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On certain Sundays during the month, empty parking lots or warehouses are transformed into fantasy lands overflowing with treasures. And junk. In the early morning hours I love to enter these worlds of wonder and comb through the stands looking for beautiful objects, vintage linens, china services from the twenties, my beloved depression glass and any other object that captures my imagination and heart. It is such fun to discover a fine sterling bud vase mingling with Pez dispensers or musty old books. 

I grew up visiting flea markets with my Mother, and my eccentric, elderly neighbors. I learned the difference between salvageable and a dream that can’t come true. So many times I would drag home some sort of vanity table or spindly legged side table only to be told, ‘It’s junk” ….. all my dreams of elegance for my teen bedroom dashed. Over time and after many mistakes my eye was trained. I can now sail through a market spotting lovelys a mile away. I admit that I have come around to the shiny and new theory when it comes to certain furniture, my love of junk and special things has never left me. My home today is filled with the collections scavenged over time in America’s flea markets, swap meets, and tag sales. Old and new, old fashioned and thoroughly modern.

A chignon or loose bun is always classic. This style isn’t meant to be tight or strict like a ballerina, and flyaways are an asset.

Pull hair into a ponytail making sure you like the front  of your hair before securing it with an elastic. Next wind the hair around the band and secure with a few bobby pins and finish the look with U pins as they hold and anchor the hair and keep it polished. This should last all day and night making it a favorite of brides time and again.

Spring is almost here! That means warmer temps and lighter clothes, and perhaps a picnic in the park! It is so easy to put this special treat together! I just run to my favorite market and pick up a few of my favorite treats! This makes it much easier than making the food and then packing it. That usually seems like too much effort. This is supposed to be a simple pleasure! Not a complicated chore. I always have a picnic basket with plates and napkins and an old quilt at the ready for an impromptu adventure. Then just hop on your bike to the nearest shady spot and have a lazy lunch, staring at the sky and dreaming!