Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Sunday Shopping

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Last Sunday when I went to the Alameda Antique Flea Market I saw a million things I loved. I was almost afraid to buy anything because I was worried I would find something even more wonderful right around the corner and I didn't want to run out of money. My friend Nelson spent all the money he brought with him by the time we got to aisle D!!! Luckily they have ATMs there or it would have been a long day for him just watching me shop! I passed up some really great things but I'm very happy with the purchases I did make and I even came home with money in my wallet!

I found a vendor selling really beautiful puffy sand dollars and I've been wanting one of these for my shell collection. I would have loved to buy a lot more of these but they were $5 each and she wasn't willing to make a deal if I bought more.

I found this beautiful ceramic basket filled with roses at Marilyn's booth for $20. I grabbed it as soon as I laid eyes on it! There was no hesitation what so ever with this purchase!!!
It's not only beautiful like this but it lights up! This will probably go in my downstairs bathroom once I get it fixed up.
I've been looking for a petite crystal chandelier for that same bathroom and I found a great deal on this one. Only $12!!! It's pale robin's egg blue color, that is so shabby chic, but I think I'm going to paint it a cream color and add a lot of vintage crystals to it. I also need to rewire it. This will be the 4th chandelier I've rewired!
It was such an amazing day filled with wonderful friends, great weather and lots of exercise with all that walking! Unfortunately I won't be able to go next month, I'm hosting a brunch for my supper club at my apartment that day. I plan on returning the first Sunday in June though!!!

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

that chandy is lovely as is the basket.you got some wonderful finds.how's mr and mrs birdie?...ann

Anonymous said...

Cindy,

Great job on your finds. Back here in the Carolina's your 'puffy' sand dollar is called a sea biscuit. Often times you can find them at low tide right in the shallow part of the beach. One year I found hundreds right after a bad SC storm.

Linda

Becky from Tennessee said...

Hi Cindy, the little chandelier is
adorable. I can't wait to see it
all "dolled" up with the Cindy
magic! I, too, love old chande-
liers and have bought several but, alas, mine are still packed in boxes from when we moved 2 years ago!!!! I did find a couple and have them hanging in my foyer and over our kitchen table.
Hope you are having a great day!
Becky

Arleen ~ The Tea Room said...

Hi Cindy. Wow, what treasures and, again, what a distinguishing eye you have. After hearing about your plans for the powder room, I can't wait to see it completed! ~Arleen

Lisa @ On Cloud Pink said...

Cindy,

Ooh, what wonderful finds!! I love that place.....when I have money.

Cindy, is it hard to rewire a chandelier? I bought a working standing chandlier lamp that my husband borrowed for his garage. Little did I know he left it in the rain behind the back of our detached garage. It's now rusted & no longer working. Now it's sitting in my shed. Did you learn how to rewire from online? Please let me know.

thanks

podso said...

It will take you no time to work your magic with that chandelier. Looking forward to seeing just what you do!

Esther Sunday said...

SCORE!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great finds. I especially like the rose basket light & chandelier.
Glenda

Anonymous said...

What amazing finds Cindy! I love them all...especially that petite chandelier! What a beauty!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Can't wait to see your downstairs bathroom all decorated with your chandelier find!
~Patti

said...

Wonderful finds!

elma said...

Oh I love the chandy and the basket!! What great prices to.That must have been so much fun:)

debi said...

What beautiful treasures! Looks like you had a great day at the market! LOVE the petite chandelier!

misty said...

I'm a new addict to your blog! I spent hours last night reading all of your posts and ohhing and ahhing over your beautiful home. You truly have an eye for beauty!

My family came out to California for vacation last summer. We loved it and want to return one day soon. We did typical tourist stuff like Disney, Legoland, etc., but I'd love to hit these wonderful markets you talk about. Only problem would be how to get all of my found treasures home!

Esther Sunday said...

Cindy - forgot to add - if you didn't already know about them, there is an awesome company in Princeton (Half Moon Bay area) called Elegant Cheese Cakes (elegantcheesecakes.com) that decorates cakes with the same stuff you did your shells with. Their cakes are very, very creative! Might be fun to look at...

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Cindy, I feel the same way when I attend flea markets, finding wonderful things, but afraid that something better might come along and I wouldn't have enough money to get it. So I rush through like a maniac and go back to the things I like if they're not taken. Of course if something is so elaborate like your darling ceramic light, I wouldn't hesitate either. Darn, I want it. Great chandelier too!!

Money Saving Army Family said...

Such beautiful finds! I also LOVED the tutorial on the fondant shells. I was shocked when I found out that they weren't real! You have so much talent.

-Amanda
http://thislittlepiggyboughtahouse.blogspot.com

Cindy said...

Esther, thank you! Those cakes are gorgeous!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh, what wonderful finds. I can't wait to see the chandelier when you get it redone. The little rose basket is just wonderful. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Beautiful finds for your home. I enjoy every visit here and can't wait to see your finished powder room.

Linda Q said...

Fun finds Cindy. Great deal on the chandy and I am sure you will fix it up swell!
Linda

Pat @ My Tattered Elegance said...

Can't wait to see how the chandelier turns out. Everything you got was so nice, I especially like the basket of roses lamp. It will be gorgeous in the bath.
Smiles,
Pat

Gossamer Creations said...

Wow ! You got some wonderful things....how fun. There is nothing better than a flea market. Have a wonderful day.
~Sue~

Betty Jo said...

Awesome buys Cindy! I adore the little rose basket, and the chandelier is darling.

I can't wait to see your bathroom redo. I'm stumped when it comes to making my teeny tiny bathroom look good. Bring on some inspiring ideas.

I'm in the process of moving my blog, so please change your linky to me. ♥

Anonymous said...

You really did get some beautiful items! Love that chandelier. My walls are the color of pale robin's egg blue.

Esther Sunday said...

Yep. The purses and shoes are just to die for!!!

desiree said...

I love the Alameda antique fair. I might have to make another trip up there. Great finds. Love the puffy sand dollar.

Annabelle said...

The chandelier is beautiful as are the rest of your new found treasures.I adore collecting sea shells and coral and the puffy sand dollar is a great find.
Hugs Annabelle

The Tattered Cottage said...

Hey Cindy -
Great finds!! I love the chandy. I have one that needs to be re-wired also. Do you do the re-wiring yourself? If you do, I would love some tips. Also, I don't know if you have heard of "Room with a Past" but I have included the URL. They are located in Walnut Creek.
They usually have a sale 4 times a month. There's a calendar on their site of upcoming sales.
http://www.roomwithapast.com/
They have alot of cute items.

Toni
http://wwwthetatteredcottage.blogspot.com/

Lori said...

Cindy, I have been enjoying your blog now for a couple of months. You seem to have such a nack for finding great things. I am new to blogging but not thrifting, junking and redoing. These are my favorite things. Lori

Kasey said...

looks like a good day at the flea.
xo

Judi said...

Cindy
What great finds you came across and bought. Wow I can't believe how huge the market was. I wish I lived closer. I would love to find a beautiful chandalier but they are just so pricey and there aren't any around here.
I wish you could find one for me and stick it into the mail for me. There just aren't any around here.
Just lovely...
have a lovely evening
Judi

Anonymous said...

The chandelier is my fave, what a great find!

A Southern Rose said...

I love the lighted basket of flowers! It is beautiful an I also love chandelier. I know its gonna be perfect when you get finished with it. I can't wait to see your powder room.

Patti's Artful Design said...

I love your finds, Cindy. That chandelier is a gem!One of these days, I am going to Alameda!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Cindy,
Love all your finds, especially the little bouquet that lights up - it's darling. I'll be at the flea market in May and most likely in June too. Maybe we'll run into one another. That chandelier will look beautiful in your bathroom too... love everything!

Penny Sue said...

Dear Miss Cindy,

It looks like you had a very successful flea-market shopping trip. It didn't look the the chandelier was any shade of blue, but it might just have something to do with the lighting. You are very fortunate to have a "pal" to go to these fun places. My life is a bit more limited... mostly because we don't have these types of things around here much.

Can't wait to see the bathroom project when you get to the point of working on it and when it's done.

Hugs, Penny Sue

Anonymous said...

You have some great finds. Have never seen one of those Sand dollars and I grew up at the beach.
You hit the jackpot with that chandelier. It is a great size for a bathroom and just perfect the way it is. I'm sure it will look even better after you work your magic on it.
Beverly

Donna @ Party Wishes said...

Oooo...can't wait to see the chandelier all fixed up!

Fabulous finds!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Looks like a great shopping trip. I've never seen a sand dollar quite so unusual.

Monica said...

Wonderful finds! Love the basket with roses...
Monica.

The Pink Poodle said...

hi CINDY...wonderful purchases...wish i could find such fantastic FLEA markets here in OZ.

have a lovely easter break..

take care..

xx andrea.

The Stylish House said...

Cindy,
I have never seen puffy sand dollars before, what a neat find! It sounds like you enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the flea market, what a fun outing. I am sure I would have to make a few stops at the ATM along the way. Have a wonderful day and a Happy Easter…..~Cathy~

Unknown said...

That basket light is absolutely adorable! I love it! :)

Alicia ~ Time Worn Style said...

I've never heard of Sand dollars before, how amazing and a great decorating touch too!
Alicia

Sharon~heartsongs said...

Love the chandelier! I'm looking for one and haven't found what I want yet. The crystal on that one is really pretty.

D'Rimba said...

Wow so natural..............

Kelee Katillac said...

Gorgeous post Cindy!!!! Thank-you!

Ivy Bend said...

I never see anything that nice when I go shopping. I must be going to the wrong places.

Birds of a Feather said...

that is so pretty ~ i've never seen one like it before. you got it for a song too...it would look lovely in my bath!

VINTAGE HOME lifestyle said...

Alameda is a blast!!! I will be going with Tracie in May & June. If you haven't already...check out 2nd Sunday in Sacramento. Not near as big as Alameda, but it is a pretty good Show. Love the Chandelier.
Cathleen

Marjorie Savill Linthwaite said...

My Romantic Home,

Happy Easter,

Marjorie.