Flea Market [Emphasis on Fleas]

I have told myself I would go thrifting since I started this blog. Today, I had my mind set of some tables or small chests that would serve by the bedside. I’d even do some [shudder] painting or refinishing if needed. So I Googled and mapped out a little circuit though Orleans and Jefferson Parish. My best prospect was my first one – Canal Hotel Liquidator – reselling all manner of things, mostly gently used from when the local hotels renovate. Fun ideas for other projects (Thanks for the tip, Mitchell!) No luck on bedside tables, however. It was on to my next stop.

It turned out The Plant Gallery was on my way – I picked out two new well-priced houseplants and chuckled in the boutique part of the store over a Zebra melamine tray that was marked $250.00 – I was tempted to ask if that was a mistake! Ahem. It’s um, melamine.

From there it was a short and fast drive to Harahan where the Jefferson flea market was just waiting for me with bed tables galore!!!

But oh – what’s that I see in this strip mall? TJ Maxx? Well I never. So many house bloggers have found gems at Chez Maxx that I had to stop in. I was unfortunately not rewarded – and I keep an open mind and look for any creative opportunity.

Next door was something called Kirkland’s Home. I had a vague memory of this store from the 90’s – couldn’t hurt to take a peek, could it?

It actually hurt. The music was loud and the junque (I’ll add a -que out of generosity of spirit) was even louder. Not what I remembered. But then the 90’s are a little hazy for me… I do seem to remember Bill Clinton.

Well, I hopped in the truck and sprinted to the Jefferson Flea Market. 85 vendors! And this happens every weekend? How could I have missed this phenomenon?!? My own Round Top right in my own back yard!!!

As a representative of the Greater New Orleans Area I will now personally apologize to Eddie Ross for the Jefferson Flea Market (Eddie came in March for a shopping trip and Home Show installation and presentation – I met him briefly at the Vamp’s soiree!).

I apologize for the fact that the Jefferson Flea Market is an all-out God-forsaken black hole of a dust-mite necropolis and I will never, NEVER step foot in that place again. But, BUT, if I am ever looking for acrylic crochet LP covers, or a single representative of every mis-matched dish known to human-kind, or something like, like… this…

Anyone? A little something Rococo for the boudoir?

Then I know where to go. Whew…