Expedient Momentum


No lists...
No New Years Resolutions...
No recap of 2010...

...just...
Expedient Momentum BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop

...Thursday's Thrifting Tips...

Today is the LAST day in my


Its been fun sharing these amazing tips with each of you. I appreciate all of the panelists taking time to offer their advice on thrifting.

Thrifting is personal. People my not shop second hand for the same reasons. Some people do it out of necessity, others do it for the "thrill of the hunt" and the "satisfaction of the find."
Why do you enjoying thrifting?
 The thrill of the hunt, of course! It literally gives me an adrenaline high when I spot something I know is a keeper in the midst of a lot of other "junk." It also gives me a lot of satisfaction when I am able to find an incredible deal and then come home and turn the piece into something beautiful with a little TLC.
 I think my enjoyment comes from the thrill of the hunt and the unknown! You just never know what you're going to find while thrifting. Thrifting has become a part of my life. If I see a Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.I must go in. Its just exciting!
 Its a creative outlet for me. It's also thrilling and challenging to see if you can find a piece you have in mind, and when you do, its like you struck gold or you're a young George Bailey wishing for a million dollars in "Its a Wonderful Life." - "HOT DOG!!!!. It's also a way now-a-days to still get a shopping "fix" without breaking the bank.
 Thrifting gives you an adjusted perspective on the things we live with. Now there are so many shiny magazines and websites offering all of these wares for mass consumption. But really, it is the unique and the rarity that we want to live with. Those things that can't be replicated or reproduced and sold on clearance shelves at the local homemart. As well there is the inspiration factor of the leg of a vintage piece of furniture or twist of a candle stick that can jump start the imagination.

BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktopSo, Why do you enjoy thrifting?

...WORK OVERLOAD...

My friends,

Its the end of the year and there is much to be done today for work. Tomorrow is the 30th. So excuse my absence today...Ill be back tomorrow.


Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Twitter:MrGWHunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com

...Mini Monday Makeover...

Today is the 26th day of
Its a Mini Makeover Monday
Ive painted furniture many times. Ive painted furniture for many years. Sometimes you just have one of those stubborn pieces. I painted this one.

As I sanded to add a second coat, it started looking like a skin disease, which in turn gave me the heebee geebees.

     
I finally beat procrastination and picked up a paint scrapper and started over.
                  

smooth as a baby's bum
I primed and primed well.
So it went from this...

to this

Im pleased...

Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Twitter:MrGWHunting

...Its a BIRTHDAY...

Today is Mr. Benjamin Bixby's birthday! He is two.

Because I am snowed in at my parents house and he is at the sitters back home, I cannot get pictures of Mr.B and ALL the things I bought him for his big day...

BUT ALL of these wonderful doggies and their owners wanted to stop by and wish Mr. B a happy B-DAY
 Laura and her mighty mighty dogs (not the guy...that's her husband...I think...lol)
Elizabeth can send me both Cole and the chair!!!
 I would love to have one of these on Christmas morning...Ally is one lucky lady.
Here's Alfie...Shanika's running partner..I could use one...
 Ms. Loretta and her "Diva Dog" Ms. Chichi!
 DeeAnna and The Mighty Casey must have known it was picture day, don't they look amazing!

Abbe is all snuggled up...with good company...
 I wonder what Conner is looking at...maybe he is waiting on Meg...
 Two is always better than one. Magnum and Freckless...thanks Wanda!!
 Now what is cuter than Courtney and Higgins....NOTHING!
Wait a minute Tia...is Bodie driving...if so I'm going to need him to wear his safety belt...lol



Mr.B & Mr.GWH enjoyed having all of you!
Thanks guys!!!

...Merry Holidays....

...Thursday's Thrifting Tips...

Today is day the 22nd of...



Today is Thursday's Thrifting Tips,
What items would you NEVER buy 2nd hand (from Salvation Army, Goodwill, 2nd hand, Craigslist, etc).
I will never buy a bed, pillows or a toilet. Anything that will give me cooties, I wont buy...lol

 I'd have to say I'd never buy through thrifting or on Craigslist: undergarments, bathing suits, appliances... and probably now mattresses.
I don't have restrictions as to second-hand purchases. However, I do believe that if you invite a second-hand piece into your home, you must make sure it is clean. With upholstery, this is extremely difficult, but if the lines of the piece are extraordinary and unique it is well worth the time and effort to have it reupholstered.

There's actually very little, in terms of décor and furnishings, that I wouldn't buy.  I'm not opposed to buying upholstery second-hand as long as it's fairly new and in good condition.  (I rarely want to pay the price to get things recovered.)  I guess I do draw the line at mattresses, though.


What about you?

Mr. Goodwill Hunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com

...WOW Wednesday...

Today is the 21st day of
 Its WOW Wednesday with Mr. Goodwill Hunting...

For those who wished you would have decorated your home for Christmas, but didn't AND think you don't have time, you will be pleased to know that in just one day AND for $250 or less you can do this...
Now you know I appreciate a good bargain. Brian Flynn, completed his entire home for under $250 and only in one day. Thanks Brain for allowing me to do this budget friendly Christmas piece. For more information click here.


What do you think?


Mr. Goodwill Hunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com

...WE INTERRUPT...

Well "I" as in "me" interrupt the regularly scheduled Thirty Days of Thrifting to let you know Mr.Benjamin, my dog, will be turning 2 on Sunday!!!!! He is really a good doggie. Sneaky..but a great dog. To celebrate I want to feature as many bloggers and non bloggers alike and their dogs.

So, do you have a picture with you and your dog together...Mr.Benjamin and I would like to meet all of you guys. I will be featuring as many doggies and their owners on, Sunday December 26th. Will you send me your pictures?



You can email them to mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com
OR Tweet them to me on my Twitter: MrGWHunting

...Mini Monday Makeover...

Today is day 19 of
 Today is Mini Monday Makeover

I enjoy receiving emails from readers, followers and total strangers about how they are inspired to thrift, finding unique items to help make their lives better.

A few weeks ago someone started following me on twitter. Enjoying my tweets and finds so much she decided to drop by her local thrift store and I'm so glad she did. Take a look at her before and after, then hope over to her blog http://attentiontodetaildesign.blogspot.com to see more. BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop
Thanks Morgan.

What do you think?

Mr. Goodwill Hunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com

...Save Me Sundays...Craigslist

Today is day 18 of...

Today Is Save Me Sundays.

I want to discuss briefly the virtual version of thrifting...craigslist. I have bought and sold on craigslist for close to 10 years. Craigslist can lead to fun discoveries and even dangerous encounters. I want to share 5 tips for selling and buying on "da List." (there are so many more and I hope you will share as well).


1. SAFETY:
Seller: Whether man or woman, dont show an item alone, if you can help it. If its a small item agree to
                 meet in a high traffic area...Wal-Mart, McDonalds Ikea. Do all you can to show the item outside
                 and not in your home. People may seem unassuming, but dont assume.
Buyer: Dont show up alone. This is a stranger's house you are visiting. For all you know they are satantic
               worshippers. Ask to meet in a well lit area, local Quickie Mart, library, police station.
2. PRICE:
As a seller you want to make sure your items are priced right the first time. It is akin to selling a house, kinda.  If you dont get a response within a day of your listing...you are priced too high and you may think you item is worth more than it is. Ive seen the same set of dining chairs for $600 listed for the past two years (quite a few actually). Research and price accordingly.

As a buyer, know how much an item costs at retail and perhaps on sale. I remember this guy listing a Ballard tufted chair for $800. I went to the Ballard website to compare pricing and the chair was actually $699. A seller wants to make a small profit and you want to spend a small amount...do your research.

3. PHOTOS:
Seller: No one looks for items without photos. If you do have photos make them clear, featuring the item. Worst thing is to post an ad for a sofa and you are showing the inside of a shower stall, or you are selling a bedroom set and your baby is propped up on it. You may think your baby is cute...others may not.

Buyer: If there is no photo I would pass on by. If you are using key words and the there is no photo ask for one. If the reply, "I have no camera, but you can set an appointment to see it.", go at your own risk...you've been warned.

4. DETAILSSeller: "Wont last long!" means you ad is expected to grow roots on craigslist.

            "I paid $10,000 for it a minute ago, but I will sell it to you for the LOW LOW price of $19.99!" 
            Sounds like someone made a bad investment.

             Don't reply to a potential buyer saying, "People have been blowing my email up ALL day! If you
             want it, you better come now." Urgency doesnt always work.

             A woman texted me saying "Do you want this or not. Ive got people waiting to buy."
             I replied..."SELL IT!" The item is still on craigslist to this day.

Buyer: Pay attention to what is listed in the ad. Four chairs for $100 doesn't not mean 4 for $1. Its $25 per chair not $25 for all chairs.  If the seller says $80 firm...offer $60 in the email and let them reply. Don't show up with $60 when it says $80. You might be short. ( I say email because if you get there and they try to pull a quick one over you you have some proof that that they accepted a lower price)

4. FREQUENCY:

Seller: If your item is priced right it will sell fast. I sold my recently purchase of a dining set in a day. I paid $200 sold for $250 (had to comp for the truck I rented). I broke even.

Buyer: Good items go fast...like hours fast...sometimes minutes fast. Check da List every chance you get.


What do you suggest for buying a selling on da List?


Mr. Goodwill Hunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com

...Sleepy Saturdays...

 Today is day 17 of

Today is Sleepy Saturdays.

Its no wonder I cant get posting up on the blog...


Mr. Goodwill Hunting
mr.goodwillhunting@gmail.com

...Just in Case & the Winner...

Today is Freestyle Friday on the 16th day of


http://www.random.org/ selected number 16 as the winner of The Find, by Stan Williams. Comment 16 was submitted by Julio.

Congratulations Julio, please contact me via email with your shipping information.


Because we have been saving so much all year long by thrifting, here are a few items I'd like for the Holidays, that probably aren't in thrift stores. Just in case you were looking to buy me a gift...ya know...a surprise gift.

 TOP 10 GIFTS FOR MR. GWH

 The Pendleton Weekender by Urban Outfitter (currently sold out...but I know a place)
Velvet Bowtie

Capacious Hungry Gold Bowl Gold

Black and White saddle shoes by Band of Outsiders

 iPad
Dexter Broadcloth shirt, by Ralph Lauren-Purple Label

 Campaign Trays by William Sonoma Home
 Macbook Air, in black
 Shopping Excursion to Paul Stewart's Phineas Cole line.


Two vintage pattern so that I can get custom suits made.


Anybody in the giving spirit?

Mr. Goodwill Hunting


INFLUENCER

PERSONAL FAVORITES