Some Encouragement...

Thrifting can be fun...but it can also be very discouraging. I guess that's the trade-off...major cheap items, but no promises of finding something you like. In thrifting it's all about quantity (or straight up luck). The more you go to-the more likely you are to find something you love.

I enjoy going to garage sales, and so I've scheduled my week so I can usually go on a Friday morning to a few sales. Thrift store visits usually only happen if I'm in the area doing other errands.

Most of my home decor I have found at thrift stores and garage sales...but, not EVERY time I go to one do I find something. In fact, I would say only about 1/3 of the time do I find something super cool and unique.

I have learned I like the "old lady" garage sales most. They're cleaning out years of attic clutter...and usually at great prices. I can find embroidery, fabric, dishes and the list goes on and on.

You can never tell what will be at a thrift store. But always have an open mind-think past the original use of an item and never forget your friend the spray paint can!
Remember my pumpkin decor post? All those pedestals and candlesticks were found at thrift stores. Some I spray painted. All were found individually, over the course of years. The only thing they had in common - my vision for them!

Here's a few items I've found thrifting...I hope they are encouragement to you to search those garage sales and thrift stores to make your house a home!

Above: a big "trencher" type bowl. This wood bowl is huge! It's at least 2 ft. square! I found it at Goodwill! I couldn't believe it! I had been wanting an antique trencher bowl for awhile, but they're very expensive. This isn't antique, but it's still pretty cool! ( I have a bunch of pumpkins and gourds to go in here.)

Above: popcorn bowls-one large and four individual. Found at Goodwill. (the large was found separate of the individuals) Just makes simple popcorn and movie night extra special!

This picture above is the dearest thing to me I've ever found.

Plus, I think it's the best example that you can find items that you love and are personal to you while thrifting.

If you're from where I grew up in northeast Iowa the picture will look familiar.

I was going to garage sales about 6 years ago in the town where I was going to college at. (3 hours from my hometown) I saw this and about lept out of my shoes! The colors weren't exact, but I went for a closer look. The black and white newspaper article that the artist painted this picture from was taped to the back. It was what I thought it was...how could I not recognize that scene...about 5 minutes from my parents farm. The mill that we spent our summers and falls tubing and canoing past. The bridge that was washed away in a flood when I was a young girl. I of course bought that picture immediately ($3.00!).

Everytime I walk past that picture it makes me smile.

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Thrifty Thursday

Most all of us do not have an unlimited budget to buy groceries with. But how do you feed a family, entertain, provide for the food pantry and take meals to other families on a budget? It is absolutely possible and not as hard or time-consuming as you may think. Here's what I do and some of my favorite resources...

• Do a little comparison shopping before leaving the house...use those grocery store sale inserts from the newspaper. Here they are in the Wednesday papers (a lot of times you can view them on the stores website too). See what's on sale...is there anything in the meat dept. that's on sale that you use frequently that you could buy a lot of and stick in your freezer? For me that would be boneless skinless chicken breasts and whole chickens (we buy a quarter of a cow each year from my dad). Just make sure to have the meat dept. wrap it well and stick it in a freezer bag before you throw it in the freezer. What about great sales on "pantry items" that you use frequently, like noodles, sauces, etc?
• Start keeping track of prices in a price book-just a little notebook is fine-this way you'll know if a sale price is truly a sale. For example, I've learned to stock up when the toilet paper we like is less than .50 per roll.
• Start couponing...this is huge and was a big shock to me how cheap or free you can often get things. Here is a great post about acquiring coupons. If you live where there are Kum and Go Gas Stations, they give a free paper if you buy at least $15.00 worth of gas...do it on Sunday and get your coupons free!
• Coupons are all over the internet. Here is a list to get you started:

Coupons.com (click on "see all" on the link on the left side of the page)

Smartsource

CoolSavings

Eat Better America

redplum

Target Coupon Generator at A Full Cup

Mommy Saves Big

The Coupon Loop (a very comprehensive list)

This list could go on and on, but I need to stop somewhere! A few tips: most coupons can only be printed a set number of times from one computer (it gets reset every so often). Print in grey scale if you can, so you don't use up your color printer ink!

• Organize your coupons! I use a zipper "traper keeper" type binder. I use baseball card plastic sleeves to organize so I can see them quickly! Money Saving Mom uses a plastic shoebox and envelopes. I've used a small accordian file system too...it fit easily into my purse. Whatever works for you!
• Take those store flyers again and match up coupons. It's amazing to me how often you can get things for pennies or even for free.
• Only buy things that you will use yourself. It is not true that there are only coupons for junk food- many organic and health food companies have coupons out there. If you can't find coupons from a specific company-send them an email telling them how much you like there product and that you were wondering if they offer any coupons. It doesn't hurt to ask!
• Only buy things that you will give to the food pantry (or the animal shelter). You will come across coupons every month that you personally won't use, but someone would. Matched with a great sale and/or store coupon you can provide for your local food pantry for very little out of your pocketbook each month.
• Only buy when you will make money. There are instances when combining store sales, manufacturers coupons and store coupons you will actually make money. If you won't use it, give it to someone who will!
• There are so many WONDERFUL bloggers out there who have used their precious time to match up coupons and deals for you. Here are some of my favorites:
• Money Saving Mom
• The Centsible Sawyer (I linked you to her Wal-Mart deals page, but make sure to check her other pages)
• Attention Target Shoppers
• The Grocery Gathering at Be Centsable
• Make a menu and a grocery list. Base your menu off of what's on sale. Make a shopping list and stick to it! (And eat something before you go!)

My advice is to start slow...it definetely is learn by trial and some error...it's ok, you will get it. I started at Money Saving Mom and went from there. Good luck!

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