Friday Finds

I had blast teaching a Thrifting 101 class through Longview Community College's Community Education program.  I was thrilled to have five students learn about local thrift stores, their missions, and of course, how to shop!!  I hope to teach the class again in the future.  If you are interested, let me know!!  

This week I was able to shop with my students at Goodwill in Lee's Summit and snagged some awesome deals!!

Jacket

$3.99

I immediately spotted this jacket as I walked in the door.  It is perfect to throw on as I'm heading out the door to the gym.  I love the fun zippers and thumb holes.

Vintage Dress

$5.99

I couldn't pass up this dress!!  Yes, it's black and I already have a couple of black dresses, but look at this beauty!!  I love the bow detail on the shoulders and the simplicity of the cut of the dress.  It has some major shoulder pads, so I am debating of getting rid of those!!

Red Sweater

$2.99

I was looking for a basic red sweater and this one is perfect!!

Basic Henley

$.99 (1/2 price)

Mulan DVD

$1.99

 Children's Place Sweater

$1.99

Gymboree Sweater Dress/Tunic

$1.99

This is adorable!!  I can see this with fun striped tights or leggings!!  It's only a year old - it was manufactured for Gymboree's 2014 Holiday line.

 Tribal Pants

$4.99

I've been on the hunt for some summer/vacation items and these pants fit the bill.  They have an elastic waist band and they are plenty long!!

Also at Goodwill, I picked up a tub of wooden beads for a friend for just $2.99.  She was thrilled!!

This week, I also swung by two other favorite thrift stores, Majr-Thrift and Family Thrift Store.

Gap Tunic

$.99

Denim Skirts (2 different sizes)

$.99 each

Gymboree Corduroy Dress

.99

Waffle Knit Top (2 of them)

$1.98 each

My sons love shirts like these to layer in the winter time and so I picked up a couple in different sizes and colors.

Old Navy Jacket

.99

Mickey Top

$1.99

Our family is planning a big vacation to Florida this year and this is my first official item for the trip!!   I will be on the hunt for more Disney items this spring!!

Mirrored Tray

$3.98

I adore this tray!!  It will be perfect to display some of my jewelry on my dresser.   I need to tighten the screws holding it together and polish the silver.  I may end up painting it white as well.  We will see!!

Any favorites??  

Sunday Style - Shopping with a Purpose

For the last couple of year, I have had the privilege of helping my best friend with an incredible event.  The women at Lifetrack Christian Church organize and host an event called World Market.  Vendors for the event are either local artisans or ministries that provide work opportunities in countries and communities where slave labor exists.

Each year, the event has grown, involving more ministries and more attendees.  It has been fun to watch it grow into something pretty amazing!!  People come from all over southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas travel to little Frontenac, Kansas to shop with purpose!!

Some of the ministries that have been featured are Ornaments4Orphans, Mata Traders, BelJoy Haiti, Rahab's Rope, Compassion International,  and 31 Bits .  The first two year, I helped with the Rahab's Rope booth.  Rahab's Rope's exits to give hope and opportunity to women and girls that are at risk or have been forced into the commercial sex trade of India.  A safe and loving environment enables the women to grow and develop physically, mentally, and spiritually.  The women are provided a basic education and vocational training that will allow them to integrate into their communities in a positive and constructive manner.

The women from Lifetrack Christian Church research possible ministries and then select options that they think will be a good fit for World Market.  Each year, different ministries are included and/or introduced.  

It has been a joy to see the different ministries that are popping up that are meeting so many needs for the oppressed.  When I went to Cambodia several years ago, I saw the immense need of providing a source of income, education, and opportunity for children and women who were being forced into sex trafficking.  Individuals around the world have found a new path for themselves and their families with a job, an education, and vocational skills.

My outfit today is made up of several pieces from World Market that I have picked up over the past three years.  

Dress - The Impact Collection 

Necklace - Rahab's Rope

Earrings - Mata Traders

Button Ring - Future Hope

Woven Bracelet - Future Hope

The work on each piece is incredible!!  One of cool things about the World Market is there is literally something for everyone - soaps, chocolates, spices, ornaments, clothing, jewelry, housewares, journals, purses, bow ties, coffee, t-shirts. . . . 

Check out some of these ministries and see if there is a way you can support them!!

Enjoy your Sunday!!

Thrifted Style - The Puffer

In the winter, I love wearing layers!!  I would rather wear layers then adding on a heavy coat if I know I am going to be in and out of the car several times.  This outfit combines several favorites - plaid, a puffer vest, skinnies, and boots!!

My Gap plaid button up (which I found in the men's section!!), puffer vest, and navy skinnies are all from Salvation Army.  My boots are hand me downs from my momma!!

Love seeing the snow falling in these pictures - makes me smile!!  My total for the outfit is $10!!