You want to know who spends almost $100 at Unique Thrift on half-price Monday?
Me.
I loved every minute of it.
My receipt is pretty long. Overall, I bought 26 items which averages out to be $3.84 per item. The top item I found was a White House/Black Market dress which cost $7. Luckily, it was in my size. It looks like it's been worn once so as soon I get it dry cleaned, it will be good to go.
I think the key to getting so many good items was arriving early. The store opens at 7 a.m. and I arrived around 7:30 a.m.
The first thing I usually do is hit the jewelry counter.
I buy up all of the silver I can find. Even if it doesn't have a marking on it, I still buy it if it's tarnished. Luckily, I have a younger sister who I can share all of my silver jewelry with. I love seeing her wear something cool I've found.
I checked out the shoes, but didn't have any luck.
Next, I hit the purses. I found a vintage, black leather bag for $5. It is the perfect size to carry my I-Pad. I also found a small back, going-out, Guess purse for $5.
Ultimately, I left with two large bags full of items.
The fun will begin when I get home and start separating everything so I can throw it in the wash or take it to the dry cleaners.
A new spring wardrobe which includes a fancy dress, matching purse and jewelery?
I'll take the ensemble plus a few more items for $98.17.

It's safe to say, my love of fashion began at an early age. Here's me at my childhood home on W. 22nd street in Lorain, Ohio all decked out from head to toe in my new Easter outfit.

 

 

 

 

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This is one of my most favorite pictures from my childhood.
As the oldest of five children, it's safe to say my parents took a lot of time with me when I was growing up. That's obvious in this fabulous head-to-toe Easter ensemble they dressed me up in. This black and white photo which is over 40 years old was taken on the porch of my childhood home in Lorain on W. 22nd Street.
What I love most about this photo is the big smile on my face.
I must have thought I was so cool with my big sunglasses, purse, hat and fancy jacket.
How good do you feel when you are wearing an outfit that matches from head to toe? Do you take pride in looking through your closet and putting together key outfits that you can go to time after time?
A large part of looking good isn't just what you are wearing on the outside.
More importantly, it's the confidence you carry on the inside.
When you feel good inside, it shows on the outside.
It's just the same when you feel bad.
Clothes either enhance or take away from that feeling.
It doesn't matter if you get your clothes from a fancy department store or a thrift store. If the clothes are clean, pressed, up-to-date and matching, you will be just fine.
Have you ever seen someone all dressed up with a sad look on their face? Doesn't it just take away from their outfit? What about someone who is all dressed up with a big smile on their face and an air of confidence about them?
Don't you wonder where they shop or how they were able to pull off such a cool outfit?
Don't be intimidated by the latest styles and trends. As long as you look the part and carry yourself with confidence, you will appear stylish no matter if your total outfit costs $10 or $200.


 

Collecting beach glass can lead to some interesting projects

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A few years ago, I picked up this framed picture of beach glass from the downtown market in Willoughby, Ohio. It was made by Summer Afternoon.

The scene touched me because it reminded me of the prayer "Footprints" where the person asks God why there weren't two footprints in the sand at such a difficult time in the person's life. How could there be just one if God was helping the person? God responded to the person: "There is just one set of foot prints because I was carrying you through your most difficult time."

What a statement.

The picture portrays is perfect. It is simple, and I love it.

It reminds me to find beauty in even the smallest things - such as beach glass.

Although I have never been patient enough to spend a day looking for glass along the shore of Lake Erie, I may give it a dry this summer.

When I did a quick Google search for beach glass, I didn't realize some colors were harder to find than others.According to the website treasuresbyjody.com,colbalt blue is typically from old Milk of Magnesia bottles, Vicks Vapor Rub and old medicine bottles. The color is considered somewhat rare in the great lakes.

Clear glass is more common. It can be from everything to jars, glasses or bottles. Aqua and Seafoam colors are in high demand, and considered rare. Other colors such a lime, green, amber and brown are rare. Lime green is the rarest. If you find colors such as red, yellow, lavender and orange, you hit the jackpot. Hang on to the pebbles.

If you are  into collecting beach glass, you should consider going to the Immense Sea Glass Collection at Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival June 28 and 29. The organization has over 100 pounds in sea and beach glass donations.

Donations come in from all over the world including Greece, Italy, London and Puerto Rico. 

The non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving the art, science and history behind the one-of-a kind treasures.

Festival attendees are encouraged to bring any pieces of beach glass they are willing to donate to The Sea Glass Center booth at Bridge Street in Ashtabula between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

For more information, go to www.bridgestbula.com/events/beach-glass-festival-4/

Have fun enjoy your a hobby which costly absolutely nothing, but can produce fantastic finds.