Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thrifty Thursdays


I've been so good lately. I've hardly spent a penny on anything besides groceries, and even with those I've been trying really hard to stick to my list. I had the day off today and was planning on staying home and catching up on cleaning, but I just couldn't. I had too much on my mind and was in need of a good distraction.

One of my favorite things in the world is thrifting. Its a perfect way to spend an afternoon when you just want to get away from everything. I get such a thrill from rummaging through other peoples unwanted junk. It brightens up my day completely when I find something special and really unique that someone else discarded as trash. I'd like to think I'd have a similar fondness of yard sales, but the space always seems a bit too intimate, and the prospect of intruding on someones lawn is just way too intimidating. So I'm a thrifter. 

Over the years I've learned a few things. Thrift stores can be wonderful, but if you're not careful its very easy to get carried away.  I try to stick to a couple of steadfast rules that keep me from getting into trouble.

1. Always thrift on weekdays. The middle of the week is always the best time to go. Items will be less picked over, and you won't have to fight a crowd. 

2. Know the value of an item before you buy it. Unfortunately, you can't expect to get a good price just because you're at Goodwill or Value Village. If you have a specific item in mind, do some research ahead of time.

3. Don't buy it unless you really love it. Sometimes it takes me a half an hour of wandering around the store, hanging onto that one item, deciding whether I love it or not. If all else fails, sleep on it. If the item is still there the next time you go, it was simply meant to be.



Thrifty Thursday Finds
(all for under $10)


Embroidery hoops, Napkin Set, and Floss

I don't have much experience with embroidery, but its been something I've wanted to try for a while now. Who could resist?


I tried to pick a bag that had a descent assortment of colors.


So Pretty!



Better Homes and Gardens Cookbooks


I've recently come to really appreciate older cookbooks. These recipes are simple classics, some of them are the same as my grandma makes. I love the photography as well. Something about the off colored photos just makes me happy.


A small section dedicated to Russian Cuisine including Chicken Kiev, Borsch, and Cucumber in Sour Cream (Meals with a Foreign Flair, 1963)


Cheese and Wine Pairings (How to Cook with Cheese, 1966)


Flapper Pudding- look at those colors! The recipe doesn't sound bad either. (Snacks and Refreshments, 1963)



Did I mention I have a thing for Dachshunds?


Too bizarre to pass up. The second one is missing his second half. The girl at the shop gave me the strangest look when I asked her if she had seen a dog butt in the back room. No luck, but for 25¢ I figured I would adopt him anyways. 


Much better. Glad to have gotten that out of my system. Now back to saving pennies.

2 comments:

  1. Is that Cooking with Cheese book loaded with Velveeta Recipes?? I love old cookbooks! Thanks for sharing, Lilly

    Maria

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