Vive La France

 

Oh Goodness. Imagine if you will the perfect September day. Cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon and comfortable in the evening. A parking lot filled with white tents, crisp and clean, beckoning us with their promise of shade. 

This is exactly what awaited us at the French Flea Market in Mill Creek hosted by Haley’s Cottage. Not only did those tents provide us with cool shade they filled our every sense and transported us to those famous flea markets so synonymous with France. As we pulled up just in front, praying for a parking space does work, I could hardly wait to jump out of the car and into those booths.  I have a strategy for events like this. I go around to all of the booths quickly, scanning each one for that perfect piece: that one find that I can’t live without. Then I go around more slowly picking up those objects I spied earlier and  have mulled over by now.

That strategy did not work this time. There were too many wonderful things. I purchased something at my first booth.

L Sirois

A lovely glittery gift  for a dear friend

A bag for myself

Lisa and Pamela were so gracious and we found out, after much chatting, that we have product in the same stores. I LOVE the camaraderie I feel when I am at these events and the hospitality of  the women, and men, who host them.

Elegant Clutter

  

So beautiful, I got the most gorgeous angel here (as pictured). The owners Lisa Quall and Kelly Gasparich were ever so inviting.

Now – The real treat was finally meeting two people who I have followed for a long time. Dear Tiffany Dixon of Shabby Scraps and Deb Kennedy of Design Retreat. These two forces of nature shared a large tent at the end of the loop and I must say, they saved the best for last.

I know this piano has gone viral on the web ever since it appeared at Farm Chicks earlier this year but it deserves another look. Can you say FABULOUS?

Other great vignettes:

  Mirror, Mirror on the wall…

I love Tiffany. She has a great sense of style and easiness to her. I knew I would love her in person and I did. Oh Ya! I couldn’t help but buy a few things as well.

Can you believe I didn’t get a picture with these two gals. Tiffany had the good sense to take one of us with her camera but I totally jelled, guess I was star struck. She offered to send me one so when I get it I will post it!

F.Y.I.  I am still tossing and turning over the sofa I just missed out on. A beautiful French cream satin piece. Shabby, worn?  YES!  but absolutely perfect for my bedroom. It went for $125.00. Deb could have sold it ten times over for twice as much. The deal of the day at Design Retreat. I just love Deb’s philosophy though. “I made a nice profit”, she said, “in the end she  (the women who bought it)  is thrilled and I love to see that". 

In many ways that is what these markets are all about. Another great piece will come along, everybody's happy.

So my friends keep searching for that perfect piece but always remember to look twice. There just may be a diamond in the rough right under your nose. A little paint, a few nails,  just a little TLC might transform that bargain bin baby into a hot mama.

Now go out and find something pretty!

Amada

Comments

[Tiffany ~ Shabby Scraps]

Dear Sweet amada! I LOVED meeting you and hubby this weekend, I knew I would like you, but you are so sweet, I adore you!!! I am sending you over the pic of us that tim took, I am going to post it too, it's really cute!! I sure hope you and kim come to atlanta, let's try to book our flights together if possible!! We'll see each other before then certainly!!
xoxo, Tiffany

[mimicharmante]

I think Tiffany is trying to apply peer pressure on that Atlanta trip... :)

Didn't you just love Tiff and Deb? They are so fabulous!!! I wish I would have been able to shop the show in Mill Creek - maybe next time. Thanks (tim) for the fabulous photos!

xx

[Debi Ward Kennedy]

Amada, you are just the sweetest thing! I was soooooo out of it that day, I can't believe we stood there and chatted and never took a photo of all three of us, either! sigh.

I think it is so funny that you say you have been following me... I've been positively drooling over your beautiful creations in Faded Elegance and Common Folk for quite some time, and pop in here every once in a while. SO I am wondering why it took us so long to meet? (We missed each other at the Faded Elegance grand opening when I was taking all of the photos of the event, too!)Life is amazing...

[Becky Swartzlander]

Hey there, you have been the busiest of bees lately! I love everything you posted! That piano is to die for! I wish I lived somewhere close to all these wonderful places!!! Becs

[Amada Lebel]

I can't believe we have never met either. Like I said, I bought a lamp of yours awhile ago at Faded Elegance and have been in love with your things ever since. You are so creative! Next time the three of us will have to pose for a picture - the heat mush have gotten to us. I had my camera too, go figure. I am so excited to now have a face to go with the name.
Much Love,
Amada

[tristanrobin]

How terrific.

Wouldn't you think that we'd have SOMETHING fabulous like this SOMEWHERE in Connecticut?!

But, no ... we have to travel to NYC to find such treasures - and in NY, they're priced as real treasures, too! LOL

Looks like a great day.

I have seen the piano before, but it really is worthy of another peek!

[Gina Smith]

Oh my gosh-what great pics! I have got to come back and read more. I just got a glimpse of your Etsy-heading there next. PS- I am making a 4 x 4 girly book for myself with art from friends. Would love it if you would consider adding a page in the "treat bag," and let me know if you want me to send you one.

[Amada Lebel]

Thanks, that sounds great I will get started next week. I think we're going to be buds!!!

[Deb Kennedy]

Amada, darling, I have some good news for you..... email me ASAP, won't you? (debi.wardkennedy@gmail.com) Do hurry. It has to do with a certain French-style sofa.... ;0)

[Cynthia Kutra]

Amada ~ Thanks for taking me along via photos to all of the booths. Only problem is it sets a yearning in me to want 3/4 of all those items. Especially appreciate you showing the incredible piano--I've never seen it and am so thrilled I've seen it now. Such creativity--it is too wondrous--so now I'm yearning for an old piano to embellish!!

Blessings to you....

Cynthia K.

[cindy at haley's cottage]

Thanks for posting such great pictures.

Cindy @ haleys cottage