Festival Flea Market – Something for Everyone!

*Please note that I received $100 to shop and gain the full Festival Flea Market experience in conjunction with Bloggin’ Mamas.  All of the opinions in this post are 100% my own. 

Where I grew up there was a flea market that we would go to at least once a month, if not more.  As I got older, it would be the hot spot to go with my girlfriends.  We’d walk through the place a half a dozen times, grabbing a bite to eat and shop, shop, and shop some more.  My 5th grade teacher had the coolest booth that sold great birthday gifts and fun stickers (back in the day when we’d collect stickers – I’m talking Lisa Frank, the scratch and sniff, the puffies, the oilies…I am totally dating myself but am loving going down memory lane).  I used to buy my Smurf figurines there…wow.

OK back to the present time and the reason for this post…

I was invited to a blogger event with 6 other beautiful Bloggin’ Mamas at the Festival Flea Market in Pompano Beach, Florida.  I’d known about the Festival because I’d been there a few times when I first moved down to Florida over 20 years ago.

When I told my husband about the event, he made sure to remind me (numerous times) to not forget to get him a pickle on a stick (more about that later).

The Festival treated us to a nice lunch and a surprise birthday cake for Sonia (so sweet!).

After eating we took a quick tour of the flea market mall and then we were on our own!  I was given $100 to spend as I wanted, and I couldn’t wait to shop.  Before I tell you about the goodies I scored, I want to share a few interesting facts about the Festival.

• There are four main aisles, with many others intersecting them.  Each aisle is a 1/4 mile, so if you walk all four, you’ve walked a mile!  Now that’s the best way to get exercise.
• The Festival is dog-friendly.  Although it is entirely indoors, your well-behaved pooch is welcome to join you to shop.  I think Sadie would LOVE it!
• The Festival will celebrate it’s 25th birthday this October!
• There are between 300 and 500 vendors at any given time.  That’s A LOT!
• Inclusive of the 300 – 500 booths, there is a full service salon, 30,000 sq. ft. antique mall, a pet deli, farmer’s market, 2 HUGE luggage stores, a super modern cosmetics store. 

I started my shopping experience at the antique mall.  I heard that there was a booth that sold vintage Chanel and Hermes bags and more and couldn’t NOT go and peek at what was there.

Next stop was the Fiesta Pet Deli.  As you probably know, Sadie is as much a part of our family as anyone, so I had to get her something special.  There were deli counters with fresh food options for our furry friends – everything from different cuts of meat (and livers) to homemade sweet potatoes and more.  I spoke with Carol, one of the many employees there, and loved her passion for keeping our pets healthy naturally.  I left there with some turkey filets and another chew treat.

I couldn’t pass up the pickles booth – I had to get R his pickle on a stick (looking back on that day, I wish I got more than the two because they were SO good!).
Now on to some fashion finds for moi!  You can find just about anything there – clothing, shoes, jewelry.  You can drop off your clothes that need tailoring, your shoes that need to be fixed, then go shopping for what you need before coming back and picking up your previously dropped off items.  Convenience.

I was drawn to Glam – it reminded me of a Sephora or Ulta in that it was nicely organized.  The owner, Eisha, was sweet enough to walk me around and point out some of the best sellers.  After pointing out that they offer items from 50 cents to $5,000, you know I had to see what the $5,000 item was…here it is.  Is that CRAZY?!

I tried the Golden Rose mascara that she gave me to test out, and I have to tell you – it’s great and half the price of the Benefit They’re Real that I love.

Always on the lookout for a new pair of shades (you can never have enough, don’t listen to my husband), I stopped by Miami Eyes and picked up three pairs for $30!  It was two for $30 and then buy two get one free.  Score!

Being a bag girl, I couldn’t help dipping into one of the many handbag booths.  I found this GREAT reversible tote with interior zippered pouch and super cute tassel – perfect for carrying my computer for when I work on the go or to carry my kids’ electronics when we go out.  (I inevitably am the one that carries them even though we tell the boys that if they want to bring them, then they have to carry them.  Might as well carry them in style, right?!)

I had a great time and the Festival Flea Market wants my readers to have fun as well!  All you have to do is go to the Guest Services desk and tell them that you read my blog, and they will give you a special gift bag!  Check out all of the goodies you’ll get!

When you pick up your bag and share on social with #ShopFestival, you will be entered to win a $100 Festival gift card. The promotion began 9/9/16 at 12:01am ET and ends 9/30/16 at 11:59p ET. It is open to US residents, 18+. 

Redeem this certificate to receive $20 in Festivalue dollars to use as you wish (some exclusions apply) while you shop!

To learn more about Festival and how you can get there, check out their website!  Follow them on social media too!

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