My sister-in-law Marcy has an even bigger sweet tooth than I do. So whenever we visit each other, I know I’m in for lots of treats. No guilt, of course, because it’s only for a weekend, right? Marcy was in the city for business recently (she’s a phenomenal event florist at Dragonfly), and we wandered through the Union Square Greenmarket. Of course, she honed right in on Roxbury Mountain Maple’s cotton candy. They sell bags full of the maple fluff, and also containers if you w

I recently got wind of an amazing estate sale that I wanted to bring to your attention. It looks like there are some pretty groovy antique and vintage treasures from 1890’s to the 1980s to be found, such as: 1890 postal guides; stamps from the former Soviet Union 1930’s postal boxes military photos, personal correspondence an army helmet with bullet holes from WWII depression glass in mint condition apothecary bottles colorful book plates wood doors distressed lumber salvaged

New Yorkers walk hundreds of miles every year. And yet how many of us think about the condition of our feet? But all that is changing, one step at a time. Meet Southern Hospitality Foot Products, also known as SoHo Feet. Co-Founded by Quinton Yelldel and his partner Krystle Ford, this line of foot soaks, scrubs, creams and grooming supplies are a breath of fresh air. (Yeah, I’m going there.) With origins in Georgia, Quinton is a licenced podiatrist from the South who moved to

Jewelry Designer Edline Talking with Customers at the Fulton Flea If you’ve ever walked by the Fulton Flea Market on your way to the Brooklyn Flea maybe, I encourage you to stop and have a long look around. The aim of this market is “to take an empty lot and turn it into an active gathering space where people can meet and engage in the sharing of information, entertainment, goods and services.” They do exactly that every Saturday, often well into the evening when the neighbor

So, it’s almost 2AM. I finished a 13 hour work day (grueling but huge progress made, thanks for asking). I’m trying to ignore everyone talking about the heat because there’s not much I can do about it except take another shower.  I’m not sure what the weather has in store for us this weekend, and I know the heat can be very dangerous. So I thought I would do something different this week. I would love to hear from YOU which markets or market sellers you love and why. Please p

I normally don’t choose any favorite anything when it comes to markets because I truly appreciate all aspects of all markets. But I will admit that high summer is my very favorite time in the farmers markets. Our farmers are harvesting the juiciest fruits, sweetest corn and plumpest tomatoes as I write. And I have been enjoying as much of their bounty as I can so I can savor the memories in the deep winter while I’m trying to peel a squash without severing a finger. Today’s p

I went to visit my mom in San Diego in mid-June. One day, we hit Highway 1 and headed north to Oceanside in search of the Lucky Street Vintage and Flea Market. Lucky Street feels like the attic where your wonderful, amazing and slightly batty favorite aunt stored all her treasures: absolutely charming. It is organized and managed by Denny Golden and Yvette Mastin, who also own a prop and decor company. They have done a wonderful job of creating a magical environment in a larg

Is it hot out? I hadn’t noticed. I’ve been busy dreaming about my next shaved ice from Ice Riders. This group of transplanted Texans are bringing eco-friendly, heat-busting, cowboy-hat-wearing frozen relief all summer long at the LIC Flea & Food Market. Jet, David and Chelsea are building their icy empire around a very cool, bike-powered shaved ice machine. Plus everything that isn’t edible is recyclable – cups, spoons and napkins. AND their flavors are certified kosher. As i

It has been a big week for marriage equality and civil rights in our country. I am thrilled with the ongoing progress we are making as a civil society, and I am almost smug about my timing, having scheduled to feature this particular designer for this Weekend’s Market Picks! Jenowade drew me to his table at the Pompeii Artisan and Flea Market recently with his striking brass jewelry designs for men and women, the compelling messages stamped on each piece and his fantastic hai

Roberta from Le Primitive, was in her usual spot, but she had some brand new designs at the Bleecker Street Market alongside Our Lady of Pompeii. I’ve loved her work with vivid glass jewelry, and now she and her sister have branched into silver and minerals. These pieces are all handmade and hand hammered into flowing statement pieces. Each one comes with soft, adjustable suede ribbon so that you can wear it at any length you choose. Roberta and Simonetta, originally from Rom

Fred will definitely lick your marshmallows, if only you will let him. Because he’s a Pug. And he is the inspiration behind Fred’s Marshmallows, to be found most weekends at the Fulton Stall Market. I have not met Fred in person, but I have tried his marshmallows. I have to say that in the emerging artisanal gourmet marshmallow trend (you heard it here!), Fred’s are uniquely oriented for adults. And they are seriously flavorful. The most exciting flavors would be welcome at a

I was recently chastised, and deservedly so, by my favorite Greenmarket manager, who shall go unnamed, for not having tried seasonal strawberries yet. “They’ve been out for three weeks – you should know that!” Right she was. And here they are. Sweet, delicious and juicy. Rhubarb is out now too. So I want to see you all making pies and muffins and such with one of nature’s finest combinations. I want to let you know about the Supply Good Market at 144 Newbury Street in Boston

Lunacy Design is known for their sweet retro and nostalgic prints and their yummy organic cotton fabrics. This robot tee is printed with non-toxic but glittery ink onto an organic cotton tee shirt. The shirts come in childrens and adult sizes. The designs include owls, rocket ships and birds. You have to see them in real life to appreciate the great design elements. And you have to see them on real kids to appreciate just how awesome they are. Lunacy Design will be at Crafts

This story is long overdue, mostly because the ridiculous amounts of cuteness I have been keeping from you. Little Bunny is a wonderful and whimsical card design company based in Sunnyside, Queens. Owner and artist Jess Chambers draws lovely animals and uses a gocco printer to create exactly right greeting card for any occasion. Her drawings range from tiny bunnies (above) to fearsome sharks (below, where they usually are). Every time I catch up with Jess at an artisan market

I don’t care if “bikini season is right around the corner.” When there’s incredible eggplant parm involved, nothing else matters. Do you understand what I’m saying? Sunday Gravy makes slow simmered meat sauce that transports you directly back to Old Italy of 100 years ago. This pasta sauce is so rich that your stomach is begging you to stop while your mouth just can’t do that. I also love seeing the sauce simmering in their gigantic, red enamel pot at the markets. Sunday Grav

: I ran into my friend Louise Lasson of Lu Crafts at the Etsy New York Handmade Cavalcade last weekend. She has started making these great pendant necklaces with pictures she comes across in catalogs or magazines. This fabulous Wonder Woman necklace struck me as the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Let’s face it. My mom is a wonder woman. Your mom is too. So head over to this weekend’s Museum School Craft Fair, which is featuring over 50 artisans and is co-managed by none other tha

The Union Square Greenmarket is filled with flowers and trees for the city’s gardens, balconies and window boxes. I Loads of people were out today, carefully selecting their annuals from the sunny and bright offerings of Van Houten Farms. Maybe some day I’ll have a spot in the sun for my own hot pink and pale yellow azaleas, but until then, I’ll just enjoy them at the market! Weekend Market Picks: Saturday, May 4, 2013 Etsy New York Spring Handmade Cavalcade: This association

I’m always happy to help spread the word about markets that benefit schools, like this one for PS 9 in Brooklyn: Come to the Prospect Heights Craft Fair on Saturday, April 13th from 11am to 6pm and explore a lovingly curated marketplace of independent artists and designers from Brooklyn and beyond. You’ll find an extensive showcase of handmade treasures, such as stationery, textiles, artisanal food, jewelry, and so much more.  You can see our extensive list of artists on our

And that means a season full of spring markets! Below is a list of market openings this weekend, as well as other events coming up this month and next. Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7, 2013 Brooklyn Flea: The Flea opens its outdoor season this weekend! Saturdays will be in the usual spot in Fort Greene. Sundays are in a new Williamsburg location in the East River State Park. 10AM – 5PM, Saturdays, 176 Lafayette Ave. between Clermont + Vanderbilt Ave.; Sundays, East River Sta

Elephant in the Attic is a wonderful collection of vintage objects at Artists & Fleas that will turn any space into a home. I wanted to move right into the small market boutique of Caitlin Brubacher, curator and owner of Elephant in the Attic and Burnt and Mended handmade accessories for men and women on Etsy. She has an eye for fun prints and pictures too, many of which are framed and hanging in her boutique (left), with many more unframed images to thumb through in the bins