Friday, May 31, 2013

The Denim Shirt. A classic and comfortable trend.


The denim shirt is trending again this summer.  This classic button down shirt gives you a polished, but comfortable look and is very versatile.  
You can find these shirts on the runway and being worn by today’s celebrities.

 
2013 Runway



This top can be worn throughout the week.
Running Errands
 
Business Casual
 

 
Splurge and Save:
Splurge on a pair of patterned or bright colored pants which are a hot item this summer.

Save by matching them with a thrift store shirt. 





Guys! You look great in denim too!






Here are denim shirts found at the Kalamazoo Alcott Retail Outlet this week.
.
Shopping tips for denim shirts:
  • Visit the dress and suit area for pieces that you can separate. 
  • Check the men's department for the boyfriend look.
  • Look for a larger size for layering.
Visit our board "Summer Denim" on Pinterest:
Happy Treasure Hunting!
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, May 30, 2013


Blain, our Treasure Chest Department Coordinator and antique aficionado, shares a little of his knowledge about candy dishes…

Candy dishes come in three styles.

The lidded style is the most common and what usually comes to mind when you think of a candy dish.



A bon bon style is a small, flat, decorative dish.  This style is also commonly referred to as a decorative dish.



The compote is a candy dish that is raised in the air by a pedestal or it is footed.


Candy dishes have been made by a wide variety of companies over the years, many are made by glass companies such as Fenton, Imperial and Viking.


Friday, May 24, 2013

Sweet on Candy Dishes

Do you have sweet memories of a candy dish at your parents or grandparents home? It's funny how that little sparkling, shiny dish can fill us with warm thoughts of the past.  Butterscotches, ribbon candies, orange circus peanuts, and homemade fudge are a few remembered favorites.
                                                                  http://cozydelicious.com/2012/03/01/easy-dark-chocolate-fudge/

We asked for a few candy dish memories and thoughts from employees at Goodwill:









Don't have a sweet tooth? Here a some great ideas to use and display candy dishes minus the candy!

A vintage candy dish can hold your jewelry,



                             your nail polish, and your makeup (add bath salts to hold the brushes up).

Wrap homemade soaps for wedding or shower favors and display in a candy dish.
Here is a beautifully composed vinette with an antique candy dish  taking the center stage.

Decorate the dish with ribbons and trinkets. 
This one is dressed up for a tinkerbelle themed birthday party.

You can treasure hunt for candy dishes at your local Southwestern Michigan Goodwill Store. Here are photos of recently donated candy dishes.

ALCOTT STORE
MILHAM STORE


These special pieces are available for bid online:

Fenton Green Opalecent Candy Dish LG. Hobnail


Fenton Ruby Red Candy Dish



Visit our pinterest page for more creative ideas.

Happy Treasure Hunting!






Friday, May 17, 2013

The Glass Pitcher - a simply perfect choice for serving and displaying

Whether you are serving fresh lemonade or arranging a centerpiece, the glass pitcher is a simple and affordable way to set a festive table.

Glass pitchers are simply perfect for spring and summer party drinks.

They are also a unique alternative for displaying spring blossom branches and fresh cut flowers. Even wildflowers will take on a special elegance when placed in a pretty pitcher.


We've gathered some pictures. drink recipes, and links for using your glass pitchers in new ways for spring and summer.
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DISPLAYING

Group pitchers for a big slash of color.
 

A white pitcher can be sweet and simple....
or simply elegant.
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Pitchers can be used to decorate throughout the seasons.


 Spring


Summer
Fall
Winter
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Beyond flower arrangements
 
This pitcher is filled with flowers and wooden utensils that is both a bridal shower centerpiece as well as a gift for the bride.
 
Staying with the wedding theme, this charming photo shows the pitcher in a grouping with a bottle of wine and the table number.
Make a modern vignette by mixing a clear pitcher and other clear glassware with black and white photos placed inside.

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Let's not forget the original purpose of a glass pitcher - drinks!

Every day refreshments like juice, Crystal Light and sweet tea, are special when served in a glass pitcher.
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe:

Ingredients
3 cups water
2 family-size tea bags
3/4 cup sugar
7 cups cold water

Preparation
1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan; add tea bags. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.

2. Discard tea bags. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into a 1-gal. container, and add 7 cups cold water. Serve over ice.
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Light and refreshing cucumber water with lemon and mint recipe:

Slice one cucumber and one lemon and place in a half-gallon pitcher of water. Add mint . Leave in the refrigerator overnight and it’s ready. 
                                                                           http://sanda-halcyondays.blogspot.com/2012/06/refreshing-drink-for-hot-summer-day.html

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Sangria 
Sangria Recipe
Ingredients

  • 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (recommended: triple sec or Grand Marnier)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 unwaxed apple, cored, and cut into thin wedges
  • 1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled
 
Directions
Combine everything but the sparkling water in a glass pitcher. Cover and chill completely, 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water.
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Make sure to stop by the Goodwill Retail Outlets in Southwestern Michigan to find affordable glass pitchers.  Here are a few pictures of donated pitchers from this week! 
                          


 

Follow us on Pinterest and look for our board "Glass Pitchers" for more ideas.









http://pinterest.com/vtgtc

Click this link to the Goodwill Industries web page to learn more about shopping at Goodwill, The Donate Movement, and our mission.
 
Happy Treasure Hunting!

















Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pyrex Love!! Displaying, Using, & Collecting Vintage Pyrex

Vintage Pyrex kitchenware is a very hot item. 


Pyrex has been around since 1915 and was used as an every day item in the kitchen. 

Do you remember making brownies in a turquoise mixing bowl? Or being at a church potluck and spooning out a casserole from a pink baking dish?
Or Grandma's 70's printed coffee mugs?

Vintage Pyrex pieces are very trendy right now because they are pretty, colorful, and best of all functional and still very affordable.  If you are looking for a way to add a little charm and color into your kitchen- try vintage Pyrex!

Here are a few ideas to get you started displaying, using and collecting Pyrex:

Displaying

Add a pop of color to your kitchen by displaying pieces on your shelves.









Combine your Pyrex with a vintage tablecloth.



http://kitschyliving.tumblr.com/post/3565003992

 Showcase pieces above your kitchen cabinets.







 http://frecklednest.typepad.com/la/connect.html


Using

Bake, mix, serve!  This is a collectible that can be taken off the shelf and put to use!







http://www.incolororder.com/2010/06/pyrex-series-pyrex-in-action.html
 
Something Old/Something New Bridal Gift.
Give a pretty vintage baking dish (stick in a tried and true recipe written on a card), and add new dish towels and utensils. Unique and thoughtful!















Make a treat tower for a holiday party. 
This one is set for a Valentine's day gathering.


 
http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2013/01/be-mine-valentine-party-3-simple-diy-projects/



Collecting
 
http://www.pyrexlove.com/ is a great site to find a VERY comprehensive list of patterns, colors, and styles.
 
http://www.pyrexware.com is the official website and has great information about Pyrex safety.

Shopgoodwill.com is a great place to seek out vintage pieces.  Here are 4 pieces that were posted for bid this week:



 http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Pyrex-1-12-QT-Casserole-Dish-Without-Lid-13155169.html#des










http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=13154922


http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=13154792


http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=13145541

Also visit these four Goodwill Stores of Southwestern Michigan for pieces in their Treasure Chest Department - Alcott Street and Milham in Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Benton Harbor.
Click on this link for store directions and hours. http://goodwillswmi.org/shopping.php

Here is a collage of photos of vintage pyrex that are currently in stock at our Milham Retail Outlet in Kalamazoo!




Visit our pinterest board -  Pretty Vintage Pyrex!
http://pinterest.com/vtgtc/pretty-vintage-pyrex/

Thank you for your support of the mission of Goodwill by donating to Goodwill and shopping at Goodwill!

 Happy Treasure Hunting!