Chelsea Reviews: East Valley Thrift/Vintage Shops

Im sure you all know how much I love thrift and antique shops. 

Especially for home goods. I can't think of a single item Ive bought for the house that wasn't from an antique, thrift or outlet type store. Not only do we live on a single income but I prefer the DIY/flea market style. You will never see me shop at any place like Hobby Lobby. I bought fake flowers there the first and last time I will ever buy anything there. It's the perfect example of what I despise in home decor. (p.s., if you like hobby lobby, sorry, and, you can find the exact same things at Walmart way cheaper).

 I have my favorite shops I like to visit on a regular basis. Even if I'm not searching for anything, I always find something or great inspiration.

These are my favorite shops for home goods: 

Thrift/Antique

Favorite of ALL: Antique Plaza

Goodwill on Scottsdale Rd. (They are the best!)

Deseret Industries. (Largest thrift Ive ever been to. And the cleanest. But you HAVE to go through the AS-IS to get most of the furniture. I didn't know this until the 3rd time I went.)

Antique Trove. (next door to them is another antique mall but they are more pricey and the trove is better anyway.)((another note about the Trove: they have yard/estate sales Saturday mornings in the parking lot))

Historic District Mall

The Arc of Tempe

Outlet

Favorite of ALL: Home Goods
 Marshalls/TJ Maxx

Big Lots (either a hit or miss)

Tuesday Morning (I like them for bedding and crafts)

These are my favorite shops for clothing:

I don't usually buy clothing at thrift or antique stores unless I find something great, but Dave always has good luck. 

Buffalo Exchange 

Sunset Clothing

Tiedemann's Family (Dave always find neat T-shirts here. He says it's his fav)

Gracie's (always good for furniture and lamps too. Owned by Grace community church)

We've been pretty out of the clothing thing lately. 

We used to explore all sorts of shops before I had Owyn. 

There are quite a few Id like to check out though more in the central Phx area.


One thing to keep in mind when thrift shopping (or any kind of shopping) is to look at an object for what it could be, not for what it is. If you aren't the most creative or crafty person the best thing to do (which is what I tell everyone who isn't so good at clothes shopping or putting outfits together) is find inspirations from magazines or online and search for similar items. 

Thanks for the request!

Tragic News.. (not really)

My sweet Creamsicle was stolen on campus yesterday.

I wanted to cry real bad.

Dear Creamsicle, 

I'm so sorry I bought you the wrong lock.

Thinking about where you are and who is riding you makes my stomach turn.

You were such a dependable bike and always got me to my destinations on time.

You saved my life when I was pregnant and too tired to walk home from school.

You will be missed. I will continue to look for you on campus.

Thank you for making me look so cool.

<3 Your rightful owner

La Grande Orange Pizzeria

Last night we went to my favorite pizzeria. La Grande

It made me miss my sister, Dad and Wendy :(

{Our 40 minute wait}

Dave took off work for the rest of the week so we have been spending
a lot of time together these past couple days.

I've been able to sleep in till 10:30 the past couple days! I don't even know how I do it.

In the Kitchen with Chelsea

There is nothing in whole world that makes me feel more
like a woman than throwing on an apron with ruffles (thanks Grandma I) and baking a pie.

I love feeling feminine.


I love being a woman.

I love being a mom.

The Gypsy Feet

I'm so excited!

I've seen all my favorite bloggers on Gypsy Feet
and now I'm so excited I can say I have joined them!

Yay!

Check it out HERE

(our's is "San Diego is for Lovers")

A Day Spent with Owyn and the Canon: Part 2

My favorite tree

A Day Spent with Owyn and the Canon: Part 1

I took Owyn to Daley park today. One of my favorite Tempe parks that I walked through everyday for school.

Stone Brewery

The moment we arrived to Point Loma last Sunday my dad piled us into the car and headed to Escondido to visit the fascinating Stone Brewery because Stone is Dave's fav. We ate delicious burgers while enjoying the gothic style and gargoyles.

Of course we couldn't go without bringing home a growler so we did and enjoyed it on dad's deck the next night.

And we got Owyn this onsie. Ha! Love it.

Cartel Coffee Lab

Lately we've been visiting Dave favorite coffee shop. We used to go often and then we stopped for one reason or another. Its very delicious and they use organic goods and recycled cups.

Check out their website and go visit them! If you're cool enough.

Click Me!

Recent Etsy Finds

I just got these vintage stone sperry topsiders from Etsy. I can't wait till they arrive! I've been real into the rolled up jeans and loose tee's with cardigans lately and these will fit perfectly in with J Crew casual attire.

This is another item i recently purchased and it arrived yesterday.
Our friend are having a masquerade theme wedding this halloween (mine and Daves anniversary!) and i found this perfect dress. I can't wait to accessorize it up and wear an awesome mask with feathers. I can't decide if I want to make a mask or buy one. If anyone knows someone who makes masks or sells them let me know!

Here are some of my favorite vintage Esty shops I look at daily:

Dear Golden Vintage
Thirteen Bees Vintage
Nodtomod Vintage
Santoki Vintage
Brown bag Vintage
Finding Fabulous

Bon Iver

Recently Dave introduced me to Bon Iver and I am in love. (Everytime I asked who it was he responded, "Bon Iver. B-O-N-I-V-E-R. Two words". ha okay Dave)

When I listen to him I can close my eyes and imagine myself driving through the desert with Dave, the windows down and my feet up on the dashboard. I just can't decide where we are headed on my imaginary trip. Prescott or San Diego? Maybe if I keep listening Ill find out.

LOVE IT!

Dave just bought us tickets to see him Sept. 29! I can't wait!!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com