For outdoor flea markets. I’ve always enjoyed the flea markets, as there’s really nothing I love more that vast stretches of used stuff. You just never know what you’re going to find. Several years ago, I acquired a pair of vintage Gucci sunglasses (with only one small scratch). A friend got a TV cart for $5 that she used happily for more than three years. I also have many the small jar, antique silver spoon and random cookbook that I’ve picked up here and there.

On Saturday, June 2nd, the Albert M. Greenfield school (22nd and Chestnut) will be circling their building with flea market vendors from all over the area. Rain date is Sunday, June 3rd. (After you’ve had your fill of expensive art at the Rittenhouse Square fest, you can head this way for more affordable collectibles).

For the last three or four years, I’ve been saying to my friends, “You know, I really can’t believe that there isn’t a Sephora in Center City someplace.” I’ve only been able to get my fix of that make up mecca on trips to King of Prussia (a place I hate visiting) or Cherry Hill (I’m not too fond of it out there either). Two years ago I took a trip out to Pittsburgh with a couple of friends and was stunned to discover that even they had a small Sephora located in one of the neighborhoods. I began to think that the Sephora Corporation had something against Philly.

Then, walking down Chestnut Street on Saturday evening with my friend Shay, on the way to see Lookingglass Alice, I saw a sign that made stop short and gasp. Sephora is coming to the space where Pay/Half used to be. This is slightly dangerous for me, as that is a mere three blocks from my home. But I’m thrilled to know that I’ll no longer have to trek to the suburbs for my Sephora fix. It’s also another interesting sign of the way Chestnut Street is changing to become more akin to Walnut Street.

I’m more than a little sad at the prospect that in a few short days, there will no longer be a Foster’s Cookware in Reading Terminal Market. I love wandering around that packed store (even if they occasionally send an employee to the back with me to ensure that I do not shoplift–I never thought I looked that unreliable).

I am, however, excited at the prospect of having a brand new, extra-large (10,000 square feet!) store to wander to my heart’s content at 4th and Market.

The First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St. ) is having their annual World Class Rummage Sale on Saturday, January 27th from 11 am until 3 pm. They don’t have clothes, but they have just about everything else, so it’s definitely a good stop to make if you’re in the market for some stuff. I’ve gotten some terrific cookware there over the years, as well some books at fantastic prices. I’d recommend stopping by early, as the stuff will fly out the door. I donated some cool old carved wooden elephants that used to belong to my grandparents, I’m certain that someone will find them tomorrow and treasure them.

Last night my roommate called me on my way home from school to report that the toilet was clogged, and could I please direct him to the plunger (hydroforce blast cup to the professionals). I’ve discovered, in my years as an apartment owner, that plungers have a limited lifespan, and as he asked me where it was, I couldn’t distinctly remember whether the it had given up the ghost on the last use or not. I told him where I thought it was, but he couldn’t find it, so I said I would pick one up at CVS on my way home.

The CVS at 19th and Chestnut apparently only carries one style of plunger, and it is the one pictured above. I picked it up in the store for a moment, unbelieving that this was what they were selling to unclog sinks and toilets. It is only about eight inches tall, and the plunger part has the diameter of a coffee mug. I knew it would be totally ineffective when applied to a toilet, but I bought it anyway because I was equally desperate and unbelieving that they would sell this dollhouse sized item. Thankfully, we didn’t end up having to use it, I found the old plunger hidden away when I got home, but I continue to be in awe that CVS sells this thing, thinking it will be helpful.

I have walked, driven or taken the bus past Hibberd’s Books (1306 Walnut Street) countless times during my years in Philadelphia, but until today, I never walked in. I was in the neighborhood on another errand, and when I was done started wandering around the block, instead of heading straight home. Growing up in Portland, I always frequently used bookstores, but the ones here in Philly always seem a little spooky and so I haven’t made it a practice to visit them. I walked up and took a look at the two racks of books on display on the sidewalk, before heading into the store.

Going in there is like traveling to another time or place. I feel both fortunate and a little stunned that this bookstore has survived into the 21st Century. You walk in to a room lined with wooden shelves. The sections are marked by fading hand lettered signs indicating that a shelf is stocked with “Literature,” “Local History” or “World History” (to name a few). The staff amounted to two men who quietly went on with their tasks, ignoring me until one of them sensed I had a question (without my having said a word) and turned his face towards me. When I asked if they had a particular book in stock, he didn’t turn to a computer to tell him, but walked over to the shelf where it would be, looked quickly and sadly shook his head. The section of children’s books was my favorite. There were rows and rows of books that were, for the most part, older than me. I wanted to have a seat on the carpet and carefully go through each one of them, but I didn’t have the time.

I left with one book, an old copy of Joan Didion’s “Salvator,” for which I paid $1.59. They are having a 70% off sale right now, so if you like old books, you are bound to find a bargain.

I took a different train home on Wednesday night, which necessitates a walk up Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill to get home. I was a little confused when, about a block from “the avenue” I heard faint strains of music. I had completely forgotten that they keep the shops open late on Wednesday nights in December. This was far more than late hours, though. This was an almost Disney-esque Christmas wonderland. Just about every block had a different band playing holiday music, and one corner featured carolers in full victorian regalia, including the large bonnets. Some places gave out free samples and Santa himself strolled up and down the hill giving away candy canes. Every lamppost is adorned with pine garland and bright red bows and all of the trees decked in white lights. They even had roasted chestnuts. It was unexpected, surreal and a great little bit of fun to see on my way home.
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Does anyone have recommendations for a place in the Rittenhouse Square/Center City neighborhood where I can get a decent passport photo without getting gouged on the price?

Oh, and bonus points for any places open on Saturday…..

For the second time in as many weeks, there was free beer… er, a beer tasting, at the Foodery (on 2nd, north of Spring Garden). And for the second time in as many weeks, I was inspired to buy a six-pack. I’m running out of space in my fridge. Each time, they highlighted a local brewery (or closeby anyway). Last time was Flying Fish from Cherry Hill; this time it was Tröegs from Harrisburg. The highlights for me were the Farmhouse Summer Ale from Flying Fish and the Dreamweaver Wheat from Tröegs.

Between the Free Library’s 25cent bin and the Northern Liberties Music Festival/flea market, I’ve picked up around a dozen books in the last 2 months for less than the price of a chicken cheese steak. Most of the books the library is dumping are recent — with copyrights after 1998, and in good condition. If the stamps were removed, some of the hardbacks could pass for new.