Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/29: Thrift Store Two-Fer

I haven't felt much like blogging this week. Between the heavenly homegoing of Ron Bain, the beyond horrible excuse for Spring Break weather, and starting to get busy at work, I've been kinda MEH.

BUT! Today is GOOD FRIDAY! That means Sunday is EASTER! We need happiness! Bright, pastels and hopping chicks and bunnies!! Indigestion from finishing the kids' jelly beans! Ok, maybe that's just me :P

At any rate, today I bring you a springy bracelet duo. 99.9% composed of thrifted materials, I just love them. The only 'new' beads are the rectangles, bought at Meijer when they ran one of their frequent 40% off sales. These bracelets are a peachy pink, one of my favorite colors, and the combination just sings SPRING to me.

The rest of the beads came courtesy a bracelet and necklace from Goodwill. Often I will see a piece of jewelry there, and I'll be drawn to it because of it's beads, not the finished product. It's another example of VISION. The necklace especially wasn't one I'd wear..........it was a tight, choker size......maybe for a doll! Last night, during the nail biter OSU basketball game against Arizona, I transformed it into the beaded beauty you see here.

I hope Sunday finds you attending church and remembering Christ's Resurrection! Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, try to wear something that sings SPRING!! Have a fabulous weekend!!

Rockin' Ring Tuesday: Eh, Why Not?

Long before I began my mad love affair with bracelets, there were RINGS!! I pretty much started wearing them out of the womb :P

Back in the '60's, when the first wave of 'cocktail rings' were at their most popular (think 'Mad Men'), I used to dig through my mom's costume jewelry and put a ring on each finger. Watching her get ready to go out with my daddy, in a haze of Emeraude perfume, I thought she oozed class from every pore (I still do!), and those rings finished off her look. Yep, when I was very little, bigger rings were better!

In the 70's, turquoise stones set in sterling silver were all the rage. Remember 'Billy Jack?' Again, my mother had beautiful turquoise pieces. As I got a little older, I started preferring smaller rings, so my mom's were safe from my sticky fingers!

When you think of the 80's, you usually think big, door knocker earrings and day-glo everything. Well, yes for the mid to late 80's. However, I graduated from high school in 1982, and we were still in the 'preppy' phase of our lives. Along with the penny loafers and button down dress shirts, we wore small pearl or stud earrings, with similar, small rings. That set the tone for the jewelry I would wear through much of my adult life.

From the age of 18 through my early 40's, i wore delicate earrings and rings, but often stacked them. It wasn't unusual for me to wear 3 rings on one hand, often one on my thumb. When my kids came, I didn't have much time to primp and put together jewelry ensembles, so I wore real gold earrings and rings and wore them ALL THE TIME, hardly ever taking them off. Kinda hard to coordinate when you're chasing a toddler up the china cabinet!

Sometime in my mid 40's, I started liking bigger rings. This was a huge surprise, as I'd always associated big bling with my lovely mama, who wears statement jewelry like nobody's business. Maybe I can blame this on my sweet husband. When he proposed, he surprised me with a 2 carat diamond engagement ring that took my breath away, even though I had stubbornly insisted we have plain gold bands if we married. I have small hands and fingers, but the ring looks just like it belongs, and that got me comtemplating OTHER bigger pieces of jewelry, like........COCKTAIL RINGS!!

'Cause, you know........fashion is just one big circle.

Anyway, today's Rocking Ring is courtesy Plato's Closet in beautiful Uptown Westerville, Ohio. I have sung the praises of this amazing consignment store before in my blog. This perfect gold swirl ring was all of $4. A bit big for a pinky ring, yet far too small for my ring finger, and my daughter sweetly suggested I NOT make it a midi ring (I like cutting edge, but I don't want to be ridiculous!). Trying to figure out what to do, I finally decided to take it to Bargar's Jewelry, a landmark in downtown Delaware. Not only do they have gorgeous jewelry, watches, jewelry boxes, etc., they also provide jewelry repair and sizing. For rings that aren't real gold, but need to be sized and for which I don't want to settle for that blasted plastic monstrosity you can pop on the back, they offer an alternative. The second picture illustrates the gold wrap the jeweler expertly used to size my ring. Now it's perfect on my pinky. I've had Bargar's size several rings for me, and it's only $5 and change :)

Honoring A Real American Hero

Laura and Ron Bain on their wedding day, October 16th, 1982.



Because I write so much on my blog about fashion, you might be tempted to think that's all I care about.

You couldn't be more wrong. I view clothing and jewelry as backdrops as you create for yourself a fabulous life. Being a Christian and making Jesus #1 in your life, then loving others as yourself, are the true reasons for living.

Today, my family is honored to be able to remember someone who truly lived his life for others. He was taken far too young, but what a legacy he left behind!

Ronald Bain was a retired Major in the Army. He was working at the Alfred P. Murrah building the morning of April 19th, 1995, when a horrific bomb killed and injured many of it's occupants. Thinking nothing of himself, Ron jumped in and helped in the rescue effort, permanently damaging his lungs in the process. Ron was awarded the Soldier’s Medal due to his heroic actions following the bombing, the second highest award for a noncombat soldier. He also testified for the prosecution at the trial of Timothy McVey, the accused bomber. So powerful was his testimony, the defense sought to get it thrown out of court.

Ron and his wife, Laura, raised three children: Valerie, Allison and Stephen. They were very involved in their church and community. Ron and Laura truly thought of others first, always helping out above and beyond. Even when he wasn't feeling well, Ron helped out with his wife's 4H kids, often hauling equipment, bunny cages, chicken coops, etc. in his truck. Their exemplary lives are lived out today in the lives of their kids.....all 3 being fabulous Christians who aren't afraid to stand up for Jesus. How often do you see that?

Last Thursday night, Ron's heart stopped. At 54, he was far too young to pass away. He was still vibrant and useful, leading an active role in his church. Laura says he had grown closer to The Lord recently, and loved to spend time studying the Bible. Maybe he knew his time on earth was drawing to a close.

Ron's passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family and friends. Today we will celebrate and honor his memory. As sad as we are for ourselves, we as Christians have the VIBRANT HOPE that Ron is ALIVE and HEALTHY and with Jesus! What a precious promise!! Oh death? Where IS your sting?

We're entering Easter Week. Christians world wide are celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection this coming weekend. Jesus didn't stay dead. He AROSE! Why? So we could have His new life and forgiveness of sins. Ron knew this! He accepted Jesus' free plan of salvation, and as a result, he is alive and healthy and whole, and waiting for us!

Thank you for your life and your service, Ron. Thank you, Laura, Valerie, Allison and Stephen, for your continuing influence and example of lives lived well for Jesus and others! Because of you,we are forever changed

Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/22: Cold Weather Creativity

I do my best jewelry making during the winter. Why not? I'm not going to be out sunning myself by the pool, after all. Nope........give me a snuggly afternoon by the fire, and I'll be messing around with my ever growing bead and jewelry findings collection.

Way back in the early aughts (2002, to be exact), I was suffering through a Michigan winter. I was no stranger to the snow and cold, but we'd moved to Michigan after 6 blissfully sunkissed years in Vegas. That first winter? More snow than the hardy Michiganders had seen in a looooong time. Woot. So, I looked for other way to bide my time during the long winter days. I remember enjoying 'The Osbournes,' (I laughed so hard I snorted). I also decided to start making beaded jewelry. I stocked up on lots and lots of beads, findings, tools and assorted stretchy string, and got to work. Claire STILL has some of those early earrings in her jewelry box.

In my old age, I've become more picky (discerning?) about what beads I buy. I lean a little more toward the classic and metals, as opposed to the bright, crayola colored beads of 10 years ago. I also love to buy clearanced jewelry and remake it. Today's Bangin' Bangle is a prime example!

I'd seen this two pack of bracelets at Walmart for quite a while. I had no interest in the shiny beaded number, but the matte finish was nice. Both stretchy, but way too tight. I figured I'd wait until they got marked down on clearance. Once they did, I thought maybe all I'd need to do was restring them to make them more comfortable. My stretchy line has more give than the standard stuff.

No such luck. Same old tightness. Now I was digging through my endless stash of beads to see if there was something I oculd use as spacers to give the bracelet more give. Nothing looked right.......until I looked at the unused, shiny beaded bracelet and thought, 'hmmm.' A couple of THOSE beads added on, and VOILA! It's cool, it's comfortable and the shiny gold adds interest to the matte.

Simple little brainstorm, but it made the bracelet perfect.
_

A Blogging Dry Spell

I could blame it on the fact that it's the first full day of Spring, and I'm freezing my digits off. I could blame it on our shop's version of 'March Madness' setting in (what? you're 4 weeks on service already?). I could blame it on only two more episodes of The Walking Dead this season.

Would it matter?

Life, as it always does for me each March, has settled into a grey blob with the consistancy of oatmeal. Easter's only a week away, and I have my decorations up, but they look strangely out of place. With their bright, primary colors, they should have warmth and sunshine framing them, instead of.........blech.

During these times, I slice myself up a nice helping of doubt pie. Why am I writing this blog? Does anyone REALLY care I got yet another designer item for $3.29? Am I truly in a rut, or is this blasted Daylight's Savings Time kicking my keister?

Ima go with lucky #3. Enough of you have told me you like my stuff, and I am inspired by your stories of creativity and thrift. I'm just tired. I get 6 hours of sleep per work night (if I'm lucky), and I do an awful lot of running around on top of that, so it makes perfect sense. There's no happy little Alice the maid greeting me when I drag home, so the laundry and cooking and cleaning are an added bonus. Not complaining, just sayin'.

As is often the case, God has provided a weekend of rest coming up. Claire leaves for Chicago with her choir tomorrow morning (5:45 am, anyone?), and won't be home until 9:30 Sunday night. I'm thinking some serious 'hey, remember me?' time with my bed and my husband (ok, they might be separate events, lol) is in order. Getting my hair colored, and perhaps using one of our gift cards for a nice dinner out, would also be appreciated. I need lots of and lots of 'Breaking Bad' too. Be forewarned, Brendan........mama needs some Netflix.

Actually, anything that doesn't resemble collecting a urine sample from a blind Lab, working on a malfunctioning (insert appliance), or gathering and documenting thrift store donations is probably gonna work just fine.

The Dig: Approaching Thrift Like Indiana Jones

I love my husband, and our differences, while they can cause friction, can also help me learn. Case in point: while I was in heaven when he took me to the thrift store last Monday, it was an exercise in patience for him. Walking into a thrift store that looks like nothing special (in fact, it looked like a Brady Bunch episode)wasn't his idea of a fun thing to do on his day off. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the fact that I got so much out of it.

That got me thinking about how my passion for thrift might not be shared by others. Not a revelation, I know this to be true, but there are a few of you who regularly haunt thrift stores, hoping to find the goodies that Claire and I do, and come away disappointed.

I think a big part of it is our 'mall mentality.' Go to a store like Saks or Nordstrom, and it's a delight to the eyes. Everything is laid out as nicely as possible......it even smells good. There's a man playing the piano. All of this entices us to spend money and might help us be a bit numb to the huge price we're paying. We are sensory people!

Now, contrast that to a trip to the thrift store. Goodwill is trying to spice things up a bit, but on the whole, it's a totally different ball game. The best way to describe a thrift store is GREY. Have you ever seen 'Napoleon Dynamite?' He haunts his town's thrift store regularly. Not very attractive, is it? Yet our boy Napoleon perseveres and finds that prom worthy suit, that manly dagger.......that cool dance video.

There have been times when we enter a thrift store and BOOM! There's that dream dress or purse sitting right on top, out in the open. Happens, but more regularly, we gotta DIG. I guess you could say we approach thrift like an archeologist. Indiana Jones knows he's gonna dig DEEP for the good stuff........under the sand and in the scary jungle. Look what he finds!! Ok, forget the snake episode......that's not what I'm referring to *shudders*.

Here's 3 examples of what I'm talking about.......first picture. Cute Jessica Simpson clutch. It was truly off the beaten track in the store, almost hidden behind some bigger purses. You can't just look at the top layer in a thrift store! Dig behind the stuff in front! 9 out of 10 times, I've found the true treasures tucked in the back. This clutch was well worth the dig: at $4.99; the retail price was $69!!!

Second picture. Leather Sebago Docksiders. They are the casual shoe of choice for Kate Middleton. Cool and comfortable and all leather. These were my size, perfect condition, and $3.29. Retail price? $100!!! Where did I find them? On the MEN'S shoe rack! If I'd stuck to the women's side, I never would have found these beauties. Claire was trying on prom dresses in the dressing room, and the men's shoe rack was right next door......so I took advantage of the opportunity to peruse. I'm sure glad I did!

My third example has no picture (yet!). Claire's new prom dress came from Goodwill. When we're looking for a formal, we load up the cart with everything in Claire's size, whether it appeals to her or not. Things look totally different ON then they do on a hanger or a pile. If we'd just gone to the formal rack and looked at the 'top layer,' odds are pretty good we wouldn't have grabbed anything. Sometimes you can't rely on the size inside, either. If something looks big enough for you, yet has a much smaller size on the tag, grab it anyway. Often, things have been taken in or let out at the tailor, so the end result will be different. Have vision! Claire's new gown fits her like a glove, and only needs a bit of a 'tweak' at the bodice. HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE!!!! The dress cost us $10......it's a Jessica McClintock. New? $200-$300!!!! How worth it was it for us to grab an armful and take the time to try every dress on?

If you've read the above and said, 'that's nice, but I don't have the time to dig through everything,' it took Claire and I just about an hour for the prom dress shopping. That, plus the fact that we laughed and enjoyed ourselves, while digging......can you really put a price tag on that?

Bangin' Bangle Friday 3/15: Diamond In The Rough

When Michael surprised me Monday by taking me to the Goodwill in Marion, I got this bracelet for $2. It's that lovely matte finish gold that looks far more expensive that it actually is. I love that, and also the finish keeps the yellow gold from looking too 'precious,' as is often the case. Must be the rebel/rocker in me, but I like when something is added to yellow gold jewelry to make it look rougher. That's a big reason I love the gold and silver combo.

This is a small bracelet, so I will wear it with a watch, or possibly with other bracelets on my right wrist. Kickin' it up a notch, ya know.

The Marion Goodwill is one of the most misleading-looking thrift stores out there. No offense Marion, but your Goodwill doesn't look like anything special. You really gotta dig for the good stuff, but if you do, I promise you won't be disappointed. If you go, PLEASE check out the jewelry in the glass cases at the register. The stuff is incredible, I ALWAYS find something I have to have, and it's CHEAP. Word evidently hasn't gotten out yet on the treasures here! One of my first blog posts had to do with the large link silver and gold bracelet I got here for $3. It rivals that almost $100 beauty from J. Crew.

The Marion Goodwill is in the same shopping center as Cici's Pizza, and is right next door to Big Lots. We love the restaurants in Marion, and going to the Goodwill afterwards was a great way to work it off!!