Mermaid Art Dolls by Snapdragon Originals This is turning out to be Mermaid Week here on Markets of New York City. We’re not going to be in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade as we’d hoped because everyone is just too darn busy (and because our priorities are obviously completely messed up). But we can think about Mermaids in our spare moment, especially if we have beautiful examples nearby. Like the ones above from Snapdragon Originals: Folk Art Inspired Eclectic Artworks! Merm

There is always talk amongst everyone selling products about how to provide outstanding customer service. This is a story about one artisan who delivered so much more to me than just a piece of jewelry. She turned a standard shipment and a cardboard box into a delightful experience. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t LOVE getting a box in the mail. Especially if it is a box with a handwritten label. A few weeks ago, I picked up this beautifully promising box at the Post Office.

“Risk It All” Lyric Pendant by Nadia Ackerman (Photo by NatchieArt.com) I found myself crying in a holiday market. With two other people I didn’t know. Who were crying too. But it was a good thing. We had all just met Nadia Ackerman at the Hester Street Fair Holiday Pop Up. We were looking up at one of her large original drawings on the wall above her table. It was a sweet image of a mother and her kids sitting around a dinner table, next to a large Christmas tree. Flying out

I have such a soft spot for mermaids. Always have. In fact, my final act of rebellion of the last millennium was to get a tiny tattoo of a mermaid on my shoulder. You’ll probably never see her, but I think she’s great. During my last visit to the Hell’s Kitchen Flea, I saw this beautiful creature. I’m pretty sure she’s not vintage, but she’s a classic. She would look lovely on a mantle or a book shelf. A reminder that we do live on an island, even when the temps start dipping

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

Amy’s Bread became 20 years old this past week!  It warms my heart to celebrate this major milestone, which Baker, Entrpreneur and Author Amy Scherber and her team accomplished by following their passion, working incredibly hard, and making absolutely delicious breads, pastries, baked goods and sandwiches for New Yorkers and our visitors.  The number of Amy’s warm baguettes that James and I have eaten straight out of her ovens in Chelsea Market could circle the earth at least

She is known for her extremely wide array of switch plate covers!  Everything from Buddhas and Mermaids, to Flowers, Cats, Pinup Girls and beyond to dress up your walls in a fun, unexpected way!  She also sells delightful magnet sets.  Her lovely soy wax candles are hand-poured into Depression Glass pieces and vintage teacups, and they are beautifully scented. What I love about Louise’s work is that it is creative, lovely, and practical, the essence of fine craft. Louise is a

Haiti is not paradise.  Parts of it, though, are breathtaking.  I’ve been trying to think about those parts since the horrendous earthquake this week. I spent four years working on an aid project in Haiti.  I had the opportunity to work with some brilliant and dedicated people and to travel to all corners of the country.  We worked long days, but weekends were an adventure waiting to happen.  You might hike through a forest and end up at the beautiful Bassin Bleu, a waterfall