Atlanta Gift Market

Who enjoyed Market? ? 

  

Atlanta Gift Market was a whirlwind, to put it mildly. Four buildings with thousands of stores in each. I consider myself an expert shopper but this was a stretch even for me. There were posted signs saying "No Photography" which is why I only have a few (ok like 2) pictures.

Every time I pulled out my iPhone to snap a picture, I envisioned policeman running to handcuff me. {I can have a flair for the dramatic.}

By the last day, I ventured a little rule breaking bravery. Baby steps, people!

This window display caught my eye. Notice the subtle nod to navajo with rustic and turquoise accents. Pretty! 

Moving on to something a little less subtle:

On Sunday we had a little break in the form of the Marching Abominables. They are a costumed bunch of crazies who took the escalators up and down the different levels playing oldies. Somehow I didn't mind taking tons of pictures of them. If you follow me on twitter you probably saw more than you ever needed to of these creative musicians. : ) 

To summarize: I loved Atlanta Gift Mart. It was a wonderful, exhausting working vacation.The highlight for me was attended workshops hosted by with Habitually Chic, Dwell Studio & Apartment Therapy. I'll do a review of those later this week!

Blue and White Dishes for Rent!

So funny that my theme for this week was blue & white and I just happened to stumble across these beauties in a shop I've never been in before! This isn't even half of what I bought. I think a wedding with blue and white dishes would be breathtaking. I have dinner plates, dessert plates, teacups and saucers available for your next event!

Blue and White China

Images via: 1, 2 Veranda 3, 4 Inspired Design

I am feeling so inspired by blue and white lately! I absolutely LOVE the dishes from Herend in the 2nd picture. Their "Chinese Bouquet" pattern has been on my wish list for a while now. I think I'm going to rearrange my dining room tablescape today. I'll post a picture of it later!

The one that got away

I love scouring estate sales and vintage shops for things I must have and delight in finding something really beautiful. Occasionally I have to walk away when someone is asking too much for an item, or recently in the case of the Very Sad Umberella Holder Day. I was at Goodwill and noticed an amazing blue and white umbrella vase. I'd never even thought to want such a thing, but now it was at the top of my list.

Unfortunately it was in another woman's cart. I may or may not have followed her around the store to see if she would put it down. (She did not) I considered talking to her about it but lost the nerve and the vase. I bemoaned my luck to my husband who replied that God must have wanted her to have it. I suppose that's true but I hope He will want ME to have one soon as well. 

 

This is a $700 umbrella holder from Nadeau's Auction House. The one I wanted was a steal at $9.99!