I usually complain about my kids getting me up too early, but this morning, I voluntarily (more or less) rose before the rest of the family to head to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire with a couple of girlfriends. As I mentioned at the end of the rummage sale post, this is a huge flea market-style event that is held the first Sunday of every month. There is an unbelievable number and variety of finds, and it’s even a fun place to “window shop,” since you’re out in the fresh air by the San Francisco Bay.

Click the picture to go to the Antiques Faire website.

It was a beautiful morning turning into a hot day as we wandered around exploring. There is definitely something for everyone there – every style from shabby chic to mid-century modern, and price from pennies to thousands of dollars. I can’t say I’m not a little sad that we didn’t find anything fantastic like a Henry Link Bali Hai dresser or Faux bamboo armchairs (which are my two current obsessions), but I also realize that it’s not a sustainable habit to bring home major pieces of furniture every time I go, so I’m not completely disappointed. It was also great to have a little time to chat with my friends when we are not running around busy with kids and work.

I did find an old wooden tray for $5 that I’m going to dress up with some paint and/or decoupage, so keep an eye out for that project.  My friend picked up a cute pair of trays, so we’ll transform them together and post the results.

Wooden tray with metal trim for $5. Waiting for a project!

And I also found this Japanese sake jar that makes a great vase and display item for the living room.

Sake jar for $20 makes a pretty vase for the living room. Hubby says he wants to use it as a cup.

After the antiques fair, our family went to Sunday Streets in the Mission. Through the summer, San Francisco closes some streets to cars and opens them to pedestrians, bikers, musicians, and other entertainers. It was so fun for the boys to be able to bike down the street, and there were many great spectacles, including elaborate bicycles with bubble blowers, pianos, and more.

Such a cheerful afternoon, with this lady spreading pink bubble joy and music, biking up and down Valencia.

Well, it’s a good thing this guy was moving very slowly with his piano-bike, as he was playing as he went!

I’m just finishing gathering some details for the post on upholstering chair seats, so that should be up in the next day or two!

Hope you had as lovely a weekend as we did!

“Jewels”