On the Thrift Store Shelves: Brandon, FL Edition

Finally, here is my last post about our Florida trip! These photos are from our thrift spree with our good friend Lindsay while we were in our hometown of Brandon. :)

We went to a couple different thrift shops, but the biggest one we visited was the local Goodwill. Lindsay and I have been hitting up this Goodwill for years and years!

Above are some of the things I liked, but that wouldn't have fit in our bags. A Bass ashtray- funny because it's my maiden name, a silly Las Vegas cookie jar, and some fun mugs!

I'm not sure what the yellow mug is, even- a peanut? But it's cute! As for the tourist mug, well, it made me chuckle. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Stripes + Red

Bag, Necklace: Thrifted; Shirt, Pants: Target Clearance; Shoes, Lace Top: Rugged Wearhouse

I was looking through my vacation pictures, and I realized there were a couple of outfits I hadn't posted! The above outfit was worn Mother's Day morning to go to church and brunch with my parents, husband, and a couple of friends.

We had to wait a little bit before we could be seated for brunch that day, but I didn't mind because it was so pretty outside of the restaurant! I mean, look at the plants and trees- very tropical. :)

Man, I am definitely missing Florida. We had such a great time. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Tolkien Books!

J.R.R. Tolkien Book Set: Goodwill Outlet ($0.50)

As a fan of The Hobbit, which my dad got for me when I was 12, I was excited to find this set of J.R.R. Tolkien books!

For less than a buck, this set of my original favorite and the Lord of the Rings trilogy was quite a find. :) I'm looking forward to re-reading the books-  fitting with The Hobbit coming out in movie form!

I hope you had a great weekend. :) Mine was long and fun, and I wish it wasn't over!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Cool Kicks

Pastry Sneakers: Love of Jesus ($2)

Let me start this post by saying that no, I do not think I'm cool enough to pull these off. However, that's not going to stop me from giving it a go! :)

I've been seeing loads of high-tops on the blogs I read, from The Man Repeller to Fieldguided, and I thought (for two bucks) I'd give it a try.

I'm not sure how these other bloggers manage to wear high-tops and still look awesome, 'cause on my first attempt I looked, at best, ridiculous. I will find a way to look cool in these, though. Stay tuned!

Always,
Amanda

PS: Happy Memorial Day!!

Thrifted Vintage: Woven Market Bag Goodness!

Vintage Market Bag: Goodwill Outlet ($2)

I photographed yesterday's thrifting outfit, but I figured a post with thrifted vintage was far overdue!

This market bag was one of yesterday's lucky finds. :) These awesome bags go for $30 on etsy, so when I find them for a couple bucks, I get pretty excited! This one is especially nice, with a leather closure and bright colors.

Woven market bags=perfect hot-weather bags. :)

I hope you're enjoying your weekend, 'cause I sure am!!

Always,
Amanda

Detail Shot Saturday: Orange + Blue

Necklace: Thrifted; Shirt: Target Clearance; Lace Top: Rugged Wearhouse

I've appreciated the color combo of orange and blue since I was a little girl. I grew up in a Florida Gator household, watching the football games with my parents and brother. (I personally liked the Gators because of their colors!)

My younger brother went on to go graduate from UF with his bachelor's and graduate degrees, so I'll always be a fan. :)

I think the same can be said of my love of orange and blue.

Have a happy weekend!!

Always,
Amanda

A Polaroid Sunset

I had so much fun playing with the settings on my new Polaroid camera! (You can find it here, by the way :))

After the Lomo setting, I think the sunset setting is my favorite so far. :) I couldn't believe how sharp and lovely the digital photos look- and you have the option to print physical copies, too! I honestly cannot stop raving about the Polaroid Z340. :) I have the best, best brother in the world for picking this for my birthday gift!

I hope you all have had a great week. :) I'm looking forward to the long weekend, with plenty of thrifting and sleeping in!!!

Always,
Amanda

On the Shelves: Beachy Antique Store Edition

When we were in Anna Maria Island, Florida, we just had to go to the little local antique shop! It was just a few blocks from the condo we stayed at, and there were quite a few neat things on the shelves. :)

I loved the selection of vintage things, from small trinkets to all sorts of glassware and other fun things. The one thing above that I really wanted to take home with me is the kitty ring! It was my size and so neat, but it was sterling silver. Darn metal allergy! Ugh.

But I did get the most adorable vintage squirrel pin with little coral bits. :) I'll be sure to showcase that silly find in the near future!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Coral + Wood

Shirt, Necklace, Sunnies: All Thrifted; Pants: F21

This was another casual beach outfit from our trip. :) The shirt, sunnies and necklace were thrifted on a Brandon thrifting adventure with our longtime buddy Lindsay!

Josh and I were playing around with the different settings on my new Polaroid camera, hence the pink background. :) Although the sunsets were amazing (I'll be doing a post featuring them!), they weren't quite so Barbie pink!

Always,
Amanda

An Awesome Birthday Present: Part Two

My parents got me an awesome birthday present: tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!! I've been wanting to go since it opened, and it was definitely worth the wait!

Everything was so neat, and we had a great time. :) My favorite things were: the butterbeer, the HP-themed rides, and the shops! I just loved it!!!

Thanks Mom and Dad for the great experience. :)

Always,
Amanda

An Awesome Birthday Present: Part One :)

Josh with my new Polaroid camera!

A photo I took with my new camera, on Lomo mode :)

I thought I'd share some of the awesomely special presents I received for my birthday this past week. :)

First is this totally amazing Polaroid camera that my brother Andrew got me! It is super neat because it is both a digital and an instant camera. :) You take digital pictures under a multitude of settings, and then you choose if you want to print them out!

The photo quality is really great, and I especially like the Lomo setting. The palm tree above just popped with so much detail! It is such a lovely camera, and a wonderful present. Thank you again, Andrew!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Southwestern Beach Wear

Jeans, Sunnies, Necklace: All Thrifted; Shirt, Bag, Sandals: Rugged Wearhouse

We're home! While it is good to be back in our own bed, Josh and I definitely miss Florida. We had great weather, with only one rainy day. :)

I have so many photos to sort through and post, but this was my favorite outfit of the trip. I'm loving this southwestern-style shirt I found at Rugged Wearhouse for less than ten bucks! And who can beat the background on this shot? Oh, to have a beach for outfit pictures all the time...

Well, we have a lot of unpacking, cleaning, and resting to do today! I just wanted to pop in and say hi. :) I missed you guys!

Always,
Amanda

Florida

Since we're leaving for the Sunshine State first thing tomorrow, I thought I'd show a couple photos from our last beach trip. :)

Being from Florida, I don't think I ever fully appreciated the beautiful nature that surrounded me. It's safe to say that now I do. I've just been a little homesick lately, I guess. And with sunsets like the above, who can really blame me? :)

Here's to a great vacation! I'll see you a week from Monday!

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: A 70s Paper Doll :)

Vintage Francie Paper Doll and Clothes: Love of Jesus ($0.50)

I was excited to find this early 70s paper doll with the children's books at Love of Jesus. :) It is just so fun! There are so many great outfits! I especially like the nautical-themed ones. :)


Things like this paper doll remind me of my mom, who was at a doll-playing-age when it came out. She had her Velvet doll, with handmade outfits, but I'm not sure if she had a paper doll like Francie.

I'm looking forward to checking out all of the 70s ensembles! I think I'm just reaching doll-playing-age myself...

Always,
Amanda

Retail/Thrifted: A Vintage Golden Jewelry Box!

Vintage Gnco Japan Jewelry/Music Box: Good Samaritan ($1.25)

On this special edition of Retail/Thrifted, we've got this pretty vintage jewelry box. :)  Why is it so special? One: it was a great find for an awesome price. Two: It is just like one I inherited from my great grandma!

This one is in a little better shape, since over the years that I've had my inherited one, the paint dulled and the legs fell off. (I was just a kid when I got it, and oh how I loved that jewelry box!) Now I have two special boxes, each with their own histories. :)

Retail:  $34 on ebay

Thrifted: $1.25 at Good Samaritan

Amount Saved: $32.75!!! (but really, this musical jewelry box is priceless!)

Always,
Amanda

Thrifted Vintage: Full Stop

Vintage Stop Sign Wall Art: Goodwill Outlet (~$1)

This is the second stop sign wall art I've found lately! I think it's super cool and quirky as wall decor. :)

What I'd really like to find is an old real stop sign. Those and vintage exit signs have such a fun, retro appeal, but the ones I've seen are always overpriced.

Here's to hoping that one day, some neat old signs will turn up for not too much!

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: Leopard + Coral

Silk Leopard Top: Thrifted; Lace Top, Bag, Sandals: Rugged Wearhouse; Jeans: Burlington

I think this may be my new favorite outfit! I'm loving the hot-weather-friendly silk top with my cool coral bag. :) (My early birthday present from Josh!)

While only the leopard print top was thrifted, this was actually a very thrifty outfit. Rugged Wearhouse is my new favorite non-thrift store! Imagine TJMaxx with even better deals. :)

Yesterday afternoon's thrifting was pretty decent, too. I found some cool vintage things, including one I'm especially excited about! Now, I'm ready to spend today with Josh just hanging out and getting ready for our trip. We leave in 5 days!!!

Always,
Amanda

Detal Shot Saturday: A Scorpion :)

Scorpion Bolo: Thrifted

This scorpion bolo definitely speaks to my love for all things weird and wonderful. Who wouldn't want to wear a real, dead scorpion as an accessory? :)

In any case, it was the perfect finishing touch to my cowgirl-inspired outfit from last weekend! I can't think of anything more country than a bolo, with an insect inside...

I'm off to work this morning, and then I hope to hit up a couple thrifts. :)

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Find: A Little Birdie

Bird Pin: Good Samaritan ($0.75)

Friday. Ahhhhhh. It's about time! Of course I work tomorrow morning, but I'm ready for some thrift time this weekend. And we leave for Florida in ONE. WEEK. :)

Anyway...on to the point! This little birdie was too cute to pass up, with it's hand-painted details and cute grey color. :) And it's tiny! Y'all know my affinity for tiny little things by now. ;)

Have a happy weekend!!

Always,
Amanda

Thrift Finds: Beads and Burgers

Burger Candle: Goodwill Outlet; Beaded Bracelet: Good Samaritan

Ah, there is nearly nothing I like more than an eclectic candle. :) This burger one was too cute too leave behind in the Goodwill bins. It's too bad that there wasn't a fry or shake one to go with it!

The beaded bracelet was a fun 50-cent find from Good Samaritan. Come warm weather, I'm drawn to fun bracelets that can be worn many at a time. :) I can't wait to pull out the stack of them I thrifted last year- I plan on bringing them on our Florida vacation!

I hope your week is going well. I'm simply counting the days until we land in the sunshine state. :)

Always,
Amanda

Outfitted In: A Little Bit of Country

Scorpion Bolo, Bag: Thrifted; Dress: Gift; Boots: Target (years ago); Lace Top: Rugged Wearhouse

This past Sunday was my sis-in-law's pre-wedding ceremony, and it had a western theme. Obviously, I had to dig out my cowboy boots and braid my hair!

I thought I did a pretty good job looking a bit country. :) Plus, it was super-fun to play dress-up!

Grass green is apparently my new spring color, too, with my new pants and this dress. Also, I found some mint green shorts at Target yesterday! My plan for having pants of every color is slowly coming to fruition. :)

Always,
Amanda

Tiny Treasures: The World's Fair, a Butterfly and a Cross

World's Fair Pin, Butterfly Clip, Cross Pin: Good Samaritan

I think I can say that I'm now a pro at thrifting teeny tiny things! Thus, my new blog feature: Tiny Treasures. :)

This week's include some pretty neat finds from a bag of old jewelry I thrifted at Good Samaritan for two bucks. (Um, and a piece of astro turf from Goodwill Outlet as a background...)

The New York World's Fair pin is super neat! It's really small, but when I looked closely and saw what it was, I was glad that I got the bag of random jewelry. Apparently, that year's fair was focused on the future, which is why the futuristic buildings are on the front. :) Neat!

The little butterfly reminds me of growing up in the 90s. I had so many butterfly clips like this! This one is small enough to not be too out-there for 2012 me. :)

The little cross pin is pretty awesome, too. It is an easy way to wear a cross while still being able to wear necklaces!

I hope your week is going well!

Always,
Amanda