Detail Shot Saturday: The Eye of the Wolf

Wolf Shirt: Walmart; Coach Bag: Thrifted

Here's a better idea of my new wolf shirt, and its full creepy potential! I can't explain my fascination with wolf shirts, (maybe it has something to do with the Hangover movie, but probably not) but I'm always drawn to them. :)

I work this morning, but afterward I am looking forward to some major thrifting! I plan to take more photos of what's inside the Goodwill Outlet bins, too. You never know what you'll find, but it is usually some kind of interesting!

Have a great weekend. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: The Girl on Fire

Shirt, Vintage Coach Bag, Jeans: Thrifted; Jacket, Shoes: Burlington; Pin: DIY

 This was my outfit for seeing the Hunger Games movie with Josh on Sunday. :) While I definitely prefer the book, the movie was pretty good!

The DIY fire pin was my tribute to the main character Katniss, known because of her flaming attire as the girl on fire. :)

I hope your week is going well! I, for one, can't wait for tomorrow afternoon...when my weekend starts!!!

Always,
Amanda

On the Thrift Store Shelves: Smurfs and Typewriters

Here are some of the fun things I saw at Goodwill Outlet, Family Thrift, and Love of Jesus last Saturday!

I was intrigued by the Pay Day game, which was unfortunately missing the pieces. The Smurfs thermos was tempting too, but it was missing the lid!

At Family Thrift, there was a bounty of silly knick-knacks that I would've gotten if I still had an etsy store! I especially like the little 'smart owl' and the 'indulge and bulge' hippo. :) Vintage silly is somehow cuter than new silly!

The huge, heavy typewriters were on the shelf at Love of Jesus. I have to say, if they weren't so large and expensive, I would've taken them home for sure! The older one on the left was $75, though. A little more than my small thrifting budget allows, I'm afraid. ;)

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Records and Leather

Records: Love of Jesus ($1 each)

Green Leather Duffel Bag: Love of Jesus ($2)

I found some pretty great things at the the Love of Jesus thrift store this past weekend. We're talking awesome records (ZZ Top, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and the Supremes) and the hugest leather duffel bag ever!

The records are pretty sweet, and they're all in great condition. They were the best soundtrack for Saturday afternoon's apartment cleaning, too. :) And the duffel is super-soft green leather for two bucks! Total score. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Once Upon a Time

Bashful Snow Globe: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

Josh and I have been avidly watching Once Upon a Time! It's such a great, interesting show- I love to see what kind of back stories they tell for all the characters.

Anyway, that's what I was thinking of when I saw this old water globe. :) I can't really tell which of the seven dwarfs this little guy is, but heck if he doesn't look bashful!

I hope your week's going swell. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Coach for a Steal!

Vintage Coach Bag: Family Thrift ($4)

Until this past weekend, it had been awhile since I'd seen an affordable vintage Coach bag in one of my frequented thrift stores. Lately, they've been marked up super high or fought over viciously. So not worth it.

When I saw this awesome black leather Coach bag at Family Thrift for a mere four bucks, I couldn't believe it! But I guess when thrifting sometimes the odds are just in your favor. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: A Wolf Tee and Coral

Wolf Tee: Walmart; Jeans: Burlington; Shoes: Target; Necklace, Vintage Coach Bag: Thrifted

Yesterday (as if you can't tell from this photo) was overcast, rainy, and not ideal photo-taking weather. But it was just fine for a morning of thrifting! I actually found quite a few things. Some for me, but mostly a couple more birthday presents for Josh, and some presents for a couple other people too. :)

These coral flats are my new fave, I think. They are perfect for spring, comfy, and I just love the color!

The crazy wolf tee was a present to myself when Josh and I were at Walmart the other day to spend his gift card. I've been trying to replace the wolf tee I thrifted and wore to bits a couple years ago, and it has taken me forever to find one! Rest assured that I will be able to again be the weird lady in the wolf shirt again! :)

Josh and I are going to see the Hunger Games this afternoon, and I can't wait! I loved the books, so I hope the movie lives up to them. Josh doesn't really know what he's in for, but I think we both will like it. :)

I hope you're having a great weekend so far!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Satuday: DIY Glitter Pin!

Glitter Cat Pin: DIY

I think this pin may be my favorite DIY idea ever! I've seen all sorts of glitter hair clips and headbands and the like, and I knew I could make a pin. :)

I got pre-glittered thick paper and sticker-backed pins, cut out shapes, and attached them to the pins! Super-duper easy, and very cute. :) My favorite is this cat-head one, but I can't wait to make more!!

Always,

Amanda

On the Thrift Store Shelves...Texas Edition

I always see such fun things on the shelves at the thrifts that I just don't have room for, but I still want to share them with you all! So I've decided to start taking pictures of the interesting stuff I see as I thrift, and it's so much fun. :)

This first set of pictures is from our day of thrifting in Texas, when we visited a couple Value Villages and Family Thrift store. I saw so many neat things I wished could fit in my suitcase, like this silly fish trophy, cowboy boots, and vintage planters!

Have a great Friday!
Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Funky Monkey; Hello Kitty

Handmade Gorilla: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

Hello Kitty Watch: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

The first find shown is proof that you never know what you'll find in the Goodwill bins! I don't know what it is about this handmade gorilla that makes me love it, but I do! I guess I'm drawn to anything animal-shaped and unique, and this definitely fits the bill. :)

The Hello Kitty watch is the perfect addition to my non-metal watch collection. When you can't wear most metals, you have to get creative in the watch department! These happy meal watches fit just right, and are quirky-cute, too.

Always,
Amanda

PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the BEST HUSBAND EVER! I love you, Josh!

Outfitted In: Silver, Black and Blue

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

This was Sunday's outfit, for an outdoor wedding shower for my future brother-in-law. (Check out my twitter for a photo of the unusual decor!)

Anyway, this thrifted shirt is my new favorite. It has a Native American chief on it, and horses flying through the air, and lightning! Just the right kind of awesome. :)

Speaking of awesome, I've started reading the Hunger Games trilogy, and I love it! I'm on the second book, and I can't wait to see the movie. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: Pretty Kitty

Kitty Pin: Good Samaritan ($2)

I absolutely love this cute kitty pin I thrifted this past weekend at Good Samaritan! It has a bobble head, crystal eyes, and a resemblance to my kitty Moxie. :)

I was surprised to find such a great pin at the thrift store, since ones as awesome as this are usually antique store finds. (For more than two bucks!)

I hope you're having an awesome week so far!!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: A Pretty Plaid Suitcase

Vintage Grasshopper Suitcase: Love of Jesus ($5)

I am currently obsessed with vintage zip-front suitcases like this one I thrifted Saturday. :) They are so adorable, lightweight, and perfect for organizing!

The little 60s suitcase I thrifted a while back serves as a place for my desk accessories, and I'm certain this one will prove just as useful!

There's just something about cute old luggage that draws me in, and for five bucks, this was no exception. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Ruffles and Leather

Sunnies, Bag, Shoes, Shirt, Pants, Bangle, Necklace: All Thrifted

This was my St. Patrick's Day outfit, with just a tiny touch of green. (Can you even spot it?) I guess I just wasn't in a green mood... I guess I'm lucky I didn't get pinched!

Josh and I did celebrate with green Shamrock Shakes from McDonald's, though. :) Much yummier than green beer!

Also, I'm loving this vintage woven bag and these sunglasses I thrifted in Texas! So fun, and perfect for a warm, sunny day.

Always,
Amanda

Our Texas Trip: Vacation Wear

 Saturday's Outfit: Striped shirt: Target; Bag: F21; Jacket: Burlington; Jeans: Thrifted; Flats: Kohl's

Sunday's Outfit: Zebra shirt: Thrifted; Jacket, pants: Burlington; Pin: DIY; Bag: F21; Shoes: TJMaxx

Monday's Outfit: Ruffle shirt, pink bag, vintage wayfarers, heart hair clip: Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington; Necklace: JCrew Outlet; Shoes: Kohl's

Tuesday's Outfit: Snake print shirt, pink bag, loafers: Thrifted; Jeans: Burlington

I managed to pack efficiently this trip, with only carry-ons for four days of fun. :) What I've learned over years of travel is that you should pack clothes that can be easily mixed and matched. When everything can go with everything else, it is easy to grab an outfit and go!

Happy weekend!

Always,
Amanda

Our Texas Trip: The Thrift Finds

Hot Pink Bag: Goodwill Select ($3)

Vintage Sunglasses and Heart Clips: Goodwill Select ($4 and <$1)

Vintage Woven Bag and Clearly Canadian Salt and Pepper Shakers: Family Thrift Store ($3 and $2)

We had a great time at the thrift shops in and around Houston! We visited Goodwill Selects, Value Villages, and a Family Thrift store. :) The best-priced items were at the Value Villages and Family Thrift store, where Josh found some great old video games!

Goodwill Select had some items on sale, though, and I scored an 80s-bright bag, wayfarer sunglasses, and heart-shaped hair clips for under ten bucks total. :)

I scored at the Family Thrift store too, where I found the awesome vintage woven bag and Clearly Canadian salt and pepper shakers! We used to drink Clearly Canadian at my Grammy's house when we were young, so I thought these were pretty cool. :)

The most 'Texas' finds I thrifted were from the first Value Village we visited. I couldn't resist the rhinestone sparkle of the star and BAD pins shown below in the VV case. (Can you spot them amongst the other bling?)

Star and BAD pins: Value Village ($3 and $4)

It was definitely a fruitful round of thrift shopping, with uniquely fun souvenirs to show for it. :) I'll have my thrifty travel outfits tomorrow! Have a great Friday. :)

Always,

Amanda

Our Texas Trip: The Food :)

Pickles came before the meal at Kenny and Ziggy's

The HUGEST Monte Cristo ever from Kenny and Ziggy's

Free ice cream from Pappa's BBQ

Angelo's had a huge Italian buffet and yummy bread pudding!

Honey Glazed Chicken from Pei Wei's was delicious!

We ate awesome cheese pizza at BJ's (the restaurant, not the superstore!)

Josh and I tried Kalaches for the first time :)

My poppyseed and potato kalaches!

We're back from Texas, and we had such a great time! It was so much fun hanging out with my aunt and uncle and brother. :) We relaxed, ate, thrifted, shopped, and loved every minute!

I'm going to share some of our trip, starting with the extremely yummy food we ate. :) We enjoyed everything from Chinese, to Italian, to sandwiches and crazy pickles, to kalaches! Everything was super delicious!!!

More on our trip tomorrow. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: An Owl of Many Uses

Owl Keychain: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

This owl keychain was a recent Goodwill Outlet find. I'm always on the lookout for a big keychain that can be easily located in a big bag. :)

This one has more than one purpose, though, since it also serves as a little mirror! I'd say it's the most perfectly kitschy keychain I've ever found. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Hello '79

Vintage Needlepoint Hello: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

I've posted about my love of needlepoint on the blog before, but this find is especially cool! I love the patterns and colors. :)

Plus, what is cuter than a 1970s needlepoint greeting you when you enter your apartment? Well, other than your husband/wife/kid/pet. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Bubbles!!

Vintage Bubbles: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

The kid in me definitely did a little dance when I found these vintage bubbles in the Goodwill bin! The funny thing is that it is full, with the Super Wand still intact. :)

Some days, you just need to blow bubbles. And when they come in a charming old package, it is even better!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: The Coolest Blu-Ray Holder Ever!

Dinosaur Media Holder: Good Samaritan ($1)

I got this silly dinosaur media holder in the kid section of Good Samaritan. And I kind of love it! If you have to store your hubby's stack of blu-rays, why not do it in a fun way?

Honestly, I should have taken a photo with the blu-rays in it because it makes it even cooler!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Gold and Stripes

Cardigan: JCrew Warehouse Sale; Shirt: Target; Necklace: JCrew Outlet

Something about this combo of big stripes and gold made me feel very put-together. :) That's really the goal of my style: wearing some sort of jeans-and-tee combo while looking like a grown-up!

I think that a subtly shiny cardigan can add just the right touch of finish to an outfit. Well, that and the best necklace ever!

Always,
Amanda

Almost Vacation Time!

Thrifted JanSport Backpack; Target Suitcase

We leave tomorrow morning first thing on a trip to Texas to see my brother, aunt, and uncle! We're super excited. :)

I have some posts scheduled for when we're gone, but I'll be tweeting our adventures in Texas as well. :) Follow me @AisAlreadyLoved for photos and musings of our trip!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Watercolor Madness

Vintage Watercolors: Goodwill Outlet (<$1)

I couldn't resist the pretty array of colors in this old watercolor case. :) It reminds me of elementary school art class, with colorful chunks of messy fun.

I'm definitely going to use these to paint with, too! It's fun to revisit childhood for a little while, even when your paintings don't differ much from back then. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Tomato and Leopard

Shirt: Thrifted; Jeans, Jacket: Burlington; Shoes: Kohl's; Bag: TJMaxx

This was this past Sunday's outfit, featuring my new $19 jacket from Burlington and $3 shirt from Goodwill. :) I'm loving both right now!

The jacket is perfect for spring, and I love the unique shape. The shirt is the perfect color and material, and I can see myself getting tons of wear out of it!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Super-Secret Records

Records: Good Samaritan (2 for $1)

I had the most bizarre interaction with a DJ at Good Samaritan this past Saturday. (That's a sentence I never thought I'd type!)

As I was in the checkout line with these records, a gentleman with eyeglasses all eschew taps me on the shoulder. He asks me how I found the 'good records' before he did, and if I was going to sell them.

I told him they were a present and turned around to pay for them, but he wasn't finished with the conversation. Mr. DJ had to let me know that this was the 'super-secret DJ source for records' and had been for twelve years.

The whole thing was too bizarre! And the funny thing is, Good Samaritan is far from the best source of good old records for cheap in Richmond. If you're reading this, Mr. DJ, try Goodwill Outlet!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Red/Heart

Heart Frame: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

Loafers: Goodwill Outlet ($2)

Goodwill Outlet was filled with vintage goodies this past Saturday, and these were my two favorite finds. :) While the frame is a bit heavy, it was worth the per-the-pound price of about a dollar! I mean, it's gold and heart-shaped...two things I love.

Speaking of love, my go-to shoe for the past year or so has been the loafer. Unfortunately, I've had a hard time thrifting them in my size! So when these red suede ones were sitting in a Goodwill bin, I did a little happy dance. :) (Well, okay. Maybe I just smiled really big.)

It's Monday, folks. Let's work our way to the weekend!!!

Always,
Amanda