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By Julia Marchand

Alas, the days of summer vacation are in the past for most of us, so we pass up the pool in favor of a paycheck every Monday through Friday. But that doesn’t mean your summer style must be compromised! Unless you’re lucky enough to work outside and enjoy this glorious season before it’s gone, you may need to consciously include it in your 9 to 5 life. Here are a couple of ways to do that…

Image via blog.goodwilleasterseals.org

Put a little spring (or summer!) into your step every morning by donning work wear that reflects these warm, sunny days. I found a blog post with ten apparel items crafted into six outfits that are perfectly professional. Thanks to Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota (St. Paul)  for that fun mix-and-match, I’m inspired to get ready for work tomorrow morning! There are no windows in my office, so including color like this will dramatically improve the summer vibes. I would highly suggest investing in well-priced attire at Goodwill that, like these pieces, can work together to create lots of different looks. It’s such an efficient way to make the most of your money!

Image via thecraftedsparrow.com

Now, who says that home décor is just for the home? I find myself to be much more productive when my surroundings are tidy and well dressed, so why not bring my love of thrifty decoration to the office? A small, framed art piece like this one is easy to make (don’t forget to check out the DIY tutorial from The Crafted Sparrow) and just as simple to swap out with the seasons. This will keep the office from feeling stagnant and season-less, especially if it’s a cubicle. All you need to get started on this project is a second-hand picture frame, some washi tape, and poster board!

Image via facebook.com/GoodwillWorks

While we’re on the topic of a workplace, it might be a great time for me to share these tips for job seekers that Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and The CSRA (Macon) shared on their website. Whether you are out of work at the moment or just looking to advance in your current environment, I find these tips to be helpful. And, wouldn’t you know, number one is dressing the part! I bet you want to go back and peek at that summer work wears blog post I mentioned now, huh?

Even if your job may sometimes feel like a grind, I’m sure that deep down you know that work itself is incredibly important. It allows us all to support our families, to be active members of our communities, and to gain confidence and feel fulfilled. We are all lucky to have good work to do and maybe a little summer accessorizing will help us share that positivity with the rest of our coworkers! If you’d like to help others in your area gain the opportunity to work, because of Goodwill’s business model it’s this simple: Donate stuff, create jobs. There’s no better time than now!

Quick quiz—what screams summer, makes organizing a cinch in any place at all (even on the go!), and is waiting for you at your local Goodwill? Thrifted baskets! From burly laundry baskets to breezy woven seagrass, these permanently picnic-ready decor pieces will feel right at home in every room of your home and even out on adventures! Today we’ll highlight three quick and easy ways you can customize thrifted baskets for looks and functionality.

To add trendy tassels you’ll need:

• A basket
• Yarn
• A small book or something else that makes just the right size tassels
• Tapestry needle (Optional—can be helpful if the basket’s weave is tight)

Step 1: Wrap the yarn around the book (or whatever you found) until it looks thick enough. I went around 18 times. Slide the loops off of the book and cut along one end.

Step 2: With the yarn still folded in half, place a new length of yarn through the center of it. Then, lay that on top of another horizontal string. Double knot the horizontal piece of yarn around the tassel. You can wrap this around as many times as you want before tucking the ends inside the tassel if you want to (I kept it simple with mine).

Step 3: Repeat steps one and two until you have enough tassels.

Step 4: With the knots you just made placed against the basket, thread the top strings of the tassels through the basket and double knot them in place around the weave. If your basket’s weave is too tight for you to do this with just your fingers, use a tapestry needle to get through the narrow nooks. Do this, evenly spaced, all the way across the top of the basket.

Next up, I loved the unique shape of this square basket that I spotted while out thrifting, but I knew that adding some handles would make it easier to carry while full. While I was at it, I figured I’d just slap on a chalkboard label, too, so I could stick it up high on a shelf if I wanted to and I’d still know what was inside.

To add handles and a label you’ll need:

• A basket
• Faux-leather belt
• Tough string
• Tapestry needle
• Paint mixing stick (or similarly thin wood)
• Saw to cut the paint mixing stick
• Power drill with a small bit (I used 1/8” bit)
• Small paint brush
• Chalkboard paint
• Hammer
• Nail
• Scrap wood
• Chalk marker
• Sandpaper

Step 1: Cut your thin wood to the right size for your label. I used a saw to slice a 3.25” long section of the paint mixing stick. After that, drill two small holes toward either end of the label. Sand all sides well then wipe off the dust. Paint with chalkboard paint according to the container’s instructions and let dry.

Step 2: Measure two lengths of the belt to make the handles. Mine are each 6” long. Use the actual holes in the belt or add your own holes by hammering them in with scrap wood behind the belt.

Step 3: Thread a length of string through the needle, position the handles and label (after it’s completely dry) wherever you’d like them, and thread them through the basket’s weave to the be secured with a knot on the inside. Try to stitch the needle between the weave of the basket if possible so you aren’t poking holes into the straw/wood itself.

This last one is easy as pie and just as charming. I found this basket a couple of months ago and I love its size and shape so much. However, I noticed that since I keep it in a little nook in my bedroom, it tends to look pretty dark and shadowy over there. I was looking for a way to brighten this piece up and a fresh strip of white paint definitely helped!

To get that paint-dipped look you’ll need:

• A basket
• Paint (I used spray paint, but you don’t have to)
• Paint brush if necessary
• Painter’s tape
• Newspaper

Step 1: Tape off the section you want to paint making sure to cover everything you don’t want to be painted. Remember that paint (especially spray paint) can seep through the basket’s weave so you may want to fill the basket with paper on the inside, too. Press the tape firmly into place so nothing can sneak through!

Step 2: In a well-ventilated area, paint the bottom with spray paint or by hand with a brush. Make sure you follow the directions on your paint to make sure you’re doing it safely.

Each of these is just a quick afternoon project that adds personality to one of the most versatile items on Goodwill shelves. Pile ‘em high with picnic supplies, replace your beach bag with something boho, or get a grip on your indoor organization. You could even use your thrifted basket to tote donations in on your next thrift store trip! Goodwill is where your stuff goes to work and any baskets you buy there are sure to carry more than their fair share of the workload. Have fun making them your own!

By Julia Marchand

With Independence Day right around the corner, you may be looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate. Of course, a parade and fireworks are basically mandatory, but don’t forget to dress up yourself and your home! These are two of my favorite ways to enjoy holidays since they really set the tone for whatever merriment is approaching.

Image via GoodwillEasterSeals.org

The first thing I like to do to prepare for an upcoming event is to pull together at least one themed display at home. Just setting something up on a tabletop or bookshelf doesn’t take long, but can make a great statement. You don’t even need to have guests over to appreciate it! I find that changing up my surroundings even just a little at a time keeps my home feeling fresh and inspiring. This quick and patriotic display made by Sarah for Goodwill Easter Seals (Saint Paul) is exactly what I’m talking about. It’s bright, bold, and brilliantly priced since she found everything at Goodwill!

Image via GoodwillFabulous.com

Be a firework this fourth by decking yourself out head-to-toe in red, white, and blue like Molly and Penny, the sisters behind the blog Goodwill Fabulous. Can you believe that the dress Molly scored for $4.99 from her local Goodwill originally retailed for $138? That’s about 96% off! I’d say the hunt is well worth it for a price like that. What do you think?

Image via ItAllStartedWithPaint.com

Another aspect of Independence Day that I truly adore is how social the holiday is. This is not one of those intimate family days like Easter nor is it a one-on-one type evening like Valentine’s Day. It’s an all-you-can-eat, everyone’s invited, break out the sparklers kind of jubilation! As such, it might be a good idea for you to have some snacks and activities on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas for themed décor an d pastimes from Marion Goodwill Industries (OH) including the super simple silverware stash above!

But perhaps the most patriotic thing about celebrating the Fourth of July by shopping at your Goodwill is that every dollar you spend is going back into your own community. Eighty-three percent of collective revenues raised through the sale of donated goods support and grow Goodwill’s critical community-based programs and services. Thrifting at Goodwill is such an easy and effective way to help keep your unique community strong to ensure that we can continue to applaud it every July 4th for a very long time.

By Julia Marchand

When I think of the 4th of July, I envision our glorious flag (and what it represents), booming fireworks and a laid back happy vibe. No matter where you are celebrating or how many people are involved, those are the to  p three things, I think, on everyone’s Independence Day celebration checklist. The problem with party planning for an event like this, though, is that when you’re the host sometimes the details can overtake your ability to actually enjoy the free-spirited mood of the day. We don’t want you to miss out on the fun, so here are a few tips to help you capture the atmosphere of the holiday without missing out on the good parts.

Image via goodwillvirginia.org

Let’s start off with one décor tip that will go a long way: Making your food pull double duty! Every event needs food. Whether you’re hosting a huge gathering or just preparing enough for your family, it’s easy to color code your foods to fit the theme. Arrange a red, white, and blue dessert in a clear glass bowl (browse a wide variety of shapes and sizes at Goodwill for a great price!) and use it as a centerpiece. This great idea comes from the Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia (Richmond) blog. It’s a roundup post so check it out for even more décor ideas!

Image via asoftplace.net

Marion Goodwill Industries (OH) has some easy 4th of July ideas, too, on their patriotic Pinboard. I especially love this idea to organize silverware into mason jars with red, white, and blue bandanas! Every piece of this easy-to-assemble display can be thrifted and the best part is that you’ll be able to use them all after the event, too! There’s a secret satisfaction I get when I can assimilate seasonal décor into off-season functionality. It’s just so convenient! I’ll definitely be trying this one.

Since your very festive table is now set, and we’ve decided that our décor this year must be functional, let’s talk about attire! Having the clothing you wear contribute to the color scheme is a simple yet effective way to create a cohesive look without having to put a lot of time into party prep. Start by looking through your closet to see what you already have. I’m big on whites and blues, so finding something to wear with those two colors wouldn’t be a problem for me. Red, however, is a hue I very rarely buy. That’s why I’ll browse Goodwill first.

Image via theendlessdiaryofasororitygirl.blogspot.com

Sure, it’s lovely to find some really fun an on-trend pieces at the mall or online, but the thrift store secret is that the item you’re considering buying brand new might actually be waiting for you at Goodwill for only a fraction of the price. Plus, when you buy second-hand items you’re helping the earth! A lot of the pieces in the display above were collected by Sophie of the blog The Endless Diary of a Sorority Girl at her local Goodwill and they’re all super stylish! What’s hiding out and waiting for you at yours?

While I really enjoy celebrating our nation’s independence on July 4th, I also want to mention my year-round independence inspiration: Goodwill. You may be a fan of thrift shopping because it’s less expensive and better for the environment, but did you also know that when you shop at and donate to Goodwill you are helping to fund Goodwill’s employment programs? These programs promote independence and dignity for people within your own community who need support to provide for themselves and their families and that’s only possible with your help. I can’t think of a better way to honor our nation’s birthday than to assist my neighbors in their efforts toward achieving the American Dream.

By Julia Marchand

These days I’m in love with all things light, bright and airy. Maybe it’s this spring/summer season, maybe it’s the latest décor and fashion trends, but I’ve noticed that I feel the most inspired and motivated when my surroundings and apparel feel clean and luminous. Let me show you what I mean…

Image via SalvageSisterAndMister.com

Shedding a little light on the subject, I’ll start with this lantern that Salvage Sister and Misterrevamped for their pantry makeover. Have you ever thought about how important lighting is to set a mood? No matter what you’re trying to achieve in your home (or workplace!), there’s a certain type and degree of lighting that will best compliment your needs. A dining space, for example, does well when it’s aglow with candles, but a workspace is best when it’s bathed in brilliant light. As it turns out, a thrifted lantern is just perfect for the pantry! Don’t take my word for it, though – you’ll definitely want to check out the full post because there are some other great tips waiting for you there (like how to get that gooey price sticker gunk off of your new favorite finds)!

Image via The-wanderlusters.blogspot.com

When it comes to fashion, I tend to keep my attire pretty neutral. However, I’m always drawn to sunny bright pieces like this jacket purchased by Rockie at a Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (Astoria) store. Pairing a beaming statement jacket (or cardigan) from Goodwill with shorts and wedge booties is a flawless way to create a brilliant and breezy look for less. This aura is exactly what I aim for in my home, too, which is why I was lured into the following image!

Image via LiveLoveDIY.com

Keeping a space airy like in the pictures above makes it appear effortlessly chic (even if you’ve spent an entire weekend sanding, priming, and painting your thrift finds). I discovered this image on Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region (Tacoma)’s “Finding Goodwill Treasures” Pinboard, and loved the look as well as the ten tips. One simple piece of advice given by this avid thrifter was that investing your time and a little paint can make a huge difference in the look of an object. After studying her images, I realized that she very often chooses white paint, which creates this perfectly polished atmosphere and keeps things just as I like them – light, bright, and airy!

Ready for my new thrifting mantra? “When in doubt, paint it white or add some light.” I’ll be repeating this over and over as I poke through my local Goodwill this weekend looking for buried treasures. I love shopping at Goodwill because I get to revive old home décor and clothing, plus I’m giving back to my community since Goodwill creates 25 jobs per brick and mortar store and generates essential revenue for mission services. I hope to see you browsing the racks!