To Paint: What Color?

I bought these two large and quite hideous "art pieces" for $2.99 each at Goodwill this Sunday. The TJ Maxx stickers on the back had these ugly cheetah-splotched metal pieces priced at $24.99 each! I almost passed them over, but I saw their potential. With the right paint these will stand out as attactive, bold graphics.

But I don't know what color to choose. I've considered:

-Lime Green
-Neon Orange
-Red
-White
-Black (zzzzz)
-Red Orange
-Aqua
-Dark Blue
-Yellow

It's so hard to choose. What two colors would you paint these pieces? Once they're painted I think I'll hang them at work.

This post linked at:  New Nostalgia / Today's Creative Blog / Review Retreat / Craft Edition / Tuesday Tagalong

Epic Thrift Haul to End All Hauls

 What...have...I...DONE!?

• Cat/Owl Library Painting, Artist unknown
• Robot & Girl pinup print, artist unknown
• 1-19 of The Complete Encyclopedia of Crafts
• Japanese Panda Teapot
• Two red 70s thermoses
• Japanese 70s cocktail hanging trivet
• Three Japanese tea/coffee cups and a creamer
• Four records
• Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon video tapes
• Retro kid's Ads cards (Space Ghost Bubble Bath!!!)
• Kitchen miniatures...to hang...(in the kitchen?)
• Make your own Greenhouse 70s book
• 70s Needlepoint craft book
• 80s-90s era Health book
• Retro writing tips book
• This isn't even half of the haul.... 

After a long break from thrifting I thrifted for 4.5 hours yesterday. 2.5 of which were spent forming a fall/winter wardrobe using these tips because I froze my ass off last winter and I vowed to never do it again.

And then I encountered a thrift wonderland where everything was really, really cheap...like my nerdiest frugal wet dreams except there was no Batman (there was an inflated Spiderman but he doesn't do it for me) I got tons of 70s era fun for pocket change each. Head...still..spinning. Or is that exhaustion from lack of sleep?

I'll continue covering the haul this week. I'll be painting a few things I found, hanging the charming art finds, and sharing tips and craft ideas from the delicious Encyclopedia of groovy 70s crafts.

By the golden hour (7PM) the car was stuffed with retro goodies. I'm thrift spent...until next time.


Blog post featured at: I Just Whipped Something Up Monday / Metamorphosis Monday / Making The World Cuter / Motivate Me Monday / Southern Hospitality Blog / Thrift Share Monday / Debbiedoo's Thrift Share / Twice Owned Party

One Picture: One Memory: The Bahamas

On my Recent Cruise to the Bahamas I floated in the cool clear waters in Cabbage Beach, which is close to the famous Atlantis Resort.


If you're enjoying the final heat waves of summer, get out to the beach this weekend to soak it in. I know I am. (Along with some thrifting, naturally)

This Post is Linked to: Frugal Friday / Feature Yourself Friday / Furniture Feature Friday / Finding Fabulous / Tidy Mom / Favorite Things Fridays / Flaunt it Friday / Fun to Craft

Thrifting Tips: Wardrobe Essentials, Save Money on Clothes

Everyone needs the "wardrobe essentials", classic pieces you can mix and match for unlimited outfits. With September nearly upon us I've vowed not to freeze my proverbial nuts off this fall and winter, I'm setting a budget and going thrifting for all the essential goods.

Qualities of Wardrobe Essentials

Timeless Classics: Your wardrobe essentials aren't trendy. They're classic, timeless. You won't have to get rid of them in a couple of years because they're not "in".

Flexible: You can change the look of the classic piece with a couple of simple accessories. You can mix and match them to make a variety of outfits.

Wardrobe Foundation: The Wardrobe Essentials are the foundation for your wardrobe. You build your outfit around them. They're like a blank canvas your build your outfit on.

Thrifting for the Wardrobe Essentials Checklist

Your wardrobe essentials vary depending on your location, profession, and tastes. This checklist is rather universal. These are essentials we could all use and wear.

Get a few basic pieces from the thrift store and you'll need less clothes and spend less in the long run.

Tops

White button-down office shirt
Comfortable Print-less T-shirts
Undershirts, Camis, etc
Black Dressy Top


Sweaters

I hate itchy sweaters and all they represent! I like to cut them up with scissors! But I do keep an eye out for a basic black cardigan because they go with everything and they can be comfortable. 

Coats/Jackets

Trench-coat: universally flattering, great for flashing unsuspecting children and imitating film noir films

Raincoat: Keep it in the trunk for afternoon showers. Maybe some rain boots, too.
Leather: goes with a variety of outfits, sexy
Blazer: Essential for the office, good to dress up casual outfits too. I need two good fitting ones in khaki and black. Hard to find the good ones!

Pants

Dress pants: formal occasions, or for work, these are a most-haves black ones are essential
Jeans: casual ones for fun, dark blue/black fitted ones to go with everything else
Pantsuit: Everyone needs a good one so they can be a bad bitch like Jackie Brown

Dresses/Skirts

Little black dress: easy to find at thrift stores
Evening dress: -snore- if you must, thrift stores have them
Casual/summer dresses: I will move to a tropical place one day, and these will be my uniform
Office work dress: Plain solid colored dress (shift dress), thrift for one in a flattering shape. A challenge!
Party Dress: for the work cocktail party, etc.
Pencil Skirts: Easy to sew, I like these in navy, khaki, and black. Easy to wear and they go with everything.

Accessories
Hunt down unique, artistic, vintage pieces to dress up your outfit while hutning in the thrift store:

Purses: casual totes, black work handbag, book bag, travel bag, rolling luggage, etc. 
Belts: define your waist, shape an outfit. look for wide ones, skinny ones, and standard varieties

Scarves: knitted ones for warmth in the winter, colorful ones to embellish your outfit. 
Shoes: Boots are expensive, so finding a quality thrifted pair is a good goal for fall
Jewelry: basic hoods, dangly ones (chandelier) for fancy occasions, diamond studs, pearls-these are all classics. Jewelry is where you can show your artsty side with bold, unique pieces. Thrift for vintage ones.

I'm hitting up the thrift stores to reap maximum savings while fulfilling basic wardrobe needs this winter. Are you with me? Be sure to evaluate each piece and make sure it's versatile to reap maximum usage out of the item and your money!

What are Your Essentials?

This post is linked to: Get Your Craft on Thursdays / Somewhat simple / Transformation Thursdays / Show off Your Stuff / Hooking Up with HOH / Just a Girl / It's Party Time

Get Beautiful Clear Skin... With Food!

You can get clear, blemish free skin for free using items you already have in your kitchen! These homemade products are more effective than store bought ones because there are no fillers. They are composed of fresh, active ingredients. Try these, you'll see a difference overnight!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A tiny dab of olive oil on a cotton pad is the perfect make up remover.

How it Works: The molecules in olive oil are too large to clog your pores, so don't fret. Using extra virgin olive oil to remove eye make up will moisturize your eyelashes and the delicate skin under your eyes.


Sugar & Olive Oil
Mix a teaspoon of olive oil and two-three teaspoons of sugar (organic, raw, unbleached or refined white, all are fine) to craft the perfect body scrub.

How it Works: The extra virgin olive oil moisturizes while the granules of sugar scrub away dead skin cells. I love to use this on my lips. Try it, nothing will make skin feel softer and smoother!


Fun Alcohol Toners 
Gin and tonic, sake, or champagne- they all do double duty as delicious drinks and toners for your skin.

How it Works: The alcohol will lift dirt and oil from your skin, visibly cleaning it. Simply swipe on your skin with a cotton swap like a normal toner. Bonus: Sake is made with rice and is known to soften and brighten your skin.


Tea Tree Oil & Water Toner
Mix a tiny amount of 100% tea tree oil (found at any natural food store) with water for the perfect toner.

How it works: Mix about 3-5 drops of toner into an 2 ounce container. Tea tree oil must be diluted as it is very strong. Tea tree is antibacterial and healing, it kills break-out causing bacteria and repairs skin cells. Saturate a cotton ball in tea tree oil toner, leave it on your skin overnight. You'll wake up to a more radiant complexion!


Lemon Cleanser/Toner
You can use lemon juice like a toner. Leave the juice on your skin for as long as you desire, then rinse it off. Alternately, you can leave it on overnight. Experiment!

How it Works: The mild acid in lemon exfoliates your skin like a mild "chemical peel", revealing the new skin underneath. The acid also helps reduce dark spots and kills bacteria that causes breakouts. It's the perfect solution for oily, acne-prone skin.


Honey Scrub 
Mix equal parts honey, olive oil, and sugar. Stir, then consume. Just kidding, stir then use as a body or face scrub.

How it works: a variant of the sugar scrub described earlier, honey has healing and anti bacterial properties. It kills bacteria in your skin while rejuvenating skin cells. Mixing it with olive oil makes it less sticky and easier to apply.


Test it First: Test all mixtures on a small patch of skin before you use them to guard yourself from a painful allergic reaction. I'm working on a complete guide that I'll probably publish as an Ebook, but I hope you try some of the staples I've shared in this post. I've done the research and tried each one, they really work!

Top 5 Reasons to go on a Cruise

I went on a four-day cruise from Thursday August 19, 2010 to Sunday August 22, 2010 with a group of 17 friends. I highly recommend anyone make time for at least one cruise in their lifetime; here's the highlight reel of our journey.

1. Unlimited gourmet food

Unlimited gourmet food was available basically 24/7. Sushi, lobster tails, veal, delicious soups and salads- we ate it all in abundance and miss it already. I feel like I ate the ticket price in delicious food.



2.  Constant Service

No cleaning after yourself is a little slice of heaven, I was surprised by the excellent service. Little towel animals were crafted for each room after room service cleaned it. They amused this "grown woman" more than they should have- look at this damn cute bunny!

3. Entertainment

Stand up comedy, stage shows, art auctions, and more took place on the ship. With the exception of bingo, it was all free.



4. Exotic locations

Our cruise took us from Orlando to The Bahamas. As a Floridian and having visited the Caribbean the touristy part of the Bahamas underwhelmed me.

I would have preferred to explore "real" areas of the island and immerse myself in local culture, but I still enjoyed drifting in the calm, cool water. The beach had clear blue waters and white sand- exactly how you imagine the Caribbean.

5. Boozing

A ship with ample liquor being served and a huge liquor store on board could lead to trouble. Every member of our party managed to "sneak in" some quality intoxicants (at least one bottle, sometimes more per person). The result:

Three solid days of parties and chaos. I took many blackmail shots I won't share here...

To conclude: Sure, I don't quite have my land legs back 100%. I have a bit of risidual dizziness from a combination of running more than I ever have in my life (down long hallways, exploring, catching up with friends), drinking copiously for three days straight, being on a moving ship, and barely sleeping, but it was all worth it. I can't wait until the next cruise!

Easy Kitchen Makeover: Add Color & Style for Pennies

 It's easy to add color and art to your kitchen without painting the walls. I'll show you how I transformed my kitchen from bland to colorful without spending a dime.

Before: I opted against painting my small rental kitchen. Color is added with my retro signage collection but I wanted a bolder statement and more functionality.

After: The two large pieces and various smaller ones and accessories add color to the kitchen.

Making Art: On Monday I showed you how to make art from scrapbook paper. I repeated the process to yield three matching Japanese style food themed art pieces. Frames were on hand, thrifted gifts from the mom. You can also frame:

 Art in progress. Chaos!

• Foodie Calendar pages
• Beautiful fabric
• Illustrated version of your favorite recipes
• Pages from vintage magazines or magazine collages
• Your own acrylic or watercolor paintings

Adding Shelves: These twin shelves were another thrifted gift from my mom from a year ago. Shelves will add color and functionality, they're found in abundance in thrift stores and even languishing in your friend's garages. (Just ask: do you need that?)

Display Your Aprons:  My apron display isn't just pretty, it's functional and gives me easy access to my aprons. People try to buy my thrifted sea horse hooks all the time!

Display the Necessities:  I like easy access to my cutlery, so I arrange them in colorful tiki glasses. I've broken two tiki glasses this way- be careful not to place anything top heavy in glasses like these!

Group Like Objects: Collections look best when displayed in groupings of like objects; this creates a better statement. 

How do you add color and life to a room when you can't paint the walls? Sometimes that limitation will inspire creativity. Drop the despair-enduing Perfect Home Kitchens 3000 catalogs and don't look beyond what you already own to spruce up the homestead.

Be Back on Monday! I'm going on a cruise to the Bahamas from today to Sunday, it's a much needed break. I'll be back and writing blog posts on Monday!

This post is linked to: Get Your Craft on Thursdays / Somewhat simple / Transformation Thursdays / Show off Your Stuff / Hooking Up with HOH / Just a Girl / It's Party Time

4 Simple Goals: What Are Yours?

Elise of a beautiful mess wrote 4 Simple Goals to finish before 2011 and challenged her readers to do the same. It's past the mid point for 2011; it's a good time to check in on the goals you ambitiously set back in January.

Remember the start of 2010 when you said you'd work out every day and eat healthy every day and organize your entire house. You haven't kept up with any of it, have you? Yeah, me either!

Here are my 4 easy goals to continue until 2011 (and beyond). What are yours?

1.       Health First!

Exercise 30 minutes three times per week. Eat healthy whole foods every day. Pack a nutritious lunch daily.

2.       One Step Daily

Every day take one step toward my big goals. Organize one box of stock. Complete a little bit more of an art project. Write new content. Complete some website tweaks. Small steps daily towards my goals will ensure the projects continue to move along.

3.       Complete Organization

 My dream of having a clean, clear, 100% clutter free life has not been realized, but I work towards it every day. I want a home where everything is its place and easy to find. I'll continue organizing and purging until I reach my goal.

4.       Profitable Side Business

I've been slowly working toward crafting a profitable side business. I know with my current workloads there's no way I could make a side business my full time work yet, but that is certainly a long-term goal.

Join the fun, share four easy goals to continue or complete before the end of 2011! I'll share healthy lunch packing ideas and recipes, organizing tips/progress, and business tips as I continue to work toward my goals. Hopefully it will help you reach yours, too!


This post linked at:  New Nostalgia / Today's Creative Blog / Review Retreat / Craft Edition / Tuesday Tagalong

Add Color to Your Walls: Easy Wall Art Tutorial

I've decided against painting my apartment's kitchen. As an alternative way to add color to the walls I'm embarking on making some large framed pieces.

All this took was some thrifted scrapbook paper and origami paper. From the brainstorming sketches to the final product I spent an hour and a half on this project.

I used an enormous square frame my mom gave me, she found them at a thrift store. They once hung in a dentist's office. I couldn't wait to cover their creepy smiling faces in ghastly sepia tone...

All it takes to make a bold graphic statement is paper, scissors, and glue. The theme here should be blatantly "kawaii" Japanese style.

Only a tiny bit of glue was needed to hold the whole pieces together. I might change a few things around so the four squares of scrapbook paper are held together with drafting tape on the backside.

I had to physically restrain myself from drawing faces on these shapes. They are (clockwise) a maneki neko (will reshape this later, not pleased), a turnip, a strawberry, and a kokeshi style girl in kimono. I'll try to get used to the simple shapes but a sharpie might find this piece soon...

How do you add color to walls when you can't paint them?

Blog post featured at: I Just Whipped Something Up Monday / Metamorphosis Monday / Making The World Cuter / Motivate Me Monday / Southern Hospitality Blog / Thrift Share Monday / Debbiedoo's Thrift Share / Twice Owned Party

Writing Desk Makeover

The left side of my "dining room" was a little boring. Fueled with delicious espresso I set about rectifying that last night (and early this morning).

  Before: Meh. Bleh. Messy, boring. Not utilized. Imbalanced.

After: With the desk on the opposite wall the room feels more balanced. The desk will actually be used now!

Wall Art: The top piece is a framed South American Mola I found in a pretty thrift store in St. Augustine.The second piece was purchased from The Riverside Arts Market when I had a booth there last year. The third piece down is a collectable "animation cell" from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series (1987 series).

On Monday I wrote about finding cute Harajuku Lover's hair pins, Selena of Apron Thrift Girl let me know Target carried some of the line. I had to pick up a couple of goodies when I picked up milk last night...

The Harajuku Lover's File Organizer pictured holds receipts, electronics manuals, and to-be-scrapbooked-or-made-into-art bits nicely. I'll save the Harajuku Lover's notepad for writing business ideas of all kinds.

This vintage typewriter is from my mom's childhood. I'm still seeking ribbon so I can use it (can anyone provide leads?) Two of the Japanese kokeshi dolls were bough back from Japan by my dad.

The third small, skinny one was purchased from a thrift store for $1.00 (pictured in the store in this blog post I bought it during my epic thrift trip)

 Especially at night when my "star lamp" casts it's beautiful glow.

This Post is Linked to: Frugal Friday / Feature Yourself Friday / Furniture Feature Friday / Finding Fabulous / Tidy Mom / Favorite Things Fridays / Flaunt it Friday / Fun to Craft

When Life Gives Bad Bananas- Make Banana Bread

My resourceful friend/new roommate Mike turned nearly-bad bananas into a delicious loaf of banana bread last night. I would have tossed the bananas, but this loaf became breakfast and dinner! Very thrifty!

Banana Bread Recipe:

3-4 Smashed Ripe Bananas
1/3 Cup Melted Butter
2 Eggs, Beaten
1 Cup Sugar
1 Vanilla Bean (or 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract)
1 Teaspoon Baking soda
Pinch of Salt
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour (we used unbleached)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix butter into mashed bananas, then mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla. Add the baking soda and salt. The flour goes in last. Pour the mixture into a buttered bread pan and bake for 1 hour. Remove and enjoy!

We didn't have a bread pan in the whole apartment (I never bake) so Mike made one out of aluminum foil. This resulted in a slightly lumpy loaf, but who cares if it was delicious? This is the best banana bread I've ever eaten, it's not overwhelmingly sweet or cloyingly banana-y.

Here's the bread fresh out of the aluminum foil bread pan. This bread was so quick and easy to make that I think I'll become addicted to baking my own bread. The results are much tastier and cheaper than the store bought counterparts.

Nah, we weren't playing tea party. Whenever the dining room table is cleared and we're actually eating from it, it's set like this. Warm fresh baked banana bread for supper, who needs anything else?

I had two slices for dinner and two slices for breakfast. The bread is filling and delicious, but watch out. Last night after happily devouring two slices I slipped into a banana-bread comma. You've been warned.

This post is linked to: Welcome Wednesday / Works for Me Wednesdays / Creative Therapy Session / Show and Tell / Penny Pinching Party / We Did it Wednesdays / Make it Yours Day

Save On School Supplies: Tax Free Holidays, Thrifting, & More

 I want a fresh pack of crayons and a blank sheet of drawing paper. Now.

If you live in one of the 16 states that offer a "Tax Free Holiday" (or Tax Free Week/Weekends) you may be able to do your school supply shopping tax free. For everyone else, there's still plenty of savings to reap this time of year. This is a good time to restock the kids or the office with supplies.

Here are a few tips on how to reap maximum savings, followed by a complete Tax Free Holiday guide.

1. Bring a List
Without the list you'll add a bunch of crap you don't need and forget the rest. When you get home without necessary supplies after braving the crowds you'll be a volcano of rage that takes out all around you like Vesuvius decimated Pompeii. Don't risk it.

2. Buy in Bulk
Buy everything you need while it's cheap and tax free. Get double savings by saving on tax and saving by buying bulk. You may not need to go out for school supplies again for the rest of the year.

3. Comparison Shopping & Sales
Your mailbox is crammed full of fliers from the top school supply and clothing retailers, plying you with back-to-school deals. Take advantage of this and comparison shop; see what stores provide the best deals on school supplies, and don't be afraid to ask a store if they'll price match.

4. Check All the Rules
Check what items are free from tax in your state and check the dollar limits. Each state will have a maximum amount you can spend on each item for it to be tax-free. Be just as thorough with coupons to avoid disappointment.

5. Mark Your Dates
If you're in a state with a tax free week or weekend, mark the dates on the calendar. You don't want to miss this annual event.

Final Thrifty Tips: Don't forget early bird deals, outlet malls, bargain stores, and thrift stores. Estate Sales, Garage Sales, and thrift stores carry brand new school supplies year round. It's a good opportunity to stock up on supplies like loose leaf paper, pens, markers, notepad, scotch tape, and packing tape for far less than retail price.

Churches do school supply drives where they provide free school supplies or low priced ones. Make sure you donate excess or unused school supplies to church drives and thrift stores; spread the wealth!

Tax Free Week 2010: States and Dates

The following is the complete list of States participating in the Tax Free Weeks or Tax Free Holidays. Check rules with retailers before you venture out for supplies, some will not allow additional coupons during the Tax Free Holidays. States listed in alphabetical order.

Connecticut - August 15- August 21, 2010 

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing under $300, Shoes under $300 

Florida - August 13- August 15, 2010 

Tax Exemption Applies to: Books, clothing, and footwear ($50 or less), School supplies ($10 or less)

Georgia -  N/A

Georgia usually hosts a tax free Holiday, but not this year. Three bills for a sales tax holiday were proposed (HB 51, 952, and 953) but none were passed.

Iowa - August 6- August 7, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing under $100, Shoes under $100

Louisiana - August 6- August 7, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Purchases under $2,500, Excludes purchase of taxable services, automobiles, and meals

Maryland -  August 8-August 14, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing under $100, Shoes under $100

Mississippi - July 30-July 31, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing under $100, Shoes under $100

Missouri - August 6- August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to:

• Clothing under $100
• School supplies under $50
• Computer software under $350
• Computers/computer equipment under $3,500

• Note: some cities and counties in Missouri choose not to participate in the Sales Tax Holiday, double check before you go shopping

New Mexico - August 6 -August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to:

• All clothing and shoes under $100
• School supplies under $15
• Computers under $1,000
• Computer equipment under $500

New York - New York shoppers are now exempt from the 4% sales tax 365 days per year.

This Applies to: Clothing under $110, Shoes under $110

North Carolina - August 6 - August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to:

• Clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100
• Sports and recreation equipment under $50
• Computers under $3,500
• Computer equipment under $250

Oklahoma - August 6- August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing and shoes, Anything priced under $100

South Carolina - August 6- August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to:

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Footwear
• School supplies
• Computers
• Computer equipment

Tennessee - August 6- August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing under $10, School supplies under $100, Computers under $1500

Texas -August  20- August 22, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: Clothing and footwear under $10, Includes backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students, Includes layaway items

Vermont - August 6 -August 8, 2010

Tax Exemption Applies to: The sale of personal property items costing less than $2,000 & Does not apply to food, beverages, or hotel rooms.

This post linked at:  New Nostalgia / Today's Creative Blog / Review Retreat / Craft Edition / Tuesday Tagalong

Oh Deer: And Other Cute Thrift Store Things

I thought I would resist all thrift stores this weekend. But the siren's calls of two Goodwills were irresistible this past Sunday.

These sweet Japanese porcelain "faux kokeshi" dolls were $1 each. I'm slowly amassing a collection of these, starting with the first two my dad bought me back from Japan years ago.

Right next to the porcelain Japanese girls sat this retro deer planter. I love the expression and the elegant lines, she's precious. I'll list it in my Etsy shop soon.

I hope this book on Painless Writing works. I need all the help I can get. So...tired...of...writing.... I'm at the two year mark of writing professionally and I'm running out of steam.

I already have this Prince Hits video tape, but a very old "Recorded-over" video tape (I have dozens of these, my parents would record rentals all the time). I've never seen Lensman but cheesy looking cartoons and/or anime are irresistible for me.

I've watched my Prince Hits video tape so much that it might snap in the VCR, this new copy will be my back up. It's full of classics, even some hard-to-find songs ("Peach", "Alphabet Street") and one of my favorite early songs "I Wanna Be Your Lover". The latter features Prince in a v-neck woman's blouse looking more gorgeous in skinny jeans and eye liner than I ever will. (Damn you Prince, you gorgeous man-woman-man). But Michael Jackson will always be my favorite.

Lime green carry on rolling luggage for an upcoming cruise and for other planned traveling destinations. I like the color and the inside is like new, $3.99. I almost left it behind but other instigating thrifters told me to just grab it before I regret it; I think they were right.

I love the Japanese Street Fashion inspired Harajuku Lover's line but resist the expensive merchandise so I was happy to encounter a tiny bit of Harajuku Lover's goodness while thrifting. I hope the thrift Gods bring me a Harajuku Lover's purse next!

'Twas quality over quantity this weekend, I'm very pleased with each item I found on Sunday. 

Blog post featured at: I Just Whipped Something Up Monday / Metamorphosis Monday / Making The World Cuter / Motivate Me Monday / Southern Hospitality Blog / Thrift Share Monday / Debbiedoo's Thrift Share / Twice Owned Party