Ok, I keep mentioning that Katie B and I had some fun stared into each other’s eyes for 48 hours straight and she posted about the whole shebang right here (update: Katie’s blog is giving her issues, so maybe try clicking over later or tomorrow instead of right now). And by whole shebang I mean the part where Will went to the bathroom in the tub (numero dos) while bathing with Clara. And how Jeremy and John accidentally wore the same exact beverage themed shirt on Sunday…
She also touched on our pedicure adventures…
… and mountaintop enjoyment…
It’s all here (update: just remember to click over later or tomorrow since her blog is giving her grief).
But back to our little Goodwill excursion. We decided that trolling the aisles of a thrift store in search of stuff that was take-home worthy might be blog worthy (“might” being the operative word). So here’s what we came away with: an 11 minute video of two giddy weirdos who giggle like 5th graders whenever some sort of innuendo slips in. So to answer your impending questions: no, we don’t know what our malfunction is. And yes, this regression is probably Freudian. So think of us not as adults and mothers but as two immature gals who can’t calm down for thirty minutes to make anything remotely polished and posed. For those at work who can’t watch it, just envision twelve year old girls braiding each other’s hair and jumping on the bed while having a pillow fight after applying sparkly nail polish and swooning over a Bon Jovi poster. And for those who can watch it: I’m sorry. We just can’t help ourselves. Tweens may get hyper after too much sugar during a sleepover, but we’re like that at Goodwill at noon.
A few things to note:
- We used our usual insane method of video entry by squatting and then standing up into frame (first established here).
- Somehow we managed to reference male parts, maxi pads, and bras in under eleven minutes of tape. Yes, we’re ashamed.
- Katie’s shirt is from the J Crew Outlet (I loved it so much I had to ask, and I figured you guys would too).
- We used a bleep. Somehow they just make everything funnier (but maybe only if you’re us).
- The way John walks through frame holding Clara while I’m talking about those tiny chairs kills me (it’s his Vanna White expression).
- I’m wearing Katie’s flip flops, which is why they’re a little big (my wedges weren’t “proper attire” for running around all day).
- There’s a dorky Friends reference in there. Almost immediately. Please tell me you noticed.
- Katie is about a foot taller and ten times more glamorous than I am (aka: no need to comment about my short shorts + pasty leg combo).
- People walk by. The intercom blares. But not one employee asked what we were up to or told us to stop. Even when we filmed at the checkout. Gotta love those friendly Georgians.
- At one point you can hear the song “Yackity Yack” playing in the background. Sweet soundtrack, right?
Oh and we meant to work a little end section into the video about what NOT to buy at Goodwill, but since the video was waaay longer (and substantially more embarrassing) than we expected, we didn’t want to drag it out. So here are a few shots of what NOT to buy at Goodwill:
All in favor of not buying those things, say I. Oh and you might wonder how Jeremy, Will, John, and Clara kept themselves busy while we Flip cam’d our way through the store. Well, things like giant wooden spoons kept them entertained:
Seriously, every time John brought it near Clara’s mouth she opened wide like a bald little baby bird:
And while we’re on the Goodwill hunting topic (I’ll pause while someone says “how about them apples”), what treasures have you found at Goodwill or Salvation Army or other places of the like? Have you seen anything that was so mind-numbingly crazy that you actually had to pick it up and examine it more closely to make sure it was, in fact, real (for me it was the gilded ceramic double unicorn vase – I thought they only existed in alternate universes). Come on, it’s Thursday afternoon. Let’s gab.
Psst- A big fat thanks to sweet Katie Bower for being such an amazing host and friend and fellow weirdo. So glad we met thanks to this crazy world of blogging and actually surpassed the “blog friend” title to become real life friends. Miss you already. And you didn’t burn that fajita meat, it was just well done. Just the way I like it.
Psssst- To watch some other terrible KB + SP = gigglefest videos, here’s one, here’s another, here’s one more, and here’s another one. That’s a lot of giggling.
margaret says
Buahahahaha! so, I was just looking through some of my more ridiculous and out-of-my-reach blogs, and look what I came across! Scroll down a bit, May 26th to be exact.
Bam! looks like you should have bought those babies and made some sweet ‘cushionry’ for them. They would have been perfect on the new patio when the cast of “Little People, Big World” came by for a visit.
http://blog.mrslilien.com/
Stephanie says
I love your video, made me wish I had a BFF like that. Too bad you guys live so far from each other :( My favourite thing about this whole post though is the Title, then the first pic you see is of the two boys :) My initial thought was that you were going to make fun of the boys for doing something but it actually turned out that is was about 2 girls going into a thrift shop! ha ha ha
Lalena McKnight says
My dad is a huge Goodwill fan – he would all the time and find great things. I went along a few years ago and found a fantastic teal vintage tanker desk for $35!! It’s in almost perfect shape and it provides just the right amount of flare to an otherwise boring office. Great post y’all!
Britt@knewlywifed. says
You girls have inspired me to go to Goodwill during my lunch break today! Thanks!
Blair says
Looks like a blast! I did the same thing with some friends earlier this year and scored an amazing tray! No idea what to do with it but totally worth the money! (And by that, I mean very little money spent)
~Blair
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
OMG! That bra is awful!!!!!!!!! And those shoes and shrunken head thing… YUCK!!!!!!!!
Looks like you guys had a blast! :)
Missy says
I love that you girls are such good IRL friends. How did you meet? I wasn’t sure what the bird reference Katie mentioned was but what’s the love story behind you two?? I adore both of your blogs and use them as a reference before launching into any project. :)
YoungHouseLove says
We just met through blogging. We had linked to each others projects that we liked and down the line Katie emailed us to say that if we were ever in GA they’d love to show us around so we took her up on that offer (which could have been so awkward) and totally hit it up and stayed up all night and talked like teenagers. So much fun. So glad we made the trip!
xo,
s
Missy says
Life is so funny that way. Sometimes taking a chance can result in a wonderful life-long friendship. We’re not all crazy stalkers on the internet. ;)
kim says
LOVE the pics of Clara and the giant spoon!
Sarah says
First of all, that’s a way cooler goodwill than the one we’ve got here Jax Beach — it looked enormous! Secondly, you’ve just made me feel awesome — two of the things you guys pointed out are things I own. I’ve got a very similar version of that dresser (mirrors included) that was given to my husband years ago…mirrors are hanging out in the garage right now, but I love the hidden drawers behind the doors. I’ve been wanting to do something fun with it. I also have that rocking horse, it was actually mine as a baby — my dad bought it unfinished and stained it, and now it’s in my daughter’s room. Very cool!
Mayde says
Loved the video, and those Clara photos are hilarious! Thanks for making me laugh!
jay says
you and katie both grew up in new jersey right? i know you did for sure. i’m confused with katie because of all her redneck jokes.
if i am right and you both did, did you guys know friends of friends? or hang out at the same places, your basically the same age and i would assume life would work out super weird like that.
YoungHouseLove says
Katie was in NJ for her very early childhood and then moved to the south. I was there through high school and then hightailed it to NYC. We never knew each other waaay back then (or have even uncovered friends in common) since we were from different areas but the world is small so you never know. Maybe we’re realize we’re cousins someday or something. That would blow my mind.
xo,
s
Suzy says
THE SAD SAGA OF STINKY
I found the worst/best present of all time at the Salvation Army. Occasionally, my sister and I will surprise each other with a hideous gift that is wrapped up all pretty. So, one time when I was browsing at the Salvation Army, I found the ultimate gift. It was a big (2’X3′), framed (with an ornate molded gold plastic frame, no less) painting of “Stinky the Clown”. I kid you not. He was really named Stinky. He looked like he was an old, dirty vagrant clown who had spent the night drinking and woke up in the garbage bin. He still had his clown make-up on (and you KNOW how pretty THAT is), and he had red, watery eyes and a cigar butt hanging out of his sneering mouth. Seriously. Truly nightmare fodder.
It was actually kind of expensive for the Salvation Army (around ($15), but it was a masterpiece; I had to have it.
I braved the curious stares from the other customers and the clerk who rang it up. The customer behind me actually said something like, “Well, that’s quite a painting”, and I, not being sure whether he was being sarcastic or admiring, said something neutral like, “I know! It’s a gift for my sister.”
At the time, my sister lived in Northern California and I lived in Southern California. However, my mom, who had been with me when I discovered this gem, was going up to visit her soon. So we wrapped the painting, and I sent it up with her.
My mom had arranged to get together with my sister and some of her friends at a casual bar. When my mom got there, she told my sister that I, being the nice, generous, loving one, had found a special present for her that I just couldn’t wait to give her. My sister lit up with excitement when she saw the package. She tore off the wrapping paper and literally SCREAMED and fell off her barstool crying from laughing. It was quite the hit of the evening.
But here’s the best bit: after everyone in the place, friends AND strangers, properly admired it, she set it on the floor and enjoyed the evening with my mom and her friends. HOWEVER, when she went to leave, she found, to her dismay, that someone had stolen Stinky! So sad, so sad. She left the bar heartbroken, yet not completely bereft, for she had the indelible image of Stinky forever burned into her brain.
So there it is. My story of the worst/best thing I’ve ever bought at a thrift store.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh. That was like a roller coaster! Love it. And of course the title drew me right in. Haha.
xo,
s
Amanda R says
I’m with Maggie and Caryn. The squirrels were fabulous!
Brandan WH says
You two were meant to be friends as you have the EXACT same laugh! Thank you for the ideas. I now look at everything threw the “it will be so much better when it’s painted” lens!
Elizabeth says
This was such a great post…so entertaining! And this is why readers like me keep coming back every day. You’re really a joy to watch. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.
Yvette says
I’m secretly addicted to our local Goodwill store! Every time my daughter is at her taekwondo class I sneak away to the Goodwill store next door. I kinda feel like a crack addict needing my fix when I see people donating stuff — The curiosity kills me! I’m always on the hunt for plates, glasses, silver trays, rustic wooden textures, and any other props for food photo styling for our blog. It’s such a rush and FUN treasure hunt in that stinky place. LOL!
Ashlyn@pinecone says
I am laughing about the guys wearing the same shirts. Awhile back we were visiting my cousing and her family in Arizona for Thanksgiving. The guys were going to take all the kids to the movie while we did the prep for Thanksgiving dinner. It ended up that they both had the same shirt on. It was so funny to see them head out to the movie in almost identical Sienna mini vans with 5 kids in the same shirts. They said they got some interesting looks from the concession staff.
Erika says
Okay, you guys are so cute! I used to live in Athens, GA and I made many a trek to that Goodwill in Snellville. Ahhhh, memories! By the way, here is what I did with one of those old smelly boxes that you were making fun of. It took a lot of work, but I think it came out kitschy cute.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/17285342/jewelry-box-vintage-fabric-ooak
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh it’s amazing! You added so much fun with those different fabrics and colors. Love it!
xo,
s
Patrice says
The pic of Clara and the spoon is HILARIOUS. She certainly knows a utensil when she sees one!
JoyfulT says
I worked at a thrift store for 17 months…after a month my husband told me I was only allowed to bring home one thing a week. My two best finds are my china cabinet and my son’s dresser. The china cabinet was the color of a rotting banana (yellow with brown splotches, and yes, it was supposed to look like that), was missing the glass in the front, and cost a whopping $32. It’s made by American Drew and is solid wood. We painted the interior grey and the exterior black, and haven’t replaced the glass in the doors yet. My son’s dresser is big (10 drawers!) and cost $8. The previous owners had started working on it, so it was already primed for us!
Carissa says
I hope that spoon never made it actually in to her mouth:)
Jade says
I just had to post to say that Clara is seriously beautiful, I mean absolutely heart breakingly gorgeous. The pictures on Katie Bower’s blog really highlight it. Thanks for recommending her blog by the way I’ve been reading it for about a year now and it’s just great.
RebeccaNYC says
well, I have not been in a thrift store recently, but I am in Japan right now,(on tour with the opera company I sing with) and a bunch of friends and I just spent a good hour in the 100 yen shop (the dollar store) playing “what in the world might THIS be?” Perfect gifts for that “certain someone”. We got pretty hysterical, which may or may not have raised a few eyebrows.
Kristen says
You’re wrong about the squirrels, I would have been ALL OVER that. I have a squirrel collection that numbers more than 80. I have stopped collecting them because I don’t really have any more room in my curio cabinet, but with something that doubles as functional (and cheap), those would have been in my basket!
YoungHouseLove says
I know right? Now I regret walking away. John can’t believe I left those babies.
xo,
s
Callie says
Such a fun post Sherry! Thrift stores are the best. And I have pasty white legs too! :) A couple summers ago I found this great product I wanted to tell you about (I know it sounds spammy but) it’s called Loreal Sublime Glow and I use it like moisturizer, and it adds a bit of tan to my legs without looking orange or streaky. I love it haha.
Robyn says
You guys are so much fun and look so vibrant, colourful and full of life – it’s an inspiration.. now I’m going to follow the Bower Power blog too. Hey Sherry – I’m just wondering if you could tell me what brand your sunglasses are.. I love them.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! They’re just cheap $12 guys from Kohls (they’re Vera by Vera Wang). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jen says
That “crackly” tray is totally from Pier 1 (or looks just like one from there). FYI
Robyn says
Sweet I’m going to look on ebay (I live in Canada, so no Kohls love here)- Thanks so much for taking the time to reply Sherry! Oh and hey I posted on the facebook page… you guys absolutely inspired us to do a DIY reno of our kitchen… we kept it sooo inexpensive and we are so happy with the results so far. It’s still a work in progress. Thanks for doing what you do and having such incredible ideas and inspiration.
sweetest wishes,
Robyn
Elizabeth M. says
I love the Friends reference:) I see Phoebe taught you French;) Also, thanks for introducing me to heat n’ bond in a previous post, made myself some curtains with a 40% off Jo Ann coupon and some heat n bond this week:)
Rebecca Foxworth says
I gotta laugh at your constant comments about your BALD baby girl. My first girl was blonde, blue-eyed, and bald…until she was just past two-and-a-half. I distinctly remember The Hubs looking at her with a dress on when she was 2.5 years old and saying, “Well, I hope she has hair by prom…”
She’s got a full head of shoulder-length blonde hair at age ten. Lots of hair. That gets lots of tangles. (I hope that’s…encouraging???)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, prom sounds like a reasonable deadline.
xo,
s
Nicole R. says
Dear Sherry & John,
First off I want to say I love the blog, FB page, etc. I learned about your hijinx from an article in the Washington Post. A friend told me to read it because she said it reminded her of the something I would do. I definitely identify with you guys. My husband and I consider ourselves “weird project people” and you are our kin. We are architects and avid DIYer’s and lets say ” thrifty.” As artists and designers, critics can be our best friends. My husband and I are always making our designs better by asking for criticism from one another. I just wanted to preface my comment with this, because I am not a hater (I can’t believe I just used that term!) anyway. I think your dining room has lost its way. I have lots of rooms lost their way, right now my curtains and rug are power print clashing, but I a going with it. There are a lot of great things about your dining room, but the brown slip covers look just plain cheap and I would rethink that the warm brown with the cool gray walls. The curtains have potential but I think you really had to stage the table with the bright green to tie it all together. I also know a house is never done and with reading your blog who knows what your might redo or revisit. I love talking about design and I just felt like staring a kind and critical discussion with your and your fans.
Julie says
LOL @ Sherry’s advice “don’t buy the bras.”
Jessica Horton says
I LOVE this video!! Please do more like this :-)
Hedi says
I do enjoy posts about goodwill thrifting…
but really wanted to say about the Clara and the giant spoon story, that Clara is on those photos just adorable!
Lots of love and happiness,
Hedi
Louisa T. says
Had to come let you know real quick like….I am in the Snellville Goodwill store all the time as that’s the one closest to my house. I was just in there yesterday and that crazy unicorn vase thing was STILL THERE (just in case you like changed your mind or something..Ha!) along with the wicker doll chairs (in case Burger is still interested!). They have some pretty cool stuff at that one because it’s not shopped as heavily. I can’t believe you were like right around the corner from me. That is just way cool!
YoungHouseLove says
No way- that’s so funny! Are my squirrels still there? I love those guys.
xo,
s
Louisa T. says
Nope, sorry, no squirrels. I really wish I knew someone getting married soon. I would so buy that unicorn vase as a gag wedding present!
Audi B. says
Next time you are in the Atlanta area you should check out: Kudzu Antiques http://www.kudzuantiques.com/
It is a huge store with so many little treasures waiting to be swiped up!
Loved the video, looks like you had a blast!!
Bea says
Last photo is the cutest ³.
Meg says
I made out like a bandit on a recent trip to Value Village – 13 items for less than $40. Might have gone a little overboard. But I got two horseheads that look similar to those nuts-in-their-mouths-squirrels! One just has a hole in his head. I plan to repair, spray them white and use as bookends.
http://covetdecor.com/?p=127
YoungHouseLove says
Those are awesome!
xo,
s
Maria says
Hi,
I’ll try to post on Katie’s site as well but I was soo excited when I received my June issue of House Beautiful. On page 18 there is a compote just like Katie purchased for (get this) $170.00 I guess you can find it at tinafreydesigns.com. Good buy Katie! Loved the video of you two shopping!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoooo! Go Katie.
xo,
s
Shaundra says
I love Goodwill Hunting! Do it again, often.
Becky says
Sherry, I’ll admit to having not read through five pages of comments, so if someone else already said this, forgive me! But for years, my family and I bought those coconut heads as souvenirs from our beach trips. They’re actually a pretty popular souvenir in tourist-y places, and I dug out this info from an antiques website:
“These carvings were popular southern pieces of folk art when coconut trees grew as industry in Florida around the turn of the century.”
So… just in case you were wondering, they’re not just some weird thing. They’re just some weird thing with historical significance!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!
xo,
s
cheryl says
I actually bought a pirate coconut head at my local thrift store but it’s not as creepy looking as that one. I bought it to hang from my boys’ pirate/nautical bedroom. They love it.
Kari says
You and Katie inspired me to go shopping at Goodwill for the first time a couple of weekends ago and I had some great finds..was almost giddy to walk out with a bag of loot for less than $20, but later on felt guilty. While I took the option to shop at Goodwill over mainstream stores, could tell that some folks in there probably didn’t have the option to shop elsewhere. I couldn’t help but feel guilty that I was depleting their limited supply and depriving them of things in good shape that technically I could have afforded to buy brand new. Have you guys ever had this little pang of guilt? While I loved getting the deals and supporting the Goodwill organization I have mixed feelings on going back…
YoungHouseLove says
I think supporting companies like Goodwill and the Habitat For Humanity with your patronage is a great thing! They use the money to help people and definitely appreciate all the sales they can get! I wouldn’t run in and grab something out of someone else’s hand or anything, but there is so much to go around that I think everyone who shops there has a chance at many items with potential for great prices – it really just depends what you need and what you’re looking for (thankfully we’re all usually looking for different things). Another way to help is to donate your old items (and cash if you’d ever like to make a charitable donation). We do both of those things from time to time and it feels great!
xo,
s
Kari says
Great points Sherry! It especially makes me feel better to be mindful that I make a few large donations of “stuff” each year that absolutely exceeds the quantity of things I will probably ever purchase from Goodwill.
angel Graham says
A few weeks ago, while my mom was visiting me, she and I went to Goodwill. We found lots of stuff, but my two favorite finds were things I hadn’t seen anywhere. One was a carpet bag. (Think Mary Poppins and that bag she has.) It needed pulls for the zipper, which I made using a good thick Jute and wooden beads. Second favorite find was a pirate chest jewelry box. Seriously, looks like a pirate chest. I need to take pics of both and put them up on my blog…or pinterst.
Had so much fun watching the two of you in Goodwill. My mom and I were acting much the same way. One find, I wish I had the money for when I was at goodwill was this fabulous picnic basket. So many things I could have done with it! I’ll admit, I’ve gotten most of my items at Goodwill. Ready to go back for more finds!
PS. I agree. Don’t buy bras there. *shudders* Just don’t.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, sounds like you found great stuff!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Just watched the Goodwill video totally made my day!!!!