The Goodwill Gal

A Winter Sled

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My friend Steph and I went on a little trek to Everything Goes.

It’s a thrifters, collectors, junkers dream.  Many vendors have treasures, new and old, displayed all under one roof.

I found this sled, it was waiting for me to come pick it up and bring it home.

 

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I have wonderful memories of my dad pulling my cousins and I around the fields full of snow in a sled just like this.

Since I live in Phoenix, this is not going to see much snow, unless it’s the fake one.

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I added mini trees, pine cones, lights and a couple of fur snowballs to this 3 foot sled.  Pretty simple decor, but the sled itself makes quite the statement on the kitchen island.

 

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If you’re in the North Scottsdale area, make sure to stop by Everything Goes, say hi to Nanci, (owner) and tell her I sent you!

Do you have a sled on display?  I’d love to see it!

 

 

 

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Mudroom Holiday/Winter Decor

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I got just a little anxious for holiday decorations so I decorated my mudroom, but just a little.

Before  Thanksgiving,  I know it goes against tradition but I couldn’t help myself!

So many outside distractions, I have fallen victim.

minimustang

 

Each family in our household has their own locker to store backpacks, purses, athletic equipment or

just plain old junk.  My locker has my camera equipment and items I need to return to stores, plus

random things I just need out of the way, like magazines, and I just took a peek, there’s a mason jar

in there too.  Don’t ask.

On the top of the lockers sits a vintage Mustang pedal car.  This is my husbands and it stays there all

year round, along with the globes I have found at Goodwill.  There is also cord lighting that stays

there, but this year, added more twinkle with clear lights. Garland too.

Like I said, it’s pretty simple but it has satisfied my need for holiday decor.

Have you decorated your home for the holiday season? Even just a little?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mud room

 

 

Spanish #MiVidaShutterfly Holiday Products and a Giveaway

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This post contains affiliate links.

Watch my newest YouTube video to see the great products

and photo cards I ordered for the holidays from Shutterfly.

My kids and our Golden Retriever, Stevie, will be gracing our Christmas cards this year.

Of course, I always have to promise the kids that the photo shoot is not going to take long, as long as they’re happy and cooperate.  Sometimes, that’s a little too much to ask when it comes to getting their pictures taken, they are not fans of the camera.

candstevie

I found some great products, including this mug for my mom.

She’s going to be 93 years old in December.  Having her friends and family around her is most important but since we live in Arizona and she’s in Colorado, pictures are the next best thing.

She’s going to love the mug and will proudly show it off. I know her!

Ribbon candy for her too.

abuelita

Spoiler alert!  These are our photo cards for Christmas!

I love the Spanish products that Shutterfly has available, I’m going to place orders for every celebration!

shutterfly

Now, you can order your own Spanish customization products, start shopping HERE!

Here’s your chance to win a $50 Gift Card to Shutterfly!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

https://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/17638-216122-60395-94?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]

Outdoor Fall Centerpiece

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We have begun dining al fresco again in Phoenix! Yes!

 

falltable

I needed a simple centerpiece  for our outdoor dining area.

Simple enough that I don’t have to move it out of the way to look at the person across from me and simple enough so that it’s not in the way of our plate area.

Once again, I grabbed a piece of an old wooden fence that I brought

from my mom’s house in Colorado,

then started layering some silk leaves and pumpkins on top.

The easiest centerpiece I’ve ever made.

 

 

 

 

 

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No mess, just simple beauty!

 

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DIY: A Brooch Display For My Growing Collection

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My collection of vintage brooches is growing, more like overflowing.  As you can see, the bust that I purchased from Goodwill is getting full.

 

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I love picking up the brooches when I travel.

They’re lovely and easy to fit in a suitcase.

This pink beauty is from Goodwill of San Diego, Pacific Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This little mini is from Goodwill of Central Arizona, Phoenix.

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I picked this one up in Peuwakee, Wisconsin.

Pretty in Pink.

 

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Here is another pin from Wisconsin.

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One more from Wisco.

Little mementos from my travels.

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I created this display, with frames from Goodwill, exclusively for my pins.

 I can now enjoy their beauty from the vanity in my bathroom.

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Are you a brooch collector?

This DIY is super simple to create, and very inexpensive,

come on, show off  your collection!

 

My Goodwill Haul

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Me newest Goodwill Haul is filled with items I love to repurpose and reuse in My House of Goodwill.

I love finding vintage champagne chillers when I thrift.  They’re perfect for flower arrangements and so much more.

This is how I’m currently using one of them.  By the way, I have four chillers!  Like I said, I LOVE buying them!

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I also have another next to my stovetop and filled it with wooden spoons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I plopped a football in one during football season.

footballchampagnecooler

 

I also used another one for FREE winter greenery and pine cones.

 

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In my video I also mention this little silver creamer.  I planted a succulent in it when I purchased it and it has grown so much that it might need to be transplanted.

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If you are looking for something fun and different to decorate your house with, I’d suggest bringing a silver champagne bucket home with you from the thrift store.

I made a Pinterest Board dedicated exclusively to Champagne Chillers, check it out!

Thanks for subscribing to my website and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel! You can do that HERE!

 

 

GW Goodwill Thrifter Bumper Sticker

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Not too long ago I received the perfect gift for my wheels… a GW Goodwill Thrifter bumper sticker (easy to remove) from Goodwill Sandusky!

I cruise the streets of Phoenix proclaiming my love for thrift!

You can get yours here: Bumper Sticker

Don’t forget to tell them that The Goodwill Gal sent you!

Send me a photo of you and your sticker, I love to see my fellow thrifters!

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Milk Glass – A Simple Fall Display

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My Milk Glass recently got a new update for the fall season.

fall hutch 2015

 

 

 

If there is anything more simple than adding cotton and natural elements to Milk Glass to embrace the fall season, I don’t know what it is?

 

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I grabbed some faux cotton stems from Michaels and everything else, like the pine cones, faux greenery and feathered friends, I keep in my supply lair.

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I did buy some mini pumpkins from Safeway

because there is no such thing as fall decor without pumpkins!

 

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The Milk Glass pieces that are not filled with decor are the ones that get used when I entertain.  I just pull them off the shelf for food.  The white bowls and vases keep everything looking uniform and make the food especially appealing.

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Lately, I’ve been using this “taco” shaped Milk Glass to hold napkins, silverware, paper plates and so much more.

milk glass

This is what the hutch looked like over the summer.  It’s so simple to change the decor out for the season and even if I didn’t add a bit of greenery it would still be beautiful.  That’s the beauty of simple white Milk Glass.

It’s a Natural Beauty.

 

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French Toast Bake

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Here’s another dish I’ve been making for my family for years.  It’s tried and true and scrumptious!

Topped with blueberries and pecans it’s the perfect dish for breakfast and brunch!

I made this YouTube video to show you just how easy it is to put together the night before.  Take a look how easy it is!

Recipe:

12 slices day-old French Bread ( 1 inch thick)
5 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

– Arrange bread in a greased 13X9 baking dish.  In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, 3/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla and nutmeg: pour over bread.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

– Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Sprinkle pecans over egg mixture.  Combine butter and remaining sugar; drizzle over the top.

– Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.  Sprinkle with blueberries.  Bake 10 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Artichoke Dip – A Tasty and Easy Dip

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Hi everyone,

Here’s a great recipe for my Artichoke Party Dip.  I love making it for parties because I know it’s always a hit!

Recipe:

1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chillies, drained

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes

3 green onions, thinly sliced

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients.  Spread into a 1-quart baking dish.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

Sprinkle with tomatoes and onions.  Serve with tortilla chips.

If you make this dip, I’d love to hear your review!

Take care,

The Goodwill Gal