Thrift Shopping Book Finds!

Being in a new (or old) location can be very exciting. I'm finally home for Christmas and I went out thrift shopping today, surprise, surprise. I am not a big reader but I love books, sometimes I make no sense, but recently I have been wanting to expand my library of books I've read. I am so excited for all the books I found today!

I am so excited about all the books I found! I love that the huge Shakespeare Complete Works says "Compact Edition," oh you funny editors. Although the red cover is published in 1891 which makes it that much more lovely! I can't help but imagine all those who have read it before me, and I'm so excited to read it myself! Four new books, that's a productive day in my book. Wow, I promise I did not make that pun on purpose.

Thrift Store Finds

An item from my list has been checked off, but more on that a little later. My first gem I found was a home made maxi dress from the 60's. I didn't take a full length picture but hopefully that will come later.

My second piece is the one I'm most excited about. I have been in search of a jean shirt/jacket for months and I have finally found one. It was sitting sideways on top of all the other clothes too, as if it were meant for me.

I absolutely love mugs and I found a new one to add to my collection. There are a few cracks on the rim of the mug so I think I'm going to use it as a pencil holder. 

   Lastly I found an entire bag of different colored thread for only 99 cents. 

   How can you pass that up?

What lovely gems have you found recently?

Vinyl Record Player Tips

This year for Christmas I bought a record player, and I love it! It isn't an original but I don't care; it has three speeds and is easily transported. A couple tips I have learned since I got my record player are:

1. The more speeds the better. There are three sizes of records and they all require a different speed to play. To get the biggest value for your money get a record player with multiple speeds. I have a 33 (which is the largest and most easily found record), 45 (these are smaller and have a larger circle in the middle), and 78 (which I believe is the oldest) correct me if I'm wrong.

2. Lift straight up! When you place the needle on your record or take it off you want to make sure you lift straight up to prevent any harm to your needle.

3. For me, portable is best. I live in an apartment and if I ever want to move the record player from room to room, or even transport it, it's so much easier to have a small player. Now, I absolutely love the look and sound of a huge built in player but my portable one is so convenient.

4. If you see a vinyl you love, buy it! I have been collecting vinyls for about four years so when I finally got a player I automatically had a collection I wanted to play. The easiest and cheapest place I find records is any thrift store. There is usually an entire stack of them you can look through.

5. Check the quality of you vinyls. Before you play them check to see if they are extremely scratched up or if they are in pretty good condition. They don't have to be perfect, but the more they're scratched the more likely they will eventually cause you to have to buy a new needle. 

Who would you most like to hear on your record player?

A Vinyl Wall

This weekend the walls in my apartment looked too white so my roommates and I decided it was time for a remodel!  So far I'm winning the battle against myself decorating the entire place for Christmas before Thanksgiving; we'll see how long I can hold out. 

I also found a coffee table for $5. It is now my new DIY project.

I love thrift stores!

Vintage Bundt Cake

I went thrifting and found a beautifully buttercream yellow vintage bundt cake mold, and as soon as I saw it I felt like baking! It turned out to be very simple. I took a regular cake mix, swirled in some cocoa, and baked it normally. For the frosting I put it in the microwave for 15 seconds then drizzled it over the top. It turned out great and the pan only cost $1