Month: February 2010

The Happy Hunter

February 26, 2010

If you are like me, then you love rare and collectible items. It is my passion in life to collect and own, for my enjoyment, all kinds of things from classic comic books to fascinating looking clocks to vintage figurines. I have spent many years all over the world searching for these rare, valuable, and sometimes weirdly cool artifacts. In all my travels I learned that all the items that I have ever wanted to find are right here at my local Goodwill stores.

I just walk in to my local store, take a look around, and let my imagination run free as the hunt begins for collectibles and treasure. I live by the mantra that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

In upcoming posts, I would like to share stories of some of my great finds and point you in the right direction to start your own treasure-collecting journey. To help you, be sure to check out www.shopgoodwill.com for online sales of interesting and collectible items. Think of it as eBay for extraordinary shoppers and collectors. Until then, happy hunting.

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Green is the new chic

February 23, 2010

A great way to reduce your carbon footprint is going green with your shopping habits. Instead of always buying new merchandise, try shopping at your local thrift store. I’ve found name-brand sweaters, suits, dresses and pants from Goodwill, all with the tags on. You can, too!

Check out this article by Karla Zens from The Huffington Post. She goes in depth about how green shopping not only benefits the environment, but you too! Be green, be chic.

Goodwill Secret: Silent Auctions

February 19, 2010

Some Goodwill stores sell unique, valuable or popular items by silent auction. The rules vary by store, but generally, the items are on display and you submit a written (silent) bid for the item you are interested in. At the end of the auction, the person who bid the highest wins!

Goodwill Exton has just refreshed their Silent Auction. They start on the first and third Fridays of each month and last one week. To get started, go to 45 Marchwood Road in Exton and talk to an associate to get started!

For larger photos, click image above.

Release your inner creativity

February 17, 2010

Who doesn’t want to save money? It is crucial to be able save in today’s economy. One thing that everyone would love to be able to save money on is furniture. Thrift stores like your local Goodwill are unknown goldmines for great furniture. From end tables to coffee tables, couches to rockers, great bargains can be found everywhere.

Sometimes you have to check back a couple of times. Ask your friends to keep their eyes open if they see a great piece of furniture. Patience is a virtue with furniture shopping at a thrift store. It is well worth it, however.

Here’s where it gets really fun for those who want to release their inner creativity. Let’s say you find a piece of furniture but it looks a little bland or worn, what do you do? Decorate it. Paint it. Put some design into. Have a blast putting your own spin into you new, creative furniture. Become a feng shui master in your home. Bargain furniture is waiting for you. All you have to do is look. Remember, a great bargain is just around the corner.

Finding your Fashion Treasure

February 16, 2010

We live in an ever-changing world. Cars run on corn. News is received on your cell phone. Fast food restaurants offer healthy choices. Just like these trends, fashion is always changing. When current fashion trends leave us, the clothes get discarded and passed on. But what happens when fashion trends come back?

This is where thrift stores come in to play. Fashion can always be found at your local Goodwill, you just have to know how to look.

Tip 1– Designer products can be found. People will get rid of anything for many reasons… Too big, too small, don’t wear, the list goes on. Just because someone else doesn’t want it, doesn’t mean that it can’t become your treasure.

Tip 2– When buying jeans, make sure you check the size. One easy trick for doing this is you should be able to wrap the waist of the jeans around your neck and the ends should touch. While this may look silly, it will save you time from trying to slide into jeans that are too tight. Plus, it makes you that much wiser to know fun facts like this.

Check back later for more tips on how to stay in fashion while shopping at your local thrift stores. Until then, stay thrifty.

Are you a Mac or a PC?

February 11, 2010

If you’re a Mac lover, here is a fantastic find for you on shopgoodwill.com. A 17″ Widescreen Apple MacBook Pro lap top new and sealed in the box!

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=5810830

Get your bid in now, the auction ends February 12!

In case you missed my last post, shopgoodwill.com is like Goodwill’s own ebay-style auction site. Proceeds help people with disabilities find work in your community.

Are you a Goodwill Newbie?

February 9, 2010

If you’re a Goodwill newbie, have no fear! I’ve found some information that helps break down a successful thrift store trip and make it fun! Take a look at this great wikiHow, How to Shop at Thrift Stores.

Some shoppers new to the thrift store world are overwhelmed with all the merchandise available, and most of it one-of-a-kind. They wander in and back out without finding anything or they buy too much because of the great bargains. This wikiHow helps you plan your trip so that you come home with what you need.

There’s also a step-by-step video which was short, but helpful. I couldn’t believe the statistic at the end… a man bought a piece of art for $5 and was then offered 9 million dollars for it!! It just goes to show, you never know what treasure you’ll find at Goodwill and other thrift stores.

Dump your X’s Stuff Drive

February 8, 2010

Have you seen that the Goodwill store at Colonial Park is having an Anti-Valentine’s Day Donation Drive? It’s for all us single people who may have some leftover souvenirs from past relationships (or for anyone who wants to take the opportunity to clean out their closets!). I totally love the idea that I don’t need a date for this V-day function.

I’m also pretty pumped that I can stop in on my way to work on Friday morning. They’ll be taking donations at that store from 7am – 6pm. And my favorite radio station, 105.7 The X will be there from 4-6pm. Rock on! Not to mention that while I’m there, I’ll be checking out some of the name brands that might hit the Goodwill shelves from other’s ex’s.

Dump your X's Stuff Drive — Dump your X’s Stuff Drive