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A Flea Market in the Dark - Downtown Phoenix August 7, 2016 15:47 12 Comments

It's tough going to Flea Markets in Phoenix during the summer.  The 110+ degree weather tends to deter even me, a complete junk lover, from venturing out!  So when I heard that there was going to be a Flea Market at NIGHT and INDOORS for that matter, I thought, "Wow, now that's one Flea Market I would seriously consider going to (even in the middle of a Phoenix Summer)!"  

The market is called the "Phoenix Flea" and is self described as a "modern market for curated vintage clothing & accessories, fine art, handcrafted, fashion & more!"   So this isn't just your run of the mill Flea Market.  No, its much more Hip, more like walking into a live version of Etsy!  

 

Repost @cheers.scottsdale

I couldn't help but to love every one of their Instagram posts and I was sold when I heard that it would be: at night, indoors, adults only, with a DJ and FOOD TRUCKS!  What a great combination.  So I asked my best friend if he would join me and because he is so amazing and loves going to these things just as much as I do (actually I sold him on the food part), he said Yes!  I went on their website and bought our tickets and by 7:30 pm we were there!

Phoenix Flea Handstamp It was hosted at the Vintage 45 in Downtown Phoenix.  A cool old building just off of Central.  You know the kind with exposed duct work, old brick and unfinished plastered walls with concrete floors.  The kind of building that screams age, charm, character and would be the perfect backdrop for just about any photo shoot.  

Phoenix Flea Market

It was apparent their Instagram marketing was very effective.  There were a total of 3 rooms and each room was just as packed as the other with both vendors and shoppers.

 The creativity in this place was amazing!  The market definitely lived up to its description. There were well curated pieces everywhere; jewelry, candles, mid-century, vintage, furniture, leather goods, so much to name! It was awesome to see local artists showcasing their goods with so much support from the valley community.  

Lettercraft Magnets

I found the magnets by Lettercraft to be some of the most amusing pieces.  They had a great selection of actors and singers available for purchase.  

Repost @lettercraft

Lifetime Leather Co. had some of the best handmade leather goods that I have seen.  Beautiful messenger bags, wallets and more.  Great craftsmanship for sure!

There were so many vendors and items I wanted to picture, but unfortunately the crowds were thick and it was somewhat difficult to take pics.  For more pics of the great items and for a list of vendors, check out their Facebook page (Phoenix Flea) or Instagram #phxflea.

The second floor of the venue housed the DJ and a great area to relax and overlook the crowd.

I kept my promise to my BFF and as we walked out we went through the Food Truck lineup.  That's where I picked up this cute mustache pretzel:

Mustache Pretzels at Phoenix Flea Market

Overall, I give a thumbs up to Phoenix Flea.  It definitely lived up to its hype and brand.  It was a great evening out (or in, I should say).  It will be something I look forward to going to again! So proud of our local Arizona artists and wish them all the success in their business endeavors!

Until our next adventure,

Christina & Mike

Purpose Thrift Boutique

Mike and Christina Purpose Thrift Boutique 


Freshen up Antique Furniture in 3 Easy Steps - No Re-staining Required! July 30, 2016 17:43 2 Comments

The antique entry table in my living room has great character and detail.  I appreciate all of the craftsmanship that went into creating this beauty many, many years ago.  Overall, this piece is still in incredibly great shape and I chose not to repaint it.  I really love the deep color of the original wood and thought it was a great contrast to some of the lighter decor in the room.  Lately though, no matter how much I dust it (& since I live in Arizona, I have to dust quite often), it has begun to look quite dull.  

Antique Entry Table

I really did not want to spend the time and effort to sand and re-stain it.  But my entry table was looking like an entirely different shade of brown and I knew it needed some help.  While I was dusting and contemplating on what I should do, I could hear my mother's voice in my head saying, "Old English Mija" (Mija is Spanish slang for "daughter").  

My mom is a big advocate of Old English and I must say she can back up her recommendation with experience. She has had her own professional cleaning business for over 30 years and primarily deals with homes sprawling with vintage and antique furniture.  She swears by Old English to spruce up not just antique but most wood furniture.  So I decided in that moment, I would take my mother's advice and give it a try.  I found two bottles under my sink and decided to use the one labeled "for dark woods."

  Old English Furniture Polish

Side Note:  For those of you that are not familiar with Old English; it comes in both an aerosol and oil. I used the oil.  The label states that it is a scratch cover and helps to restore damaged wood. (Also, we are not affiliated with or being compensated in anyway by Old English)

Step #1:  I gave the table a quick overall dusting.  

Step #2:  Using a microfiber rag, I poured about 5 drops of Old English oil on the rag (a little goes a long way) and began to wipe the table going in the same direction of the wood grain.  I would recommend wearing plastic gloves because, as is with any oil, it can easily get on your hands (although if it does, it is an easy cleanup).  Immediately upon applying the oil to the table, I began to see a major difference:

Antique Table Before and After Old English Application

Since this is a darker oil, it stained my yellow microfiber rag but it was a small price to pay for the great results.  I continued putting oil on my rag as needed and wiped it on the entire table; legs, base, etc.

Here's a picture of the table leg before the oil was applied:

Antique Table Leg before Oil Treatment

Here's a picture of the table leg after the oil was applied:

Antique Table Leg after oil application

Within about 20 minutes of application, my table looked like it had new life and was back to its beautiful dark wood color!

Step #3:  Once I applied the oil to the entire table, I took a dry microfiber towel and wiped it down again, this time without any oil.  This step is just to ensure the oil is spread evenly and no residue is left.  

 

Antique Entry Table After Old English Application

In less than half an hour, my table was done and there was no labor intensive sanding or re-staining required!

Carved Detail on Antique Table

"Mother knows best" - definitely true in the case of Old English, and with many, many other things, my mom knows exactly what she's talking about.  For a quick wooden antique furniture refresher, I would highly suggest applying Old English oil (now I sound like my mom!).  It has definitely helped to bring back the shine and color to this thrifted, antique goody.  

Antique Entry Table Purpose Thrift Boutique

Antique Entry Table Household Decor Purpose Thrift Boutique

Next time you come across a thrift store wooden piece of furniture that looks dull and needs attention, you might want to think twice about passing it up!  It may just need half an hour of your time, some Old English oil and 3 quick, easy steps to get it back to its original luster!

- Christina, Purpose Thrift Boutique

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