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.   

Totally Thrifted

A few kind friends at church complimented me on my outfit last Sunday.  One even asked where I purchased my clothes.  I admitted without a trace of self consciousness that I am a second hand stylist, it may even be obvious from the photo below.

This wool Ralph Lauren dress was picked up at a thrift store for $4 on my birthday date with Paul.  I don't care so much for designer labels except for the fact it guarantees lasting quality.  Originally the dress was a little bit big and since I wasn't up for extensive altering I threw it through a warm wash cycle.  It now fits perfect with the exception of the hem length, but I added a little ruffle to the bottom of the lining to compensate for that.

  

The blouse was picked up at a garage sale in Salt Lake City a few years ago.  It was $0.25 and constructed entirely by hand!  You can see where the lace is fraying along the collar, this piece will be worth mending over and over because I love both the fit and the style. Who knows the days' it has seen before my many wears.

This bracelet was also from a Salt Lake City garage sale.  The woman selling it said she bought it in Greece many years ago, she sold it to me for $5.

And now the shoes, these were picked up just last Saturday.  I earned a trip to Salvation Army after cleaning out all the closets and dropping off six bags of clothing.  

Without even reading the designer label I couldn't resist these - they were $10 and fit me perfectly so in the cart they went.  When I got home I noticed the Made in Spain label and a closer look led me to Rosina Ferragamo, I thought, oh Ferragamo knock offs.  But further research led me to learn Salvatore Ferragamo had a sister named Rosina who also designed shoes from the 60's to 80's.  I love vintage shoes because they have already stood the test of time, unlike other modern shoes (no offense Target) that seem to fall apart with in just a few wears.

Again, what I love about second hand style is the stories both gathered or imagined.  It is kind of like dressing in a costume that takes you to different countries and time periods.  It is so much more romantic that shuffling through a loud and sterile mall.  

Here's what else was picked up last Saturday - just for fun, international soccer T's.  William and Henry helped me pick them out.

My children actually love accompanying me on my thrift store adventures, maybe because I'm sure to at least pick them up a $0.30 book that they can read while I sift.  On one of our trips Henry picked out these pants, he calls them his "starfish pants".  He loves to wear them and I love that they were handmade.

Here is another pair of vintage boots I recently picked up for just $1.75.  They may not be designer but they do say "Made in Canada" and the shearling lining is still soft and warm.  They spoke to me so that is why I bought them.  I'll admit though, I've only worn them twice.

And if I don't wear these boots (or any of the above items) again in the next couple of months and they still have wear left in them, I'll be sure to pass them on.  Quite possibly to the same thrift store they were purchased from.    

Birds and Binoculars

Last Saturday morning I spotted a wild turkey right in our front yard.  It was only a few feet away from me as I tiptoed down the drive way to the car.

This was a very big bird - big enough that I thought it'd more likely chase me off then the other way around.  But I didn't want to chase it away, at least not before allowing a few of the kids to share in the joy of this sighting.

William, my "naturalist", was the first one out the door and by my side.  He ran right back inside to get his North American Wildlife field guide.  We confirmed it was a male wild turkey, he fluffed his feathers a bit but was not too shy as we crept around him.  

William was so excited about the siting he decided to join me for the 45 minute ride to my early morning destination.  The whole way we talked and he read to me about wild birds in our area.  He expressed interest in bird watching but frustration about the plastic binoculars he got several Christmases ago - they were both lost and broken.  I assured him we'd get some real binoculars someday.

Just before we reached our destination I spotted a sign I could not pass by - Estate Sale - 1/2 off everything.  This was a high class neighborhood so even if we were "just looking" it promised to be good.  When I asked William if we should stop he answered immediately, "oh yeah, I love looking at people's stuff"!  It was raining and he was a few steps ahead of me, not because of the rain but out of excitement.  

I couldn't get passed the first room full of vintage costume jewelry and clothing but William urged me on.  There were all sorts of treasures!  But I had George in my arms and that saved me from my grabby urges.  

I did find two really nice wool blankets for the girls and William gladly carried them.  

Guess what he found?  Binoculars!  These were pretty heavy duty and preserved perfectly in a leather case.  They said "Made in Germany" but also had a $60 sticker on them, but at 50% off they were worth considering.  I called my Dad since he is the optics expert in the family.  He assured me "never pass up German made optics" - especially for $30 and if in the end we weren't happy with the purchase he'd gladly buy them off me.  So I bought them along with the wool blankets and another vintage typewriter (yes I already have 3 at home - this was for my sister's family).

What a memorable morning with William - we both agreed we'd never forget how exciting it was.  William rode the whole way home with the binoculars up to his face.  It was still raining so the visibility was not great but he spotted out all the necessary exits far sooner than I could read them.

When we got home we checked ebay and my dad was right - never pass up German optics for $30, or even $60!  New they start at $400 and being vintage they are doubly valuable.  But the experience I had with William that morning was priceless - these are his to keep.

I called one of my friends and laughed to her about my morning.  She shared her "mystic wisdom" and explained in ancient cultures the wild turkey signifies gratitude, abundance and fertility.  I laughed even harder.

We've actually been spotting the turkey quite frequently since last Saturday, so have our neighbors.  Here it looks very natural next to the plastic slide and cold forgotten basketball in our backyard.

The boys enjoy getting a closer look with the binoculars.

I keep spotting this boy spotting birds.  There were 43 robins outside my bedroom window the other day - some very fat, looking like they are ready to lay, that is what I'm told.  

I kind of like "boy watching", I think as William likes "bird watching".  

This is going to be an exciting Spring indeed. 

Weekend Treasures

The garage sale scene has been weak here so far.  Still I set out determined to return home with a new bike for James but instead only picked up 2 Orvis suitcases and the above treasures.

It was actually William who picked them out because ever since Oma sent him a plate block he's been interested in starting a stamp collection.  The French/English dictionary was just for fun and it certainly generated some funny conversation.

Peter in the way back seat:  "This is not a good dictionary....they don't have 'Den Leader' in here, what if I want to say 'Den Leader' in French"

William:  "That is because Cub Scouts is only in the U.S.....it is actually part of Boy Scouts of America.  Notice 'America' not France"


Peter:  "But what about Frodo Baggins.... he's not in here either"

William:  "That is because this dictionary is really old and the movie came out in 2001"

James:  "Actually guys the book was written in 1921"

Mommy:  "Are you sure?  How do you know that"

James:  "Well I know it was just after WWI because JRR Tolken was a solider during WWI and was inspired to create the 'dead marshes' from his brutal wartime experiences"

William:  "well the dictionary does smell like Daddy's Book of Mormon so it still must be really old"

These kids really do keep me chuckling and if you want to read more you can check out James' blog - he started awhile back.

The joy of garage saling and frivolous purchases

Our move date will hit us in less than two weeks yet I still went garage saling yesterday.  

The hope was to find a few warm clothes for the boys since it's cold and we are still living out of the suitcases packed for summer.  Instead I returned home with some maternity clothes for myself, a Coach purse, baby boy clothes (yes - it's a boy! with all the uncertainty of point B I could not wait to find out), Little House on the Prairie books, Bionicles, a brand new diaper bag, boy scout shirt for William, and a purple wool sweater to refashion for Clara - all under $25.

This morning I dressed quickly for church then spun into Paul with a smile announcing the total for my whole outfit, $5.  $3 skirt, $2 sweater, $1 blouse and the necklace, gold and onyx with a cloisonne pendant was found in the pocket of an old suitcase I picked up at an estate sale (I would have returned it but it was months after the purchase that this treasure was discovered).  My boasting continued with all the kids clothes, books and toys picked up at garage sales over the past couple of years.

Paul smiled kindly then asked, "what about your shoes? how much did you spend on them"?  Unable to lie I fumbled, "oh, um, yeah.... I think they were around $90" then desperately added "but that was when I was over due with Henry and feeling really sorry for myself".  Paul chuckled as he quoted Jim Bob Duggar "buy used and save the difference", then with amusement added "I don't think that is the same as 'buy used and spend the difference on something frivolous' ".

It's true, I admit shoes and fabric are amongst my weaknesses as a home economist.  Perhaps our transition to farm living will finally cure me of it, unless of course I just transfer the weakness to something like heirloom chickens, pretty work wear for women, or fancy canning equipment. 

What can you get for $60

Last weekend's garage sale escapade was a bit spendy, a lot more than I typically spend.  It was a good thing James was with me with his wallet because I had to borrow from him more than once (he charged me %1 interest for everyday I forgot to pay him back).

Here's what I got:

Zooper   Single Jogging stroller (barely used, retail $450) - $35

Bike attachment for young bikers to ride behind their Daddy- $5

Cowboy boots - $1 

Rain boots - $1

Stride Rite sneakers - $1

Salt Water sandals - $1

Gap Velcro sandals - $1

Vintage handmade cotton blouse - $.50

Pile of designer kid's clothes ($.50 a piece, including Ralph Lauren, James Perse, Gap, and Old Navy) - $4.50

bolt of vintage cotton trim - $4.00

Books, toys, and other misc. - $6.00 

Paul gets nervous every time I come home with a load of stuff because we still have to pack a moving truck. I on the other hand am convinced that I can find most stuff I need and want at garage sales, the girls still have several gaps to fill in there Fall/Winter wardrobes so that is what the hunt will be tomorrow - wish me luck!

"Just Enough and Not Too Much"

This is our new favorite library book, "Just Enough and Not Too Much", written and illustrated by Kaethe Zemach.

It is about a man who lives a happy yet simple life until he decides he may need more stuff. He keeps getting and getting and getting until life isn't as fun anymore. So he throws a huge party for his friends and gives most of it away.

Paul read this to me this morning before we headed out on a family garage saling expedition. And I know it doesn't really make sense to go garage saling just weeks after your own garage sale and especially when you are technically homeless. Nonetheless we needed to get out and Clara did need some new shoes (which we found, lavender leather Puddle Jumpers for $1). We also picked up a few books to enjoy over the summer. What we really didn't need and what we already have too much of are Beanie Babies, I gave in and now we have 5 more.

But the biggest temptation came earlier in the morning before we even left the house. Emily called me from a sale in Mapleton because there was a Huskylock serger for $15. I already have one but I thought I could keep one set up for a rolled hem, or just leave it set up with white thread. I told her to offer $10 but no more than $12. The seller did not accept so I said, "Okay, I hope someone else comes along who really needs it because that will make their day".

Garage saling is fun and can save you money on things like shoes, books and furniture but you've got to remind yourself "just enough and not too much" which in the end I'm glad I did because having another machine set up on my table would make my sewing more difficult.

Old Fashion Blogging

Garage Sale Addiction

I like garage sales and it is hard for me to pass a roadside poster advertising one.  In the past however, I had a tendency of bringing home more than I needed - as if I didn't have enough stuff to use, care for, and store.  But I have finally developed a great garage sale strategy.  At the beginning of the garage sale season (usually around April), I make a list of all my family's needs and wants.  I share this list with my sisters who I know also share the garage sale addiction and then each Saturday morning,  armed with our cell phones and a small stash of cash in our pockets, we head out on our hunts.

I had to add to my garage sale list after my recent closet clean out and assessment.  Here's what I added:  a hooded sweatshirt and a few skirts for church.  Yesterday was the lucky morning where I found just that.   Amongst my many stops included a yard sale run by a very pregnant woman who was in the mood to unload a bunch of her "skinny/regular" clothes.  Lucky for me, these clothes were not only my current size but she also had a toddler boy and was unloading piles of his clothes as well.  That is where I found 4 church skirts, this great hoodie and clothes and shoes for Henry to grow into (because you all know boys clothes barely make it through a 4th pass down).  I spent $28 at that one stop (which is a lot in the garage sale world) but it was worth it.

Other recent finds that I haven't blogged included 2 University library chairs, one for Brigham Young University where I graduated and one from University of Michigan where Paul graduated.  It was so strange to see them sitting right next to each other in an empty basement of a Salt Lake house.  It was as if they were just waiting for me - they were only $25 a piece so I had to get them (even though they weren't really on my list).  Now I will be on the hunt for a Wharton chair or University of Pennsylvania chair - I will put it on my list.

The one great regret I have though is not saving more of the treasures and finds for Christmas.  I realize the kids get just as much joy out of used toys as they would new ones.  Paul calls them "fully depreciated".  But the idea of a "recycled" Christmas didn't come to me in time - perhaps with the help of my sisters on the hunt I can still pull it off.  The season is winding down though and I may have to rely on Craig's list, ebay, and esty to fill in the gaps.     

   

So go garage saling if you can before this holiday season.   It is fun, economical, good for the environment, and just makes sense (or cents).  

Because I just couldn't "resist"

My friend tftcarrie posted a fun and easy project last week. It inspired a recent garage sale purchase of a bunch of women's t-shirts - $.75 each. So with the kids asleep (otherwise the project would not be labeled as easy), piles of laundry on my ironing board and piles of dishes waiting in the sink, I went at it with a cheap paint brush and soft scrub bleach. It was one of those instant gratification projects that makes up for all the frustrating flops that even us crafters experience.  It gave me enough joy to breeze through those tasks that laid waiting.

So here I am (and if you don't recognize me, neither do I - I'm still not use to the 'dark side') with my new or re-fashioned garage sale T-shirt.

  

On a side note I went garage saling again this morning and for $35 I couldn't resist this mountain bike.  And to tftcarrie:  "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".  Unfortunately I'm quite out of shape and most my biking adventures will most likely be unbloggable, on paved roads along side my little boys. 

 

As for the $.25 helmet I purchased - I'm thinking of re-fashioning it.  Did anyone else get inspired by this post?  Good thing I also picked up some great fabric finds for $.50 this morning.

Garage Sale Report

Tis' the season to dig through people's junk. That is exactly what my Mom and I did for a few hours this morning. We started out in the Avenues, which was fun because that is where she grew up, and then made our way down through Sugar House and across to Country Club.

Here's what I was looking for:
-Ride on toy for Clara
-Bundt cake pan
-Cake stand
-ice cream maker
-Good books
-Size 8-10 church pants
-Dresser for the girls' room
-Vintage fabric

Here's what I found:
-My Little Ponies $.25
-Beanie Babies $.50
-Popper toy $1.00
-Vintage glass juicer $1.00
-Ride on toy car for Clara $6.00 (this was my favorite purchase of the morning)
-Size 3 April Cornell dress $10.00 (more than I typically spend but its in excellent condition and will be so cute for fall)

I also got a call from Becca around 8:45 am - not pictured are the size small fuzzi bunz that she found for me at a yard sale in Highland - $2 each. It is great to be connected to the sister's garage sale network!

Kids at Play

Each enjoying their Saturday morning surprises.

Garage Sale finds

Suz and Emily have got me garage-saling again. The fun thing is Paul really likes to go as well so my mom came over this morning at 7:30 am and we made a date of it. We typed all the addresses into Microsoft Trip Planner and had a scheduled route of 10 stops. I think we inadvertantly intimidated a few fellow garage-salers as we sat in our car idling with the laptop open, plotting our next stop. It was a lot quicker to do it this way rather than just following signs (Now that I'm nursing I'm back on the clock so we only had 2 1/2 hrs).

Here is a report of today's finds:

Playmobil Jungle set - $3
Eyewitness videos - $1
Disney movies in Chinese - $1
Usborne board book - $1 (a little expensive but worth it because the girls love usborne books)
1940's World War II book - $1
Huge tarp (not pictured) - $2

Paul and I work well together and see eye to eye on the garage sales. Neither of us like clutter in our home, so we tend to be very selective about what we buy. I like to look for books, toys, videos, and homeschool activities for the kids - its cheaper than library fines and they get so trashed anyways. Paul really likes just looking at old junk and occasionally buys old books and sports equipment. I think he also really enjoys the people and neighborhood watching aspect of it. We both like old, cool furniture (Paul calls it "fully depreciated furniture") - some of our best buys came as newlyweds on a severely limited furnishing budget. The most thrilling thing is the unexpected treasures - last week Suz bought some vintage Barbies for $20 then sold them on ebay for $580. I've never had that much luck but still enjoy the hunt. It is also fun to be out in an old hoodie with unbrushed hair and flip flops as that seems to be the standard attire for both the buyers and sellers. The kids sometimes enjoy tagging along if its not too early but are always anxious to read, watch, or play with whatever purchases are brought home. These Spring/Summer Saturdays sometimes feel like Christmas for them so it might be wise for us to actually save some items for Christmas.