Shopping with the Magpie Sisters & Lara Spencer

Oct 17, 2026 · @David

A Playdate Turns Into a Weekend

Some friendships start in the comments section and never look back. Leslle and Deidra Sarego, better known on Instagram as the Magpie Sisters, have been following along with Lance and me since before we bought the Governor's Mansion in Commerce. That's more than ten years of likes, DMs, and cheering each other on.

So when they heard we'd be in their neck of the woods for one of our classes, they asked a simple question: could we have a playdate?

Then Lara Spencer, yes, that Lara Spencer from Flea Market Flip and host of That Thrifting Show with Lara Spencer, heard from the Magpie Sisters we were heading that way, she had to come. A playdate became a weekend. And what a weekend it was.

The group chat that started it all

Once the plan was set, the texts started flying. Here's something you should know: the Magpie Sisters met Lara in middle school. You can tell they're lifelong friends just by reading their texts. Leslle and Deidra are a true Italian-American family, full of love and full of sauce. Lara jumps right into the mix and keeps it real. Lance and I started looking forward to every new message as pure comic relief.

On my way to the airport for one of our topiary classes in Chicago, we called Leslle. We talked about absolutely nothing and hung up with our cheeks hurting from laughing. That's when we knew this trip was going to be epic, and one we could not miss.

Day 1: Lambertville (New Jersey… or Was It Pennsylvania?)

Lance and I flew into Philly and drove to Lambertville. Was it New Jersey or Pennsylvania? I honestly couldn't tell you. (For the record, Lambertville is in New Jersey, and New Hope, Pennsylvania, is right across the bridge.) All I know is that we crossed the Delaware River every single day, and this time of year it was gorgeous.

Lance dropped me at the Airbnb so I could get some work done, then headed off to meet Leslle. Yes, that's Leslle with three L's. She makes you feel like family the minute you meet her: engaging, full of stories, and absolutely no filter. Lance was on a mission to find more vintage Christmas ornaments, and Leslle knows where all the bodies are buried around there. She took him to every good spot, and they scored big.

Meanwhile, back at the house, I was working with Falcon Crest reruns in the background. Not by choice. I couldn't figure out how to change the channel.

And then, Lara

Two hours later, Lance and Leslle popped through the door, and right behind them came Lara Spencer.

Here's what I want you to know: the joy you see on TV is 100% real. She was warm, funny, welcoming, and completely ready for the hunt.

But wait. Where was Deidra? (Hang tight. You'll meet her soon.)

We raided the snacks Lance and Leslle had picked up, then headed into town for dinner. Parking is tough there, so when we found a spot, we grabbed it. It just happened to be about two miles from the restaurant.

I didn't care one bit. It was a beautiful night, and the town looked like it was carved straight out of Gilmore Girls. The old homes were dressed for Halloween in the most magical ways. We walked and talked and swapped stories like we'd known each other our whole lives.

And just like George Washington, I got to cross the Delaware at night. Okay, I walked across a bridge. But I'm pretty sure George would have done the same if one had been there.

Meet Deidra

After dinner, we finally met Deidra at a local bar for drinks. She'd had to work late. She was exactly as her sister described her: feisty, with an enormous, beautiful heart. (Remember that "feisty" part. It comes back.)

Day 2: Treasure Hunting at the Golden Nugget Antique Market

Lance and I are early risers, so we were up at 5:30. I knocked out my Saturday morning email blast while Lance went to make coffee.

One problem: the coffee maker didn't work.

We were due to meet Lara in the kitchen at 6:45. Without Lance's coffee and my morning Coke, there were going to be issues. So Lance tracked down a Dunkin' and came back with coffee for himself and Lara. I had my soda. Crisis averted, and the day was looking pretty.

Coffee Talk and Shopping (Lance and Lara)

Shopping alongside Lara Spencer

The hunt kicked off at the Golden Nugget Antique Market in Lambertville, one of the best flea markets in New Jersey and a favorite of antique hunters since 1967. Vendors were still setting up as Lance and Lara scoured the tables for the good stuff. Lara was also shooting for her YouTube channel, so Wilson, her cameraman, was on his way.

Early-morning finds at the Golden Nugget. (Lance and Lara)

It's a lot to interview two people at once while surrounded by that many pretty, shiny things. So while Lara and Lance filmed, I wandered off to explore. (Don't worry, Lara got me in a few shots too.)

At one point, Lara snuck up behind me, rested her head on my shoulder, and tickled my back. She asked what I was buying. It was a vintage Ralph Lauren vase. If you're a child of the '80s like Lara, Lance, and me, you understand the obsession with Ralph.

Enter the Magpie Sisters

About an hour later, the Magpie Sisters arrived, and the real exploring began. It was fascinating to see the market through their eyes: what caught their attention and how they sized things up. A couple of pieces we'd spotted earlier, and even discussed on camera, ended up going home with the sisters.

The whole crew, on the hunt. (Lance, Lara, Leslle, and Deidra)

And remember, the sisters grew up right alongside Lara, so they love Ralph Lauren as much as we do.