a thrifting, reading, and gardening diary
I simply adore libraries. They’re such wonderful third spaces for free community events, workshops, and resources. And of course, there are the books. Whether you’re partial to obscure antiquarian reads or the latest BookTok titles, you can enjoy everything for free. As a thrifty bookworm, I also love checking out library book sales, which are usually … Read more
I remember the good old days when I’d buy a plant and just let it sit in its garish, shiny plastic nursery pot on a cheap plastic saucer. After collecting plants for 5 years, I’ve been more keen on treating plant pots as an integral part of my home decor. Of course, with me being … Read more
As the rain hammered down this past gray February weekend, I made my quarterly pilgrimage to Modesto for a much-needed thrifting trip out of town. I didn’t find much at Goodwill, but I had a blast yet again perusing the endless aisles at the Mad Monk. I first came across Mad Monk when I lived … Read more
Every so often, my thrifted finds need something extra to be displayed properly. Specifically, I’ve been in need of plate hangers and a frame for a while. But my workload has been ramping up this month, so I haven’t felt motivated enough to dig through thrift store craft bins for these very particular supplies, despite … Read more
It’s that time of year again, when I experience cabin fever from endless rainy days spent inside and begin decluttering with reckless abandon. I’m too attached to my trinkets and tchotchkes to part ways with them right now, but my clothes have been fair game for purging these past few weeks. Lately, I’ve become fond … Read more
Let’s take a break from the thrifting blogs this week. Today, I want to talk about my dad’s kumquat tree, and how I’ve been trying to use up our surplus of kumquat fruits this winter. While this post won’t be about secondhand shopping, I feel like some intersection exists between thrifters and people who want … Read more
With the bitter chill in the air and the steady downpour of rain, it certainly doesn’t feel like spring is coming anytime soon to my nook of the Central Valley. But every now and then, I get a glimpse of sunshine that reminds me that the subtle warmth of early spring isn’t too far away. … Read more
Since moving to the Central Valley, I haven’t observed Tet or Lunar New Year with vibrant community celebrations. Growing up with a huge extended Vietnamese family, I have to admit that I miss the New Year brouhaha — the sound of older relatives cackling as they gamble, the feel of thick red envelopes padded with … Read more
I’ve been in a real John Prine phase lately, and one of my favorite discoveries is “Souvenirs.” One reason why I love the thrift store is because I am constantly fascinated by the history of the objects that end up there. Objects can never be experiences, of course, but it stirs something in me to … Read more
At the end of South and West, Joan Didion writes, “The particular flat expanse of the Central Valley comforts my eye…I am easy here in a way that I am not easy in other places.” The Central Valley is known for being somewhat flat and beige — some might even say dull and bland. But … Read more
