What's in This Thrifter's Bag...

I love reading other blogger's What's in my Bag posts. Sometimes they provide practical ideas, but more importantly, the contents always provide a visual snapshot of the owner's personality.

My current bag of choice is by Sanrio and features the adorable Chococat mascot. It's a little girl's purse masquerading as a grown-up lady's purse. I relate to it;  I have an adult's brain with little girl's interest: like cute Japanese things, dinosaur toys, and cartoons! Within it are three pouches with three duties: 

Pouch one: Deceptacon Megatron contains:

-Don't You Worry About a Thing planner from Cute Tape: I love the kawaii asthetic, how the front looks like a watercolor painting, and how the title is also a Stevie Wonder Song. I use this all the time.

Pouch Two: Autobot Bublebee typically holds my vanilla blackberry sage vegan lotion and Earth 'n Sea Naturals Chapstick. (Local brand I love!)

When I'm running late for work I'll pack my homemade toner (tea tree oil and water), cotton pads, and cargo 2 in 1 concealer.The whole point of the pouches is to keep the contents of my purse extra safe from inevitable spills. (My dollar-bin plastic Transformers pouches make nice "purse protectors".)

Pouch Three: The Parcel Wristlet is like my wallet, but it's also what I'll carry when I don't need the burden of the whole purse. It's usually all I need on the weekends. It contains:

- Robot card case (holds my yard sale/flea market cash and ID/Debit/Check/Credit Cards)
- Japanese koi change purse
- Cheap-ass cell phone
- Lots of dentyne ice gum (not pictured)

What do you keep in your bag, fellow explorers, artists, and thrifters? Tell me in the comments, or link me to your own what's in my bag posts.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Seven Things About Me: Seven Things About You

I really love reading little details about my fellow bloggers, so I thought I'd share some of my own. Sure, thrifting is a big passion of mine, but it's not my only passion...

I'm a huge Animation/Anime/Manga/Comic Book Geek.

As a result, everything I draw and make has a cartoonish/animated aesthetic, I can't help it. Whenever I can, I go to comic book conventions like the true nerd I am. (My favorite animator of all time is Tex Avery! My favorite animated movie is the 1986 "Transformers the Movie"- hence the poster in the picture above.)

Actually, I'm just kind of a Geek...

I love video games, comic books, collecting toys, science, and history. My favorite Nintendo game is Megaman 2 and I love the survival horror genre; my favorites being Parasite Eve 1 and Resident Evil 2. Also a huge horror movie geek.

 [Perusing the Southern Crossing Antique Mall after dropping off merchandise in my booth.]

I love to draw and wish I had more time to do it...

I love making art in general. I've only finished a handful of pieces since my school days due to lack of time, unfortunately!

 [Prismacolor Drawing  from High School. My constant drawing saved my sanity during the high school years!]

Nothing is too kitsch for me.

I appreciate all things kitsch, tacky, and crazy. Immensely.

I'm obsessed with aquatic life and the ocean.

My love of the ocean and everything within it knows no bounds. I'm always thrifting for that special fish object or vintage aquatic-themed poster.

I've been making websites for 14 years...

...Which means I started when I was 11 years old. I've always been a computer nerd, and making websites was just a natural fit for me. I've made dozens of websites over the years.

 [A very small sampling of the dozens of websites and designs I've made over the years. From the late 90s/early 00s; embarrassing!]

I'm a Professional Writer. I got my start with humor.

My day job is as a copywriter and web marketer. I love writing immensely, and need to get back to my true love: writing humor.

Humor pieces on Thirft Core include: Top 3 Tips for Thrift Lovemaking, the silly I Learned to Knit: I Can Do ANYTHING: I AM BATMAN proclamation, and Bookshelf Doors to the Batcave, Just Like BATMAN! . (By the way... I like The Batman. A lot.)

Now, I'm Tagging You: In the comments, tell me 7 things about yourself. Do it or you will bring on the wrath of The BATMAN!

* Krrb Guest Post: My first Krrb guest post is up, Meet Vanessa of Thrift Core and hear five reasons to curbside shop. I'd love it if you checked it out...AFTER you tell me 7 things about yourself!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

The Journey to IKEA and Downtown Orlando

We embarked on our second Orlando, Florida Pilgrimage last weekend. The first one was solely a 2 hour (there and back) journey to the nearest IKEA. We stopped at an IKEA yet again, but this time fit in some random Orlando exploration.

I stuck to my Buy Nothing New pledge and resisted all temptation, coming home with only a couple of yards of fabric (allowable expense). I also discovered the live plant section of the sprawling IKEA megastore! (They have everything!)

We also stopped by Orlando's Mall at Millenia (right next to IKEA) for some display browsing. I'm so glad I don't have a Sanrio store in my neighborhood to temp me with its colorful bounty of kawaii Japanese mascot goodness.

In the pictures above you see part of 1) massive lake Eola, 2) a Japanese-style Pagoda overlooking the lake, 3) two black swans making a nest (they were so damn cute, mom sat, dad piled more and more onto their nest!), 4) and my final snapshot through the window of a beautiful art gallery.

The final stop was downtown Orlando, which I've never visited before. We walked around magical Lake Eola ("Swan Lake") where dainty black and white swans will eagerly feed from your open palms.

With so much to do and so much beauty, I'm getting a little worried than Orlando's going to become my new playground and thrifty city of choice. (Just kidding, St. Augustine wins in my heart!)

What's your city of choice for thrifting and fun?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

The Pilgrimage to IKEA: Retailer of Legend

I traveled with mom on a two hour pilgrimage to the massive IKEA shopping center in Orlando. The international retailer lived up to its legend. The cafeteria featured succulent and affordable grub, the downstairs daycare was immense and colorful. The second floor was a labyrinthine wonderland divided into more showrooms that I can count, each one a perfectly staged bedroom (with attached bathroom!) kitchen, dining room, or office.

The prices were striking. I can see why IKEA is renowned and featured in nearly every design publication. The furniture was sturdy and affordable, I've encountered plenty of thrift stores with higher priced items. It was truly Disney World for interior design lovers.

I wish I could take you with me.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

What's Your Thrift Wish List for 2011?

A new year, a new opportunity to pen your thrift wish list! What do you hope to find while thrifting, junking, and hunting this year? My wish list stays much the same as what I wrote in November, but with a couple of changes.

My Current Thrift List for 2011 is:

• Pot, found one for free
• Chair, found one that will do
• Mod Credenza
• Mod Bedside Tables
• Large Chalkboard
• Vintage first aid kit and large tool box
• Kitchen island
• Large Teapot(s), for mad tea parties
• Bowls, broke my last mod ones; sad.
  
  

I always hunt for inexpensive quirky art, practical vintage storage bits, and anything too bizarre to leave behind. Like the rest of you, I don't limit myself to the list. Instead, the list represents practical items I'd love to find and use.

What will you thrift for in 2011?

*By The Way: You're still tagged. What are your new years goals for 2011? Join the conversation.

Daily thrift updates, information, and inspiration. Follow Thriftcore on Twitter and Facebook.

Wardrobe Malfunction Prevention

100% Thrifted Outfit & Sexy Sea Horse Hooks
Behind my door is what I call my "Changing Station". Every night before I go to sleep I pick out my entire outfit for the next day. Each component is tried on to ensure confidence and prevent wardrobe malfunction before the entire ensemble is neatly hung behind my bedroom door.

This is a huge time saver. I can be out the door 10 minutes after waking up with this kind of preperation, and with my new desperate snooze-hitting obession every second counts. Yet this isn't merely a time saver. There's something meditative about picking out the next day's outfit. It's an inspiring ritual, a reminder that tomorrow is a fresh new day with endless possibilities. Maybe, just maybe, some things will get done. It's another chance to do things right. (Maybe. Hopefully.)

What are Your Morning Time-Saving Tactics?

This post is linked to: Frugal Friday / Feature Yourself Friday / Furniture Feature Friday / Finding Fabulous / Tidy Mom / Favorite Things Fridays / Flaunt it Friday / Fun to Craft

Top 5 Reasons to go on a Cruise

I went on a four-day cruise from Thursday August 19, 2010 to Sunday August 22, 2010 with a group of 17 friends. I highly recommend anyone make time for at least one cruise in their lifetime; here's the highlight reel of our journey.

1. Unlimited gourmet food

Unlimited gourmet food was available basically 24/7. Sushi, lobster tails, veal, delicious soups and salads- we ate it all in abundance and miss it already. I feel like I ate the ticket price in delicious food.



2.  Constant Service

No cleaning after yourself is a little slice of heaven, I was surprised by the excellent service. Little towel animals were crafted for each room after room service cleaned it. They amused this "grown woman" more than they should have- look at this damn cute bunny!

3. Entertainment

Stand up comedy, stage shows, art auctions, and more took place on the ship. With the exception of bingo, it was all free.



4. Exotic locations

Our cruise took us from Orlando to The Bahamas. As a Floridian and having visited the Caribbean the touristy part of the Bahamas underwhelmed me.

I would have preferred to explore "real" areas of the island and immerse myself in local culture, but I still enjoyed drifting in the calm, cool water. The beach had clear blue waters and white sand- exactly how you imagine the Caribbean.

5. Boozing

A ship with ample liquor being served and a huge liquor store on board could lead to trouble. Every member of our party managed to "sneak in" some quality intoxicants (at least one bottle, sometimes more per person). The result:

Three solid days of parties and chaos. I took many blackmail shots I won't share here...

To conclude: Sure, I don't quite have my land legs back 100%. I have a bit of risidual dizziness from a combination of running more than I ever have in my life (down long hallways, exploring, catching up with friends), drinking copiously for three days straight, being on a moving ship, and barely sleeping, but it was all worth it. I can't wait until the next cruise!

4 Simple Goals: What Are Yours?

Elise of a beautiful mess wrote 4 Simple Goals to finish before 2011 and challenged her readers to do the same. It's past the mid point for 2011; it's a good time to check in on the goals you ambitiously set back in January.

Remember the start of 2010 when you said you'd work out every day and eat healthy every day and organize your entire house. You haven't kept up with any of it, have you? Yeah, me either!

Here are my 4 easy goals to continue until 2011 (and beyond). What are yours?

1.       Health First!

Exercise 30 minutes three times per week. Eat healthy whole foods every day. Pack a nutritious lunch daily.

2.       One Step Daily

Every day take one step toward my big goals. Organize one box of stock. Complete a little bit more of an art project. Write new content. Complete some website tweaks. Small steps daily towards my goals will ensure the projects continue to move along.

3.       Complete Organization

 My dream of having a clean, clear, 100% clutter free life has not been realized, but I work towards it every day. I want a home where everything is its place and easy to find. I'll continue organizing and purging until I reach my goal.

4.       Profitable Side Business

I've been slowly working toward crafting a profitable side business. I know with my current workloads there's no way I could make a side business my full time work yet, but that is certainly a long-term goal.

Join the fun, share four easy goals to continue or complete before the end of 2011! I'll share healthy lunch packing ideas and recipes, organizing tips/progress, and business tips as I continue to work toward my goals. Hopefully it will help you reach yours, too!


This post linked at:  New Nostalgia / Today's Creative Blog / Review Retreat / Craft Edition / Tuesday Tagalong

Writing Desk Makeover

The left side of my "dining room" was a little boring. Fueled with delicious espresso I set about rectifying that last night (and early this morning).

  Before: Meh. Bleh. Messy, boring. Not utilized. Imbalanced.

After: With the desk on the opposite wall the room feels more balanced. The desk will actually be used now!

Wall Art: The top piece is a framed South American Mola I found in a pretty thrift store in St. Augustine.The second piece was purchased from The Riverside Arts Market when I had a booth there last year. The third piece down is a collectable "animation cell" from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series (1987 series).

On Monday I wrote about finding cute Harajuku Lover's hair pins, Selena of Apron Thrift Girl let me know Target carried some of the line. I had to pick up a couple of goodies when I picked up milk last night...

The Harajuku Lover's File Organizer pictured holds receipts, electronics manuals, and to-be-scrapbooked-or-made-into-art bits nicely. I'll save the Harajuku Lover's notepad for writing business ideas of all kinds.

This vintage typewriter is from my mom's childhood. I'm still seeking ribbon so I can use it (can anyone provide leads?) Two of the Japanese kokeshi dolls were bough back from Japan by my dad.

The third small, skinny one was purchased from a thrift store for $1.00 (pictured in the store in this blog post I bought it during my epic thrift trip)

 Especially at night when my "star lamp" casts it's beautiful glow.

This Post is Linked to: Frugal Friday / Feature Yourself Friday / Furniture Feature Friday / Finding Fabulous / Tidy Mom / Favorite Things Fridays / Flaunt it Friday / Fun to Craft