Charity Spotlight: Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank August 15, 2016 21:53 12 Comments

At Purpose Thrift, we believe there is a greater purpose behind what we do.  Our mission is to continue to partner with and give back to charitable organizations that contribute to the greater good.  Recently we visited a local charity that is doing just that.  Nestled in the southern part of Avondale, in the midst of a residential neighborhood, is a small building with a banner that reads “Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank.”  Its building is humble and you would probably miss it if you weren’t looking for it.  However, their mission is anything but small.

The dedicated team, almost entirely comprised of volunteers, work to serve the Southwest Valley’s families and individuals that may be facing a crisis and are in need of clothing, food and assistance.

The Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank is a faith-based organization that offers FREE food and clothing (referrals are not needed).  In addition, they offer Homeless Kits and in some cases, financial aid for utility payments.

We met with Leanne Leonard, Executive Director.  She gave us a tour of the clothing bank.  The room is set up much like a store, had racks of clothing and shoes for babies through adult age.  Leanne explained the process.  Individuals in need can check in at the front desk and shop at the clothing bank once a month.  The clothing bank relies on donations from the community and organizations and the items are given to the shopper, free of charge.   Posted on the wall is a list of items each person may obtain during their shopping trip.  This list includes, 2 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 underwear, 1 pair sock, 1 pair shoes, 1 sweater or coat, 1 purse, 1 dress (counts as 1 top and 1 bottom) and 1 suit (counts as 1 top and 1 bottom). 

When I asked Leanne what their biggest need in the clothing bank was, she pointed out the men’s clothing racks.  The racks are scarce and in desperate need of donations.  There were few pieces hanging and lots of empty hangers.  Men’s clothing and shoe donations are less common and very much needed.  Men’s clothing basics such as undergarments, shirts, jeans, and walking shoes are the most needed items.  In addition to clothing, they are also in need of a volunteer to work the front desk. 

After touring the clothing bank, it was clear that this was an organization that is in alignment with our core values and its right in our local community.  We have decided to adopt the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank as our Spotlight Charity for the remainder of 2016.  Our focus will be to increase clothing and shoe donations, specifically for men, for the remainder of the year.  We will do this by donating items from Purpose Thrift but also by raising awareness about the charity and its needs. 

We want to extend an invitation – maybe even a challenge to you – to partner with us and help to gather clothing donations for this organization.  You can drop them off directly at the food bank during their business hours, or contact us for pickup (we will do our best to pickup in the Avondale/Goodyear area).  The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank is open Mondays – Friday, from 8am – 12pm and is located at 405 E. Harrison Drive, Avondale, AZ 85323.  If you are interested in volunteering or have more questions, you can reach them by phone at 623-932-9135.  You can also visit their Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/affoodbank/

Thank you for supporting Purpose Thrift and for shopping with us.  When you do, you give us the opportunity to help charities and together we serve a bigger Purpose and make a difference in our community!  Your purchase has Purpose!

-Christina

A Flea Market in the Dark - Downtown Phoenix August 7, 2016 15:47 12 Comments

It's tough going to Flea Markets in Phoenix during the summer.  The 110+ degree weather tends to deter even me, a complete junk lover, from venturing out!  So when I heard that there was going to be a Flea Market at NIGHT and INDOORS for that matter, I thought, "Wow, now that's one Flea Market I would seriously consider going to (even in the middle of a Phoenix Summer)!"  

The market is called the "Phoenix Flea" and is self described as a "modern market for curated vintage clothing & accessories, fine art, handcrafted, fashion & more!"   So this isn't just your run of the mill Flea Market.  No, its much more Hip, more like walking into a live version of Etsy!  

Repost @cheers.scottsdale

I couldn't help but to love every one of their Instagram posts and I was sold when I heard that it would be: at night, indoors, adults only, with a DJ and FOOD TRUCKS!  What a great combination.  So I asked my best friend if he would join me and because he is so amazing and loves going to these things just as much as I do (actually I sold him on the food part), he said Yes!  I went on their website and bought our tickets and by 7:30 pm we were there!

 It was hosted at the Vintage 45 in Downtown Phoenix.  A cool old building just off of Central.  You know the kind with exposed duct work, old brick and unfinished plastered walls with concrete floors.  The kind of building that screams age, charm, character and would be the perfect backdrop for just about any photo shoot.  

It was apparent their Instagram marketing was very effective.  There were a total of 3 rooms and each room was just as packed as the other with both vendors and shoppers.

 The creativity in this place was amazing!  The market definitely lived up to its description. There were well curated pieces everywhere; jewelry, candles, mid-century, vintage, furniture, leather goods, so much to name! It was awesome to see local artists showcasing their goods with so much support from the valley community.  

I found the magnets by Lettercraft to be some of the most amusing pieces.  They had a great selection of actors and singers available for purchase.  

Repost @lettercraft

Lifetime Leather Co. had some of the best handmade leather goods that I have seen.  Beautiful messenger bags, wallets and more.  Great craftsmanship for sure!

There were so many vendors and items I wanted to picture, but unfortunately the crowds were thick and it was somewhat difficult to take pics.  For more pics of the great items and for a list of vendors, check out their Facebook page (Phoenix Flea) or Instagram #phxflea.

The second floor of the venue housed the DJ and a great area to relax and overlook the crowd.

I kept my promise to my BFF and as we walked out we went through the Food Truck lineup.  That's where I picked up this cute mustache pretzel:

Overall, I give a thumbs up to Phoenix Flea.  It definitely lived up to its hype and brand.  It was a great evening out (or in, I should say).  It will be something I look forward to going to again! So proud of our local Arizona artists and wish them all the success in their business endeavors!

Until our next adventure,

Christina & Mike

Purpose Thrift Boutique

Freshen up Antique Furniture in 3 Easy Steps - No Re-staining Required! July 30, 2016 17:43 2 Comments

The antique entry table in my living room has great character and detail.  I appreciate all of the craftsmanship that went into creating this beauty many, many years ago.  Overall, this piece is still in incredibly great shape and I chose not to repaint it.  I really love the deep color of the original wood and thought it was a great contrast to some of the lighter decor in the room.  Lately though, no matter how much I dust it (& since I live in Arizona, I have to dust quite often), it has begun to look quite dull.  

I really did not want to spend the time and effort to sand and re-stain it.  But my entry table was looking like an entirely different shade of brown and I knew it needed some help.  While I was dusting and contemplating on what I should do, I could hear my mother's voice in my head saying, "Old English Mija" (Mija is Spanish slang for "daughter").  

My mom is a big advocate of Old English and I must say she can back up her recommendation with experience. She has had her own professional cleaning business for over 30 years and primarily deals with homes sprawling with vintage and antique furniture.  She swears by Old English to spruce up not just antique but most wood furniture.  So I decided in that moment, I would take my mother's advice and give it a try.  I found two bottles under my sink and decided to use the one labeled "for dark woods."

Side Note:  For those of you that are not familiar with Old English; it comes in both an aerosol and oil. I used the oil.  The label states that it is a scratch cover and helps to restore damaged wood. (Also, we are not affiliated with or being compensated in anyway by Old English)

Step #1:  I gave the table a quick overall dusting.  

Step #2:  Using a microfiber rag, I poured about 5 drops of Old English oil on the rag (a little goes a long way) and began to wipe the table going in the same direction of the wood grain.  I would recommend wearing plastic gloves because, as is with any oil, it can easily get on your hands (although if it does, it is an easy cleanup).  Immediately upon applying the oil to the table, I began to see a major difference:

Since this is a darker oil, it stained my yellow microfiber rag but it was a small price to pay for the great results.  I continued putting oil on my rag as needed and wiped it on the entire table; legs, base, etc.

Here's a picture of the table leg before the oil was applied:

Here's a picture of the table leg after the oil was applied:

Within about 20 minutes of application, my table looked like it had new life and was back to its beautiful dark wood color!

Step #3:  Once I applied the oil to the entire table, I took a dry microfiber towel and wiped it down again, this time without any oil.  This step is just to ensure the oil is spread evenly and no residue is left.  

In less than half an hour, my table was done and there was no labor intensive sanding or re-staining required!

"Mother knows best" - definitely true in the case of Old English, and with many, many other things, my mom knows exactly what she's talking about.  For a quick wooden antique furniture refresher, I would highly suggest applying Old English oil (now I sound like my mom!).  It has definitely helped to bring back the shine and color to this thrifted, antique goody.  

Next time you come across a thrift store wooden piece of furniture that looks dull and needs attention, you might want to think twice about passing it up!  It may just need half an hour of your time, some Old English oil and 3 quick, easy steps to get it back to its original luster!

- Christina, Purpose Thrift Boutique

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Summer Daydreams July 18, 2016 14:41 4 Comments

Summer always has me daydreaming of sandy beaches, seashells and most of all cooler weather!  If you are an Arizona resident, you are most likely suffering, just like me, from the effects of our insanely hot summers! I must say though, while working in the boutique, I was surprised to meet a few people who claim to just love the heat.  The "hotter the better" they said.   Unfortunately I have been here over 30 years and I'm still not one of those people who have fallen in love with any temperature over 100 degrees!  While I do love Arizona, I fantasize about being away the entire months of July and August.  Maybe one day it will become a reality...hopefully...one day.

As a temporary fix though, my husband and I were recently able to enjoy a getaway for a weekend of 70 degree weather in the sandy beach cities of Southern California.  While it was only a 2-day getaway, we were extremely grateful.  That weekend getaway allowed us to experience the relaxation we were longing for.  We got our beach fix in Laguna, Venice and Santa Monica and fell in love with the Anaheim Packing House - an absolute food haven (we love to eat :))

We also visited the Mission San Juan Capistrano and can I saw, WOW!  Walking around the ruins of this beautiful 1700's mission was an amazing experience.

Our two day trip was jammed pack with great adventure and lots of new memories.  For me, the beach was not only an escape from the heat but an opportunity to refocus.  I returned with a new strategy and motivation to take Purpose Thrift to a new level.  Maybe my toes in the sand stimulated a new energy within me, whatever it was, has me excited about what is to come for Purpose Thrift.  

Continue to watch our website and social media sites for new postings and information.  I hope you get your summer escape this year as well.  Whether it be a two day or ten day trip, enjoy every moment!