Thrift Store Fabulous

I love, love, LOVE thrift stores!  There are several thrift stores in my area, but lately I have found Goodwill to have the best prices. I love that our Goodwill is clean, organized, and the employees are very friendly and helpful. I also like that every week a certain colored tag is 50% off. This week's tag is red. I stopped by looking for jeans for the kids for school. I didn't find any in their sizes that would work, but I did find some fabulous things, anyway!
 

Today's treasures included:

• A vintage quart milk bottle - $.99
• A glass cake stand  - $2.49 (it was a red tag item)

These two items are going to be a birthday gift.

• A small vintage Pyrex container (it is going to hold sponges on my kitchen sink) - $.99
• E bay for Dummies (Dear Hubby wants to start selling some of our unwanted items on E bay, and doesn't have a clue how to start) - $1.49 (it was a red tag item)
• Three pairs of shorts for the boys - 2 pairs were $3.99 each, one was $1.49 (red tag)
• A brand new Target Home brand fabric shower curtain (I have been looking for a new shower curtain for the upstairs bathroom. The one that we are currently using is 14 years old and pretty worn out) - $7.99

 Today grand total spent was $25.13. Not bad considering the shower curtain alone would have cost at least that bought new at the store. I do love a good treasure hunt! Have you found any fabulous items at the thrift store, lately?

Retail Therapy....Frugal Style

I am constantly trying to find ways to live a Champagne (okay, Evian) lifestyle on a tap water budget. Keeping a family of six in clothing, shoes, and necessary frivolities can be a pricey venture.  To get the most bang for my buck , I have become quite a fan of  frugally creative shopping.  There are several places I like to frequent to purchase necessary items, and stay within our budget.

Thrift Stores:  You can find just about anything under the Sun at thrift stores. They are great for clothing, dressier shoes, household items, backpacks, canning jars, and sometimes furniture (usually furniture will require some TLC). This week's trip to Goodwill produced a messenger bag ($4.99), tote bag ($3.99), Pyrex serving dish ($1.99), two new glass storage container (to replace plastic ones out of my pantry $3.50 for both), Corelle luncheon plates (to replace the ones we've broken. 7 for $1.50), and a pair of khaki capri pants for me ($3.99).

  
Salvage Stores: We have a couple in my area. The ambiance in salvage stores may be a little rustic. Usually, organization is not always top priority, either. If you are willing to spend some time sorting through the mish mash; you can usually find treasures. Like an 18 piece set of glass Pyrex storage containers (to replace some sadly peeling plastic containers) for $20.00 ( I've already put them to good use). Salvage stores are a great place to find some non perishable food, non grocery and hygiene items, wrapping paper, party supplies, office/ school supplies, household items, clothing, and sometimes small furniture.

 The prices are really hard to beat!

Yard/ Garage Sales: Even though they are seasonal, they are a great place to find ANYTHING. They are especially fabulous for finding furniture, baby items, children's clothing, canning supplies, small household appliance, athletic equipment, tools, yard equipment.

Consignment Stores: Even though the clothing items are more expensive that thrift stores, they are a great place for finding higher end brands. Consignment stores are a great place to find jewelry, hand bags, business attire, dress clothing, bridal gowns, and party dresses. Some shop also sell furniture, luggage, household items, antiques, and books. I have found lots of decorating items CHEAP at consignment stores.

Clearance Bins and Racks: I have found everything from dollar t shirts, to $3.00 stock pots in the clearance sections of almost every store in my area. I make it a point to peruse them every time I am in the store. Clearance items are great for stocking up on gifts, clothing, bedding, decorating accessories, and cook/ bake ware.

To make "shopping" trips as efficient as possible (and not cave in to "frivolous" purchases), I keep a small notebook in my purse with an every changing list of items that we are in need of.  My list usually includes clothing items (and sizes) that the kid's need (or will need, such as school and dress clothes), household items to replace (a.k.a. plates, glasses.), sizes of canning jars, fabric needed  for projects, baskets for gifts, and holiday items.

As a side note: I am also a HUGE FAN of swapping and bartering with the neighbors (and family). Lots of times if you let it out that you are in need of something, someone has what you need and is willing to swap. I recently traded some outgrown kids clothing with the neighbor for some cleaning supplies that she had an abundance of. Lots of areas have Freecycle. It works basically the same way. I have not participated, but I know people who are huge fans.

What are your favorite frugal shopping tactics?

Investment Purchases And Clearance Shoes

Once my children starting attending school, I realized that cheap shoes from Walmart or Payless Shoes were not going to hold up to the wear and tear that rough and tumble playground play was inflicting on them. We were averaging a new pair of shoes every two to four months. Buying several pairs of inexpensive shoes ends up costing more than one pair of high quality shoes. Shoe purchases have become what I call "investment purchases".

My definition of an "investment purchase" is spending a little more money on an item if  the quality will a) stand up to the excessive wear and tear my family will inflict (furniture, shoes, cars, bicycles, etc.),  b) it will save us money in the long run ( energy efficient appliances, small kitchen appliances, freezers, etc.), or c) it is a purchase that I want to get a very long life out of (all of the above). Most "investment purchases" can be bought on sale or even on clearance, so if you shop around, the initial investment is the same or a little bit more than you would spend on the cheaper version.

Anyway, back on topic.......shoes. I make it a habit to always check the clearance shoe racks at Ross, T.J. Maxx, Fred Meyers, Shoe Carnival and our local sporting goods stores. As the stores get their shipments of the new season's styles and colors of shoes  they always clearance out "last season's models". I can usually find name brand athletic shoes, dress shoes, or snow boots for 1/2 to 3/4 off the regular price. If the price is right and someone is not currently in need of new shoes, I will buy the size bigger and put them away for later. I especially love name brand athletic shoes made with mesh (breathable) fabric. It keeps "stinky" children feet in check!

We hit pay dirt Monday night! Child #3's feet have been growing at an unusually rapid rate (for my budget, anyway), and had outgrown yet another pair of shoes. We wandered into our local Shoe Carnival, and they had a huge clearance sale going on.  To sweeten the pot they were running a twenty minute Buy One, Get One Half Off promo. We found three pairs of shoes:

• A pair of Conserve tennis shoes (child #3 has been coveting a pair for awhile). Original price $54.99. On clearance for $20.00 (after 1/2 off second pairs of shoes promo $10.00).
• A pair of black leather flats for Child #2 (she has currently confiscated my pair of black flats, and I wanted them back!). Original price $34.99. On clearance for $5.00.
• A pair of Asic running shoes (These are for me. I am trying to start running, again, and the gel soles in the Asics running shoes keep my back and knees from hurting while I am exercising.). Original price $69.99 on clearance for $35.00.

We were able to purchase three pairs of shoes for $50.00 (the cost of ONE pair of regular priced shoes). If we had paid the original prices, we would have spent $159.97! Now everyone is happy with their new shoes, and my shoe budget is not a smoking crater (which makes me happy)!

Thrift Store Fabulous!

One of this year's resolutions is to live by the motto "Use It Up. Wear It Out. Make Do, Or Do Without!". I have been doing fairly well, and have been avoiding shopping (other than for groceries) in general. However, there has been recent growth spurts by several individuals in our household. Child #3 has grown taller. Child #4 has grown taller and broader (he is a big boned lad and so growth for him usually goes up and out!). Child #4 can wear Child #3's hand me downs, which is a blessing. I am sorry to say that I have not grown taller, but my pants have become unusually tight and uncomfortable ( I am chalking this up to a general lack of self control where sweets have been concerned, over the last several months). I could probably struggle through with my tight pants, but I am down to two pairs and both are getting very thread bare ( if the fabric gets much thinner; you'll be able to read the size label on my underwear. Something a well bred woman should NEVER divulge!). A trip to my local Goodwill seemed in order. I have been hitting the thrift stores in my area for several weeks, but really haven't found a whole lot of fabulous (last week I did find a pair of church shoes and two pairs of jeans for Child #3 for a grand total of $9.54). Yesterday, I hit pay dirt. All of  these treasures came from Goodwill. For my boy's I found:

Two pairs of shorts for Child #4, a pair of Levi's for Child #3, and a pair of shorts for Child #1. They are even plaid which makes them even cooler ( all of these where $3.99 a piece).

Of course, back packs at my house get used and abused. New back packs were not in the Back To School budget this year, and everybody has been making do with last years (or even the year before that). Some of them are starting to sub-come to their constant use. Child #2 has been safety pinning hers together.  I was able to score two today (the green one was $7.99 and the blue one was $6.99, but it was a YELLOW tag, which means it was half off this week. It ended up being $3.49). The fabulous fuzzy leopard print hat is for Child #2, who has a fondness for fuzzy and leopard print. It was $4.99, but now maybe she'll actually wear a warm hat to school for a change! The DVD was $3.00, not necessary, but it is the original version of "Belles On Their Toes", a book and movie that I love. Apparently I caved to want instead of need. The book is "The Egg and I" (copyright 1945) which is a book I love and have been looking for, for awhile (and it is a YELLOW tag item and cost $.99).

This is my favorite find today! I have been looking for a dress coat for several months now. I am getting tired of schlepping  to Church every Sunday in my  bright kelly green everyday coat (which I have to leave in the car before I go in, because a well bred woman does NOT  wear a shiny, bright kelly green, puffy coat into the Lord's house! Plus, it clashes with all of my Sunday wear.). A new dress coat is quite out of my price range, and the thrift store has not presented an acceptable alternative........until today. This fabulous coat is dark green and black herringbone, is wool,  and is a Worthington brand (very good quality). The tag had $17.99 printed on it, which I would have paid, but it was a YELLOW tag!!! Woo Hoo, baby! I only paid $8.99!! It is dry clean only, but no worries I have a Dryel cloth and a dryer, so dry cleaning isn't a worry.

For myself,  I found two pairs of  like new jeans ($5.99 a piece).  I am of the mindset that if you find a pair of jeans that fits, you wear them until they completely fall apart. Both of these fit well, so until I shed the extra fifteen pounds of chocolate cupcakes off of my posterior; they will work brilliantly! The stretchy skirt was $5.99. In my opinion, you can never have too many stretchy skirts ( they will fit you plus or minus fifteen extra pounds). This skirt will look nice with dress boots and a black sweater during the winter, and just as fabulous this summer with a black t shirt and flip flops.

I spent a grand total of $68.26 ( $77.80 with last week's thrift store purchases) . That did make a dent in my clothing budget, this month, but considering the coat alone would have cost more than that, and I clothed three almost naked (just kidding) people. Not too shabby! I am amazed at how many new and nearly new clothing items you can find at thrift stores. You do have to look for them. Believe me, I have seen my share of Size 20 mini skirts,  polyester pants, and well stained shirts; but obviously there are treasures to be found. The fashion police have yet to knock on my door, so I consider us somewhat fashionable in our second hand wear!

Thrift Store Fun

One of my favorite past times is thrift store shopping. I am lucky to have access to several second hand, consignment, and thrift stores in my area. I have found that if I am consistent I can find treasures fairly frequently. There are trips when I don't find anything or only an item or two, but there are times when I hit the jackpot. Yesterday was one of those trips. My girl child (Child #2) has caught the thrifting bug, as well. She had several babysitting jobs this summer, and bought the majority of her own school clothes ( I was very proud of her for that). It didn't take her very long to realize that her money went a lot further at the thrift shops than at the mall (even though she and her little friends hit some awesome clearance sales and got some great deals, too). Here's what we found:

Child #2 found three cute sweaters to take on her Debate trip in November.

Child #2 found the cute brown dress, but I found a couple of dresses for me.

We also found two books, a brand new twin sheet set (that matches #2's bedding set), a purse for me (I'm so excited, because the inside of this purse is filled with pockets. Now maybe I will be able to find my keys and cell phone. Wishful thinking?), a pair of ballet flats ( I had to do some finagling to get to keep those. Dear daughter and I wear the same shoe size. I may have to hide them!), two stylish belts (Child #2's little fetish. She has a drawer full of them.), and three DVD's.

Here's a close up of the DVD's. "It's A Wonderful Life" and "The Princess Diaries" were both brand new! Yoo Hoo! Our total amount spent was $60.97.

If you want to be a thrift store shopper there are several things to remember:

• Keep a note book with items that you are looking for. I have a page for each child with needs and sizes. I also have a page with a list of house hold and misc. items I am looking for.
• Have a general idea of prices for new items in your area (you can keep those in your notebook, too). It's silly to pay the same price for used as for new items on sale.
• Check clothing for tears and stains. Also try the zippers to make sure they are working properly. If they are missing buttons or the stains appear to be easily removable buy the item. A little bit of work will score you a treasure.
• Canning jars, wicker baskets, picture frames, holiday decorations, movies, and books are generally always a good deal at thrift stores.
• Furniture can also be a thrifty find, but most of the time it will require some work to clean them up or repair. Always check springs, joints, and framework for damage before purchasing.
  
• Browse the entire store. If you find something you like, but aren't sure about, put it in your cart anyway. You may go back for it, and find some else has beat you to it.
  
• Visit them often. Thrift stores receive new donations daily, so inventory changes often. I usually go about twice a month. I will go weekly if I am looking for something in particular.
• Don't get discouraged. Sometimes you see A LOT of ugly ducklings before you find a swan!
• If you have items that you are not using, donate them. Some one else may be able to use them!

Fabulous Thrift Store Finds

I have to tell you that I love to shop at thrift stores! It is like going on safari; it is all about the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you are going to find. I keep a small notebook in my purse with a list of items that my family is in need of. About every week or so I make a loop and hit the second hand stores in my area. Sometimes there isn't anything really worth buying, but quite often I hit pay dirt!!! You do have to have a general idea of prices, because not all thrift store finds are a good deal. It's silly to pay $X.XX for Walmart brand jeans at a thrift store if you can buy them on clearance at Walmart for exactly the same price or less. However, most of the time you can find name brand clothing (some with the tags on them) for significantly less than buying them at the store. Household items, books, toys, holiday items, picture frames, canning jars, wicker baskets, and some electronics are usually good deals, too.

Anyway, I hit Deseret Industries this morning looking for pajama pants for child #4 (his are getting VERY small. He and #4 son are the same size right now; so no hand me downs). Here are the great things that I found. 1. "Preach My Gospel" for $2.00
2. You've Got Mail on VHS for $2.00 (it's one of my favorite movies)
3. "Homemade" by Alexa Lett for $.75 (full of thrifty gift ideas)
4. Over the door shoe organizer for $2.00 (to replace the one the little boys destroyed)
5. Sunday shoes for child #3 for $4.00
6. Brand new laundry basket for $2.00 (still has the tag in the bottom of the basket)7. 18 jelly jars at $.25 a piece (stocking up now to fill with jelly for holiday gifts)
8. A backpack for $1.50 ( saving it for next school year to replace the one that will inevitably
wear out this year)
9. An 9x6 three ring binder for $.50 ( so I can start a price book, but more about that later)
10. 2 yards of new flannel for $2.00 (for my fabric stash or to make more pjs)
11. 2 pairs of pajama bottoms one for $2.00 and one for $3.00 (the whole reason I went to D.I. in the first place)
12. A pint jug for $.75 (to put in my daughter's lunch bag)
13. Fisher Price Dollhouse with family and furniture for $4.00 ( in new condition; I am so proud!)
14. Little Tikes Kitchen for $7.00 (not pictured, but in great condition)
15. Little Tikes Workbench for $7.00 (not pictured, but also in great condition)
These items are for my sister in laws who has a daycare. She mentioned she wanted to get these items, but couldn't afford to buy them new.

Everything cost me a grand total of $47.70 including tax. Not bad, considering all of these things new would have cost three of four times that amount if I had bought them all new!