Monthly Archives: July 2010

bye, bye buddy

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Today’s going to be bittersweet, because I’m saying goodbye to this guy.

This is my pal, Patrick. And tomorrow, he’s moving to Delaware to go to art school. I can’t believe he’s going to miss the State Fair.

I estimate my attendance at art openings around town will drop by 95 percent once he leaves.

Patrick’s always up for going to see bands my boyfriend would hate. Watching him dance always makes me giggle! This pic was taken during a very crazy night at Palmer’s.

Porch time’s more fun with guns! Patrick seems unfazed.

I’ve never told him this before, but an off-the-cuff comment by him inspired one of the most positive changes in my life. We were out somewhere drinkin’, and I was blabbing on about how much I love taking pictures blah blah blah. Patrick listened (as he always & patiently does) and then spoke. “Really? I didn’t know that,” he said. “You never have your camera with you.”Well, sure as shit, he was right.

It was one of those “duh” moments. And ever since then, years ago now, rarely do I leave my house with a camera. And for that, I owe him a big fat thank you. And if you like this blog, so do you, since without his encouragement, this little baby never would have seen the light of day.

Anyway, I’m off to wish him farewell. And yes, I’ll be packing my camera. And a hankie.

I’mma miss you buddy! I wish you so much luck out in Delaware! And I promise, once I figure out where that is, I’ll visit!

xo,

Meghan

heads up: mount zion sisterhood super sale

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Hola!

I’m not surprised I’m posting this heads up a tad late. The past few days have been 100 kinds of tiring, and because of that, many things have taken the back burner. Like writing, sleeping and researching estate & garage sales.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you that a huge, huge rummage sale is taking place over in Saint Paul both this weekend and next.

What You Need to Know

What: Mountain Zion Sisterhood Super Sale

More than 650 families have contributed to this mega-sale, and proceeds raised go towards outstanding nonprofits including Neighborhood House, Jeremiah Project, West 7th Community Center Sponsor-A-Family, Race for the Cure and several more.

The adverts promise housewares, clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages and occasions, collectibles and antiques, jewelry, furniture, books and  music, toys and  games for all ages, luggage, linens, art, sporting goods, electronics, office supplies and arts and crafts.

So, basically, you name it, they’ve got it.

When: Sunday, August 1, 12- 6 p.m.; Thursday, August 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, August 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (1/2 PRICE DAY!); Sunday, August 8, 12-6 p.m. ($5 BAG DAY)

Where: 1300 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul. It’s on Summit between Hamline and Syndicate (Greek to me!).

What’s tempting me the most is the Bag Day on Sunday, August 8th. I love me some bag sale action.

Anyways, that’s all I’ve got for tonight. I’ll leave you with this…

My man surprised me today with pretty roses AND a frosty M&M Blizzard. He’s got a knack for cheering me up, that honey of mine.

Happy weekend!

xo,

Meghan

just bead it

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Hey there!

Did any of y’all go through a beading phase when you were a young’un? I sure did. And like many a youthful hobby, of course I dropped it and moved on to the next thing, probably something like playing the cello, making skirts or boy-catching. Anyway, I’m kind of wishing I had stuck with it, since lately, all sorts of beaded jewelry has been catching my eye. Here’s a handful of favorites…

Simply sexy. Really. This is just plain hot.

Triangle Beadwork and Webbed Chain Necklace, $42

I love bracelets like this. Ones you can wear with everything and that look fantastic layered with other day-in, day-out pieces.

Leather Beaded Adjustable Bracelet, $18

Every girl needs statement earrings. Like, lots of them.


Noir Jewelry Demi Hoops, $75

Did seeing all the pretty pieces made by these gals turn me onto this beadwork kick? Perhaps. Okay, yes.

Did you know you could win a custom-made piece (like the necklace pictured above) from Spilled Milk Factory just by dropping the High Plains name at the Red Hot Art Festival and Caffetto Craft Fair, both happening in Minneapolis this weekend? Well, you can! If you missed it, the details are at the bottom of this post here. It’s a seriously sweet giveaway!

So, I got to see Neil Young last night and it was awesome.  The whole set was fairly magical—he sounded great and played a bunch of old favorites. I was so wired when I got home, I stayed up well past my bedtime watching old videos of him on You Tube. He opened the show last night with this song, which is one of my favorites.

Happy Friday to you all…

xxoo,

Meghan

cool tumblr find: salvation army thrift store gold

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Howdy ho!

I thought I’d share this little Tumblr I discovered this week, Salvation Army Thrift Store Gold. Devoted to showcasing thrifted treasures from Salvation Army stores across the country, this site is sure to invoke all kinds of “I-wish-I-found-that” envy.

Here are some of my favorite finds.

A 99 cent Polaroid camera that works? Win!

This blonde Heywood Wakefield coffee table is a total score. Puppies by this famous mid-century brand retail for $750! See?

This youngster, in his thrifted jacket and sideways smile, is so cute.

I love thrifting at Salvation Armies (as evidenced here, here and here), and thoroughly enjoyed nerding out over other folks’ finds. You can help this fledgling blog gain momentum by submitting your Salvation Army-found treasures here.

Have a lovely morning!

xo,

Meghan

‘thrifty ‘fits & an awesome giveaway: whittney & lauren kebschull of spilled milk factory

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Hey you!

Today’s going to be great. Why? Because I get to introduce Whittney and Lauren Kebschull, and their creative brain child, Spilled Milk Factory, to y’all.

For their collection of beaded jewelry and fabric accessories, this sassy pair of sisters looks back to by-gone eras and indigenous cultures, and the ending results are spot-on modern (not to mention all kinds of awesome). Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down for some fries & conversation about our shared love of thrifting and vintage, how they work together as sister-friends and what’s on tap for Spilled Milk this summer. I hope you enjoy our little Q & A!

Did I mention they put together a kick-ass giveaway for y’all?

Well, they did. (Details ’bout that are at the end of the post!) Without further ado…

Meet Whittney and Lauren!

About their styles…

Me: What has inspired you fashion-wise?

Lauren: If I could dress like anyone it would be Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair. But in real life, I’m drawn to comfortable clothes and uncommon brands. Rarely do I buy anything new. When I thrift , I’m drawn to vintage pieces, but I do have a secret love for J. Crew. Their stuff is so timeless and easy to accessorize.

Whittney: When it comes to my style, I try to incorporate a bunch of eras and cultures. The one movie that always sticks out in my mind is Out of Africa. Meryl Streep has so much class, yet a masculine edge that is very attractive. Even Robert Redford…I would love to take a stroll in his shoes and trousers for a day.

Me: You both know the value of thoughtful accessorizing. What are your tips?

Lauren: Don’t try too hard. Try not to match everything you’re wearing. Little flashes of colors are eye-catching and add interest to even simple outfits. Finding accessories at craft fairs or thrift stores is great because they’re most often affordable and you’re unlikely to see anyone wearing the same thing.

Whittney: I’d agree with the don’t try too hard thing. You have to be comfortable with what you’re wearing, or it won’t come off as fashion, but more like your closet has projectile vomited on you.


| View Show | Create Your Own

Thrifting tips…

Me: Do you have a favorite thrift store in town? Why do you like it?

Lauren: I love Digger’s for old sweaters and I always find something handy at a Unique Thrift ( my favorite one’s on Rice St.) Grand Addictions in St.Paul is my favorite place to find vintage buttons. As a Duluth native, I like to hit up thrifts there when I go back to visit.

Whittney: I have to say there aren’t too many thrifts  in the Minneapolis area that I find outstanding. They all get ransacked pretty fast. I stick to a shopping mostly at garage, yard and estate sales. If you can get out to the ‘burbs, I have found some pretty amazing stuff at Valu Thrift in White Bear.

Me: What are some of your essentials for a day of thrifting?

Lauren: I try to bring a list so I remember what I’m looking for. There are so many basic little things I should get from Target, but will go to Savers first to see if they have them there. Tablecloths, tea candles, serving dishes—simple stuff like that. Having a list helps.

Whittney: Water, music and good shoes. I’m getting old and can’t be prancing around in heels. Give me some SAS-style granny shoes and I am a thrifting machine.

Me: What are some of your dream thrift-store finds, like, what would you freak out if you found?

Lauren: Vintage Buttons and fabric to re-purpose for Spilled Milk —our hoods, bags and scarves are all made with thrifted fabric and accented with old buttons. Honestly, I could look at old buttons for hours. I think they’re gorgeous and all so unique.

Whittney: I have already experienced absolute thrift-utopia! It wasn’t a thrift store but a yard sale across the street from my house. Dresses beyond dresses, all in my size! It was hard to control myself, but I would up buying five immaculate vintage dresses for $4 each. The people who were putting on the sale hundreds of antiques sitting in their basement from previous generations in the family. Everything was unbelievably cheap and super rare …they were my fairy godmothers for a day.

About Spilled Milk Factory…

Me: Tell me about Spilled Milk Factory. How did you get started, what do you make, what inspires you creatively?

Lauren: At the most basic level, we started Spilled Milk Factory so we could make things. We both like beading, sewing, fashion, thrifting and vintage, and all of those likes to give us a reason to make things. In our beadwork, we’re inspired the colors and patterns of Native American and African designs. For the sewn accessories we’re looking to create designs that are interesting and functional, like cozy hoods, wallets and fabric necklaces.

Whittney: Lauren initially started Spilled Milk and as usual, I hopped on the bandwagon. Our work is very complementary to one another. She is the realistic one and I like to go a little overboard.

Me: Where can people buy your stuff?

Lauren: You can find out work at I Like You in Northeast Minneapolis and Gallery 360 in Edina. We will be at the Red Hot Art Festival this Saturday (July 31) and Sunday (August 1) and at the Caffetto Craft Fair, also on Sunday, August 1st. You can find the most up-to-date information on our Facebook page. We’re hoping to get a website up-and-running before the end of the year, too. Fingers crossed!

Click here to see more pics of Spilled Milk Factory’s lovely creations, including wristlets, totes, cozy hoods, fabric necklaces and of course, gorgeous beaded jewelry.

And now, my favorite part, the giveaway!

So, how would you like to WIN a pair of earrings or beaded necklace made especially for you? It’d be awesome right? Well, all you have to do is stop by Spilled Milk Factory’s booth at either the Red Hot Art Festival or Caffetto Craft Fair, both happening THIS WEEKEND, and mention “High Plains Thrifter.” The girls will jot down your name and address, and will pick a winner at random next week. Easy right?!?!

I hope you enjoyed the interview and are fully motivated to swing by the art fairs to meet these two sweeties in person.

If you’d like to have your thrifty style featured on the blog, email me at hpthrifter@gmail.com.

I would love to hear from you!

xoxo,

Meghan

lifestyles of the poor & passport-less

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Well hello there!

I have a confession to make: I don’t have a passport. And I haven’t for going on six years. I know it’s only a hundred-some dollars, but somehow, I just can’t bring myself to part with so many pennies for one, especially since there’s no sign of international travel on my immediate horizon.

Someday, I’ll probably get a new passport, and fill it up with colorful stamps and fancy visas, but in the meantime, I’ll stick to getting my international style fix off the good ol’ Internets. These blogs, by ladies scattered across the globe, are a few of my must-reads.

From Stockholm, See Emily Play.

Beautiful photos by a beautiful Swede, of beautiful Swedes (and beautiful Stockholm).

From Finland, Helmi Otsalla.

Besides one-of-a-kind vintage, the adorable Helmi and I also share loves for both Gossip Girl and whiskey drinking. (Those two = especially great when combined.)

From Perth, Australia, The Vintage Valley.

Day after day, Ally achieves ladylike looks without a hint of stuffiness. I love how she mixes Goodwill finds with fancier pieces.

From Edinburgh, Hello Mr. Fox.

Hannah has a knack for finding the most beautiful stuff at thrifts and flea markets. I love her photography style, too.

From France, Valentine.

This young’uns easy going style is right up my alley. Arm-chair tag-alonging around Paris isn’t so bad, either.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got to share today. I hope you have so much fun this weekend. I get to spend some time with this little lady tonight, and I am so excited!

<3!

Meghan

heads up: value village’s midsummer sale

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Attention fellow thrifters!

For one day only, a huge sale is going on at Arc’s Value Village thrift stores.

What You Need to Know

What: Summer Clearance Sale

EVERYTHING is 50 percent off. Clothes, books, shoes, housewares, accessories, appliances…you name it.

When: Saturday, July 24, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: All four Value Village locations (New Hope, Richfield, Saint Paul, Brooklyn Center)

That’s all for now! Before I go, check out what I found in my garden.

Holy huge, right? What the heck should I do with this beast? I’m thinking…zucchini bread.

Happy Friday eve!!

xo,

Meghan

summer reading: biographies of blondes

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Last night, when I was dusting off my bedside table, I noticed my biography choices this summer have a definite theme. Evidently, I like to read about blondes. Specifically, musical ones.

Top to bottom…

California Dreamin’: The True Story of the Mamas & the Papas
by Michelle Phillips

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton & Me
by Pattie Boyd

Tammy Wynette: Tragic Country Queen by Jimmy McDonough

I have a habit of alternating between fiction and biographies, so after finishing Wonderful Tonight (grade=C) in June, I moved on to Daughter of Fortune (grade=B), which I finally wrapped up last Saturday at the beach.

Seeing as it’s time for a biography, I started the book on Tammy yesterday and am one chapter in. First impression: It’s awesome. The writing is solid, but just as importantly, I can tell that McDonough’s fascinated by Wynette, and that her music moves and inspires him (as well it should). There’s nothing more boring than a music bio written by someone who seems to care nothing about the artist, their story or their music, and is simply (and sometimes, clinically) reporting the facts at an arm’s length.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to curling up with it tonight, after this busy, busy day winds down. How gorgeous is that photo of her on the cover, by the way? Love those big curls.

What are you reading this summer?

I’ll be needing a fiction fix next and would love to hear what page-turners are taking up space at your bedside.

xo,

Meghan

what’s in my bag: thrifting essentials

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Hey y’all!

A few Saturdays ago, I went on an all-afternoon thrifting adventure with two of my favorite people. Honest to God, I think we hit four or five stores in a matter of hours. And frankly, I was ill-prepared.

The bag I brought was too big and I kept bumping into racks, people, everything. My shoes were uncomfortable, which made me ornery. I was hungry and thirsty, which definitely did not help with the aforementioned crabbiness.

Anyway, I thought it might be handy (and a good reminder for myself!) to put together a list of must-haves for a day of thrifting.

What’s in My Bag…

-Hand sanitizer or Wet Wipes, because thrift stores aren’t the cleanest of places and getting sick is the pits.

-Notebook. This is where I jot down addresses of new thrifts, estate or garage sales I want to hit up. In it I also keep a running list of things I’m looking for, both for myself & others. It’s helpful for me to refresh myself before heading out to thrift.

-iPhone, for taking pics, Tweeting deals, texting friends re: whether or not they want something, Maps app for when I get lost, etc.

-Easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars, nuts or an apple keep cranky-inducing hunger pangs at bay.

-Water or iced tea, because it’s summer and I’m thirsty 24/7. I’m also partial to stopping by the Bell and getting one of these. So yummy!

-A pen. Because it sucks when you want to write something down and you can’t! This is my favorite, hands-down.

-Wallet. I’ve forgotten this essential item once this summer and needless to say, it was not the most fruitful thrifting trip.

-Listening to my iPod makes driving much more fun.

Also handy: check book (for estate sales), a tape measure (for measuring waistlines on clothes or the dimensions of linens or furniture), lip balm, hand lotion (especially nice in winter).

Another tip: Go with an average-sized, easy-to-carry purse or tote. Not too big, not too small.

What about you, dear readers? What do you tote along when you hit the thrifts?

xo,

Meghan

dream a little dream with me

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Hiya!

My plans of saving up for a scooter went out the window when I saw this photo on A Beautiful Mess this morning.

I’m officially obsessed with the idea of tooling around town, towing a trailer packed to the gills with vintage treasures, as the lovely Jill from Lune Vintage does with her trailer, aka the “Egg.” I don’t have the attention span or knowledge to run a store day-in and day-out, which makes a mobile, open-when-you-want-it-to-be shop that much more appealing.

Sidenote: Be sure to check out Jill’s blog, which is packed with tips on how to run a pop-up  shop (she’s been at it for 10 years!), easy diy ideas and lots & lots of gorgeous pics of the vintage lovelies she thrifts. (And sells in her Etsy shop.)

I’m off to see if I can find the password to my latent, dusty ING account! The poor thing’s been woefully ignored these past few months…

Let the penny-pinching begin continue!

What dreams are you saving up for? Any tips for painless saving?? Does such a thing even exist??!

xo,

Meghan