Trash = Treasure

I have a history with trash... yes, and if you really know me you know it's true. I find a lot of furniture, plants and various objects that have been discarded to the street.  Usually, all they need is to be cleaned up or painted and then they are recycled somewhere in my house or in the backyard.  I like to think that through my appreciation of old things they get a new life.


I do like to go thrifting and San Francisco has many great thrift shops.  Especially, in the Mission district.  I spend whole afternoons walking from one to the next.


So, since I travel for work I get to thrift in little towns all over California and even in some other States.  My favorite thing to do is to seek out the little church thrift shops or Goodwills. I end up mostly with small items but I always find something.


On my recent trip to Santa Ynez, California, my friend, Martha Arriola, and I did some local thrifting.  Joined by our stylist friend, David Yarritu, we went to a few local thrift shops where I bought some great linens for cheap!  I also found other cool things including a glass compote which seems to be my new obsession.  Martha bought a fun old picnic Thermos that didn't look like it had ever been used.  David considered some green suede chaps but mostly as a joke.


After parting ways, with David,  Martha and I decided that we had to try and get to another shop we had seen on our excursion to Andersens' Pea Soup. 


Across the street from the Buellton landmark there is a small house that is home to the great treasure trove Pink Trash and Treasures.  The first day we saw the shop there was a mutual interest in visiting but it was closed.  So, on this last day in Southern California we finally had the opportunity to go. 


We pulled up and there was a mini sized trailer in front of the store.  By mini I mean...Barbie Doll herself could have hooked it up to Kens corvette and gone to the lake.  We are freaks because... well, we both were so excited.  I may have even screamed with joy.  I jumped out of the jeep and immediately started taking pictures.

We had a nice chat with one of the owners, Donna, she gave us the lowdown on her establishment that she runs with her mother and daughter.  They all collect merchandise for the shop and they basically liken it to a constant garage sale.  There is something for EVERYONE as you can see from the following photos and the prices are reasonable.  The only thing that stopped us from buying up the whole store was that they only take cash.  Otherwise,  my now already annoyed roommates would have locked me out of the house.

Out back with all the plants and yard sale finds there are two real trailers that they use as an office and storage.  One is the mama to the mini trailer out front.  The outdoor merchandise is a little dirty from the elements but soap and water will bring it to life again.  Everything is for sale.  These ladies have a great kitchy idea.  Low overhead tons of fun objects with great prices to keep their inventory rotating.

I told Donna I was going to write about her store.  They don't have a website yet but you can go to their Facebook page.  Next time you are driving around or through Central California do stop to check it out. 

Both Martha and I can't wait to go back!