A Little Junk In My Trunk

Mondo Guerra

2012-02-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Don't be jealous, but I will be hanging out with Mondo Guerra tonight at the Goodwill Exchange Clothing Swap and Fashion Show. We will be featuring Goodwill clothing, designs by Denver Fashion students, and a one of a kind outfit created by Mondo himself. I hope to see you there. If you can't make it I will update you tomorrow with all of the details!

Grandview High School Unified Basketball

2012-02-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

My son Payton is an able-bodied helper on the Grandview High School Unified Basketball Team. I can't express how amazing the program is to everyone involved. The coaches, players, and helpers are all students working together to have a great athletic experience. Grandview High School also has a Unified Cheer Squad that cheers at all of the games. Keep the hankies handy! "Grandview High School is making a significant impact in changing their school climate to be inclusive and accepting of all students, including those with intellectual disabilities, setting a standard for Special Olympics Project UNIFY around the nation and inspiring many people in the Denver metro community and throughout the state! More than 85 students from Grandview HS are engaged in the school’s second-year program that includes Unified Cheer, Unified Basketball and Project UNIFY Partners Club and Youth Activation Committee. This innovative program is bringing young people together, both with and without disabilities, and it’s been a life-changing experience for the family, friends, community leaders, and sports fans around the Denver metro area who have been there this past year to cheer on a Colorado Special Olympic athlete compete on their high school unified team with the student body in attendance, the band playing and the cheerleaders cheering!" They are competing in a Top 9 News story contest, and you can vote for them here. You can watch the video and vote if you have a minute!Thanks!

Downton Abbey Recap

2012-02-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here is why you shouldn't watch Downton Abbey with a 16 year old boy. Thank G-d I have it on the DVR so I can re-watch last night's episode over.

Boy-"Who is that? What do you mean she was married, isn't she like twelve? Why are they over-acting? That girl needs a spray tan. Is Daisy her real name? What kind of name is that, that is a dog's name. It's lame when you say the name of the show in the episode. Why is everyone so nosy? Those walls seem pretty thin for a mansion. Are there any murders?

Who is that guy? He looks like Voldemort, no wonder no one can recognize him. Ohh those are butlers like Alfred in Batman. So that guy is like Bruce Wayne? Wouldn't it be cool if that guy turned into Batman or something? (he is Marvel Comics Encyclopedia)

Me- I will try that episode again today while the boys are at school.

This is our little secret

2012-02-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

(This is just a re-enactment photo)

Yesterday was a fun day. Fun like a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. My son needed a ride home from school so during the middle of a very exciting game of Mahjong I quickly left to pick him up. Normally there isn't a car parked behind me in the driveway BUT yesterday my brother-in-law parked his Brand New Car riiiiiight behind mine.

(Do you remember the term foreshadowing from high school English?)

Can you guess what happened next? CRuuuunnccchhhhh. Yeah. I backed into his car. I really shouldn't be allowed to get behind the wheel. The good news is that it will be something to talk about in therapy next week! The other good news is that he took it pretty well, and he claims it can just be "buffed out". I plan on keeping this little detail to myself....no need to bother my husband with that little mishap. My brother in law told me to keep the money for repairs to get my husband hair plugs. At least he has a sense of humor.

So a friend offers to take me to school to pick up my son and WE BOTH FORGOT OUR CELL PHONES in all of the excitement and my younger son is nowhere to be found. So I go into the weight room to look for my older son who just so happens to be in a dip contest with sweaty (stinky) high school boys cheering him on....so when he's done I ask to borrow his phone. Have you ever been lectured to by a high school boy about being responsible and keeping your phone with you at all times? It's fun you should try it.

Found Son. Snowed two feet, snow day from school. I plan on never driving again. Everyone should be relieved. The End.

The one where I nearly had a nervous breakdown in Goodwill

2012-02-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Mondo and Lisa last year

It wouldn't have been my first nervous breakdown in Goodwill just so you know. The good news is that this story has a happy ending.
Sooo yesterday I was shopping with a lovely news anchor in town. We were getting ready for the Goodwill Clothing Exchange and Clothing Swap with Mondo! She is the cutest thing ever by the way. Well as you know shopping at Goodwill is always exciting, and yesterday was no exception. She was kind enough to start trying on all of these cute dresses for the event, and I was bringing things to the dressing room for her to try on. She came out of the dressing room in one of the outfits and we both went to the accessories section to see if we could find a teeny, tiny, wee little belt for her waist. Did I mention that she is pregnant? So we were looking for a little belt to fit over her baby bump. As we were chatting and shopping and just Goodwill browsing, she makes her way back to the fitting room, and that is when I realized that someone else is in her dressing room trying on clothes.

Cue the sweating....because I start to think, "PLEASE oh please oh please DO NOT TELL ME that someone else could possibly be TRYING on Lisa's clothes." The ones that she came in with.....Let me tell you that I AM NOT the type of person that could just knock on the dressing room door and say, "excuse me miss....can you please take off the news anchor clothing, that would be great thanks!" Can you imagine someone coming out of the dressing room wearing Lisa's clothes, and then I would have to have a very strange conversation, needless to say, I am frozen with fear. I actually starting thinking, who do you call to sign up for unemployment...hmmm..I need to look into that......I didn't even know where to start...do I tell Lisa? do I get on my knees and say a prayer? light a candle? just get back to my car and drive off? Whaaaaa......***Do I need to say here that my mind can take a situation and make a run with it?
Right then I noticed that she had her original clothing in her bag and that no one was trying it on. Crisis Averted.

The Wall Street Journal

2012-01-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

Our family has this very odd thing where unusual occurrences happen often. My 16 year old son posted a game play strategy on You Tube (watch it here). Now if you aren't a gamer, (and I'm assuming you aren't) then you might be lost here. So maybe three people watch it and he says, "a reporter from the Wall Street Journal wants to do a story about my video." This is where I tell him about crazy people on the internet, not to speak with weirdos who leave comments on his YouTube page, you know the speech. So he Googles the reporters name and sure enough he seems legit.
Next thing you know a WSJ reporter comes from New York to interview him and it was on the front page of the Wall Street Journal this morning.

This is a link to the article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577181320148513432.html?mod=ITP_AHED

Basically it is about how pacifism is a trend in videogaming. Whaa?? I know. My part is where I say that he isn't even supposed to be playing violent video games and I don't want them in my house.

Just another day in the suburbs.

Mrs. Meyers

2012-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

A big Thank You to Mrs. Meyers for the amazing gift basket! I love it, it makes cleaning so much more fun! You know that I'm crazy for Mrs. Meyers. To be honest, here is what I would REALLY like. A cleaning service that only uses Mrs. Meyers products. You could choose a scent and then have you home looking and smelling beautiful! It would be healthy for the employees as well as the homeowner. I need to get on that.

Work Wardrobe from Goodwill

2012-01-24T06:54:00.001-08:00

Let's go shopping for work appropriate clothes at Goodwill!

The Freedom Foundation

2012-01-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

The video is a little wonky but you get the point!
My husband and I were fortunate enough to attend an amazing event for The Freedom Foundation. It is an organization based in Selma, Alabama. The volunteers in the organization are there to inspire the younger generation to reach their full potential. Did you know that schools in Selma are still segregated and that the President of our nation would not be able to play a round of golf there? Most of the kids in their programs have never been out of their county never mind the state of Alabama, but are now travelling all over the US performing and seeing how there are big possibilities outside of Selma. They have a theatre group called RATCo which stands for Random Acts of Theatre Company. The kids were amazing, energetic and so excited to see their first mountain in our beautiful state of Colorado!I bid and won a "freedom" trip to Selma to see the kids in action. I'm bringing my 16 year old son with me during spring break. He is interested in history, and oddly enough it seems to be a place that hasn't progressed with the rest of our nation. I was having a hard time explaining to him how and why this could still be the case. Our friend Gwen Brown is the president of this amazing organization, she is full of passion and conviction. I can't wait to be of service there.

**Update My dad just emailed me that his side of the family is all from Alabama! I guess I should have been listening more carefully when he gave his genealogy updates!

DIY Peppermint Mocha Recipe

2012-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

My few of my girlfriends have the Gold Starbucks card. Now I want one. You just have to register your Starbucks card online and then you receive points for using your card. After A LOT of lattes they send you a Gold Card....I waaant that. I have become addicted to the Peppermint Mocha that used to be offered ONLY during the holiday season. Now you can buy them all year 'round. Consequently, I had to cut myself off. Addicted I tell you. I decided to make my own at home so I could save myself about a bajillion dollars a week.

In a glass Pyrex measuring cup (that you picked up at Goodwill) measure 3/4 cup of half and half, or whole milk, or cream if you're crazy like that. Heat the half and half in the microwave for about 2 minutes...do NOT boil it!

Add the chips to the milk and stir until they are all dissolved. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

Now pour that into your adorable glass jar that you picked up at Goodwill.

Now make yourself a latte. Or just brew some strong coffee and heat up some milk. I like non fat.

Then whip up some Peppermint Syrup. Its easy. Heat 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a simmer on the stove, cook for about 3 minutes over low heat to dissolve the sugar. Take OFF the burner and add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Peppermint Extract. (Peppermint oil is better if you can find it.)

Now put it into a to-go cup just like your favorite Starbucks on the corner!! (I bought a billion cups on-line from a Seattle coffee company. I'm hard core, what can I say.

I use 1 to 2 teaspoons of each syrup in my latte. I just like a hint of flavor. Just use as much or as little as you want!

Enjoy!!! As my children remind me...coffee is not a meal!

What I Wore Wednesday

2012-01-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

Look at this amazing wool jacket I found at Goodwill. It was hanging on the rack with the clothing that is being put out on the sales floor. (hot tip: look there first) I grabbed it fast! One of the ladies who works there but was on her day off just took her eyes off of it for one second, and I got it. She said "I knew it was you who got that jacket." I felt a tiny bit guilty, but clearly not guilty enough to give it up. I Love the detailing on the back.

Look at zippers on the cuffs. I am a sucker for embellishments.

I love the shoulder detail as well. It has suede on the collar and shoulders.

The boots are from Goodwill last year. They are Perry Ellis America. The jeans are my favorite Jeans from Target (of all places) they are Style #6. I find them at Goodwill all the time and pick them up so I have backup! I love the Modern Equestrian Look. Especially when you can find it all at Goodwill.
I wear some variation of the jeans/boots/jacket look every day it seems.
I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy and Silver Style come see what the other ladies are wearing.

Goodwill Hunting...

2012-01-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you have friends come in from Canada? Easy, you take them on a field trip to the GDub!

We like to start them early.
(No I'm not a janitor, I'm not sure why my keys are hanging out of my pocket.)

Look at her outfit! Sooo meee. Skinny jeans, riding boots, and a red pea coat. Ahhh a girl after my own heart. She was determined to find something to take home with her.

My little Canada Girl found an appropriate t-shirt! I had such fun shopping with my friends. Their suitcases were full! (Yes, I let them look around the rest of Denver.)

Downton Abbey

2012-01-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Since Mad Men has been on hiatus for the past year, I needed a new fashion inspiration. Well I found it.

Have you been watching Downton Abbey on PBS? It is in season 2 already, and it airs on Sunday nights. I watched the first season on my IPad recently. ( There is a PBS app that you can easily download.) I am obsessed with it!! You can try watching it HERE. I'm very certain that you will see A Lot of tweed in my fashion future. I would much prefer to be Lady DeeAnna, and not a servant. But according to my dad's vast genealogical research I would have been working in the kitchen if I was lucky, more likely shoveling out the barn. I am tooo fragile for that, a mere petal. Dang it.
Watch, return, discuss.

WIWW - The Lumberjack Edition

2012-01-11T07:25:00.001-08:00

I found this outfit inspiration on Pinterest. You know that website that pulls you in and you can't leave it all day. You can follow me here: http://pinterest.com/junkinmytrunk/

This jacket is a little more suited to my frame. I loooove jackets and collect them like puppies.

I'm feeling the lumberjack look right now. All of the pieces are from Goodwill of course. The shirt is American Eagle, jeans are Target, boots are Joan and David. I didn't buy this cape from Goodwill because it was way too big and swallowed me up. I do love it, but left it for someone else!
Join me at the Pleated Poppy and MomTrends to see what everyone else is wearing this week!

New Year's Resolutions or Words to Live By

2012-01-10T07:51:00.001-08:00

What I did on Christmas Vacation....

2012-01-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

A few months ago my computer bit it and I lost alllll of my data. I know. Yes, now it is on "the cloud" to save me from myself. So when I went to send out our holiday cards I realized that I would have to put all the addresses back into my computer with the help of our old school Rolodex. So then when the holiday cards started coming in I had to add in addresses and fix some of the old ones. I live an exciting life don't be jealous.

Wish me luck...

2011-12-28T19:39:00.001-08:00

I have been in a chain saw massacre snoring zone lately. I picked up these pink ladies at Walgreens today and I'm hoping for the best.

Oooh look it comes with a beautiful carrying case at no extra charge. Excellent!

I vacillate between sleep-deprived crankiness and caffeine fueled mania. Keep your fingers crossed that someone doesn't go missing in the middle of the night. If I call you just bring a shovel and don't ask questions.
The End.

**UPDATE: Best invention EVER!

The Gift of Thrift

2011-12-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

I found this bag of glass jars at Goodwill about a month ago. I happen to love this jelly and collect the jars myself. However, the jelly is a little pricey so finding an entire bag for $3.00 is great!!

I just washed them in my dishwasher on sterilize and viola gift jars! Oooh blue ones too!
Perfect for Hanukkah and Christmas!

So I decided to make little treats for my boys and the neighbors...perfect for my collection.

I got the sugar cookie recipe from Bake at 350. I frosted them with White Chocolate and crunched up candy canes. Yumm! Oh and they freeze really well.

It is the perfect dough for cutting out all different kinds of cookies.

I used the jars to add homemade hot chocolate mix, crunched up candy canes, and some cookies. Deeelicious.

A Hilfiger Christmas

2011-12-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is my kind of Christmas Morning! What a way to disco in the new year!

Merry Christmas...may your day be Merry and Bright and full of Plaid and Dance Tunes!

Happy Hanukkah Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

This was our holiday card this year....we just hung out at a bowling alley and spent $20.00 in quarters shoved into a photo booth. It was a blast!

9News Rocks the Goodwill Holiday Sweaters!

2011-12-16T08:45:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Goodwill and my friend Felice for the great holiday sweaters. You all look adorable!

Tablescapes Goodwill Style

2011-12-15T06:05:00.000-08:00

We put together this video for www.ThriftingDenver.org. Put together one tablescape and use it for all of your December parties! Happy Shopping.

Look at all of the other fun projects at Thrifty 101!

My Hanukkah Christmas List

2011-12-14T14:55:00.001-08:00

Since my parents are coming to my house this holiday season Christmas is on the menu! If you're asking: I would like a shoe shine kit please. Then I would like my dad to help my shine up all my boots. Did your dad ever shine his shoes before church? Mine did. This request can't be any stranger than the time I asked my husband for a lawn mower for Mother's Day! (yes he bought me one and yes I love it.)

Just call me Clarice

2011-12-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

I like my eyelashes to look like I belong in a stop motion holiday special. Just like Clarice's-you know Rudolph's girlfriend. The bigger the better. Hey it worked for her! Blink. Blink.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

2011-12-12T06:25:00.001-08:00

My friend Lisa gives the most amazing parties! Remember she is the one that gave me a Mad Men Dinner Party for my birthday a couple of years ago? This party was for our friend Barb. Nope, not a big number birthday...just a great party for a great lady! Lisa made the cutest name tags that were big enough for all of us to read without glasses. Smart! She also broke everyone up into five or six groups and sat us at tables where we met all new people. Genius!

The party was at the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek. It was really lovely. Holiday decor, but not too Christmasy for this particular occasion.

We mingled...

We all got up and tried to explain how we first met the birthday girl. Then we all realized there is about one degree of separation between all of the guests..it was crazy!

I was distracted by an amazing pair of red boots...what was I saying again?

Dancing? During the middle of the day? YESSSS!

I love parties, but dance parties are my favorite! It was a girls-only party so we let loose! You all know how much I like to shake it!

(Three Generations!)
Happy Birthday Barb! I was so honored to be included!

Family Photo Shoot Goodwill Style

2011-12-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a little behind the scenes video. The little girls were such troopers to have their photos taken during a snowstorm!

DIY embellished Goodwill rain boots...

2011-12-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this entire outfit came from Goodwill?

I asked my friends if I could take their family holiday photo. Naturally I made them all wear Goodwill holiday clothing. Yes it was all adorable. You can watch the video here: http://thriftingdenver.org/2011/12/07/holiday-photos-start-at-goodwill/

I bought a pair of Goodwill rain boots and because I look at Pinterest alll daaay....I just copied a pair of boots that I saw. These boots cost about $6.00 at Goodwill.

Here is what you will need: rubber boots, ribbon (I like the wider silky ribbon), and a leather punch. I found the punch at JoAnn Fabrics for around $8.00.

I just eyeballed the measurement. You can put it wherever you want it,
just make sure both sides are the same.

I actually punched two holes right next to each other making a larger opening so the ribbon would fit through.

Light the end of the ribbon to seal the edge.

One for each girl! I think they turned out so cute!

Movie Night

2011-12-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well I got one of my boys to watch a Christmas movie with me. I did have to bribe him with a ton of junk food....It was worth it! I have to take every minute I can get at this point. It was a lovely snowy night with a movie, junk food and candy. Perfect.

Hair Flipper!

2011-11-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

We did a little news piece on the plethora of ugly sweaters at Goodwill. Please do not count the times that I flip or touch my hair! I need to work on that, (she says with a hair flip and a smile.)

Beautiful on a Budget

2011-11-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

You know that I truly believe that you can have beautiful things while sticking to a budget. Take this beautiful tufted bed that I just put in my guest room. You will never guess where I bought it...no not the GDub...I found it at Big Lots! I know!! Crazy! It was on clearance for $239.00. I found the Serta mattress there also...I know, I was shocked myself. The bedding is from Tar-jay of course. If you would like to know any further details leave a comment and I will ask Tami from Zeal Denver.

Speaking of Big Lots...that is where the chair came from also! $99.00

The mirror is Ikea and the fur rug came from Costco! You can stay on budget, and have an amazing guest room to show for it! (The doggie loves the mirror, but don't worry she is NOT allowed in there!)

Zeal Denver

2011-11-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly! This is amazing! Tim and Tami from Zeal Denver are miracle workers. Tami took my little owl print and ran with it! I love the sparkle and sophistication that she added to my boring and bleak guest room.

The room looks sooo much bigger! She removed the armoire and re-purposed a dresser that was already in the room for the television stand.
cozy spot for your tootsies

This is the exact color story that I was looking for!
Swanky!
If you would like your own design consultation and transformation email my friend Tami from Zeal Denver!

Here are the before photos....

2011-11-22T05:31:00.000-08:00

If you have sensitive eyes...avoid this post! This is our guest room where spare furniture goes to die an ugly death. Maybe I tried to make it extra uglier for the before photo...okay maybe it already was extra ugly. Just trying to keep it honest for y'all.

Remember back in the old days when televisions were two feet deep...yeah me too. That is why this armoire is way to big. It is at Goodwill right now on Parker Road and Belleview, along with a truck load of other furniture....go look!

Crunched up day bed.....booooring.....Oh and the bookcase to the left of the photo hold 9,000 sports biographies that my husband insists that he will read someday in his "spare time". hmmm Anyone ever hear of the word Kindle?

Don't tell the husband but that loud racket of a ceiling fan is on its way oooutt! (why do men love ceiling fans and when was the last time he was even in the guest room?) This room is booring and I should get some kind of reward sharing its fugliness on this blog!
I can't wait to see Tami work her magic.
Have I mentioned that I am the worst design client she has ever encountered? I gave her this picture that I like then said. I just like the colors....no I don't like owls....or any kind of blue...or symmetry...I like the essence of the image...Oh, don't re-arrange the books....make sure they go back in order...(someone may or may not have OCD and he knows when one book is moved...just an observation not a condemnation:) Oh it goes on and on....she will be happy when this is over!!
Thanks Tami and Tim! You two are the best!

Color Story

2011-11-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Aren't these images cozy? I love them...you can find them on my Pinterest page.

My friend Tami from Zeal Denver is working on redoing my guest room. This is the color story that I gave her to work with. I can't wait to see how it turns out! I will take "before" pictures today. Let me say ahead of time that right now it is a room where old furniture goes to be ignored. Not cute....Not yet anyway!!

Very Pinteresting!

2011-11-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

Look at this outfit I found on Pinterest.....I decided to Goodwill it! Everything but the Burberry scarf came from the GDub. I am addicted to both.

Military Men

2011-11-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

Army

My cousin Randy Active Duty

(he brought my infant son for show and tell when he was in first grade)

Navy

His brother Adam (Active Duty)

Navy

My Grandpa "Dee" (I was named after him)

WWII Veteran

Air Force

My dad Edd served prior to Viet Nam

Marines

My Uncle Jimmy

Viet Nam Veteran

Thank you to those who are serving today, and to those who served in the past.
Please keep our boys in your prayers to return safely home to their families.

Veteran’s Day Prayer

Dear Lord,

Today we honor our veterans,worthy men and womenwho gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us. Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression. We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them, and we pray that you will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness.

By Joanna Fuchs

Guess What

2011-11-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

My baby is a Sea Otter! He just signed to play baseball with the Monterey Bay Sea Otters! He isn't really a baby....we are so excited for him!

Snow Day

2011-11-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, this is what we woke up to this morning.....School Cancelled!

Doesn't this look like a frosted cupcake?

I would say we got a foot or so...

Just about to take a nap in the snow which isn't really a problem...

if you like the smell of wet sheepdog.

and a few icebergs on the laundry room floor...thanks doggie door!

It's Fall right?

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you watch The Office then you know exactly who this is....my son tried to wear this to school....no joke.....I'm sure his Norwegian cousins are very jealous!!

Fact: Dwight Shrute is scary.

Zumba!

2011-10-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

I had myself a little Zumba party for my birthday! It is like Chuck E. Cheese for adults with better music and less germs. We danced at my favorite studio Dance 2 Gather. It was so fun, they prepared a black light dance party that was AMAZING! If you haven't tried Zumba you really should. It is soo fun, the music is great, it will make you all sweaty, and you can work on your dance moves that you are too old to try out in a dance club. I am so lucky to have friends that are up for anything!!

A big thanks to Danyelle, Erica and Tawnya for such an amazing time! Those girls can shake it!!

Go on their facebook page and book your own Zumba party!!

Zumba!!

Random Dee-core

2011-10-20T17:59:00.001-07:00

My name is Dee...get it? Dee-core...I tell my husband all the time that puns are for lazy writers....guess that makes me lazy!

Halloween Banner

Stuff from the G-Dub that looks amazing when grouped together!

that baby is about to go to college...don't get me started...

I like a muted palette for Halloween as well...Goodwill is Good for Halloween!

Pickled Green Tomatoes

2011-10-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

My bestie Lisa returned from a trip only to find that her cherry tomato plant had produced a million little green tomatoes. She went online and found a recipe on how to pickle them and that is how it all started. You can find it here: http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2008/09/15/attack-of-the-killer-cherry-tomatoes-alternately-titled-more-pickling/

First, since we were scared to poison everyone with botulism, we sterilized all of the glass jars and rings in the dishwasher....we had Chines food delivered to pass the time....

Then you peel a billion cloves of garlic....make sure you wash your hands with a stainless steal soap bar or you will smell disgusting, but at least the vampires will stay away.....

You fill the clean jars with the herbs and garlic then come the tomatoes...

Pour in the brine...

don't they look cute!
(can pickles look cute?)

Then you put them in a GIANT pot of water to boil...and in six weeks you can eat them! I guess I will let you know how they taste in about six weeks! *Our friend Ellen said, "Oh, just like my uncle Hymie used to make!" You know if someone named Hymie used to make them they must be good!!

Halloween Banner

2011-10-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

I put together some Halloween decorations for my entryway...

I gathered some photos of our Halloweens past and made a banner out of it...

just print out some Halloween photos of the kiddies onto regular 8.5X11 paper...I used Microsoft Publisher to create a triangle template so I know where the photo should go, then printed them out, used a regular old hole punch in the top corners, and strung the entire thing with ribbon..Viola!

Now my boys are well past the trick-or-treat age, but I love taking a walk down memory lane....those faces are so sweet!

It was the winter of his discontent...

2011-10-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

I had to have neuropsych testing done recently, and basically it is an eight hour test that shows memory, reasoning, mental abilities and things like that. I was in two car accidents back to back (neither one my fault) and I'm still working on recovering. It turns out it is a veerrry slow process. *read about it here. So during one of the memory tests the doctor gives you a list of twelve words and you say them back until you have remembered all of the words. First of all I know what you are thinking.....Oh, I couldn't do that either! Well, you might be right about that but this story is about me so focus....moving on....While he is listing the words, I am trying sooo hard to remember them, he finishes and says, "Ok, now your turn, repeat them back to me." No problem! I start to think about the words, and this is THE ONLY THING IN MY HEAD....

It was the winter of his discontent.........What the &%^(@! Try again! Think harder!
It was the winter of his discontent....over and over and over...So I started to laugh because of the absurdity of it all....and the giggles turn into laughter which turned into guffaws which led right into hysteria then weeping.....excellent.... No! I have no idea where that came from!! I had to go home and Google it....turns out it is a part of a Shakespeare play...and yes the doctor asked me earlier about Hamlet so maybe that is where it came from...but still.....*the real quote is, Now is the winter of our discontent. Richard III

So when I was decorating for Halloween I thought of the perfect decoration.......Soooo remember "The Shining" when Jack is working on a novel in the snowy hotel and when his wife goes to read it all it says is, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy." Yeah its like that.

Scared yet? Me too.

WIWW Wednesday...The College Professor Loook

2011-10-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

(You're Welcome....A little eye candy to get us started)

OK, you know how fashion bloggers write about fashion icons? Names like Audry Hepburn, Jackie O, Carrie Bradshaw .....well it turns out my fashion icon is a male law professor from the 1960's sans the pipe. I love tweed jackets and collect them from Goodwill like puppies from the pound. It is getting a little ridiculous. But hey that's just me. Oh and I like to throw some cowboy boots in the mix too, take that fashion police!!
Vintage Evan Picone (70's) (via Goodwill)
White T-Target
Target Skinnies
Joan and David Boots (via Goodwill)

Same outfit different jacket
Nanette Lepore (via Goodwill)....WHO gives this stuff away??
I love the back detail!

Sweater with Leather Buckles...be still my heart
American Living (via Goodwill)
Isaac Mizrahi Jacket (via Goodwill)
Michael Kors flats (yep..you guessed it..the G-Dub)

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day...Holiday Scents

2011-10-11T13:50:00.001-07:00

I received a nice little package in the mail today from Mrs. Meyers....she is sooo thoughtful!

hmmmmm...interactive presentation....just like a little peek-n-see book that smells delicious!

Iowa Pine.....yum It's like a Christmas Tree that lasts forever and doesn't make a mess!

Cranberry smells really clean and light...

Orange Clove smells like simmering cider on the stove....

Spice Cake smells like a holiday home full of delicious baked goods...

here is a fun idea for the fall....

add a delicious scent to your holiday vignette....

looks what's hiding....it smells soo good!

It makes cleaning for the holiday seem like fun!
You can find the new scents on the store shelves starting October 16!

Thank you to Mrs. Meyer's for the fun package!

Time Warp

2011-10-07T05:57:00.001-07:00

Images from Far From Heaven...

Ok, I don't want the story line....just the outfits!

Is is weird that I want to live like this? My grandparents house was mid century modern so it seems so cozy to me. Yes, I want to dress like that, I want my friends to come to my front door dressed like that as well. That is why my bestie Lisa gave me a Mad Men party for my birthday. Do you think I could talk everyone I know to put on their crinolines and high heels? Probably not but I'm in!

Pinterest.....yes please!

2011-10-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

*I made these cute chicken pot pies because I like to make mini pies all day long...I couldn't wait for some cooler weather, and well it dropped 50 degrees today so I got my wish...now I'm re-thinking it.

Have you been sucked into the Pinterest rabbit hole? Ohhhh let me tell you I have. Come over and take a look. You can find me here: http://pinterest.com/junkinmytrunk/
if you need an invite let me know. Ok I have to go back and search Pumpkin recipes again.

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

This just about says it all....Out of the mind of a genius.

Two Broke Girls Recap

2011-10-04T06:12:00.001-07:00

Well first let me be the first to say that Two Broke Girls will most likely not make it to the end of the season. Worst.Show.Ever. But secondly lets just say that I picked up on the lingo. *no not the cursing in Spanish.

*Wednesday at the 'Will....love it...might steal it.
*If it's on the rack you must attack.....true, true.
*I have done, and will continue to do the $5.00 dance.

Terrible show...entertaining premise. That's my two cents anyway.

Two Broke Girls

2011-10-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

There is this new CBS show Two Broke Girls.....they go shopping at Goodwill tonight...can't wait to see what they find!!

Pumpkin Muffins

2011-09-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

I picked up these cute muffin liners after Halloween last year. Goodwill had a huge selection of items from a major discount store. You just have to keep your eyes open. (Hanging out at Goodwill a few times a week helps too.)

September is a great time to start making everything pumpkin!

Like pumpkin muffins for example...

I used Elie Kreiger's Recipe

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-grain pastry flour (I used White Whole Wheat Flour) *worked great
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsulphered molasses (I only used 1 tablespoon)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup lowfat buttermilk
1/4 cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds (I used mini chocolate chips instead)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, molasses, oil and 1 egg until combined. Add the other egg and whisk well. Whisk in the pumpkin and vanilla. Whisk in the flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Whisk just until combined. (Add mini chocolate chips here)

Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pan (I used liners instead) and sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of 1 of the muffins comes out clean.

Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the muffins to loosen them and unmold. Cool completely on the rack.

They went in one day. Enjoy!!

Just Lounging Around

2011-09-28T06:42:00.001-07:00

About a year ago I saw a pair of metal lounge chairs at Goodwill. As I was walking toward them I saw another lady approach them as well. I sped up a little...she sped up..she happens to be on her cell phone asking someone if she should buy them. We got to them at the same time, she politely took the tag (whoever gets the tag gets it) and said, "Would you like one of them?" I said no because I didn't want to to break the set. Then I became obsessed with finding another one. Maybe I should clarify...I became obsessed with finding another one (or two) at Goodwill.

Finally! I came across another one the other day...you can bet I snatched the tag right away. If you shop thrift you know that for some reason $24.99 seems like waaaaay to much. But I had been pricing them and realized that you couldn't even find a cushion for $24.99. So I brought it home with me.

Here it is in its kelly green glory. Very 1990.

Remember the decade of the ivy leaf? Me too. Don't worry, I'm going to cover that bit up.

*HOT TIP Use Petroleum Jelly to cover the parts that you don't want the paint to stick to.

This job took a lot of spray paint! I think I used six or seven cans.

Ahhh what a perfect dog bed.

You are not going to believe this but after looking all over town for a chair cushion....I came across a brand new one at Goodwill for $2.99!

Ahhh....we have another month before the snow will begin to fall. What a perfect spot all for less than $30.00.

Cherry Pie...

2011-09-22T06:42:00.001-07:00

This is why I Zumba five days a week. I really want to eat whatever I want and basically I do. I whipped up this little cherry pie for one. It came out beautifully, and tasted really great!

I used a handfull of Frozen Organic Dark Cherries (from Costo) a tablespoon of sugar (could have used less) a tablespoon of flour, and the juice and zest of one lemon. I just cut out a circle of Pillsbury pie dough and brushed the top with an egg wash. Then I baked it at 425 for about 20 minutes....I just waited until the top was nice and brown. The crust is my favorite!!

The beauty of making of a single pie is that you don't have an entire pie sitting around calling your name, the second thing is that it is nice to control what ingredients go into it! It is so easy and delicious...give it a try!

This is what I've been working on...

2011-09-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

More to come!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2011-09-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Since I've been working on a little project, I thought I would re-post my Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe for you to try while I am hard working at my J-O-B. My sweet, adorable, kind, loving, civic minded, and extremely generous friend Lisa (not to be confused with my sweet cousin Lisa)gave me this amazing espresso machine for my birthday. I use it almost everyday. (but had to switch to decaf...dang it)

I made a label for my to-go cup. I like to coordinate, and to make labels.

Since it is September I am compelled to make everything pumpkin.
I decided to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yummmm.

Use your choice of milk and add 2 tablespoons of Tazo Chai concentrate and 1 1/2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Steam them all together. You can add more or less chai concentrate or sweetened condensed milk, but I like just a hint of flavor.
AHHHHhhhhhhh espresso. This is my Anthropologie mini espresso bowl in orange. I love it!

Grate some fresh nutmeg on top, or sprinkle a little pumpkin spice or both. (go crazy it's your latte.)
Deeeelicious.

No it doesn't actually have pumpkin in it, and I guess you could throw some in, but the thought of drinking a chunk of pumpkin accidentally completely scares me to death. Icccckkk! Love to eat pumpkin--do not want to drink it. If you don't have an espresso machine just throw some into your regular coffee! Enjoy.

The elusive Burberry Trench...

2011-09-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, Burberry changed their tags from Burberry's to Burberry sometime in the 90's.

I have heard of thrifters coming across Burberry Trench Coats......in New York...where people donate them and get new ones I guess....But until recently I thought the stories were fabrications to turn me green with envy....
That is until yesterday when I found one at my local Goodwill haunt. I didn't even yell or jump up and down in fear of having the $10.99 price tag revoked....I calmly purchased it along with a hula hoop, potato masher and an outdoor chair cushion. You know, it is like filling your basket up at the drug store to cover up "unmentionables" yeah, like that.

Oh, did I mention it is fully lined?

And it actually fits me perfectly? I know, what are the chances! Eeeeeeeeeee!

*Ok let's get to the downside....It kind of smells like "Off!" mosquito repellent. Let me just tell you that I have a bionic nose and can smell fingernail polish from 5 miles away....so there's that.

**Funny story....I dated this guy one summer in college. Every time we were together I would wonder aloud,..."Who is wearing Off!", "Hey why does it smell like Off?"...over and over....(slow learner here) Then I just thought dang this guy is seriously afraid of mosquitoes!! So then I'm at his house and he sprays on this cologne that smells exactly like...you guessed it Off!......There you have it....my weird nose makes cologne smell like Off! not a good smell if you ask me.

So I took it to the dry-cleaners and I had to pay $18.00 to get it cleaned. You know that I hate the dry cleaners but I didn't want to risk any "Off!" flashbacks! Oh and I didn't want to jack up my new Burberry coat by washing it myself.

Hot Off the Presses!

2011-09-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

and by presses I mean the Goodwill truck.
I came across this boot in the September 2011 Anthropologie mailer....it kind of looks familiar.....

it looks a lot like some of the boots I have found at various Goodwill stores around the Denver area...

love these.......(too big for me, but stay tuned for my epic Halloween post coming up in the next few weeks. Think Water for Elephants...Big Fish....Our Gang.....)

Where is John Travolta in his white suit when you need him? 70's style is making a huge comeback this fall!

Catrina just took these babies off my hands....yes I am a personal shopper with a built in delivery service....my son acts as the "mule". It is all on the up and up.

Makes you want to go to Goodwill doesn't it? Thought so.

One Happy Baby!

2011-09-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

My mom nearly had a nervous breakdown when she saw a picture of my son about to eat shrimp when he was a baby. Some of my family members have some serious allergies to shellfish. It is so bad for my mom that she has to wear a medical alert bracelet. no joke. So basically my boys were banned from then on.

Is that the happiest baby you have ever seen?

So what is this... an art installation? Me going crazy with the label maker? No, it is just what has been keeping me from blogging lately.....

My sons have an allergy disorder that is being studied at the moment. I had to bring in 30 different foods that are common and uncommon triggers. For their entire lives we thought that they were allergic to shrimp and any sort of shellfish.....so they haven't been able to eat shrimp or clam chowder...(even though we lived in San Francisco and it was their favorite food.)

It turns out he was allergic to every single thing on the list BUT...you guessed it...SHELLFISH! Yes he is allergic to ranch dressing, carrots, cucumbers, melon, and the WORST trigger on the list? Broccoli! he wasn't sad about that....the list goes on and on and on, but not shrimp. Who would have thought.
The good news is that he still is a happy baby and can amuse himself in the doctors office. Which is good since we were there three days this week. So he ate about a pound of shrimp when we got home...one happy boy.

What I Wore Wednesday the Thrift Edition...

2011-08-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would show you my tribute to Mr. Goodwill Hunting in my GDub outfit. Notice my bow tie belt? It is just a regular tie from the men's department at Goodwill. I tied it into a bow and there you have it... Thrifted bowtie belt! So Mr. Goodwill Hunting don't you think?

Looks like I leaned onto the counter when I was chopping strawberries this afternoon....dang it.
Oh, I love these menswear inspired loafers tooo! They are Franco Sarto from the Goodwill Collection.

The Commision Project

2011-08-26T11:59:00.001-07:00

Paul Ferney has brought back the commission project! Get details HERE!
He is the amazingly talented husband of Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day!

This is the beautiful portrait he did of my darling Great Aunt Ruth posing in her garden. I love this painting and gave it to my mom for Mother's Day. (in full disclosure I kept it at home for a few months before I could give it up.) I LOVE MINE!!

What does laundry and vodka have in common?

2011-08-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

No there is no punchline.....I just like to add a little vodka to my laundry. Don't worry this isn't becoming a laundry blog. But lets face it, laundry is a never ending battle, you might as well learn to at least get along. I love to thrift, and sometimes I feel like I am "rescuing" a piece from the thrift store. The least I could do is clean him up and make him presentable.

Deelicious Laundry

2011-08-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Whether you share my love of laundry, or you find it a chore, these delicious smelling laundry products might just change your mind!

Mrs. Meyers lured me in when the Lemon Verbena scent was offered at Target for about a day and a half a few years ago. They no longer carry that scent, so now I have to buy it online. If you friend them on Facebook they will let you know when they have sales or have Free Shipping! Oh, let me mention that they offered Free Shipping! one day after I had mine shipped....dang it!

Mrs. Meyers also carries a line of cleaning products in the same scent. Your entire house can smell clean and lemony. *Here is a little tip. The dryer sheets smell so good you can use them around the house to freshen things up. I even put them under the seats of my car so keep thing smelling nice.
The Lavender is nice, but Lemon Verbena is my favorite! I have the most sensitive nose on the planet, and sometimes just walking down the detergent aisle can give me a migraine. All of Mrs. Meyers products are lightly scented and smell delicious.

Here is a little sneak peak of a recent Goodwill Haul ready for the laundry!

Mrs. Meyers is not paying me to say these lovely things. I am available however if she changes her mind. just saying.

Laundry Tips and Recipes!

2011-08-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with The Laundress Blog. It started with two girls in NY who started a line of high end laundry products. They have all sorts of fabulous laundry paraphernalia for sale. What fun! I am not kidding when I say I love to do laundry and to iron! I know that might sound crazy to some of you but it seems that my closest friends love to laundry too! Candis, Lisa, Mary, Sandy...all ironers. All Rowenta lovers. Birds of a feather laundry together!So I was reading the Laundress blog and they were talking about scented vinegar to remove odors and help with hard water. It seemed a little crazy to spend $12.00 on a tiny bottle of vinegar, so I used Mr. Google to show me how to make my own.

First you start with White Distilled Vinegar...

add you favorite essential oils...I chose lemon, orange, and cedar. You can pick up essential oils at Whole Foods, Sunflower Market, Vitamin Cottage....you know....crunchy-granola-type places. For this size vinegar bottle I used 20 drops of lemon...5 of each orange and cedar.

Why yes that is lemon vodka you see there on the left. Lemon vodka can be sprayed into shoes and clothing to clean and disinfect them. (yes, be careful) You can also spray lemon vodka as you would Febreze. Air fresheners gives me headaches, and I think they smell disgusting!! OK vodka can give you headaches too, but we're spraying it not drinking it!
So then I had to make a cute label because I didn't want the ugly vinegar label feeling bad next to my cute Mrs. Meyers cleaning products. Yes I do have a little time on my hands...why do you ask?

Viola!
I labeled mine "for laundry". As if I have to worry about anyone else in my house doing laundry or cooking for that matter...yes I know Lisa, I made my own bed...

Behind the Scenes

2011-08-17T07:48:00.001-07:00

We are in the book section of the S. Broadway Goodwill. It is really beautiful, if you are ever in Denver go check it out!

Our models were all interns for Goodwill. They are all an amazing group of kids!

Thanks WB!

WB News Story on Back to School Fashions

2011-08-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Think about Goodwill when you are shopping for Back to School clothes! We shot a piece for a local news station. Adorable Students in Amazing Frugal Fashions!

Never a Dull Moment (the revised edition)

2011-08-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

Any questions?

OK since you asked: Here is She Said/ He Said

Me: Don't use the blender because the glass has a slight crack in it...

Him: Ok, will you pick up a new blender...(not at the GDub)

Me: Sure.
Fast Forward.....(I forgot to pick up blender.....go to the gym....)

Him: Decides to use the blender anyway...(well I forgot to get a new one I will give him that)...puts ALL the fixins in the blender to make a smoothie...Blender glass explodes, he's not sure of the details, but perhaps he tried to "catch" the glass.......blood and smoothie all over the kitchen.....younger son (15) cleans the wound, patches him up, mops up the blood and gore with three beach towels.......then calls my cell phone which is sitting on our kitchen counter. oopsie

Me: I'm at the gym doing some serious Zumba moves working up a glistening glow....(and by glow I mean sweat running down my nose and onto my shirt)...Oh and I have naturally curly (and by curly I mean frizzy) hair......come home with a very frizzy, home perm, looking scenario on my head.....wait, did I mention I was wearing gym shorts and a super-hero t-shirt of my sons?.........Take my husband to the ER.......they stitch him up.....I fret over my jacked up hair/ outfit being seen in public......

Him: Let's stop by Costco on the way home to buy a blender so I can make another smoothie.

Way to get back on the horse!!

The End.

WIWW "I finally got dressed" Edition

2011-08-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't been participating in WIWW this summer because basically I've been wearing gym clothes or forgetting to take pictures if I actually got dressed!

I went to lunch with some girlfriends and then took one on a thrift tour....look at the cute boots I picked up! She found a pair of RED Ariat boots!
T (Tarjay)
Boyfriend Jeans (Old Navy)
Sante Fe Lace up boots (Goodwill)

Changed it up a little bit here...
Vest: Banana Republic (Goodwill)
White T (Target)
Boyfriend Jeans (Old Navy)
Platform Sandals (?)

I went shopping with Goodwill PR to get ready for a news segment we are doing about
Thrifting and Back to School Shopping Goodwill Style!
Merona Shirt (Goodwill)
Leopard Skirt (Goodwill)
Brand New Madelyn Stuart pumps (Goodwill)

Women's Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Banana Republic dress (Goodwill)
Dexter Pumps (Goodwill)

Buy American!

2011-08-09T06:53:00.001-07:00

Remember back in 2007 when the US recalled pet foods that were made in China? The food was tainted with melamine (a chemical used to make plastic). Some US companies were importing rice that had been laced with this chemical to increase the appearance of protein levels. After that eye-opener I decided to buy American made products. I had no idea how difficult, ok nearly impossible, that would be. Every product label I read said "Made in Somewhere Else!". The dollar spot at Tar-jay? Forget it. Every single thing is "Made in Somewhere Else". Food?! You guessed it. "Not Made Here!" . I'm not going to get into the huge political fight right now that this seems to create. I grew up in the Central Valley of California where 90% of American produce was grown. Not any longer....remember the housing boom? Farmland was turned into houses.....now they are vacant houses.............so sad. When you have a choice buy US produce. (the farmers will rejoice)

Rambling? Perhaps? So what does this have to do with thrifting and Buying American? Oh I am so glad that you asked. Each item donated to thrift stores that help communities, churches, food banks, charitable organizations...creates American dollars. Those dollars are put back into your community. (Be careful when you donate...some thrift store chains are "for profit".) "Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential". I know that other thrift stores help with other specific needs in your community. Shop where your dollars count.

I'm so thankful for individuals and families that donate their previously loved items to "charity". I can't imagine someone throwing out clothing or household items can you? Our great grandparents would have been shocked at what we throw away or deem "unusable". Keep donating, bring you children to drop off items so that they learn the importance of giving back.

Just a little something to think about! Do you feel like your hands are tied right about now with the political fighting? Do what you can, donate and Buy American, buy thrift!

2011-08-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hey mom thanks for the donation! It is very sweet that my parents take my job seriously...
(and are willing to take photos)

I love that guy's face...you want to take my picture?

*I should've asked my mom if it was okay to put her photo on my blog....too late!

When Decor meets Fashion

2011-08-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew where the image on the right is from but I don't. So sorry! As I was browsing the internet I came across the picture of the staircase and I instantly thought...what does that remind me of? It was driving me crazy, and then I realized that it reminded me of a skirt that I bought at Goodwill a few months before. So I took a picture and thought I would show you! Verrry intersting. Some fashion experts say to look around your home to see what colors inspire you and then add them into your wardrobe. Apparently that is what they meant!
I was reading a blogger's post on What I Wore Wednesday and she had that exact same JCrew skirt that she thrifted also! It kind of made me wonder if clothing has a certain "expiration date" before we donate it. I come across brand new clothing, last season's fashions, and then all the way back to 1970's polyester shirts and pants. Who would have guessed that a trip to Goodwill would make me want to do a research project on the psychology of clothing donations!

My weekend in photos

2011-08-01T07:25:00.001-07:00

My older son (17) had his tonsils removed this past week. The recovery as an adult is MUCH harder than it is for children. It has been pretty rough.

I am the giver of pain meds...
and popsicles...
He watched the ENTIRE Wonder Years series from beginning to end....I defy anyone to watch ONE EPISODE without crying....that Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper get me every time....

FYI: My husband was "recognized" by an older couple as in "Hey aren't you that boy from the Wonder Years?" when we lived in Seattle. (he is not Fred Savage...but he does look a lot like him!)

On Sunday my bestie Lisa went to see Sarah's Key...it is an amazing, heartbreaking movie and I would recommend it, but read the book at some point.....
One needs a lot of iced lattes to make it through the 4 am medicine alarm.
How was your weekend?

Fun in the Laundry Room!

2011-07-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

I decided that I needed a shelf to go above my washer and dryer, so I would have more space to fold my laundry...(and to catch all that extra stuff that seems to get lost behind them)
So I asked my friend Keys to check out the situation......I bought a large sheet of maple at Home Depot, and had Keys cut it to size and install it over the washer and dryer. Oh and he painted it too! I like to come up with the projects and Keys works on them for me!
I found these cute knobs on-line a year or so ago.....since I spend half my day in the laundry room I might as well have something fun to look at.
I picked up this pewter dish on the thrift tour......the other containers I bought on my Goodwill travels....you don't have to spend a lot of money to look nice....but you already knew that.

Speaking of the GDub...look what else I cam across.....Oh yes, that is an Elfa drawer system from The Container Store...only I didn't pay the $99.00 retail price.....
I paid $6.99 at Goodwill....I love a good bargain!
I had Keys notch the wood out so that wouldn't stick out against the wall...
I looooove it!
It looked like this for about 5 seconds while I took the photos....then it was back to laundry piles and junk everywhere....I'll save you the visual.
$6.99

Mrs. Meyers dryer sheets smell so good, just buy them to sit out and they will make everything smell delicious!
I "helped" put in the tile floors a few years ago. Another friend "Big Bill" showed me how to do it. But really he didn't want me to mess it up so he did most of it himself. Hey, whatever works!

High Waist Jeans....

2011-07-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

My niece and I wandered into an American Apparel Store the other day...I came across these jeans....they are priced at $80.00. When one wears these jeans it is important to go topless because the waistband will hit you just under your bra strap....ick..... I can save you $76.00 and send you to Goodwill where you can find entire racks of these 1990 Mom Jeans. Just try on a pair and see if you look like the SNL Mom Jeans Skit! Oh and if you happen to be over 22 all bets are off.

It takes a village to refinish a bench...

2011-07-21T05:56:00.001-07:00

Take a peek at the bench I picked up at Goodwill on Leetsdale. I paid $19.99 because I could see beyond the grandma fabric. Then I put it in the garage for about five months so I could test my husband's patience.

not cute

What the whaaat?
"Hey honey...this-a-here bench aint very sturdy...Imma put some boards and what not unner this bad boy."
"Well don't forget to shove some foam unner there for good mezure!"

"You read my mine Lerline!"

That entire dysfunctional mess had to go!

So I had Norbert, (yes his real name) my favorite wood cutter at The Home Depot cut a piece of wood for me. Norbert is the first one to help me out. Then I had my next door neighbor Matt cut out the notches so it would fit. (If John Krasinski and Ashton Kutcher had a baby it would look just like Matt...FYI) So he is the second helping hand.....

needed a little wood glue and some screws to hold this mess together...

...which is where Keys comes in to help....

Looking better already! Time to spray her up!

I used a dark primer first......

I went out on a limb with this green color....my first inclination would be to spray this black...but I have a bajillion pieces of black furniture, and we must live in the dustiest cul de sac in America, because I can dust my giant black kitchen table, turn around, and alllll the dust comes back! So green=hidden dust! Right?

Gooooo Green!

Sneaky Peaky

2011-07-20T07:34:00.001-07:00

I have a post coming up about this adorable bench that I refinished recently. As I was photographing it I thought that I would show off my Hawkeye basket collection. More on the bench coming up!

The Librarian Look

2011-07-18T11:46:00.001-07:00

Was she just going to the grocery store? Where does one wear full length gloves...I don't know, but I swear I want to go with her!

According to Michael Kors and Banana Republic prim and proper is in for the fall. I don't know about you but I can hardly think about the fall right now, but the thought of cooler weather sounds good right about now. I LOVE this hot librarian look! I can't say that I dress like this, but I want to. I just don't really have anywhere to go that requires this amount of fabulousness. I need to work on that.

What size are you?

2011-07-14T06:49:00.001-07:00

What size are you? Chances are that you can wear up to 4 different sizes. What does that mean for you? Well, it means that you have to try some things on....uuurrrraaghhh! I know!! I also HATE to try things on...especially at the GDub where well I am convinced that some person is going to see my "Snow Day" underwear. *Side Note....Dear Old Navy, please package your underwear with the large graphics viewable in the package so I don't go home and realize that the adorable said underwear says "SNOW DAY" on my arse...... OK...where was I? Oh yeah, try on your stuff at the GDub so that you don't come home with clothing that wont work for you.

Notice in the photo on the top right...the pants are very close in size.....

The pants on the left are Ann Taylor 2P. Just so you know, and I hope not to burst any bubbles here, but Ann Taylor uses vanity sizing which means that you wear one number size smaller than you would in a regular department store. The pants on the left are Kenneth Cole size 8 regular. Well they both fit me and I normally wear a size 4. I will say that the 8's were a little big, but not as big as I would think they would be. (*Ok Catrina you can have the pants now. We bought them at our last GDub shop-athon but I asked her to give them to me to photograph.....) That being said, I once had to buy a pair of jeans in a mountain town due to freezing whether during the middle of summer...my only choice was WallllMart and I tried on a billion pair of jeans in one particular style and I ended up with a size 12. No, not a children's size 12...a ladies 12....I wouldn't have guessed that!

So put on your largest, least offensive pair of Snow Day underwear and try on those clothes ladies, you'll be glad you did!!!

Guest Post... Yard Sale Mommy!

2011-07-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

One adorable mommy? Why yes!

See I told you cowboy boots go with everything!

Garage Sales and Goodwill? You guessed it!

A giant thank you ma'am to Jen from Yard Sale Mommy! I would love to say that I'm at the beach and needed a guest poster buuut she is the one at the beach posting for me? hmmm...however that works....I'll take it!

Retail Therapy on the Cheap: Tips for Successful Thrift Store Fashion Hunting

I don't know about all you A Lotta Junk in my Trunk readers, but I love dressing up. Forget the frumpy sweatpants, the tired work out attire, and the occasional pajamas in the carpool line looks--they just aren't for me. No, give me hairbows and heels, pearls and perfume, and frills and frocks.

Although I love dressing up, I do NOT love the price tag that comes along with it. These days even buying a dress or nice top at Target will set you back at least $30.00, if not more. So what’s a frugal but fancy girl like me (and you) to do? Try shopping at the G Dub Boutique. You would be amazed at the beautiful, name brand clothes, shoes, and jewelry abandoned and on sale there for 75-90% off of retail prices (dresses, pants, and tops are less than $5.00 per piece). Here are a few tips for updating and upgrading your wardrobe at a thrift store:

Be prepared to dig a little.

To find a treasure, sometimes you have to reach deep into the treasure chest. If you have the time, sort through the bins of clothes and thumb through the hangers one by one. Don’t forget to check the racks of things not yet hung out for sale, too. Look in and next to the dressing rooms for items that caught the eye of others but did not work for them, but just might work for you.

Try things on.

Most thrift stores have a place to try on clothes, so even if you have to take the kids in the dressing room with you, it’s worth it. Often all sales are final, so you’ll want to make sure what you are buying will work before you take it home.

Select pieces based on color, fabric, or style, and not by size.

I always try on eye-catching clothes that are sizes larger and smaller than mine, because when buying second hand you never know which size will fit. Each store or brand label sizes their clothes differently, so while you might wear an 8 in one store, in another you may wear a 6 or 10. Additionally, previously washed and worn clothes are often a bit shrunken by the time they are donated, so it makes sense to buy them a size or two bigger. If you like the look of it on the hanger, why not see if you can make it work?

Shop the accessories.

Nothing breathes life into an old outfit like a new pair of shoes, a fun chunky belt, cute jewelry or an interesting handbag. Don’t neglect the accessory sections of your local thrift store to spruce up the clothes you already own.

Get creative. Consider simple alterations.

With a sewing machine and little sewing know-how, you can easily take in a dress that’s too large to fit you. Or, perhaps shorten a hem with no-sew tape. You might even consider turning a too-short dress into a tunic over jeans or leggings. Thinking outside the box when it comes to your thrift store fashion finds will keep your wardrobe updated and fun.

So next time you’re in the mood to spice up your Sunday wardrobe (or your Monday through Saturday wardrobe for that matter!) head over to your local Goodwill “boutique.” It’s retail therapy on the cheap!

Jen Wise is a mom of three girls who loves to be fashionable but hates to pay full price! You can follow more of her yard sale-ing, thrift store shoppping, ebaying adverntures over at www.yardsalemommy.blogspot.com.

I LoveThrifting Denver Style

2011-07-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

Three Goodwill stores in one day? Yes we did! Thank you so much to Rashon Carraway for bringing thrifting into our collective consciousness....AND it was half off day!!

Loui, Anne, me, Diana, Gina and Kath circled the wagons for some major thrifting!

Here we are in front of the Art section at the Goodwill on Leetsdale in the Cherry Creek Shopping District...

I greeted our shoppers with a cart full of cowboy boots, just in case anyone else was interested...'cause I'm thoughtful that way...

Next we headed to the Belleview store....along with about 400 hundred other thrift shoppers! We had to circle the parking lot 3 times to find a spot....we may or may not have parked a tiny bit questionable location......my lips are sealed!

We met blogging buddies! (email me!)

and scored some MAJOR FINDS! Williams Sonoma Platter from the Leetsdale Goodwill
This vintage typesetters drawer came from the Belleview Goodwill! (Love it!)

Tony Lama boots from the Parker Goodwill.

Ahhhh...you didn't think I would come home without another pair of boots did you?

I can't wait to thrift again next year! It will take us that long to recover!

A big thrifty hug to Mr.Goodwill Hunting for such a wonderful idea!

All Thrifty States

2011-07-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to meet with Jenna and her cute husband from the amazing project All Thrifty States. She is a journalist that lost her job in the newspaper industry, and started a project that would give her the opportunity to do something that she really loves....Thrifting!! She really is an inspiration, go check out her blog for more details. I felt a little sorry that she meet the notorious Denver Weather.....oh boy....it is a wonder anyone makes a second trip to the Mile High City! Man the lifeboats!

Showing off the Orange BCBG Pumps Vanessa (my GDub Boss) found and then I snagged...

I Heart Thrifting!

2011-07-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Are you so excited about the big thrifting day? I am!! And guess what......it will be half off day at Goodwill! Half off is basically free in Goodwill money!! Let me know if you're in!!

Don't let me fly the plane....

2011-07-05T08:07:00.001-07:00

My flying anxiety comes and goes...ok well it went away a for a few years following a car accident....it was really strange that I could fly with no real terror, but I couldn't remember what my car looked like. Turns out that was temporary, because I recently flew from my parents home in California to a layover in Las Vegas. Let's just say that an 11 seat airplane should be outlawed. It really was a white knuckle, hail Mary, wishing you had a parachute flight. Once I landed in Vegas I kissed the ground and asked my son if he would mind me renting a car, or even better just start walking home. (I like my feet planted firmly on the ground.)
So when my husband told me that a friend had somehow scored some time in the official United Airlines Flight Simulators I politely said no thank you.....I really did try to call around and get someone to fill my seat, but in the end I relented and figured that I shouldn't be such a baby and get it over with.
Let me explain to you that my 15 year old son is learning to drive, and I clench my teeth so hard when he is behind the wheel, that I couldn't eat solid food for two days. He was first in the pilot's seat. There is a flight instructor with you and he tells you what to do as you go...the funny thing is that my son didn't roll his eyes once with him telling him how to fly the plane! Basically it was a little terrifying but I got through it by closing my eyes. Son #2 went and things got a little better, but then it was my turn.
I was impressed that I was willing to give it a shot. For those of you that have flown into San Francisco know that you land about 4 inches away from the ocean. Ok maybe slightly more than 4 inches, but that is what it feels like. Since we lived there I have done more than my share of ocean/runway landings. I took off fine, things were good, then the flight instructor says we are flying UNDER the Golden Gate Bride.....he basically tells you to pull up, bump it down, the warnings go off if you get to close either way. I swear to you that it feels so real! I got through that harrowing experience and then I had to land the plane. Apparently the pressure got to me because in the middle of landing it, I just screamed, I can't doooo iiit!!! with my hands over my face in panic. Did you know that planes basically land themselves? Me neither, it was the smoothest landing of the day.
Then my husband killed us all by dumping us into the ocean with his attempt to get under the bridge. The flight simulator actually feels like you've crashed. He said it was a Sully move, I say we are swimming with the sharks.
I may be walking to my next vacation.

Now I see where I get it....

2011-07-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is my Grandfather. I happen to love his middle name Noble. Love it. It seems as though it was through him that I inherited the love of cowboy boots and western attire.

These are my latest finds from the GDub. They didn't fit my dad so I kept them for myself. I just want to look at them for awhile, then I will probably put them on Ebay and cry when I put them in the mailbox. Who said love was rational.

wiww

2011-06-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is a Tucker dress from Target (via Goodwill) I'm wearing backwards, because it is cuter that way! My bff Lisa said that I had to be careful because if I bent over you could see my pipik. (Yiddish for chicken butt/bellybutton depending on who you ask)

Gap Eyelet Top (via Goodwill)
Mossimo Tight Rolled Jeans (Goodwill)
Mossimo Wedge Sandals (Goodwill)

Old Navy Dress (Goodwill)
Flips? No idea...

I am doing a Denver Thrift Tour on July 9th.....Get your t-shirt and join us!!
*Ok I have to throw my friends under the bus here...I had lunch with them and they said, "Why do you have a shirt that says "I Less than Three Thrifting?" Ladies that less than three is a heart, get it!

Field Trip

2011-06-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to Marin....which is across the Golden Gate bride from San Francisco, this year is its 75th Anniversary. It really is a work of art.

I wanted to check out the GDub while I was there visiting my old neighborhood...

People email me all the time saying that thrifting in their area is difficult and they can't find quality goods. I will admit, you really had to look hard to find great things, but alas I did! I picked up a BCBG dress, a wrap shirt from an Irish company...(tags with the Euro price still attached) a pair of high waisted white pants, (tags attached) and two Marona dresses with the tags, and a Brooks Brothers tie. In the San Francisco area you can find really great vintage 70's shirts and pants, that I haven't seen in my area. I would recommend doing a Goodwill stop on your next vacation! I think it is interesting how donations differ from city to city. What does your Goodwill have to offer? Go check it out!

I Heart Thrifting Schedule

2011-06-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ok Ladies and Gentlemen, here is the schedule for the Denver Chapter Meet Up!

10:00 am Meet at the Cherry Creek Goodwill on Leetsdale and Elm

12:00 Goodwill on Belleview and Parker Road

2:00 Goodwill in Parker on Parker Road

I will be the girl in the I <3 Thrifting T-shirt! You can find out all of the details about this event, AND get your very own cute t-shirt here: www.ILoveThrifting.com

Michelle Obama and Goodwill

2011-06-16T09:56:00.001-07:00

This dress that First Lady Obama is wearing is from TARGET...you heard me! I love the fact that the First Lady wears off the rack clothing that everyone has access to.

So what does that have to do with Michelle Obama and Goodwill?

This skirt, that's what

$3.99? Love it!!

I love Michelle Obama's style, and I love it even more that you can find pieces at Goodwill for $4.00. Americans need to re-address our spending habits. Where to start? Goodwill of course!

*Excuse me, First Lady Obama but if you would like me to put together some more adorable outfits for you and the girls from Goodwill just let me know! I'm here to serve!

I Heart Thrifting Party!

2011-06-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mr. Goodwill Hunting came up with this amazing idea! I will be hosting the Denver get together...are you available? Details to follow!! #ilovethrifting on Twitter.

Makeover Monday or....

2011-06-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of Goodwill! (See what I did there?)

Restoration Hardware

These standing fans will set you back between $209-$229. (Wait they're on sale! So now they are only $146-$159) For a fan? Is the air the same? yes sir it 'tis.

So if you want the aforementioned fan just drag your happy self over to the G-Dub and hit the Home Depot on your way home.

$8.99 now that's more like it! One day I will have the energy to use a calculator to figure out the price difference. I can't do it in my head. No, seriously the calculator in my brain was broken a few years ago.

*Thrifting Tip* When you are buying any sort of electronic device from Goodwill,
plug it in there and make sure it works.

Get out your adorable vintage pail, soap and some hot water and wash her right up......do I need to tell you that you can't wash anything with electrical stuff in it....I didn't think so....You are only washing the fan parts that you have REMOVED from the fan.....

Now you can bust out the Clorox wipes and wipe down ALL the rest of the parts. Put it in the sun to dry for about an hour or so. This is a great time to make a latte and read some blogs....go ahead.

This fan project started out as Brushed Nickle, and then moved on to Oil Rubbed Bronze....a girl is entitled to change her mind...

If you aren't me you will number the items so you know where they go....I like to fly by the seat of my pants, so I can freak out later. That's just me, you do what works for you.

Tape this part off.....I wish I could have painted over it, but then how would you know what buttons you are pushing? Ponder that....

Look how cute it turned out! Save yourself some money and have cute stuff....what could be better?

Ahhhhhhhhh.......

Eye Candy

2011-06-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

People ask me all the time, "Do you actually buy shoes at Goodwill?" My answer is yes! Would I buy used flip flops or worn out running shoes? Don't be disgusting.......but these gently pre loved little numbers? Why yes, wouldn't you?!

Steve Madden

BCBG

Mossimo New with Tags

I thought so.

You can de-germ-ify them with a little Vodka in a spray bottle, it might make you feel better, but people might think you had a vodka tonic for breakfast.

You say Pottery Barn...I say G-Dub

2011-06-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Pottery Barn......$59.00

Goodwill........$8.00

You save $52.00....that buys a lot of chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers!

I like to use my galvanized bucket to place over our fire-pit at the end of the night. AFTER I douse the fire, I invert the bucket over it to keep any stray ashes from burning down the neighborhood. You're Welcome.

A Tale of Two Sweaters

2011-06-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is the trailer for the HBO Documentary Film Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags.

Shmata is the Yiddish word for rag, but it is more commonly used for a piece of clothing.....I'm going to throw on a shmata to walk the dog.

I happened upon this documentary a few months ago and my view of clothing and fashion has forever changed. In the documentary they explained how 95% of ALL American clothing is manufactured in foreign countries. ALL brands are outsourced and created in the same factories side by side. What does that mean to you? Well it means that Ralph Lauren and Walmart jeans are made side by side with different labels sewn in. Once you stop shopping retail and start thrifting this becomes truly evident.

I purchased the same sweater in two different colors one with a JCrew tag sewn in and the SAME sweater with an Old Navy tag. One retailed for $80.00 and the other for $20.00 most likely. What does that say about quality? It is allll the same......Here is the thing, I picked them BOTH up for $3.99 each at my local Goodwill. My $8.00 goes back into the American economy, more specifically into my local area, and spending money in Goodwill puts my money into job training for struggling teens and adults in my city. Win, win. If you think about it...thoughtful consumerism is very fashionable. No one knows what brand of sweater I'm wearing in the first place. No one has ever asked me where I purchased my sweater since Jr. High..... As long as you like it, that's all that matters. Go thrifting!

You can watch clips here:
http://www.ovguide.com/movies_tvschmatta_rags_to_riches_to_rags.htm

WIWW All Dressed Up!

2011-06-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs some cute summer dresses in their arsenal. You might as well pick them up at the GDub so you can have lots to choose from...

My poor children don't share the love of the camera. My husband is like our own family paparazzi...some like it some do not.

BCBG Dress (GDub...who else?)
Dexter Shoes....My new favorites! Goodwill!

Don't worry we took these pictures before his prom date came over....

My son is wearing my husband's tux.....he looks adorable in it!
(um.....no, husband doesn't wear it much)

Tip #1 Stand up straight.
(or else you will look pregnant in that dress.)

No Name Dress.....Goodwill!
Same Dexter Shoes....that is why I look so tall in this picture.

Goodwill Glamour!

2011-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

I saw this image of a beautifully distressed white table in Country Living Magazine. The funny thing is that it was "The Bargain Edition". According to the article it came from Pottery Barn, so I went online and looked it up.

Image from Pottery Barn
See this cute table? It will set you back $999.00. Is that a bargain? Ok, well it didn't set ME back $1,000.00. (My husband would have sent me back if it did.)

Or you could go to your nearest Goodwill and pick up a very similar table for $19.99. Both prices have lots of 9's in them, but going to Goodwill will save you $979.01.

I roughed up the top with 100 grit sandpaper. You are just taking the shine off of the top...don't go too crazy. Use a tack cloth to wipe up ALL of the dust.

I took out the leafs/leaves(?) because I wanted a round table. I kept them so I can always add them later. Open up the table and use a spray primer. I used a few light coats, drying each one in between. (It's a good time to fold laundry!)

Do all of the pieces and make sure you keep all of the nuts and screws together!!

I used antique white spray paint. I probably used 3 or 4 cans. I don't have a paint sprayer, so this was my best option! Then I realized that I should do the entire underside so it looks white all over AND under.

I distressed the edges by rolling the table through gravel. Easy. I used sandpaper to distress the legs and base. Once it was all distressed, I lightly sprayed white over most of it, so it will look like layers of paint.

All dressed up for an al fresco dessert. Ok, it looks like a table for one, but that is not the case! I plan on adding all different styles of chairs. Hmmm, I wonder where I can find mismatched chairs.....

AFTER

Not bad for $20.00 and a few cans of spray paint!!

(I could have Photoshopped the basketball hoop out of the photo
-but I might as well show you the real deal!)

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

A Special Thank You to our Service Men and Women!

I came across this Marine Reserve poster at the Belleview Goodwill last week. I love vintage illustrations, especially of clean cut boys! Isn't he adorable?.....I think so. Today all Goodwill Stores in the Denver Metro Area are half off....What are you waiting for?!

My imaginary life...

2011-05-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

Any professional organizer will tell you not to shop for "an imaginary life". You know how it goes, "I need this fur coat just in case it snows during a movie premiere in Florida" for example. Everyone has these imaginary stories rolling around in their heads. My imaginary life involves dressing like an extra in Mad Men. I can't stop buying vintage 1960's suits with fur collars. I have no idea where it is appropriate to wear these suits, but if I ever run into Don Draper at the grocery store he will KNOW that I am ready to be his next secretary......Ok, I didn't say this was rational!! Just a little peek into my crazy pretend life. So onto the next bit of crazy......What if my husband and I decide to run off on an impromptu weekend away to a fancy hotel just to hang out and have a drink by the fire. Well first of all we don't drink, and secondly we won't be leaving this city until baseball season is over.......I really am delusional.

Buuuut since I came across this amazing leather satchel at Goodwill, I might as well clean it up and get it ready to go!

$6.99 not bad!

It's a little dusty.
But it certainly has potential!

You can find these Wilson Leather Wipes in the shoe aisle at Tar-jay...

A little Clorox for the inside....clean it out goooood. Stuff it with newspapers to fill out its original shape.

Here it is already to go on my imaginary trip! Hey if that weekend trip pans out, I will be thankful that I think/shop ahead! What do you buy for your imaginary life?

I wouldn't have believed it myself....Yee Haw!

2011-05-24T07:50:00.001-07:00

No brand.

Dan Post

Nacona

Steve Madden

I have found ALL of these boots in the past few weeks. I was doing a story for the local newspaper and was shopping at 4 different Goodwill stores. (I'm a blogger for their PR department. http://www.thriftingdenver.org/) It seemed like every time I walked into a store I found a pair of boots in a 7.5 CRAZY! You know I have a thing for cowboy boots! I think that Spring rolls around and everyone donates all of their "winter" shoes and boots. Keep em comin' ladies!!!

My parents came to visit and my dad says, "take me to get a pair of boots....you have crazy luck!" So I went into my fave GDub...found a pair that fit him, they didn't have a price tag....dang it you price tag stealers!!!!!! I had to get them "re-priced", and I felt like the price was a little high but we bought them anyway. I googled the brand when we got home, and let me just say that we paid verrrrry liiiiiittle. Turns out they were custom made, and very collectible. Yeee Haw!

*People take high priced tags off hoping that the checker will re-price them lower......IT NEVER WORKS! If you take the price tag off they will NOT sell it to you.

Stack Em Up!

2011-05-23T05:21:00.000-07:00

I've heard of people storing away clothing for the change of seasons. In our area we get all four seasons, occasionally all in one day. Heating and Air Conditioning all in the same day? Yes. Do we put our sweaters away? No we don't. It is best to have a stack available at all times. I found all of these adorable and practical sweaters at Goodwill. Wash, stack, wear...repeat.

The cushion jinx....

2011-05-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ahhh....remember that one day of sun we had on Mothers' Day.....

I apologize for the jinx I have bestowed upon the state of Colorado....

(This is our very expensive doggie drinking fountain.....)

It started when I thought it was safe to plant flowers...

But is was putting the outdoor cushions on the furniture that caused the last 3 weeks of rain and snow, and for that I apologize.

Professional Shopper? I'll take that!

2011-05-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Goodwill on Broadway and Archer in Denver. I'm wearing a BCBG dress, assorted necklaces, and the most amazing Nacona snakeskin boots from the exotics line ALL from the G-Dub!

I took Penny Parker a columnist for the Denver Post on a little shopping spree to Goodwill the other day. I taught her some thrifting tricks, showed her the amazing items to be found, and basically just had a great time! Here is a link to the article http://www.denverpost.com/pennyparker