Thrift Shopping Buzz

Frills Boutique

Do you need a trendy dress or jewelry for a party but just can’t bear the thought of battling the parking lot at the Mall? Well, do I have the place for you! I found Frills Boutique tucked in the Ralphs Shopping Center in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. Good finds for me included fun accessories and little gifts like candles, earrings and purses.

Another huge benefit of this place – they only get a few pieces in of an item so you don’t have to worry about some other chic wearing your dress at a party. You won’t be able to walk in and not fall in love with at least one of the handbags. I certainly did– you can see a few of my faves below.

I really like how pretty and colorful everything was in this boutique. This makes me realize I need to step away from the black clothes! Check out the gorgeous handbag in the 2nd photo. Better yet it’s not black!

Frills Boutique

1020 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 497-0458

Facebook: www.facebook.com/frills.hillcrest

Wordless Wednesday – March 7th

Peanut Butter and Jelly Swirl Blondies

Hello Everyone and Happy Tuesday! It’s a cold & windy night here in San Diego. All I can think about is food– and not “good” food either. What I wouldn’t give for a yummy brownie or cookie! Must be the weather, right? I found this recipe last night and figured it would be something wonderful to share. The only thing stopping me from baking right now is my lack of a few key ingredients in my pantry– this weekend– I’ll be baking! Cheers and hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Every child’s favorite sandwich in blondie form-these Peanut Butter and Jelly Swirl Blondies are the perfect dessert for the kid in all of us! Are you a fan of peanut butter and jelly? I definitely am! Nothing is better than a big slice of bread smeared with creamy peanut butter and raspberry jam. I have eaten countless pb&j sandwiches over the years and they always bring back memories from school lunches, swimming pools, and picnics. If you have a peanut butter and jelly lover in your house, you really need to whip up a batch of these chewy blondies with swirls of creamy peanut butter and jam. Any jam will do: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, grape. Whatever you happen to have in the fridge! Serve these up with a big glass of milk for a delicious afternoon snack that people of all ages will enjoy. 🙂

One Year Ago:New Orleans Pralines

Peanut Butter…

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Pure Boutique – by the Hillcrest sign

Pure Boutique is indie and hip with a bohemian splash combo. You’ll find some well-made and cute dresses here for an advantageous price. Better yet it’s easy to find– right by the famous Hillcrest sign! They get new arrivals every two weeks so there is always something “new” at Pure.

Pure Boutique

451 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 294-7873

www.pureclothingboutique.com

I had a great time shopping here. The staff was friendly and helpful without being overly pushy. I found some amazing coconut jewelry priced from $15 to $64. The gray dress pictured below $78 and the beige dress $52. So while this may be a bit more than my typical thrift store finds– still not way over the top pricing. And they do have a sale rack priced anywhere from $5 to $10. Live a little… and shop on.

Bluestocking Books – San Diego – open 7 days!

Welcome to Bluestocking Books! For 44 years the 3817 5th Avenue address in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood has been home to independent bookseller Bluestocking Books. Open seven days a week, they stock used as well as new titles. I also found “bookish” gifts, stationery and magazines. Customers may trade used books for store credit towards a discount at the register. And– they are willing to Special Order also.

“What you don’t know would make a great book” –Sidney Smith

Bluestocking Books

3817 5th Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 296-1424

www.bluestockingbooks.com

This store was a total delight and a real treat. In a way, it was like stepping back in time. Everything from the fully stocked shelves floor to ceiling to the wooden chairs strategically placed. The contentment of reading has been around for centuries and seems to be alive and well in the modern world too courtesy of local Bluestocking Books. However, the fact remains we cannot simply love our friendly little shops and bookstores, we must also purchase things in them. Money does not make the world go around: it creates stability by paying employees, landlords & vendors. Bottom line- visit Bluestocking Books for the charming ambience and be sure to spend a few bucks while you’re there. (I noticed they have a wonderful website as well!) Cheers and Happy Reading!

Like New – previously loved & new clothes, handbags & accessories

Are you looking for some fun animal print heels? Or maybe a pair of fantastic sandals for Spring? Or are you hoping for a few last minute winter bargains? Well– have I got the place for you! My favorite neighborhood consignment boutique has all of the above and then some. I stopped by earlier this afternoon and was greeted by a table of 45% off winter boots. Wonderful! There were several racks of awesome sweaters and jackets outside the store as well. I spotted a nice black sweater from White House|Black Market for $32 perfect to wear as a wrap when the office A/C gets a little too cool.

Like New

4425 Genesee Avenue

San Diego, CA 92117

Phone: (858) 278-1960

www.LikeNewSanDiego.com

As I said, this boutique is in my neighborhood, I shop it regularly and have consigned my own things on occasion. I was thrilled when I saw their 2012 Calendar of Events. March 3 & 10 are scheduled as Winter Blowout Sale. Coming up March 12 Spring Consignment begins. (Time to clean out the closet??) April 2 is April Fools Day Sale with 35% off. Here are a few photos of what I liked today (the animal print heels $16.49 are my fave!) Although the Kate Spade bag was a close second. But not to be outdone by the cute black dress which quite possibly I will return for on Monday.

Mint – shoes! shoes! shoes! – Hillcrest

Are you looking for cute shoes on a budget? I was thrilled when I walked into Mint in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. Definitely a shoe-lovers paradise. It’s a small space but the selection is mighty amazing! Everything from cute little flats with attitude to rockin’ heels.

Mint

525 University Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 291-6468

www.mintshoes.com

As you sashay down the narrow aisle to pay for what will for sure turn out to be your new fave pair of shoes, don’t miss out on the accessories they have strung along the back wall— and do not pass up the sale section. (It’s like browsing for the candy & gum that you know you don’t need, but just want, as you’re standing in line at the grocery store).

Bravo! Here are a few pictures from my retail therapy experience at Mint:

eCosway – Color Your World – Fine Products at Fair Prices

eCosway offers the worlds finest products at fair prices. While browsing in Hillcrest this weekend I found the local eCosway retail store. What a fabulous surprise! I knew nothing about this product line and was excited to hear about the yummy smelling laundry soap ringing up under $6 and the exceptional organic foods. eCosway (launched in 2002) is a rapidly growing international company with headquarters in the prestigious golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and thousands of Sales Centers located throughout Asia, Australia, UK and US.

eCosway stores are easily accessible and usually placed in high-density residential areas, supermarkets and shopping malls with heavy foot traffic. eCosway sells a wide range of exclusive, quality products carefully sourced from established manufacturers and researchers from all over the world. They keep abreast of trends and come up with new and exciting products to give clients the best products.

eCosway

1295 University Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619)295-3900

www.ecosway.com/ushome/US100055

Bottom line– this is a great place to stop- whether you are looking for a chocolate bar or a mini-microwave cooker or some laundry soap. Something for everyone! My fave– Laundry Soap. Cheers and happy shopping!

Wordless Wednesday – February 29

Baras Foundation Thrift Store – $2.39 Purses & Shoes –

Organized chaos– well, almost organized and very chaotic. I like my bargains and this place definitely delivers. And– they even have some semblance of a Plus sized selection. I was overjoyed to find $2.39 purses and shoes and $4.79 pants. Sure, it smells a little musty and there were some mighty odd people milling about– but who cares when the bargains are this good. Upstairs in the book section I found paperbacks for $0.50 and hardcovers $1.25. The kitchenwares section was packed full of goods and the furniture was decent too. Every Tuesday they have some kind of a different promo- this Tuesday the deal is $0.25 Dishes.

Baras Foundation Thrift Store

1455 University Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 291-4357

A big shout-out to the store manager Theresa extremely friendly and helpful. She was kind enough to write down the store address and give me a full rundown on weekly deals and promos. From what Theresa tells me on the 2nd Tuesday of each month the kids clothes ring up at $0.10. Yup- the kids clothes are a dime (regular price on kids clothes$0.59 still a good deal). This store is huge and there is tons of stuff packed in there. Be ready to dig and expect the unexpected. Here are a few things I found:

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