Looks like the San Mateo Antiques Market has been cancelled for the forseeable future... what a bummer! I heard through the grapevine that the CSM location didn't work out and they are trying to find a new venue. Keep your fingers crossed!

A couple of weeks ago I had the awesome opportunity to help my friend Stacy (owner of the fabulous store, Dream) set up and sell at the brand new College of San Mateo Antiques & Collectibles Market. By my calculations the event had to have at least 200 if not 300 vendors and a great turn out of shoppers. There was plenty of food, music, and tons of cool stuff.

It was a great treat to spend an entire day hanging out with my best friend; helping promote our businesses was just the icing on the cake. We caught up with friends, made new contacts, sold stuff, and smelled so much kettle corn that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat it again.

The new market was so successful that I can’t wait for the next one. Flea markets are such an amazing source for everyone; you can find the perfect chair for your client’s living room, a cool piece of jewelry for your friend’s b-day, or that obscure record/book/cooking utensil/belt buckle you’ve been searching high and low for. Even if you don’t score an amazing find, flea markets are a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon ambling along people and stuff watching. To have one in our own backyard is like a dream come true!

I've included some pics of Stacy's lovely booth and of the market itself. It’s going to be held the third Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm but don’t dawdle; many vendors start packing up early if the crowd thins. You can find out more about the College of San Mateo Antiques Market on their website: www.sanmateoantiques.com.

See you there next time!

Vintage Indian Suitcases, found object art, and antique greek and turkish olive jars at Dream's booth. And yes that's right, she does accept credit cards!

Garden Goodies @ Dream

Cement faces & hot pink 'Dream Dust' @ Dream

We had a really cool selection of chairs to choose from!

More handmade goodies from Stacy... 100% recycled purses made from salvaged fabrics, buttons, and vintage army bags

There was neat stuff all around... a definite must see!

What's with the new website title? I've decided to get a real business name! Saying my own name over and over again has made it sound less than appealing to my ears, and I want a business name that truly reflects what I do and what's important to me.

The word 'Haven' is defined as "a place of safety or sanctuary; shelter" and is also described as a place of "refuge". In the context of one's home, 'Haven' then means a place for you to retreat from the day's troubles and relax... a place where you leave the outside world behind to renew and find peace . The same goes for a garden- what better way to design a lovely garden than as someone's sanctuary?! 

I may also have a personal connection to the word 'Haven', as I'm considered a homebody and at times, even, a recluse (but not in a weird way). For me my home is my haven. It's my safety zone, the place where I can find sanctuary and balance from the stresses of life. But a 'haven' isn't solitary... friends have mentioned feeling welcomed and comforted in my home, meaning that a 'haven' can be sanctuary for one's friends and family too.

All that said, 'Haven' it is! I'm going to give it a shot and I have a feeling the name's going to stick. Please be patient with me as I transition to more aptly titled web address, e-mail, etc.

                        Here a are few lovely looking havens... what's yours???