Okay, so I don't have a picture that relates to my topic today. I love this picture that was taken at a park near my mom and dad's last summer, so I put in on.
One of my favourite past-times is shopping for bargains at the local used clothing stores here in Clinton. It's amazing the things you can find, and the cheap prices you can pay for some great stuff. It's pretty satisfying to find something you were needing (like kids boots, or a coat) and be able to pay a mere $2 for them. I could probably count on two hands the articles of clothing that I have bought for my kids in a regular store (and paid full price for). Besides underwear and socks that is. I also have some awesome friends who pass down clothes to me that their children have outgrown (thanks Colleen, Jenn and Cara). I find the circle of life of children's clothing amazing. I can't tell you how many people have borrowed my maternity clothes, or I've lent or given them infant clothes or toys etc. I can hardly stand to set foot in stores like Baby Gap and see the beautiful clothing at absolutely outrageous prices. I just can't imagine how people can afford to spend $40 on a pair of jeans for a 2 year old. I don't even spend that much on my own jeans. Maybe I'm cheap...I prefer the term sensible :)
Well, this week I was in the local store and found a 9 inch square baking dish in stoneware, NEVER been used. I flipped it over and discovered it was from Pampered chef! I couldn't believe it. Why someone would spend $30 on a pan and then take it to the used store without ever using it. I paid $5 for it. I was excited. The same day Joel found a pair of hockey skates for himself and paid $5 for those too. Other treasures we've found have been: a pair of cross country skis for each of us (at a whopping $5 a pair...in excellent shape), brand name clothes that were hardly worn, bags of lego for $3 each, board games like Cadoo for $1. The list goes on and on. Yes, bargain shopping is something that I enjoy. I like to think that it helps the community as well by supporting the Salvation Army, and the local Christian school, and it's making use out of used items which is always good right?
If you've never graced the doorstep of your local thrift store, give it a try. You never know what you may find. Don't forget to donate to these worthy programs as well if you don't know anyone that you can pass down your kids clothes too. Who knows you may get hooked too.
Mel
ps: no babies yet
2 comments:
Ah yes... thift stores!! I have to be careful about stepping foot in them too often because I always come out with way more stuff than I need (mostly clothes, with which I have an unhealthy obsession). I generally hate shopping, but second-hand shopping is another thing entirely.
cheers to the thrift store bargain shoppers of the world.
i am definitely a passionate contributor!
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