From dining to entertainment to goods—these are some of the best deals in the Valley!
H TINY JOYS ASSURANCE IN
appy November—one of my favorite months—it's the season of giving, the prequel to the merriest time of the year, the host month of the Thanksgiving holiday, the final ode to the colorful landscape before snow sticks, and much more. There are many significant happenings this month, like the end of Daylight Savings Time, Día de Muertos celebrations, Diwali, Election Day, Veteran's Day, Native American Heritage Day (the entire month is National Native American Heritage Month), Small Business Saturday, Black Friday, and many other community events. With the season of many things to celebrate here, and to kick off the gift-giving season, why not partake in some of the best deals in the area? Many of us are looking for ways to save some coin this season, whether that saved coin will be put toward gifts, charities, or your rainy day fund (or, let's be honest—in this economy, it's probably just going in your checking account). Regardless, please enjoy some of your community's favorite local bargains, freebies, and budgetfriendly, best-bang-for-your-buck deals.
The inspiration for this cover story came from a place I hold near and dear to my heart—the bottom of my mother's purse. This is half metaphorical, half
tangible; meaning yes I do actually mean I was inspired by the inside of the brown leather purse my mom had when I was growing up, while at the same time (and maybe more so), I was inspired by the idea of the inside of the brown leather purse. Maybe it's not your mother, but think about a loved one who carried a purse growing up— maybe it was your grandma, your aunt, your older sibling, the lady who sat next to you in church, your neighbor who you saw after school, your best friend's mom, your cousin who you only saw at the holidays—whoever it is, they had a purse. Sometimes, it felt like a Mary Poppins bag, you'd never know what they'd pull out of there, but if you needed a tissue, gum, or chapstick they had it. You needed a pen and paper to take notes during the sermon (aka, doodle), they had it. When your stomach growled and you didn't know if you'd make it to mealtime, they'd pull out a butterscotch or strawberry candy (if you were lucky, it was a Dum Dums lollipop). If they sent you into the purse to grab whatever you needed, you knew you'd have to search through the bag, almost as if treasure hunting, along the way bypassing receipts, notes jotted down on napkins, an old drugstore lipstick that you swore she never used because it had been there forever, a few almost-empty bottles of hand lotion (Why were
they always almost gone, and she always got another use out of them?), a pocketbook, enough quarters to suffice a few trips to the gumball machine (you noted that for later in case she told you "I don't have any" when you asked), a few sticks of gum torn in half, a crumb here or there, a used-up gift card, and more receipts (so-many-receipts). You'd search and search and search until finally—there it was, with a spotlight shining down from above, the item you were looking for. It was reliable, it was assured—you knew it would be there and there was an unwavering amount of trust that it would be. Because Mom's purse had everything.
I was inspired by the satisfying feeling of finding everything you need at the bottom of your mom's purse, I hope you can experience a feeling like that when you cash in one of these deals this season. Happy November, give your neighbor a wave this month, enjoy good food and quality time, and carry around a stick of gum (or a half), you never know when you'll need it; and,
Happy Reading!
Geneva Nodland Editor
Business
Business
Editors/Photographers
Art
INTERACTIVE
Mike Dragosavich
Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Geneva Nodland, Josiah Kopp
Kim Cowles Ty Betts
Ashley Morken, Jenny Sheets
Nick Schommer
ADVERTISING
Sales
Sales Representative
Sales
Business
Client Relations
Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Sam Winter Sam@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Tori Konrady Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Austin Cuka
AustinCuka@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Ellen Hannaher-Brenchley
ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Jenny Johnson
Jessica Ventzke
Missy Roberts
DISTRIBUTION
John Stuber
Emily Koska (right) discusses lab results with a client.
Women's Hormone Optimization
WITH VALLEY VITAL MEDICINE
Women's hormone health plays a crucial role in an individual's overall well-being, especially during the transitional phases of perimenopause and menopause. As women age, hormone levels—particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—begin to fluctuate, leading to a range of symptoms such as irregular cycles, fatigue, low libido, and mood swings. These changes can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, which makes it essential to address hormonal imbalances early on.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has emerged as an effective solution. HRT helps alleviate symptoms. In addition, HRT can provide long-term protective benefits against conditions such as genitourinary syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Leading the way in this treatment at Valley Vital Medicine is Emily Koska MSN, APRN, FNP-C.
What is perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is a hormonal transition, primarily involving estrogen and progesterone, that may begin in a woman’s mid-30s to 40s. When this transition occurs, the body begins to
recalibrate as its reproductive years wind down. Perimenopause can be marked by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and irregular periods.
Menopause
Menopause, the official end to a woman's reproductive years, is marked by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. It is a natural biological process and
usually happens in a person's late 40s and early 50s as the ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen. When this happens, women may experience symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, bone loss, and sleep disturbances, but it’s important to remember that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience.
Some experts suggest that symptoms over the age of 60, including brain fog, joint pain, hair thinning, and changes in skin elasticity, are linked to menopause. Because of these wideranging symptoms, women are often misdiagnosed and therefore receive inadequate treatment during this transitional phase.
"Going through a misdiagnosis while experiencing symptoms can be a very frustrating and overwhelming experience," Koska said. "Education on this topic is important because when women understand that symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue are part of the process, it empowers them to seek the right solutions, get support, and take control of their health. With a well-trained hormone specialist, women can navigate this phase with confidence and understanding."
Many women believe menopause is “just the way it is” for aging women. However, Valley Vital Medicine has resources that can help women thrive through menopause. Menopause does not have to be viewed as a “negative” phase of life, but a time to transition to a new season gracefully with vibrancy.
What hormones are involved?
Estradiol: is the primary type of estrogen secreted by the ovaries. Production stops after menopause. Estrogen is beneficial for reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen also protects against heart disease,
protects the brain, enhances mood, improves vaginal health, and helps skin elasticity.
Progesterone: is produced by the ovaries after ovulation. During reproductive years, it helps the uterus prepare for and support pregnancy. Progesterone is beneficial for supporting bone health, cardiovascular health, and brain function. It is also helpful in stabilizing mood and improving sleep.
Androgens: are produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. The big players are testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione. Androgens significantly decline after menopause. Testosterone is beneficial for energy, sexual health, muscle mass, bone density, mood, cognitive function, and regulating fat distribution.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
HRT aims to achieve hormone optimization through a personalized approach to managing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. At Valley Vital Medicine, Koska and the team advocate for bioidentical hormones which are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body and often sourced from plants.
There are several modalities for HRT ranging from pills, patches, creams, and pellets. Whichever method is chosen, it is important to discuss
the potential risks and benefits of HRT with a healthcare provider. HRT is widely regarded as a safe and effective option for improving quality of life during and after menopause.
The Valley Vital Medicine Approach
"Throughout your life, it is important to work to build muscle mass, eat a whole food diet, reduce stress, and focus on adequate sleep," Koska said. "You want to take care of yourself before entering perimenopause. Lifestyle preparation helps reduce negative effects many women experience during this stage of life."
Instead of just addressing symptoms, Valley Vital Medicine seeks to understand the underlying imbalances contributing to hormonal shifts. They look at the whole picture—nutrition, lifestyle, stress, thyroid function, inflammation, and overall health—to create a customized treatment plan.
CREATE YOUR PERFECT
Jewelry
Wish List
AT WIMMER’S
DIAMONDS
Wimmer's Diamonds, a trusted staple in the Fargo-Moorhead community for over 105 years, invites you to stop in and create your very own jewelry wish list! Whether you’re dreaming of the perfect piece for a special occasion or want to drop a subtle hint for an upcoming celebration, Wimmer’s is here to make the process both easy and a whole lot of fun!
WHY CREATE A WISH LIST?
It can be a sticky situation when you don't like a piece of jewelry that your loved one has taken the time to pick out for you.
No matter their most sincere intentions, if a piece isn't your style, size, or vibe, you may feel like returning the item for something that is—and that can leave the gift giver feeling discouraged. When you create a wish list, you're setting yourself and your loved one up for success!
And now, you have the chance to explore Wimmer’s extensive collection in person and receive expert guidance from their staff. The hands-on experience of trying on pieces, touching, and feeling the jewelry lets you discover what truly resonates with your style. Plus, your wish list will be saved in-store, ready to make your dreams come true when the time is right.
BUILDING YOUR WISH LIST IS EASY
1.
2. 3.
4.
Visit the Wimmer’s Diamonds showroom, no appointment necessary.
Browse their showcases with the help of a jewelry expert.
Try on pieces, explore styles, and finalize your wish list.
Once your list is ready, Wimmer’s can help drop a hint to your loved one, ensuring they pick the perfect gift.
Note: Once your personal jewelry wish list is created, your Wimmer's jewelry expert can send your partner or loved one a subtle text or note. If you'd like to deliver the message yourself, they can write all of the necessary information on a card so you can leave it on their nightstand or the refrigerator door!
Kick off the holiday season in style at Wimmer’s Diamonds' Holiday Preview Party!
This exclusive event is the perfect opportunity to create your wish list while enjoying light apps, bubbly, and the chance to win prizes. Bring a friend (or a few), explore new holiday merchandise, and start planning your perfect gift!
Mark your calendars and stop by for a night of festive fun and fabulous jewelry. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something subtle for everyday wear, you’ll find it here!
Date: Tuesday, December 3 Time: 4-8 p.m. Location: Wimmer's Diamonds Highlights: Light apps, beverages, giveaways, & special offers DETAILS
Make this holiday season shine with Wimmer's Diamonds!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOLIDAY PREVIEW PARTY AND MORE HERE!
96
Best Deals in FM!
Discovering a great deal is always a thrill, but finding 96 of them? That’s next-level! This month, we’re talking about the best bargains Fargo-Moorhead has to offer, from free birthday goodies and kids-eat-free spots to grocery steals and family fun that won’t cost a cent. Whether you're a savvy shopper, a budget-conscious family, or simply someone who loves a good deal, we’ve hunted down the top discounts to keep you and your wallet happy. Flip through, take notes, and get ready to score big in the FM area!
Did we miss your favorite deal in town? Let us know! DM us on our socials @fargomonthly geneva@spotlightmediafargo.com and we will include it on our website,
ups your chances of finding deals!
SHOPPING
Marcus Theater Deal Mania!
Value Tuesday
Magical Movie Rewards Members
Movie Tickets: $6
Free Popcorn: Complimentary-size Super Combo: $12 (large popcorn & large soda)
Hot Dog Special: $2.50 (1/8 lb)
Surcharge for 3D, UltraScreen, SuperScreen: 50% off (up to a $2 savings per ticket)
Nonmembers
Movie Tickets: $7
Hot Dog Special: $3 (1/8 lb)
$7.50 Student Thursdays
Every Thursday, students of all ages and school faculty can enjoy movies for only $7.50. Show your school ID to purchase. Discount not valid on premiere showings or special events. Additional charges may apply for 3D, 4DX, SuperScreen DLX, UltraScreen DLX, ScreenX, and IMAX.
The Marcus Mystery Movie
Every month, grab discount tickets to a new movie for only $5. The catch is, you don't know what movie is showing! The next Mystery Movie is on Monday, December 16, at 7 p.m. (rated PG-13) Not even the theater staff know which movie will be shown, it's a surprise for everyone!
Lifestyle
young aviators (ages 6-18) the fundamentals of aviation-related topics, with topics changing monthly.
Each camp is divided into two parts, held over two Saturdays per month. Aviators must register for the first camp to attend camp No. 2. Completing both parts may qualify for a Scout Merit Badge. Plus, it's FREE thanks to grant funding from the North Dakota Aeronautics Association!
Lifestyle
lifestyle
Walk/Run/Skip —it Out!
Indoor Tracks
The Rustad Recreation Center is a multi-
use indoor field. The track is 1/4 mile and free for public use. Plus, outside the
coupon book is completely free to use and deals get updated daily! Start saving and check it out!
Fargo Bites - Bites Pass
Fargo Bites is a platform that features information on the best local restaurants, events, deals, and features in Fargo. Coming soon, their "Bite Pass" has unique coupons, premium giveaways, and support for local businesses. When you subscribe, you get 30 unique, rotating local dining coupons every month, as well as an entry
and discounts in Fargo, including savings at local venues, theme parks, restaurants, and attractions. Outside of local entertainment, you can save on hotels, airfare, cruises, car insurance, and more. The membership starts at $12/ year—and, although AARP is dedicated to people over 50, there is no minimum age to join. Anyone 18 and older can get a membership! Check it out!
free Activities!
Museum Mania
Visit the Plains Art Museum and the Rourke Art Museum, for free! Free admission is available through museum memberships, donations, and the FM Free Arts Initiative.
Plains Art Museum
M-W, F-Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Th 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Rourke Art Museum
F-Sun 1-5 p.m.
Kids Eat Free
Monday feature one free kid's meal per
One free kid's meal for
Get up to 2 free kid's
Enjoy a free kid's meal with
Kid's meals are $0.99 for
Kids eat free from 4-10 p.m.
Wednesday
HuHot: All day, one free kid's meal with each adult entree purchased.
MacKenzie River Pizza: meal with the purchase of an adult meal.
Thursday
Smiling Moose Deli: with the purchase of an adult meal.
Fryin' Pan: Kids eat for free from 5-9 p.m. for every adult meal purchased.
Friday
Ruby Tuesday: One free kid's meal with each adult entree purchased from 5 p.m. until close.
Saturday
Kids eat free after 4 p.m. with a purchase of an adult entree.
Enjoy a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entree.
Kids eat free after 5 p.m. with the purchase of a full-priced adult
From 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. kids eat free with the purchase of an adult
*Play free, not eat free*
With each kid's meal purchased, kids receive a free $5 game card to use in the
Lunch or dinner, one free kid's meal per adult entree purchased.
Pepper's Sports Cafe: Kids 10 and under eat free all day with an adult order of equal or greater value.
Sunday
Buffalo Wild Wings: all day.
Slim Chickens: an adult meal purchase.
Paradiso: Kids 8 years old and under eat free.
Mexican Village: Pepper's Sports Cafe: under eat free all day with an adult order of equal or greater value.
Casa Mexico: day.
Puerto Vallarta:
Dining
Free dessert when you join My Chili’s Rewards program.
Ruby Tuesday: RubyRewards members.
Dining
Dining
that doesn't mean you have to go for grease! Check out Brew Bird's Family Meal Deal, featuring 12 chicken tenders, 1 pound of fries, and 4 dipping sauces for $29.99! Available Mondays from 5 p.m. to close.
Granite City Food & BreweryPasta Wednesday
Featuring $11.99 pasta entrees paired with all-you-can-eat garlic bread and salad, plus a $25 bottle of wine and flatbread. Deals on this day also include 1/2 off a bottle of wine, and a $5 lemon lavender refresher—which is a blend of lavender, lemon, and vodka.
(Granite City offers more daily specials, we just think this one is great.)
Feed a Buncha Folks at Krolls
For under $50 ($41.99 to be exact), cash in on Kroll's Burgerfest deal, which includes five burgers, family-size fries, five sodas (you can upgrade to a shake for 6.99, add cheese for 99¢, and add bacon for 2.79). If you're feeling extra festive—check out their Fleischfest for the same price and including four fleischkuecle, four mashed potatoes, four bowls of knoephla soup, and four sodas!
Fryin' Pan Feast
Order carryout or delivery and choose from the following meal deals: Four Omelettes with hashbrowns and pancakes, Four Burger Combo with fries and four sodas, Pasta for Four (chicken alfredo or Cajun chicken) with garlic toast, or Chicken Dinner for Four featuring a 12 piece fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy and coleslaw—all for $39.99!
Dining Deals, Deals, Deals!
Bulldog Taphouse Under $10
Monday through Thursday fill your evening with a variety of meal deals under $10. Friday through Sundays catch the same great food for the same price during lunchtime! Find all the details on their website.
BOGO Wings
Snag Buffalo Wild Wings' BOGO boneless wings on Thursdays! Buy one 6-, 10-, or 15-count boneless wings order (can do half and half with two different sauces) and get another free!
Spicy Pie & Tacos!
Get tacos and tostadas for only $1.50 at Spicy Pie on Thursdays, plus $2 chips and salsa, $2.50 chips and guac, $4/slice taco pizza, and $20/ pie taco pizza! Grab the same deal for $4/slice pizza, and $20/pie pizza on Wednesday and try their Pizza of the Month.
Acapulco All You Can Eat Tacos
Enjoy all-you-can-eat tacos for only $8 every Taco Tuesday at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant!
Pepper's Sports Cafe Beer for a Buck
Stop into Pepper's and buy a burger
EVENT CALENDAR
you’re looking to bundle up for an outdoor stroll or find warmth indoors, this guide is filled with can’tmiss activities to make the most of the season—take a look!
SPRING FLING OPEN MIC
Recurring monthly on the first & third Wednesday of the month, 5 p.m.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar
NEEDLE NIGHT
Grab your friends and whatever project you’re working on and come and hang with this group sewing sesh.
Recurring monthly on the 3rd Wednesday until December 18, 6 p.m.
Twenty Below Coffee, Moorhead
OPEN MIC COMEDY IN THE CELLAR
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
With food, live musical performances, art demonstrations, holiday treats, and activities for the kids, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Recurring weekly on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Front Street Taproom, The Cellar
STORYTIME WITH MÓNICASRA. OLIVARES
Recurring Monthly on the 1st Moorhead Public Library SPANISH
November 22 - December 1 Fridays & Saturdays 12 - 9 p.m., Sundays 12 - 6 p.m. Fargo Civic Center
TREE TOP/ WINTER CONTAINER CLASS
November 13 & 15 5-6 p.m.
November 17 1-2 p.m., 4-5 p.m. November 23 11-12 p.m., 3-4 p.m. Holland's
EVERGREEN & BIRCH GNOME CLASS
November 18, 24, 29, & 30, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Holland’s
SANTA VILLAGE
November 30, December 1, 7, & 8, 1-6 p.m.
December 14, 15, & 21, 22, 1-7 p.m.
December 19 & 20, 4-7 p.m. Rheault Farm
SPRUCE TOP WORKSHOPS
Create your own unique sprucetop container with a mix of specialty greens and festive accessories.
November 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, & December 1, 6-7 p.m. Baker Garden & Gift
THEATRE B PRESENTS "MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET" BY TOM DUDZICK
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 7:30-9 p.m.
December 8, 15, 22, 2-3:30 p.m. Theatre B
BAKING CLASS - MACARONS, PUMPKIN SPICE
November 13, 5:30 p.m. The 1889
November 14, 5-10 p.m. Brewhalla Market BREWHALLA HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
SILENT READING PARTY AT FRONT STREET TAPROOM
November 16, 2-4 p.m. Front Street Taproom
BLIPPI: JOIN THE BAND TOUR
November 21, 6 p.m. Scheels Arena Facility
COOKING CLASS - SIDESGIVING FOR THE THANKSGIVING MEAL
November 18, 6:30 p.m. The 1889
COOKING CLASSHANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY, COOKING WITH OLIVELLE
November 21, 6 p.m. The 1889
CREATION CLASSKNITTING 101
November 21, 6 p.m. The 1889
CREATION CLASS -
MARSALA
November 23, 5 p.m. The 1889 CHICKEN
BAKING CLASS - GLUTEN-FREE PIES
November 26, 5:30 p.m. The 1889
THE
MOTH MAINSTAGE
November 22, 6:30 p.m. Historic Fargo Theatre
WORKING WITH YOUR INNER GUIDANCE
November 24, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Spirit Room
November 23, 1 p.m. Fargo Parks Sports Center
COOKING CLASS - LEFSE, GLUTEN FREE
November 24, 2 p.m. The 1889
November 26, 6-8 p.m. Broadway Square BROADWAY SQUARE TREE LIGHTING
November 27, 9:30 a.m. The 1889 BAKING CLASSPUMPKIN PIE
December 20-22, 7-9 p.m.
NDSU Festival Concert Hall FM
JennyMeetSheets! The Art and Zen of Thrifting
Jenny Sheets has split her life between the Fargo-Moorhead area and Montana, which means she knows I-94 far too well and exactly how far she can stretch the gas tank until running out (the off-ramp to Beach, ND, to be exact.) She currently lives in Moorhead, MN with her husband and three-year-old son, Henry Danger. She's trying to adopt a puppy but needs to convince her husband that it's as good an idea as having a baby during the pandemic. Each month, Jenny will bring her perspective to Fargo Monthly on a meandering topic of her choosing: childhood memories, Fargo favorites, a nagging gripe, illogical opinions, something from a dream, new obsessions, or all of the above at the same time. If you want to praise her writing and quick wit, you can find her in person trail running by the river, biking, stuffing her face at BernBaum's, or sipping beers on a patio.
Jenny talks the stories, connections, and inspiration of secondhand things.
There’s an art to thrifting. It’s not for everyone. It can sometimes mean hours of driving from garage sale to garage sale or going cross-eyed as you sift through dozens of shirts at the thrift store. But when someone puts in the time and is able to achieve an elevated state of patience and meditation, the rewards are plentiful.
My mom instilled a deep understanding of thrifting in my brother and I at a young age. As a family, we had garage sale circuits nearly every summer weekend. The passenger, usually my mom, or my brother and I when we were older, held newspaper classifieds in one hand and guided the driver, always my dad, with the other. We mapped out our day depending on the sales we had circled in pencil earlier that morning. My parents were suckers for ‘Antiques’ or ‘Collectibles’ whereas I circled any ad that claimed, ‘Lots of books.’
Then, the tween and teen years hit and I refused to have anything to do with ‘second hand.’ I wanted brand new, squeaky clean, fresh from the factory clothes, shoes, and anything else that touched my delicate teenage hands. Did I always get my way? Of course not (thank you, mom and dad). My thrifting days took an unfortunate pause as I navigated self-conscious hormones and pined over clothing catalogs I could never afford.
Alas! Thrifting returned in college thanks to one glorious item: the most bitchin’ winter jacket to ever grace the land. My mom gave me (after I found it in the back of the attic) her old bright red, vintage, zip-up, feather-down jacket. It looked like something straight out of a 1970s magazine ad for a ski resort or cigarettes. I didn’t care. After I suddenly discovered
other decades (as every teenager does)
I started perusing thrift stores with my friends, finding bell-bottom jeans, fur-lined coats, Moon Boots (seriously!), and gobs of old costume jewelry. Unlike the mall or a catalog, I could stretch the few dollars I earned babysitting into full wardrobes—and I had fun doing it
While visiting thrift stores became a weekly routine for me after that point, I can’t say garage sales came as easily. As a moody teenager, I spent most Saturdays sleeping until long after most garage sales packed up for the day. For many years I wondered how my parents could let me sleep so late. Now, as a parent, I can picture them peacefully drinking coffee on the weekend while the kids slept in. Bliss.
Garage sale-ing picked up after college when my husband and I lived in Montana. We spent weekends biking around town from sale sign to sale sign. Without an agenda or classified ad to follow, we casually floated in and out of people’s lives reflected in the items ready for new homes. Instead of hunting for a new pair of jeans or Moon Boots, I found relaxation in slowly studying the accouterments people gathered to accentuate their homes and lives over the years. Handmade quilts, porcelain dolls, first-edition books, weed wackers, and tackle boxes—items that had meant something to someone, now three dollars. Two, if you bargain. We found peace in slowing down,
not allowing ourselves to feed into the cultures of ‘fast fashion’ and ‘consume and toss.’
I have developed such a love for thrifting it may border on obsession. If I have downtime, even twenty minutes, I swing into a thrift store to catch a glimpse into people’s past lives. I can’t drive past a garage sale without stopping, or at the very least ‘creeper crawling’ by. I’m rarely looking for anything in particular; in fact, it’s far more enjoyable if I’m not. When I least expect it, I just may stumble upon a hidden Hall and Oates album or a turquoise-studded belt that I never knew I needed. But, I only find the treasures if my eyes are open, and I give myself a few extra minutes to wander.
As far as I’m concerned, thrifting should be an Olympic sport. Lucky for the rest of us, we can compete and win frequently with a little practice. After years of training, I am here to share a little advice for new thrifters:
1. Don’t go looking for something specific. Ever. That’s like saying you’re going to start jogging and you sign up for a run across the Mojave Desert. Ease into it. Loosen your shoulders. If you need direction, then start small. Think: pants. Or, pan. Or even broader: stuff.
2. Slow down. You may have sorted through your size of pants on the rack, but did you check the
changing rooms? The end caps of the rows? What about the pile of clothes dumped behind the sporting equipment? You’re moving too fast. Also, I know you came in for pants but you should also take a minute to scan electronics and miscellaneous crafts. You never know.
3. Finally, appreciate thrifting as a reflection of your fellow neighbors and humans. Those cut-glass tumblers belonged to someone real. Same with the parenting self-help books, wedding dresses, and letterman jackets. These are memories. Sometimes discarded, yes, but sometimes let go reluctantly, maybe at the end of an era. Regardless of how they ended up on the shelf in front of you, each item carries with it a story of how it got there, and it’s now in your hands. Thrift with care.
Meet The MAKER MAKER
BiblioTrek
By Ashley Morken, Owner, Unglued
The creativity in this community continues to grow in variety and style—and I think discovering Danny Devito mashed up with Pikachu thanks to the work of Mark Elton while shopping Mark’s own illustrated book that includes a red panda exemplifies this perfectly! Meet this creative genius and wordsmith below!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a professional illustrator who prefers cats over dogs, podcasts over music, and really bad movies over just mediocre ones. My blood type is probably caffeine by now, and if I could, I’d be living in a secluded cabin in the woods reading books from my towering TBR pile.
Describe what type of products you make under BiblioTrek?
Over the years, my artwork has been influenced by everything from comic books to classical art. My biggest influences include Norman Rockwell, Richard Scarry, Mike Mignola, and Carl Barks.
Tell us how you got started with your businesses.
When my brother told me he and his wife were expecting their first child, I knew I wanted to do something special for the kid. Remembering my own childhood and the hours I would spend pouring over animal books, I decided to make one just for him. But not just a regular animal book that contained cats, dogs, cows, and horses. I wanted something that would spark his imagination. Hence, the creation of my first
Photos provided by Ashley Morken
"Movie Night"
"Rogues & Royals"
"Mark’s Portrait" Shot by local wet plate photographer Kary Janousek of Old School Collodion
"Danny DeVikachu"
book, “Atypical Animals." The book was a success, and launched two sequels: “Curious Critters” and “Fantastic Fauna."
What are your personal favorite items you've created so far?
My favorite Illustrations are “Rogues & Royals” and “Movie Night," as both represent a major milestone in my draftsmanship techniques.
What is your most popular item you specifically sell?
In terms of physical items, stickers happen to move fast because they are inexpensive and accessible to most people. However, the most popular illustration I happen to sell is “Danny DeVikachu." That little critter dude is a friend-shaped fever dream cooked up from doodles meant to pass the time while behind a table. At the insistence of a close art friend, I followed through and finished the rendering, birthing a symbol that blesses every sticker, charm, magnet or mug he happens to grace. People who see him cannot help but stop and say hello!
What is something you've enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?
For as long as I can remember, art has been a meditative practice. Having that ability to analyze and explore worlds and ideas as they can or should be acts as a balm when the anxieties and responsibilities of life become overwhelming.
What is the most challenging thing?
Completing everything I need and want to create at a level that is satisfactory to my inner critic.
You work with both 2D and 3D art—how do you find these interact with each other in your work?
I paint as I sculpt and I sculpt as I draw. Before I was anything close to a satisfactory draftsman, I had a surprising knack for sculpture. So when I started teaching myself how to paint, I leaned into my strengths and adapted what I knew about sculpting and broke everything I wanted to render into cubes, spheres, and amorphous blobs. On occasion, I have even sculpted fully three-dimensional figures and dioramas to act as a
physical reference when I found myself having difficulty figuring out the light and perspective of my ideas on the twodimensional plane.
What is something people might find surprising about creating a book? It is easier than you think, and can be much less profitable than you would imagine.
What is a word that best describes you? Well, I would like to say "human," but after checking with my friends, they seem to disagree (should I be insulted?), and suggested the following instead:
Thoughtful, genuine, dedicated, empathetic.
What advice would you have given yourself five years ago?
Do what you love and trust your heart.
Where can people find your work?
My newest exhibition “Magical Menagerie” will be on display at The Rourke Art Gallery & Museum from November, 8 through the end of December. I highly recommend you check that out as it will be filled with an intense year’s worth of new pieces.
Or, if you just want to check out my stuff online, you can find me at:
| BiblioTrek.com | @bibliotrekoriginal
