Thrift Core

Thrift Haul: Back to the Flea Market with Pacman, Boozing, Mod Lamps & More

2013-05-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

I hit up my favorite flea market for the first time in months this Wednesday and went crazy. The booths needed fresh merch and the new finds were inspiring. It took a couple of days to clean and process it all, but 'twas worth it!

Holy Ash Tray Nirvana, Batman! Okay that made no sense, but god damn, these were too beautiful. I've never puffed on smoke from tobacky of the non or wacky variety but man do I have an affinity for ash trays. See the sets I made out of them on Etsy.

This huge atomic style red beast is a pretty piece for daily use or display. I'm selling it for $15.00. ---> On Etsy

I then focused on my other fetish, glasses! This beautiful set of glasses features one of my favorite reptiles, a pair of gorgeous chameleons. This set is from the iconic Budweiser Superbowl commercials. ---> On Etsy

I finally found video game glasses! I've been jealous seeing them turn up on other blogs and on Etsy. ---> Etsy.

And rounding out the 1980s pop culture we have these kitschy band buttons to admire. I'm selling them on Etsy. ----> Etsy

I try to never buy coffee mugs but this one with a history of phones up the 1980s is a nice time capsule piece. Now we can chart a similar piece with cell phones alone! ---> On Etsy

For a look a the unusual we have a peanut with a gold tooth. Yep, peanut creamer with one gold tooth. Carry on. ---> On Etsy

How about this nice...rural gentleman? Just a fun made in Japan plastic toy that I thought would photograph well against white. May be fun to pit him against dinosaurs in a still life sometime. ---> On Etsy

These lodge-tastic retro steins are nice a nice local bits of history, love the iconic look of the pair. I sold a similar Vegas one. Hope they'll do well on Etsy or locally. ---> On Etsy

And for really getting your drink on, how about a 1/2 Gallon of ale? Got these cute set for a song. Selling them for $15.00 for the pair. ---> On Etsy

I bought this golden bulldog ice bucket and matching cup retro drinking set for my boyfriend, it reminded me of his bulldog, Dozer! We'll use it on his deck when we're resting from gardening. Now we just need patio furniture to put it on...

I found two more beautiful ombre glasses (already have a set on Etsy here) and they look so nice with this groovy anchor tray. ---> On Etsy

I'll be surprised if this beautiful Trav-L-Bar hasn't sold yet, I normally can't hold on to them for long. I filled it with some beautiful vintage barware I had on hand and put it in my Southern Crossing booth over the weekend. ---> On Etsy

A haul from me cannot be complete without some planters, which I've been selling off lately after sitting on them for a while. I'm filling some with pretty succulents to keep at home too, but not these ones. ---> On Etsy

I adore this pants planter! I've seen them online before but never in real life. He'd be so gorgeous filled with greenery, if I can't persuade a buyer for it he'll live on my desk filled with a succulent.---> On Etsy

I found another small task lamp, selling him locally or in Southern Crossing for $12.00 if anyone's interested.

This beautiful trash/storage can was irresistible with its vintage illustrations and nautical charm. I love the striped interior. Would be gorgeous in the bathroom or storing yarn, fabric, or craft supplies. ---> On Etsy

This vintage fire bucket would be another fine supply holder, I believe it held sand next to a fire to put it out, would also be nice next to a fireplace holding logs or supplies in any room. Love the classic look to it. ---> On Etsy.

A dealer threw this card game in for free, selling it for $3.00 if anyone would like it! Great deal!

Fighting cocks! Love the animated expression and poses on this set, I have them on Etsy. ----> On Etsy

The next set of wall set of wall hangings- groovy 1970s butterflies that you can hang indoors or outdoors. ---> On Etsy

I liked the look of this vintage radio for the antique mall booth, which is redone to feel like a cozy closet. Selling it for $12.00 if anyone's interested.

I bought this desk lamp from a reseller friend who's downsizing, I love the soft glow. Excellent task lighting that's easy on the eyes. Selling it for $12.00 on the blog if you're interested.

And the bright green numbers on this clock were so appealing. A theme in this set of finds is bright colors, I've been looking out for bright, summery pieces. ---> On Etsy

And mushrooms! This mushroom jar reads "coffee filters" at the top. Letting 'er go for $6.00 if you're interested.

Like this bright bowling ball bag, it was almost brown with dirt when I found it, ick! The magic eraser did wonders for it. ---> On Etsy

By the way, this bag came with one ball and one shoe. I tossed the shoe, but the was one groovy old bowling shoe, neh?

And this ice bucket is super summer! Love the bright stripes on it, selling it for $9.00 to any interested party.

And here's a cool retro cooler to go with your summery ice bucket, love the typography on this guy that could have easily walked out of my childhood beach trips. ---> On Etsy

And what's summer without straws? Each side has a different fun illustration. It would be a fun display for the packaging alone. ---> On Etsy

One more thing more summer than straws, beach matts! Tempted to keep this beauty too but it's for sale for $12.00.

This one has beautiful vintage illustrations on the front and back that inspired me to make some designs. You'll see some more of this later.

Isn't it funny that one thing I haven't been able to find while thrifting or even curbside hunting/dumpster diving is a nice crate? I love the one I found above, perfect for shoppers to flip through my records. It's for sale but I wouldn't mind keeping it for display in the kitchen or living room.

I love the design on the front and the side! Selling the beautiful thing for $15.00.

Oh, and, pirate ship! I found and sold a version of this playmobil boat that still had its stunning bright orange sales. This one is for sale but I'll enjoy keeping it around to stage photos in the meantime. It's $9.00 to anyone who wants it.

I had bad-ass hauls the past couple of weeks, I must say. They were sorely needed after a long bought of thrift abstinence, sometimes you really need new merchandise to keep your antique mall booths from feeling stale. That said, I must get to work painting things, making, pricing, and organizing!

SALES and such: It's ALL for sale, so e-mail me if you'd like to buy anything you see. I've been making group deals and general deals on my Etsy items for blog readers, e-mail if there's anything you like! All the items in this post are going to be priced higher once they hit Etsy.

What did you find this weekend?! Do share your finds and posts in the comments.

Linked to: [Nifty Thrifty] [Thrift Share Monday] [The Penny Worthy Project] [Sir Thrift a Lot]

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Damn, I Made it Look too Easy: Getting Real about Leaving the Day Job

2013-05-17T09:28:00.003-04:00

Every time I write a creative biz tip post I get at least one e-mail that looks a lot like this:

I wrote a timeline to show people it was a slow, gradual process that took years. I'll break it down some more here. The basic answer: the brand I've built is the result of sleepless nights, HARD-ASS-WORK and perseverance over three years.

1) Passion: I started Thrift Core soon after I landed my copywriting job, I was ghost writing and wanted a space where I could write with my real voice. Early posts were BAD due to very limited time and lack of practice, but it was the necessary start.

Lesson: Your first blog posts may not where/what you want them to be, but it's good to just start writing to get into the routine and to practice. Plus, pick PASSION.

2.) Don't Quit: I worked on Thrift Core and worked 55 hours per week at the day job for 3 years until Thrift Core became the full time job. Probably worked 65-70 hours per week.

Lesson: It's going to take time, don't quit your day job in a hurry. You may actually find out you hate doing what you thought your dream job was. Go slow, give it a try first. Don't dive in, test the waters!

3.) Since 1997: I make/design blogs for others and navigate the web so well because I've been experimenting with web writing and design since I was eleven.

Lesson: It's going to take time to hone the skills you need for your work.

A preview of Monday's huge haul post, by the way. Will be doing LOTS of Etsy listing today, and antique mall re-staging.

4.) Make Mistakes: I've heard many entrepreneurs say you're not trying hard enough if you're not making mistakes. You'll misspend money here and there, you'll try a new craft fair or antique mall and not make back profit.

Lesson: Keep trying when you fail. I broke even my first big art-selling venture, but I still generated interest, sold out, and met my dearest art pals/connections.

5.) Be Organized: After launching some disorganized art lines I know better! I keep spreadsheets for merchandise and am meticulously plotting the next steps for art lines and other ventures.

Lesson: Write your business plan, keep track of expenses, be pedantically organized.

The Real Deal: When I was working on Thrift Core and at the day job I gained weight, looked like crap, and often felt frustrated. It was a go-go-go always busy exhilarating time but it took a year to reboot my health after that time. There was no magic shortcut I took, just hours of work and a genuine love of the work.

PS: I also have a decent amount of money saved up from when I was getting paid well at the day job. This gives me peace of mind when sales are slow.

So tell me...what's your biggest tip for success running a small business? What's your biggest frustration? Let's discuss in the comments and help each other succeed.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrifty Must-Have Kitchen Staples: My Essentials for Cleaning, Eats, & More

2013-05-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

I remember reading articles about families that lived "trash free" by keeping only natural, whole/unprocessed product stocked in their pantries and making all their food and essentials from scratch. It was inspirational, but seemed impossible three years ago. Now here I am living the same way, it was a natural evolution that came along with slowly switching to eating raw vegan and making my own personal and household cleaning concoctions:

Keeping the following on hand I can make all of my favorite eats, body products, and household essentials. It's easy, effective, and cheap!:

Baking Soda: Use as shampoo, carpet refresher, toothpaste (very whitening!), household cleanser, deodorant (see here). For shampoo mix it with water to make a paste, as toothpaste, keep it in a jar and mix in a few drops of peppermint essential oil.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV removes hair build-up while closing each strand's cuticles, resulting in tangle-free, shiny hair. It balances skin's oil levels as a toner. Mix an equal part of vinegar and water to use as a toner or conditioner. Mix vinegar, water, baking soda and essential oil for a bad-ass all-surface cleanser. I use a little ACV in recipes, too.

Essential Oils: My favorites are lime, lemon, peppermint, and rosemary. I fill my mop bucket with hot water and essential oil, and mop with that instead of a chemical cleanser, it makes the apartment smell amazing! Essential ingredient in DIY cleansers, too.

Spices & Oils: black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, dried basil, chipotle, chili powder, cayenne, stevia (for tea and smoothies, use it a lot!), agave, and tamari are essentials. I sometimes use coconut oil in smoothies, salad dressings, and desert recipes- it doubles as a body moisturizer.

Herbs: I'm growing ample spearmint, parsley and basil., I love adding fresh and dried spearmint to teas like yerba mate to overpower the strong, grassy flavor. I add parsley to a lot of recipes and juice it, too.

Nuts: I love adding 1/4 cup of nuts to my frozen fruit smoothies, it makes them creamy. I keep almonds, cashews, and walnuts as my typical staples, excellent for adding texture to recipes.

Leafy Greens: For salads, green juices, or for wrapping up pates. I usually have romaine, kale, and collard leaves on hand.

Frozen Fruit: For my fruit smoothies, my usual formula is 1 cup of fruit, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of ice, and 1/4 cup of nuts.

Plants Aplenty (!!!): I keep zucchini, apples, avocados, tomatoes cucumber, red bell pepper, celery, carrots, and 1 head of cabbage on hand for recipes, salads, and juicing.

Glass Jars: I save all of my jars and plastic containers (usually from olives and sauerkraut) to re-use for holding leftovers in the fridge, use as drinking glasses, etc.

You can buy a lot of these essentials in the bulk buy section of your local health food stores or save money and start growing your own goodness. I can't wait until I have a constant stream of leafy greens coming in to chomp on and juice!

What are your go-to kitchen and household essentials? Got any DIY cleaning/hygiene recipes to share?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrift Haul: Barware, Magazines and Swinging Sixties Goodness Abounds

2013-05-13T09:13:00.001-04:00

I was off to the nursery this weekend to pick out colorful succulents for my vintage pots, but I ended up stopping at four different yard sales along the way. My favorite two were held at historic homes shaded by gigantic trees dripping with Spanish moss. One sale was hosted by a mod collector and another by a reseller. I stayed too long and spent too much, but I love the mostly 1960s scores I came home with:

First witness a find that was on my wish list, a matching set of mod lamps. I'd love any information on these lamps if you have them. You can use them three ways, with just the base lit, with both the base and the top lit, or just the to lit.

I love how they illuminate my bedroom, but I'm selling them for $32.00 for the pair if anyone's interested. I've never seen anything like them.

Next stunning score, this gorgeous large ship artwork on velvet! It fits right in with my decor. So tempted to keep the beautiful thing (about 18" x 24") but it's for sale for $60.00 in Southern Crossing, get it now before the price goes up for Etsy!

On the less-vintage side, look, a beautiful Ugly Doll! An impulse purchase that I paid way more than I should have for. I just love them and have good luck selling them. It's $12.00 for anyone who's interested.

Another impulse purchase (too, damn, many this weekend!), some lovely vintage fabric calendars and a tea towel from 1967, 1959, and 1979. ----> On Etsy here and here.

Yuko thinks they're her bed when I try to photograph them. She's so cute.

I don't usually buy vintage clothes but this handmade tiny paisley number called out to me. I found a hat and white cat eye sunglasses to pair with it and have it hanging in Southern Crossing, trying to sell the whole outfit for $30.

The outfit reminds me of Megan Draper at the beach in the season opener for Mad Men.

I loved these "Tan" magazines from 1969, I'd never heard of the publication and love to see faces I can relate to in 60s media! ---->> See inside on Etsy

I also scooped up Ingenue, a teen magazine from the 1960s with Twiggie on the cover. It's on Etsy but I may end up selling the pages individually. --->> See inside on Etsy

And then we have a beautiful barware set and a cool wall-mounted mirrror, it flips to reveal a magnified size. Selling the mirror for $8 and the barware set for $25.00 for some slight damage on the handle of the pitcher. ---->> On Etsy

For my only flea market find this weekend, we have this beautiful, colorful owl wall hanging. It's HUGE! Had to pose with it so you could get a better idea of scale on the piece.

Selling it for $19 if anyone's interested, it'll be more once my big background comes in the mail and it hits Etsy!

I was excited to find this groovy textured lamp, I love how it illuminates my casa with a soft light in the evening. Selling it for $25.00 if anyone wants to steal it from its new home on my decoupaged Transformers side table. The owl lamp with a soft glow was another awesome score that I'm willing to let go for $19.00 on the blog.

Time for me to rush back to work! Some odd glitch happened where I had to resize all the photos for these posts again this morning, ah! Tea, need lots of tea. Remember, everything in my haul posts is for sale. Furthermore, I've been making lots of of deals/group deals with my Etsy shop items for with frequent-shoppers and blog readers, so let me know if you wanna make a deal on anything. I'm still clearing things out to make room for the new!

What did you find this weekend?! Do share your finds and posts in the comments.

Linked to: [Nifty Thrifty] [Thrift Share Monday] [The Penny Worthy Project] [Sir Thrift a Lot]

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Ultimate Blogging FAQ: How to Get Readers, Traffic, Advertisers, & More!

2013-05-09T10:21:00.003-04:00

I've written thousands of words to help small businesses and creatives. I'd say: Mission Accomplished! I'll report on breaking news in the field when I encounter them but until then, I'm wrapping up the small business series and focusing on inspiration. I'm finishing it off with a helpful FAQ Series, starting with the questions I get the most on blogging:

1. What's the #1 thing you did to get your blog to where it is now?
Working hard on the content to make it as helpful and entertaining as possible for the reader. Content is paramount! When your content is good people will read, come back, and share your work.

2. How did you increase traffic and readership?
I participated in blog link parties to get a head-start and still do for my haul posts, but other than that I just genuinely interacted in my field. Comment on blogs and forums you like with genuine feedback.

3. How did you create a "community" around Thrift Core?
Genuine communication is key. Ask your readers questions in social media and on your blog. Start a conversation.

4. When should I put advertisements on my blog?
Not right away! I was blogging for two years before advertisements even crossed my mind. Start a blog because you're incredibly passionate about it and LOVE the subject, NOT because you want ad revenue. You'll know it's time to think of ads when you have consistent page views and traffic, and of course, when people start asking you if they can advertise.

5. How did you get sponsors for your blog?
I just wrote an announcement on the blog saying I now take advertisers and let people know what they'll get if they choose to advertise on Thrift Core. People also contacted me directly. I handle it all myself and don't use a third party program at the moment.

6. Did you make the layout/graphics on Thrift Core yourself?
Yep, and I take all the photos, write the content, and do the marketing, too. I do social media, PR, and marketing plans freelance as well as graphic and web design. I especially love making banners/logos for blogs and Etsy shops to help beginners establish a clear identity. E-mail me if you need help!

7. Do you have an editorial schedule or plan posts in advance?
I plan posts 1-2 months in advance, but leave things flexible in case there's breaking news I want to post about instead. I rarely write posts the morning-of, but it happens sometimes. My best posts are always ones I work at and edit/perfect for at least a week.

8. How much do you feel your blog posts help your business?
My blog is the most important part of my brand! No question. It drives traffic to my Etsy shop for sales, I sell from it directly all the time, and get leads for side work from it. I love the friends and connections I make here!

9. Should I start a blog myself?
Absolutely! Even if it's kept private, I think everyone should start a blog. Writing daily keeps your mind sharp and it's a journey to self-discovery as well as a powerful networking tool. Check: My detailed guide to starting a blog.

10. How do you keep motivated with your blog?
I have notebooks full of ideas so I'm never out of content and I schedule blog post/blog work time throughout the week and don't stray from it. Write a post idea in your notebook, then think of ways to break down that post into more posts, you'll have hundreds of ideas in no time!

I don't blog for the money, but I'm so glad it's helped me establish a career as a freelancer. I enjoy the genuine connections I make locally and around the world every day through Thrift Core. Blog because there's a burning force and passion for it and improve with every single photo you take and post you write. Work hard and there's no way you won't be successful.

Got any blog tips to share in the comments? Leave a comment if you have questions and I'll answer 'em.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

What I Didn't Buy at the Thrift Store: Funny Sexy Books and Retail-Thrift-Hatred

2013-05-08T10:29:00.000-04:00

After a long, long break from Thrift Stores (Two months is FOREVER. Or was it one? Whatever. Too long.) I broke my fast, exploring local infamous Thrift superstore The Thrift Store, which I don't favor as houseware prices are steep. They've relocated to a retail setting that my hunter soul dislikes.

You gotta admire the bold typography on the front of the store, you get what you're asking for. It's a Thrift Store. No bullshit in that title. Or...is it? When you walk in there's a line of shopping carts to the left, a huge shoe rack to the right, it reminds me of the sterile shopping environment you experience in Ross, TJ Maxx or whatever outlet stores are near you. I prefer an eclectic junk stop, where you don't know what you'll find in boxes and piles and finds cost dimes and nickles.

Still, as a Thrift Store it had some of the oddness I like to see, like stuffed animals in suspended animation waiting for their new homes.

And huge novelty mugs that wanted to come home with me, but not for $6.00+ each! The purple one says "Mabel's Whore House," a gem, that one.

More lovely beer steins that can never be mine. Sit on that shelf forever at that price, damn you!

A lovely Last Super Paint by Numbers for only $21.00+ ! Nope. Do not want that price.

A fun piece at not-too-bad of a price at $12.00 but with faux laminate damage I don't have the time or care to attempt to repair. Would have loved to add it to my booth, though.

This heavy wall hanging duo Made in Japan almost came home with me. So beautiful and kitsch, but $3.95 each is a bit pricey. What do you think? Should I go back for them? Do you think they'd look better as-is or spray painted? What colors? I think black or dark navy would be gorgeous but may hide the detailing.

Another tempting buy, but I'm forbidden to buy books for...forever. Gotta read what I have. You can make your man look like...

SHAFT! Yes, it wasn't the attitude oozing from every molecule that made Shaft a bad mother fucker, it was just the leather trench coat, billowing behind him like a Pimp Daddy Batman's cape. I need two of those. And Jackie Brown's blue pant suit while I'm at it.

In more examples of Jacket making the man, we have iconic looks combined with...early 00 already dated Puffy's (P Diddy at the time) sloppy White Party look. One of these things is not like the others. That's perhaps my favorite MJ look, with the flair a pop star should have in the jacket but the t-shirt and jeans made it DIY and down-to-earth.

Just Star Jones and three sexy models getting pedicures and such. Carry on.

And look, Donald Draper's panties! Not sure if those are underwear, look like normal shorts of the era to me.

As tempting as this book was I already have a personal library that needs reading. I left The Thrift Store only buying one $2.00 toy. Which I tried to talk down to $1.00 but they NEVER do deals at The Thrift Store. Damage but damned, this is the Ross of Thrifts! Without the good customer service.

Off to The Hubbard House thrift store I went, which is an organized little Thrift Store I can recommend. There I was tempted by these faux laminate set of mod-shaped side tables. Just what I need, but not for $25.00 with lots of visible scratched and nicks!

I do well with vintage typography kitchenware and it fits my changing aesthetic, but meh, trying to avoid most smalls these days. Especially not something useless, I believe this is a cheese tray missing the glass dome.

*Forgive the post of phone photos. I can sleuth better with the phone than with my bulky SLR camera.

And of course, I'll finish with a beautiful display of colorful toys. I thrifted for a while and spent $6.00 on four quality finds. I love thrifting after a long break spend sorting, cleaning, and organizing merchandise. It'll be fun having thrift stops back into my routine!

What do you think about Super Retail style Thrift Stores? I think there's a fine line between being clean organized and just making a store eerily like Target or Walmart.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

5 Ways to Reboot Creativity For When You Just...Can't...Any...More...

2013-05-07T09:26:00.002-04:00

Creativity is a fickle muse. You can't beat it out of a person, and you can't force it. It comes and goes as it pleases. Several years of being forced to be creative on demand for the man and lots of research have helped me pinpoint specific ways you can attempt to reboot your creativity and get back to writing, crafting, and designing!

1. Step AWAY From the Computer / Take a Break
Sometimes you have to buckle down and power through to accomplish your goals, but when creative block hits and you can't work for another second without screaming, switch to another, non-computer task.

2. Get Moving: Walks and Workouts
Exercise is a proven creativity booster, start slow and introduce a daily exercise routine. It can be as simple and walking around your neighborhood or workspace. I try to bike or walk daily.

3. New Experiences, Go Somewhere Different, Explore
I see so much of my colorful neighborhood while walking that I never do while speeding through in my car. Start with exploring your own back yard and branch out, check out a restaurant in town you've been dying to see or visit a new park.

4. Change-Up Your Work Area/Environment
I constantly change-up my work-space, adding new inspiring photos, rearranging the art, streamlining things for efficiency and keeping things fresh. It's a gimmick, but it helps!

Try my favorite brain/healthy skin smoothies, double duty! I use frozen berries and extra virgin coconut oil:

5. Eat Brain Food
Your brain must FEED to keep the creative juices flowing. In an emergency, caffeine will help! Instead of relying on caffeine, try to incorporate:

Try: Omegas from flax seeds/oil and fish/fish oil, coconut oil, whole grains (for lasting energy), broccoli, tomatoes, nuts, pumpkin seeds, blueberries are all excellent choices for brain boosting. Start the day with oatmeal sprinkled with blueberries and ground flax seeds or one of my smoothie recipes above.

Bonus: Combining physical activity and a new experience is said to be the greatest creative booster. Go running with...an octopus. Learn fly fishing, go canoeing, sky dive with an Optimus Prime, try something novel that keeps you moving!

Got any tips for creativity and motivation? I'd love to hear 'em, do share in the comments!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Hardcore Thrift Core Super Sale! Loads of Vintage For Sale, $5 and Under!

2013-05-06T08:01:00.001-04:00

Today I'm offering loads of vintage for the lowest prices possible, I'm clearin' out the joint! Time to make room for the one million toys and cool mod lamps and things I need to bring home! So let's see what's up for grabs! By the way, EVERY ORDER comes with fun freebies. If you see anything you want, send me an e-mail and include your zip code so I can calculate shipping and send you an invoice.

How about three flocked critters and a deer & bunny for $5.00!? The poodle is a little rough, but c'mon, $5.00! (By the way, look how sad empty my apartment looks post-purging. Time to fill it up!)

I LOVE gardening! Can't wait to plant some more seeds. This kit includes three vintage planters. The snail has a big chip at the top covered by the spade, but a nice plant would cover that up. Get all three vintage planters for $5.00! I've successfully sold duos for $50+ online so yep, you're getting a deal!

Everything pictured, $3.00 bucks each! Everything here has some scuffs or chips, but that's what gives it vintage charm, right? The "D" comes with everything you need to hang it on the wall. The small Japanese-inspired Asian perfume container and the Winston lighter will be FREE to the first people who order and want 'em. :)

Edit: The owls, lighter, and lamp are taken!

Kitchen stuff! Here we see two Korean art coffee mugs, a bright blue colander, clear retro coffee pot, odd racist salt shaker and spice rack (still has some spices in some of the jar that need to be shaken out)- again, all $3.00 each!

Edit: The salt shaker is taken!

Feline frenzy! Adorable kitty cat ash tray and the trio of playful kittens are $5.00 each (set). I really love the kittens and wanted to paint them to cover the chips acquired from painting, but blah, want a fresh start My loss is your gain!

As I look out my apartment window the sun is finally back out again after three days of rain. I want to run off with these baskets and have a picnic! One was made-over into a fun chalkboard basket, fun to use for organizing craft supplies. You can write what you're looking for inside. Anywho, baskets are $3.00 each! I have two of those charming plastic gingham tablecloths to go with them. First come, first serve. Free with basket orders.

Oh, these two bags...they break my heart. I've tried to get them professional fixed but it's crazy expensive. I broke the zipper on the front of the gorgeous floral one when I used it as my travel bag in Key West and I didn't notice the Samsonite bag had the top zipper broken when I bought it. They're beautiful, and if you're up for the challenge of fixing them, they're $3.00 each! Let me know!

I sold out of all of my fun shaped chalkboards but can't give this one away locally. Has a hook on the back to hang it in your craft area or kitchen. $3.00!

Edit: The chalkboard is sold!

I've used this Christmas tree topper is a lamp for years. It reminds me of a Moroccan star lamp, use it for gentle warmth in your home for $4.00! I took the bottom swirly thing off the bottom since, by zee way.

And my favorites, toys and fun-design stuff! The metal "Time Flies" sign is from my favorite tourist stop 45 minutes south from here, St. Augustine! Own a piece of tacky Florida kitsch for $3.00. The gorgeous vintage design robot vinyl plush is from 1993 and just out of the Etsy guidelines, he and the Fisher Price set could be yours for $3.00 each.

Edit: The book, rum sign, and cards are sold!

A super sale of the items from my previously super-stuffed merchandise room (it's thinned out now as seen above, yay!) has been requested since I first showed the room. I'm happy to provide the best deals possible for YOU periodically to thank you for reading along! Expect more daily deals on Twitter and Facebook. I'm streamlining my brand and clearing out so I can bring in items that go with my changing selling aesthetic.

Updates: I drank the Instagram Kool-Aid! I'll be posting random photos throughout the work day, fun travels, junk hunting, and meals. A lot of people were curious what I eat throughout the day as a raw vegan, this is your chance to see some of the quick/easy meals I prepare in real-time.

Furthermore: I do a little design work part time and I'd love to help your blogs, eBay stores, and Etsy shops look sleek and professional. Here's a couple of examples:

Just drop me a line if you want to discuss working with me on designing a banner, streamlining your website, doing product photography, or working on a marketing plan for you! I love helping creatives reach their dreams and be successful!

So tell me, what did you score at the thrifts? If you like any piece you see, e-mail me, it's all for sale! Check out all the items above and more on Etsy. And let me know in the comments if you want me to do MORE of these super sales on the blog!

Linked to: [Nifty Thrifty] [Thrift Share Monday] [The Penny Worthy Project] [Sir Thrift a Lot]

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Epic Thrift Wish List: What Are You Looking for at the Thrifts?

2013-05-03T09:05:00.000-04:00

I've purged, sold, and downsized, and now it's time for the best part...refilling the gaps! The apartment is looking seriously empty and my inventory is (thankfully!) dwindling. It's time to get back to the vintage hunt full force after a thrift hiatus. This is my Epic Thrift Wish List!

1) VINTAGE ART Especially metal signs, anatomy/science posters, and colorful bold pieces for impact. Source
2) KAWAII MOD: Only the boldest, kawaii-est, swinging 60s Asian and non-Asian neon goodness. Source
3) HUGE ROBOTS: I need plenty of huge robots for decor and projects. And toys in general! Source
4) CREDENZAS: I'd love a mod credenza for a TV stand and another as a hallway table. Source
5) MOD LAMPS: One for my desk and a matching set for my bedroom. Source
6) NIGHT STANDS: It would be nice to have a MATCHING set for a change. I've never had 'em. Source

My roommate and I were going to "splurge" on a cheap retail one since my ONE couch isn't enough when guest drop in, but I decided to hunt for a used one instead in case my Yuko Cat gets claw happy. No point in destroying a new one! I'd love any like the three beautiful ones above from Urban Outfitters.

I have a lot of toy-themed branding and art to play with, so more toys is a must. How awesome is it that I can officially say I get payed to look for and photograph toys?! The set above are Shogun Warriors, they're huge, at least two feet tall.

Beautiful room all-around, but my obnoxious orange arrow points to my heart's desire, a white shag rug. (Image Source.) I'm 'a hunting for area rugs to define spaces, protect the floor, and just warm up the space. Post-purging it's getting quite sterile in here.

What's on your thrift Wish List? Whether for resell or keeps, do share! I also want picture frames for my Batman/Dragon Ball Z calendar pages, small furniture to paint, and lots of cloth napkins to sell...

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

5 Kick-Ass Productivity Tips For When You Just Can't Fit in One More Task

2013-05-02T09:37:00.001-04:00

"There's never enough hours in the day, I can't do it all!" We whine when the house mess piles up along with our work tasks. Working for yourself is challenging because no one's on your ass pushing you to work or avoid distractions. Thing is, everyone has the same hours in a day! No more excuses! Let's get productive:

1. Break Projects into Action Steps: First, identify your project. Let's say you want to list 200 items on Etsy this month. Break this into smaller action steps like, "clean the 200 items", "set up the photography area", "write descriptions", and "edit photos".

2. Write a Schedule: I schedule blog posts, meals, and everything I possibly can 1-2 months ahead of time. I'll stray when things come up but having the general guideline keeps me going in the right direction. Set deadlines, stick to them.

3. Set Timers and Alarms: Work FAST! Set a timer, hit your task, and knock it out as quickly and efficiently as possible. (Time a work day for yourself, you may be surprised at how "slow" you're going- and at how many hours you've wasted on Facebook!)

4. WILL POWER. No Mercy: Be the asshole boss. Give yourself a zero tolerance policy for tardiness, sit at your desk at 9:00AM and get to work. Don't stop until it's done. It's hard, but success depends on it.

5. Try a Goal Wall: Visuals program your subconscious to hit your goals. Try an inspiration wall right in front of where you work. What are you working for? Tack up photos of your dream vacation destination, dream house, or your kids. (My inspiration wall is photos of health food I wanna try!)

Try More Gimmicks! Scent is strongly associated with memory, perhaps burn a certain scented candle only when you're working. Make several work music playlists. Try a reward system, treat yourself to an Etsy purchase, food, or thrift trip, but ONLY if you hit your goals. Bigger treats for bigger goals.

What do you do to keep focused and through the hard times? Do share in the comments!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Hoarder Prevention and Purging for Thrifters, Creators, Stuff Lovers and YOU!

2013-05-01T09:59:00.002-04:00

Thrifters struggle with hoarding prevention because the finds are plentiful and inexpensive. I've committed myself to a Buy Nothing New pledge for three years and it's helped me unravel my complex relationship with Stuff and Why I Buy. Now my Stuff Lust is at a bare minimum and my apartment, and mind, are clear. Well, clearer. Things aren't perfect yet! But perhaps one day. One...day....

Step 1: Separate Your Emotions From the Object

While trying to purge an item remember how it made us feel when we first bought it and used it. It wraps itsself around our hearts and refuses to let go. Separate your feelings. If it's not art you've hung/displayed or heirlooms, purge!

Example: I had a bikini top I couldn't bring myself to donate. I'd lost the bottom and outgrown it, but it recalled carefree early college times with friends. In the end, it's just a stupid piece of cloth! Out it went!

Step 2: Realize We Use STUFF as an Impermanent Solution for A Primal Physical Need

"Advertising is based on one thing, happiness. And you know what happiness is? Happiness is the smell of a new car. It's freedom from fear. It's a billboard on the side of the road that screams reassurance that whatever you are doing is okay. You are okay." - Donald Draper, Mad Men

Remembering I don't want the item, but what it PROMISES keeps me from buying Stuff I don't need.

Example: I'm not letting myself buy new clothes until I've hit my weight loss goal. I realize it's not the clothes I want, but the healthier, toned body I feel the clothing will project. I'd rather invest in healthy food than buy a new dress as a temporary fix. Same with organizing supplies: it's not the supplies I want, it's an organized life! I'd rather purge items so I don't need additional organizers to hold them than buy the false solution.

Step 3: Keep Only the Best and NONE of the Rest

Same bookshelf above AFTER! I downsized my books to one shelf, now I have "white space"!

Now that you understand your psychological dependence on Stuff, detach! Do this slowly, I stress this because I often try to do it all at once and end up with a big house-mess for a week. Don't keep a static item because you'll "use it later" when you haven't touched it in a year or longer. Kill that clutter!

Step 4: Make New Rules and Priorities, Don't Budge on Them

My new priority is buying ONLY high quality merchandise/supplies as needed for reselling and blogging and healthy, delicious fruits, veggies, nuts, and supplements. Rules to keep my house clutter free include listing new merchandise IMMEDIATELY after it comes in and making my purging cycle routine.

I feel amazing in this dress, but I shouldn't need a dress to feel amazing. Don't let Stuff fill emotional voids!

Step 5: Continue The Cycle, and Enjoy Your New Clutter-Free Life

It's heaven to reach into a drawer and pull out exactly what you need without searching! Live with only what you use and love and you won't look back! Continue the cycle by evaluating what's around that you're not using as you go about your day and purging the unnecessary bits. Move things out when you move new things in.

Kill The Lust: When my Stuff Lust demands sweaty satisfaction I remember the steps in this post to keep my life sane! I'd love to read your thoughts....

How do you keep Stuff from taking over? What steps to do you take to purge or declutter?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

What I Didn't Buy, Estate Sale Style: Accidental Theft, Guns, and Musing

2013-04-30T09:04:00.000-04:00

This estate sale has kick started a new addiction, I can't wait to schedule in more of them. It was fun to peruse the house, admire the organization, and day dream about the home's possibilities or what the owner must have been liked based on the legacy her items presented.

Whoever she was, she loved her kitchenware! There was a beautiful assortment of teapots and more to behold.

You might sucker punch me through the screen for leaving this beautiful clay owl teapot behind (perfect shape!) but I couldn't make myself pay $12.00 for it. I couldn't get my phone to work in the home to find out if it was vintage, it had no markings.

I worked through the pins to amass this collection of beautiful floral ones and one gold whale that I really wanted to sell as a haul (oh the whale! I love my sea beasts) but they were $6.00 EACH! No! Cannot! Compute! To at least double my profit I'd have to sell the set for $72.00!

Another beautiful tease. I own one a bit newer than this that my mom passed down to me.

I admired the organization at this sale. Likes were grouped together. A pantry closet was lined with Cambell's collectibles. And a cabinet in the living room artfully displayed costume jewelry with a petrified wood collection. Interesting tableauxs abound, like the perhaps unintentional but attractive pairing of red heels with silver.

Then I spied the gun in the corner of the cabinet! Likely not a real one but a cop would still shoot you on sight for carrying that heat around in this city. What the hellz, is that normal at an Estate Sale?!

This neon 60s frock assaulted my eyes and I loved it, so very bright! I chose to leave it behind even though I got it down to $5.00, it's shapeless and to the floor not unlike a nightgown and seems like something that'd be tricky to sell. And there was a tiny stain on the front that may not have come out.

I loved this trio of 1960s prints but $8.00 each was again, a bit much for me. This estate sale was a bit pricey overall.

The traditional China arranged in the living room reminded me of my mom, very much her style.

I took this shot of items I was considering buying in the bedroom. When I got home and saw that I realized I accidentally took home that cookbook without paying! When I got back no one was there so I left it out front in a bag. Quite embarrassing , I hope it was safely recovered! I don't want to be known as that greedy bitch stealing from estate sales! My cryptic humiliation was posted on Instagram. But I digress...

The style of this space was simple, welcoming, warm, and traditional and that's how I'll paint my vision of the owner. You gotta believe a person who'd make her guest bedrooms as cozy as a Historic Inn had a kind heart.

What temptations have you left behind on the hunt recently? Are estate sale prices normally like this? I hear of friends getting steals at them but I'm rarely so lucky.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrift Haul: Groovy Estate Sale Kitchenware Too Good to Leave Behind

2013-04-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

Last week I encountered a freshly opened Estate Sale. The historical home was already packed with curious shoppers like Walmart during a Black Friday afternoon, it was fun to experience an estate sale in full swing for the first time. I walked around for at least an hour, picked up and put back a lot, and ended up with the goodies below:

I rarely find a full coffee pot set like this in good condition without any chips or crazing. The clean mod shapes won me over. The gorgeous green coffee pot below wouldn't be left behind either. --->> On Etsy

I picked it up and put it back many times but it ended up coming home with me despite a higher-than-I'd-normally-pay price. I've paired it with a set of cornell cups I found at the flea market on Etsy. --->> On Etsy

These food trays were the least expensive find. Not in perfect condition, but the graphic designs and bold colors demanded to be documented. I love the designated placements for your meal, nice big spot for the salad there! --->> On Etsy

A mighty golden Eagle! I sold a recent piece like this guy and decided this one had to come with me, too. Very iconic piece right here to sexify your home inside or outside. I love to see them hanging in front of the classic American homes in my neighborhood --->> On Etsy

So tell me, what did you score at the thrifts? If you like any piece you see, e-mail me, it's all for sale! Check out all the items above and more on Etsy.

Linked to: [Nifty Thrifty] [Thrift Share Monday] [The Penny Worthy Project] [Sir Thrift a Lot]

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrift Core Preview + Promoting Your Website/Blog and Increasing Sales

2013-04-26T09:17:00.001-04:00

May is around the corner, so soon!? I've been working behind the scenes on plenty of exciting posts on thrifting, blogging, reselling, personal small business tips, healthy recipes, frugal tips, fun uses for everyday household items, and more. I'm plotting some fun collaborations. I'd love for you to be part of it. Let me know if you'd like to Advertise on Thrift Core for May and June- perfect for Mother's and Father's day and a great way to get exposure before the summer's sales slump.

Let's work hard and hit the goals. All Thrift Core advertisers get a free ad design if needed AND a website/shop marketing evaluation with plenty of action step to guide you in the right direction. E-mail me if you have any questions at all!

See you on Monday with some goods I couldn't resist from an Estate Sale. Time for tea...lots of tea...

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

10 Secret Second-Hand Treasure Hunting Tactics: For The Shameless Collector

2013-04-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

Last week we discussed the unfortunate reality that a supply of second-hand, desirable housewares/necessities (vintage or otherwise) is not universally ample at thrift stores. I don't rely on Thrift Stores for my stock and I never run out of suppliers. Here are 10 unconventional tactics I've learned for finding my desired thrifty quarry:

1. Get Numbers: Notice someone has what you want at a sale? Get their number so you can buy more later.
2. Post Ads: Post ads about buying vintage on street corners, craigslist, and shop bulletins. Everywhere!
3. Curbsides: Always keep one eye on the curb, you never know what you'll find!
4. Dumpsters: Dumpsters require balls of adamantium, time, and patience, but can be fruitful.
5. Friends & Family: Ask friends and family if they have stuff they don't want. Go clean 'em out!
6. Antique Malls: Many antique mall prices are low and competitive these days.
7. Attend Auctions: Bid on lots of goodies, great way to get quality vintage/antiques as a reseller.
8. Yard/Church Sales: A classic, VERY low-cost way to yield housewares.
9. Estate Sales: Look up the ads online and in papers, go early, and attack!
10. Home Cleaning Service: Advertise a home clearing/cleaning service, keep what they're tossing. Ask to buy if there's something you want they don't seem to be using.

It pays to be a brazen crazy soul when you're on the hunt. The thrift store front may seem uncertain and other rural areas may have very few to choose from, these tactics will help you think outside the thrift when hunting to be successful.

What other ways to you hunt for merchandise to sell, second-hand housewares, and necessities?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Only in Florida: The Pink Flamingo. A Kitsch Filled Antique Mall Stop

2013-04-23T09:03:00.000-04:00

The Pink Flamingo is an antique mall I pass on the way to my favorite flea markets and thrift stores. It's a retina-searing bright blur in my peripheral vision, and I wishfully mistook it for an ordinary thrift store. The bubblegum exterior, as cloying as a cute kitten, pulled the strings of kitsch-craving heart. I finally stopped to explore it when I spied a sexy set of orange chairs out front.

I wish it could be tackier, I wish those bushes out front were made of plastic and the grass was AstroTurf Then I'd really be walking into a life-size replica of Barbie's Dream House.

The door and window trims are painted in my favorite shade of pink. Nintendo's Kirby Pink, Mr. Bubble Pink. It's an eye-grabbing hue that's bold enough for a Man, strong enough for a Woman. I'm getting ridiculous now, let's look inside.

The shop is divided up like an antique mall with different vendors renting spaces. I recognize a vendor that once had a space near me at Treasure House.

The space is clear and clean with mostly high quality retro pieces scattered throughout, more curated than other antique malls I've sold in. No DVDs or dollar store cast-offs in sight.

The prices are pretty fair for a nicely curated collection of quality retro goods. I see a lot of things I admire, like the cookies jar collection above, but the prices are too high for a reseller.

All arranged in a cozy way that recalls going through your quirky aunt's house. I'd know, I'm a quirky aunt. In short, it's a fun detour for a collector. If you're a local hunter you might bring home a treasure or two if you're not a cheap-ass, penny-pinching hunter like me.

What's the weirdest second-hand hunting spot you've explored? I do recall a creeper-van with a 1970s beaded curtain for a door at the flea market that used to sell porn flicks...

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Are Thrift Stores Running out of "Good Things" to Buy? The End of an Era?

2013-04-18T09:37:00.002-04:00

We've debated Goodwill's controversial decision to hire eBay coordinators to sell their more valuable donations online. With more media dedicated to reselling than ever before and hundreds of people joining in, can supply keep up with demand? I get a lot of questions about this via e-mail and Twitter. Here's one from fellow toy-nerd @williambwest: (read it from the bottom up)

My Answer: HELL NO, absolutely not. We are not running out of stuff to buy or sell as resellers. There is still plenty go around for others who thrift as collectors or for household essentials.

Practice & Experiment: Thrift Stores are not the only places to get merchandise or satisfy household needs for less. Remember curbsides? Yard sales? I just got a haul of goodies for free! I'll follow-up with creative ways to find merchandise/essentials.

Blah to Competition: I don't approach reselling competitively.I'm curating a collection, I have a brand and a mission that's unique and purely Me, no one else can bring that to the table. I evolve and update. I'm too busy worrying about my own quality to think about what others are finding that I'm not. Let others in on the game, there's plenty to go around and everyone deserves a chance to make a living.

Anyone Can Do it? Some resellers have an elitist attitude toward others who haven't been reselling as long or don't have as much knowledge or skill at it. I think anyone can be a reseller, their own way. If you're following your own path with it and being successful without hurting anyone else, I don't see the harm.

I'd love to discuss regional difference in the comments. I live in North Florida and the picking is PLENTIFUL in this state. I could go out right now and fill my car to the brim with excellent goods to sell if I wanted to. I realize other locations don't have as many thrift stores, yard sales, or good things/vintage things to sell.

Do you feel like supply will run out where you live? What's thrifting like in your area?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrifty, Easy 100% Natural Cleaning Routine. How Do You Get Clean?

2013-04-17T09:32:00.001-04:00

I'm testing the products above, the ones listed below are my favorites. The TheraNeem products above were kindly provided as free samples.

I've been experimenting for two years (remember my hippie confession?) to find and create the best quality and inexpensive 100% natural skin/body care products. I'm confident in my data and ready to share favorites you can buy and make AND tips/tricks I've learned during my journey. My favorite products are concentrated so they last forever and give you the best bang for your buck:

1) Alaffia African Black Soap: Moisturizing, effective and inexpensive. One bottle lasts for months as body wash, face wash, shampoo, and shaving/hand soap. Buy here.

2) Glossy Locks Smooth & Moisture Balm: I use a tiny amount of this leave-in to tame frizz for my naturally curly, dry hair. Two ounces has lasted me for over a year! Love their shampoo/conditioner, too. Buy here.

3) TheraNeem Balancing Therape Facial Oil Serum: I apply a couple of drops to my face at night after showering. I arise with dewy, even-textured skin that I don't have to wash or apply foundation to. Buy here.

4) Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay: 100% Bentonite clay powder (this has no fillers) is magnetic and absorbs positively charged substances like heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and chemical waste. I mix one tablespoon clay powder with one tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar, one $5.29 container can last 6 months to a year! You can even use it for internal detoxing, I use it to prevent or cure time-of-the-month breakouts. Buy here.

5) Kiss My Face Whitening Toothpaste: This doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate like most toothpastes. I love that they use a lot of mint oil, it's mintier than conventional toothpaste. Not sure it if whitens, I buy this one because it's the tastiest from their line. Buy here

6) Zambeezi Organic Beeswax Lip Balm, Tangerine: All-natural, tasty, and inexpensive. Buy here.

Note: I don't use shampoo or conditioner for now. I used coconut oil for body lotion but I'm testing Alaffia
and TheraNeem lotions right now. Both are awesome. The TheraNeem folks sent me seven samples and tons of information about their product two days after I e-mailed them about writing this article. They really care about their brand and the quality is excellent.

I'll follow-up next week with my favorite DIY cleansers and conditioners. I could get by with baking soda and coconut oil for everything cleansing/conditioning/hygiene related but I like to treat myself to my staple favorites in this post. Remember that your skin reflects your health, and products won't be as effective if you're not healthy from the inside-out. Nothing's made a bigger difference than eating as many antioxidant and vitamin rich plant-based foods as possible. (Read: Raw Food FAQ & Journey.)

If you're struggling, I have a menu here that quickly and completely cleared up a stubborn break-out during my early twenties. I also love juicing, my skin is always radiant the next day when I have a green juice the night before. (Related: No Soap Challenge and Clear Skin with Food)

What do you use to keep clean from the inside out? Any DIY skincare or favorite all natural products to share? I'd love to read 'em! BTW, not paid to endorse anything in this post.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrift Hauls: 100% Free Retro, Toy, and Fun Second Hand & Curbside Finds

2013-04-15T09:34:00.001-04:00

My break from the thrift stores is still in-affect. Lately I've been looking for free finds or finds that are as close to free as possible while I go through the process of photographing hundreds of photos for Etsy. The mailbox above was purchased by me at a flea market years ago, I forgot about it until I rediscovered it at my mom's house.

There's an open slot in the back that would have made it perfect in theme and usage to keep for my reselling station, but I put it in my Southern Crossing booth where it promptly sold.

These letters were a free gift from a reseller I met while curbside shopping amid the grand houses a few minutes away from me, close to the St. John's river. The large "C" already sold.

I love finding giant letters, fun for crafts and home decor and they typically sell well.

She kindly gave me this red sign as well as lots of buckets of paint and spray paint she wasn't using!

The wooden shelf was rediscovered along with the toy post office box at my mom. I bought it when I moved into my first apartment at 20, it used to hold spices right above the stove. 'Twas an ancient, odd, ghetto little place to live but we had a lot of fun. Brings back memories! The cowboy bear above was another free find, a gift from a former reseller friend a while back. I'm not above selling my past so the shelf is in my Southern Crossing space waiting for a new owner.

So tell me, what did you score at the thrifts? If you like any piece you see, e-mail me, it's all for sale!

Linked to: [Nifty Thrifty] [Thrift Share Monday] [The Penny Worthy Project] [Sir Thrift a Lot]

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Simplify Your Life in 5 Steps: For Thrifters, Creatives, Busy People, and YOU!

2013-04-11T09:04:00.002-04:00

Clear counters, peace of mind, it's a miracle! I've worked hard to simplify my life and it's really paid off. I live and work in an apartment shared with my best friend and the steps below keep us both sane and happy. Here are the steps I took to make every day tasks less painful and keep my house clear even during the busy times.

1.) Purge  Donate everything you don't use or can't sell. Do it in small batches, shelf-by-shelf, drawer-by-drawer so you're not overwhelmed.

2.) Stash  Wash and put away dishes, art supplies, clothes, etc. as soon as you're finished.

3.) Banish   Rent storage or ask friends/family if you can rent/use space at their houses for merchandise. I was so stressed before my BF generously offered his sunroom for storage.

4.) Schedule I schedule my blog posts, reselling tasks, housework, and now my food menu for 1-2 months ahead of time. I always know what to keep on hand for food/craft/work supplies. I can order in bulk and save. It just keeps life sane in general.

5.) Station I have a blending, tea brewing, product photography, crafting/art-making, and blogging/writing stations in my apartment. There's a home for everything and it speeds up production immensely. Have the items for your daily tasks accessible to speed up time.

Bonus, Back-Ups: Cooking ahead of time and freezing the meals, buying items in bulk when you find them for cheap or on sale, and other back-up maneuvers like making more product or components of your product when sales are slow for the busy times is a HUGE life simplifier.

What steps to do you take to simplify your life? I'd love more hints and tricks, this is always a process of trying new things to improve productivity and work/life balance. This convo was inspired by Thrift Shopper for Peace. I'll be chatting about it more soon.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Retail Vouyer: Tip for Curating Vintage, Handmade, Art- Window Shop!

2013-04-10T09:25:00.004-04:00

I'm a shameless window shopper, I don't do it often, but I love to drink in the displays for inspiration. It helps me envision changes to my antique mall spaces at Southern Crossing (and hopefully a retail space beyond that!) and reinforces the importance of display and branding when curating vintage or creating an art line. Here are a few favorite photos from my last big window shopping indulgence and a look at favorite display styles.

Looking at these photos you'll notice a three popular trends:

1) Grouping Likes
2) Using the unexpected as displays (love the vintage fridge door below!) and
3) Effective Lighting.

These are all things I like to play with and continue to try and incorporate into my antique mall spaces and branding, it helps shoppers pick efficiently and tells your brand's story. Another plus with window shopping, it can help you realize what's being done to death so you approach your brand with fresh ideas.

All Photos of Earth Bound Traders, The Closet, and Fringe in St. Augustine, Florida were snapped with my phone's camera.

Another trend of note for the window shopper and indie business owner is the way big chains (Earth Bound Traders in this post) are closely reproducing the look of legit independent boutiques, like The Closet (pink-filled store pictured)
and Fringe (kitsch filled store pictured). It's nothing new, but something to think about as we continue to grow our brands. There's plenty to bring to it, especially that genuine handmade touch and personality, that will ensure we always stand out.

Do you window shop for inspiration, too? I'll be writing more about business inspiration into the future and how to keep inspired, expect many more photos from walks in my neighborhood, travels, and explorations. What do you do for a creative boost when you've tapped the well of innovation dry?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

So How About That Mad Men? Mad Men's Relationship to Reselling

2013-04-09T08:55:00.000-04:00

And NOW for something completely different! I rarely talk about TV shows because I only watch horror movies, cartoons, and disco/retro/Price/Michael Jackson music videos with few exceptions. Mad Men is an important exception that's not only a feast of sumptuous mod porn for the eyes and food for the soul, it's money in the bank!

I was looking at my Etsy Shop stats yesterday and noticed a big boost in item favorites and traffic. A Mad Men themed set was being favorited the most, of course! I can only assume people searched Etsy hot and heavy for Mad Men goods to make their lives as sexy and glamorous as the world Mad Men depicts. Or dsytopian and morbid like this new season's turning out to me. Whatever, pour me another glass, I needs it!

Don Draper's iconic Dorothy Thrope Roly Poly drinking are more prized than ever, and I've sold look-a-likes (I always tell people they're not the real deal, don't worry) and originals alike at $60.00 to $75.00 for four glass sets. Mid Century Modern housewares were already making a comeback, but it's worth discussing, is it even bigger now all because of Mad Men? (See the listing here.)

Those sets! They are absolutely pristine and perfectly designed. Filled with authentic 1960s housewares.

I started watching Mad Men when I saw it's potential as a change-maker in my industry, but got sucked into the rich storytelling and the tangled lives of the compelling characters in this understated drama. The cast is so diverse there's always one character a viewer can relate to. As a former young female copywriter in a male dominated office, I could relate to Peggy in eerily similar ways, down to the unconventional relationship Don.

Don Draper is the new Chuck Norris. Don Draper doesn't get wet, the water gets Don Draper. Don eats rocks and farts lightening. The quickest way to a man's heart is with Don Draper's fist! Time waits for no one...but Donald Draper.

Mad Men evokes thoughtful commentary and the attention to detail they put into each scene make it a designer's wet dream. Behold that stunning poster they commissioned for Season 6 at the top of this post! They hired seasoned graphic artist from 1960s advertising, Brian Sanders (below), to create the illustration. Details like this give Mad Men authenticity, I feel like I could easily see this artwork in a 1967 issue of LIFE magazine.

We see two Dons, light and dark. Is it his mischievous misogynistic cheater side walking away from the side of Don that's good and moral? Is it Donald Draper walking away from Dick Whitman? We see a "One Way" and "Stop" sign. Don's turning a corner in his life, is it death? Like the black despondency hinted at, is Don going to end his moral dilemmas by jumping out of his office's high rise window? (Reenacting the show's iconic opening?) Only the best entertainment inspires this type of conversation and dedicated viewers. I'd watch this excellent program even if it didn't help me get more money in the bank.

What do you think? Did Mad Men create a huge surge in interest in vintage housewares, or was that already in vogue? Does Mad Men make a difference in your sales? What did you think of Sunday's episode? What character do you relate to the most?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrift Haul: Bright and Playful Kitchen and Housewares from a Candy House

2013-04-08T08:45:00.001-04:00

When I'm in the midst of a long product photography session, denied the privilege of enjoying the delicious Florida weather taunting from my six workspace windows, I vow to stick to my temporary thrift fast. Then the wicked candy house derailed my vow! My roommate and I were curbside hunting and encountered a yard sale held at a small vintage cottage. It was the sweet gingerbread house that led Hansel and Gretel to their doom, the roof was even pitched in that charming nostalgic way that resembles an upside down ice cream cone. Of course I stopped to look. This is what I found:

The inexplicable attraction to ice buckets had to be fulfilled! It's probably the beautiful shapes, nice condition, and practicality that drew me to these. Excellent for parties, picnicking (ice on the go) and even creative craft and kitchen storage. I've got the Red Train Bucket, Sleek Black Bucket, and Sunny Yellow Bucket on Etsy.

Continuing my love for simple design, shapes, and colors, I couldn't leave these beautiful 1984 Chocolate Lovers Mugs by Ernesco behind, either. They were very reflective and hard to photograph, SO beautiful in-person.

It's hard not to buy every beautiful Japanese thing I see, I end up leaving a lot behind. But these sweet girls in Bakelite frames (from the 1960s me thinks?) were too beautiful to leave behind.

The colors are very vibrant and they're in beautiful condition. The combination of bright teal/red/and the earthy golden hues in the frame give it energy. They really pop! They're listed on Etsy.

This lovely mushroom plaque is something I would normally leave behind as well, just not the type of thing I've having luck selling lately, but she was a beauty. She's sitting pretty on Etsy and in my antique mall space waiting for a new home.

I'm a non-smoker, but can never resist a beautiful boomerang atomic style ash tray. You might even want to eat this one, the minty green and chocolate brown recall a peppermint patty! I love using them for supply storage and soap dishes until they sell. It's on Etsy, along with an ash tray set I recently added.

Like What You See?: E-mail me if you'd like buy anything in the post, it's all for sale!

Linked to: [Nifty Thrifty] [Thrift Share Monday] [The Penny Worthy Project] [Sir Thrift a Lot]

What did you find this weekend? Feel free to share a link to your haul post in the comments below! Anyone else struggling not to bring more stuff home? There's so much good stuff to find where I live that It's hard! On top of the "need" to always have fresh merch as a reseller...

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Movin' On Up: Finally, A Large Antique Mall Space, First Incarnation

2013-04-05T09:12:00.001-04:00

I moved into a larger space at Southern Crossing Antique Mall this week. I still have my original booth this month but I'll give it up if it's too much to maintain both at once. (Likely!) This first incarnation was merely to fill it up, I'll be working diligently behind the scenes to give it a proper transformation.

In the future I'll be focusing on upcycled furniture, larger housewares, and original pieces for the antique mall spaces. Details on that will be shared next week, but in general, it'll help me to keep my online retail and local retail spaces separate while maximizing on the benefits each venue has to offer.

I've moved in and out of four different antique mall spaces between three different stores over the past two years. I've tagged hundreds of pieces of merchandise and moved dozens of heavy boxes of vintage merch around this city for this profession. It's hard work, but the flexibility and creativity keeps me coming back to it and working hard on improving and evolving every day!

What keeps you coming back to and/or selling vintage? While pricing items yesterday I overheard shoppers saying "looking at old stuff" just makes them "happy." It's rewarding to contribute to the shopping merriment.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrifted Collections: Vintage Transformers Comic Books, My Happy Place

2013-04-04T09:02:00.001-04:00

The bright colors, bold poses, typography, geometric shapes and hard core marketing do me in!

I discovered these comic books at a flea market four years ago, not expecting to find much that day. I rushed to the ATM to procure the funds for these beauties and I still recall the glee of toting my box of pop culture gold to the car. These comics don't merely remind me of childhood, they're a call-back to simpler times when I only worked one job and my love of thrifting and art was still a hobby. I appreciate that thrifting is my career, but it does transform (ha!) it from the mindless joy it use to be.

More than nostalgic and inspiring, the comics are pretty damn hilarious and entertaining. Ratchet is cooking hot dogs with kids in the woods here. Just...so much 80s kitsch and whimsy. "I wish to learn more of what you humans do for a good time." THAT LINE! I can't be the only one who thinks that's inappropriate to speak to a child! Damn, this reminds me of my childhood wish for a personal Transformer to drive and fly me around the globe. Why haven't they invented this yet? We could've roast weenies in the woods, He and I.

What Childhood Nostalgic Bits Light You Up? Do you hunt for childhood nostalgia at the thrifts, too? Tim Burton, Prince, and Micheal Jackson stuff really does it for me, too but that's for future posts...

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.