Thrifting Finds 12.01.10- Elmhurst, IL Goodwill

Its snowing outside and I'm self-banished to my house even though I *really* want to stop by the Clybourne Salvation Army in Chicago. Oh well...we'll see how the weather is in about an hour.

A few days ago after work I drove to the Goodwill in Elmhurst to unwind and scout goods. I found some really nice things- it was quite a joy. Among the finds were linen pillows, a Wedgwood china box and brand new, sealed French linen waters. I slept very well that night!

Linen Pillows
Linen pillows have always been on my ultimate wish-list. However, I have trouble finding the exact pillow that I picture in my mind. Someday, I need to take a sewing class.

These particular pillows were high on the shelf above the linens. Since I'm barely 5' tall, there was a little jumping involved. After passing visual and smell test (don't take dirty, stinky pillows home!!), I loaded all four into the cart.

Upon taking the pillows home, I removed the pillow inserts, turned the cases inside out and washed all of them on the delicate cycle. I allowed the pillows and covers to air-dry.

At first I was worried about the pillows blending into the decor, but it turned out pretty decent!
 

Wedgwood Trinket Box
Perfect condition and beautiful and $3.99! It was immediately washed and added to the top of the dresser in my wardrobe.  

Thinking about logos...

Thrifting Treasures 11.27.10

I love "thrifting"- a term my sister and I made up to describe the action of going to thrift stores and resales shops to hunt for treasures. I've been thrifting for many, many years and I love to find new places in Chicago, hunt in beloved favoraites, and recommend places based on location. I used to annoy a very of good friend of mine by making her "thrift" with me while we were on location. (By the way, the Goodwill on Mission in San Francisco is AMAZING!)

I've been looking for an outlet to display all of my finds and treasures, so perhaps I'll start here by posting new treasures and pictures of past loot.

Enjoy!

Le Creuset-Cobalt Blue Au Gratin Stoneware Dish
This is an answer to my prayer! I've wanted start my Le Cruset bakeware collection for quite awhile now...but just randomly picking up items at my local HomeGoods didn't feel right-especially since I'm so indecisive. I found this at the Brown Elephant Resale Shop in Boystown (Chicago) for $3.50! They were having a 50% off Storewide Sale. I worried about everything being picked over (it was), but I was able to find this. A lovely gentleman also helped me find a Calphalon pot. (I'm collecting those as well).

 

Vintage Pyrex- Easter Weekend 2010
 Most of my kitchen is made up of warm gold, orange, red, and yellow tones. But I could not resist picking up this set of vintage Pyrex bowls at the Lakeview Salvation Army in Chicago. The entire set was $6.00! This particular Salvation Army is one of the best in Chicago for finding clothes, homegoods, books, etc. It is also quite a madhouse- especially on weekends!  I love to go early morning and late evenings.

Another vintage Pyrex find: Pair of Serving Bowls

 

31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challenge!

Fall is coming! No matter how I old I get, I always link "new changes" with the start of the new school year. I start planning in late July/early August and get super excited when August 15th rolls around.

This year has brought many unforseen changes in all aspects of my life. On January 1st, I could not have even imagined some of the following:

• Becoming the Executive Director of an organization that I've cherished since the day that I started as a volunteer intern in 2006.
• Finally parting ways with one of the biggest blessing and burdens in my professional career.
• A much needed vacation the islands during one of the most crucial turning points in my life.
• Internalizing the concept that I must be vocal and have the courage to demand what I want and be willing to accept the consequences of my actions.

Some of these may seem simple or even minute to the average bystander, but they are "giant leaps" for me. All of these inward and outward actions (even those unspoken) has opened the door to possibilities and roads that I never thought was possible for me.

I'm always seeking ways to work on self-improvement and build the micro-community around me. One of my goals was to start blogging personally and professionally. For the past year, I've been reading the blog and Twitter accounts of Rosetta Thurman, a non-professional in Washington D.C.  Her blog is filled with a wealth of information about non-profit professionals and personal branding. It came at just the right time for me!

Again, Rosetta's blog has come to the rescue. I've been stuck in a rut with blogging since my new premier on July 4th and her 31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challege is just the kickstart that I need. Please support me in my new efforts to become a "real blogger"! Learn more about Rosetta Thurman and her blog challenge here.

In the meanwhile, follow my efforts on Twitter under the name @Mahoganione.

-Tiffany