About highplainsthrifter

Thrift-store shopper. Lives in & loves South Minneapolis. Blonde. Picture taker. Road trip enthusiast. Likes making things. Proud WI native. Classic rock is my favorite. So are nachos.

clickin’ around: vol. 43

Posted on December 4, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

♥ After spotting this cute forest of fudge on Handmade Charlotte today, it’s quickly moved to the top of my holiday must-make list. Fer cute!

♥ Time mag wants to know what word should be banished in 2014. Only trouble is you can’t vote for ALL of them to go away.

♥ If you’ve ever been tempted to arrange leftover glasses from a dinner party into pretty shapes, these overhead shots by Omar Sosa will confirm your instinct as awesome. Do they look like snowflakes to anyone else? (via Design Crush)

♥ Gift-wrap has been on my mind a lot lately (you’ll see why Friday!), and this post from ModCloth featuring vintage wrapping has got me totally inspired. Especially love those ideas from McCall’s!

♥ Leith Clark + Warby Parker is a thing, so ’60s-style, feminine frames can be yours, or mine, if I ever muster up the courage to go to the eye doctor.

♥ During this season of disproportionate indulgence and too-busy-for-yoga-class work schedules, this read from Kind Over Matter hit home hard this week. Love your curves ladies, and while you’re at it, pass me a cup of ‘nog!

♥ If $1,000 showed up in my checking account tomorrow, I’d plan a trip to San Francisco (to visit my sweet Ian of course) and crash here. #dreamy Shout out to A House in the Hills for the introduction!

♥ Last but not least, I’ve been doing some fun stuff for my girl (Beauty) Bets. Check out two of my latest posts: Must-Haves for Perfect At-Home Manis and Splurge/Steal, a Tale of Two Illuminators.

xo,

Meghan

Photo above by: William Mebane

first impression: goodwill in st. louis park

Posted on December 3, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

It seems that lately, not a month goes by without a Goodwill grand opening happening somewhere in the Twin Cities metro. From Fridley to Roseville, Champlin to Lakeville, new stores are cropping up everywhere, with the most recent addition being a 17,600-square-foot location in St. Louis Park. Opening in mid-November, it didn’t take me long to find a reason to pop over there to take a look around.

Like all the freshly built Goodwill stores, the St. Louis Park location is big, bright and oh-so-very clean, with well-marked, neatly organized sections for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, housewares and the like.

Though my budget for spending was slim, I spent a good hour or so poking around. The selection at this store definitely skews to the high-end side, with lots of nice labels on the racks (Ann Taylor, Adrienne Vittadini, Ralph Lauren, etc.) and quality books by the boatload. While it was a little lighter on the housewares, accessories and shoes than I expected, more than a few things that caught my eye during my visit. Here are a few of them!

A sparkling, glam ’60s maxi dress (unfortunately sized 10 sizes to small), a mint-condition Donna Hay (the Australian Martha Stewart) cookbook, a sweet-faced ceramic Mary and baby Jesus…

Lots and lots of Mara Mi for Target party goodies including garlands (pictured), printable invites, cupcake liners and toppers, photo-booth props, etc. all brand-new in the box, decent-sized sets of both Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, a half-set of Johnson Brothers china in a floral pattern (I think it was Floral Bouquet, but I’m not certain)…

Lots of games and toys, some disposable mini loaf pans (perfect for holiday gifting!) and one of my favorite vintage Bisquick cookbooks.

Besides being well-stocked and nicely organized, I can’t wrap up this post without commenting on the incredibly kind and patient customer service I both witnessed and experienced at this shop. It staggers me how some shoppers (regulars, no less!) can be so incredibly rude, brusque and unkind to thrift-store employees. During my visit, I saw two instances of not-so-nice behavior on the part of shoppers, and in both occurrences, the employee on the receiving end maintained a helpful, positive and oh-so-very patient attitude. I can’t speak for all of the store’s 30 employees (many of them participants in career training programs), but Torrance, if your boss ever reads this, I hope she or he gives you a big pat on the back (and maybe even a raise).

The St. Louis Park Goodwill is located at 3575 State Highway 100…in layman’s terms, that’s directly behind the SLP Target off of Highway 100, right next to the LA Fitness. The store’s orientation is a little wacky, but this map may help you out. Like all area Goodwill stores, they are open seven days a week: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

To be the first to know about future Goodwill store openings, sign up for their weekly email newsletter!

xo,

Meghan

heads up: black friday thrift-store sales

Posted on November 28, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

Truth be told, I’m not big into Black Friday. Yes, I love me some bargains, but I also love me some sleep, especially on a rare Friday off. And the thought of getting up at the crack of dawn to bust down the doors of some mega-chain store? Not appealing in the least. But since a fair amount of thrifts have hopped on the Black Friday bandwagon, I feel it my duty to tell you what’s the haps in case you’re out and about shopping on Friday and are looking to save some moola.

Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores
Enjoy 50% savings on clothing at all Twin Cities and Saint Cloud stores. Keep an ear out for special deals like half-off books, housewares, etc. announced every hour on the hour. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Savers
Super Savers Club members will save 30% on all used merchandise. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Second Début Pick a black licorice you’ll get 15% off your entire purchase, while a draw of red licorice gets you 10 percent savings. Sweet! Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unique
VIP Unique card holders take 30% off all used merchandise at all six Twin Cities locations. (More info on Unique’s VIP program is right this way!) Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hidden Treasures Thrift Store
Take 40% off EVERYTHING in the store, including Christmas merchandise and furniture! Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ARC’s Value Village Stores
All items with a green tag will be 50% off. Be sure to check out the Merry Thriftmas boutique while you’re there! Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Stores
Early birds arriving between 10 a.m. and noon will get a big ole’ 50% discount on their entire purchase!

Have fun shopping!

xoxo,

Meghan

Photo: source

birthdays + breaks + beginning (again)

Posted on November 27, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

Today’s my birthday, friends! And while it sounds sort of nuts, my no. 1 gift to myself is my own blog. Woo! Wait, what?

You see, hard as it is to admit, I learned this past summer that I can’t, in fact, do it all. And after years of juggling a full-time job, a part-time small business, a needy household, all the while still making time for friends, family, freelance work, pets, nachos and (on the rare occasion) myself, I was burned out, bad.

Keeping up this ol’ site should be fun more than anything, but for a while there, it felt too much like a chore, or even worse, work. I was unhappy, unenthusiastic and tired down to my very bones. So I took a little break. That turned into a long-ish break. And you know what? I really needed it!

In the not-so-distant past, I would’ve been stressed to the max about the (many) months in between this post and my last, but the newly 31-year-old me isn’t sweatin’ it. Mostly because I know you’re good people, and that you understand. But also, with time to recharge, I was able to actually relax and think of fun things I’d be excited to share in this space. (Read: Rad projects in the works!)

I’m happy to be back, and if you’re still reading, happy that you stuck around.

xo,

Meghan

P.S. I found the image above here.

heads up: weekend linen sale

Posted on June 13, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

To say I’m linen-obsessed is an understatement if ever there was one. So you can imagine my delight when I heard ~~the downtown-Minneapolis~~ four metro-area Salvation Army stores (downtown, Bloomington, Burnsville and Fridley) are having a 25%-off linen sale tomorrow and Saturday. Unfortunately for us vintage-linen lovers, only fabrics in the new-goods basement will be on sale at the downtown store; at the other three locations, linens both old and new will be discounted. I’m planning on swinging by Friday in hopes of picking up a tablecloth and some napkins to polka dot.

For a list of store locations, hours and contact info, click here.

Happy hunting!

xo,

Meghan

workin’ it: a party fit for a princess

Posted on May 2, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

Some times, when I describe what I’m working on for work, it can sounds completely absurd, even to me. For instance, back in March, my life revolved around planning a Princess Birthday party photo shoot (see, I told you, crazy!). It was all-engrossing in the best possible way. I dreamed about princess cakes. Got up at 5 a.m. to dye bamboo fruit skewers pink. Had multiple phone conversations exclusively about tutus. (And loved every minute of it.)

You can find the gorgeous pics from the party here, including insanely adorable cake recipes, easy ideas for party food and heaps of décor and detail inspiration. There’s even a suite of coordinating printables my Mighty Swell partner Rae designed (they are so, so, so cute and totally FREE!). Whether you have a princess in your life to plan a party for, or are just in the mood for a bit of precious, pink, princess-ness, please do check it out.

I, mean, c’mon. This cake! That face! (Love.)

Princess Birthday Party Credits
Photographer: Eliesa Johnson
Photo assistant: Sara Montour
Party styling + printables: Rae Alexis
Prop styling + art direction: me!

xoxo,

Meghan

Full disclosure: During the day, I work as Senior Editor on BettyCrocker.com via MSP Communications.

heads up: 100-mile garage sale

Posted on May 1, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

Today was confusing. It started with an emotional airport goodbye. Followed by a trip to Menards for bathroom lighting that ended with me buying two door mats with daisies on them and a three-pound bag of Red Vines. And then, when I took my lunch break, on this first day of MAY, flakes of SNOW pelted me IN THE FACE.

Like I said, weird.

But I’m not letting it get to me. Because May in Minnesota = the start of rummage-sale season, aka my favorite time of the year (second only to Christmas, of course). Topping my list of May sales to hit is the 100-Mile Garage Sale, a three-day bargain-hunting extravaganza that stretches all the way from Winona to Red Wing. Thousands of individuals, businesses and even entire TOWNS clear out their basements, garages and attics to participate in this event. Not sure where to start? Just head down to beautiful bluff country and look for the flags, balloons and signs along Highway 61 on the Minnesota side (35 on the Wisconsin side) and get to spending. Here’s a map to make it easy—click on any of the markers to see more info (hours, addresses, featured goodies, etc.) on specific sales. You can also search the listings here, in case you’re on the hunt for something(s) in particular. Helpful, huh? I can’t wait to check it out!

Are there any big rummage sales you’re looking forward to this spring? Big or small, I’d love to know which ones are on your must-hit list!

xoxo,

Meghan

Image c/o: We Heart It

recently thrifted

Posted on April 29, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

Hey all, we made it through Monday! High fives all around!

After a winter-imposed thrifting siesta, I’ve finally, just recently, been in the mood to make the rounds. And so, since it’s been a while, I thought I’d share a few finds from this past week

First up, two beauties from Empty the Nest…

and…

And then a few random doo-dads from (clockwise from the left) the Salvation Army Family Store on Nicollet, Empty the Nest (yes, again) and the New to You Thriftique on Highway 55, which I visited over my lunch break last week.

Of all my buys, I’m most stoked about the hair dryer, with the granny sandals coming in a close 2nd. (Wearing them is like walking on a cuddly little cloud!) Have you thrifted anything recently that’s brought you a bit of comfort, surprise or delight? If so, I’d love to hear!

xoxo,

Meghan

heads up: empty the nest’s music + jewelry sale

Posted on April 27, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

There aren’t many things that can entice me to slog through rush-hour traffic more than I have to (twice a day). But when I got a sale alert on Thursday from Empty the Nest with the subject line “Turn Up the Music, Bring on the Bling,” I kind of had to see what it was about, even if it meant more time on the road.

If you haven’t been, Empty the Nest’s warehouse is a big, two-room, packed labyrinth of stuff, meaning, it takes time to wind your way through. Starting in the front, I worked through the shelves of china, around the game and book section, and back towards the racks and stacks of records, passing by loads of great furniture (highboys, side table sets, ottomans, dining sets, cradles, etc.) and lamps.

As part of this music-themed event, Empty the Nest put roughly 800 LPs out for sale, priced at $1 a piece. In addition to records, they also have some funky instruments, stereo systems and sheet music, all priced to move. I took home a chunk of records (18, to be exact), but left a lot of great ones behind.

A sampling of what I bought…

The other focus of this weekend’s event is costume jewelry, which they had quite a bit of, including clip-on earrings, brooches, necklaces and scarf, sweater and money clips from the ’50s through present-day. From the promo email, I was expecting tons more jewelry to pick through, but I do have a hunch that more stock will be out today and tomorrow. On the plus side, prices on the jewelry were great, with most pieces running around $2.

Open today and tomorrow from 9 to 4 p.m., I would say this is definitely a sale worth checking out. Directions to their showroom, located right off 35W in Burnsville, are here. While you’re in the area, here are some other thrifts you might want to check out.

I hope you have lovely weekends!

xo,

Meghan

not your typical tuesday

Posted on April 9, 2013 by highplainsthrifter

Disagree all you want, but I believe that spring break is a state of mind. And today, on this random Tuesday, as flurries and freezing rain fall outside my window, I’m taking a mini break to go see a singer I love, Lynn Anderson. My friend hooked me up with a pair of tickets ages ago (thanks Meg!), and while I certainly wish it was little more spring-like outside, I’m not letting any sleet-storm silliness dampen my enthusiasm for seeing this legend! Unfamiliar with Miss Anderson? Let’s fix that! Here are a few performances from the ’60s you might enjoy.