Flea Market Style

Show me a Flea Market and I'll show you some style!

WOW! I recently was featured on HGTV's THE ENDLESS YARD SALE 2007 where I traveled and shopped along the long corridor of Hwy 127. The sale is an annual event and held over four days and five states (AL to OH) and filled with bargains galore! But the sale has gotten so big most vendors set up a week before the sale so you can actually shop some areas before the official starting date.

The TV cameras followed me and fellow flea market friend, Linda Stowe as we hunted and haggled through miles of stuff.

MY FLEA MARKET MISSION:
To find blue and white table decor and a "bridal" chair for my future daughter-in-laws bridal shower. Linda's mission was to find old jewelry to make into new pieces.

WHAT I SPENT:
I spent a little less than $275 in two days and over 200 miles and managed to find "the perfect chair" and tons of dinner ware and more to set the "perfect table". To my surprise---I nabbed a great deal when the show's appraiser estimated my finds to be valued at $1,200.

WHAT'S THE LONGEST YARD SALE:
For the last 20 years, THE WORLDS LONGEST YARD SALE is 100's of tiny towns along Hwy 127 and is held every August. It's probably about the hottest time of the year, but if you're in the market for some fabulous flea market finds---this is the road to a relish treasures! HGTV airs the show on Oct.14 at 9pm, Oct 15th at 1 am and again on Oct. 21st at 5 pm. EST.

IT WAS HOT BUT FUN:
Even though the heat was exhausting and a couple of the TV crew got a little overheated, I kept a vast supply of Gatorade and ice on hand to cool off in between stops.

TIPS FOR HAGGLING:
Part of the fun of the hunt is haggling with the local vendors. When you haggle always be nice about it. There's nothing worse than offering less than half the asking price as this could really insult the vendor---who knows how much he or she has invested in the piece! Start by asking for their BEST PRICE. If it's not to your liking counter offer it and 9 times out of 10 you'll nab a deal.

Always note the condition of the piece when haggling. Often times the vendor may not be aware of some damage and will automatically reduce the price and in my case during the ENDLESS YARD SALE---one vender gave me 2 glass pieces that had a tiny chip. I didn't care because the etched design on the glass detracted from the chip on the glass. These were $15 glasses that I got for free!