Pretties from Paris

When in Paris, I ventured to Marche Aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, the largest antique market in the world. I was jet legged awake all night waiting for the crack of the dawn, just so I could leave the hotel and find my way to the Marche. It was 8AM on a Sunday in rainy Paris, just a few other souls on the streets as I walked and rode the subway for 45 minutes to get to the peripherie. I read so much information talking about the area being less than glamorous and unsafe that I left everything behind in the hotel and just carried some cash in my purse, which I was hanging on for dear life (I have experience with that, coming from Brazil).

It was the perfect way for me to spend a day in Paris, seeking some inspiration. I was mostly just experiencing the place as I did not have a few thousand Euros to spare on a Louis XV chair. I did find some pretty little things.

Lovely botanical prints. 

Vintage plaques. One art nouveau. 

One just plain cute which reminded me of my children.

Linen napkins from France, I am madly in love with them.

Three time-zone clock. It does not work and it is not truly an antique but I loved its wordly feel.

Junk in the Trunk

I am so excited about Junk in the Trunk that I am not embaressed to officially proclaim: I have junk in my trunk. All the time now.

Junk in the Trunk is a local vintage market that happens twice a year. I saw the ad for it in one of my favorite blogs and thought it would be the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning. I was so happy browsing the booths and looking for the perfect finds for my house and projects. It was an "aha" moment for me, when I felt like I belonged in there.

This is Renata whom I have introduced to the world of  junk vintage furniture and decor and have been trying to convince to ditch her plans to move to California and become my partner in this business. Wishful thinking.

My favorite find of the day: children' sillouette. They look just like my children's profiles. I am not yet convinced that someone did not just came to my house to paint these!

Second best goes to this awesome badminton set. I had no idea what I was doing with it but they looked so cool. As soon as I got home the kids started playing with it. Hey not the glamorous destiny I envisioned but if it makes them happy... Oh and the vintage leather Samsonite, love it love it love it!

Hummm, lavender from northern Arizona. Who would have thought? It turns out northern AZ offers perfect condition for lavender. It smells incredible in my house.

So many other finds, but these are the ones I have pictures of. I am sure you will see them all over my house really soon.

Little Things

You name it. I chalk it.

Cheap vases that come with flower delivery? No problem. Add a little chalk paint and they become fun vessels and decorative pieces.

Vintage picture frame? Add two tones of chalk paint, antique handles to each side and voila. A chalk tray (yes, the white part serves as a message board).

Your average mugs? With chalk callout labels and you are off to a great day.

And how adorable are these? Little chalky things which can be used as favors, photo props, party signs, door sign, kitchen menu, or just a place to share what is in your mind.