Six B's of Thrifting

Here is another treasure I brought home from the thrift store last Saturday. 

Kind of funny to find Gordon B. Hinckley's six B's at a thrift store in Michigan.  Maybe it is someone I know who donated it - now it is up on our wall as a great reminder to my family.  William used it for his family home evening lesson on Monday.

There is a funny story about this purchase.  Every hour Salvation Army takes 50% off certain items.  At the time of purchase the special item off was furniture.  The kind fellow working at check out could be described as a "rougher dude" covered in earrings and tattoos.  The sign was marked at $8.50 and I inquired if it could be "considered furniture".  He read over the sign, gave me a funny look and put me in my place saying, "sorry, I cannot honestly say that is furniture".  I responded, "yeah, you're right, Be Honest".  Then awkwardly added, "it doesn't say 'Be Cheap' doesn't"?  Calling for the next in line he sent me on my way with another funny look, half cracked smile, a lot to think about and a funny story to share with my sisters.

Now I share my six B's of thrifting (these go hand in hand with Cathy's recent list):

-Be quick

-Be prepared

-Be selective

-Be daring

-Be generous

-Be grateful

1.  Be Quick -  thrift stores can feel like a time warp at times, they can even be draining. Maybe it is the collective energy of all the previous wearers and owners.  Maybe there is just so much to look at - or maybe it is just the smell.  Give yourself a time limit because you literally could "hunt" for hours.  Be quick and decisive because though you do save money at a thrift store, it doesn't profit you much if you waste your precious time doing so.

2.  Be Prepared - know what you are looking for.  A few spring skirts, closed toed shoes and boy T-shirts were on my list last Saturday.  This preparation kept me focused and quick.  I was not tempted to sift through kid shoes, coats or women's pants because I already knew there was no need for them.  Do not even go to a thrift store without an idea of what you are looking for because most likely you'll bring home junk you don't need.  That said, if you come across something entirely off "your list" and it calls to you (just like the sign) go ahead and grab it.  Knowing your specific size (as if varies) for different designers and bringing along a measuring tape also helps in preparation.  Don't forget a few treats for the little ones who may accompany you.

3.  Be Selective - we live in an age of abundance.  Being grabby does not serve the soul, nor does hoarding.  Just because you "like" something doesn't mean you have to buy it.  I bought a pair of $1 cowboy boots size 1 for Maryanna 2 1/2 years ago.  It bothers me every time I see them because I've been storing them and moving them without the guarantee she'll even want to wear them.  What am I going to do - force her to wear them just because I've lugged them around all these years?  I'm sure they could have seen happy use from more than one child in the time I've kept them in dusty storage.  What I'm saying - don't buy something just because it is a $1.  Ask yourself - do I really need this?, does this lift me or deplete me?  

Inspect clothing carefully for stains, tears and functioning zippers.  When you find something that you like, feel it in your hands, smell it, try it on.  Last Saturday I tried on two spring skirts.  One was a vintage Liz Claiborne size 8 - it was too tight, the other, size 6 Lily - it was too big (thrift store sizing is funny like that).  Both were very cute on the hanger but not on me.  Skirts were 2 for $5 on Saturday and I suppose I could have bought both with the intention of "fixing" them.  Instead I stayed honest with myself and knowing they would sit for weeks and possibly never get fixed, left them for someone else to find and enjoy.

4.   Be Daring - thrift stores are a low risk way to experiment with clothing and fashion.  Go ahead, try the vintage dress, leather pants, or bright orange sweater.  Buy something, take it apart and refashion it - it is actually less expensive than buying new fabric.  

It's also daring to bring your kids along - they can get impatient. Don't forget to keep a good eye on them because thrift stores sometimes attract creepy people.

Don't be afraid to check out thrift stores on vacation.  Some of my favorites are in small Idaho towns and I've also heard of people having great experiences at thrift stores in other countries.

5.  Be Generous -  give back when you can.  Don't give garbage like stained or ripped clothing, but instead pass on items that still have good wear left in them.  

Go ahead and talk down to an honest price if you want - but don't make a game of it.  In most cases thrift stores and individual family yard sales are raising money for a good cause - keep that in mind and take joy in contributing to the cause.  

6.  Be Grateful - be grateful for the things that come our way just when you need (or want) them, at just the right price.  Say thank you to the seller and perhaps a prayer of gratitude.  

But most importantly be grateful for the things that aren't really things because that is where our greatest joy and blessings lie and often times it is all the "stuff" that makes us forget that.