Weekend bliss

I had the best time last weekend! It began on Friday evening with a wonderful sunset happy hour with some friends in my backyard. I love starting the weekend off with friends, a little wine, and an unbelievable sunset! There's no better way to transition into sheer relaxation for the weekend!

Although the sunset was diffused pastels because of the clouds, instead of vibrant hues when it's sunnier out, it was still stunning! And the temperatures were pretty warm with just a hint of a warm breeze. My backyard is generally accosted by a huge wind factor, so it's really nice to be outside without that chilling wind!

Not bad for an impromptu pot luck! Do you think we need more booze?

Then on Saturday, we had friends over for a dinner that Mr. R cooked in honor of my birthday. I am still basking in the fact that I didn't have to lift a finger! Well, no bones were broken, anyways...

Sorry, no pics of the dinner party. I am terrible at remembering to take pictures! I'm trying to get better, though, I promise!

Sunday morning, Mr. R usually gets up very early and heads south to surf at San Onofre with some friends. This Sunday I jumped up not long after he did, and headed to the Irvine Antique Market. If you know me, you know that this is one of my favorite things to do! To scour all those booths, people watch, and find those hidden treasures is the most fun that I know how to have!

A precious snippet of history, no?

I never realized this before, but I think I must have an obsession with body parts! And what's up with her neck? It's just a little longer than normal...

I love what you're wearing!

Hello, Cowboy!

Poor guy never had a chance... gross!

Happy Trails

See? More body parts.

Isn't this fantastic?

Seriously, I'm so happy she was somebody's muse! Who would have guessed?

The whole time browsing and shopping, these guys play some great music, really creating a festive atmosphere! I love it!

Now that I'm back to the rigors of the work week, back to doing laundry, cleaning toilets and picking up after my dog and my kids, it sure was great to have such a lovely, inspired weekend. So, I wonder what's going on next weekend?

Flea market madness

I've fallen in love. Hard.

I've been going to flea markets and swap meets almost my entire life. When I was a kid and lived in Clarence, New York, my sister's best friend's family owned the local flea market called Hickeys Flea Market. We scoured the trash and treasures every Sunday morning after church. Such great memories!

Lately, the only flea market that I've been going to has been the local Irvine Antique Fair, which is on the first Sunday of the month. Well, yesterday I took off late by flea market standards and headed north to the Long Beach Swap meet. 

Let me just tell you, it was THE most fun that I've had in ions! There was more than even I could have bargained for. Ah, sheer bliss!

Of course, I didn't have a whole lot of cash to work with, but even walking through the never-ending aisles of wonderful treasures was intoxicating!

I found and splurged (don't tell Mr. R!) on a set of 4 butterfly chairs! I have been searching e-bay and craigslist for years for these beauties. Whenever I found one that was affordable, I'd always be outbid. Uhggg! So frustrating! And craigslist never even had one on their site. Never!

I'll change out the covers and spruce up the paint.

Can't wait to put these in the backyard!

I also found this all wool queen size blanket for $10! I love the creamy yellow and white colors. And it's pristine condition is amazing!

All wool from Holland

Perfect condition!

Like I said, I've fallen hard for the Long Beach Swap Meet. Sorry e-bay and Craigslist, but I'm breaking up with you. I know it's difficult, but it has to be.

I can't wait for next month!

Treasures and trash

Admittedly, I am a trash collector. Really, you might say? Well, to me, it's more about the treasures. If you ask my husband, or any other logical thinker, they may call my collections trash. Maybe it's my New England roots, but I unabashedly, and completely adore flea markets. It's one of the most favorite of all my guilty pleasures. All those wonderful, quirky things just waiting to find a new home, a new place of honor. It's almost more than I can take! Today, heading out to the Irvine Swap Meet, I got a really late start. Finally, I made my escape around 10:30. Usually, I try to leave at the very latest by 7:30. Who knows how many wonderful things have already been snatched up getting there so late? I was pleasantly surprised to see the place packed, all those happy people, in their element, milling about and haggling for better pricing. Some days, I don't even barter for one single thing. It's simply a pleasure to touch and see all those lovely trinkets, jewels, pottery, oh, you name it, and it's there. Today, the clouds parted and the sky got a little brighter when I saw two amazing Russell Woodard wire chairs. Both with rocking bases. They were of course, completely out of my price range. What are the odds? So, I asked the seller for her business card, and for the next few days, weeks, or maybe even months, I'll try to convince Mr. Right just how badly we need these chairs! Wish me luck! A girl can dream, can't she?