Sworn into Thrifting

Two blogs in a row, Thrift Core has grabbed my attention! The writer/creator of Thrift Core, Van, promotes wonderful thrifting ideas and also creates some of the cutest blog buttons I've come across. Today, Van is nudging us to take the 2011 Thrift Pledge, and I'm in!  The Thrift Pledge is exactly what it sounds like— simply living the thrifty life throughout the year.  As I've said in past posts, I avoid buying certain items new whenever possible, especially clothing and home decor. So I've lived this pledge the last few years, except now I have a cute little owl to inform who-who-whomever may care (Ha! Sorry, had to throw that in there).

To make it official though:

I, Jacqueline Lee Valenti, solemnly swear  to be as thrifty as possible in 2011.  If I don't need it new, I will not buy it new. If I don't need it, then I don't need it. And I'll be looking fine, just like the rich, (& silly) spendy kind.

Interested in taking the pledge yourself? Click on over to Thrift Core and grab one of many awesome pledge buttons. Take the 2011 Thrift Pledge today!

Remember: Every thrift store is an over-sized treasure trove of a recycling bin!

Three Simple Resolutions

Normally I don’t develop a New Year Resolution. Never been my thing. Each year I just get my midnight kiss and hug family and friends with the constant idea of being better and trying my best.  Keeping things vague but positive has always helped guide my years along.  However, after reading Thrift Core's simple list of three resolutions, I decided that I could make 2011 a little more complicated with a few specifics myself. 

My New Year Resolution List:

1) Eat more locally grown, organic food.

2)  Learn to be craftier and repurpose ugly items back to pretty. I especially want to learn how to work a sewing machine with skill.

3)Last but far from least, I would like to establish a sense of “home” by the close of 2011. 

This year will be full of large life changes (new job, big move), so it will be important to keep my wits about me and keep a sense of calm.  I definitely believe that living an artistic and healthy life will help carry me through any rough bumps the year may bring. I kind of like having a list this year. These things will only enrich my life, and by writing them down I feel that much closer to accomplishing them. Thank you, Thrift Core, for the encouragement!

It never hurts to reflect on what one wants or needs, it only clears away some of the madness each month can bring.

Hope you enjoyed the holidays with your family and friends!

If you have a blog, feel free to create your own list of three and link to Thrift Core with the cute button above!

Dry Hands? Olive Oil. Capisci?

I'm going to sound like a strange, little Italian girl when I tell you this, but when my hands start getting real dry, it isn’t lotion I reach for—it’s olive oil.   You’ll be amazed at the quick healing powers olive oil can have on elephant-like dry skin; it’s really an all-natural miracle worker, and most every kitchen has it. If your kitchen doesn’t have EVOO, ooh, you should get some! Rachel Ray would back me on this— extra virgin olive oil can perfect many a dish to delicious while keeping it healthy.  Moreover, this one ingredient will make your skin equally healthy when used as a mini-spa treatment.

To accomplish this, simply put a small amount of olive oil in a bowl and heat it for a few seconds until it is comfortably warm. Now, rub your hands with that relaxing warm olive oil and let them marinate a bit. While you wait, I suggest you massage your palms and fingers for a few minutes to fully benefit from the soothing, tension relieving warmth. Once you’re thoroughly relaxed, rinse off with water and bellisimo! You will notice a difference immediately.

And I mean the softness… not that you smell like a pasta dish; which you will.

Just wait a little longer before you suds your hands back to feminine flowers because, ironically, the longer you let your hands smell like a classic Italian mama, the better they transform into an Italian bombshell’s dainty digits; modeling diamond rings for the rich. Simply treat your hands like you just polished your nails and don’t touch anything for the eternity of five minutes — speaking of nails, this olive oil treatment has made mine much stronger and healthier (retail lotion has never accomplished this for me).

Seriously, Italian mamas and pasta dishes aside: olive oil will heal your skin!

Besides, I’m sure you’ve noticed the overwhelming amount of skin products boasting olive oil, that’s because olive oil does the trick! You don’t need that chemical mixture with a dash of olive oil; you just need the olive oil! A dab will do, and if you're in a rush you don't even have to heat it. Try it if you don’t believe me; try it if you do. Either way, your hands are gonna be as smooooth as a cooked linguine, baby.

Capisci?

Thrifter's Closet: Season of Secondhand Sweaters

Sweaters can be mighty expensive, and considering the price tag, many of them don’t last very long. However, this doesn’t stop me from wanting to be all bundled up throughout the winter months. My solution, of course, is thrifting— my prettiest, warmest sweaters are all secondhand. With a snow blizzard set in motion and many of us looking to get cozy in layered clothing, I figured I should share with you my latest sweater finds. If you find yourself chilly and without wool, fear not; secondhand sweaters will save you!  Most thrift stores price donated sweaters at either $3.99 or $4.99, and some of these are even brand names such as Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren and Gap. I’ve personally never cared whether something was brand-name or not, if it’s eye-catching and appears long-lasting, its name becomes Mine!  I’m sure you’re imagining used sweaters that are pilled and pathetic, limply lining the racks, but you'll find better than that. 

Take a look at mine:

Thrifty $4.99 Find

When I saw this chunky, cream sweater it was love at first sight.  I knew it would keep me toasty warm all (and every) winter.  With dark tan leggings and my dark brown boots, this sweater works for any occasion.The crisscross braiding is especially beautiful!

Discounted Thrift: $2.99!

See the subtle "snow" shimmer? :)

This soft pink, apt. 9 sweater has a silver shimmer to it that makes me think of fresh fallen snow. I think it's perfect for a night out with the girls. Plus, the loose hanging neck makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a soft blanket. As for accessories, how bout a nice, hot cup of cocoa?

Also Discount! Found for $2.99 w/ the Pink Sweater

This casual sweater is the color of wintry, mint ice cream. I love the wide v-neck and detailed knitting; the wide gaps make this sweater ideal for layering.

 I found this secondhand sweater last winter, but I like it so much I'm including it with my newbies.  It's a joyful teal, and it goes with a wide variety of my t-shirts and tank tops. I actually wear this secondhand, RuffHewn sweater year round; on chilly summer nights it compliments sundresses like a boy with a crush.  I've always been a fan of hoodies & pockets, so combined with the brightly beautiful color, this sweater charmed me on the spot!

 Actually, both the cream and soft pink sweater were made by apt. 9, guess I like their style and never noticed 'til now, how bout that?

If you find any adorably warm sweaters while thrifting, be sure to share your find with me!

This is Me, Jacqueline Lee

 The woman behind and beyond the thrift:

1) I laugh out loud every day, even at my own thoughts. I never stay mad or sad for very long; I just give problems their teaspoon full of tears and a couple cups of improvement, and all works out well.

Me & Julie

2) Somehow I have landed the most amazing group of friends; better than the stuff prayers are made of. They truly care about me and they spoil me rotten emotionally.

3) My arms are double jointed; they twist all the way around.

4) I am easily amused and get excited over things that most people would find somewhat ordinary.  Easily charm-struck, you see?

5) I’m a quirky, contemplative girl. Before all the rave, my friend, Amanda, told me I remind her of Alice in Wonderland— quite the compliment.

6) My favorite cat was Rome. Sadly, my favorite lived the shortest but he was wiser than most people I’ve known.  Nosey, was my childhood kitty and I lost her this February. I miss her lots. Right now, I don’t have any pets, but I am looking forward to adopting a kitten once I settle down in Minneapolis.

7) The logic of math eludes me. I am mathematically challenged.

8) Nonsense has always made sense to me.

Playing Pirate Dress-up in Madison

9)  Hope alone can get a person far in life. I have Emily Dickinson's words: "Hope is the thing with feathers/ That perches in the soul, / And sings the tune without the words, / And never stops at all," tattooed on my upper back.

10) My dad has always said, “You’re my heart, you’re my soul, you’re my everything.” This defines what family is to me; this defines what my own family will one day mean to me.

11) I love the scent of lilac bushes and will one day have a yard full of them. I also have a strange attachment to the smell of old books.

12) I rarely ever watch TV and if I do it is because I am hanging out with someone. I do enjoy watching a good movie though!

13) I have a book addiction. I love reading, but I also simply love being around books. When I’ve had to move they are the very first thing I pack, move and unpack. It’s a very strong attachment—almost like little kids and their blankies, ‘cept worse.

14) I might be guilty of underestimating myself, but if someone else underestimates me, chances are I’ll prove them wrong

15) My favorite color is blue.

16) My dad and brother own a little Italian restaurant, so when I’m home I am spoiled with scrumptious pizza and pasta.

17) The first time I ever went bowling I attempted walking down the lane because I thought I had to pick up my fallen pins. Made it halfway there before my dad asked me what the hell I was trying to do.

Tony being goofy on his B-day

18) My brother can make me laugh harder than anyone I have ever met, and he does so often. I truly admire him; he’s a hardworking, peoples’ person, with a constant upbeat tempo and I hope he never changes. I love Tony in the most complete way a person can be loved. 

19) Dr. Seuss is on my list of heroes. He’s a linguistic genius and his imaginative artwork amazes me.

20) My anniversary with Johnathan is on Christmas day. On our first date, we drove in my convertible with the top down as fluffy, slow-falling snow came down on us. He’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever gotten. Hands down.

Johnathan & Jacqueline <3

21) When I was little, my parents called me “Charmer.”

22) I used to make maple syrup at the sugar shack up north with my grandpa. There is a stage in syrup making where you can drink it like a cup of hot cocoa— it’s not yet thick, nor too sweet; it’s almost like a hot, sweet, soda drink. If you have ever had this you would know nothing is more delicious. Its been years and I still remember that taste.

23) I alternate from being extremely outgoing-confidant to painfully shy. I’m working at making the shyness obsolete and have been pretty successful.

24) I am a blonde who dyes her hair blonde and sometimes dark brunette.

Hat wasn't mine, but it sure is sweet

25) I’ve been a thrifter for years and prefer going with a thrifting partner; it’s more fun to share finds with someone else.

26) When going back and forth between WI and MN, I usually take the Greyhound bus or I car pool.

27) Johnathan is a digital artist and he’s extremely creative; we’re always bouncing ideas off each other. He is the encouraging voice in all my endeavors. 

28) I graduated from Mount Mary College with my B.A. in English; I miss being a student there.

29) I love copywriting projects and hope to make a living doing just that.


30) I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places. I've been to Italy (can't wait to return someday), Greece, Jamaica, The Bahamas and I'm a fan of visiting Florida.

31) I'm a true Cancer sign: drawn to water, adoring the moon, approaching everything sideways like a crab.

32) Someone once told me that my mom and I have the same arms…that amused me.


33) On nights out, I smell like jasmine & vanilla. I think it's a relaxing, sensual scent.

34) Some fave books: Marjorie Morningstar, The Little Prince, The History of Love, Everything is Illuminated and Atonement.

35) When I was little and saw Tony the Tiger at Sentry Foods, I ran up to him, bear hugged him and exclaimed, “My mommy named my brother after you!” 

Tony & I, all little & cute

Do we have anything in common? Let me know!

Fake's Called Fake for a Reason

This morning, The Clean Bin Project was debating whether to get a fake Christmas tree or a real one.  This is a tricky question when you’re trying to answer it from an eco-friendly point of view.  On one side, we imagine that a fake tree, being used more than once, would be best. On the other, we acknowledge the real tree as being natural and fresh.  I pondered this fake vs. real last month, and my guess was that a fake tree was the smarter choice.

I was wrong! 

After doing a bit of research I quickly learned that fake trees are not the best choice to make. Here is why:

1) A real tree is recyclable and can be turned into mulch after the holidays; whereas, a fake tree cannot be recycled and will never (and I mean never) biodegrade. So, no matter how many years your family puts a fake tree to use, it will inevitably only add to the landfill heap.

2) Real trees are natural. Fake trees are made with PVC plastic, and in order to make PVC plastic, petroleum is needed, which is non-renewable and carbon emitting. In small words-- it’s no good.


3) To get your real tree you may drive a couple miles using dreaded carbon emissions, but there are worse things. Take for example, that fake tree; it has been made in China and took quite the long haul to get to America-- I'm betting that’s much worse. 

Now, there are fake Christmas trees in thrift stores all the time, which is someone's best attempt at recycling that tree. View fake thrift trees as trying to atone for what they’re made of.  If you adopt a fake thrift tree you’re only helping decrease garbage. Just be aware that there is lead in fake trees, so if you have little ones try and be sure they don’t go biting on the Christmas tree (sounds ridiculous, but we’re talking about children here)!

From an eco-standpoint, I kept thinking how horrible it is to cut down a beautiful, air-cleaning pine tree just so we can celebrate; but I do believe in celebrating, and the Christmas tree is too symbolic to just wipe it out of the festivities. It brings families together, gathers us all in one room and even gets us to sit in one spot simply talking, reminiscing and laughing. So while extreme eco-ists likely say, “No tree!” I can’t. I believe in eco-friendly living while balancing it with living a happy life. Christmas time is a happy time, and in my best memories there is a tree.

If you’d like to avoid using a chopped tree, I’ve seen small potted pines that would be great, especially for green-thumbs or people with a smaller apartment.  To have a small pine indoors year-round may not be your thing, but if you have a yard, simply keeping it outside and bringing it inside for the holidays would work well.  Decorating a tree you’ve been caring for each year will only add to the holiday’s warm, sentimental feelings, I’m sure.

 If you do have a fake tree, it’s all okay. Just use it for as many years as possible and instead of throwing it out, donate it. I only wanted to share this information because I was clueless and found it useful to know. Hopefully, it will help guide others' future tree choices.

Fake tree’s almost had me tricked, but I suppose they are called “fake” for a reason. Maybe, someday, we’ll all celebrate around a large, outdoor pine that’s all decorated and bedangled, like the Who's happy ending. Not a bad image, don’t ya think?

Thrifter's Closet: Polka Dot Heels I Heart

Two weeks ago, I was thrifting with Johnathan at the Saint Vinnies in Slinger, WI when I came across the cutest heels. After I flipped them over and found they were my size 8, I truly got excited! This pair of Steve Madden heels are in brand new condition; they've absolutely never been worn, ‘til me! And to top it off, these sassy, recycled heels cost me only $4!

I wore them this weekend when I went to see A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater with my mom and Julie.  I will be wearing these heels year round, but they definitely have a quality of Christmas cheer about them. They are darling with their tiny, white polka dots on black, but what makes them heart-melting is the red detailing: the red strap held by a bright red button is eye-catching, and the shiny, red streak of heel makes my feet feel like they just stepped into a major motion picture. Oddly enough, my mom bought me a polka dot dress two years ago that matches them perfectly; in fact, they look as though they were sold as a set. 

I never used to be one for polka dots, but ever since I said it out loud I sure seem to be falling for them. I have five polka dot items in my possession now, and I’m pretty fond of each of them.  Some polka dots have an old-fashioned style that is both cheery and classy, and it just draws me in. 

A side note that I feel is important: never buy a dress or dress shoes that you will not wear numerous times. I wear dresses frequently so this is easier for me, but I do know that dress attire is one consumer category that is continually not put to use.  Even my fanciest dress was bought with the knowledge that I would wear it to many future events.  Same goes for heels: make sure they are ubber comfortable, match more than one thing in your closet and will be worn more than twice. When you’re contemplating a purchase simply ask yourself: will I wear these often and someday shabby the fancy out of them? If not, you don’t need them.

Another fun solution is to shoe swap. My friend, Julie, and I are the same size, so sometimes when I need a pair of shoes to match an outfit I check with her to see if she has something I could borrow. Swapping shoes or clothes for events can be pretty fun, pocket-friendly and a dose closer to eco-friendly. Just be sure to treat your friend’s items with respect and return them as quickly as possible, even when they undeniably look better on you. ;-)

 If you do have a pair of dress shoes hiding in your closet that haven’t been worn in years, perhaps it is time to donate them so someone else can boogie down and wear them out?

Remember the Popples?

This week, people on Facebook are changing their profile picture to their favorite childhood cartoon. The goal is to raise support for the fight against child abuse.  Every child is innocent and deserves complete happiness in life. So think of the cartoon that used to get you all giggly, and post it as your picture until December 6 in honor of every little child's laughter.
My pick is Popples! I used to be crazy about the Popples cartoon. I especially loved the stuffed Popples; it was too fun rolling 'em into a snug, furry ball.

Although, as often as I check out thrift toys I have yet to find a Popple. Back in the late 80's, I had the smaller, adorably yellow Potato Chip. Remember her? Of all the Popples, she was my favorite. I wonder if Chip is packed away somewhere? Now I talk to friends, (coughJulieBeirele) and they have no clue what I'm talking about.  Oh, how I miss the Popples!!! If any of you ever find one, I will be childishly jealous. I know many of you are thinking, just find one online, lady! But I can't. I have to thrift find it! When I do discover one I hope it is either Prize, Putter, Puffball or another Potato Chip. Any Popple will do I suppose, I just don't care much for the super pink popples; never been a pink girl.

"P-p-p-popples love to p-p-p-party!" Ring-a-bell? Please, just tell me you remember the Popples! Tell me you had one and used to roll it up into it's little pouch and toss it around the living-room. Better yet, tell me you HAVE one and I might just stop by to play! ;) Kidinnnng...I think....

Later Addition: This blog sparked a convo on FB about the different Popples people had/have. Many of us have forgotten the Popples names, so below I listed the (main) Popples' names along with their color:
*Potato chip= Bright Yellow
*Pancake= Dark Purple
*PC (Pretty Cool)= Blue
*Party= Pink fur & Pink hair
*Puzzle= Orange
*Putter= Green
*Pretty Bit= Light Lavender
*PuffBall= White
*Prize= Magenta fur & White hair

There were also the small Pufflings!