The Value of Things and a Tip Challenge.

I'm sure of one thing - I gave-up on "thrift" shopping when the girls were infants. I might even remember the exact day when I finally said - no more. Why did I leave behind my thrifting ways? I know this answer! - I didn't have time to wade through aisles of clothes and misc. looking for something I could have easily of picked up in a second at the mall or other stores. I used this as my excuse, even though I truly love a good bargain.

In fact, my mum was the one who started me on my path to thrifting when I was but a wee lass! We would go together when I was older and find clothes that I could change or were perfect the way they were. It was something we shared in common and I really enjoyed it. When I got married, well, let's just say my budget for new work clothes was about $10.00! We would frequent a second hand store near our home in Portland, but it went up in flames - so we opted for other thrift stores. When we moved to DC, I was in heaven with Salvation Army, Good Will, and other smaller thrift stores that I would frequent almost every week to see what I could find - and I always came out with something. Utah was the same, with Savers and DI - always a mint to be found at these places. Then came Cici and Nini, and being a mother, or an overwhelmed mother - I opted for an easier route Target and the mall!

Anyway, my trail of thrifting stopped completely with our move to Lancaster - where there was only one thrift store that I could find and I only browsed for furniture. You could say, I turned into a thrift snob? Maybe not, but still, I wasn't happy with the thrifting in my area and time wasn't my friend - teaching piano/violin and two cute 3 years old at home - "no thanks" I told myself.

Fast forward to now when I began to list the clothes and toys we had purchased over this year and the expense that we paid out for them. My grocery bills are exceedingly high - Milk 6.56? for about a gallon of milk etc...clothes, shoes,extras - you name it, I've been paying full price. I am scared that I am not teaching my girls the value of things and that I've completely lost my bargaining ways. It's taken quite a few months for my brain to finally say - 'It's time to bargain again!' Yesterday, my first goal was to show the girls what it's like to go to a thrift store, and gently remind myself that I can have fun at it too.

Goals for my thrift shopping experience:

1. My girls have been bored at home, we bought the sandbox and try to get out, but still, there's nothing like relaxing at home with a fun toy. New toys are expensive and sometimes a small fortune; but we found both of these toys for only 3.99 each. The airplane is a huge barbie airplane which when new retailed for around $49.00. The girls have been playing non-stop with them and I hope that this continues.

2. I love to shop for clothes for the girls. I frequent Old Navy and shop when we go to the states, but I've been feeling rather guilty at the price tag of their clothes - especially when they'll grow them out in a few months! With school uniforms required for their school, I felt now was a good time to cut the spending and find alternatives. My goal was to make it fun for the girls and to encourage a kind of "treasure hunt" for them. I told them to find some things that they liked. We then looked at the items and searched for holes, non-washable stains, size, and general quality.

Also, let's not forget that price! Each of these items were priced from 99. to 3.99 each (mostly 1.99.) The total for all the items were : 14.93 plus tax ( I would say in Canadian dollars, but the exchange rate is about the same, so it doesn't matter much!) Here they are in their new clothes, washed and ready to wear. I paired the dress with a white polo shirt I purchased for their school dress uniforms. This shirt was more than all those clothes put together. This is why I needed to change.

3. My third goal for thrifting at this store was to see what I could find that was collectible or fun. I've found some fun stuff at second hand stores and always enjoy the glass or picture section. I found a cute teapot set, but it was missing a cup and saucer, and how much do I have tea - once a year, and then I remind myself how much I really don't like it! I found this fun print by Therese Darche of the Opera house on Paris, the print is labeled - Cafe de la Paix, Paix, meaning "Peace". I was excited to find it, although I don't like the frame, so I'll either have to make the frame more rustic looking or try to locate a frame that the print would fit into.

I am changing my spending habits or at least the amount of money I am willing to spend on items. I felt this was a good start and a great experience for all three of us. I am looking for more inspiration and hoping that you will share your thrifting ideas with everyone - do you coupon, where do you get the coupons, do you thrift or bargain hunt, where do you find the best deals, what is your #1 money-saving tip! I will give away five crochet flowers each to the first five people who post about their tips on their blog. So I know you've posted, let me know through my comment box or email. If you don't want to make your own post, you can leave your comment and tips in my comment box or email and I'll post your tips in the next couple of days for everyone to see. The blogger that I think has the best money-saving, bargain tip -gets one of these April Cornell Apron sets. A special thanks to Barb, Elizabeth, and Kristi for their good bargain and thrift examples!

Help a rusty bargain hunter find her thrift spirit!