Saturday, May 29, 2021

Antiquing Weekend - Open for Business Part II



MARKET IMPORTS


This was our second stop last weekend when escaping from the house at last.
Going out into the world of 'treasure hunting' was so much fun - despite
 being masked and very hot and sticky in such high temps.

Market Imports is an amazing local business which I've always enjoyed
and have purchased many things from over the years, mostly garden items
 which they specialize in. Check their website and you will be amazed at the
 size and inventory at this great venue which is located in downtown Raleigh
 at the State Farmers Market.


On this visit I was blown away by so much, especially the great display of
Chinoiserie - blue and white - and may have to think about adding more
to my home.  Since purchasing the lamps in this style for the living room
I can see perhaps a decorative piece for my mantel or shelves on each
 side of the fireplace.


 I would love any of these pieces!


Outside, just walking through the two plus acres of garden paraphernalia was a
job and a half, it was sooooo hot, but we wanted to see everything!
The colors of the ceramics were stunning and made me want to start all over in
 my own garden design, the citron yellow ones were certainly eye catching!
Of course I can never have too many of the gorgeous shades of blue and teal.



Of course I also fell for these neutral beauties from Germany. 
They were so well made with a smooth as silk finish - would be lovely 
in the house where they would stay clean, or I could use a couple on my
 covered front porch. . . . . . .so I may be heading back to make a
 purchase this weekend!


So what did I purchase at Market Imports?
This gorgeous ceramic bird bath made in Vietnam. 
Well made, in two pieces so easy to carry/move, and top locks onto
 the base, $95 was a good price.
They come in a lot of brilliant colors and, as I already have two blue
 and teal pots (this is the smaller one), I fell for the teal one which
 also blends with the three lanterns hanging in the fig tree.
Our garden birds seem to be enjoying their new blue swimming 'pool', 
and the old concrete one has been moved to the side garden.
We now have five bird baths - and with mosquito season upon us
it will mean keeping them spiffy clean and filled each day.

This coming week we'll be refreshing this area as the bluebell leaves
 should be dead enough to remove, then spreading mulch after
 planting the new hydrangea in the ground and finding something else
 for the blue pot. . . . . .of course!
Always something to do in the garden at this time of year.

*******************


A quick look back at the REVIVAL purchases I mentioned in my former
 post.  Above the two botanic prints waiting to be hung in a perfect spot.


The ceramic pots in their caddy are now holding an assortment 
of flatware, antique silver serving pieces and Portmeirion 
cake forks and spoons. . . . . .


 . . . . .and the attached bud vases are being put to good use with
garden snippets changing on a daily basis, I really love this one!

It's been a busy week again with more social interaction now that we
 and many of our friends have been vaccinated. We're still cautious but 
have been out to a pub supper with a friend, had another to the house for
 coffee on the porch, and granddaughter stopped by for supper in the
 gazebo last night. It was lovely as the birds were loud as darkness fell,
and a gentle shower brought cooler air and 'music' on the cedar shake roof.

Monday, Memorial Day here, we will have a cookout with our
 next door neighbor - grill salmon on the salt block - and eating in the
 gazebo again. We had planned that for tonight however with heavy
rain expected we've postponed to a promised sunny Monday.

Enjoy your long weekend/bank holiday - may the sun shine
 and the breeze be gentle wherever you are.



14 comments:

  1. Dearest Mary,
    Well, that sure was a huge place for checking it all out, especially the outside area.
    Your Vietnamese made bird bath is lovely and so cleverly made too. Bet it will be easy cleaning as well.
    That German ceramic is that made in Germany? I have my doubt as the Euro is so much higher than our weak US $ plus the shipping costs for bulky and heavy material... But they sure look good!
    We're enjoying our time at the lake in east Tennessee. Not being on the water though, not for us. We walk and read and believe it or not, finally I've continued with a lovely German cross stitch work; a heart shaped 'Wilkommen' pillow with roses... It sure is therapeutic and I also love the reading in-between!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Went back and checked the German pots and yes they are made in Germany!

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    2. Wow, what a journey for them to reach the market here and for being competitive!

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  2. Love your new bird bath! A beautiful color. Your new ceramic pots with the floral silverware and the bud vases with the flowers from your yard were definitely meant to be in your home. The botanical framed prints...I have the same one with the dragonfly! Enjoy your long holiday weekend and cookout. xoxo

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  3. At 7:22 a.m. it is already 100 F here. Boo! Definitely no cool breezes. Good that you are socializing and getting out once again. Market imports looks like a great place to wander. You bought some really lovely items at both places. Really love the blue and white. I'm sure you have some very happy birdies with lots of cool places to land and take a rest. Enjoy your weekend.

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  4. Some real treasures there. The only thing I don't like about masks is that my glasses are constantly steaming up.

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  5. How very tempting! I can imagine one of the lovely blue and white pots filled with huge peonies. I'm sure you will be returning....soon!

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  6. I love the botanic prints Mary - and the bird bath would sit nicley on my new gravel patio.

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  7. Dear Mary, the yellow pots caught my eye, but what you ended up buying is simply perfect for that spot in your garden.
    Meals with friends - I can‘t wait for that to happen again, but we‘re not quite there yet… no vaccination in sight for me, as this country still lacks the vaccine and I am not in any priority group.
    Have a wonderful Sunday!

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  8. You new bird bath is beautiful - we have pots in that colour, too. In fact, today we purchased two more that I will have the fun of filling this week! We enjoyed having one of our daughters, son-in-law, and grandchild over for dinner last night. It was so lovely to set the table and sit across the table from them. Today we shared a simple lunch with friends. It's so wonderfully satisfying.
    Your botanical prints are pretty, as are the other items and the way that you are using them. Snipping daily blooms is such a pleasure. Enjoy your week, Mary.

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  9. Happy barbecuing Memorial weekend! The salmon sounds yummy!
    Love, love all the pots and goodies you shared. Your style always makes me smile. I recently came home with an emerald green pot from my local antique mall. That bird bath is stunning! I love the color you chose too. We have two bird baths, but planted succulents in one of them because it had a leak. Your birds must be very happy with all that you provide.

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  10. It is so lovely to be able to socialise and meet up with friends and family again. It's beginning to feel so much more reassuring, but the road to travel still feels quite long. I love all of the things that you spotted especially the blue and white Chinoiserie and the outdoor pots. Enjoy your new purchases, I can see that they are already looking happily "at home" with you in your lovely house and garden.
    We had a really lovely long sunny weekend catching up with our sons and their families.

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  11. Those attached bud vases look cute.

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  12. OH, such beautiful pieces in their displays. I was immediately drawn to the teal/blue pots. The bird bath you chose fits in perfectly with the other pots and lanterns. I adore watching the birds visit the terracotta bird bath we have in the backyard garden. And yes, I have to keep it clean to avoid algae and mozzies too.

    I love your Revival purchases, especially the botanical prints.

    I'm happy that you are able to socialise again. Here in Australia, we didn't experience anything like America...it must have been awful!

    Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog. I'm so glad you joined the Silver Sisters! I have never regretted my decision to let my natural colour grow out. If anything, I regret not doing it sooner. I'm sure you look amazing!

    We officially entered Winter here on June 1st. :)

    Big hugs,
    Serena xx

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