Flea Market Finds

My style thrives on eclectic finds! The best way to supplement your interior with one-of-a-kind pieces is to shop a flea market. Everyone has a home filled with store bought items, because that's the way we live. I get it! But when you wanna create a unique fingerprint for your place, you've got to add a few original and interesting pieces. Make a "SpacePrint!"



Perfectly Distressed



Flirting with color

I understand the hesitation with flea markets... I do! You may think it's used junk or cheap crap, but it's NOT! Sure, you'll find some useless junk, but amazing gems can be found if you keep your eyes open. While I strolled through the Rose Bowl with my childlike mindset, I thought, "This is such a great resource, especially in LA! I must spread the word... Go, find your unique SpacePrints!"



Mix Up Your Cubby Bins


ALTER Tips: Hunting for Gems

Go early and wear sunscreen. There's a lot to see! Go early and give yourself plenty of time to roam around. Plus... you're in direct sunlight, so lather up!

ALL prices are negotiable. Enough said, so bargain away.

Have a plan. It's easy to get overwhelmed and overthink, so have an idea of what you'd like to find before you go. For example, think: "Today I'm looking for a colorful lamp, something for my kitchen wall, and rustic side tables." Keep your mind open to other things, but have an idea of what you NEED and where you'd like to add a "SpacePrint."

Not everything is used, old, and/or cheap. DO NOT ASSUME everything is cheap! A great vintage or antique find, new and antique furniture, or original art may cost you a pretty penny, but it'll be worth it! (And on that note, take cash. Some vendors take credit, but it's a whole lot easier to pay and go.)

Bring a truck. If ya got one, bring one. Especially if you're in the market for large items. Most vendors will offer delivery, but this may save you a few bucks!

Ask for a business card. Lots of the vendors have workshops or stores. If you like something but need to think about it or measure a space, get a card and call them later.

Pay and pick up later. If you buy something that's heavy or awkward to carry, leave it at the booth and pick it up on your way out.

Walk away. If you're not sure, think about it. If it's gone when you come back, it wasn't meant to be.

**BONUS**
If nothing else, go for the people watching!

ReOrganize It!

Have you ever spent your whole Saturday afternoon organizing your workspace, only to find it in the same mess only a few days later? Statistics show that work efficiency increases when the mess deceases.

Getting and staying organized can be an uphill battle, especially if you don't have time in your busy schedule to embrace your inner neat freak.  Here are a few tips to help you be the master of your disaster.

Get rid of clutter - only keep items out that you use on a daily basis, or on a particular project, so you are free from distraction, this keeps your mind focused on the task at hand which also promotes efficiency.



Utilize wall space - If you have a lack of table top workspace, build up. It can be as simple as installing a shelf or bulletin board. Having ample workspace can alleviate external stresses, fostering more focused daily activities.

Don't make exceptions - If you have not used it in over six months, chances are you don't need it. Donate items to your local Goodwill or throw recyclables in the bin.   For those of you who live in a big city, throw your unwanted items in a box with the words "FREE" written across the front, place it in front of your building or house and watch how long it takes to disappear.

Have a motivation - getting rid of distractions makes it possible for us to live our remarkable lives. If you are motivated to be organized, your goal will be more likely to be obtained. Maybe you have a new business that you want to thrive, maybe you have a small child's safety in your hands, maybe you have an inner minimalist that is dying to emerge. Whatever your motivating factor, use it as a tool to keep your life organized.



Don't sweat the small stuff - organizing small things that you use regularly and may need at your finger tips, can be frustrating. Most of the manufactured organizational products are either impractical due to sizing or super unattractive. While searching for a pretty way to organize my small items, I ran across Stash by Boon (comes in black or white). They can sit on your desk top or be attached to the wall.