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The Kitchen Table

Hit the Jackpot at the Thrift store

14 years ago

3 times!

I was looking for snow boots for my girls. I didn't think I'd be able to find much of anything at this time of year. We've had 2 little snows and 1 major one (2 feet), so figured they'd be cleaned out.

I guess people did major decluttering over the holidays because there were like 50 pairs of boots! I found 5 that my DD would like and 4 for her sister (Of course just got one for each). I hate to buy new boots knowing it usually only snows an inch or two here, but since the prices were good and they were both pretty cute, who cares! One pair was Land's End, hardly worn with pink trimmed fur!

Then by a miracle, I found brand new tap shoes for my 5 year old who starts ballet/tap classes tomorrow!! And she is at an odd size right now (13) Couldn't believe it! I wouldn't even know where to get tap shoes otherwise, was going to ask the teacher tomorrow, but now I won't need to!

My DH could care less, but I was thrilled!!

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Comments (7)

nodakgal
14 years ago
That is great Teresa! If you're choosy you can really get some bargin's at thrift stores!
I just went to ours looking for some type of foam for a pad for the dog kennel.I want it to be washable and will make a cover for it. I looked for an old egg crate type pillow or mattress, none. I then looked for crib bumper pads, thinking I could reuse them, none. So then I looked at couch pillows, too small. I saw some old bed pillows, but too large. I even saw an old couch or chair bottom cushion, but no zipper and who knows what it would be like if I opened it up, besides that it was about 4 or 5 inches wide. Too fat for this little kennel.
**sigh**
I wish I'd hit the jackpot.
Oh well, sometimes you do, sometimes you don't.
I'm on my way out to the one store we have in town to see if they have any foam that will work, all is not lost yet. But I don't hold much hope for them to have any! LOL
gardenspice
14 years ago
Tell DH how much new taps shoes and 2 pair of boots would have run you - that might help him care.
Good for you!
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wow..great 'Steal' uh..buy!! lol. Very nice pieces and I love the colors..You will get to use them for all of the Fall season. It's fun taking your DGKs with you..and they know DGM will allow them to buy almost ANYTHING they want!! lol. I must say though that you were lucky to go back and be able to still buy more...DH & I went to a Flea Market this weekend, and he saw an old camera that he fell in love with, but was unsure about buying it..he is definitely NOT like me..I see it... I like it...I BUY IT!! Well, when he fininally decided to go back to get it...right before his eyes, there was a guy buying it!! And, to boot, the dealer automatically said 'I'll knock of $12 for it'... Well, for the rest of the day that's all DH talked about..how he missed out!! So, I'm so happy for you..you've got to go with your first instinct NOT to mention what your Wallet can Handle!! LOL jane
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Gracias, ajsmama :). Now it all makes sense. At least till I forget what I just learned; occupational middle-age hazard these days! Re. the ebay/thrift store relationship--do you think that the now ubiquitous online markets (EBay, Craigslist etc) have hurt, harmed or not affected bricks n mortar thrifting? Years ago (I was working PT, had more time to do fun stuff like this) my MIL and I enjoyed going to local bazaars,yard sales and church rummage sales. There were fairly often some nice things dumped in there. Now I suspect many more people are doing what flyleft encountered, shopping in order to then resell. I think there is a whole new 'entrepreneur' niche, at least I've read about people who make their living or at least some income from selling online. Dunno, just wondering what folks who are more in the know think about this? Ann
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socks
14 years ago
My DH would not care either, but you must have saved $30-50. Very good.
linda_in_iowa
14 years ago
I got a bargain yesterday at Goodwill. Around Christmas I saw an entertainment center there marked $39.99. I figured it would drop $10 after a few weeks. Yesterday it was $29.99 and I had a friend who is a retired carpenter look at it. He said it would be easy to fix up. Today I stopped at the post office to ask my friend there who has a truck if he could pick it up for me. He will deliver it tonight after work.
I check the Goodwill every Sunday when a group of friends have lunch next door after church. We find some great bargains.
jannie
14 years ago
When my girls were little, I hit the thrift stores at least 4 times a year. I found tons of shoes and clothes bargains. When they got a little older (5 or 7) they decided they didn't like the clothes and demanded new outfits from JCPenney,Gap Kids,Abercrombie,etc. I call it perr pressure!
teresava
Original Author
14 years ago
I know-I saved a lot! I don't know what new tap shoes go for, but I'm sure they're outrageous at a dance studio. And I hate to pay full price for boots the kids might not even wear this winter, or a couple times if we're lucky. I can always donate them back or sell them in a kids cosignment sale later on.

Jannie-I'm already dreading that. I looked around at the older kid sizes and I've seen Aeropostal, Hollister, Gap and etc for a few dollars. Hopefully they won't care where the shirt has been? Even the new clothes look "distressed" to start with!
glenda_al
14 years ago
I bought myself a beautiful long houndstooth cape coat at consignment shop, on sale, Sure has come in handy with this cold spell.

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