Detail Shot Saturday: Wood and Denim

Wood Necklace: Thrifted/DIY; Jean Shirt, Cardigan: Thrifted

This detail shot is from a little while ago, since I haven't been in my normal thrifting routine for the past couple weeks. (Too many fun Christmas things to do! :)) But I really liked this outfit, which featured my favorite clothing item of 2011: my vintage red cardigan.

The necklace was made from thrifted leather cord and a thrifted wooden pendant, as the world's easiest DIY. (Ie: the only kind of DIY I ever do!)

With a metal allergy, wooden-and-leather jewelry is your best buddy. Especially when it costs less than a buck!

Well, I hope you have a great weekend! I have a long one, with Monday off, so I'm looking forward to thrifting, cleaning, laundry, and getting over my cold. :)

Always,
Amanda

PS: Happy New Year's Eve!!!

Scenes from Christmas!

    

We got back from Pensacola on Wednesday night, but I still have some catching up to do. :) While this isn't helping my laundry or cleaning get done, doing a new blog post is a fun thing to cross off my list!

First photo: Our stockings (my brother's, mine, Josh's, Mom's, Dad's, Grandpa's, and Grammy's!) all lined up under the tree on Christmas Eve. :)

Second: We opened a couple of presents that night after church, including the ones we got for my family! This 'Howdy' we got for my mom was a huge hit. :) Also, my Dollar Tree sparkly tissue paper made glitter go everywhere!! (Sorry again, Grandpa!) :)

Third: Our packed stockings under the tree. We all brought little things to put in each other's stockings, which was a lot of fun. We needed overflow bags since the stockings were so full!

Fourth: A photo of a Polaroid photo. :) Me, Grandma C, and Josh with the vintage cat box we got her. :)

Fifth: Tuesday night, (Josh and I's three year wedding anniversary!), we went through six whole boxes of sparklers! They were lovely and smokey, and we took some great photos. :) (The tall guy is my awesome 'little' brother!)

It was such a wonderful holiday with family- definitely one I'll never forget. :)

Always,
Amanda

Favorite Item of 2011: Vintage Red Sweater

Definitely my favorite piece of clothing this year was my vintage red sweater! It was perfect for early spring days, our summer trip to California, and even late Fall. :)

This sweater actually went to Florida with me for Christmas, too! Its just the right weight for perfect 50- or 60-degree weather. :)

I can't wait to see what my favorite piece of clothing is for 2012!

Always,
Amanda

Favorite Finds of 2011: Vintage Typewriter

Vintage Typewriter: Love of Jesus

This really cool electric typewriter in its original case was a find for less than ten bucks! Of course, it does have a faulty key, which turns it into some sort of crazed robot typewriter... But it's pretty to look at!

I definitely have a thing for old typewriters, and this one appeals to me even with its quirks. Next year, I hope to find an old pink one!

Always,
Amanda

Favorite Finds of 2011: Black Cat Bag

Kitty Bag: San Francisco Thrift Shop

In May, we went on an awesome trip to San Francisco with my parents. Of course we had to check out the thrift shops there!

My favorite find from the trip, and of the summer, was this cat head bag. :) It's super tiny, but it just makes me smile. There's nothing quite like a fun, animal-shaped bag!

Always,
Amanda

Favorite Finds of 2011: Vintage Fish Pendant

Vintage Fish Pendant: Estate Sale

This was a fun find from an interesting April estate sale. We had to wait in line to go in because the house was so tiny, and even then it was super-packed! There were quite a few good things, but this fish pendant was my favorite find of the day. :)

I proceeded to hang it on leather cord and wear it consistently for the rest of 2011. Definitely a favorite find!!

Always,
Amanda

Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas, everyone! We're in Pensacola, but I wanted to pop in in the middle of my Favorite Finds posts to wish you a great day. :)

Here are some Christmas lights photos from last Christmas, where we drove around in Josh's mom's Suburban and I took blurry snapshots. Ah, Christmas!

Always,
Amanda

Favorite Finds of 2011: Vintage Lipstick Holder

Vintage Girl Lipstick Holder: Antique Mall

I love this vintage lipstick tube holder!! It's so different and cute, although it took me a little while to figure out what it's meant for. :)

It's been in our bathroom/closet/dressing room since last January, holding my lipstick tubes and looking neat. Definitely one of my favorite finds of 2011!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: A Hat Like Janet

Vintage Wool Hat: Goodwill Outlet ($0.50)

When I brought this red wool hat home from Goodwill Outlet this past weekend, I wasn't reminded of anyone in particular. I just thought it was cool.

But when Josh saw it, he immediately said that it looked like a Janet Jackson hat! I thought that was such a funny reaction to a vintage wool hat, but once he said it, I couldn't think of anything else. :)

Now, the question: Can I pull off the Janet Jackson hat? That, my friends, remains to be seen!


Always,
Amanda


PS: This is my last regular post until we come back from our trip, but I have plenty of Favorite Finds of 2011 posts set up. :) Have a wonderful holiday, and Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

Thrift Find: Pirate Sandals!

Leather Sandals: Family Thrift ($2)

These great leather lace-up sandals were such a find for two bucks! What first caught my eye when I saw them on the shelf at Family Thrift was that they're made in Key West, Florida. :)

When I tried them on and felt the buttery-soft goodness, they had to be mine! Granted, it might be a little while before I can wear them. But how awesome will it be to sport nice leather pirate sandals all summer long? :)

Only two more days, and then we leave for Florida! I'm super excited! I've scheduled posts of some of my favorite finds of 2011 while we're gone, too. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Black and Blue, and Tan

Shirt, Vintage Coach Bag, Pendant: All Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Shoes: Wal Mart; Sweater: Gift

This was Sunday's outfit, perfect for a full, fun day. :) We went to Goodwill (where I scored a great new pair of jeans), the movies to see Young Adult, and to Williamsburg to see an old friend.

These shoes are new from Wal Mart, where I rarely shop. But I had to make an exception for these shoes, which are a girl's size 6 and covered in black chunky glitter! Awesome!

I hope your week is going well, and that you're ready for the upcoming holidays. :) I know I am!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Box Kitty!

Little Kitty Box: Goodwill Outlet

As you (very well) know by now, I've started thrifting kitty-themed things this past year. This has to do with the fact that in 2011 I got over my cat-fear and actually got my own kitty. I never thought this would happen, but I'm a little bit of a cat lady. :)

This little tiny cat box was so cute (and, weighing practically nothing, free) that I had to grab it. I think I could open an etsy shop just devoted to cat things, if I had the time!

Well, I'm off to work...just 4 more days until our Florida trip. :) So, so, so excited!!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Awesome Vintage Coach :)

Vintage Coach Bag: Love of Jesus ($7)

It's been a while since I've found a real vintage Coach bag at the thrifts. (At least, for under ten bucks!) So when I spotted this one in the boutique section of Love of Jesus, I had to get it! It is so soft and pretty, and flat enough to easily fit in my luggage. :)

Speaking of luggage, pretty much the rest of the week, all I'm going to be thinking about is our upcoming trip to Pensacola. While I'm not a huge fan of plane travel (we seem to have the worst luck! knock on wood!), I love going back to Florida to see my family. :)

Plus, I'll get to use my super awesome new backpack! I guess I should probably take a photo of it to show you the diamond-shaped-screenprint-covered goodness. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Condiment Colors and Boats

Cardigan, Shoes: Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Shirt: F21; Scarf: Target; Bag; Gift

This is actually Wednesday's outfit, from an early day off work! Josh and I were able to go to Goodwill Outlet together for the first time in months, and we both found some great things. :)

I scored my newest backpack, which is perfect for our upcoming trip to Florida! It's a brand-new black Jansport with black diamond shapes on it. :) Super fun, even though Josh wanted it for himself!

He got some video games and other guy things, though, so he was okay with letting me have the backpack. :) (Plus, I ended up thrifting him a manlier one yesterday!)

Well, I hope your weekend is super awesome so far!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Christmas Pickle

Vintage Heinz Pickle Pin: Midlothian Antiques

I love pickles. Just ask anyone who has ever lived with/dined with/hung out with me. :)

So when I spotted a vintage pickle pin on etsy last year, I knew I had to get one. (Just not at the hefty price it was listed at!) Sure enough, a couple months later, I saw the same Heinz pickle pin at Midlothian Antiques for a mere three bucks. And it went home with me, pinned right to my shirt!

That was quite awhile ago, but I still love my pickle pin. And as I've been seeing those Christmas pickle ornaments everywhere, I figured that mine could be a Christmas pickle, too. :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Last December, I Thrifted...

Mustache Mug: Goodwill

I love going through pictures from the past couple years and remembering my favorite finds! Last December, my favorite find was this awesome mustache mug. :)

Josh and I are huge fans of hot tea in the cool months, so we have a fun assortment of mugs we've thrifted. But, I think, this is my favorite! I don't know what it is about a classic mustache, but I just love it. :) This old shaving mug was given a new life in our home.

Happy Friday!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Bright Blue

Blue Saucer: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

We have a collection of Fiestaware that we use every day, and I love all the different colors. :) That's what drew me to this vintage saucer, which isn't Fiesta but is stamped 'USA'.

I know next to nothing about dishes/glassware/etc. (my Grammy is the expert on vintage dishware and glassware!), but when I really like a piece I get it. :) And, I think, this will go with our colorful Fiestaware just fine. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Black, Grey and Green

Shirt: Thrifted; Sweater, Shoes, Bag: Gifts; Jeans: Burlington; Necklace: DIY

This was my early Christmas outfit for this past Sunday, when we celebrated with the hubby's family. :) It was a packed day filled with gift giving, yummy food, and seeing The Descendants in an old-timey theater!

These boots were a gift from Josh's mom, and they are very comfy and warm! I decided to be matchy-matchy and pull out the bag Josh got me last year from TJMaxx. (It just has a cold-weather look to me. Can't explain why!)

Well, I'm off to my work Christmas party! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Itty Bitty Kitty

Kitty Jewelry Box: Good Samaritan ($1.50)

When I saw this adorable little kitty jewelry box in the 'fancy items' glass case at Good Samaritan, I was worried it would be overly expensive. When I asked to look at it and saw the price, I didn't hesitate to say I wanted it!

What stood out to me the most is that the cat's head is reminiscent of Lea Stein cat head brooches (which I have been wanting since I got a kitty!). Unfortunately, the brooches run upwards of $60 on eBay, and even more on etsy, so I doubt I'll be getting one any time soon. (Unless I thrift one, which would be an ultimate find!)

I hope your week is going smoothly so far. :) I can't believe it's just this week and next and it's Christmas!!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Mustard and Fringe

Suede Fringe Bag: Goodwill Outlet ($2)

When I went to Goodwill Outlet on Saturday, they were already putting out the new purse bins. It was madness, with people grabbing all the bags they could fit in their arms and taking them to their overflowing carts. This to say, I didn't expect to find anything left when I reached the bins!

For some reason, this awesome suede mustard bag with fringe was still there. :) I am a big fan of mustard-hued accessories and fringe, so this was a double-good find!


Have a great Monday, everyone. :)


Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Double Jeans and Animals

Jean Shirt, Cardigan, Necklace: All Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Bag: Target; Flats: eBay

Yesterday, I guess I had the hankering to wear animals! With my fox bag and turtle shoes, I felt like a strange zoo keeper. :)

This jean shirt is newly thrifted, and I think it will be better suited for the summer months. With sort of big sleeves, it's a little awkward under a sweater, but I wanted to wear it once before putting it away for awhile. :)

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: My DIY Name Necklace

Name Necklace: DIY

I have a habit of bending paper clips into letters, hearts, and even mustaches. (Yup, I am aware of how weird that makes me sound!) Anyway, I decided to make good use of this 'talent' and try to make a name necklace!

With craft wire and stretchy gold string from Michael's, I was able to easily make my name. :) I was super happy with the results, and I've been wearing my necklace to death! Let me know if you'd be interested in a giveaway- I'd love to make a personalized necklace for one of my awesome readers!

Always,
Amanda

Estate Sale Treasure: A Pretty Collar

Vintage Collar ($0.50)

I found this little guy in a box full of scarves at the first estate sale we went to Sunday. I'm not entirely sure what it was made for, but I sure know what I'm going to use it for!

I slipped it over my head at the estate sale, and I knew I had to have this 50 cent gem. :) It's the perfect vintage collar; a welcome addition to any boring top!

Always,
Amanda

Estate Sale Treasure: Pastel and Pac-Man!

New Old Stock Vintage Slippers ($1 for both), Vintage Pac-Man Sheets ($3)

I have some more estate sale finds from Sunday to show you all! :) These were from the second estate sale we went to, which was full of neat vintage things. (Including a whole room filled with old kid's toys! So cool!)

The upstairs of the house had a room with a separate shoe room, where I found these brand new vintage slippers for 50 cents each!

The Pac-Man sheets are also neat- it's a whole twin set. :) It was Josh who wanted these the most, I think! Silly hubby. :) But I really like them too, so it's okay!

I'll have more fun finds tomorrow. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Grey and Dots

Sweatshirt: F21; Jeans: Burlington; Shirt, Bag, Sunnies, Shoes: All Thrifted; Name Necklace: DIY

This was Sunday's lucky outfit! We were two-for-two in awesome estate sales: We found neat vintage goodies for ourselves and one awesome present for Josh's dad! :)

As for the outfit, I like how the cut of this sweatshirt makes layering under it a breeze. I think that adding polka dots to any outfit makes it cuter!

I hope you're having a great week. :) I'll be showing you all more of our estate sale treasures in the next couple days!

Always,
Amanda

Estate Sale Treasure: Scalloped Leather!

Vintage Leather Purse: Estate Sale ($1)

The hubby and I went to two awesome estate sales on Sunday, which was welcome after so-so thrifting the day before.

We had quite a few great finds, but this vintage leather purse is my favorite! I love the worn leather and scalloped edges. :) And, unlike many old leather purses, this one doesn't have a musty smell at all.

I can't wait to use it!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Wocka, Wocka, Wocka!

1980s Muppet Hear-and-Read Book with Record: Goodwill Outlet ($0.50)

I just recently saw the new Muppets movie, and I loved it! It was so perfectly cheesy and wonderful. :) I grew up watching The Muppet Show and Muppet Babies, so they remind me of my childhood.

This cute little vintage book is about Mother's Day, and Animal trying to find his mother. (She turns out to be a drummer, just like him, and they find her by hearing her drumming!)

This was just about my only thrifted find from Saturday, believe it or not! But we were super-successful at two estate sales yesterday, and I can't wait to show you the cool things we found!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Cable Knit and Plane Worthy Wear

Cardigan, Shirt, Scarf, Bag: All Thrifted; Jeans, Shoes: Burlington

I thrifted this cable knit sweater from my local Goodwill the other day, and I love it! It's really warm, but not too thick and bulky, like some cable knits can be.

This is actually the outfit I might wear to travel to Florida in a couple weeks. It has all the components of a successful flying outfit: Comfy jeans, shoes that are easy to take off/run in if needed, a scarf to keep warm on the plane, and a sweater that's too fluffy to fit in my suitcase!

I might change up a thing or two, but the above is basically my go-to rules for airplane travel-wear. :) Now, off to an estate sale!

Always,
Amanda

Christmas Lights and a Moose

Thursday evening through yesterday evening, I had a very unpleasant bug that kept me home and in misery for a whole 24 hours. :( I'm not sure what I came down with, but I'm guessing it was something I ate. Add that to cramps, and it wasn't the best-ever day.

On a happier note, I'm so glad it's finally December. :) Christmas decorations have admittedly been up in our apartment for awhile, but I thought I'd share a couple photos since it's nearing Christmastime!

I didn't put up our bigger Christmas tree, mostly because my little desk is now where the tree was in past years. But I did manage our stockings, some lights, and a tiny tree. :) Christmas decorations make me happy.

I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: An $8 Quilt!

Homemade Quilt: Goodwill ($8)

I love quilts! There is nothing better on a cold day than cuddling under a homemade quilt and reading a book. Right now, I'm re-reading The Swiss Family Robinson (a 1930s edition!), which is perfect for cozy reading.

This quilt was a lucky $8 find from my local Goodwill, hiding between the odd-sized linens and ugly pillowcases! It's homemade and lovely-the type of quilt that costs about $100 at our local antique shops. :)

Have a great Friday, everyone!! I can't wait for the weekend!!!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Fish for the Wall

Handmade Fish Wall Art: Goodwill Outlet

My maiden name is a type of fish, so I've always been drawn to fish things. I've got a fish brooch, even!

So when I saw this homemade, Modge-Podged fish art, I had to get it for my side of our bedroom. :) While it's not as girlie as most of my wall decor, it adds a little bit of character!

I hope your week's going well- I can't wait to go thrifting this weekend!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Dressed-Down Wingtips

Oxfords: Family Thrift ($5)

Most wingtip oxfords are sort of fancy. They're usually a serious color and material, and that's cool. But sometimes life calls for a comfy tennis shoe alternative, you know?

At Family Thrift, the shoes are a little more expensive than the other thrifts nearby, so I usually skip their shoe section. Luckily, a couple weekends ago, I took a peek to see if there was anything good, and found these! They're brand new and my size. :) I love them!

Have you had any shoe luck at the thrifts lately?

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Pretty Pretty Prism

Glass Pendant: Goodwill Outlet

I promised awhile ago to show you all a close-up of the glass pendant I found in the Goodwill Outlet bins. Well, here it is! I attached this heavy beauty onto a thrifted leather cord, and voila! A nice necklace. :)

I love getting creative with non-metal jewelry, since I can't wear most metals. Of my favorite materials for allergy-free jewelry, glass is near the top with bakelite and wood. :)

Now, if I could just find the perfect all-wood, or all-bakelite watch, I'd be in heaven!

Always,
Amanda

PS: Speaking of heaven, I forgot one of the things I'm thankful for in my Thanksgiving post: God! I don't usually talk about religion here, but I just wanted to clarify that He definitely belongs on my list.

Thrift Find: Electric Typewriter Madness

Electric Typewriter ($5): Love of Jesus

I was excited to find this working electric typewriter at the Love of Jesus thrift on Saturday. It's a really cute shade of blue/grey, and it's been a long time since I found a cool typewriter worth getting. :)

Unfortunately, while it works mostly fine, it has a small problem I found out the hard way. Every other letter works great, until you reach the 'y' key. Then it's like the typewriter is alive and it's out to get you! The 'y' key will hit the page over and over and over, quickly and crazily, until you turn off the machine.

I tried to ignore it, but it seems that 'y' is a oft-used letter. Unless I think of some way to fix it (any ideas?), it'll sit pretty on a shelf in our room. I guess the moral of this story is: if you get something that seems to work but might not, get one that'll look pretty on a shelf!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Silver, Black and Blue Jeans

Shirt, Jeans, Flats, Vintage Coach Bag: All Thrifted; Sweater: JCrew Warehouse Sale, gift from hubby

This was my 'celebrating Thanksgiving a day late' outfit. :) My poor hubby had to work Thanksgiving day, so we went over to his family's house to eat on Friday instead. And boy, did we eat!

This was comfy, but a little bit dressed up for the holiday. I, for one, am glad that it's finally almost December! Thanksgiving is super fun, with great food and family, but there's nothing I like more than finding the perfect gifts for everyone!!

Have a great day. :)

Always,
Amanda

Estate Sale Treasure: Pretty Blankets

Vintage Blankets ($1 each), Estate Sale

The estate sale that the hubby and I went to last Sunday had quite a few neat vintage things! Most of the things we got are Christmas presents for my sis-in-law, and I know she'll love them. :)

I scored these blankets for a dollar each for us to keep, though. A thorough washing and drying left them smelling wonderful and feeling cozy. Josh has claimed the mustard yellow one for himself (although I love the color!), and the pink and white one is mine. I love how it's super-soft, but also warm and easy to fold into a travel-size square. :)

Well, I'm off to work this morning, which is strange since I've been off a couple days! But I'm for sure going to the thrifts once I get off!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Cannes Film Festival Wall Art

Wall Art ($2.98): Family Thrift

I was drawn to this wall art because of the night sky/world thing going on. Then I realized it was a Cannes Film Festival poster board! Pretty neat. :)

I assumed, being in hipster Richmond, that it would be out of my price range just because it's cool. Nope, it was less than three bucks! So I obviously got it and put it up in our apartment. :)

Alright, well, have a great day! We're celebrating Thanksgiving today at my in-laws, so I'm about to eat some yummy food!!

Always,
Amanda

Today, I'm Thankful For...

My favorite tree outside our apartment. :)

• Pretty trees with pretty leaves.
• A day off to relax!
• Of course, my family. :)
• Included in my family, but also deserving of his own line, my amazing husband!
• My sweet kitty Moxie, and how she makes me laugh.
• Rediscovering old books, like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
• Green. Bean. Casserole. !!!!
• Christmas Eve is only a month away. :) 

 Have a great day, everyone!

Always,
Amanda