Goodwill Ambassador

Looking around my home, there's a story behind most of the items lying around. Whether they were gifted, thrifted or traditionally bought, I love collecting useful, interesting items that mix modern with an eclectic touch. After each visit to my local Goodwill, 9 times out of 10 there's an item I can't pass up. Whether it's a classic addition to game night or a spinning globe to track new destination, my rooms are constantly incorporating pieces collected over time.

*a dated world globe atop bookcase*

*stacked tins for sweet, savory or spicy recipes*


*corn-on-the-cob dishes*


*metal trunks along the bedroom window*


*soap & lotion dispensers*


*Clue: our latest game
in addition to Scrabble and Monopoly*

Sally Sells Seashells

I dream of the days when I can escape to a beach house oasis. My getaways will be filled with sand between my toes, fish fry's for meals, and margarita sipping during sunset. I'll admire the ocean from afar (swimming isn't my thing) and bask in the sun (with the proper SPF of course). Until that wish comes to fruition, a little seashell decor inches me a little closer. At the very least, a touch of the beach will be a welcome change to my humble apartment with some pearl shell place mats and a couple decorative sand dollar pillows.

1. Placemats by Benson Mills @ $30
2. Measuring spoons (Anthropologie) @ $12
3. Treasure chest (RSH) @ $229
4. Shell dipping bowls (Williams Sonoma) @ $39
5. Capiz shell chime (Target) @ $19.99
6. Sand dollar throw pillow (Williams Sonoma) @ $168
7. Clam shell tealight holder (Williams Sonoma) @ $38

Finder's Keepers

More times than not, thrifting for home-goods isn't my first stop when there's endless racks of clothes to sift through. Today's trip was a bit different as I scoured the home sections with a mission to find retro accessories. Armed with a list in case I got distracted by the racks of dresses or overwhelmed by the endless cups and plates, here's a peek at what I'm on the lookout for.

mason jars to fill with my favorite sweets


vintage fans and hanging lamps

unique bud vases in all shapes and sizes

(images via flickr)

All Modern Giveaway

Nearly three months have passed since moving into our new apartment, and the next key step is to personalize. Little knick-knacks and accessories may take years to fully accumulate, but I'd say we've got a nice little collection started.

While we recently purchased some dining room furniture, I would have loved to know about AllModern.com's sister site Dining Rooms Direct. It's a great resource ranging from breakfast nooks to barstools. Now, if you are in my boat and need accessories, AllModern.com is a great resource for modern and decorative home accents. Which is why, I'm very happy to announce my first giveaway is with them!

One lucky reader will receive this CAKE Node Bowl from the site. My hope is that, whether you use it as a fruit bowl, dining room furniture accent piece, or whatever your heart desires, it adds a finishing touch to your own home. But wait! You have to enter first...

Just leave a comment and your email address by January 8th 2010 8pm Pacific Time. For additional entries, you can twitter about the giveaway. Just make sure you leave me an additional comment explaining that you have done so.

Details of the giveaway go something like this...
1. You have to be a follower via Google Friend Connect. Meaning your little picture should pop up on the right. Please, make sure you are there.
2. This is for U.S and Canadian residents only.

Thanks All Modern! If you're interested, be sure to check out All Modern Pet and All Modern Baby for tons of other great items for your little ones, animal or human. :)