Bri and the Flea

Don't you love how the post title rhymes? It sounds kind of like a fairytale. Well, it did have a happy ending. I met up with Bri at the Flea Market Friday morning, and she surprised me with this birthday gift . . .

Does this paper look familiar? See one of Bri's recent posts.

Even her wrapping paper and ribbon has great style. Like a kid I ripped it open to reveal this . . .

Yes, I got a Bri original. Can you believe it? It's so pretty! I might have hinted once or twice (or 25 times) that I love her art and would love to have a piece of my own. She picked up on my subtlety. I can't wait to find a frame and the perfect spot for it! Thanks so much, Bri!

We had been at the Flea Market for maybe fifteen minutes when we ran into Eddie Ross. I was a little starstruck. 

This is a photo of Eddie at the Charlotte Flea, not Nashville. We were too starstruck to ask for a photo.

If you've been living under a rock, Eddie is famous for many things - being the 1st runner-up on Bravo's Top Design (which is sadly no longer with us), being an editor for Martha Stewart Living and now he has a column running in Southern Living where he visits flea markets across the South looking for furniture and accessories to make over. So, this past weekend it was Nashville. And I spotted him while wading through some mud. He was very sweet and chatted with us for a minute about Bri's recent $2 rattan side table purchase. Very nice guy. Now on to the finds.

I only came home with one thing, but there were lots of goodies to be had . . . 

I actually saw this chair at an estate sale and passed on it because of the price. It's in great shape, just wasn't for me.

 

This vintage sofa was a wonderful chartreuse green/yellow and in great condition. Alas, no room even in the booth.

Cool lidded pottery dish marked McCoy. I've never seen one quite like this. Maybe should have gotten this one.

This great spun fiberglass set. Pretty good price. Once again, wouldn't go with my house. Reminded me of this: 

from House Beautiful.

And this was a great, little delicate wingback chair for just $10. Alas, it was not be. I don't have the time or budget to re-do one more thing!

So, what did I make it home with? I know you'll be shocked, but it was another piece of Chinoiserie/Asian furniture. . .

I can't help myself. I think I might require a 12-step program. It's a vintage Lane cabinet with brass hardware. The only glitch? It reeks of smoke. Here it is sitting on my screened-in porch, airing out. I followed some tips online about how to get rid of the smell. Not sure it helped 100%, but maybe a little. It's currently sitting in my living/family room. Not sure if it will remain there or move to my bedroom, but I really like it, and for $30 I think it was a great day at the Flea!

Happy Memorial Day!

Sources: Eddie Ross, Bri, me and House Beautiful

Today is the Day . . .

I was born 38 years ago, and I've been craving one of these all day!

I'm old or young depending on your perspective. I'm going for young. Although, I think I could definitely benefit from some Botox. And I've decided just today that I'm too old to shop at Forever 21. I keep trying but I end up looking ridiculous in most things. I guess I'm not really Forever 21. They lied.

In honor of my big day, my husband is taking me to see this later . . .

at my request. I can't pass up a crass, laugh-out-loud film on my birthday. When I saw the release date was May 26, it was a done deal.

I might also indulge in one of these . . .

Oh, and my sweet husband surprised me with one of these . . . 

The iPad 2. I'm not exactly tech-savvy so I'm not sure of the capabilities, but it's really cute. And now I get to pick out a cover. Yeah! Here are some options I've already run across . . . 

One of these leather cases from Dewdrop Designs by Gillian Stevens. She also has a wonderful blog called Ticklish from a Distance which is quite inspirational.

Or this Mumbai print case from Stephanie Johnson.

I'm sure there are other options as well, I just need more research time.

And I leave you with this . . .

Belly Up to the Bar & Guest Post

While I will occasionally indulge in a nice cocktail, I've never been a huge liquor drinker (I'm more of a Pinot Grigio girl like Ramona). Thus, I've never really needed a bar cart . . . until now. I've finally found a reason to display my hooch proudly . . .  St-Germain.

Are you familiar with this French liqueur made from elderflower blossoms? I wasn't until just recently. It all started a little over a week ago when I tried a French Gimlet at a restaurant in Chattanooga. It was so nice and refreshing - a little gin, a little lime juice and a little St-Germain. After our exhausting yard sale Saturday, my sweet husband went out and gathered the ingredients to recreate it for me. Little did I know how beautiful (or huge) the St-Germain bottle was. It's like an art deco work of art. 

And the French gimlet he made? 

Delicious, if a little strong. The next one might need some tweaking. With such a beautiful bottle, it made me want a bar cart or at least a bar tray to bring out for special occasions (since I truly don't have the room for a full-time bar/bar cart). Here are some inspirations . . .

Love Lindsey Coral Harper's fun inspiration board behind her bar.

Classic

If only my bar cart came with a view of New York in the background.

Must have that tortoise-shell ice bucket.

All these bar carts might be enough to drive me to drink. Well, at least to have a well-stocked bar just in case I fancy a libation. 

If you're interested in trying the French Gimlet for yourself, here is the very simple recipe from the St-Germain website: 

French Gimlet

2 parts Gin or Vodka

1 part St-Germain

1/2 part freshly squeezed lime juice

Method: Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist. Enjoy!

Also, today I'm guest blogging over at Meet Me in Philadelphia as sweet Ashley is on her honeymoon in Greece. Surely, you've visited her blog before as she is absolutely delightful and has wonderful style, but if not, it's the perfect time to pop over and check it out.