Ready for Prom?

April 7, 2010

Spring is in the air and along with that means that it’s also Prom season. This is everyone’s big chance to make that one lasting memory of his or her high school. It is a extraordinary time with friends or that special someone. Prom is a memory that can last a lifetime.

But there is so much to do to get ready for it. My advice is to start thinking ahead as early as possible. Make a checklist and cross off the things as they get accomplished. These can include getting tickets, limo service, dress or tux, and hair appointments among other things. Never fear, however, because there are people here to help you.

The Patriot news posted a blog yesterday about how to help get ready for Prom and some advice. Check it out here. http://blog.pennlive.com/life/2010/04/post_5.html

Here at Goodwill we want to also help you out. In the next few days and weeks we will post all kinds of tips and ideas to help you out. You can also find all kinds of dresses and accessories at affordable prices for Prom at your local Goodwill. Check back for all that info to come soon.

Make your Prom a memory that will last a lifetime!

red_prom_pottstown — One of many prom fashions at Goodwill!

Goodwill Runway Show

April 6, 2010

I missed the Goodwill Runway Show last year because I was away on vacation. But I’m definitely making sure that I’m in town this year. I heard it was phenomenal!

A few friends of mine went and told me there were delicious hors d’oeuvres from restaurants in Berks County and a silent auction filled with designer purses, gift baskets and jewelry. Then the pièce de résistance : the trendy Goodwill Runway Show that featured more than 100 outfits! After the show, they opened a boutique where you could buy Goodwill clothing AND the outfits fresh off the runway! Here are a few pictures that my friend sent of models on the runway:

Pretty cool, huh? All the clothing in the show came from Goodwill Stores! There were outfits “off the rack” and some that Berks County designer, Susan Golembiski re-fashioned. I absolutely love fashion and that I can find it at Goodwill for a good price!

The 2010 show is on September 9. Don’t miss it!

Designer labels are here!

March 25, 2010

Designer labels are all the rage today in fashion. Designer label prices are not. They cost so much for a name, but Goodwill has them all. And at discount prices.

There was a recent article from the NY Times showing that many designer labels are showing up at many Goodwill stores across the country. Shoppers are coming out to Goodwill now because it is shedding the image of carrying only old clothes. It’s now perceived as a high-end second-hand shop. What could be better than that?

Well… you asked, and now I’ll tell you. What’s better than discount brand names? Knowing that money raised from sales funds people with disabilities find and keep jobs.

Interested in the article from the NY Times? Check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/fashion/11goodwill.html?_r=2

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I Love Spring Cleaning!

March 19, 2010

As the snow melts and the kids are antsy to get outside and run around, I realize that is time for my favorite clean-up of the season. Spring cleaning is almost here!! All that clutter from the winter has got to go. But some might ask, “where do I start?”

The best idea is to tackle the most chaotic areas first. This will help make some room for stuff that is worth saving. Make sure you have different bins set up. Have one for trash and one for donations. This accomplishes your first step.

Make sure you get rid of these bins as soon as they are filled. I remember one time I did the first step and forgot to get rid of it. Whew, I had clutter cluttered with clutter. Say that 5 times fast.

Bring the stuff to donate, like unwanted kitchen items, clothes, or coats from past seasons to your local Goodwill to get your tax deductible receipt. Make this spring cleaning worth your time. While there, make sure you check out their deals for the spring. The bargains thrift stores have in the spring is the best with all the newly donated stuff that comes in. Remember a great bargain is just around the corner!

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Classic Games Come Back

March 17, 2010

Remember all those games that we used to play when while we were growing up? I remember being outside all day with my pals playing everything from kick the can to jacks to 4-square. I miss those days. Let’s make a goal this spring to get our children outside again. It is time for these classic games to make a comeback. The classics come back all the time. Look at throwback jerseys in professional sports to classic music being popular on the concert scene. Classic games can comeback too.

I have collected many of these games from my childhood. I found jacks, marbles and jump ropes to name a few. You know where I found these: my local Goodwill. Just check it out for yourself and see if you can find these classic items to introduce to a new generation and get them back outside this spring.

At the very least it’s worth getting them a bike or a scooter. It may take some searching but they can be found. My two children are going to see what it’s like to spend more time outside and less time in front of the TV and video games. These classic games can help. Hunting for them at Goodwill was fun for me. Seeing the children’s enjoyment to experience these classic games was even better.

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This Spring means Scarves and Cardigans

March 11, 2010

Can you believe it?! Spring is almost here! This is my favorite season of the year. Why, you ask? Because, I can finally start letting my feet breathe by trading out the boots for sandals. Because, I don’t have to wear a sweater and coat on top of my stylish shirt. Because even though I love hats, I am ready to let my hair flow freely. It’s time to go and update my closet for the new season.

Every year we see fashion change. I wanted to clue you in to some of the new fashion for this season. First are capris or hemmed pants. You can even hem your own pants.

Next try some scarves that are lightweight fabrics, which are all the rage this spring. It is the chic way to accessorize. It will also be a nice change from the thick scarves of winter.

And last, to help with the transition of seasons, cardigans may be your best friends. These sweaters are not only fashionable but helpful as the weather starts to warm up. You can even try to knit one yourself!

For more fashionable spring ideas you can check out this helpful website:

http://diyfashion.about.com/od/diyfashion101/tp/2010_Spring_Fashion.htm

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Decorate your home with local thrift store finds

March 5, 2010

No one ever said redecorating your home had to be hard. You know what YOU like. Make your home the way that you want it to be. Check out these pictures. Rooms just like these can be fashioned with items from your local Goodwill.

It is so simple. Just go in with an idea in mind and see what you can find. You may be surprised at all the decorating options that are available at thrift stores. Here are some easy tips that you can follow.

Have some measurements of your walls, windows, doors, etc. that you can go in with to make sure the items you find will fit your vision of your room properly.
Have a design layout in mind and you will be a shopper on a mission. Your room will not know what hit it.
Make sure you inspect all the items you find at the store just to make sure they are in the acceptable condition that you and your room deserve. All in all, have fun and enjoy the excitement of adding some flare to your décor!

Remember, stay trendy.

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The Bon-Ton Goodwill Sale

March 3, 2010

I’m getting ready for The Bon-Ton Goodwill Sale! Are you? I’ve done some spring cleaning and I’m donating the clothing my kids’ have outgrown.

From March 10 – 24, drop off clean, gently-used clothing and household materials at participating Bon-Ton stores or at participating Goodwill donation centers to save on purchases!

You will receive a coupon for every item donated worth 20 percent off on apparel, shoes and accessories merchandise and 15 percent off on cosmetics, fragrances and home store merchandise. Certain items, including electronics and toys, qualify for a 10 percent discount.

And don’t forget, if you take your donations on the first day of the sale only, March 10, you’ll receive two coupons for each item you donate!

For more information, visit www.millionactsofgoodwill.com.

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The Happy Hunter

February 26, 2010

If you are like me, then you love rare and collectible items. It is my passion in life to collect and own, for my enjoyment, all kinds of things from classic comic books to fascinating looking clocks to vintage figurines. I have spent many years all over the world searching for these rare, valuable, and sometimes weirdly cool artifacts. In all my travels I learned that all the items that I have ever wanted to find are right here at my local Goodwill stores.

I just walk in to my local store, take a look around, and let my imagination run free as the hunt begins for collectibles and treasure. I live by the mantra that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

In upcoming posts, I would like to share stories of some of my great finds and point you in the right direction to start your own treasure-collecting journey. To help you, be sure to check out www.shopgoodwill.com for online sales of interesting and collectible items. Think of it as eBay for extraordinary shoppers and collectors. Until then, happy hunting.

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Green is the new chic

February 23, 2010

A great way to reduce your carbon footprint is going green with your shopping habits. Instead of always buying new merchandise, try shopping at your local thrift store. I’ve found name-brand sweaters, suits, dresses and pants from Goodwill, all with the tags on. You can, too!

Check out this article by Karla Zens from The Huffington Post. She goes in depth about how green shopping not only benefits the environment, but you too! Be green, be chic.