Blogging has opened so many doors for me and I’m constantly amazed at how it brings folks together from all walks of life. Who would have thought that a middle aged white woman would become buds with a young black dude in SC all because of Twitter and a love of thrifting? That’s how it is in the blogosphere.
If you haven’t met him yet, you will now. Mr. Goodwill Hunting, as he is known on his blog, is Rashon Carraway, a talented young decorator who hails from Rock Hill, SC. Southern gentlemen, thrifter extraordinare and a Christian too, he’s a force to be reckoned with and thriftstores happen to be his favorite method of shopping. And he’s been featured on The Nate Berkus show THREE times. I’m very excited for his success as a new blogger since January. Good for him!
He’s a talented guy with lots of inspiring ideas and I love the fact that he is a thrifter like I am! We thrifters have to stick together. It’s a sickness and a love, this thrifting thing. 
I got to meet him in person at an event here in Atlanta a few weeks ago and it was great to get to know him better.
This is Rashon’s living room. He found an old sofa with great bones, of course at a thriftstore and recovered it to fit his look and now it looks like a million bucks.
Another piece found thrifting, this chest was painted and takes on a whole different look. Take a look at it now….
Wow, huh? The power of paint once again. 
This is a space he did for the Nate Berkus show for a couple on the show done on a tight budget and it turned out fantastic.
I asked Rashon a few questions and here’s what he said:
Me: What did you do before you became a full-time blogger/designer?
Mr. GWH: Before I became a blogger I was an insurance agent for a SC medicaid company. It wasn’t my dream job, but it was a job that paid great money.
Me: How did you get so interested in thrifty shopping, where did that passion begin?
Mr. GWH: This is funny. I am cheap. Stingy some say, so in order to get good deals I knew thrift stores were my best option. However, after shopping for clothes I saw furniture and the rest is what you see now.
Me: What’s next for Mr. Goodwill Hunting?
Mr. GWH: Well I am trying to take things one grateful day at a time. This exposure I have been given is nothing but God’s grace and his favor.
What a great guy! It was fun to get to know Rashon better.
Since so many of us love a bargain and love thrift shopping, here’s some really exciting news!
Rashon has put together an I Love Thrifting day and it’s going to be celebrated ALL over the country. I’m going to host a group here in Marietta and any of you in the Atlanta area are invited to join us on Saturday, July 9th at 9:00 a.m. I’ve got several places line up in the Marietta area that we can hit and I will call ahead to let them know we are coming. We’ll meet at the Woodstock Goodwill first:
1. Goodwill – Hwy. 92 in Woodstock
2. Wellspring Treasures, Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw (offering 25% off that day to all who say that Rhoda sent them!) YAY!
3. America’s Thriftstore – Canton Hwy., Marietta
4. Canton Road Marketplace Thriftstore – Canton Road, Marietta
5. Goodwill – 1355 Roswell Rd., Marietta
There will be a lunch stop at La Madeleine on Roswell Road too, one of my fave places.
Rashon sent me this cute pink I Love Thrifting t-shirt and if you’d like to get your own, you can order here. Folks from all over the country are joining up for this fantastic event, just to show our support and love of thrifting. I can’t think of anything better I’d like to support. It will be a fun filled day, so I hope you’ll join me.
If you buy a T-shirt, you can upload your pic in the T-shirt to the I Love Thrifting Facebook page. This is going to be so much fun. If you’ve ever wanted to go thrifting or join me for a day out, this is the time to do it!
Can I count on some of my Atlanta readers to come out for the fun?? July 9th, 2011, put it on your calendar!
If you’d like to tag along, please let me know, I’d love to meet you. The more the merrier!
Exciting news!
The winner of the $100 Homegoods giftcard has been chosen:
Vanessa June 1, 2011 at 6:45 pm
I have been searching for the perfect side table for my screened in porch. I’m also planning a kitchen re-do including paint & fun, unique items over the cabinets. This would be a great gift for my *ahem* significant birthday this summer! P.S. My hubby is from the Tucker area.
Vanessa, I’ve emailed you with the details, so just get back with us to claim your prize!
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yardsales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me? 
{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }
That looks like good fun, I am so envious here in England! Cant wait to see what you guys find.
Rhoda,
As I was reading about your thrifting spree I saw that It had passed June 9th. Then as I read the entire blog, it says July 9th. Which is it? I hope I didn’t miss out!
Kimberly, that was a typo, it’s definitely Sat., July 9th! HOpe you can make it.
You are *rockin’* that t-shirt, Rhoda! Fun post!
That T-shirt is really cute. I swear you are going to be as famous as Paula Deen.
Cute photo of you girlfriend in that cute pink t-shirt!
I’ve seen him on tv and he is awesome. Wish I could join you on the 9th, but I think our daughter will be in town. If things change, I’ll let you know.
Hugs,
Kat
You are too cute in that t-shirt girl!
Too bad I’m way up here in Maine otherwise I’d be there! 
Have fun!
Meeting other bloggers is so much fun! Sounds like it’ll be a blast! Wish I could join you.
Oh yea!
Gonna be sooo much fun!!!!
Rashon
http://www.ilovethrifting.com
That’s so exciting, Rhoda!
So cool!! An you’re looking “HOT” in that pink t-shirt!!!
Hugs to you, my friend!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Rhoda, wish I could come, but we will be out of town. Sounds like fun.
Oh my! He is awesome! And I have that EXACT chest in my son’s bedroom that I’ve been staring at for months, trying to decide what to do with it. Now I know, and I’ll be asking my husband to help me move it to the garage for some sanding and black paint! Thanks Rhoda!
Rhoda,
Count me in, can’t wait! I explore a lot of thrift shops in the North Fulton area and can’t wait to explore your picks. And I look forward to meeting you. I was in a book club with your niece before she moved.
You look cute in your pink t-shirt, Rhoda, and you seem to be having fun wearing it! Rashon is one talented guy, and so nice and personable. He had a great presence on the Nate show, and I know everyone was impressed. Enjoy your thrifting adventures!
Great team-have fun with all your thrifting friends! You in your pink tee just made me smile to see how happy you look! ♥♫
Enjoyed reading this post. I’ve seen Rashon on Nate’s Show and loved his creations…very talented. Wish I lived in your area Rhoda because the thrifting get together sounds like a lot of fun.
Amazing where we can make friends through blogging! You look so adorable in your pink shirt. Keep on thrifting Miss Rhoda.
Awwww….he’s so adorable and so are you in that t-shirt! I’m sorry I’ll miss the big thrifting event!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs/blessings,
Lana
Thanks for introducing me to this guy. Can’t wait to check out his blog.
Crystal
Ah, Rhoda, you look so darn cute in that pink tee shirt! Wish I live close enough to join your thriftying shopping trip. Looking forward to seeing all the great thing you find.
Oh, Rhoda, I would love to do this with you! But sadly (!) I’ll be deep sea fishing with my hubs in FL… would love to try another time, though! Sure to be a great and inspiring day!!
What a fun idea! Loved this interview with Rashon–and the t-shirt!
I’ll be there. I confess that I don’t see a lot of good finds at the thrift shops, so maybe you can open my eyes. I just see the junk. Don’t have that vision for the after look. But maybe if I’m out shopping with y’all experts, you can point me to some good finds to bring home.
I’ve seen Mr. GWH on Nate’s show before, and he is wonderful!!! Great blog too. In LOVE with the t-shirt, Rhoda. I think I want a pink one too.
Love the shirt and love the little projects featured here…you guys inspire me!!
I just replied to your e-mail…thanks for the great giveaway!!!
Rhoda- I am going on my first vacation in six years THAT WEEKEND!!! Otherwise I would be SO THERE because you will be in my neighborhood! I was driving north towards cumming today and found the cutest little antique places (2 of them!) in the middle of nowhere. A place called Whimsy in forsyth (Ithink)
Rhoda I will join your great thrifting adventure! Looking forward to meeting you and a fun day!
Rhoda! I sent you a tweet to find out what part of Atlanta you are living in. Since I am new to your blog, I haven’t had to time to investigate and see if you have mentioned, so apologies if it seems I haven’t paid attention if it is obviously posted on your blog. Anyway, I live in Canton and was THRILLED beyond THRILLED when I saw that the tour will be on a weekend don’t have my kids (they will be with their father…btw I think we may have similar stories) and it is in my neck of the woods! I am giddy!!! So I will hopefully see you there!!!!! How much money do you usually take to spend? I need to set myself a budget since I am not the usual thrifter…I am new to it and the area and need to find the best places. I am in love with your blog and love your strength. Get ‘em girl!
You are my neighbor
Where is Rhoda?
Update: I did get your tweet and so glad to hear we are neighbors! See you July 9th ….oh and I am ordering my t-shirt tonight!
Thanks for introducing all of us to Rashon (well, those of us who didn’t know of him until now….I get a little behind with things during the school year…”teacher brain”) he is my new “man” !
Hugs~
Melissa
Though I mentioned it in my email, thought I’d better make it official on here- I’ll be there- woo-hoo!
I saw him on The Nate Berkus Show too recently and loved him! Do you know if anyone is doing B’ham thrift day? Ooh, I might be tempted to come to Atlanta!! Soon!
You can check his site:
http://www.ilovethrift.com and see if there is a charter there. If not, contact him and you may be able to head one up there!
They are trying to begin a thrift in B’ham. Contact http://www.dweellandtell.com for info.
Hope this helps.
Oh yay!!! I want to go with y’all! I have never been close enough to any blogger girls to join an outing – but I live close by and don’t want to miss it!
I am new to blogging even though I have stalked many for years. My blog is mainly an update on my family but would like to eventually branch out. I am in Canton and Rhoda, Marietta. Where are all of you ATL ladies from? I can’t wait to meet everyone! I can finally be with people who “get it”.
I’m in Kennesaw and I would love to go! Of course, I’ll be out of town. That always happens to me!
Hi! I live in Marietta and just found your blog through the nester who linked me to Mr. Goodwill Hunting. I love his style and have seen him on Nate Berkus several times. Anyway, I would love to join you (and learn from you!) on the 9th if there are still spaces available!
Emily, absolutely come on and join us!
that Rashon is such a cutie and such a talent!! I, too, am thrilled for all of his success! you look great in your tshirt! hope you are well….
joan
I am an Atlanta area blogger too and LOVE thrifting!! I plan to come join you. Can’t wait to meet Rhoda and some of you other bloggers!
SO going to go thrifting with you girls. I love going thrifting but have NO vision. Hope I can pick up some tips or someone to follow me home and give me ideas heheh . See you the 9th. =)
While I like the costs benefits of thrifting, I don’t seem to have the creative eye to put it all together. We’re from the same hometown and church as Rashon, and we love and support his success. We recently relocated to Kennesaw, and looking forward to thrifting with everyone Saturday.
Wish I could join but I am in Texas!
. I really enjoy your blog…found it searching for SW Camelback. I am your newest follower! 
You’re hitting up some of my favorite haunts so I think I’ll have to join you! Is it OK if I bring the kiddos? Hubby will be out of town that day. Wish I had time to order a t-shirt.
Have you ever been to Revive, right next door to GW on 92? It is a consignment store so prices are a little higher, but it is awesome! They also recently opened a clearance center a few doors down called Restore where you can find some great deals.
Looking forward to Saturday!
Kela, I have not, but I’ll have to check it out!
I am hoping to come on Friday. It sounds great! Thank you for setting this up!
Love this! Great pic of the two of you! Following you both!
laura
Hi, Rhoda! I am planning to come and bring my mom along on Saturday! We may not hit all the stores (since I have to get back to my baby boy), but we’d like to at least hit the first couple with you!
I am new to your site, and I LOVE it! I was wondering if this is a bus tour or is everyone driving their own vehicle? How will I know your group? Looking forward to meeting you!
Sharon, everyone will meet at the first stop, Goodwill on Hwy. 92 in Woodstock and then we will take our cars on to the next stop.
It’s going to be fun! You’ll know me cause I’ll have on my pink I Love Thrifting T-shirt!
Thrifty shoppers, I’ll see you all at the Goodwill at Woodstock tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.! Happy shopping!!
Happy I <3 Thrifting Day! Can you tweet the subsequent stops? I will have to catch up. My son has karate at 9:30, so I can't start with you
Hey Rhoda-
)
Jusst worked it out to come and I am bringing a friend. We live in Towne Lake, so the Woodstock Goodwill is one of our favs! We probably will not be able to go to all the stores, but hope to stay for a few.
Hello Mr hunting, I loved your project on Nate today. What kind of primer you use on indoor tables when used outdoors?