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.

recently thrifted

Posted on March 23, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Hi y’all! I’m pooped from writing literally all day, but I had to share some of my finds from the past week. Apologies in advance for the lack in witty commentary…my brain’s tired.

♥ Vintage floral plates for a future photo shoot, 69 cents to $1.99, found at the St. Vincent de Paul store off Lake Street.

♥ A mint-condition set of cream and gold trays, four for $5, also from Vinnie’s. The striped dress I’m wearing is also a Vinnie’s find. It’s a super-comfy stretchy cotton Calvin Klein number with the most flattering scoop-neck. I think it was $3?

♥ A big old bookcase that’s destined to hold our stereo, turntable and records. We need to secure it to the wall before loading it up with vinyl, so it’s currently kind of a hodge-podge. I was so happy that the finish matches our trim perfectly AND that there’s a nice-sized cabinet on the bottom (MORE STORAGE!). I found this bad boy via Craigslist, for sale at Empty the Nest in Burnsville for $30.

Have you been out thrifting recently? I’m drying to hear about your prize finds!

xoxo,

Meghan

a golden opportunity

Posted on March 18, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Generally, when someone starts talking about anything related to Kickstarter, I have a horrible tendency to immediately tune out. But every once in a (great) while, a project comes along that’s so incredibly worthy, I can’t get my credit card out fast enough. Such is the case with Bill and Kara Kurth’s initiative to raise funds for the future home of their business, Golden Age Design.

For the past four years, Golden Age Design has been refinishing and refurbishing mid-century furniture, bringing new life to once-glorious pieces marred over time with water marks, chipped corners and lackluster finishes. After Bill applies his mad refinishing skills, each piece is brought back to life and ready for another generation of use. And all of this is done out of their home and (in their words) dingy garage.
In order to present these freshly restored gems in a setting they deserve, the Kurths need a bigger, more public space, which they found on the main drag of their hometown of Robbinsdale, Minnesota. But, like any building from the 1800s, their future dream space needs a little TLC. To help them turn this fixer-upper into an intimate, quality buying experience, they need our help. While I feel like their furniture speaks for itself, if you have a minute, please do take a minute and hear ’em out! (They’re pretty much the most adorable couple of all time.)

Pledges ranging from $5 to $8,000 are welcome and rewarded with loads fun stuff including: an adorable “You’re Golden” cake topper, made by my friends Oh Dier ($45 pledge); a private mid-century collector seminar ($100), personalized design consultations ($500), a whole room designed, furnished and painting by GAD ($8,000+). I personally sprung for the Styling Class ($100 pledge), as Kara’s sense of style is pretty much impeccable and if there’s anyone I’d trust with my pillow placement, it’s her. If you too, care to give these champions of vintage a little push to the finish line, there’s nine days left to get in on what I consider a truly golden opportunity.

xoxo,

Meghan

store review: assistance league thrift shop

Posted on March 17, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

They say good things come in pairs, and if you need evidence, just drive down to the 64th block of Penn Avenue where you’ll find two wonderful thrifts—my beloved ARC’s Value Village and the star of this post, the Assistance League (AL) Thrift Shop—separated by just a stone’s throw. Though it’s more modest in size and lighter in inventory than Value Village, there’s plenty of good reasons to not skip over it!

WHAT’S GOOD

♥ Art work: There’s a reason the volunteers at the AL Thrift Shop put the artwork right up at the front of the store…it’s usually really freakin’ good. Curated (and priced) by a retired art teacher turned volunteer, everything from gorgeous oil landscapes to one-of-a-kind screen prints to vintage posters to beautifully framed photos is priced fairly (which doesn’t always mean cheaply).

♥ Designer labels: I’m not a huge label scout, but as some of you probably are, you may want to consider the array I noticed during my last visit: Burberry, Lilly Pulitzer, St. John, Ungaro, Ann Taylor, Dayton’s (vintage, obvs), J. Jill. Generally speaking, the clothing, in both style and size, skews to a more mature audience, as in, my mom would have a freakin’ hey day shopping here.

WHAT’S MEH

♥ Dishes & drink ware: Slim selection overall and what’s there seems a tad overpriced. (That said, if you’re on the hunt for quality crystal, there always seems to be a pretty set or two there.)

♥ Table linens: Another category with a surprisingly slim selection.

♥ Furniture: It’s just no their wheelhouse. While I’ve noticed a couple cherry pieces there over the years, this wouldn’t be my go-to spot if I was after a dresser, bed, bookshelves, etc.

Take a peek around!

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In a nutshell…

Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥

Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥

Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Customer service: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Where does money raised at this store go? Staffed entirely by volunteers, proceeds from the store support the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs, which include providing new school uniforms for disadvantaged kids, one-on-one tutoring for second graders who are struggling with reading and providing assault survivor kits to emergency rooms around the metro area. Also, donated merchandise that doesn’t wind up for sale at the shop is given away to people in need via a partner non-profit. You can learn about all nine of AL’s charitable outlets here.

Do they take credit cards? Yes!

Do they accept donations? Yep, and you’ll get a coupon if you do!

Do they have a mailing list? You betcha, and it comes out each week. Don’t miss the 30%-off coupon good on any one item up to $50 that’s in each one. They’ll honor it if you pull it up on your phone! Sign up here or in-store at the laptop next to the checkout.

Pro tip: Clothing at the AL Thrift has a 12-week lifespan, meaning that if you wait long enough, whatever item you’re coveting will inevitably drop in price. Throughout the floor, you’ll find discount racks, but if you head all the way to the back, that’s where the 75%-off section and $1-10 bargain racks are.

While you’re in the area: Head across the street to ARC’s Value Village of course! And on the weekends, keep an eye out for estate sales happening in the ‘hood. I’ve had good luck in that little nook of the city!

Where it is: 6416 Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55423

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; closed Sundays

Contact: 612.866.2135, Facebook

If you pay the Assistance League Thrift Shop a visit, I’d love to hear what you think.

Happy thrifting!

xo,

Meghan

midweek melodies: my secret weapon running mix

Posted on March 12, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Way back when my boyfriend and I first started dating, I asked him to make me a mix to run to. Five years later this collection of classic rock still gets me moving, even on days when I’m beyond exhausted and my motivation is nil. Every single song is a bonda fide rocker, making it ideal listening for jogs, gym sessions or whenever you need to buckle down and TCB. Including, for instance, a long, end-of-winter Wednesday afternoon. ;-)

xoxo,

Meghan

recently thrifted

Posted on March 9, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

♥ I’ve been a teensy bit obsessed with brass as of late, so I was pretty stoked when I happened upon this set of seven candlesticks at the New to You Thriftique. I immediately imagined them together on top of my piano, and when I noticed they were staggered in height…well that clinched the deal for me. All of them together cost $4, i.e. 57 cents a piece.

♥ Juice glasses are the just-right size for wine (and, I guess, juice), so when I spotted this set at the Salvation Army Family Store in St. Cloud, I had to bring ’em home. The bonus is that they match the other set in my cupboard wonderfully! (They were 49 cents a pop.)

♥ I paid 25 cents for this Lars Syberg planter at a neighborhood church rummage and I’m just smitten with it. Hopefully the crocus bulbs I’m trying to force into bloom appreciate their pretty mid-century home!

♥ I stumbled upon this stash of beautifully embroidered, 99-cent hankies at Bibles for Missions in Crystal and had to buy them all. They’re just so sweet!

♥ While I’m always on the lookout for new-old Betty cookbooks to add to my stash, this copy of Betty Crocker’s Microwave Cookbook is actually for my pal Cindy. (Of course I already have a copy, LOL obsessed much?) She makes all kinds of delicious magic both on her blog and for BettyCrocker.com and I can’t wait to see what ideas this book inspires. (I have no doubt they’ll be awesome!)

Have y’all found anything worth raving about recently? If so, I’d love to hear about it!

xoxo,

Meghan

weekend sale circuit: march 7-9

Posted on March 7, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

They say everything happen for a reason, so yesterday, when my weekend at the cabin got called off, clearly I was meant stay in town. I mean look at all these sales!

♥ Hidden Treasures Thrift Store Book Sale: There’s still time to shop the massive, half-off book sale happening little St. Anthony thrift. It ends Saturday, so hop to!

♥ March Mania at Salvation Army Family Stores: Saturday only, all metro-area Salvation Army stores will be offering 50% off all clothing in addition to in-store specials.

♥ Resale 101’s $5 Bag Sale: Resale 101’s bag sale stretches into a second week and includes all clothing with buff, red and grey tags.

♥ Rewind’s Get Pretty Sale: Today through Sunday, everything (EVERYTHING) at both Rewind locations is 25% off. (So stoked for this one.)

Happy shopping!

xoxo,

Meghan

spring cleaning

Posted on March 5, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Obvious fact: Today is Wednesday. Ash Wednesday to be exact, the very first day of Lent. Since high school, I’ve had an odd attachment to this season. (Odd only because I’m about as Catholic as a clam.) Off and on since I was 17 or so, I’ve given up various vices for Lent, including, in no particular order, smoking, beer, TV, McDonald’s ice cream, trashy gossip rags, chocolate, etc. After 40 days, some habits I left behind forever (as was the case with cigarettes), while others naturally ventured back into my regular routine (as was the case with everything else).

This year, I’ve decided to do a bit of a seasonal reset of the eating variety, based on Mise En Place, a cleansing plan recently released by Andrea Duclos & Amanda Williams. Their approach in a nutshell? Eat a whole plant-based diet instead of food with labels. (My addendum: Try not to die.) It’s not the most flashy of plans, but the guidance is sound, sensible, friendly and affordable, i.e., exactly the kind of love my winter-worn spirit needs.

To get myself psyched about cooking VEGETABLES, I’ve been gathering inspiration and saving it here, including a few glorious-looking recipes from The First Mess, a few of which are pictured above. I’m sure many of y’all are familiar with Laura’s blog and her insanely beautiful work, but hot damn, it’s just too pretty to not share again. Speaking of pretty, tonight’s dinner (aka tomorrow’s lunch) was a real looker I have to say, and tasty to boot. Here’s hoping the next 39 days are equally yum-filled!

What about you guys? Any other non-Catholics out there giving up something for Lent? (BUELLER?) Regardless, let me know how you’re getting ready to boogie your way into spring/summer. It’s bound to be here soon right? (Fingers crossed.)

xoxo,

Meghan

P.S. This is about all I’ll be talking about my Lenten veg-fest adventure around there parts, but please feel free to check out my ‘grams or search the hashtag #ohdearcravings for updates.

Photos c/o: me +  Oh Dear Drea's IG + The First Mess.

how to: make reed diffusers using thrifted vases

Posted on March 4, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

Come mid-winter, I straight-up yearn for open-window weather. I love the sounds of my neighborhood, but more than anything, I crave fresh air. Since we have at least a couple months to go before it’s warm enough to crack the windows, I’ve been keeping things fresh at home with these easy-to-make reed diffusers. Crafted out of with Goodwill vases and few ingredients—including a few you probably already have on hand!—this project comes together in about 15 minutes, and costs a mere fraction of store-bought air fresheners.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

2 thrifted vases — I looked for vases with narrow necks that were no more than five inches tall
Mineral oil — available at your local pharmacy and/or hardware store
Vodka
Carrier oil — sweet almond, jojoba and safflower oils will all work great
Essential oils — single-note oils or blends are both great options
Wooden reeds — I found mine at Michael’s

HOW TO MAKE

1. Start by gathering up your supplies.

2. Measure ½ cup of mineral oil into a glass measuring spout.

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3. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of vodka. It’s naturally going to separate, so give it a good whisk to ensure it’s emulsified.

4. Now it’s time to mix up your scents. To keep it simple, I used two of my favorite essential oil blends: Veriditas Botanicals’ Good Samaritan blend and Aura Cacia’s Creative Juice. The sky’s the limit when it comes to essential oil combos, so feel free to play around! As long as you’re stay around 20-30 drops per ¼-cup carrier oil, you should be in good shape.

5. Using a small funnel, pour the carrier-oil blend into a vase, followed by half the mineral oil-vodka mixture. Repeat with your second vase.

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6. Insert a handful of the reeds into each vase, stirring the oil around. After a few hours pass, flip the sticks over, so the end that hasn’t been dipped gets a turn in the oil. For the most fragrant results, flip your sticks every few days. Depending on the size of your vases, these diffusers should stay fragrant for at least a month or two.

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Are you a fan of homemade air fresheners? If you have a good method or recipe up your sleeve, please do let me know!

xo,

Meghan

A version of this post first appeared on the Goodwill / Easter Seals Minnesota blog.

heads up: discounts for donations at ARC’s value village

Posted on March 3, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

It’s no secret that spring cleaning is good for the soul, and now through May 15th, ARC’s Value Village aims to reward your labor with one heck of a deal. Simply bring in a paper grocery bag (or box-sized equivalent) filled with clothing, household items, books and the like, and they’ll hook you up with a 30%-off coupon!

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Value Village Thrift Stores accept donations seven days a week and all four locations have convenient, drive-up drop-offs where they’ll help you unload your stuff and hand you a tax receipt on the spot! It’s almost too easy. (If you have something funky you’re curious if you can donate, here’s a handy A-Z list of items they’ll accept.)

Let the closet clean-out commence!

xoxo,

Meghan

clickin’ around, vol. 50

Posted on February 28, 2014 by highplainsthrifter

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♥ I couldn’t stop scrolling through these impeccable pairings of fashion and art and photography. Seriously entrancing eye candy.

♥ Meow, this video has the sweetest ’60s sex-kitten vibe. Totally adorable.

♥ There’s something so soothing about this floral wall art DIY from Sincerely, Kinsey. It’d be a super fun photo backdrop for a garden party, yes?

♥ The entrepreneur in me loves seeing where these famous fast-food chains got their start. (LOL Pizza Hut!)

♥ This dog-baking-a-Bundt video had me in stitches today. Too cute not to share.

♥ In case you were wondering, this is what I’ll be snacking on when I spend some quality time with Netflix this weekend. (With some popcorn on the side, too, duh.)

Speaking of the weekend, here’s hoping you have an absolutely wonderful one! Mine is shaping up to be a mix of concerts, freelance, chores and couch-time. (Just how I like it.)

xoxo,

Meghan