It is easy to become overwhelmed when shopping at a flea market or any place that offer lots of purchasing options. Because of this you're likely to leave without buying what you really wanted and instead end up with items that you should have left behind.

So what can a Diva do? Plan. Start a wish list of items you would like to find and keep a set of shopping guidelines against which you can evaluate potential purchases.

Take the list with you on your shopping trips and LOOK at it often. This simple tip will keep you from returning home only to realize there was something you meant to look for. Include measurements, color, pattern names, etc...anything that might be important to know once you come upon a potential buy. We have found that keeping a "wish" notebook is also helpful.

Bring pictures along on shopping missions. This will not only keep you focused but you can show them to a vendor who may have just what you are looking for tucked away in a box or at another location.

Flea Markets
Do get there when it opens. This seems like such an obvious thing but for us Divas who love our beauty rest, we sometimes need this tip drilled into our pretty heads.

Do a first go-around through the flea market quickly to get an overview of what's available. Take a pad and pen with you to note the location of things you like.

Don't buy something on this first go around unless you see something you simply must have or you know for sure is a valuable deal. Many times you will see the item for less at another vendor's stall. Then go back to the vendors that had items you were interested in.

Do concentrate on the items you already know you want. This is where a list prepared ahead of time is key. It helps you to make a snap decision. Bargain hunting isn't the time to agonize over a purchase. If you don't buy it quickly, someone else will.