I wanted to share four recent thrift and bargain finds (technically nine items, since I picked up six matching mugs) that I’ve been enjoying. First up is a gilded pineapple vase I scored at Goodwill for $4. What drew me in was the hexagonal pattern across its body — even though the shape nods to a pineapple, the texture made it feel delightfully “bees”-inspired. The antique gold finish is subtle and timeworn rather than shiny, which gives it an authentic, vintage look.
A friend sent over three matching jars that sit beside the vase and they coordinate perfectly — the lids have the same antique-gold tone and even feature tiny bees on top. I also love the criss-cross glass detailing on the jars; they feel both charming and elegant.
They live on the desk next to my computer so I can glance over and smile throughout the day.
Really — I find myself stealing little looks between sentences.
The second item is a music dock we ordered from West Elm. It was back-ordered for a while, but when it arrived it was everything we hoped for: great sound at a much lower price than a high-end stereo, and an adorable white ceramic animal detail that adds personality to the desk. We named him Humphrey, and he’s become a cheerful office companion who brings a bit of whimsy to work time.
Humphrey makes typing more fun with the background soundtrack. The sound quality is surprisingly good for the size, and the ceramic figure lends a playful touch to the space.
PS: We were listening to a She & Him track while we set him up and loved the quirky vibe. If you’re a fan of light, retro pop, it’s a fun listen.
The third find: I bought six matching mugs at Marshall’s for $2.99 each (marked down from $8). I’ve never owned a full set of matching mugs before — our collection has always been a happy mismatch — so it feels oddly grown-up to have a coordinated set for when guests come over. They even have a maker’s stamp on the bottom, which is a first for us in terms of “china.”
I’m excited to display them on the future open shelves in the kitchen; seeing them while eating breakfast somehow makes the morning feel a bit more finished. Has anyone else made a small “grown-up” purchase lately — like new towels or sheets — that gave them that same little thrill?
Finally, find number four is a tiny thrift-store rocking horse I picked up at Goodwill for $1. It was a little over-the-top with glued-on raffia and glossy decorative paint, but I knew a simple refresh would modernize it. (I didn’t get a before photo — it was pretty drippy with glue and embellishments.)
I named him Bosley and started by removing the raffia and scraping away glue blobs with an X-Acto knife. After sanding for a smooth surface, I used spray primer and a few thin coats of gray spray paint I already had on hand. The deep charcoal finish looks clean and modern — though I might paint him a brighter color someday if the mood strikes.
Bosley currently sits on the living room desk but I can see him moving around the house — maybe to a shelf in Clara’s room or atop a dresser in the play area. Clara hasn’t shown interest yet, but I hope someday she’ll set a Barbie on him and ride him around. He’s a perfect size for that playful moment.
Happy weekend! Do you have any recent thrift-store finds, small grown-up purchases, or Barbie-sized treasures to share? I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered.