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§ in At Home, Decorating, Fashion, Thrifted Finds

Quality Rules

I wanted to post on a thrifting trifecta from a recent shopping excursion.

First, I came across a vintage leather briefcase that has the most beautiful signs of wear: a patina imprinted by years of a career. I love items like this. I wonder who used it, what they did…. And I also marvel at just how worn it is, yet it still functions perfectly. It makes me envious of a time when products were made well, and were used for years and years: not replaced at the first sign of wear.

I also found a gorgeous plant pot, perfect for the orchid that is languishing in my kitchen.

And finally, I found a wonderful pashmina scarf: the pattern is perfect, and so is the quality. It makes me wonder why I ever used to stock up on acrylic scarves.

Three beautiful items in a half hour of thrifting on my way home…and they cost me $9.50!


> § in DIY Projects, Just For Fun

The Shotski: So Crazy it Just Might Work

Today’s DIY recycling project is brought to you by my sister, and it involves partying and old skis. We’re gonna make a Shotski! What is a Shotski? Check out the video below to find out. If you’re a skiier, you might have an old set of skis kicking around. Or you can usually find t[...]


> § in Behind the Scenes

Thrift Town: Behind the Scenes

One of my new objectives for Bonanza is to profile the lifecycle and impact of clothing. In my own small way, I’d like to do what people like Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser have done for food. I’d like to strip the clothing industry naked by looking at how and where clothing is made, [...]


> § in Greentips

Bonanza is Back!

Hi everyone: I’m back, after a somewhat unintentional hiatus this summer. Why haven’t I been posting? A combination of reasons. I’m working on another green project right now, that I hope to launch in the next year. I can’t say more than that, but it’s really exciting ([...]


> § in Entertaining, Wedding

Wedding Bliss

I’ve had a lot of wedding coverage in the past few months, but ’tis the season! I am really excited to post about this beautiful wedding I recently attended in Novato, CA. It had all the ingredients of the best events: it was very personal, joyful, beautifully executed, and as if that wa[...]


> § in Giveaways

Announcing the Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest to win a scarf/shawl from Nimli: I really appreciate it! Just a few examples of items that you’ve acquired used include: cars, cats, cameras, strollers, walkers, furniture, belts, evening gowns, sundresses, belts, records, toys…oh, and husbands[...]


> § in Greentips

I did it! LEED Accredited!

It’s been a little quiet around the Bonanza lately…. sorry ’bout that, I’ve been up to my ears in studying for my LEED exam. For those of you who don’t know, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental design. It’s an internationally recognized certi[...]