Taking A 15 Minute Break

The packing police arrives tomorrow (aka mi madre) and I want her to be impressed by how much I have done. I actually amazed myself when I got ALL of my clothes except for jackets into a big green duffel bag and a little black carry on suitcase. Yes, the color of the luggage will help you visualize their size and my stuffing abilities better.  The donation pile downstairs is growing and growing and I'm thinking this is the most ruthless I have ever been with de-junking.

I can't figure out which makes me more sad though, getting rid of something that I bought new or getting rid of something that I thrifted or was given.  When I've purchased something full price I kind of expect myself to love it forever but my styles always changing or I really don't need the thing (like all of my kitchen stuff).  But when something is thrifted I've already decided that the item was a one of a kind treasure that was worth rescuing from guaranteed boredom to death on a dusty shelf.  How can I let something be double rejected?? That's just mean! Like kicking out a foster child.

So as I've been going through everything I have made a shopping resolution that I should be standing by better. If something is on sale, or a good buy at a thrift store, don't just get it because it is a steal.  Think about it. Would I buy it if it were full price? Because that is what makes it a good deal, actually getting better price than you planned! (But still feel free to have some of those thrifty impulses).

Here's my poster child for the story. Think long and hard like this kitteh...

Decisions Are Hard

Like choosing a favorite movie. Ok, lets go with THIS one!

11. Your Favorite Movie

"What is that a THROWING STAR??" 

"Uh huh!"

Oh gosh. Hot Rod is going to fuel my children's lives. And Newsies. But I limited myself to only putting up one picture. Because that's what makes it a challenge!

The first time I saw this movie I hated it. Probably because I was in a pissy mood and I was with boys I didn't like (not that I don't like them now, I was just frustrated with them then) and I think I was heartbroken at the time too. I did have some of my best friends Ben and Jerry there and I think they suggested to me that I watch it again some time. I've never looked back. Thank you Brandilyn for telling me that my t-shirt collection sounds like something that Dave would wear. It's truely inspiring. I'll be putting pictures of those up soon and be making a check list of what animals I'd like to collect.

Erika and I are driving out to San Fransisco in April and we're planning a massive takeover of all thrift shops along the way. Let us know if there are any you'd suggest we hit up!

Pre-Loved Treasures

Jaimee, Carter, and I took off to Idaho Falls today for some serious secondhand shopping! (Be warned that I photo documented all the goodies I found) Here is something that I have learned about the differences between antique shops, consignment, and thrift stores: 

1. Antique shops want you to think that you are finding a genuine treasure that is worth cashing in on big time, even if it is just some old Coke bottle.

2. Consignment stores in Idaho are not nearly as nice as the ones I've been to in California. 

3. Thrift stores are generally non-profit and have the real steals! You have no need to feel guilty about anything you find there. If you feel you must have another Dean Martin record it is only $1 and perfectly reasonable!

Honestly, the most filthy smelling diaper I have been around in a loooooong time! And Jaimee will be eternally grateful that I cropped this one down because she kind of looked like Lady Gaga without makeup and big glasses. Not that she looked like that today. Just in this picture ;)

Saucy has so much patience with us!

And he brings so much joy into our lives! I love the Young family! When we got home Steve had rented Toy Story 3 and we all laughed so hard and reflected on childhood (while Carter made a major mess involving chili and chips. Whoops.)

And on to the goods! I picked up this skirt at Panache this morning and had a lovely little chat with Brandilyn. She's such a fun girl and I'm so glad I met her! The sweater and JELLY SHOES were from thrift shops and the necklace from a seller that I'll fill you on in just a second.

 I haven't had jellies since I was tiny! They were purple with Princess Jasmine on them :)

A most important item of clothing for Idaho winters and I have somehow gone without for 4 winters! Finding them at the right price (meaning mega cheap) in the right size just barely pre-winter was a little blessing in my day! And may I suggest that thrift stores are the best place to stock up on embroidery hoops!

We discovered a scrapbooker's heaven today.  A small whiteboard sign outside of a building of law offices read "Scrapbooking paper 10 for $1" WHAT?? We pulled a reluctant toddler up the plush stairs of the building and followed little signs that led us to a vacant back office. There was a small table with a register and a sweet wife and husband with their little boy running a discount wholesale paper shop! They are the owners of Kindred Creations a daily deal website! They had a great selection of papers and embellishments (Amy Butler designs on paper!) and a deal that for every $5 you spend you get 5 free sheets of paper.  We were thrilled by all of the beautiful paper and found sealing wax for envelopes.  The stamps were really dumb but we're going on a mission to make our own or find more attractive ones. The shop is only open on weekends but they were super flexible and mentioned that if we ordered something from them we could have the shipping fees waived and just pick the items up ourselves! Definitely go check out their website! I found my super cute necklace there for only $3! 

And finally, my collection!

I found these little frames at DI about a year ago and just fell in love with them. The backs read "Made in Italy"

Yesterday at DI with Erika I found this couple

 And once you have two of something that is a legitimate time to begin a collection!

I didn't find any perfect couples, or any at all to be specific today, but I did find these frames and love them

I figured at the moment that they would work well if I found some images elsewhere. Then I found a children's reader from 1949! 

Jaimee bought the book because she is more likely to use the images from it but she gave me the title page and we plan on making cards with some of the pictures. Here are the little beauties that I've now added to the collection!

Aren't they perfect??? What do you collect?

Thrifty Thrift!

I am making good, good use of my day off tomorrow. Jaimee and I are caravaning down to Idaho Falls (with Saucy in tow) to hit up as many second hand stores as we possibly can. I started a little early by going to Desert Industries with Erika today and I totally scored! I'm going to take some nice pictures of what I found, but I'll wait until we're done tomorrow to show off the whole haul.

My goal is to find a few animal shirts and pairs of frames with couples in them. A vague sounding description, but I'll show the start of my collection later :) Think facing silhouettes and little Italian children.

Wish us luck!


Also, the most epicly epic giveaway is taking place at Miss Biscuit's website. You're invited to the Pants Party!!! (I don't think Brick will be there, but Ron Burgundy may be. Go enter to win!!! If you win and I don't you have to do something nice for me because I told you about it ;)