Thrifted Thursday - Vlog

Eeeep! My first ever vlog. Please excuse my nervousness....and the fact that the audio doesn't match up :-/ I had never used Imovie before. The movie was going great until about 15 seconds in. Do you know how to fix it? Or how to prevent that from happening? I am a total movie newb. I tried detaching the audio, exporting and reimporting it, nothing worked.

Anywho, the video is just a quick overview of some of my thrifted finds from Monday's super sales. I need to brush up on my movie making skills before I attempt making another one of these, haha. It was fun though.

Hope you are having a wonderful Thursday!!

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** Have you entered my awesome Hello Wallflower giveaway? Don't worry, you still have time! The giveaway ends June 8th, so don't miss out. Good Luck!! **

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*** Also, you haven't done so already, please enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! The giveaway ends tomorrow. ***

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Wardrobe Wednesday - Blue & gold

Monday I caved and went thrifting. How could I say no to the 50% off sales for the holiday? I hit up 6 stores - yikes! At least my mom and I made a fun day out of it. We started off the day going out to breakfast, went to three shops, had lunch at the cutest diner ever - the food was brought out to you on a train!, three more shops, and then we grilled out and made s'mores :]



This dress is perfect! Especially with it's $2.50 price tag - thank you Salvation Army!! It makes me think of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I really need to invest in some ruby slippers...or flats. I love finding pieces that are your size and no stains, haha, wahoo!! The dress has such a fun and retro feel to it.



Also - I can twirl in it for days :]
Wouldn't this dress be perfect to wear on a picnic?

Outfit Details: Dress - Thrifted, Issac Mazarahi for Target | Bag - thrifted | Sandals - Unisa | Necklace - thrifted | Bracelet - thrifted.

Anywho - I posted last night that I was on my way to Rhode Island, but that ended up not happening as planned (I had set the post for 6p.m. the night before but forgot to adjust it). We left this morning instead. I received a call for a freelance project and had to postpone the trip a day to meet with the client. I am excited for some new work - and the trip. So officially - I am on the road :]

I have a fun surprise for tomorrow - so be on the look out ;]

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** Have you entered my awesome Hello Wallflower giveaway? Don't worry, you still have time! The giveaway ends June 8th, so don't miss out. Good Luck!! **

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*** Also, you haven't done so already, please enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! The giveaway ends this Friday. ***

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East Coast Bound

SURPRISE - I am driving to Rhode Island as we speak!
I am just a surprised as you all. My dad called me out of the blue Saturday night to see if I wanted to go to Rhode Island this week, and well... we are on our way and should be there early Wednesday morning. My dad and I are currently in the process of finding jobs so we figured we should take advantage of the last bit of free time we might have for awhile. My grandpa hasn't been feeling well so it will be good to see him and the rest of the family. You have to make most of the time you are given with loved ones and I am so thankful to be able to make this trip :]

Vacation Plans:
1. See as many family members and friends as possible.
2. Go to the beach - multiple times. I swear - Narragansett beach is the prettiest beach I have ever been to.
3. Maybe get teeny tan - gasp!
4. Eat clam cakes until I pop.
5. Followed by an Awful Awful from Newport Creamery.
6. Lobster(?)
7. Enjoy the scenery and take as many photos as possible.

I am beyond excited. I only lived in Rhode Island until I was 7, but it has always felt like home to me. It helps that my entire extended family (practically - we will also be headed to Connecticut on this trip) lives there, but I swear it is one of the prettiest places on the planet. The beautiful beaches, rolling hills, cute fishermen towns *sighhh. I really need to end up on the East Coast one day. If you ever get a chance - head to the smallest State in the U.S.!

If you want to follow my adventure feel free to follow me on Instagram. I will probably be updating that more frequently than the blog. I am not sure what my internet status will be at my grandma's.

I miss you all already. I will post as soon as possible :]

P.S. I guest posted on The Charley Girl's blog, please check it out if you have the time. I was so excited to have the opportunity to guest post for her while she is away at Sasquatch.

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** Have you entered my awesome Hello Wallflower giveaway? Don't worry, you still have time! The giveaway ends June 8th, so don't miss out. Good Luck!! **

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*** Also, you haven't done so already, please enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! The giveaway ends this Friday. ***

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Giveaway - Hello Wallflower.

Hi all, and happy Monday to you (happy Memorial day to all of my American readers :] )! Hope you had a lovely and relaxing weekend. Let me help brighten your day with a wonderful giveaway from Hello Wallflower.



My sweet sponsor Carli, of the Sweet Dreams blog and co-owner of Hello Wallflower, would like to giveaway two beautiful pairs or earrings (photographed above) from her shop. "The Hello Wallflower shop is a shared dream between best friends who love to create. The name Hello Wallflower was inspired by those who go unnoticed but are worth being noticed." Get noticed today by winning the two beautiful pairs of earrings listed above, or by purchasing some of their lovely earrings and bow headbands. While looking through their shop I instantly fell in love with the wide variety of bold patterns, colors, and floral shapes :]

>> About the giveaway
Hello Wallflower is giving away a pair of the Peach Chrysanthemums and Navajo Fabric Covered earrings (my personal faves!) to one lucky ShyScout reader.

>> Mandatory Entry
You must be a follower of ShyScout to enter this giveaway (please let me know how you follow ShyScout in the comment below - either by gfc or BlogLovin'). Be sure to also check out Hello Wallflower's shop and leave a comment letting me know which item is your personal favorite :] Additionally, please list your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

>> Bonus Entries (please leave a separate comment below for each additional entry)
1. 'Like" Hello Wallflower on Facebook.
2. Follow Carli's blog at Sweet Dreams.
3. Follow Sweet Dreams on BlogLovin'.

In addition to this awesome giveaway Hello Wallflower is offering a 10% discount to all ShyScout readers!! Simply use the coupon code: SHYSCOUT10 at checkout :]

This giveaway will close Friday, June 8th at midnight. The lucky winner will then be chosen at random and contacted shortly there after. Best of luck to you all!

P.S.
Also - I am guest posting on The Charley Girl's blog today. Head over and check it out :]

To vlog...

or not to blog? That is the question.

I have seen other bloggers make 'vlogs' in the past and I thought they looked sort of fun. I like watching other bloggers videos because you are able to actually hear their voice and better understand their personality, which may not come through in a traditional blog post. With that being said, I thought I might give it a go...

Do any of you have questions for me? I thought it may be fun answering some questions in a vlog. Or if you have some fun vlog topics please let me know! I would love to hear them :]

P.S.
ModCloth is having an awesome grab bag giveaway today. Spend $125 dollars and receive a grab bag worth $50 of products for free :]



*** If you haven't done so already, please enter my $50 gift card giveaway to Shabby apple! The giveaway ends June 1st. Good luck! ***

Thrifted Thursdays - Feelin' Groovy

I have been good this past month (or bad, depending on how you'd like to view it) not visiting thrift stores every week. I am in the process of getting things together to donate so that I can make more room in my life. I didn't want to abandon Thrifted Thursdays, however, so I thought it would be fun to showcase some "groovy finds" *insert Simon and Garfunkel's Feelin' Groovy song here* from past thrifting excursions.



I picked up these silly bookshelf ends about a month ago. He was half off so I couldn't resist scooping him up for $2.50. I think it would look charming in a kids room or just in my future kooky house. His goofy grin and flowers won me over.



This is the oldest item (of mine) in this lot of items. This jewelry case was one of my first thrifted treasures in the beginning of college. I was drawn to the vibrant and retro patterned covering. I would have to say finding this piece really peaked my interest in thrifting.



This pretty crochet inspired vest was scooped up at 90 cents!! I haven't worn it out just yet, but am pretty excited to style it. It came without any creepy stains - that in itself is a major thrifting score :]



This may be one of my all time favorite thrifts. A 1970's Zonk the Donk Oxfam cut out by Belinda Lyon! How groovy is that Donky?? Part of me wants so badly to cut it out and sew it all together, but the other part of me doesn't want to damage it and preserve it. What would you do?

Hope you all are having a beautiful Thursday!

*** If you haven't done so already, please enter my $50 gift card giveaway to Shabby apple! The giveaway ends June 1st. Good luck! ***

Wardrobe Wednesdays - Lake Coral

Yesterday it was absolutely gorgeous in my neck of the woods. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and my flowers and veggies were starting to sprout! While I spent the majority of the day working on projects (I made a pretty cool tshirt design for a friend!), I took some time to enjoy the weather as the sun began to set.



I had my brother tag along and play photographer. I think he did a pretty awesome job! Sure beats using the tripod in the backyard. Tomorrow (today I suppose - I write my posts a day ahead of time) we want to head back and take some more head shots for him to take to auditions. I also plan to wake up at the crack of dawn to get my fitness on and bike a few miles *wish me luck!



My brother got the lead this summer in Footloose at the theatre he is working for. I am pretty darn excited about it. Surprisingly I have never seen the movie...yikes! I should probably change that before I see his version. Any Footloose fans out there?



Outfit Details: Dress - Dorothy Perkins | Bag - Kohls | Sandals - Forever 21 | Bracelet - thrifted | Ring - thrifted | Necklace - Forever 21.

Serious question: How old is too old for pig tails? I feel like so long as they aren't above your ears it is socially acceptable? Maybe not... I am in desperate need for new hair styling tips. I don't think my hair has been this long since 4th grade. I haven't cut it in nearly two years! Anywho, hope you all are having a wonderful day :]

*** If you haven't done so already, please enter my $50 gift card giveaway to Shabby apple! The giveaway ends June 1st. Good luck! ***

Toy Army Tuesday - Domo-Kun

Another installment of Toy Army Tuesday here. Today I thought I would tell you a little about Domo-Kun (aka Domo here in the states) and show off my mini collection in the process. I remember first seeing Domo-Kun online in high school. His odd shape and strange expression initially caught my eye.

For those of you unfamiliar with Domo-Kun he is the official mascot of Japan's NHK television station. Cute mascot huh? Domo-Kun was created in 1999 to promote NHK’s satellite broadcast service. Domo-Kun is a monster who hatched from an egg and lives in a rabbit hole with a wise old rabbit and REALLY likes T.V. You can view a compilation of all the stop motion Domo-Kun vignettes HERE.



My collection consists of a large and small Domo-Kun plush (the small one unfortunately has yet to be unpacked) and a set of slurpee straws from the 2009 7/11 promotion. The straws just may be my favorite Domo-Kun items I own. They had come out in the fall of 2009 but I was oblivious to the 7/11 promotion. In January I found a photo of one of the straws online and made it my mission to find one. I went to about 6 different 7/11's all over the area to track them down but every single one was sold out since the promotion had ended months before. At the 6th store, however, I found a huge pile of them on super sale and snatched them all up. I think the best part of collecting is hunting down the items you want.

I did see Domo-Kun products all over Japan while I was there but didn't purchase any. It is fairly easy to find him here in the states - Target for example has his plushes out and about for just about every holiday. The halloween and Valentines day ones were pretty darn cute. Do you own and Domo-Kun items?

Have a beautiful day everyone!
If you haven't done so already, please enter my $50 gift card giveaway to Shabby apple! It ends June 1st.

Giveaway: $50 Shabby Apple Gift card

Hello lovelies! I am beyond excited to start out this week by announcing today's giveaway courtesy of
Shabby Apple. Shabby Apple is an adorable online boutique full of beautiful vintage-inspired clothing. I am currently in love with their newest lines "Twin Palms" and "Stardust Inn", which include timeless dresses and swimsuits perfect for this summer season.



In addition to the gift card giveaway Shabby Apple is offering a 10% discount to all of my readers so that everyone ends up a winner - yay! Simply use coupon code: shyscout10off at checkout.

>> About the giveaway
Shabby Apple is offering a $50 gift card to one of ShyScout's lucky readers. Use the gift card to purchase any of the boutique's beautiful items! * Please note: This contest is open to U.S. residents only! The 10% off discount code, however, works for all ShyScout readers across the globe.

>> Mandatory Entry
'Like' Shabby Apple on Facebook. Also be sure to check out the Shabby Apple website and let me know which item is your favorite! Once you do both of these things please leave me a comment below with your email address so that I can contact you if you win :]

>> Bonus Entries (please leave a separate comment below for each additional entry)
1. Follow ShyScout on Google Friend Connect ( < on the left side bar).
2. Follow ShyScout on BlogLovin'.
3. 'Like' ShyScout on Facebook.

This giveaway will close Friday, June 1st at midnight. The lucky winner will then be chosen at random and contacted shortly there after. Best of luck to all of you!

Life Lately

Hi guys! I hope you all are having a beautiful weekend. Mine has been pretty relaxing. I have been having way too much fun with instagram lately so I thought I would share what I have been up to.



1 - 2. I have been getting my gardening on! Monday night I set up my garden plot with beets, peas, green beans, green and yellow squash, two types of basil, and some flowers. The roses surrounding my house are also in bloom at the moment - the orange roses are my personal faves.

3 - 4. Friday my dad and I drove on over to Arlington Heights to try out the vegetarian food at Chowpatti. All I have to say is YUM!!! I chose to get a veggie burger and fries. I really liked this veggie burger because it was all vegetable and no soy or tempeh.

5 - 6. My little lovies! I found the toad in my garden this morning hanging out in the shade. The cutie on the chair is my one and only sweetpea. Isn't she just the cutest little thing?

I also went to a fundraiser yesterday to help raise money for a family friends relay for life fund. Today I am working on unpacking, cleaning, and fixing up my bike so I can start my new workout routine - can't wait to get that started. The weather has been beautiful and life is good. I am also happy to announce that this week I will be hosting a fantabulous giveaway - I honestly wish I could win it myself, so please be on the lookout!

Have a wonderful day everyone :]

Thrifted Thursday - Doll collection

As you all know I have a weakness when it comes to collecting dolls. The stranger they are the better in my book. I definitely don't need them, but when they come with a thrift store price tag I can't say no. Is there anything you can't turn down when thrifting? Anywho, over the past month or so I have added three more
gems to my collection...



This cute doll was a carnival prize from the 50's. I instantly fell in love with his big eyes, bow tie, and goofy plaid hat. I found him while thrifting on this excursion but turned him down due to his price tag. I went back about a month later and his price was reduced - on top of that I had a coupon worth $20 at the store so he ended up being free :] That is what I call a deal.

The other weekend when I purchased my cute plaid coat I also found two dolls calling my name.



I had seen these dolls before in various outfits on thrifting excursions but they usually were slightly out of my price range (I don't like to spend more than $10 on an item typically while thrifting). I had to have these two when I saw their $3 price tags. I have a problem, haha, I know. Do any of you have dolls like these in your collection?

I really need to work on giving stuff away rather than taking more stuff in. This weekend I hope to sift through all of my things so that I can throw a garage sale the following weekend. Wish me luck! I hope you all are having a beautiful Thursday! Any exciting plans for the weekend?

Wardrobe Wednesday - Horsin' around

My dresses from Dorothy Perkins arrived already! I must say - I am in love with all of the dresses I bought. I can't wait to wear them out and about this summer. The only thing I wish was that they were all a smidge bit longer. I am a bit conservative when it comes to showing off my legs. It will be less of an issue once autumn arrives and I can wear thick tights...but until then slips will have to be used to add some length. How do you guys work with shorter dresses to make them feel more comfortable on you?



I love the peter pan collar, horse print, and buttons. I wish the camera would have picked up on the details better. Oh well, it happens when you use a tripod? All of my neighbors decided to hang out in their backyards yesterday so I had to keep ducking in and out the back to take photos.



Outfit Details: Dress and belt - Dorothy Perkins | Bag - China | Heels - Doll House | Bracelet - gift from Egypt (probably should have taken more shots of it - they are multi colored stone scarabs).

Eeep - I am in desperate need of a hair cut and color, and maybe a tan. ANYWHO...I set up my garden shortly after these photos were taken - not in this outfit of course! I am pretty excited for things to start sprouting. I am growing green and yellow squash, beets, green beans, peas, basil, various flowers, aaand I am still deciding what else to put in the patch. My mom is growing tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers. I am so excited for all the fresh veggies! Have you set up a garden? Ughhh. I also need to start the never ending process of unpacking now. Wahoo... Hopefully I can get together enough stuff to throw a garage sale shortly.

Have a beautiful day!

Toy Army Tuesday - Blythe

As many of you know I am a Blythe fanatic and collector. However, I have never shared their back story or my trip to the Junie Moon store on here... so I thought it was about time.

Blythe dolls were sold for only a year in 1972 by their manufacturer Kenner. Their large eyes and big heads made them unpopular and scary to children. Kenner quickly pulled them off the shelves. It wasn't until Gina Garan rediscovered and photographed them that they became popular. A friend of Gina's described one of the scary eyed dolls selling on Ebay - Gina fell in love and started collecting them - at one point she had over 200 original Blythes. She later introduced Blythe's to her agent in Japan. The toy company Takara soon began remanufacturing new versions of Blythe dolls and their popularity has grown ever since. Today an original 1972 Blythe doll can easily sell for over $1000. For more of their back story please check out This is Blythe.



Junie Moon (photographed while on my trip in Japan - above ^) is the official Blythe store of Japan. While many stores may carry them, Junie Moon sells only Blythe products. They sell the dolls, their clothing and accessories, stationery, apparel, and more. Needless to say I was in heaven. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to photograph inside. The only thing I could justify spending money on was some stickers - everything else was priced way too high. For example - a pair of Blythe sunglasses (for your doll) cost $23 dollars - yikes! It sure was fun though giddly oogling over all their products.

I wish I could have taken them all home with me. I did manage to buy a Blythe on my trip to Japan at a Manadrake shop in Nakano which I wrote about in my last Toy Army Tuesday post. I thought it was about time to show her and her sister off...



Introducing: Ume (meaning Japanses plum). I finally settled on her name today, so I thought it was fitting to show her and Penelope off. I wanted a name that referenced where she came from. Yep. I am a crazy Blythe lady. I need hit up some thrift stores this weekend and find them some new clothes to wear.

Do you have a Blythe collection of your own? I would love to check it out! Have a beautiful day everyone :]

Mini weekend update

Hey guys! I am skipping Most Wanted Mondays today due to a wicked head cold I picked up on Saturday. Since Saturday I have been slowly fighting off the cold and unfortunately do not have much energy or desire to do too much. This weekend was still fun. Many of my friends and boyfriend graduated - congrats guys! Also many of us moved out of our places for good. It is strange leaving a place I had lived for four and a half years, however, I am excited for a new adventures.

Friday I packed up the rest of my apartment and helped my boyfriend move out of his. Later that night a bunch of our friends enjoyed a bonfire. Saturday morning I moved out and later that afternoon was Brian's graduation. Afterward we had dinner with his family and I said goodbye to the town for good. Yesterday was Mother's Day and I took my mom out for lunch and to see Dark Shadows with our man Johnny - he was looking good even as a vampire.

Image source: Warner Bro's.
I really liked the movie. I mean - c'mon - Johnny is fantastic, dreamy, and it was set in the 70's so the film had awesome tunes. A win - win for me. Later this afternoon I am going to help my mom set up her garden. I hope some fresh air and sunshine will kick this cold's bum. Anywho, hope you all are having a wonderful Monday!

Recent loot

In yesterday's Wardrobe Wednesday I showed off a new pair of Betsey Johnson earrings and Mac lipstick I had won in a fabulous giveaway from Jess Buckley's blog. I received the package early Monday morning and I was beyond ecstatic to open it. Inside was the sweetest note and a never ending supply of goodies. To top it all off she said I could pick a piece of her artwork :] Wowza. I am so thankful to have won and that is why I felt the need to show it off. Thank you so much Jess!! I haven't tried any of these products before and I am so excited to have the opportunity to test them out. *Does a happy dance.



I know Thursdays on my blog are typically devoted to my thrifted finds, but with all my things packed up in boxes I was unable to shoot any of my recent thrifted treasures. I did however go on a wee bit of a shopping spree this week. I had saved my birthday money hoping for a wicked sale to buy some new dresses and I finally found one on Dorothy Perkins' website. I had been cruising blogs and one of my blogger friends had a cute dress on from Dorothy Perkins. I checked the site out and fell in love. Cute clothes that I could afford. Wahoo! I won't be buying anything else for AWHILE - but hey, it was my birthday money so I don't feel as guilty. I can't wait to style them all.

1. Cream and Coral Mesh Dress | 2. Black bow neck detail dress
3. Navy horse print tunic | 4. Cream heart belted dess

I am off to finish up packing. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Have you won a giveaway recently or bought anything wonderful?

Wardrobe Wednesdays - Beige & brown

The majority of my things have been packed up and carted off for the move, meaning my closet at the apartment is pretty slim pickings. I am alright with that though because it forces me to try new things with pieces I may have only worn once or twice. This cream dress is one that I have only worn on one other occasion - basically because I never know what to wear with it. Thankfully I still had my moms brown boots and took it from from there. My boyfriend was also kind enough to take these photos for me :]



Like my new Betsey Johnson earrings? I won them in an incredible giveaway from Jess Buckley's blog. I am also wearing the MAC lipstick from the giveaway. I will have to show off the rest of the goods tomorrow.



I also tried adding some braids in my hair. I like the look but I only had 4 bobby pins to work with - oh the joys of moving. I wore this look out to dinner with Brian last night to celebrate his last class! He graduates on Saturday.

Outfit Details: Dress - Kimichi Blue, Urban Outfitters | Tights - Target | Boots - Thrifted/moms | Bag - thrifted | Earrings - Betsey Johnson via Jess Buckley | Bracelet - gift from my gramma.

Hope you all are having a great day!