Thrift Find: A Fiery Skim Board

Skim Board: Good Samaritan ($3)

When I saw this neat-looking skim board at Good Samaritan, I knew I had to get it for Josh! The only problem was that it didn't have a price on it.

I asked the lady at the register how much it was, hoping it would be inexpensive. She didn't know what it was (Oh, that boogy board?) and had to ask her manager. But it was just three bucks! I was super excited to find something so cool for so little. :)

The hubby likes it a lot, too! Although he is a little scared to get back on a skim board because, in his words, he's 'getting old'. Even if he never rides it, it is a cool bit of apartment decoration for less than five bucks. I'd say that's a win!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: A Little 60s Suitcase :)

Vintage 60s Children's Suitcase: Good Samaritan ($3)

I am so in love with this little suitcase! The green and blue tapestry fabric is perfect, and the little size would make it a great weekend bag. :)

Now, to just have a weekend getaway to use it! For now, it sits under my desk and serves as a pretty place to store not-so-pretty desk things.

Have a great Monday, everyone. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Grey and Gold

Jeans, Necklace: Thrifted; Shoes, Cardigan, Bug Pin: JCrew Warehouse Sale; Shirt: Target Clearance; Bag: DIY

Yesterday's weather was the opposite of last Saturday's: lovely and sunny! I spent the afternoon going through the Goodwill bins and searching through the other thrift stores. :)

I found more cool things that I have in months, so I can't wait to show them all to you this week! I found something really awesome for Josh, some vintage goodies, some mustard-hued things, and more. :)

As for this outfit...it was made up of whatever wasn't in the hamper. Do you have those days, when you realize that all your go-to clothes are dirty? Come to think of it, I should go do some laundry! Have a great rest of your weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Color Madness

Jacket: Target; Scarf: Thrifted

This thrifted scarf is so full of color that I, for a while, found it difficult to wear. I don't try to pull off crayon-box colorful looks, usually sticking to neutrals with a pop or two of color.

I finally decided to just bite the bullet and pair it with a simple outfit on a rainy day, and I liked it quite a bit! The rainbow of colors somewhat made up for that totally grey day. :)

Well, I'm off to work, and then the thrifts!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted DIY: Put a Heart on It #2

Heart Tote: DIY

I've been really wanting a heart tote since seeing this one from Fluffy Co. And although that one is still on my wish list, I decided I could make a similar one for a lot less! I used a tote I purchased for $3 and thrifted paint and paintbrushes. :)

Supplies: Acrylic paint; sponge brush; small paintbrush; Sharpie; large tote; heart-shaped chocolate box

How-to: 

1. Trace the outline of a heart-shaped chocolate box onto a large tote with a black Sharpie.
2. Squeeze paint inside the heart, and paint the inside with a sponge brush. 
3. Paint around the edges of the heart with a small paintbrush.
4. Dry in a kitty-free area.
5. Use your thrifty tote as a cute purse alternative. :)

Perfect for Valentine's Day! Have a great weekend, everyone.

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: A Colorful Armadillo

Armadillo: Goodwill Outlet

I couldn't resist this colorfully painted armadillo that was in the Goodwill Outlet bins on Saturday. I mean, it's a bobble-head! And bobble-tail, too, actually. :)

Something about fun, unique animal things really draws me in. And what's more fun and unique than a pink and yellow armadillo?

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Vintage Market Bag

Vintage Market Bag: Goodwill Outlet ($2)

One thing I am always on the lookout for is a good market bag. Leather straps and a woven bucket shape make it perfect for throwing over your shoulder as you head out the door. :)

This one has a strange bend in it that I'm working on flattening out, but I love the tan and orange stripes and the large size! And the best thing about it? I didn't have to fight for it, since the crazed Goodwill Outlet shoppers who first raided the bin left this in there. (They seem to leave the cool vintage bags and go for fake designer ones for some reason!)

I hope you're having a great week. :)

Always,
Amanda

Retail/Thrifted: Mod Podge!

Mod Podge: Goodwill Outlet

Today's Retail/Thrifted features something that I've been meaning to purchase: Mod Podge! It's pretty expensive in the store for a larger container, which is why I've avoided getting some until now. But when I saw a brand new, sealed one in the Goodwill Outlet bin, I grabbed it!

Retail Price: $8.68 on Amazon

Thrifted Price: $0.53 at Goodwill Outlet

Amount Saved: $8.15!

I'm excited to combine my new Mod Podge with chunky glitter to make exciting new glittery DIYs!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: In Stitches

Lion Needlepoint Wall Art: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

My favorite (and largest) find of the weekend was this needlepoint lion. I love the attention to detail in the lion's face: Just look at those eyes!

The one strange thing that I'm just now noticing is that it's a lion's head in the middle of a tree. Hm. I wonder if the person who made this was following a pattern, or if they just thought it up one afternoon.

"You know what would be cool?" The quirky grandma would ask with sparkle in her eyes. "A lion/tree trunk hybrid needlepoint! With a blood red background!"

The funny thing is, I can see myself becoming that quirky, cool sort of grandma some day. The kind who will play funny, made-up songs on her guitar, and who will make or thrift neat, weird things that kids will love and other adults won't quite understand. For now, I just have her needlepoint hanging in our apartment. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Colorful Stripes and Kitty Cats

Shirt, Shoes, Scarf: Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Bag: DIY; Jacket: Target

Yesterday was overcast and rainy, which isn't the best weather for outfit pictures! I sort of like the non-crisp nature of this photo, though. It reminds me of a film camera shot. :)

On a non-weather note, I love this bag I DIY'd shortly after we got our kitty, Moxie. It was super simple to make: I just crafted a stamp with foam glued to a piece of wood, dipped it in the paint, and stamped it all over! It isn't perfect, but I like it all the same. :)

I hope your weekend is going well! I've been catching up on shows via Hulu Plus, thrifting, and just taking it easy. My kind of weekend, for sure!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Green is Good

Sweatshirt: F21; Watch: Gift from Grammy

I love this watch that Grammy got me for Christmas! It has no metal to touch my skin, it's my favorite color, and it's unique. :) Triple awesome.

I'm so glad to finally have a couple of watch options, which is not easy for a metal-allergic gal like me! I should do a post sometime with my crazy little watch collection. :)

Well, I am off to try and have a great weekend. I plan to enjoy every second of it!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Hunter Green

Sweater, Pin, Bensimon Shoes: JCrew Warehouse Sale; Shirt, Jeans, Bag: Thrifted; Necklace: JCrew Outlet

This past weekend, Josh and I went to a pop-up JCrew Warehouse Sale. We had one here last year too, and they are so fun! There are boxes and boxes of random JCrew samples, accessories, and clothes. It's like (a more expensive version of) Goodwill Outlet. :)

My awesome hubby got me this hunter green sweater, Bensimon shoes, and bug pin! I'm really loving them all- the sweater might even be in competition with my mustard sweater as my new favorite. :)

Happy Friday, everyone!

Always,
Amanda

Retail/Thrifted: Archipelago Candle

Archipelago Candle: Family Thrift

Today, I'm starting a new feature inspired by the fact that I've thrifted so many nice things lately for way less than retail. Even when I don't know the brand, I can generally tell when something is well made and well worth the thrift price. :)

This Bergamot Tobacco scented candle is housed in weighty glass with fancy, understated decoration. I love the smell, (although I very much dislike tobacco smoke in real life) and I'm always on the lookout for a nice, unused candle.

Retail Price: $32.95 on Amazon

Thrifted Price: $1.00 at Family Thrift

Amount Saved: $31.95!

Pretty good, I'd say, for the price of a dollar store candle!

Always,
Amanda

The Tale of the Thrifted Playstation 3

I'm still a little frustrated at this find because we just can't get it to work. But I thought I'd go ahead and share our Playstation 3 story...

I went to Goodwill Outlet Saturday morning, and went through most of the bins with a still-empty basket. It was a little disappointing to not find anything good after searching through so many bins, but I had a couple more rows to go through.

That's when I heard a woman telling her son that there was a Playstation in the bin. I thought it was probably just an old one, so I kept going while they looked at it. When they set it back down and walked away, I went over to the bin to take a peek...and there it was. A Playstation 3 console! It had a cover on it, so you couldn't see the huge 'Playstation 3' across the top, but that's definitely what it was.

Playstation 3: Goodwill Outlet ($6)

All that was missing (other than the cords) was one of the front panels, which is just decorative. Figuring I had nothing to lose but a couple bucks, I went ahead and got it. It was weighed by the pound, and it ended up being six dollars for the console with an 80G hard drive.

I was super excited to get this home, take off the cover, and give it to Josh. While I figured it wouldn't work right away, I thought we might be able to fix it. So I took the cover off and waited for Josh to come home from work.

With the Dark Knight cover off, it looked pretty good! And when I plugged it into the wall, it turned on and cranked up! I took that as a good sign that we might be able to get it running. When my hubby got home from work, he couldn't believe that I had thrifted a PS3. I knew it was a pretty great find, but he was really excited.

That's when the real fun started. We plugged it into the TV with all the correct cords and hit the on button. It was so exciting to see something start to come up on the screen...until we saw what it was.

Apparently, our poor thrifted PS3 has the 'red screen of death.' Dun, dun, dun. I googled and you-tubed the heck out of the issue, and we tried all the possible fixes but one. (And there are a lot.) The only thing we haven't tried is heating up the motherboard to melt some of the components back together. (Just because that sounds a little crazy and is something Josh will have to do.)

But for now, we are the proud owners of a six dollar Playstation 3 that proudly displays a red screen. And nothing else! (We are gladly taking any suggestions you might have. :))

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Like a Bottle Thrown to Sea...But Not

Leather-Covered Bottle: Family Thrift ($4)

So, other than the Simple shoes and a pair of sunglasses that may or may not glow in the dark, I didn't find anything else for myself on Saturday. But I did find a couple presents for Josh!

This leather-covered bottle, which probably started its existence as a super-fancy-expensive wine bottle, is something I knew my hubby would love. :) He has a little collection of vintage crystal decanters, and I thought this would look really cool next to them. I was glad when he was as excited about this neat bottle as I was!

I found him a couple other things, but I'm still feeling a little disappointed about one of them that just doesn't want to work...

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Simple Shoes

Simple Shoes: Family Thrift ($2)

I've been looking for a new pair of tennis shoes for awhile, and these cute Simple shoes fit the bill perfectly. :) I love the color, (although it is a little Pepto-like...) and they are super comfy!

Shoes like these are one reason I am a fan of thrift shopping. I was looking for some new sneakers, and there they were for two bucks. :) So much better than paying retail!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Stripes and Green

Sunnies, Scarf, Bag: All Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Sweatshirt: F21; Shoes: Plato's Closet; Watch: gift from Grammy

When I don't feel like thinking too much about an outfit, I go with something easy and then add accessories. Yesterday I was in a green mood, so I went with my green flats and a matching watch that Grammy got me for Christmas. (It's so thoughtful when someone finds me a non-metal watch, and this one seriously has no metal anywhere! I love it. :))

This striped silk scarf was an old find that needed a washing. While I usually hand-wash the vintage scarves I find, I decided to take a chance on putting in the washer. And it turned out just fine! Score one for the too-lazy-to-hand-wash camp. :)

I hope you're having a great weekend! I am looking forward to hanging out with Josh today and tomorrow. :)

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Suede Parade

Bag: Goodwill Outlet; Minnetonka Mocs: Waterfront Rescue Mission

I feel like every post this past week has involved these Minnetonkas, but what can I say? I am in love! It's so exciting to finally find something that's been on your thrift list for ages. :) Now, if I can find a vintage acoustic guitar, the perfect leather jacket, and some more JCrew goodies, I'd be set!

This pink suede purse is one I hadn't used in awhile, but the cross-body style makes it perfect for thrifting. I think I've been on a bit of a suede kick lately. Probably due to the mild winter we've been having. :) You definitely won't hear me complaining about that!

Have a great day- I'm off to enjoy my three-day weekend now that I'm finally feeling better!!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Hearts and Mocs

Sweater, Mocs, Bag: All Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Necklace: JCrew

This simple, cozy outfit is from a couple weekends ago. I love this heart sweater that I thrifted right before our Pensacola trip! I wore it on Christmas day just because I like it so much. :) (Despite the fact that it is more of a Valentine's Day sweater...)

Also, I found this super-soft leather bag while I was cleaning our apartment last weekend! I had forgotten about it, but the mix of black and tan makes it the perfect cross-body bag. :)

I hope you have a great Friday! (The 13th!)

Always,
Amanda

Florida Thrift Find: Vintage Pendleton

Vintage Pendleton Backpack: Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola ($5)

Well, I am finally feeling better after being sick since Christmas! On that note, I actually remembered to write my post on time. :)

Anyway, here's my other favorite Florida find: a vintage Pendleton wool backpack! I am a huge fan of Pendleton, though I can't even begin to afford their new things. Luckily, I've found vintage items while thrifting for much less than retail!

One thing I hadn't found at the Richmond thrifts was a Pendleton bag of any sort. My dream find is a neat wool purse, with blues and yellows and a cool design. But this backpack was a pretty awesome find for five bucks! I seem to be having a thing for backpacks lately. :)

I hope you all have a great day!

Always,
Amanda

A Colorful Vintage Gift

Vintage Metal Glasses: Gift from Grandma C

I was so surprised- and excited- to get these colorful vintage cups from my Grandma C for Josh and I's three year anniversary! They are such a thoughtful gift that I honestly love. :)

My favorite things about them are the wonderful colors, and the fact that my mom drank out of ones just like them when she was a kid. Josh's favorite is the blue cup, which is the same shade as his Mustang, and I love the bright pink and the dark green. :)

They're so pretty that I just want to look at them all the time! Thank you, Grandma C. :)

Always,
Amanda

PS: Sorry for the later-than-usual post...I'm home sick, and I just completely forgot to post! I went to the doctor and got some medicine, so I should be feeling better really soon. :)

Florida Thrift Finds: My Minnetonkas!

Minnetonka Mocs: Waterfront Rescue Mission Pensacola ($8)

I've been on the hunt for a pair of Minnetonka Thunderbird Mocs for the longest time. While I've thrifted a couple pairs of Minnetonkas in Richmond, none were the perfect ones I'd had my eye on.

When I spotted these at my favorite Pensacola thrift store Waterfront Rescue Misson, I couldn't believe it! They were just right, brand new, and my size! I was perfectly happy to pay eight bucks for these awesome mocs that had been on my thrift list for almost a year. :)

I'll have more of my Florida finds this week!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Old-School Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Mug: Family Thrift ($0.40)

I had little luck at the thrifts this past Saturday. I planned to just hit up Goodwill Outlet and go home, but after coming up empty-handed I decided to go to a couple more stores. In what may be a personal thrifting record, I only spent forty cents all day.

Luckily, it was money well spent, because I really love this Harry Potter-bedecked find! From the year 2000, this mug is practically vintage! Or at least from back before the movies, which seems like a lifetime ago to someone who graduated middle school that year.

I can't wait to enjoy my nighttime tea in this neat mug! Although I'd prefer butterbeer.

Always,
Amanda

PS: Who wants to take me to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando? 'Cause I really want to go!

Outfitted In: Pink and Pandas (and Mustard)

Sweater, Shirt: F21; Jeans: Burlington; Necklace: JCrew; Bag, Mocs: Thrifted

As can tell from this picture, it was very sunny yesterday! And it was warm!

I have to say, I am preferring this winter weather to last winter's snow and freezing temps. :) This Florida girl likes some sunshine!

And the outfit, well, I wore my mustard cardigan again. I just couldn't help it. Also, my trusty F21 panda shirt and my Minnetonka Mocs I thrifted in Pensacola! More on them tomorrow. :)

Have a great day, everyone!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: New Favorites

Necklace: JCrew, Gift; Sweater: F21, Gift Card; Shirt: Thrifted

I'm in love with these two new wardrobe pieces!! This necklace is definitely my new favorite- it just seems to add class to any outfit.

And my new little mustard is so soft and cuddly that I wore it every day last weekend! I'll probably have to put effort into not wearing it every weekend. :)

With a lingering cold and work this morning, I'm not sure I'll get much thrifting done today. (Oh, who am I kidding, I'll probably still hit Goodwill Outlet...)

I also got my thrift finds from Florida in the mail the other day, and I can't wait to show you the great things I found there!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: An E-Panda

Electronic Panda: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

We saw a huge one of these electronic pandas at Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola, but it was too big to bring home. Naturally, when I saw this baby one in the Goodwill bins, I had to get it and see what it did. :)

Alas, the batteries are dead, and the ones I thought I had at home are nowhere to be found! (Don't you hate that? I need to have a huge stockpile of batteries...)

For now, this little guy lives on our shelf, and hopefully won't turn out to be psycho when we put the batteries in!

Have a great Friday. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Occasions by Kate Spade

Occasions by Kate Spade: Goodwill Outlet ($0.50)

I gravitated toward this book at first because of the interesting cover. But when I opened it, I was sold! It's both well-written and pretty, packed with advice for different occasions and illustrations to inspire.

And it was fifty cents!

I had to share some of the inside pages, which I found charming and reminiscent of Domino Magazine. (Best magazine ever.) Although my favorite thing about the book, despite the great content, remains the unique cover. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: An iPod for Pocket Change :)

First Gen. iPod Nano: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

When I saw this little iPod Nano in the Goodwill Outlet bins, I thought it must be one of those faux iPod mp3 players. You know, the kind they sell at closeout stores for seven bucks? But upon closer inspection, I saw that it was real!

While it is pretty outdated, I'm still a little stoked to have a found a working iPod for next to nothing. :) The bonus is that the songs loaded on it are good ones!

Have you all thrifted anything unexpected lately?

Always,
Amanda

Currently Loving: Leopard Print Crocs

Crocs: Crocs Outlet Store in Foley, Alabama

I'm interrupting my regularly-thrifted programming with a post about Crocs. No, it's not April Fool's Day!

While I've thrifted many great pairs of shoes over the years, I haven't found any that are comfortable enough to stand in all day. So I began my search for comfy-but-cute shoes.

This search found me looking at Crocs on Amazon, wondering if they could possibly pass as normal-looking. I didn't end up buying some online, but then I found these leopard print ones at the outlet mall! They had to be mine, because I love comfort and I love leopard print. (Just ask my bedroom circa 2003.)

After a little breaking in, they are the most comfortable shoes I own! And normal-enough looking to pass as not being Crocs! I highly recommend them, and you can even get them on Amazon. :)

Back to thrifted programming tomorrow!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Stripes and Little Mustard!

Shirt: Target Clearance w/gift card from Josh's parents; Sweater: F21 with gift card from Grammy and Grandpa; Jeans: Burlington; Shoes: Crocs Outlet; Bag: DIY; Necklace: JCrew, gift from Andrew

This outfit was mostly made up of new gifts or finds from gift cards! I love my new F21 sweater, which I've dubbed 'little mustard'. I found it just in time, since my longer mustard sweater recently bit the dust.

The shirt was on the men's clearance rack at Target, and with a gift card burning a hole in my pocket, I couldn't resist the stripey goodness. :)

The necklace I found at the outlet mall in Foley, Alabama, while we were on our trip. My brother Andrew was so sweet to buy it for me. :) Have I mentioned I have the best/nicest brother ever? 'Cause I totally do.

I'll have to take a better picture of the leopard print Crocs flats another time, but I promise they aren't super-ugly! (Well, my mom kind of thinks they are...)

That's about all for now. I'm trying to recover from a really awful cold, which is never fun.

Always,
Amanda

Happy New Year!

 Sparklers = Awesome! Have a great New Years!

Always,
Amanda