go shopping wit you Eddie! :-) I wish you would visit or live down in the Austin area so we could go to flea markets. Tons of those down here along with Antique shops.

[Naomi]

What a great day! Reminds me that I need some serving pieces...

[erika @ urban grace]

this is my kind of fun! looks like a blast... so glad you made new cyber friends and found such great goodies!

[Diane@A Picture is worth....]

Hi Eddie,
I found you through Rhoda. Looks like it will take me a while to explore your blog! I really have enjoyed what I've seen so far.
Diane

[sandra/tx]

Well now, Eddie, you're just being cruel. First, you show us how you and your new friends were able to get together, and then you keep showing us all the great deals y'all found. ;-)

Seriously, those of us who don't live in NYC always hear how expensive the city is, and you're proving time and time again that deals can be found ANYWHERE. :-)

[Judy]

What a wonderful memorable day you had. I love the goodies you found. I had to laugh when I read about Claire. I have the same rule. If I go back to look at something the second time and it's still there...that means it was waiting for me and I snatch it up. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I have left things behind and years later still think of them. I try not to do that anymore.

[Naughty Mommy =-)]

I am SOOOOOOO JEALOUS that it hurts...I SOOOOOO wish I could have been there!!

I think I might shed a tear...I just told my hubby that I might need to bust a move, fly the friendly skies and go to NY just to shop with you and the
J-ster. He didn’t say no…so, perhaps, one day…I could fly in for the day…uhmmm. This trip could be the
ULTIMATE Anniversary/Christmas/Birthday/Valentines Day gift!!

~NM

[Kari]

Oh,what fun! This weekend I searched small town Maryland for an old hutch to fix up. No luck, but I am determined! I know it's out there somewhere!

[Kristen Foster]

Eddie If you're looking to buy a house north of the city... check out the ruralintelligence,com blog!
Kristen

[Kathysue]

Ooooh! Eddie and Jaithan, What a wonderful day you all had. The wonderful pieces people found with your guidence. I would have totally bought the french basket,the antique cruette and the white pierced lamp. Everyone including you and Jaithan looked as if you had a wonderful day. It looks to me that you have started another fun business. Kudos to you my friend. xoxo Kathysue

[lvroftiques]

Hi Eddie! My friend Kathysue sent me over to check out your blog! She told me it's "her absolute favorite" and I can see why! I have really enjoyed this shopping trip! Flea markets are my favorite!! And I have to tell ya...I thik I would have tackled you for that french porcelain basket!! And at $15? I want to cry! But I'm happy for ya *sniffle sniffle*...really! Lol! And the cruet set for only $15?!! Why couldn't I have been there?.....Oh well, can't feel too bad..I'm on the oppisite side of the country. And you really do have WAY too many of those french baskets ya know...so you should share *winks* Vanna

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

This looks like so much fun, Eddie. I love digging through junk tables and exploring resale and antique shops. Never disappointing, for me. It would have been great to tagalong with you all!

[Lecia]

Looks like a beautiful day; fun outing! I love the salt cellars.

[K. Goldstein]

Eddie,
I, too, went antiquing on Sunday. Found some good buys. One of which is a silver candelabra. What a pain in the neck to polish though. I love it now that it's all shiny. Any easy way to keep silver looking nice? Who has hours to polish it?

[ellen]

Sounds like such a wonderful day!

[Tracy]

I am so jealous of your flea markets. Here in Iowa flea markets are a lot of bleach bottle crafts and not a lot of vintage goodies. The vintage goodies tend to be in antique stores where people know the value and good deals are hard to find! It looks like you all had a great time!

[Sarah]

What fun! This is my first time commenting on your blog, and I just wanted to say how much I love it. If were in NYC instead of Omaha, NE right now, I'd sign up for the next shopping trip in an instant!

[Theresa-Garden Antqs Vintage]

Eddie, what a neat place to shop. Sounds like you had a mini blog party like we did this past Fall and Spring. If you are interested you can read about it here: http://gardenantqs.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-party.html. If you ever come to Texas shopping, please let me know I could tell you some really cool places to shop!! Take care, Theresa

[www.1001webshops.com]

That is a really high quality flea market!

[DecorPad]

You are such a sweetie! And the white ginger lamp is just gorgeous!

[Evy]

What fun! What finds! Sunday was soooo chilly and windy in NY, but you clearly warmed up the day for everyone!

A Poughkeepsie spoon! Yes, definitely a good omen!

[Jocelyn]

Eddie,
I have absolutely fallen in love with your blog. Head over heels! Here's my question. With all the treasure hunting you do, you must end up with things you DON'T want anymore. What do you do with the overflow? If you kept everything you ever bought I would assume your place would be overcrowded.

Keep up the great work! I will be following your adventures over at my site, www.dailymoxie.com

xoxo
jocelyn

[Lauren Ames]

How fabulous!! I am jealous because it looks like everyone really enjoyed the adventure. I can't wait until my husband and I visit NYC in the spring and maybe you will have another adventure planned. Keep up the great work!

[Shawn]

Eddie I just loved reading this post. It was almost like being there. Your photographs really add a lot. I actually held my breath when I read about Alex finding the dentist cabinet and you metnioned vintage glass jars, hoping for one your magical links for jars.

Those of us in Maryland, who read your blogs religiously, are still waiting with baited breath to hear about your recent weekend trip here. Hope you got a chance to be inspired by the glorious fall colors we had which, alas, are now all on the ground. Right now I'm watching light snow flurries falling outside my sunroom doors. Can the holidays be far behind? Can't wait to see what ideas you share with us!

[beachbungalow8]

wow. treasures, treasures every where you look. Love the shot of the two women, pulling back to focus on what you're showing them. That's so me these days.
Those lockers. dying. That lamp? bite my knuckle. are you kidding me with that basket? 15 dollars?

I have so much fun, with these posts. Thanks for the share.

~m

[catherine]

Hi Eddie - I've been looking for baskets like the ones you have on your mantel! I saw the one at Tiffany, but it's pretty small, and I've been searching on ebay but no luck so far. What keywords would you use to describe them?

Thanks!

[Jenn C.]

Eddie -

Your shopping trip looks amazing! Im sure everyone appreciated your keen design and shopping sense! Im in love with the ginger jar lamp! Can't wait to see whats next!

[Mona from Toronto]

Wow - I would have loved to attend! Those prices are truly amazing!! I'm so jealous of the French Porcelain Basket for only $15!!! I've been on the lookout for those since I saw yours Eddie (on AT)!!

Thanks for all the inspiration and great ideas - I'm so glad everyone found something!

[Kari]

Eddie . . . you are so good at transforming worn furniture into beautiful painted pieces (my favorite is the white secretary). For those of us attempting our first furniture painting project can you provide helpful hints (type of paint, sanding necessary?) and/or a reference book you would suggest? Thanks!

[Mrs. Blandings]

What fun! Next time I'm there I'm staying longer. Looks like everyone had a great day. Were you exhausted? I would have felt so responsible!

[laura @ the shore(house)]

Oh, Eddie...This looks like great fun!

I struck out in Saugerties (when did that town get SO expensive?!), save for one steel bistro-looking chair at a store going out of biz. The salt cellars in your post reminded me of ones I bought in Lambertville NJ this summer...and I never posted them. Thanks for jogging my memory! I got a DEAL on them. Not as good a deal as that cruet set for $15! Wowza. I'm a bit jealous, too.

Thanks for sharing this great post...I feel like I was there. :-)

[kay]

wow. this sounds like it was such a great day. i hope you continue to do this field trip so i can join the next time i am in town. the sincerity of the comments left by those who attended speaks to what i had thought all along - that you really are as nice as you seem!

[Danielle]

E & J,

It looks like you all had such a fantastic time treasure hunting in Hells Kitchen! : -) If you ever plan a flea-market trip in Texas, Let me be the first to sign up!

I'm curious.... where do you find space in your New York Apartment for all of your wonderful treasures? I have this image in my mind of a storage unit filled with the most wonderful things you've both found! I hope you find the perfect house upstate to display them all!

[Alex English]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan,

Before I launch into my story about my new platter, may I just thank you both for the loveliest day on Sunday. I know I speak for Jennie, Georgette and Nancy when I say how special the experience was. You were both so warm and gracious and attentive!! We all had so much fun…it was like shopping with friends. We are now inspired to bring more beautiful things into our lives. Life can get so busy and hectic, sometimes you forget to treat your soul. We all agree our souls got a massage on Sunday!!

So, on to the platter. Eddie, do you remember the cream colored rectangular Wedgwood platter you found for me at the outdoor market? Well I am using it tomorrow. It just happens to be Georgette’s birthday and we are having a party at school during lunch. Instead of picking up a cake I thought it might be cute to have little cupcakes, and seriously I would have just left them right in the plastic packaging had I never read your blog or met you!! So I whipped out my new platter and practiced arranging the cupcakes, along with some extra sprinkles, curling ribbon, and candles. I think it will add a special touch tomorrow!

Best,

Alex

[Renovation Therapy]

I would have loved to attend, alas, I am ridiculously camera shy.

That cameo ring has my heart aflutter too. Gorgeous!

I'm off to terrorize the Salvation Army this evening. I wonder what I'll find?!?!

[Rachel]

I just love your flea market posts!! My favorite trip to a flea market was in London. My husband and I spent hours at the Portobello Market in Notting Hill. I bought tons of stuff! And my husband found the most beautiful pearl ring as an anniversary gift! I also was able to snag an antique camera (which I collect). I'm going to a flea market here in Houston this weekend. Hope I can find some serving pieces for the holidays. Keep up the good work Eddie!!

[Rhoda]

HI, Eddie, that looked like such a fun shopping excursion & I know I would have loved it too. All the great finds were wonderful.

Hope you enjoyed the article I wrote on you & I see several of my friends have stopped by to say hello!

[Alicia]

Eddie!
This looks like so much fun--i love that flea market and antiques garage is my FAVE! I got the cutest fire engine prints last time I went. What a success.
xoxo
Alicia

[mrslimestone]

You are my hero! How do you find all this fabulous stuff? Ive been to these fleas several times and all I seem to run across is extremely overpriced. I tend to be a good haggler but I don't have much luck at the NYC flea markets.

[Claire]

Hi Eddie & Jaithan,

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for a fabulous time at the flea markets! What a nice way to spend a Sunday. I visit the Hell's Kitchen flea market when I can but I've never been to the Antiques Garage. It's like a cave of wonders!

Thanks for introducing me to that place...I can't wait to visit again! Also, I usually go to flea markets
alone (or with my husband if he's in the mood)...I like to take my time to dig and discover.

Yesterday was my first time to shop with a group and what a revelation it was -- everyone was enthusiastic and was on the look-out for my tea cups & saucers while they looked around for things for themselves, plus the added value of getting your take on our purchases,
suggestions on new uses for old things and the little tips from you that we never knew (ex. holding the teacup against the light). Oh, the notebook and pen was a super nice touch! It will now be my official "flea market" notebook!

Please continue doing this tour. I'm very sure a lot of people would like to participate, even folks from out of town.

Thanks again and good luck with everything!

-- CLAIRE

[hanako66]

what a fabulous trip....and some fab finds too! you can tell that you all had so much fun. the tour was such a fantastic idea and thanks for sharing!
xoxo Aline

[melissa i]

What a wonderful, memorable day you all had!!

[Mimilee]

Oh, Eddie, I too am a big fan of Flea Markets! What treasures can be found there! Looks like you all had a fabulous time and how I wish, I could have been there too! A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Portabello Road Flea Market in London! It was just wonderful and I fortunately came away with some real "finds" that I will treasure always! Great Post, Eddie!

[Mike D.]

Eddie,

Wow you guys had a fun shopping trip! Loved everythiing especially the wedgwood platter, ginger jar lamp, salt cellars, and french porcelian basket. I have two white cutout ginger lamps in a different shape I got while posted overseas. Love them next to my four poster rice bed. Give a little more advance notice for the next trip, and I will move a few mountains to join you guys!

[pigtown-design]

Looks like lots of fun! Hopefully I can join you on one of these trips!

[Susie Harris]

Looks like alot of fun. I love when I can get down to New Orleans and shop on magazine street. I live about an hour away so it's always tempting... I found some wonderful old mantels years back. I turned one into my son's headboard. Now you have me wanting to hit some streets again... thanks Eddie~