Part II: "One man's trash is another man's treasure"

Hi lovies!

I was back at it again today, in the hunt for my new kitchen items! I was able to come across more spectacular resources I want to share with you this morning!! 

Craigslist

My EXACT set - image compliments of chefsresource.com

If you've watched the Lifetime movie about the Craigslist killer, relax. Craigslist can be a great place to purchase (and sell) just about anything. I was able to sell a few of my replaced and non-used kitchen items. With these funds I was able to obtain my new Rachel Ray (if you visit this site, please note the sticker price) cookware set I scored off craigslist for $12!! The set had never been used - it was just sitting in a closet, waiting for me to come pick it up and whip up a yummy dinner! 

Salvation Army

This will be my second shout out to the Salvation Army in this blog! I simply can't say it enough, I just LOVE this place! Yes, you have to dig - sometimes even get down right dirty, but I promise you it's worth it.

There are many colleges and universities in my area, with young adults from more affluent families. Often, when the students have completed studying and are set to move (or travel) the families simply donate their previous apartment goodies. You would not BELIEVE how nice some of these things are. I SCORED a nice microwave oven (stainless steel) for just $5! Bonus! 

Well my friends. Those are the fabulous items I scored this week to transition my apartment from college living to a young professional fortress. Find what works for you! 

mth

Part I: "One man's trash is another man's treasure"

Over the next couple days I will be looking to upgrade a few things in my apartment, specifically kitchen items. I never realized how pricey simple everyday items were, as I still had my rather irregular set of kitchen essentials I was sent off to college with. 

I knew I didn't want a set of pots and pans that would end up with half a chicken breast stuck to the bottom every time I cooked, so I started to brainstorm ways I could score moderately priced kitchen items for less. When I went to hit the department store (even with a sale and a coupon in my pocket) I realized I was looking at about $150+ for a set of six non-stick pots with matching lids. Whoa! I knew it was time to use my noodle. Here is what I came across today...

Garage Sale in Queens

I'm not sure why these two words have picked up the "grunge" vibe in our modern vocabulary. Garage sales are a magical land of goodies from pencils to lawn mowers - all for prices ranging from a quarter to a couple dollars bills.

As city living only allows for crammed apartment living, I had to travel to the "city suburbs" to come to the motherland of all garage sales. Queens anyone? Eventually I came to a quaint residence, that had the most precious new-to-me glasses and silverware I had been searching for. For just $1 I was able to scoop up new glasses and say adios to my modge-podge of un-matching, chipped, random golf and charity event glasses my family had no use for. For another $2 I was able to own REAL silverware. Imagine that! I was stuck later on riding home with a box FULL of bubble wrap, but hey, I lived through it. 

Bonus round

If you live or are near an ACTUAL suburb you may want to check out estate sales! For me, these are few and far between. But if you're lucky enough to have a vehicle you can hit up these awesome sales! My mother raves about her awesome estate sales on the regular! 

I'm looking forward to my thrifty shopping adventures tomorrow! 

mth

Does your chain hang low?

Well hello my lovely lot!

Just wanted to share this FABULOUS find for all my online shoppers!! Ever see a necklace on Etsy or an online retailer and wonder exactly how long the length will be? Wonder no more! 

Heads up! For my more busty friends, the 24" and 30" swing a bit higher due to...well, those two curvy friends of ours. 

Image brought to you from my college roommate's pinterest board & bananarepublic.gap.com 

Enjoy!

mth 

Budget friendly everyday makeup tutorial!

Perfect example of beauty on a budget!

We are forced everyday into thinking that we need high-end makeup products! This was very refreshing and reminded me that my drugstores cosmetics will do the trick! ! Thank you Charlotte Tilbury for reaffirming my faith! 

mth

Can we go thrift shopping?

It's Friday and fashion time! 

Today, I would like to introduce to you all my love for thrift shopping! There is no better feeling than turning a SUPPOSEDLY boring place of fashion into something with character and unique charm! If you haven’t already discovered the enchanting world of thrift shopping (no relation to Macklemore), I highly recommend you take a look, especially if you live in a Metropolitan city! I’ve purchased many pieces with tags still intact. Many organizations are opening up thrift shops to help support their nonprofit, including the Salvation Army. Don’t forget to donate the clothing you no longer love! Rack up those good karma points!

Brag time...

Last week while perusing the streets of New York I found the most adorable thrift store, hidden between a coffee shop and a dry cleaner. BAM! I scored a vintage Prada bag for $12. Took gentle soap to the outside, dabbed on a touch of leather conditioner, and it was like new! 

Philanthropy never felt so good. 

Remember you CAN obtain quality fashion on a modest budget! Continue to do your research (and blogging) and be open to new ways to save...it’s all in a days work of being fabulous!

mth