Popcorn Served Daily

Grand Opening? I'm there.

2010-07-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

If I told you I went to another grand opening of a Goodwill store,

it probably wouldn't surprise you.

Brace yourself...

I went to another grand opening.

You know I'm a freak about Goodwill.

I'm a freak, I know.

I can't help it.

I try.

No, not really.

I gave up trying.

There I was Friday morning,

heart beating rapidly,

pacing the aisles like a salivating, black, polka dotted panther anticipating the ~~kill~~ purchase.

If you would've seen the line of bargain hungry, savvy shoppers waiting to

get their hands on the merchandise,

you would have been in survival mode too.

I managed to get some shots of the inventory before I got down to business.

The business of shopping.

Normally,

I would show you the furniture and home goods,

but this time,

I think the kids clothing needs a bit of the spotlight.

There were rows of children's clothing.

Boy's clothes and games.

From baby sleepers to stuffed animals the choices were plentiful.

What dog wouldn't have a hey day with that rack of stuffed animals?

Shoes...

Pink, orange, red.

Top row,

pink cowgirl boots.

Be still my heart.

Socks,

hats

and little piggy slippers.

Purses and bags.

See the little furry bags?

Groovy flower. Orange. Light blue. Lime. Yellow.

Without a doubt,

those are off the cuteness meter.

And are you ready for this?

Every mother's dream.

Action figures and super heros,

organized in bins.

Organized.

Um, can the person who organized this section,

come to my house?

Denim.

Denim jeans.

Denim jeans without holes in the knees,

at bargain prices.

Dreams do come true.

This is just a little preview of the store,

but I just wanted to show you the large amount of donated items,

new and gently used,

that go on for miles.

Not only are the donations coming into the Goodwill stores,

but in other thrift stores too.

There are racks and shelves packed with items

with more merchandise waiting in the back

to be brought up to the sales floor.

Where would all of these discarded goods go if

thrift stores didn't exist?

Where would these donated goods go if people like me didn't pace the aisles looking for items that are worthy of a second,

and often a first chance,

at a new life?

Call it recycling,

call it thrift,

call it what you want,

just give thrift store shopping a try.

Shopping and sifting through donated items can be overwhelming, maybe embarrassing to some,

but I'd like to thinks it's better than the alternative.

The embarrassment of having landfills filled to capacity.

Now, don't let me be a buzz kill and bring you down,

because just when I think all hope is lost,

I met a little guy, in the check out line,

at the grand opening who knows the value,

of a good thrift store purchase.

Now that is a dream come true!

Savvy Shoppers Unite!

Dollar Day Thursday

2010-07-21T10:52:00.003-07:00

Last Thursday my, automatically programmed,

car stopped at Goodwill and I just happened to be in it.

I love it when that happens.

Thursday's are Dollar Days at Goodwill.

Did you know that?

Well, at least in my part of the country they are.

Of course, in typical Popcorn style,

I found something that was not a $1 and I just had to have it.

A cute little glass pitcher surrounded by wicker.

Perfect condition.

Like new.

$3.99

I brought it home.

Now for the $1 deals.

This metal, hurricane lamp was marked for $5.99

but with Week 25 on the label,

it was on sale for $1.

Next, one of the reasons I love to shop at thrift stores like Goodwill.

Vintage books.

5 printed in the early 1900s

and

4 printed in the 1800s.

Just looking at those pages gives me a thrill.

Yes, I just said a thrill.

Did I mention they were each $1?

Just look at those worn pages.

Thrill city.

My books are currently in a holding pattern on a table in the living room.

The lantern found its place on a small table in the kitchen

and is doing its darnedest to try and hide light switches.

My dollar day, but not a dollar, pitcher

is the lovely recipient of some beautiful flowers.

Isn't she pretty?

My Goodwill finds have come together

Wire stand, Home Goods,

everything else, Goodwill.

and will be living happily ever after.

Happily ever after,

that is

until I decide to move them around again.

A Colorado Sunroom/Porch Make-Over

2010-07-19T08:26:00.001-07:00

Last month I found myself in "thrifty" heaven when I attended the grand opening of

Redesign by Goodwill.

Not only did I come away with a haul of treasures for myself,

I came away with some little gems for my Mom as well.

(meet my mom HERE)

At the end of June, we packed up the trailer of motorcycles,

four wheelers and suitcases,

to head to Colorado,

much to my husband's surprise, I had a boat load of things to add to the cargo.

I wrote about our trip HERE

and about Colorado farm life HERE.

Now, I'm going to bring you into her home.

Come on in.

Coming in from the back door (on right),

the first stop we are going to make is into her porch/sunroom.

It's a small room where guests can come in to greet her,

take off their jackets or their shoes,

sit to have a chat or make their way into the family room.

She has two wicker chairs in the room

so when I spotted this table ($19.99) and stool ($9.99)at the

Redesign by Goodwill grand opening,

I thought of her sunroom and put them in my cart.

I added them both to her room

along with a rug from Home Goods

It gave the room a much cozier look.

See this little lamp?

It cost a whole $4.99 at the

Redesign by Goodwill store and

was in perfect condition.

I was not about to leave it behind.

It's now sitting in her sunroom holding some seed packets.

Now, I know many people are not fond of faux greenery

but when it's the dead of winter and there is no sign of life,

it's nice to have a little ray of hope of what's to come in the spring and summer.

I picked up two of these pink "plants" for $5.99 each.

I put one plant on a plant stand behind a wicker chair and the other on a step.

They added some nice color to the room.

I wrote (HERE) about how I found these little adorable lanterns at Goodwill.

Well,

I sacrificed one lantern in the name of Colorado and split up the trio.

The lantern now hangs on a little shelf, made by my dad,

with a picture he painted as well.

I found this bird cage on another trip to Goodwill for $7.99.

It was cream/yellow and was adorned with a black ribbon when I found it.

I removed the ribbon,

introduced it to my spray painting station,

painted it white,

and it made the journey to Colorado too.

I stuck some faux hydrangeas in it at last minute

but I'm hoping my Mom will put a little plant in there
when she brings her plants inside come fall.

I shopped around my mom's house and found a small bookcase.

I used it to hold the G.W. lamp, some books, magazines and various accessories.

Accessories, like this little vase for $1.99.

Another Goodwill find.

I grabbed some of these

paintings from his my Dad's art room

and hung them in a grouping.

Painting birds was a favorite hobby of his.

While I was busy moving things around, making way for the "new" treasures,

my Mom was a trooper and let me do my thing with little protest.

Here's the sunroom/porch

before I came to town.

This is the room after I left.

Read about the coat rack HERE.

Doesn't it make you want to sit and enjoy a book or some iced tea?

I'm sure my Mom wouldn't mind if you came over to visit,

just tell her Popcorn sent you.

The CSNstores.com Giveaway Winner is....

2010-07-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

The lucky recipient of the

CSN|stores.com

giveaway is:

Carolsue from:

CAROLSUE'S BLOGGY'S: THINGS I FOUND ON THE WEB

Congratulations to Carol Sue

and

thanks to CSNstores.com

all who stopped by

Popcorn Served Daily

to enter.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Recycle Repurpose and Reuse

2010-07-14T09:20:00.001-07:00

City dog in the country.

Because I'm sure you haven't had enough of my Colorado country stories,

(see HERE and HERE)

here's another:

My family has lived in the same area since the 1800s.

You can imagine the amount of history

not to mention the ~~old~~ vintage houses and items that are still in use today.

Some items no longer serve the purpose they were originally used for,

so my Dad would store these items in his work shop for later usage.

He affectionately referred to his work shop as his,

Hobby Haven.

The Hobby Haven

My Dad has passed away

but my brother, Ross,

inherited the creative juices which flowed through my Dad's veins and continues making projects in his spare time.

Ross found some rustic door knobs in my dad's work shop and attached them to a piece of barn wood.

A coat rack was born.

The wood came from a barn

which was built when my Mom

(born in the 1920s)

was a young girl.

The coat rack hangs near her back door.

Another vintage item in this little area

is a metal bucket.

When my Mom was a young girl,

she used this bucket to pick potatoes grown by her Dad.

The kids who were raised on farms really had to work hard and contribute to the family,

some still do today,

but I wouldn't know anything about that.

My Mom no longer goes out to pick potatoes

so she uses the bucket to corral the shoes.

These items certainly have a history

and definitely go under the category,

Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse,

don't you think?

P.S.

Let me tell you,

if your shoes don't make it in the bucket,

you REALLY get the business

from one little lady!

Don't say I didn't warn you.

A Lesson in Chickens

2010-07-13T09:05:00.001-07:00

When we visit friends and family in the small towns in Southern Colorado,

my daughter is in her element.

She loves to be outdoors and if she visits someone with farm animals,

we just have to sit back and wave goodbye.

Take my niece for instance,

she is eleven and raises her own chickens.

My daughter loves to head over to the chicken pen to gather the eggs.

She takes in all the information she can about raising chickens.

My neice carefully oversees the egg collecting,

and sometimes has to step in when my daughter

realizes the eggs don't always come out clean,

or when a hen is not happy that your taking her eggs

and pecks you in protest.

A major work related risk.

They discuss laying pellets to increase egg production,

and how to introduce new hens to the flock.

This is serious business.

Next thing you know, we'll be sporting a sign like this in our Phoenix suburb.

My niece, her kitten Golda,

and her thriving business.

For Sale: Fresh Eggs.

$1.50 doz.

P.S.

My daughter wants a kitten too,

and a horse, a cow, and some sheep...

My Blogcation is officially over.

2010-07-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

My blogcation has come to an end.

I am back from a very refreshing vacation in Colorado.

I brought back a ton of photos,

many wonderful memories,

and a ton of mosquito bites.

Here are some random shots:

My daughter visiting with Dolly,

the very pregnant donkey.

A view of my in-laws (harvested) crops and

the majestic Mount Blanca in the background.

My son finding some freedom

on his motorcycle.

Some roadside wildflowers (weeds) picked by yours truly.

A rancher feeding his horses.

An old barn where I chased many pigs in my youth.

And, my Mom's backyard view.

Now that we're are home,

there is no more sleeping with the windows open,

no wearing sweatshirts at night and no big country breakfasts every morning.

Why did we come home to Arizona again?

A CSN|Stores Giveaway - The Perfect Time for a Blogcation

2010-07-01T22:41:00.004-07:00

Sorry, this giveaway has ended.

I have escaped the heat in Arizona and am

enjoying the cool sunshine of Colorado.

Visiting relatives, riding four-wheelers, and golfing are some of the things we do here,

but the first thing on my vacation task list is helping my Mom around her house.

Although, I have re-arranged furniture, organized every vanity in her house, and hung curtains,

it has been fun making changes around her home which has left little time for blogging.

Therefore,

I believe a blogcation is the perfect time for a giveaway.

Wouldn't you agree?

CSN/Stores.com has bestowed their generosity upon my readers once again with a $40.00 gift certificate to any of their
200+ stores.

I just love it when they do that.

Now, all you have to do is stop over at their site,

CSN/Stores.com

make your wish list and leave me a little note about what product has your name on it.
It's as simple as that!

With 6 chances to win,
what's stopping you from entering? Do it!

1. Leave a comment.

Receive one entry.

2. Become a "Popcorn" follower.

Receive one entry.

3. Become a "Popcorn" fan on Facebook. Receive one entry.

4. Follow "Popcorn" on Twitter.

Receive one entry.

5. Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a comment with the link.

Receive one entry.

6. Blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment with a link.

Receive one entry.

For each action, please leave a comment and don't forget your email address.

Contest ends July 15th, 2010.
Open to U.S. and Canada residents only.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond after contacted via email.

Good Luck!

Another Installment of Operation Red, White and Blue

2010-06-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

It's "Operation Red, White and Blue" week at this household.

Unfortunately,

I'm the only one that knows about it.

Click HERE,

to see my coastal/patriotic table.

Or HERE,

because nothing says "patriotism" like

Tiki torches.

Or how about a "Tower of USA Love?"

You can't ignore that.

Or can you?

So, to cap off this momentous week of USA thrills,

I put some root beer on ice, in an old bucket,

to chill for me and my peeps.

When I say old bucket, I do mean old.

I got the bucket from my Mom

who used it many years in the mountains of Colorado.

It's a suburban bucket now,

with surprisingly,

no holes.

I found two metal stars at Goodwill for .99 cents each,

don't forget the coupon I used for 20% off.

I set one on a tall candlestick,

I put the other one on a short votive holder.

It was a stroke of genius!

(Hey, this is my deal, I can call it as I see it.)

Genius.

This little pail did not come by way of a ranch,

at least not to me anyway,

it came off the shelf at Goodwill.

$2.99.

Can't beat that price.

I placed some silverware in it for tonight's dinner,

Mexican takeout.

There's some irony in there somewhere.

All this,

in the name of,

let me say it again,

"Operation Red, White and Blue."

P.S.

Do you think I've taken it a bit too far?

Operation Red, White and Blue

2010-06-23T10:00:00.002-07:00

My theme of

Operation Red, White and Blue

is in full swing.

Last week I made a stop at Goodwill,

scoped out the joint and saw these little lanterns.

I left the store without purchasing them and they lingered in the back of my mind

throughout the weekend.

I was thrilled to see they were still there when I went back to the store on Monday.

The planets were in alignment.

I bought 3 of them for $7.99 each, ($6.40 with coupon) and went on my merry way.

One was used just a tad,

the other's, not so much.

They are 10 inches tall and operate with kerosine,

but since I'm low on kerosine these days,

they will have to sit on the table and just look pretty.

In accordance with

"Operation Red, White and Blue"

guidelines,

they have received their official dress.

Knowing that I'm on a coastal inspired kick,

my friend and fellow Goodwill shopper,

Super Scout Susie,

found this bag of shells for me.

They are place card holders.

Perfect for Popcorn.

My daughter added her own patriotic flair to the place card holders.

"Happy 4rth of July"

And a cat.

Yes, we even have cat's jumping on the

"Operation Red, White and Blue"

wagon.

Cat's can be patriotic too, you know,

or so I'm told.

Stay tuned as the madness continues...

Some more USA Love

2010-06-21T23:15:00.006-07:00

I showed my USA Love

HERE

and since I'm all about themes,

I will continue this theme

until the well runs dry.

My Tiki torches have been looking a little drab lately.

They've lost their luster and their freshness

as only a Tiki Torch can.

Instead of paying $3.99 each and replacing the torches I have,

knowing they're going to sit in the baking Arizona sun once again,

I decided to freshen mine up just a bit,

with a little inspiration from Michael's Craft Store.

I rustled up my supply of red, white and blue paint

and commenced

"Operation Red White and Blue!"

I taped and I sprayed

and came up with my own version of a patriotic torch.

I'm just squeeeeeezing out a little more life for one more summer season.

I'm just ~~cheap~~ frugal that way.

From drab to fab.

Now how easy is that?

Some USA Love

2010-06-18T15:50:00.006-07:00

On my

Redesign by Goodwill Grand Opening adventure

I came away with a cart full of finds.

(Take a look, HERE)

High above a shelf I spotted this 3 tiered rack.

It was calling me announcing its presence.

I tried to ignore it,

but I'm weak

and brought it down off its perch.

You know what I did?

I did what any self respecting Goodwill shopper would do.

I put it in my cart and brought it home with me.

It was $9.99.

You know I used my 20 percent off G.W. coupon.

Oh, yes I did, girl. Oh, yes I did.

The coupon brought the price down to $7.99.

Bam!

Just like that!

It is heavy wrought iron and since I can't leave well enough alone.

I painted it and it has found it's way to my kitchen island.

I know you're thinking,

"here comes the coastal inspiration"

but I'm actually saving those decor items for another day

and going with a little USA love.

I filled the stand with some dollar store tea towels,

some fun straws, (I might share with my kids)

some apples,

rattan stars,

and a whole assortment of

red, white, blue, and striped napkins.

We are a messy bunch!

And flags.

I filled it with flags.

What's USA Love without a flag?

This is the kick off to a new theme in my life,

Red, white and blue.

There's more to come,

because we all know how I love a theme!

Click these buttons for some more fun!

Redesign by Goodwill Finds

2010-06-15T16:24:00.008-07:00

I went to the Grand Opening of

Redesign by Goodwill

and came home with a cart full of goodies.

Okay, 2 carts, but nobody really needs to know that.

The wicker and most of the items are for my mom but I didn't walk away empty handed.

Let me show you what I snagged.

I'm not much of a hot tea drinker but when I spied my eyes on this tea kettle,

I suddenly realized that I love hot tea.

Calphalon,

never used, stainless steel and

SHINY.

I LOVE SHINY.

It also helps to justify the purchase and lack of necessity

when I see it for sale HERE and the retail price is a modest,

$119.00.

I think it shines a little brighter knowing that I paid $7.99

after I used my G.W. coupon.

I also brought this little ray of sunshine

home with me.

$4.99

It's a McCoy vase.

If you aren't familiar with McCoy Pottery you should know the pottery is highly sought after by collectors.

I don't consider myself a collector but I do own 2 pieces.

Make that, 3 pieces.

Although it's not shiny,

I spotted this bowl from afar.

It was incredibly huge and I thought it would be

priced in the same range of, say, a sofa.

It was priced more like a small appliance for $14.99 and begged me to bring it home.

I really wish I knew its story.

It's one solid piece of wood.

It's heavy.

It's rustic.

It's smooth.

It's has a tin patch.

And,

It's HUGE.

I've been bathing in it everyday.

You know there will be more about what I found on Popcorn,

so let me share what some other happy G.W. shoppers found.

I took a picture of this large stoneware crock? Jar?, before the store opening and had put it on my mental shopping list.

When I went back to go snag it, a guy beat me to it. I thought about wrestling him for it but I had my happy red shoes on that day and let him off easy.

Next time Mister...

This gal had a cartful of worn metal containers.

She converts them into hanging light pieces.

My cottage friends would definitely like that idea.

After yesterday's post when I showed this picture,

I received this comment:

Beth said...

I was not sure it would be worth the drive up there until I saw your blog. Jumping in the shower and headed there in the next half hour......Look Out!

True to her word,

Beth headed to Redesign by Goodwill

and sent me this picture:

It's found a new home.

Beth plans on painting it white and filling it with her collection of bird cages.

I'm surprised it was still there

but good for you Beth,

I can't wait to see the finished product.

Smiling ear to ear and dancing a little jig, this woman left the store with a treasure of her own.

Hand carved and custom made,

this remote control box by Sticks

retails at fine boutiques and galleries for $500.00 or more.

She has an excellent reason to smile

because she paid

$29.99!

You dance your jig, girl!

This gal found this little guy.

I think they're going to be a perfect fit.

So I'm kidding about the last gal,

but

Redesign by Goodwill,

does have something for everyone!

What will we find next?

My Redesign by Goodwill Grand Opening Adventure

2010-06-14T10:43:00.003-07:00

My daily shopping destination,
(not daily, but almost)

Goodwill Industries of Arizona,

reached new heights this weekend and I was there to join in on the fun!

Redesign by Goodwill,
their new concept store,
composed of new and gently used furniture
and home decor,
opened in Scottsdale.

Long before the doors opened at 10 a.m. on Saturday,

the anxious G.W. shoppers formed the standard line, which wrapped around the building.

Even Sonny,

this little doggy,

knows a good shopping opportunity when he see's one!

Robin,

a super sweet,

Goodwill Team Member,

was doing some last minute store primping when I stopped take her picture.

Meet Taylor another team member.

He was quite helpful with loading my cart during my shopping frenzy.

Poor guy, didn't know what hit him.

He was a trooper for sure, thanks Taylor.

The Grand Opening Ribbon was cut,

the doors were opened and the sea of people were ready to be led in,

but not before I got a shot of the first people in line.

Personally, I would have shown a lot more enthusiasm, but they came to shop and had their game faces on.
I'm sure they could see what was ahead
waiting for them and wanted me out of their path.
Really, I don't blame them take a look at this:

Your probably saying,

"wait a minute, is this Goodwill?"

Yes people, this is

Goodwill of Central Arizona.

While the G.W. stores I frequent in the greater Phoenix area are very well organized,

this store was decoratively staged.

Shoppers could get an idea of how to display some of the merchandise in their own homes. Sometimes it helps to have a little design inspiration.

Look at this Asian inspired grouping.

A couple of mugs, some bowls, a statue and a nice vignette is created.

This Asian inspired console table was solid wood, gently used and priced at $89.99.

A similar table, if not the very same, is currently for sale at

Cost Plus World Market for $249.99.

It's a no brainer as to which one to purchase, right?

The table scapes were nicely set.

How about this set up?
It's perfect for a teen or college student.

The black futon, the red coffee table,
that red, comfy chair with ottoman,
and the rockin' red electric guitar,
put them together and they just scream,
"come on over to my crib and chill."

Another fun arrangement.

There was a collection of rugs,

racks of crystal, silver, gold, pottery, ceramics,
the list goes on.

The details on this cabinet gave it character

and it was the perfect place to tuck a small t.v. into and close the doors when not in use.

There was this country, corner cabinet filled with a collection of chickens.

Priced at $12.99,

I would have considered taking this fun ice bucket home with me

if I didn't already have 2 other silver ice buckets.

For those with a current obsession of coastal design,

these starfish

were priced at .99 cents each.

Now, if I could have gotten this in the house without my husband seeing me ,

I would've spent the $99.99 to bring it home.

Another solid piece of furniture, it was perfect for a flat screen t.v., a dining room buffet, or even something a little more imaginative,

like a dresser,

very similar to THIS one.

I could've found something to do with it but chose to keep my husband sane for one more day.

I'd like to thank the kind and fun

people,

from Goodwill Industries of Arizona,

for inviting me to experience their grand opening.

Courtney Nelson,

Marketing Communications Manager

Jim Teter, President and CEO, Jackie Halleen, Vice President of Retail Operations, Tim O'Neal, Chief Operating Office and

Chandra Stewart, Vice President, Marketing and Communications (not pictured)

I found

Redesign by Goodwill

to be a bountiful resource for quality new and gently used furniture, home decor and unique finds waiting to be discovered,

all at a modest price.

I'm already planning my next visit,

would you like to join me?

Signed,

Popcorn

Self appointed President of the

Goodwill of Arizona Fan Club

Tomorrow on Popcorn

I'll be posting some pictures of some little treasures,

both mine and other shopper's I met on Saturday,

that found their way to our homes.

A $500.00 find for a mere $29.99.

Unfortunately, not my find,

but another very happy G.W. shopper.

It's going to be "Good!"

Eve has gone coastal.

2010-06-11T09:14:00.013-07:00

You're probably saying,

"enough already with the coastal display's"

but I'm sorry,

I'm having so much fun,

I can't help myself.

Eve,

my multiple personality display hutch,

has jumped on my "coastal bandwagon"

and is begging for the spotlight,

so,

today is

All about Eve.

When choosing a coastal theme it helps to have some seashells and

I found just what Eve needed at G.W.

At first glance this bag of shells didn't look too promising.

But, upon closer inspection,

I was pleased to see their unique shapes and sizes.

They went in a glass container.

This little bundle of shells for $1.99,

had these inside.

I used the shells and this bag of decorative glass,

to make a little display box.

The shells didn't stop there,

I also found this bag of shells.

It was huge!

The mother load of all shells.

This little treasure trove

went in glass containers as well.

Shells, rocks, drift wood, dried branches and a wooden bowl went in the display.

I had an old soda crate and I used it to display some more shells.

And,

what's a coastal theme without a message in a bottle?

Here she is once again,

a changed woman,

Eve.

She's so vain,

she probably thinks this blog is about her.

Well, it is,
but she doesn't need to know that!

The many faces of Eve.

Eve is joining these parties...

A Contest at My Daily Shopping Destination

2010-06-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of the upcoming opening of their store,

Redesign by Goodwill,

those creative genius's over

at my daily shopping destination,

Goodwill of Central of Arizona,

have created a decorating contest for the frugalistas of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

All you have to do is submit a photo of a room in your home,

which is screaming for an improvement.

The winner of the contest will receive a

$500 Goodwill gift card to use at the new

Goodwill store.

As if that's not enough,

the lucky recipient will also receive a

one-hour interior design consultation from

City Chic Interior Design.

Maybe I could re-coup some of the cash I've spent there in the last month.

I've got one or 2 or 10 of those neglected rooms.

Okay, maybe not 10,

but at least one.

I can't wait to see what this new store has to offer!

Come Saturday,

I'll be first in line at this opening.

Look for me and my red shoes

and please say hi

as I blaze my trail in a frenzy!

The Coastal Inspiration Continues...

2010-06-08T20:00:00.003-07:00

My quest for summer coastal decor

started with this hurricane from Goodwill.

Then I moved on to some Pottery Barn

inspired napkins rings

which I made up in a snap.

Next on my list for the coastal spotlight

is the fireplace.

I purchased this lantern a few months ago at Home Goods.

I love it's rustic look and the gray works well with the tile surround.

This Pottery Barn candle holder,

by way of G.W. (Goodwill),

sits on the mantle and

holds candles which I wrapped in jute.

My mystery, personal shopper at G.W.

knew I'd fall in love with these greenish/tealish candle holders at first site

and strategically planned for me to purchase them.

I feel so manipulated and loved at the same time.

They've found their place on some stacked books

and coordinate with the window treatments most splendidly.

Pottery Barn has a selection

of big driftwood pieces for around $8.00 per piece.

My driftwood was selected from a river near my childhood home in Colorado, and was given to me by my dad.

Waaaayyy back in the '80's.

He was a real fan of all things from nature

and wrote an inscription on the wood,

pointing out to me,

the handy work of the local furry critters.

I have carted this piece from Colorado to Arizona, from home to home,

where it has always sat poolside and now sits on the fireplace surround.

My dad has since passed away but this driftwood is a peaceful remembrance.

Sentimentality in a piece of driftwood?

Who "wood-a" thought!

(You saw that one coming, right?)

Next up on Popcorn?

Eve,

my hutch with a multiple personality disorder, jumps on the summer coastal bandwagon.

Stayed tuned...

While your waiting,

tune in on

Coastal Charm

for a bit of coastal inspiration and so much more!

It's Becoming Canada Served Daily

2010-06-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Our family hosted a birthday fiesta for our Canadian and family friend,

Stepha nie.

For some fun,

we got her a piñata.

Forty something and never hit a piñata.

It's shocking, I know.

If she has a "Bucket List",

she can now cross off,

hitting a Piñata.

Because,

one has not truly lived until

they've hit a piñata.

"Steph, you're not in Sarnia anymore."

Happy Birthday,

my Canadian friend.

The Comeback Canadian Rides Again

2010-06-04T23:46:00.004-07:00

Last night, I gathered with some very lovely ladies, and a beautiful dog, to wish our friend, Shannon,
the best of all things as she makes her voyage back to her motherland,
Saskatoon, Canada.

The intimate gathering took place in a spectacular Tuscan villa, nestled in the bosom of a Phoenix mountain range, where Karen and her clan call home.

Karen and Shannon

Shannon has a magnificent network and supportive group of friends.
Let me introduce you to a couple of key players in Shannon's life.

One part of the network is
Karen,
Friend, Life Coach and
2010 Mompreneur of the Year.

Karen and Shannon

Karen has helped Shannon

unleash her creative thoughts,
her potential within,
and has provided her with guidance and support to help Shannon steer her way towards her heart's desire.

We all could use friends like Karen, right?

Another instrumental person in Shannon's network is

Ms. Holy Yoga herself,

Brooke.

Brooke and Shannon

Through her spiritual guidance and yoga instruction,

Brooke has become Shannon's daily

living, breathing, all natural, anti-stress remedy.

She is Shannon's

"peace by piece."

We could all use friends like Brooke, right?

You might wonder, as I often do, what part do I play in Shannon's life?

Hmmmm???

I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Saying goodbye is never easy.
Shannon has a way of making her way back to the states and into our lives, so I don't think this goodbye is going to be long lived.

Besides, come January,
when her lips are a curious shade of blue,
our envious soothing sun will get the best of her.

My Dearest Shannon,
"May no border,
keep us apart."
Signed,
Popcorn

Weekend Fun.

2010-06-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm back from spending the Memorial weekend at Lake Havasu,

with family and friends.

The sun, the fun

and the water sports were plentiful.

My friend, Michelle,

perfected her mad slalom skills.

The kids enjoyed the rides....

I enjoyed the sunsets.

Now,

back to reality,

where my kids are still in school

and

and the daytime temps

have surpassed the 100 degree

mark.

110 by next Monday.

Oh joy.

A Popcorn Makeover.

2010-05-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

Popcorn has got a new look

and I've got to thank Jenna at QA Designs for making it happen.

I wanted something fun and it had to include popcorn,

if nothing else.

Jenna listened to my long list of demands,

went straight to work and put together exactly what I wanted,
and more.

I've got a button to share and I'm feeling so uptown.

Now,

if I only had the content to go along with the
fun, new look.

Go Red For Women!

2010-05-21T11:40:00.004-07:00

I recently attended a

Go Red For Women Luncheon,

Jute Napkin Rings

2010-05-11T13:17:00.004-07:00

In my attempt to add some coastal flair to my home,

I pieced this together,

for a centerpiece.

While visiting Pottery Barn,

these napkin rings were on display.

The perfect inspiration for my coastal,

table top theme.

I did not take notice of their price,

because my (cheap) mind

was already thinking ahead as to how I was going to make something similar,

for a lot less.

I found this bag of very basic, wood napkin rings

at my local G.W.

Can you see the price?

Here, let me help you, $1.99.

8 rings came in the bag.

The roll of jute came from my supply lair.

Leaving about 3 inches of excess jute at the beginning,

I wound the jute around and around and around the ring,

leaving some excess at the end as well.

I cut another strip of jute about 4 inches long and used it,

together with the excess ends of jute,

to make a knot.

Popcorn Design.

8 napkin rings for $2.00

Pottery Barn Design.

8 napkin rings

for a lot more than $2.00.

Am I excited about this?

Jute know it!

Now,

go check out these little ladies,

and tell them Popcorn sent ya!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T08:53:00.002-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

to all of you wonderful ladies!

March 2010

Here's to my Mom,

who,

at 85+ years,

does not let age define what kind

of Grandma or Mom,

she wants to be!

May this be a lesson to us all!

Happy Day!

And the winner is....

2010-05-07T17:46:00.001-07:00

I have the winner of a

$40.00 Gift Certicate to

CSN|Stores.com.

Congratulations go out to Rachel,

from:

Rachel acted very quickly and sent me an email.

Hi!
I just got my code from CSN...Thank you so much!!! I just ordered my little boy's birthday present with it. Thank you again!
Thanks,
Rachel

Rachel is a giver,

let me tell you.

Go on over to her blog,

Second Time Around

and you can see for herself.

Currently,

she has 5 giveaways ending in May.

Go on over,

check out her blog

and tell her Popcorn sent you.

Congratulations Rachel!

Thanks to

CSN|Stores.com,

for providing Rachel's son

with a birthday present!