January 2010

I finally made it. I’ve read about it for years. I’ve always admired Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic fame who sopped there and create her empire of totally luscious homes and tell the world about her finds. My famous writer friend, Mary Kay Andrews (www.marykayandrews.com )told me if I could make my schedule work, I definitely needed to go. But who knew that the gods, stars and moon would align and I would happen to be in Southern California on the weekend the famous Rose Ball event would be happening. I was so excited!!!!! But not excited enough to show up @ 5AM when the mart opened. We arrived late morning and believe me, there was still plenty of fabulous stuff to be found.

WHAT FUN!!! I called Seaside Sister Susan and Mary Kay as I was about to walk in just because our of most of my friends- they would appreciate what I was going thru. I did not call Jane, because she would have told me to buy everything possible and rent that U haul to bring back with me. And I didn’t need anymore encouragement to do just that.

It was a bit overwhelming at first because there is so much stuff everywhere. But I do know if I lived in CA, I would be a regular and you would figure out your favorite vendors and form your pattern and really work the booths. There was tons of Mid Century Modern of which I am not a big fan. I’m much more the Shabby Chic, Rusty Crusty person. I did see some great things that I loved. One of these pictures showes these beautiful old bottles with seahorses and other beautiful shells on top. The biggest purchase was the beautiful vintage fabric shams made from linen and other soft dreamy colors. The three pillows will be gracing my slipcovered sofa @ Mermaid Manor when I’m back home. BTW- if you have never been to Rachel Ashwell’s website or stores (she’s actually down to only two- one in Santa Monica and one in NYC) treat yourself. I buy her things at Target and they are great, but there was always something about walking into her actual shop and seeing the visions she creates. I also thought it ironic, one of the things I purchased at the flea market was one of her books- I already had a copy , but couldn’t resist $5 for another one. www.shabbychic.com)

One of the things I did not buy was these amazing vintage French posters. There were two I loved, but the price was $500…. Each. But the pictures were great! We also found a $5.00 vintage Chinese parasol for mom to enjoy and keep the sun off.

I am so glad I made this trip- another check off my bucket list!!!

Every Wednesday and Saturday some of the best small farmers come together on two street corners in Santa Monica, CA to sell their proud crops. Almonds, Olive Oil, Dates, fingerling potatoes, artichokes, Asapargus, the list goes on and on. I love this place. I love all these passionate people who love to grow things and then sell them, I’m sure not at much of a profit. There are more and more farmers markets like this around our country and I’m delighted to support them!!

We purchased these little baby potatoes in all these amazing colors- purple! Olives stuffed with bleu cheese, Freshly pressed Walnut oil. Almonds coated in Orange and Honey! Baby greens that were in the ground yesterday. Such a treat for the eyes and mouth!