Thrift Share Monday :)

These vintage posters are from The Nut Tree in Vacaville, California. I found them in a huge old Nabisco warehouse that has been turned into a storage facility/vintage stash open three days a week for crazies like me to dig through and find treasures like these. The owner was impressed with me that I had found them. The bottom one is in better shape than the top one. I hope someone finds them who can really appreciate them.

When I was in my early twenties, I went to Healdsburg for a weekend trip with some friends, and my friend and I went running on Saturday morning to enjoy the hills and the sunshine. I think we ended up back at the hotel like two-and-a-half hours later, after we'd taken the long way around, wanting to explore every new hill we saw. We flatland folk get really excited in the hills.

Running in hills is the the best way to increase one's cardiovascular capacity. My best running happened when I was training up in the foothills, back when I was still trying to be a badass. This is no longer the case, and I'm very content with that. I was never meant to be an endurance athlete.

Anyhoo, I've never been thrifting in these parts, and I'd love to check it out someday. Maybe next summer :)

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl :)

Thrift Share Monday :)

Kilbran sheets - Cats with sneakers (so they can run away!)

I always like to create a theme with my thrift shares. This one shall heretofore be named "vintage linens". There's not much else to say. I stayed up really late last night to have a test done this morning on my brain, so I took the time to get a bunch of stuff done, which is super out-of-character for me, but Anna Karenina just wasn't doing it for me in the helping-me-stay-awake department. These photos are proof of my supreme productivity. I was super loopy and making myself laugh by the time I went to sleep. We have a good time together, myself and I.

Vera sheets from Burlington - "Springtime"

I went to see the dogs tonight. We went on a long walk and then we had lots of lazy snuggling time. They were lazy. I was snuggling. There was also some playing of Rock Band, and let's just say that me singing Jethro Tull is not pretty. Not pretty at all. I cut out as lead singer before Pearl Jam came on, but we were all singing by that time ("Alive" from Vs.). Eddie Vedder is my aeroplane.

Vintage curtains with Peanuts characters playing sports :)

It's late and I need to go to bed, because I didn't get enough sleep last night, and I need to go to work in the morning like the excellent grown-up that I am.

Peace out :)

People are animals!

There are few words to describe the past several days of my life. So I don't know if I'll try. All of it makes me feel very alone, and that cannot be helped.

But then some good things are happening, like I thrifted a lot yesterday. I bought Throwing Copper because I dunno, I had a seizure several years ago and got rid of all of my "dark" music, and listened to this song over and over again in the car. Also, I found a brown tweed shift that goes all the way to my knees (!) from Ann freakin' Taylor. Then, I finally figured out how to go to one of those quick car washes with free vacuums, so now my car looks so much better. Also, my thirteen-year-old friend made chocolate cake, and the dog ate a frog, so I laughed a lot, and got a lot of crazy kisses from dog #2 whose mouth was not foaming. So now I'm gonna go to work, and I'm gonna think about all of these good things when I'm feeling down.

Thanks for being here. I'm quite fond of you.

Thrift Share Monday :)

Stocking kits are always a big deal :)

So I bought a few Christmas items. I haven't listed my Christmas stock yet. I figure it needs to dip below the triple digits before I do. I know that people might want to start working on projects, though, so I listed this kit yesterday.

Onion River Pottery

Whenever I see these mugs, I buy them. I just think they're so special. I've totally become a mug person in the past year. I've come to believe that the first things we look at in the morning should make us smile (and that definitely includes bedmates).

Florsheim boots

The elementary school across the street started ringing its bells this morning, even though the kids aren't back in school yet. Personally, I'm not ready for the school bells to start ringing. Somehow, in the midst of a summer of neverending heat, vacation has ended and regular life must return.

Peace out :)

Thrift Share :)

Valentino of Italy

This summer, I have been the happy recipient of some thrifty gifts, given specifically for my store. Perhaps people are beginning to worry about my poverty, or maybe God is good and providing for me, and all that jazz. Whatever. I'm not a big fan of the Almighty right now. I think I had some expectations about what my life would be like after I graduated from seminary, and those don't seem to have panned out, so I'm pouting, in perpetuity.

Sybil Connolly of Dublin

So these patterns came in a box that my friend found while she was moving out of her house, which had previously been owned and lived in by her grandmother. She called me up and asked me if I wanted a box of old patterns. Ever the shrewd thrifter, the first thing out of my mouth was, "How old are they?" She said some things that I don't remember. All I heard was "Vogue" and I said "Yes!"

Bill Blass of New York, I suppose?

There was a period of time in my thrifting where I found a bunch of Vogue patterns, but these are probably the nicest I've ever had.

Non sequitor alert! I just did yoga on my own for an extended period of time. I feel super good about it. Usually I get bored and antsy and don't do much, but I felt like I really got into it, and was able to get some work done. It may have something to do with my new car, or maybe the fact that I went to my chiropractor today, and she massaged my back with what appeared to be an electric sander. Sometimes I wish I could give her a lot of money, because she is so good to me. But alas, the poverty.

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl :)

Thrift Share Monday :)

Never opened - all other boxes I've seen only have 6 - this has 12!

These lovely vintage mirror tiles are in high demand on eBay. I knew that someone would want them, but I didn't know how much! I am quite excited to see what happens with them.

So it's hot where I am, and I imagine it's pretty hot where you are too. The heat has made me less than my best self. I spend several moments a day flipping off my computer screen for one reason or another, whether it be a frustrating customer, friend, or relative. I also send a lot of afternoons feeling cooped up in my house being bored, writing a lot in my journal, and generally thinking too much. I will be happy when my regular schedule starts, when I have somewhere to be every day, and I have an excuse to watch television before the sun goes down (boredom does not equal television for me).

It's been extra hard to go thrifting in the heat, so I am trying to make a plan for the day that will not kill me. I still have a lot of linens that could be photographed, but I still haven't figured out a way to hang them that will both have good light and won't have too much unwanted scenery.

Happy Thrifting! Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl :)

Thrift Share Monday :)

Vintage tie lot - Six of seven were new!

I have been an excellent thrifter lately, but not such a great person. I guess we can't have it all.

But on a lighter note, I volunteered to do a presentation at my church's family camp on recycling, and the thought of it makes me very happy, a little nervous, but mostly happy. I think I'll make a powerpoint with a bunch of photos of stuff I sell, and then I'll talk about how we can be better reusers and recyclers. For example, I can tell everyone about my USB batteries, the man who fixes my shoes (or how I buy my own heel tips online), and how I made the most awesome dress ever for graduation.

I think that it's really important for recycling/thrift-lovers out there to spread the love in whatever way they can. I am not perfect. I throw things away that I shouldn't because I am not always at-the-ready with a plate, flatware, and cup. But I feel like what I do well is communicate my love of thrift to others. So, fellow thrifters, get out there and spread the love!

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl :)

Thrift Share Monday :)

I'm on a total mug kick, inspired by The Recycle-ista and her penchant for finding Starbucks mugs. For whatever reason, I love buying mugs and photographing them and selling them. I love that I get to add a bit of fun to someone's morning coffee or tea (or late night soy milk, my newest fave).

The more I resell, the more I find that I am committed to making the world a better place through reselling used goods. That kinda sounds silly when I read it in my head, but that's why I do it. That's pretty much why I do everything, and I don't always succeed. For example, I dropped the ball and two Heath mugs broke in transit to their buyer this week. The shame! So after sending a full refund, I immediately went on eBay and bought some pre-owned bubble wrap (unpopped bubbles though, so no worries).

It is not okay that my shipping record is less than perfect. But, unfortunately, my failure in packaging can easily be tied to my emotional handicaps. I don't always protect myself sufficiently. I pack with newspaper when bubble wrap is needed.

 

On a lighter note, I am having new ideas! I want to reform the underground housecleaning community to become more marketable, for their own financial benefit, by using all-natural products. I want to put outdoor shades outside my single pane windows so my apartment isn't so hot this summer. I want to create some wort of workstation for packing and shipping so my apartment isn't so crazy-making. Summer is coming, and I'm excited!

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl :)

Thrift Share Monday :)

I think this first kit is so great. I can't wait to sell it so someone will enjoy it and hang it up in a hipster pub somewhere. If I don't sell it in the next month or two, I think I'll keep it and give it to my pub-owning friends ;) I just want it to be loved by someone. Is that too much to ask?

Erica Wilson!

Tree + clouds + wildflowers = pretty boring by Erica Wilson standards, but this crewel embroidery kit is lovely and complete, so I got it anyway. Because who am I to decide what people should or shouldn't like, right?

Not complete - just instructions :(

This map of Frisia is humongous! I really do wish that it could be a complete kit, but I hope some brave soul will see it and take the time to honor their ancestors through embroidery. This includes instructions in several of the languages that one might find in this area: English, French, Danish, Dutch (who knew there was a difference?), Dutch (another dialect maybe?), and German. Wow.

I really miss Flemish though. Come on, people. Flemish is the new Chinese. Pass it on.

 

I figured someone out in the world would collect this set of letters by Lanarte, but I was concerned that the all-Dutch instructions would be a turn-off. No biggie. I sold it this week, and it hadn't been listed but a few short weeks. Yay!

I think I've decided (inspired by my affinity for finding vintage embroidery kits) that I will spend some time stitching after graduation. Think of all that I will be able to create! If I decide to go to Central America for a little while, I will be guaranteed some soothing activity to bring with me on the trip. Also, this will put me in touch with my nine-year-old self, who I really have been needing to reconnect with.

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl.

P.S. Sorry for my absence faithful readers. I am graduating in three weeks, and my life overflows. I lost all desire to blog. My apologies. So, in an attempt to be human and do the things I love at the same time, I am going to slowly transition back to the blog. Today is my first attempt.

Semi-real "to-do" list

Very large vintage Le SportSac duffle bag

In honor of Thrift Core's organizational lists, I'd like to start thinking about the summer and how I'm going to start organizing my life. Mostly I just want to think of fun things to do over the summer.

1. Go to a Goodwill outlet: The thought of this has excited me for so long. I need to get a handle on my apartment before I bring in a bunch more stuff. Maybe if I started hanging things from the ceiling and got rid of some furniture...
2. Get my car situation into a better place: I've been saying this for a couple summers now. Summertime is ridiculous in my area, so pretty much we all just lay around and try not to die of dehydration. So going to the wrecking yard is not something I like to think about. Then suddenly it's March, and I'm wishing that my doors weren't broken.
3. Get rid of everything I don't need (garage sale, maybe?): In a little while, there are going to be a ton of block sales in town. I would love to get on board one of them. The scheduling conflict in a few weekends still chaps my hide, and I don't know if I've really fully decided what to do about it. I think I might look up flea markets, and see where I could go in the next couple months. I sure have enough stuff.

This was so not an exhaustive list. It was just a beginning. In my post-graduation life, I will be linguistically flexible and more organized. I cannot keep living in such a chaotic way. I don't know if that is going to change, in all honesty, but the more I think about it, it may be more likely that I find someone to marry who is organized. I will be the passionate one who makes life beautiful.

And it was all yellow...

6 yards of vintage upholstery fabric

What is significant about the color yellow? Let me look it up.

I got yellow roses from a boyfriend once, and then found out that yellow roses were for friendship and I wasn't sure if that meant something about our relationship or if they were just yellow roses and I like yellow. I'll never know.

I want to recover a couch with this material. Actually, I want to recover my couch with this material. I like yellow in my home. I also like bright blue and red and green, all atop a neutral background.

Handmade skirt with bicycles all over it.

I found this skirt ages ago, and it has sat in my Etsy shop ever since. I hope someone finds it and falls in love. It needs to be worn.

Unfortunately (and I noticed this the first time I saw it), the skirt does not appear to be conducive to riding an actual bicycle. Girls have it real rough, you know, trying to look good and love the environment.

Limey yellow leather boots.

These boots are the coolest. They're not lime green; they're more lime yellow. I also hope that someone finds them and loves them.

I wore my yellow raincoat today, and my hot pink rubber boots. It was raining. It's funny that I wore rain clothes, and I haven't fixed the broken window on my car. I guess it's better for me to take care of my own body than my car. At some point, I need to fix my car, but that's another task for another day. It just involves going to the VW wrecking yard and that takes time, and energy, and motivation that I just do not have. Someday, I will get a new car, and then that car will have its own unique needs. Life goes on.

Linking up with Apron Thrift Girl.

Thrift Share Monday :)

I was checking out, paying for my stuff, when I turned around and saw this. I was reminded of Curtis Jere's wall pieces, and bought it immediately.

 

Quilted pillows are so beautiful. I almost wonder if I should change the decor of my sitting room and keep these pillows. I like them so much.

 

They still smell like vintage and moth balls, even though I cleaned them and left them out in the sun to dry in the fresh breezy air.

 

This is beautiful. I've found some similar things on eBay labeled, "Original Thai painting". I'm wondering if this is some kind of street art that a traveler bought in Thailand or a nearby country. It seems very exotic and reminds me of the jungle. Ah, the jungle. I miss it so...I am thinking (again) of going to South America over the summer. There are several reasons for this, and I will very likely discuss them at a later date. Happy Thrifting!

Linked with Apron Thrift Girl.

Future flea market booth?

I went to an estate sale today that was pretty depressing. It could have been a garage sale, but they spread everything out into several rooms. I got a beautiful tablecloth. I've decided that when I can't think of a price I'd sell something for, because I like it so much, I'll just keep it. Unfortunately, I have a load of vintage tablecloths in my armoire, and nowhere to use them.

On the rare occasion that I get a booth at a flea market, they make everything beautiful, but I haven't been very active on the flea market stage these days. Maybe after I graduate? That decision can't be made until this paper is done though. Until that happens, I can't get a good night's sleep, a day without a stress headache, or a thought about the future.

Peace out buddies.

If wishes were fishes...

I really wish that I could honor Sugar's coming-out party with some kind of awesome essay. I wish a lot of things. For instance, I wish that my senior paper would be as awesome as I want it to be. I wish...okay, those are really my only wishes at the moment, and they're both writing-related. How funny is that?

Be well my friends :)

Thrift Share Monday :)

Paul & Joe 100% Cotton pants: Um, "Made in France"? I think I always buy things that have those words. Turns out, this label that I've never heard of sells pants for hundreds of dollars. Whoa. I don't know what will happen, but I'm excited for my future of having sold these pants.

 

Vera kitchen towel: Anyone know about a non-vintage Vera label? What does it mean?

Royal Doll: This is a vintage doll. It is old and from some sort of collection with the same doll but different outfits from different countries. This is Joy and she's from Switzerland. I love her outfit, and her braids. Have I ever told you that I can't grow my hair out for anything? I dream of having hair so long I can have these kinds of braids. Never gonna happen.

Hallmark RED cards: Who out there is a fan of Bono's RED campaign? I don't know how I feel about it. Whatever helps raise awareness of HIV and AIDS has my support. I just don't know if it helps anything. Comments on this topic are welcomed, as always.

Bucilla Cross Stitch kit: Somehow, Frederic Remington art is super expensive, but I don't have high hopes for this cross stitch kit. For some reason, the piece ends up having like ten stitches and mostly pre-dyed fabric. Zoom in and tell me that it doesn't look weird. Do it.

Thrift Share :)

Vintage souvenir apron from Nairobi, Kenya. I have never traveled to Africa. I don't know why you'd care, but it's important for me to note that somewhere on my blog.

Five vintage plates commemorating different Dutch towns or villages, from Royal Sphinx of Holland. The day I find something vintage from Slovenia will be a happy day for me. I did find a new Slovenian actor though on the show I've been fascinated with. What a winner. He does a southern accent, and it's awesome. No need to send me information about all of the Slovenians you know. I really prefer to like them first, and then find out. That makes it sweeter.

 

I bought five different Bionicle Lego sets. If you don't know what Bionicles are, then you don't know any children.

There's more, but it's not really interesting. There are some children's books and some shoes and just general schtuff that I photographed this afternoon. I lost a whole week last week being sick and then I worked on my paper all weekend. So today, I needed to get moving. I needed inventory, and I needed to list it fast. I didn't get everything listed though. I was exhausted, and eventually, I needed to rest.

Help me make it through the night

I love the little Totals box at the side of the My eBay screen. I love to see the numbers get higher as the month goes along. It rarely gets beyond three digits, but when it does, oh the joy! I'm even thinking about pimping my blog and making buttons for my shops. I don't think readers are much in the way of buying from other resellers, and that's why I haven't done it. But I've thought about it - so there.

I have not thrifted in more than 48 hours. Can you believe that? Right now, I'm watching The Daily Show, and then I will get out of my three layers of clothing that I sleep in to keep from freezing to death, and make a trip across town. I don't know how much longer I can live this way. Do I go find a person on the street and offer them a shower, then my bed to share with me? I only want to make it through the night. I don't want any funny stuff.

Sometimes, I eat milk chocolate

 

This recent post by Katy over at "The Non-Consumer Advocate" got some heated responses, so much so that she shut down commentary on the post.

I myself have been the recipient of some pretty nasty online communication. It hurts when people are rude because they can be, instead of assuming the best and perhaps beginning some dialogue about their "negative" feelings. I think that people on Katy's blog were generally able to say how they felt, and the conversation was cordial and honest.

I talk about online manners a lot because I work online. Very, very rarely do I get to meet a customer face-to-face, or a reader for that matter, and I have learned time and again how important it is to be literal in one's communication, and kind above all else. Sometimes, it is even appropriate to anticipate problems and address them before they happen.

I admit that this week, I did not respond well to an online overreaction. I was curt and annoyed when someone took offense at something that was in-no-way meant to be offensive. But in the end, I am only reminded that I am also human, and often fail. Sometimes, I eat milk chocolate.

Final post of the year :)

I closed my Amazon book shop. I've been selling books on Amazon for the past three years. I had some good times, but in the end, it wasn't worth it. I think I've mentioned this before, but for low-volume sellers, one negative feedback (no matter how ill-conceived) can ruin a shop. So I was ruined, and in the meantime, I had to make up for the downturn in other ways. I started selling on eBay, and added vintage items to my Etsy shop, where I'd only previously sold my personally-authored zines.

I am taking a couple weeks off for a vacation. I don't know how it's going to go with my shops. I'm keeping both of them open, and making it known to customers that I will not be shipping anything until I get home.

Today is Christmas Eve, and this year has gone by so very fast. I don't quite know how to end it. I think I may take a blog break. You may not have noticed, but I'm slowly petering out energy-wise. The everyday thing can't work forever, before I lose that special something we all know and love.

Ugly sweaters...again

So I walk into my favorite thrift store this afternoon to find lots of people looking for ugly Christmas sweaters. I determine that this is an excellent time to tell the group my funny story from a couple weeks ago (crickets in response).

For some odd reason, I am a little hyper, so while I'm doing my regular wandering, I shout out every time I find a Christmas sweater. People begin to leave without buying anything. I feel like a failure. A few minutes later in the cheap bin, I find an excellent one, but it needs to be washed (why it's cheap-so weird). I bring it up to the front later to give it to the cashier. There were so many people looking for them, so many.

I end up finding an excellent gift for my sister's boyfriend, and a whole stack of Celine Dion CDs, which I did not purchase, because I was uninspired. I did, however, find a whole tube of glow sticks. That was pretty awesome, but I didn't get them because I couldn't visualize myself on the corner during the fair selling them. I guess I could have found a concert or sporting event to sell them at, but it didn't seem worth the time and effort, dollar-wise.

Today at a staff lunch, someone brought a homemade popcorn cake. I didn't taste it because I wanted to have my dessert of pie. I only had one piece of pie! Go me!