January 2012
1 post
Spend Just a Little Bit, and Get Fit!
January is a natural time for everyone to make resolutions to stay active, and financially, we’re all trying to recover from the overspending leading up to the holidays. Don’t fret! This is where the Goodwill comes in. There is a whole section of sweat pants and sweat shirts, shorts, runners … heck, they even have racquets!
A few months ago, I found these practically brand new Nike...
December 2011
1 post
Holiday Decorating on a Budget
It’s absolutely possible to spruce up your home for the holidays on very little money. Personally, I prefer the mix and match look of handmade, vintage and nature which are all easy to do on a low to no budget.
I hosted several holiday dinners last year, and here’s what my table looked like all set up for my guests.
The tablecloth is a simple gold cotton rectangular cloth that I found at...
November 2011
2 posts
1 tag
Re-use, re-duce, re-love annual "Revamped" fashion...
For the sixth year in a row, Goodwill joined forces with the fashion merchandising students are Fanshawe College in London, Ontario for the annual Revamped fashion show. This high fashion event held on November 16th at London Music Hall raises funds for My Sister’s Place.
The beginning stages of this event involve students coming into to our Community Stores and selecting 3 garments each. ...
Anonymous asked: Do you know where there are any other Goodwill Outlet Stores, I would like to take a trip perhaps to Toronto?
October 2011
1 post
Bed Linens
I adore mismatched vintage bed sheets and pillowcases. I always hit the linen racks, and I always come home with at least one sheet or pillowcase in my Goodwill haul. I may on occasion, buy a brand-new plain white fitted bed sheet, but my linen cupboard is filled to the gills with an assortment of beautiful old and super soft cotton sheets in every size. For my littlest’s bed, I will...
September 2011
5 posts
Each time I pop in to a Goodwill store, I am on the lookout for an assortment of items. This assortment of items is more of a mental list of treasures, and more often than not, I don’t know what I’m looking for until I’ve found it. Want a look at my current wish list? I’ll share it, but you have to promise that if you find anything on it, I get first dibs. I’ll pay a decent finders fee. ...
Who remembers Guess Who? I do. It’s a classic game of deductive logic for two players who must uncover their opponent’s mystery character by asking yes or no questions in a turn-based process of elimination.
I played the heck out of this as a kid and the stock characters of this particular edition are as familiar to me as characters from 80’s sitcoms (very familiar, in other words). I even...
Anonymous asked: Do you lay awake all night thinking of these awesome idea.
That's Ryan...meet our newest blog team member!
Hello there. My name’s Ryan and I manage the Guelph Goodwill Store and Donation Centre. It’s the best job I’ve ever had, because it allows me to actively support a charitable organization I believe in, and work alongside amazing people every day. It’s also a good excuse to spend a lot of time in a thrift store, which is something I tend to do anyway.
My background is somewhat diverse,...
1 tag
Beating this Heat [Im]Practically
Relocating back to school for the year not only means a fresh smattering of Goodwill stores to explore, but also one last heat week in which to wear all my summer pieces. This week is vital, as I will soon enough find myself weeping over my storage bins, mourning the next ten, rain/snow-filled months without those favourite cutoffs. So, I turn to even less practical pieces in favor of even more...
August 2011
4 posts
2 tags
Lessons in Colour: Playing with Blocks
As I mentioned previously, I have an affinity to winterized wardrobes, even in the middle of a hot summer. This is not limited to heavyweight fabrics and hats, but extends to colours as well. At any point in the year, my closet bar can be sorted into white, crème, beige, tan, light, medium and dark grey, black and navy. Throw in a purple or green item and the hideous red (not my colour at all)...
2 tags
The quicker-fixer-upper
Frugal living is all about finding creative ways to stretch that dollar in style without sacrificing your favourite luxuries! I’m no expert, but I’ve got some tips on how to live large on a small budget—it starts with a creative eye and ends with a refurbished masterpiece!
1. See creative potential
Examples are all around you—in magazines, blogs, and storefront displays…but you...
2 tags
My August Winter: Goodwill Tops it Off With Fur
A contradiction is at war within me as each season passes. Cold weather and rain enclose me in their dreary clutch, while summer is life itself. However, whilst my heart sings in the sunshine, my fashion psyche gravitates toward winter. Thus I find myself in August, bored in cut-offs and unable to say no to wool and boots.
Luckily, Goodwill has my back. While their main racks are packed with...
July 2011
3 posts
Decorating for everyday
When I moved into my first apartment last September, almost one year ago, I was eager to decorate and express personal style. Inspired by an over-sized orange mirror from IKEA®… I began looking for accent pieces to compliment its vibrant colour.
During a causal drop-in at the Sherwood Goodwill community store I found a 4-piece cream & sugar, salt & pepper shaker set. It was only $4...
3 tags
Boat shoe - the perfect summer go-to footwear!
Preferably brown, size nine. Slightly worn around the edges, under $10 hopefully. They have been sitting in the back of my mind for weeks, now.
You see, I am searching for my Ideal Boat Shoe. A trend that hit mainstream a few years ago, and became a staple thanks to brands like Sperry, the boat shoe is perfect summer go-to footwear. With the list of expectations tucked snugly in my mind, and a...
3 tags
That's Sadie...meet our newest blog team member!
Salutations, readers!
My name is Sadie, I’m a new member to the “That’s Goodwill” blog. It is terribly exciting to a part of the Goodwill team, and I am thrilled to share with you all the gems I find in the Goodwill treasure trove.
I am currently heading into my senior year as a Fashion Merchandising and Design major, and discovering the possibilities on my chosen path. I have been interested in...
June 2011
6 posts
A T-shirt for all occasions!
#1 This week I found this t-shirt style dress. Its bright teal, has a pocket on left side and so simple! This was my inspiration as I felt it could be worn different ways…great way to maximize your closet and your wallet! For 9$ I found 3 different ways it can be worn
#2 The simplicity of this dress allows you to dress it up or down. In this rendition I matched it with a casual jean jacket and...
That's AJ...she has a "Passion for Fashion"
Hi there! A long time ago back in the days of University I had a friend who loved to explore through Goodwill Community Stores..this soon became second nature to me. I love finding clothes that are different from what’s on the rack or can be made into something fun. Every post I will try to show how you can be creative and save so much money!
5 tags
Out with the old, in with the new!
Have you ever bought something, because the deal was too good to pass up? Or thought, ‘well I don’t have anything to go with this now…but it will inspire a new outfit!’ If you still haven’t found an excuse to wear that new skirt or those new shoes maybe it’s time you reconsider why it’s taking up space in your closet…
During my most recent expedition to Goodwill, I hadn’t planned to do more than...
5 tags
That's Katy....meet our newest blog team member
Philanthropist by day…karaoke diva by night! I am a recent grad from Huron University College and current candidate in Not-for-Profit Management @UWO. I love fashion and am a proud shop-a-holic. I am a volunteer, community energizer and nonprofit professional who wants to help foster an engaged, inclusive and vibrant community.
As the Fund and Resource Development Intern at Goodwill, I...
6 tags
Collecting Wooden Bowls
Each time I pop into Goodwill Community Stores, I keep an eye out for wooden bowls. I’ve now amassed a small collection without breaking the bank. Wooden bowls age so beautifully that a well-kept and well-loved bowl is even more precious than a shiny new one.
I’ve always loved the look and feel of wooden bowls. I love them stacked and out on display. I love them filled with stones collected...
7 tags
Pound for Pound..a fantastic deal!
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Goodwill outlet store at 990 Pond Mills Road in London and was even lucky enough to be granted a tour through their warehouse and speak with a few members of the staff. If you’re unfamiliar with the outlet store…a little background. This particular location is where all the surrounding Goodwill retail outlets and donation centres in...
May 2011
5 posts
Goodwill Royalty
There is absolutely no way that I could justify spending hundreds of dollars on fine china. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for it at the Goodwill. About a year ago, I happened upon a set of eight absolutely pristine Royal Doulton bone china coffee mugs. This deep rich yellow brings sunshine to my dining room table when I have my family over for dinner. I can easily mix and match...
That's Nadine...meet our newest blog team member!
I’m just an urban domestic fibre artiste who dreams of a rural Amish life and the hills alive with the sound of music. Some days I’m happy with a frozen pizza and keeping up with the Kardashians. Up until recently, I was co-bloggin’ it on Balkan Style, but then I used up all the image space, and I took it as a sign to start fresh. Now you can find me at corazenia.
The Goodwill is my...
3 tags
Goodwill Events for May with Julia
Do you love to read? Have you visited the Goodwill Bookstore? It is a great place to buy gorgeous books at very affordable prices. It’s not just a place to buy books, they offer fun free programs. Each month there are different programs happening for you to enjoy.
Something that is always offered is homework help, if you need some extra help with any type of homework, call the bookstore and...
Welcome to “That’s Goodwill” Julia!
About Julia
Julia lives, works and volunteers in London. She is another creative person and is involved in community theatre. You can find out all about events happening at Goodwill when you read her blog.
April 2011
3 posts
11 tags
Spin On Over to Goodwill on Record Store Day
Record Store Day is an internationally celebrated day observed the third Saturday of April each year. Its purpose, as conceived by independent record store employee Chris Brown, is to celebrate the art of music. Fans and artists alike come together to celebrate the art of vinyl and music as a whole.
To help promote this year’s Record Store Day, Goodwill has made it possible to purchase...
Welcome to the team Edward Jackman!
Goodwill Industries Ontario Great Lakes is proud to announce that Edward has joined the Social Media/Marketing Team as a blog contributor.
About Edward: A photographer and creative sort that resides in London Ontario. Edward has spent many years touring various Goodwill locations and now he’ll be bringing his finds, DIY projects and repurposing ideas here for all to enjoy!