Good karma – Thrift Shopping Buzz

Living Frugally

This blog post is so great I just had to share. Cheers & Happy New Year!
Remember — reduce, reuse, recycle.

When you think of a thrift lifestyle, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it shopping at a thrift shop, looking for great deals on things you need or things you simply want? Is it about looking for new uses for old things – repurposing items in your house? Is it about getting the most out of the things you already have so that you’re not simply consuming for the sake of it?

When I think of my parents and my grandparents’ lifestyles, I think of thrift in a different way. Their lives were marked more by reducing waste than they were by reducing consumption. It had more to do with frugality than anything else. This was borne out of necessity – both my parents and all of my grandparents lived in need and sometimes outright poverty. When you had stuff you used it completely, you didn’t waste…

View original post 369 more words

Upcycling. Reuse and Recycle

I love the idea of Upcycling things. I found this awesome blog post and felt it was so awesome I just had to share with my own readers. I’m a big believer in “trash to treasure” in furniture– and life in general. You never know when you’ll find that diamond in the rough, right? Cheers everyone and keep me posted if you have any good Upcycling stories! –Jody

thrift shopper for peace

My tagline says “reuse, refresh, rethink, repeat.” Upcycling, I believe, is a great example of reusing, refreshing and rethinking. Today’s Vancouver Sun has an article titled “Upcycling hits the home show”, all about a number of designers who were challenged to find an item at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and upcycle it to something else. The challenge also raises funds for Habitat for Humanity, which makes it even cooler.

Some of the projects are quite unique – like Tazim Damji’s clever use of an old police stretcher, which she turned into a carry all with pockets for magazines, pencils and pens, etc. that leans against a wall. I don’t like the way it looks but it’s an awesome example of creative thinking.

I also did NOT like what Maria Killam did to a gorgeous, hardwood end table that looked like it was in great shape. She painted it…

View original post 98 more words

Humble Hippie. Cute Accessories.

Hello Everyone! Just wanted to pass along some great photos I took over the weekend in Ocean Beach. Of course, I stopped by the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue.

While sipping my Vanilla Latte I couldn’t resist doing a little more than window shopping. So much for my vow to “keep wallet in handbag”. (I failed….)

I really loved the cute hats and cozy knit scarves. Being the thrifty shopper, I was thrilled with the prices– $19 for scarves- heaven!

Especially now with the cooler Fall weather a scarf is great to throw on with a jean jacket or light sweater. This is the rational I used– you guessed it– I got a new scarf. If you want to see what it looks like, check out my blog post from earlier this week. (I paired it with a jacket I got for $31 at Marshall’s)

If you’re in the market for flirty dresses, there are plenty of these too. Maybe I’m too much into accessories these days because all I can think about is which scarf and which hat I would wear with that bright dress pictured on the right, above.

Humble Hippie – Ocean Beach
4896 Newport Avenue
San Diego, CA 92107
Web: www.obhumblehippie.com

The Humble Hippie was as charming as ever! I had a nice chat with the owner (Wes) this weekend too. He sent me a couple of really cool photos that I will have to attach to this post a little later. I’m having a slight snafu with my email tonite. So I guess you all will have to settle for my lovely iphone-photography for the time being.

Cheers and have a good week everyone. Happy Shopping and keep me posted if any of you out there have made any recent purchases at The Humble Hippie.

Recycled Handbags. “New” to me!

Are you feeling a little short on money? Feeling bored with what you see in your closet every morning? Tired of carrying that same boring handbag?

Hello Everyone! Believe me, I was feeling the exact same way– completely tired of everything in my closet. And especially bored with the handbag I’ve been carrying every single day for the past 3 months. It was my lucky day last Friday when I went to my mailbox and found a huge box filled with handbags— from my sister. (Maybe she was reading my mind!?)

This gives a whole new meaning to the slogan “shopping in your own closet.” Pictured above is a cute Kate Spade bag with red handles which will be perfect to use on the weekend running errands. Its sturdy construction will hold up well for me since I tend to over-fill my handbag. (you guessed it, this is the one I’m using now)

Pictured below is a dark blue leather handbag from Banana Republic. This one should work well with jeans and sweaters in the Fall. I usually like something a little more structured but since this one is a freebie I’m willing to think outside the box and give the “unstructured” look a try.

Passing things on we don’t use any longer is a great way to reduce, re-use and re-cycle. Whether we pass items on to friends, family or co-workers it doesn’t matter. Maybe that spare handbag gathering dust in your closet could be a treasure for someone you know.

Anyone else out there sharing clothes? Handbags? Furniture? Let me know!

Bella Moda Boutiques. More shopping in beautiful Encinitas

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! A few weeks ago I visited Bella Moda Boutique is Encinitas– I know, I’m a little late getting this post out. As you can see, lots of great clothes in a cozy location. I actually visited this particular shop with my 17-year old son in tow. While I was gushing over the scarves, earrings and handbags– my son was looking for the exit. (I did my best to make it a quick trip…)

I like the flowers- pictured above– and especially this bright scarf pictured below. (I’m trying to stop myself from wearing so much black)

I didn’t end up buying anything but will likely go back for a repeat visit– this time for some serious shopping and trying-on.

Located in The Lumberyard Shopping Center in Encinitas, Bella Moda offers the latest trends from dozens of designer brands, many exclusively from Los Angeles, including Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Tag, Ed Hardy and True Religion. You can schedule an after-hours appointment and gift certificates are available.

Bella Moda Boutiques
967 S. Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 479-9879
Web: www.Shopbellamoda.com

Here’s a picture of all the scarves I was talking about. Lots of different styles for sure.

Humble Hippie- new on Newport Ave in Ocean Beach

Happy Monday! The good news 1 day down and 4 to go until Friday. Just wanted to let you all know about the fabulous shop I visited in Ocean Beach this weekend. I know…. more shopping… feels like I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.

Saturday afternoon I happened upon the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. The sign on the door mentioned something about “a comfortable clothing company” so… of course… I had to check it out.

Long flowing skirts, scarves, vintage look t-shirts… it’s all here. I actually purchased a pretty awesome longer top with flutter sleeves to wear with leggings and boots. (perfect for a 40-ish woman– that would be me, in case you were wondering– attempting to hide some minor imperfections….)

So, not only is the clothing quite fabulous but the store itself was a delight. All the fixtures came from stores that went out of business and the “glass” display case in the front of the store was re-purposed from 3 old doors— my recycling friends should be proud! The hanging display (first photo at the top) was a table from Craigslist that was split into 3 sections. Even the rugs were thrifted. Music to my ears! I thought the suitcase display case (below) was unique– I should have asked if this was for sale.

If you’re in the market for some comfy clothes with a modern hippie vibe this is the place for you. (T-shirts anyone?) Bottom line, I had a great time in this store– Dusty– and the owner Wes were fun and cool to chat with.

Humble Hippie – Ocean Beach
4896 Newport Avenue
San Diego, CA 92107
Web: www.obhumblehippie.com

P.S. you can kinda see my reflection in the door (below)…. Cheers until next time.

— Jody —

Soulscape. Discover your soul

I’ve been finding that Encinitas is a great place to “discover your soul.” Lots of pretty beaches and many places to meditate after a long day at the office. I’d been looking for one of those Himalayan salt lamps for quite a while and lucky me– I found one at a shop called Soulscape in Encinitas.

About these salt lamps: Himalayan Salt Lamps use a low-wattage light bulb to disburse negative ions emanating from the salt crystals. Place a Himalayan Salt Lamp in your bedroom to help clear sinuses during the night when the body is most relaxed and receptive and to help intensify your sleep experience. Install one in the room where you relax — family room, living room, den–to freshen the air and make time at home more pleasurable. Enjoy reduced fatigue–especially during that 3 p.m. slump–by putting a Himalayan Salt Lamp to work in your office. You’ll transform the air you breath and reduce the amount of electro-magnetic pollution you absorb from office equipment.

Yeah– I love my new salt lamp! I have it near my desk/sleeping area so it also kinda doubles as a “night-light” (bear in mind that I live in a studio apartment). I can’t confirm that my salt lamp has made me any healthier but it has a nice glow in the evenings especially now with the days getting shorter– and oh by the way– I’m one of the few people I know who hasn’t gotten the summer cold being passed around at my office recently. Shine on Himalayan Salt Lamp!

Soulscape
765 S. Coast Highway 101 #106
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 753-2345
Web: www.SoulScapeOnline.com

Happy Flip Flop Friday!

Happy Flip Flop Friday! It looks like my favorite budget friendly store Old Navy has joined forces withTerracycle to help us all recycle our old flip flops. What a great idea.

Every time you send your old flip-flops to TerraCycle, you’ve done a green deed for Mother Nature by diverting waste from our landfills. To show our gratitude, for every shipment of about 25 pairs of flip-flops, or 50 individual flip-flops (about 18 pounds), you will receive exclusive coupons from Old Navy to distribute to the participants who helped you collect.

It’s totally free to participate in a TerraCycle Brigade. There are no signup or participation fees, and the shipping is covered by the program. Once you’ve joined the Flip-Flop Brigade, follow the steps below to earn your Old Navy coupons:

Collect about 25 pairs, or 50 individual, flip-flops (all brands are accepted) and fill up a box or bag. Remember to always reuse a shipping box or bag and use eco-friendly padding as needed. To receive your Old Navy coupons, you must ship at least 18 lbs of flip-flops.
Download a pre-paid shipping label from terracycle.com. Just visit your TerraCycle account online, and click “SHIP US YOUR WASTE”. You can print it out yourself or request a label from TerraCycle.
Ship the box to TerraCycle by affixing the pre-paid postage label and dropping it off at a UPS location.

For more detailed information please check out the Flip-Flop Brigade FAQ.

It will take approximately 7 to 10 business days from the date your shipment is received for TerraCycle to process your package. Once processing is complete, you will receive your Old Navy coupons through postal mail.

Download our helpful TerraCycle “Collect, Store and Ship Guide” for tips and tricks that will make the collection process simple and mess-free. Also check out our Flip-Flop Brigade Poster and Flip-Flop Brigade Thermometer Poster to help promote your efforts and keep track of your collections.

And… by practicing good recycling karma we can all buy more fun flip flops! You can get them at Old Navy for something like 2 pair/$5.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Bravo!

Brighten up your summer patio!

It’s not a secret– I love candles! I have an abundance of tea-lights in my cupboard and was looking for a creative way to use them on my patio. And, much to my surprise I found the black candle holder pictured on the right– in Target of all places. (I’ve really been trying to shop in small locally owned stores lately…) But I must say spending $4.99 on this cute candle holder to use on my patio table was a pretty good deal. The small heart-shaped candle holder on the left was purchased at the La Jolla Festival of the Arts many many years ago from a local artist– it also fits a tea light perfectly. As far as the glass & black wire candle holder– I’ve had that so many years I can’t remember where it came from. All together, this group is what will be out on my patio table.

Happy summer and may your patio table be bright!

Who Doesn’t Love Helping Animals? And Shopping?

I just love the concept of this particular thrift shop– support the animals!

www.APRL.org

Tonite I stopped by the Animal Protection & Rescue League Thrift Store on Clairemont Mesa Blvd in San Diego. I was pleasantly surprised to see they had moved into a much larger store in the same shopping center. It is much easier to “shop” now and lots more room to move around and find things. The inventory has blossomed to include expanded children’s section, Plus sizes (a very impressive selection of Plus clothing I might add), nice home decor and they even have furniture now! I found a handmade Japanese tea cabinet for $250– it was a beautiful item and if I didn’t live in a small studio apartment I would have snatched it up for myself.

Animal Protection & Rescue League Thrift Store
5583 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858)541-0240

Not only have I shopped here but I’ve donated my “spring cleaning”/purge items here too. Like I said, I live in a small apartment and I feel it’s always good karma to donate things to support a good cause.

My big purchase tonite was a gray t-shirt that said “Friend Not Food” on the front with a picture of a pink pig– now I will have a cute new shirt to wear on our next casual Friday at the office. Cheers & Happy Shopping! Always nice to shop & support a cause.

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: