The Gladstone Hotel, via whichever genius keeps curating such splendid, artistically-driven events, is putting on a market – the Gladstone Artists and Fleas Market, on Saturday April 7th from 11am to 4pm, and they’re looking for artists, designers, craftspeople, and vintage hunter-gatherers to submit work. Interested? Email zoe@gladstonehotel.com.

For those of us just looking to shop, with a grand offerering of vintage clothing, art and designer goods, you’ll be bound to find just the right thing that you weren’t actually aware you needed. I never think in terms of need.  I think in terms of gift.

I’ve recently been overdoing it with the gift giving.  It was my New Year’s resolution to spend my money more wisely, and also to give more gifts. I can only imagine what delights will be in store for the happy gift shopper at the Gladstone hotel.  Nothing says Saturday morning like a friendly brunch before the hunt (if you haven’t dined at the Gladstone, make it a priority), and nothing says Saturday evening like basking in the glow of adorable trinkets, revelling in the glory of beautiful things (like those cute little ball things with eyes!  Or that banner, I bet they’ve got  more banners…).

Spending money wisely and showering your friends in gifts indeed have a link, and that link is investment.  Investing in relationships with offerings of love and friendship can only lead to good.  Supporting artists in your city is a wise choice, and that should go without saying, but it doesn’t.  So dig deep into your pockets and don’t bother with justification. 

And now, an anecdote: Once I was in line at a bar and I was blowing bubble gum.  The bouncer (a very jolly man) ambled over and said, “Those are some bi-iiii-g ass bubbles, babygirl,” to which I snapped my gum and offered him a slice. He gladly accepted, began to chew, and returned a few minutes later with a free pass (the cover was $15… I was in first year) and one of the most memorable utterances of my life: “Gi-iiii-ve and you shall receive, babygirl!”

~ Annie Webber