ON THE [GOODWILL] HUNT IN ATLANTA

What are y'all doing? Was the #1 question I heard all Saturday when Dayka and I toted 15+ people around to 4 of the best thrifting spots in Atlanta. It all started with an afternoon phone call from an excited Rashon Carraway a.k.a. Mr. Goodwill Hunting about pulling together a nationwide shopping event, I Love Thrifting. I don't remember him ever asking me to lead a group. I just kinda said yes.

So back to the question at hand, "What are y'all doing?"

We're hunting bargains. We're making new friends. We're connected by a common interest. We're making that dollar holler! We're saving bucks, Chuck! Wouldn't you ask the same question if you saw us standing in the aisles with matching shirts and posing for the camera?

Look at Sweet Anna on the far left. She joined us on assignment for HGTV, but it looks like she found a way to mix business with pleasure.

image courtesy of Tammie Reed

I wholeheartedly believe we had the best group of women shopping with us. Half of us raided the home decor section, the other half combed the clothing racks and would surface with $5 sequined jackets, ball gowns, and such. I declare they were a fancy bunch.

After the first rounds of introductions, we were instant friends. Not too close of friends though. We were all in competition to score the best finds our money could buy.

While no one fought Ellen for that rake, I did have to make sure I got my lampshades back from Sherry after taking this photograph. I purchased them both for $10 and in excellent condition.

image courtesy of Tammie Reed

This was the last photo before we took a break for lunch. We were smiling on the outside but hunger raged on the inside. See below. We noshed and networked at La Madeleine's french cafe and geared up for the next stop. You guess it, another Goodwill.

More of the same went on here except this time we were joined by a television camera from 11Alive, one of Atlanta's local news stations. No photos of this but I swear it happened. I got a tweet from a few folks saying they saw us on TV, but no video to prove that either. By this time, I was fried and needed a nap. On my way out the door, I spotted two of our group members who also shopped 'til they dropped.

If you made it to the end of this post, you deserve a treat. Here's a free download of the thrifting tips Dayka and I pulled together for our guests. Dayka is the queen of vintage and she offers lots of valuable advice for anyone doing some discount shopping. Take a peek and let us know what you think! Until next time!

YOUR FREE THRIFTING TIPS!

LET'S MEET UP TOMORROW!

Looking to stretch your design dollar like never before?? Well mark your calendars for I LOVE THRIFTING, a nationwide shopping event organized by none other than Rashon Carraway aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting. Tomorrow, Saturday July 9th at 10AM, Dayka and I are leading a group through 4 of Atlanta's best thrifting hot spots. Here's a look at our itinerary for the day:

#1 : Goodwill (Tucker)
3983 Lavista Road
Tucker, GA 30084

#2: My Favorite Place
5596 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Chamblee, GA 30034

#3: Goodwill (Sandy Springs)
237 Johnson Ferry RD NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Lunch: Le Madeline (networking & noshing!)
1165 Perimeter Center West #330
Atlanta, GA 30038

#4: Goodwill (next door to Le Madeline)
1165 Perimeter Center West
Sandy Springs, GA 30338

If you're reading this and thinking, "Gee, they have all the fun in Atlanta", there's good news--the I LOVE THRIFTING event is happening in various cities throughout the country! Be sure to check the website [www.ilovethrifting.com] to learn how you can join in on the fun.

Will you be joining us? Please leave a comment so we know who's coming!

JOIN US: I LOVE THRIFTING EVENT

Looking to stretch your design dollar like never before?? Well mark your calendars for I LOVE THRIFTING, a nationwide shopping event organized by none other than Rashon Carraway aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting. On Saturday July 9th at 10AM, Dayka and I are leading a group through 4 of Atlanta's best thrifting hot spots. Here's a look at our itinerary for the day:

#1 : Goodwill (Tucker)
3983 Lavista Road
Tucker, GA 30084

#2: My Favorite Place
5596 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Chamblee, GA 30034

#3: Goodwill (Sandy Springs)
237 Johnson Ferry RD NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Lunch: Le Madeline (networking & noshing!)
1165 Perimeter Center West #330
Atlanta, GA 30038

#4: Goodwill (next door to Le Madeline)
1165 Perimeter Center West
Sandy Springs, GA 30338

If you're reading this and thinking, "Gee, they have all the fun in Atlanta", there's good news--the I LOVE THRIFTING event is happening in various cities throughout the country! Be sure to check the website [www.ilovethrifting.com] to learn how you can join in on the fun.

Want to be photographed for the I LOVE THRIFTING website? Be sure to order a t-shirt and show your support! Click here for more details. Will you be joining us?

SCOUTING ANTIQUES WITH EDDIE ROSS

Sunday I spent the afternoon at Atlanta's Scott Antique Market receiving a crash course in antiques from Eddie Ross! An intimate group of us were lead by the wonderful design wizard and his partner Jaithan Kochar through the South Building full of furniture, rugs, and home and garden accessories.

Eddie admonished us to prepare for shopping trips by knowing the measurements of the space we are designing to ensure we pick appropriate items that fit the space. Another great tip is to bring along fabric samples, especially if you are buying rugs.

There are literally hundred of vendors that carry an assortment of vintage goods such as the collegiate pennants below to old Sotheby's and Christie's auction catalogs.

It didn't take long for me to admit that I'm a little too citified for the expansive collection of taxidermy...eek, but the little salt spoons tickled my fancy!

After the fabulous two hour tour, we said our good byes to Eddie and Jaithan, and blogger friends Tami, Jennifer, Ashley, and Jade. Tami brought along her adorable daughter which made me also look forward to sharing these little adventures with my Ava.

Thanks to Eddie and Jaithan for being such knowledgeable and gracious hosts! Be sure to visit their site so you won't miss the tour when it hits your town!

(ANOTHER) HOME OFFICE UPDATE

Honestly, I didn't plan to post today but after the response I received from my Facebook friends about my new Craigslist find I realized I couldn't leave you all out!!! Ok, here's the story...

I've been contemplating this sofa by Nate Berkus sold on HSN for $499.  My girl Tamara purchased the same sofa in pewter a few months ago. I emailed her to make sure she still loved it and she responded with a resounding yes (co-signed by Mrs. Duncan).

Before I hit the "purchase" button, I decided to check my local Craiglist ad and found this for only $120!

The seller informed me that I was third in line for the purchase, but I knew in my heart that it was mine!!  When I called back the next day he told me it was still available. I immediately loaded up my kids (yes all three) and prayed the settee would fit in the back of my SUV...and it did! I unloaded this thing by myself... I'm sure Grace and Gabri (my neighbors) were laughing their a$$es off as I struggled to get it out of the cargo and onto my appliance dolly, to the front door, and into my office...

So what do you think? It's not the Nate Berkus sofa, but hey I can deal...

Feeling a Little Peacocky

This weekend I received an email from Tonia over at Chic Modern Village with a photo of this awesome find.

She purchased this pair for only $12! By the looks of the photo it appears that do not stand alone and would perhaps be wall decor.  This morning I performed a search for "peacock wall sculpture" and found the image in the inset. Hmm....

I searched a bit more and found it in excellent condition and for sale on a vintage dealer's website.  This 1960's Peacock Wall Sculpture is selling for $650.  And look, Tonia's piece originally had a snazzy jewel encrusted headdress! 

Even though someone snatched her peacocks' bling, I wonder if there is still antique value there?  If she could at least get $200 for them that would be enough for me to "shake a tail-feather"...If not, she could give them an extreme makeover with a fresh coat of paint with a high gloss enamel. The paint may be a step down from their previous lifestyle, but hey we're all downsizing a bit, right?  The "rehabbed" peacocks could get a new job as her wall sculptures or even stand proudly in front of a fireplace.  My first inclination would be to paint them white, but without knowing her home's decor the options are endless.  What do you think she should do?

Junk in the Trunk

I've been combing Craigslist and scouting a few thrifts stores looking for some design potential.  There's lot's of talent out there...and a lot of junk, too. Here are a few items that made the cut and are on to the next round. 

I can go so many directions with this lamp! It's in good condition, but I am contemplating rewiring it just to be safe.

This piece is really too small to serve as a true bulletin board, but the frame would be great on a mirror. Wouldn't you agree?

I found this armoire on Craigslist.  It orginially was listed with a matching nightstand, for a grand total of $50 for both!  The seller sold the nightstand to someone else, but offered the armoire to me for just 20 bucks. I had to pick it up right away since she was moving the next day...not a problem, I sent my husband over a.s.a.p! I'm planning to put this in Ava's Room. 

What treasures have you found on your hunt? Or as Joi would say, "What's good in your 'hood?"