My apologies for two local-based posts in a row, but I wanted to share another neat place we visited this weekend! Market Imports is located at the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh, and it’s full of treasures. Mostly too-expensive-for-Emily’s-budget treasures, but fun to browse, regardless. Here are some of the items that caught my eye…

I think this metal cabinet would be perfect in a craft room! ($395)

There were so many jars! They kind of looked like these ones from Pottery Barn, and at $26-$44 a pop depending on size, not too bad of a price. I’m sad I didn’t leave with one.

I liked the number tags on these little galvanized pails. ($9.50 each)

This would be the perfect stool for beside a bed or sofa. ($95)

The Coast Guard daughter in me loved this life preserver ring. I don’t have a great feel for what these typically go for, but I thought the price of $45 was pretty reasonable.

This bottle dryer, on the other hand, definitely seemed overpriced at $255, but I liked it anyway.

This guy would be cute next to a sofa, as well, or on a patio. ($265)

This teal lantern was missing a pane of glass and so was marked 40% off from its original price of $59. I was dissuaded from bringing it home, but one of you Carolina gals should go snatch it up!!

Favorite find of the day? These copper lanterns, $89 each.

Do you have a favorite antique shop near you?

I love this bathroom! The beaded board on the walls, the beautiful flooring, the medicine cabinets, the light fixture (which you can pick up here), and most especially the pedestal sink. I know some people prefer cabinets for their storage, but in my opinion, nothing can beat the charm of a pedestal. Plus, when you have a delightful wire basket (like mine!) to store extra towels, who needs cabinet storage? :)

Image by Emily Gilbert from RUE Magazine’s fifth issue. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I would highly recommend! I particularly liked the story this photo came from, “Farmstead Restoration.” It starts on page 84!

P.S. On Saturday, I painted the first room in our apartment! Just primer so far, but color is soon to follow. Longer update soon!

Time for a garden update! When last you saw our apartment garden, we had seedlings in the shower and empty pots outside. I’m happy to say that everyone has now transitioned outside, and is enjoying the North Carolina sun!

Not all of the seedlings made it, however. Basil, jalapeno, dahlia, and poblano were grown from seed and doing great.

Lettuce and cilantro were sown outside and are also doing great.

We caved and bought already-started plants at Lowes for bell pepper and mint, but I don’t regret it! We’ve used mint in many dishes already, and we figure buying the bell pepper gives us a better chance at a real harvest (compensating in part for the fact that it doesn’t get as much sun as it would like on our balcony).

If you have a garden, how is it doing? Harvested anything yet?

You all know I am a big fan of Better Homes & Gardens. Fun fact: I have continuously subscribed to BHG since 1999, which might make me their youngest subscriber ever. There was one point maybe 4-5 years ago when I was seriously considering not renewing my subscription, but then the current Editor in Chief, Gayle, arrived, and things began to turn around. They’re pretty much on fire now, as evidenced by my two recent posts on their awesomeness (here + here).

I know many of my readers are BHG fans, as well, so I wanted to share that their complete site redesign launched today! I got a sneak peek earlier this week, and it looks beautiful. The biggest improvement, in my opinion, is the larger images across all departments, which I’m sure y’all will love, as well.

Cupcakes! Bedroom makeovers! They all look so bright and beautiful now. Go take a look around and see for yourself!

And to celebrate, BHG has given me five 1-year subscriptions to give away to my readers! To enter, just leave a comment on this post before Friday, May 27, and I’ll randomly select five winners. Good luck!