Our Hopeful Home: Club G.W. {Goodwill} party

You can join this week's Club G.W. Party at end of this post!

First off, I have to tell you about a bizarre experience I had the other morning. A new local Club G.W. was having it's Grand Opening and of course I had to be there. In all fairness, I went because my daughter (who is hooked on HGTV) begged me to go - they were giving out some HGTV design book free with any purchase while supplies lasted and, well, she just had to have one. And yes, I'll admit that it was better than a sharp stick in the eye to have to go to a Club G.W. I mean, that's what I do, right? But when I got there that's when all we know to be normal and good went right out the window.

I had never seen the parking lot of this particular shopping center so full. Never, not even close. Music was BLASTING from the store because they had a D.J. Yes, I said D.J. There were no shopping carts left and the place was so crowded you could barely even move. I don't know about you but I can't stand crowded shopping situations like that so I ran like the wind right out of there, sans free HGTV book. No fair! Since when did Club G.W. {Goodwill} become THIS popular? They were giving away prizes. PRIZES. It felt more like The Price is Right than a thrift store.

Oh well, I guess even Club G.W. {Goodwill} has to make a buck
just like the next guy. But I was really blown away by their savvy marketing and ability to bring in the crowds. I guess the current horrendous economy is making Goodwill hip. And I'm not ashamed to say that this makes me sad. I almost feel like I've lost a tried and true friend. Crazy, I know, but do you feel that way, too, in your neck of the woods?

Enough of my kvetching and on to last week's features! First off, though, I do have to say that the outpouring of party love was quite weak to say the least. Makes me once again rethink this whole party thing. I know there are SO many similar parties out there, and maybe I was a bit overly ambitious to think that I could compete with them participant-wise. Who knew? If you have any thoughts or ideas on it I'd love to hear them!

All the participants had something fabulous to share. Here are two:

Patti and Paula @ Ivy & Elephants

I have a new collectible love!

Diane @ Lavender Dreams

I've been looking for these!

Thanks for linking up, ladies! Feel free to grab a "Featured" button from my top right sidebar and share some Club G.W. love.

Party Rules

Link up your thrifty finds, and your thrifty find re-dos.

Please link back to your post and not to your blog's main URL.

Please mention the party somewhere in your post or place the party button on your sidebar. That way others can find out where the party is and join in!

I'd love for you to become a follower so you don't miss the next party!