Isn't Thrifting Dirty?

I often run into folks who think that thrifting is "gross".  They just can't bring themselves to purchase something that has been preused.  While I think the idea of reusing and repurposing is growing on our society in general, I still find those that find it icky.  For those poor folks who don't know the joy of bringing home designer clothing and brand new merchandise for 99% off I've done a little research. 

In July of 2010, CNN did a story on Ambercrombie and Fitch.  It had been found that a bedbug outbreak had taken place at two upper end stores in New York.  One of which was A&F. Eww.  Another report found that clothing shipped from China and other Asian countries (umm.  Isn't that almost all clothing?) very often contains formaldehyde to ward of mold and mildew during shipping.  Double Eww. 

It has usually suggested that one wash clothing before the first wear to remove such unpleasant items from clothing.  Now, if we're reasonable, we know that if washing can take care of formaldehyde, it will most likely take care of anything that may have been left by the previous owner. 

So before you turn your back on the wonderful world that is thrifting I suggest you take a look at the article links below and ask yourself if the items you pick up at Goodwill could really be any worse that bringing home bed bugs.

http://voices.yahoo.com/clothing-made-china-other-asian-nations-reportedly-513073.html

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-07-02/us/new.york.retailer.bedbugs_1_bedbug-infestation-landlords-clothing?_s=PM:US

Tips to Declutter Your Closet

Have you ever that day when you absolutely hated what you were wearing and wondered "why in the world do I keep this thing in my closet"?  I had that day yesterday.  There is this lovely white blouse I own with the most delicate silver stitching horizontally throughout and a lace collar.  It really is a beautiful shirt, but not on me.  It's the tiniest bit small which makes the back scrunch up my back whenever I sit.  It just simply doesn't fit me well.  So, I decided to get rid of it.  Below are a few tips to help you clear out your own closet.

10 Closet Declutter Tips:

1. If you have that day when you hated what you were wearing, keep that feeling with you and as soon as you get home, donate it!
2. It's been said a million times, but I fully agree with this tip.  If you haven't worn it in the past year, there is a reason why and it shouldn't take up valuable space in your closet.  Donate it!
3. If it doesn't fit.  Donate it!
4. If it has a small hole that you think no one will notice.  They will.  Trash it!
5. If it's stained.  Trash it!
6. If it hurts when you wear it.  Donate it!
7. If you think "I'm not sure, is this ugly?".  It's probably ugly.  Donate it!
8. If there is absolutely nothing else in your closet that goes with it.  Donate it!
9. Don't second guess what you put in the donate or trash bin.  There was a reason you put it there in the first place.  Even if you can't remember why, just know that you must of had a good reason!
10. Take the items to donation as soon as you can.  Getting rid of the items right away prevents you from dipping back into the pile.

IHeart Organizing: You Asked: Wrapping Paper Wrap Up

I found this post from IHeart Organizing, about lining drawers with different papers and where to find them.  After my decoupage experience a few weeks back I found the post inspiring as to the different papers that can be used and where to find them.  Of course, it's my goal to find these gorgeous papers at second hand stores.  Goodwill is having a 50% the entire store sale this weekend.  I'll see what I can find and keep you updated.

IHeart Organizing: You Asked: Wrapping Paper Wrap Up: When I recently revealed my newly painted dresser in my in-progress studio space, people were equally as excited about the inside {if not m...

Birthday Ideas

Tomorrow is Khal's 12th birthday.  She has been into scrapbooking since she joined a scrapbooking after school club last year.  Lucky for me, scrapbooking supplies are pretty easy to find when you're out thrifting.  Except for the elusive scrapbook itself.  I had picked one up on clearance at Michaels for $13.99.  But happily on one of my recent trips to Goodwill I was able to find a scrapbook in fantastic condition for only $5.99. 

Original Price $19.99

Example of inside page

Instead of expensive wrapping paper I like to try to use butcher paper or brown packing paper.  We can decorate it however we like and it adds a wonderful person touch.

Happy Birthday Khal!



Just a Little Wood Glue

I finally got around to fixing up the broken shoe rack turned pot holder I thrifted at Goodwill.

One slat was broken

Nothing a little wood glue won't fix

I was originally going to paint it a fantastic rusty orange color, but I decided I liked the natural wood instead.

Now I just need to stain the deck to make everything else look better!

The Grandfather Clock

Finally, I made it out for a little thrifting.  I started out Saturday morning at Goodwill. Check out my amazing finds:

I have an affection for birds, branches and leaves.  So you can imagine my delight when I found
 this little number for $1.99.

If you loved my lion you should dig my hand carved stone owl! $2.99

This pillow just happened to match my newly reupholstered bench.  Also, the cover unzips for easy washing and is also the perfect size for Ikea pillow covers, which I love! $3.99

Lovely light blue centerpiece tray.  $5.99

Mom missed this trip, but by mid-day she was ready to get out there too.  I went to pick her up and there just happened to be a neighborhood wide garage sale in her neighborhood.  Oh, happy day.  This is where I found the ultimate thrift. 

Just how much would you expect to pay for this hand painted grandfather clock at a garage sale.  $150?  Maybe you could talk them down to $75?

I took it home for only $20!

The lovely couple selling the clock had a wonderful story behind it as well, which made it even more valuable.  The woman hugged my mom as we loaded into my van thankful that it was loved and going to a good home.  They were the nicest people and I'll smile and think of them every time I sit back and admire my find. 

There were more finds that I'll save for next time.  The clock just sucks up all the fascination on this post!