family – This is my hobby.

Easter Table Details

I hosted an Easter lunch for my family and friends and naturally covered my dining table in thrifted springtime goodness.

I love layering fabrics and patterns on a tablescape.

I pulled out a gorgeous embroidered tablecloth I found at Goodwill for only $7 — it’s a bit small for the table, but I layered it overtop a larger white table cloth to make it work.

I also pulled out an embroidered tea towel (placed under the water bottle) and cross stitched napkin (placed under the bird house centerpiece) sourced from The Nearly New Shop in West Palm Beach.

I purchased the birdhouse from the Dollar Store last year.

The floral stoneware dinner plates were found at Community Thrift Store in West Palm Beach and the salad plates are from The Cozy Cottage in Lake Worth Beach.

All of my candlestick holders are secondhand, and I used my recently found Fitz & Floyd shell plate (Goodwill) as a bunny candle holder.

Never not obsessed with this wall sconces found at Goodwill.

One of my best non-thrifted recent purchases is the six foot fold-out table I got at Costco. I don’t know how I went so long without one.

Now that Elaine is old enough to have a little social life/have her friends over, it makes the perfect kids’ table for special occasions.

I covered the Easter kids’ table in Dollar Store finds — don’t sleep on the Dollar Store!

I’m always going to advocate for shopping secondhand, but for party purposes, the Dollar Store always has a top-notch collection of themed decor.

I snagged a tulip print tablecloth, matching paper napkins, and paper plates with a pink gingham pattern for the kiddos.

I ended up using the paper napkins for the grown ups too!

I also sourced all my Easter basket goodies from the Dollar Store, including egg decorating kits and little craft activities for Elaine.

I hope this inspires you to shop secondhand for your next special occasion!

The embroidered tablecloth is my favorite Easter tablescape feature — which is yours?

Last Week’s Thrifted ‘Fits

Anthropologie skirt from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Strappy heels thrifted from a local nonprofit showroom

Button up from Goodwill Denver, Tote from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Cole Haan pumps from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Always Follow the Garage Sale Sign

A typical Saturday morning routine in the Moss house includes a stop by Dixie Hwy Donuts for an apple fritter the size of your head and half-a-dozen assorted treats.

I was assigned the task of pick-up last Saturday, and after securing the package, was dutifully driving back home when a bright green garage sale sign caught my eye.

I can’t go, I thought to myself. The donuts might melt in the car and my family is hungry.

But…I could just swing by for a few minutes. Pop around a bit and then head home — yeah!

My poor, sweet family.

No regrets, though, obviously (at least for me). I pulled up to the best garage sale I’ve seen in recent memory and left with several treasures:

Can you believe I snagged this gorgeous needlepoint art for $10?!

I love this so much! Instantly hung in our living room.

Another vintage needlepoint for $10. This one is for Elaine’s bedroom. It reminds me of our carousel rides at the Palm Beach Zoo and on cruises we take.

I found this vintage rattan lampshade and placed it on our bar lamp, which I sourced from Goodwill last year.

Y’all know how I feel about shells. This statement necklace is quite a statement indeed and I can’t wait to style it with an outfit.

Another fun necklace with a pressed flower pendant.

Garage sales are always fun to visit but let’s be honest, they’re usually full of junk.

This sale was truly impeccable, so I had to chat up the seller to find out how she curated so many beautiful things and was not surprised to learn that she used to own a boutique in Northwood.

We exchanged numbers and she’s going to hit me up the next time she has a sale — hell yeah!

In closing: the donuts didn’t melt, everybody at home forgave me for the detour, and I had my apple fritter and ate it too. 😉

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits:

Comfy dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Sadly, the sleeve of this dress ripped, so this was my last wearing of it — found at Goodwill West Palm Beach

Dress and bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach. Vintage chintz charm necklace by Sarah Bray Bermuda.

This massive shell ring isn’t thrifted but I’m obsessed with it — found it in Gaudeloupe.

Top and Bag from Goodwill West Palm Beach. Pants thrifted and gifted from a friend.

Love this vintage vase pendant that I found at a Trashe Vintage rummage sale. My pink ring is from the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival.

Risking it All for No Reason in Cozumel

I’m pleased to report that I escaped our annual spring break cruise unscathed — sunburn and illness free.

My favorite parts of this annual vacay, aside from the nightly family dinners, are the times we get off the boat.

This trip’s highlights were our port visits to Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico.

Unfortunately, we missed the port at Grand Cayman due to bad weather. That would have been a good one and our first time visiting that island.

As veteran cruisers and island explorers, we no longer book shore excursions through the ship.

Vince’s deep dives on reddit and chatgpt prepare us to create our own experiences on any island we visit. In Jamaica, we promptly left the port via taxi for an hour and 20 min drive to Dunns River Falls.

But one small part of a truly massive/long waterfall situation

I would not highly recommend bringing a three-year-old to climb a gigantic, slippery waterfall, even if she is turning four in less than a month.

It was a long hike up literal rushing waters, but thankfully, we had an expert guide who helped us carry Elaine through the toughest spots and our little adventurer actually climbed some areas herself!

Our 17-year-old also joined us and was thrilled by the experience. His favorite thing about cruising is unlimited burgers and ice cream and running around with fellow fluffy haired teens. This was his first year truly embracing an excursion/getting a little adventurous and he loved it.

In Cozumel, Vince found a beach club off the beaten path that wasn’t overrun by tourists.

We booked two oceanfront cabanas for $60 apiece for the whole day, the snorkeling was fab (stingray sightings!), and the food was delicious.

The day would have been perfectly peaceful had I not decided (in a completely random and unhinged way) to launch myself off the edge of the jagged rocks near our cabanas.

I guess I felt like I could just….handle the might of the ocean surf…???? rather than walk further down to a dock with stairs into the ocean like a rational person.

Newsflash, girlie: you are not Moana, you are a real human lady (nearing 40), and the ocean is not your friend.

Needless to say, the ocean kicked my ass, and I deserved it. I survived with some bruises, a few bloody scrapes, and a lotta shame.

Despite my narrow escape from drowning, this cruise was the best one yet. Here are the rest of my vacay lewks!

Dress snagged on sale from Anthropologie

Family matching swimsuit from RuffleButts, pants from Old Navy

Vince orders family matching suits every year for our cruises

Shell necklace souvenir purchased at the Cozumel beach club gift shop

Mom is wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers found at Goodwill West Palm Beach

Swimsuit purchased at a resort gift shop in Temecula, shorts thrifted

Love this dress! Sourced from Goodwill West Palm Beach

I purchased this dress at a nonprofit fundraising event – it’s from a boutique in West Palm Beach

Daddy Daughter matching! These are from Kenny Flowers.

We take our annual family photos on our spring break cruise too!

Cruise ‘Fit Checks

I’m coming to you live this week from our annual spring break cruise.

I’ve never envisioned myself as a big cruise person, but at this point I’ve taken 11 voyages. This is due to being married to a cruise person.

My main issue with cruises is the number of people on them. I consider myself an extrovert and love making new friends but there are just too many people on cruises.

During spring break cruises in particular I often feel like I’m on a massive floating mall. Navigating through the sunburnt masses to snag a spot at the buffet does not make for a relaxing time.

I also worry about germs (again — lots of people on here, using the same tongs), and a cruise has taken me down more than once.

But, my husband loves them and I do see the travel benefits. Living in South Florida, cruising is an affordable way to bring the whole family on a week-long, all-inclusive adventure.

The fluffy haired teens run around with other fluffy haired teens all night long and then sleep on the beach the next day.

I enjoy not having to think about what we’ll eat or where we’ll go each day. And, it’s a trip that is perfectly suited for each age group in our family — from grandmas to teens to the toddler. There truly is something for everyone on this ship.

We’ve all agreed our fave part of cruising is the family dinners.

I look forward to the port days when we can explore gorgeous islands, and of course there’s the family bonding. And the spectacular people watching — iykyk.

Y’all know if I’m gonna be on a cruise, I’m gonna dress the part. In the spirit of spring break cruisin’, here are some ‘fit checks so far:

Night One Dinner – top and pants from Goodwill

Baby girl’s cute little skort from Goodwill

Night Two, Elaine and I wore matching Lilly Pulitzer dresses (professional photo captures of us together — will share later!)

Mom’s Night Two dress and purse from Goodwill

Repurposed my Night One pants for Day Three Pool Day, J.Crew swimsuit is secondhand

On Day Four, we visited Jamaica and I wore a Lilly Pulitzer swimsuit and a skort from Costco

For Night Four Dinner & a Show, I wore a Farm Rio set

For Night Four Dinner & a Show, mom wore a dress and sandals from Goodwill

In a big girl bed for the first time on this trip!

Last Week’s Thrifted ‘Fits

Sweater from Goodwill Denver, Dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach, Bag from Stone Button Studio

Top from The Nearly New Thrift Shop West Palm Beach

Last Weekend’s Goodwill Haul

I popped into Goodwill last weekend after a brief hiatus, so I’m sharing my haul with you (never mind the wrinkled jeans – never ironing anything is my toxic trait):

I love a good button up and couldn’t pass up this long, lightweight one — picturing it with linen shorts for our spring break cruise next week. $7.99

As soon as I felt this jacket, I knew it was high quality, and I always love an embroidered detail. $7.99

Here’s what it’s priced at online:

I’m picturing this silky House of Harlow top with black slacks for work. $6.99

I found this cute basket to add to my collection:

I almost didn’t get this little plate because it has some damage, but I flipped it over to see that it’s vintage Fitz & Floyd. You know I love a shell moment!

This hand painted wooden picture frame is absolutely adorable. I’m thinking of adding this to my gift stash and giving it to someone for a birthday or special occasion.

Elaine’s room has a thrifted toy bakery stand, and I’ve thrifted toy fruits, veggies, breads, etc. for her to play with. I’ve also thrifted vintage straw baskets to hold all her produce (photos of Elaine’s room here).

I found these gorgeous baskets to add to her play area:

I’ve been wanting a new travel backpack that is cute enough to wear all day during vacation outings (I always haul wet wipes, a change of clothes, etc. for Elaine).

The thrifterverse provided: My best find this Goodwill haul was a brand new Vera Bradley travel backpack — and inside was a matching purse! I paid $20, which is a bit more than I usually like to spend on a thrifted item, but it’s totally worth it.

I thought these chairs were adorable, but I don’t have a need for them, so they stayed at the store. The embroidered detail is so sweet — with a good scrubbing, they’d look great.

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits:

A fave comfy dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach

J.Jill Linen Dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Baskets for a Better Life

My husband is the type of person who likes things in extremes.

For example, if he finds a pair of shorts he likes, he gets them in every color.

He’s really into baseball caps, so we have a plethora. He buys them everywhere we go.

Right now, he’s having a major sunglasses moment.

He discovered that for about $40, he can get an entire box full of sunglasses on Alibaba.

I don’t know anything about this site and am not endorsing it — y’all know I’m a thrifter/secondhand champion, so this sunglasses-in-bulk business is not my vibe.

I prefer to source cheap sunglasses from Goodwill.

We are aligned, however, in the general concept of cheap sunglasses for him, because he’s lost several expensive pairs, including on airplanes and in the ocean.

When the sunglasses box arrived, I immediately knew I was in danger.

With each pair Vince tried on, the previous was tossed to the side, and my kitchen counter was soon covered in sunnies.

A future flashed before me that was full of sunglasses — surfaces throughout my home covered in them — all the same pair in different colors.

The horror.

BASKETS TO THE RESCUE.

I’ve thrifted two baskets from Goodwill that are now full of sunnies.

These baskets are keeping me calm.

These baskets are keeping me sane.

These baskets are good for my marriage.

: a poem.

I recommend baskets for a better life.

Goodwill’s Got My Back

I’ve mentioned before that my daughter’s room is my favorite space in my house.

The entire room is collected whimsy.

The shelves and walls are full of thrifted, gifted, or passed down items. A major moment is the gallery wall above her dresser.

The largest piece here is a painting we bought on our baby moon in Jamaica. The artist added Elaine’s name in the corner, which is such a sweet touch.

I also have a framed photo of Elaine’s name written in script across beach sand.

This photo was created by my favorite shopkeeper, Inge, of Stone Button Studio. She texted it to me when she was unable to attend our baby shower.

Recently, the frame fell off the wall and cracked.

Just a few weeks later, I found the perfect replacement frame at Goodwill.

Now, I think it looks even better!

Goodwill’s always got this girlie’s back. 😉

>> Check out this post for an in-depth look at baby girl’s room decor.

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits:

I was able to put my Goodwill sweater finds to good use over the weekend we spent in Chicago.

Red cardigan and boots from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Beaded belt and boots from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Closer look at the beaded belt detail; the dress ins’t thrifted, it’s Anthropologie!

Baby’s pants are thrifted from Goodwill West Palm Beach and her top is thrifted and gifted from a friend

H&M Sweater, GAP jeans, and boots from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Seeing snow for the first time! Baby’s coat is consigned from Kid to Kid in Palm Beach Gardens.

The One Item I Don’t Thrift

One clothing item I rarely thrift is denim.

I’ve found a pair or two of jeans in Goodwill over the years, but I don’t usually peruse the pants section, mostly because I don’t like trying things on in the store.

I thrifted these Madewell jeans last year…the only denim thrift purchase I’ve made in years!

At this point in my life, I can eyeball a piece of clothing and tell whether it will fit me well, so I can usually avoid a Goodwill dressing room.

Nobody cherishes going into a Goodwill dressing room.

People doo doo in there sometimes.

Pants are one of those items you have to try on, even if you know your body type and sizing super well, because fits vary dramatically depending on the brand and cut of the pant.

It has taken me years, but I’ve finally found the denim brand that works best for my body — Madewell.

My size is consistent in all their styles, so I can easily wait for a sale and order online — no try ons necessary.

I’ll be a high waist pant girlie til the day I die, and Madewell does it perfectly. Their high waist hits me just right, doesn’t cut off circulation to my cooch, and flattens my fupa quite nicely. Plus, all denim cuts I’ve experienced cradle my butt cheeks respectfully.

I haven’t found another jean as flattering! (but if you have a go-to brand, let me know – I’m always down to explore)

Here are my fave styles of late:

I just purchased these for $50 — The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean

I love that wide leg jeans are having a moment. These are incredibly comfy.

I’ve been wearing these non-stop this winter, and was influenced by a friend to purchase them — Flared Wide-Leg Crop Jeans

A super dark wash that feels classy/easy to dress up — The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim

I’m good on denim at the moment, but if I were in the market for more, I’d be eyeing:

The Cleo Straight Jean

Love a white pant.

The Emmy Wide-Leg Jean

Into these pockets.

What’s your favorite denim brand?

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits:

>> Goodwill thrift haul reel on my Instagram profile!

Sweater from Goodwill West Palm Beach; also wearing my new $50 Madewell jeans!

Sweatshirt from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Express shirt and vintage jacket from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Mom found a pair of chucks – a nostalgic purchase! When she got her first job at 14 she saved up to buy a pair.

Mom in a gorgeous dress found at Goodwill West Palm Beach

Things I left at Goodwill:

This dress looked so pretty, but I’m cutting myself off on dresses for now.

A Thrifted Christmas Table

This year, our boys were out of town for Christmas, so Vince and I hosted a small Christmas dinner with just baby girl and our moms.

I’ve been collecting items for my Christmas tablescape for several months and am sharing here all the details of my completely thrifted, gifted and secondhand Christmas table:

-White Dinner Plates – Goodwill West Palm Beach
-Green Cloth Napkins – The Nearly New Shop West Palm Beach
-Napkin Rings – Thrifted and gifted from a friend
-Silverware – Wedding Gifts
-Milk Glass Goblets – Passed down from my mom
-Candle with Glass Christmas Tree Charm – Goodwill West Palm Beach

-Taper Candles – Thrifted from Goodwill West Palm Beach or gifted
-Crystal Candle Holders – Wedding Gifts
-Table Runner – Goodwill West Palm Beach

The table runner originally had tassels on either end, but they fell off after I ran it through the washing machine, so I tied ornaments on either end to replace them! The vintage wreath ornaments were sourced from The Nearly New Shop West Palm Beach.

-Brass Candle Holders – Passed down from my mom
-Small White & Green China Candleholders – Goodwill West Palm Beach
-Glass Christmas Tree Votive Holder – Passed down from my mom
-Christmas Holly Candle Holder – Goodwill West Palm Beach
-Cake Stand – Garage sale find
-Wooden Nativity People – The Cozy Cottage Lake Worth Beach

Now that all my Christmas gifts have gone out, I’ll also be sharing details on most of the items I thrifted for friends and family this year — stay tuned!

I hope you had a cozy Christmas full of warmth and love, friends.

—

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits and treasures:

>> Mom and I visited the Rust Market in Lake Park for last minute Christmas shopping – reel on my Instagram profile! <<

Sweater and MANGO tote from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Ring from A Timeless Treasure West Palm Beach

Sweater from Goodwill West Palm Beach; Madewell Jeans from Goodwill Boutique in Boca Raton

Hightop chucks from Goodwill West Palm Beach

J. Peterman jumpsuit and leather belt from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Anthropologie skirt from Goodwill West Palm Beach; Amazing necklace made of vintage fabric, charms, and shells sourced from thrift and estate sale trips made by Sarah Bray Bermuda

A closer look at my stunning Sarah Bray Bermuda necklace!

Baby girl’s dress from Goodwill West Palm Beach

Mom bought me a pair of tassels from the Rust Market in Lake Park – they are on our end tables in our bedroom for now.

This stunning handmade, one-of-a-kind dress made from a hand stitched vintage tablecloth is from a Rust Market vendor named Marcia. She doesn’t sell online/has no digital presence and more people need to know about her!! This dress is one example of many gorgeous designs. I highlighted her in my recent instagram reel – check it out!

Vince and I brought a bottle of wine to dinner with friends and I popped on this vintage ornament sourced from a collection I found at Goodwill West Palm Beach.

Elaine’s set from Goodwill West Palm Beach

A Thrifted Thanksgiving Table

I was thrilled to host Thanksgiving this year, not only because I love spending time with my family, but also because it gave me an excuse to create a holiday themed tablescape.

In recent years I’ve gotten more and more into tablescapes.

It’s another outlet for creativity, and I like pulling things from around my house to place down the middle of my dining table.

I’ve pulled framed photos, shells, and collected trinkets for my tables when hosting friends and family.

Lately, I’ve been feeling like almost anything goes for a tablescape.

You want bows? Butterflies? Bird houses? Tie and stick them onto candle holders or table runners and make it a thing!

(My husband was sure to tell me that placing miniature chairs down the middle is a little insane — I just love a miniature piece of furniture, okay?!)

This holiday, I’ve had a lot of fun thrifting specifically for my tablescapes.

Here, I’m sharing the details on where I sourced all the items for my Thanksgiving table.

Goblets – Goodwill West Palm Beach
Glasses – Home Goods (I store these separately / away from our daily use cabinets so nobody can break them, and only bring them out for guests)
Flatware – Passed down from my mother-in-law
Crystal candle holders – wedding gifts
Pink taper candles – Goodwill West Palm Beach
Beaded/wooden candle holder – Nearly New Thrift Shop West Palm Beach

Napkin rings – thrifted and gifted from a friend
Fall wreath – Goodwill West Palm Beach
Bronze candle holders – passed down from my mom
Dark blue dessert plates – Goodwill West Palm Beach
White & blue dessert plates – thrifted & gifted from my mother-in-law

Floral urn – Nearly New Shop West Palm Beach
Block print napkins – Etsy
White vessel thingy I used as a candle holder – thrifted & gifted from my mom
Glass cake stand I used as a candle holder – found at a garage sale years ago

Baby girl made this sweet centerpiece at school!
Teacup I used as a candle holder – thrifted & gifted from my mom
Dinner plates – fiestaware; I chose dark blue plates for our family’s everyday use because the color hides scratches and they look nicer longer!