Something For Everyone

Brenna and I were on our own Saturday morning. The crafting group Babs and Johanna are involved with held a craft fair in the morning. That made hitting the sales a no go for that duo. But Brenna and I were on, though I did pause when I was reviewing the paper and Craigslist for garage sales and saw the earliest one started at 5:30. Gulp. That's even before 0'dark thirty! Yes, we went. Crazy? Perhaps. Done it before, fortunately the 5:30 sales are far and few between. The other fortunate thing was there were multiple sales nearby and that worked out very well indeed. The weather was threatening rain so sellers were ready to start earlier and bargain! We started early but ended rather early too. There were so many listed and Brenna and I didn't dawdle much. We counted up later and realized we went to 17 in 2 hours! Mainly because so many were either next door to each other or in the same neighborhood. Makes for effieciency and gas saving. Love it!

Warning. We found a lot of stuff. And lots of pictures. So this is a bit longer post than usual since I have included Brenna's finds as well. She is stocking up for Baby Nate's arrival in early July and found baby things as well as other items.

We didn't get a photo of the infant exercise mat so I found this one on Google images. It is the same one Brenna found. Ticketed price was $10 but she asked $5 and the seller said yes. It was one of the first sales, they were still putting items out but there was lots of stuff and he said "nothing is going back in the house...what doesn't sell goes to charity". Brenna really wanted one of these and she remembered our motto, "No is the worst thing they can say" when you ask for a lower price!

$5 for all

Dr. Brown bottles for daycare. She is going to breastfeed but will store breastmilk for daycare. There are different brands of bottles and for this price she can see if they are good for Nate. The other two are breast pump bottles.

These Dr. Brown bottle nipples will be used when Nate is older. Who knew there are different nipples for different ages? Not me! I am learning how things have changed since my children were babies!

10 cents!

Baby board books! Nate's library continues to grow

25 cents each

Swaddling blankets. The yellow one can even be used in a car

seat. There is a slit in the back for the seat straps.

Swaddling blankets: $1 each

Box of baby socks. I think he will be set for a couple of years with this pile! All is excellent condition, some brand new.

$3 for all

Pretty scarves!

50cents each

The same sale she found the scarves Brenna spotted this long sleeved t-shirt from the high school I graduated from. Too small for me but perfect for Brenna to sleep in. The seller's cousin graduated with me. How's that for coinsidence!

50cents

Same sale Brenna saw this cardigan for her sister, Ellie. Took a chance and, yes, Ellie loves it. Yard sales make it easy to be generous.

50cents

Matching frames are new. Paperback from the Twilight series; completes her set.

Frames: $1 each. Paperback: $1

Storage bins for Nate's room or kindergarten classroom

$1 each

Tea bags...will they help? She'll try for the right price! And all of these were cheap. We love Clinique products at yard sale prices!

FREE!

Boppy pillow bundled with 

Brenna scored with this wonderful body pillow for pregnant women. Leachco "All Nighter Total Body Pillow" will replace the  Snoogle I found a couple of years ago at a yardsale for $2.50 (retails at $60). The Snoogle has been great for her pregnancy but she needed some more bulk in the filling. She was tempted to buy the "All Nighter" she saw online on sale marked down from $75 to $39 recently but decided to make do with the Snoogle.
 Imagine her delight when we pulled up to one of the last sales of the morning and she spotted this on a table! No, she didn't run but she moved rather quickly to check out the condition! Just what she wanted. Seller had $15 price sticker on it, and the Boppy pillow above was marked $8. Hmm. She thought she could do better than that price. The seller wasn't too motivated to drop the price on the body pillow but the morning was late, so Brenna bought the two for $15. Below is my daughter, Brenna's sister, Ellie happily testing it out. Ellie has been longing for the Snoogle so now she can take possession since Brenna has upgraded. Everyone is happy.

Lovely Ellie demonstrating the Body Pillow

Now it is my turn! Found a box of new greeting cards in plastic covers for 25 cents each. My inventory has been replenished!

The Grandma gene has kicked in. I actually bought these two stuffed animals. Oh dear, they really make soft, plushy toys these days. I swear, no more! The little green Wee Swim baby suit is for my great nephew Beau this summer. Reviews have been positive on these. I hope he can use an extra pair in his size. He is a big 4 month old now and I know he'll be in the water either in a pool or the ocean this summer every day!

The box contains puzzle flash cards. I picked these up for great nephew Hugh. The illustrations are vivid, the puzzles are easy to put together (only two pieces) and I hope he will have fun.

Plush animals: 50 cents each, Wee Swim pants: 50cents, First Words  flashcards/puzzles: $1

Love a free pile! I asked for and got the whole box of shampoo, conditioner, and soap samples. A friend of mine, Lisa, is taking donated items to the local homeless shelter each week. I will add this to her pile.

Lisa mentioned above is the owner of the beach house my siblings and I used last weekend. We had such a great time at the house and hope to rent it again when we can all get together. I told her I would be happy to pick up things she needed for the house at yard sales. They don't want to spend a lot of money on things at a rental since the wear and tear can be great. But yard sales make nice things affordable. One of the wish items were bath mats. I found these two yesterday and thought they would work with her beach decor. The surf board shaped rug was really cute. Hope she likes them.

$1 each. Disregard $2 sticker on beach scene rug. Got it for $1

My cat Prudence has a scratching problem, mainly my couch and rug! So I picked this up hoping she might transfer her scratching needs to something more appropriate. Maybe playing with the ball will inspire her to scratch the cardboard instead. Fingers crossed. And the seller threw in an extra insert too.

$1

Beach time!! This roll is a beach mat with a strap. This way my towel will be used for drying off. Here's hoping I get some beach time this summer!

Rolled and ready

Here it is rolled out. Nice and long and the weaving is soft.

Toy for great nephew Hugh. My sister Cee requested a few toys for her house for Hugh to play with and this double car ramp came highly reccomended....by Brenna. She babysat a little boy who loved this toy so I thought Hugh might too. That is it for Cee's stash. No more until Hugh has outgrown his Aunt Cee's supply.

Did not pay $2. Paid $1
Oops, now we need cars!!

The same sale we found the body pillow, boppy, clinique items, baby bottles, swaddling blankets...I spotted these four new in original box reproduction candle sets from The Vermont Country Store. For $1 each!! Two are Thanksgiving themed and the other two are Christmas. I knew they had some value so I bought them all. Now I am trying to decide whether to sell or keep! They are so cute and would make great decorations but since they retail at $20-$25, I know I could make a nice profit. Decisions, decisions.

$1 each

Pilgrim set

Santa and raindeer

All original boxes!

Same seller as the candle sets, I paid $1 each for these new moisturizer jars. Gotta keep moisturizing!

My quest for younger skin; $1 each

I believe my Grandma's stash is now complete with this Chicco umbrella stroller. Yes, I know, Nate's a boy and there is definitely some pink polka dots but I really don't care! It is in great shape, light weight, and easy to fold up. Price was just right too. Now up in my attic ready for our first walk in the neighborhood in the fall.

$5...and that was the asking price. At 6:30 in the morning! That's why we get there EARLY!

Again, same seller as the bottles, mosturizers, candles...etc. My plant mister broke so this one is needed, and the clinique products (and avon planet spa) were affordable.

Plant mister: 25 cents. Cosmetics: FREE

Thrift store finds this week

When we stayed at the beach house last weekend, chopping was made difficult because the knives were not very sharp and a chef's knife could not be found.

I mentioned the lack of knives to Lisa, the owner, and asked if I found some good ones at yardsales or thrift stores, would it be ok if i donated to the beach house. You can probably figure out what her answer was. So the next day I found this set for $15 at Goodwill and got it. The brand is Harris Teeter. Originally sold for $60, this is an 11 piece set including the sissors and meat cleaver and sharpener. I cleaned it up, sharpened all the blades and hope folks staying at the Green House will enjoy slicing, dicing and cutting safely.

$15! What I would have gladly paid at a yard sale

Same store, same day I found the knife set I saw this booster high chair. Hmm. It was in excellent condition and less bulky than a full size chair. Up in the attic it goes for when Nate is old enough and ready if Hugh or Beau come to visit. I love being prepared. Frugally, prepared! I checked this one on Amazon.com and read the reviews. I recommend reading reviews on products. You learn a lot. For instance, with this one, I found out you can adjust the height. Did't know that. It also folds up making it easy to take to a restaurant if you want to. Some reviewers mentioned this as a plus, avoiding using the restaurant's high chairs not always cleaned very well. 

And folks, that is the end of yesterdays pickings. I had a wonderful morning with my daughter, went to a near record number of sales (and only a couple of drive-bys), and found great deals.

Hope you had a good weekend and maybe found some bargains as well. 

See you next week!

Thrifty Christy  

Sisters on the Hunt

I was in Emerald Isle, NC this week enjoying a mini family reunion and my niece's wedding as well. I am blessed with a family who really enjoys getting together and we have a great time catching up. I am the youngest of 7 siblings (5 girls, 2 boys); all but 2 live in NC. So we are talking about a large family! 

Many years ago the sisters playing upon our Southern heritage, came up with alternative flower names for our ownselves. Starting with the eldest:

Fran-Rosebud

Julie-Camelia

Vickie-Night Shade

Cee- Magnolia

Christina-Gardenia

Julie (Camelia), passed away a few years ago way too young from cancer. So  there are the four sisters left and when speaking to each other we often don a heavy southern accent and use our flower names. 

So it was Night Shade (you are required to use a southern accent when saying the flower name!) who joined me this Friday and Saturday for the yard sale search. Night Shade resides in Pensacola, Florida, too far away to join me on my usual jaunts. We were delighted to go together on TWO days! 

Yes, there was a community/neighborhood sale listed on Friday and Saturday morning. Only 2 homes were selling on Friday morning but that was fine with us.

FRIDAY'S HAUL

Night Shade's finds

She picked up this sign for her husband Ron. Couldn't resist it. I do believe it will go somewhere in the garage!

Golfer sign- 50 cents

All brand new, in package,  Michael's gift tags and monogramed note cards

She will donate all of these to charity fundraiser coming up soon.

Possibly they could sell for $1 each. Most contain 10 in each package. I picked up a couple for myself as well.

gift tags: 6 for $1, note cards: 50 cents each.


SATURDAY'S HAUL
Saturday proved to be much more productive.
We went to a church sale first thing since church sales are usually priced lower and have more items. We were not disappointed.

NIGHT SHADE'S FINDS

Handbags, the one on the left is leather

both new.

$1 each

The small pot is from her cookware pattern. It shows some wear on the outside, however  the inside is absolute pristine. This is  enamelware. She may use it for cooking or it would make a cute flower pot. The note cards feature lighthouses and are blank inside. 

pot- 25 cents
note cards- $1 each

On Saturday we found yard sale with lots of plants. The basil is a new variety featuring extra large leaves. All the herbs were $2 so we made sure we chose pots containing at least 6-7 seedlings in each.

On the left, basil-$2 and the other is a succulent plant-$1

She needs a light jacket and this one is perfect. I must say, the color looks great on her.

 Windbreaker: $1

MY FINDS!!

I have a couple of cats and as they have "matured" over the years, my cat carrier is now too small for them. So I have been on the lookout for a medium sized carrier. Saturday I found what I have been looking for.

$3 cat carrier.
Needs some cleaning up but a little elbow grease will do the trick

At the sale with the plants I found 2 small fans. I need one for the Mission Trip I go on just about every July. There were 2 identical fans there. I plugged both in and bought the one with the strongest "blow".  I, too, love making and eating pesto. So I bought 2 of these basil plants, making sure to choose pots with the most seedlings. Very healthy plants.

Basil plants-$2 each.
Fan- $1

At the church sale I picked up this older model crockpot. It is a bigger one and I am looking forward to cooking in it. I have mentioned in past posts the newer versions cook faster. This one I will be able to leave on all day safely and not worry about coming home to a dried out meal.

large crockpot/slow cooker-$2

Also at the church sale I found this package of micro-steam bags for cleaning baby bottle and breast pump accessories. For Brenna's use when my grandson Nathan is born.

50 cents

I found these hand held games on the way out of the church sale. I will try bundling them together to sell on Ebay.

games- 75 cents each

At another sale I bought these two car window shades by Munchkin and a paperback parenting book. I did call Brenna before I purchased to make sure she could use them. Yes, she replied. Each shade retails for $15. And she was curious about the book. 

Window shades- $1 each
book-50 cents
And that is the extent of our weekend shopping at the "sales". 
It was great fun with my sister and I really hope the next time we are together, we can do it again. She is as thrifty as I am and loves a good deal.

The weather was perfect for yard sales and for a week of family, beach, wedding, etc. 

Hope you all have a great week and I will check back next time.


Thrifty Christy

Spring has sprung

Wow, you can really tell spring is here. Yes, yes, flowers are blooming, the allergies are upon us, but more than that, yard sale season has officially arrived.

beach umbrella, $5 toile ribbon, 50cnts each, thermometer, $1
fold out changing pad, 50 cents.

I even found a morning sale on Friday and found a few things there. I had a request to look out for a beach umbrella and there was one I spotted as soon as I stepped into the garage. Two baby items for the grandson to come: a digital ear thermometer and the case looking thing actually folds out to a changing pad with a baby wipe holder and a couple more compartments. The toile ribbon I use for gift wrapping. I love the turquoise one.

Johanna, Babs, Sophie the Schnauzer, and I headed out on the early express before dawn, coffee in hand (well, I had coffee) and the all important yard sale list at the ready. Since it was still dark, I had my head lamp at the ready with fresh batteries installed. We were primed for the deals.
Our first and only 6am starter was a church fund raiser for Haiti. We hoped it would be inside (still a bit nippy at 41 degrees this morning) but it was outside in the parking lot. It was getting lighter but I still used my light to check out the details. Prices were low as usual with church sales (yay!) but not as much merchandise as we hoped. Since there weren't any other sales until 7, we had hoped to linger at this one with lots of goodies to peruse. Not so. Still, I picked up the autumn silk leaf bunches for 25 cents, a small case I can tuck my camera in for safe keeping (25c), and a reusable bag for shopping (10cents).

25 cents instead of $15: YES!

I found this online, Charm 14 is the brand and this little case is quite handy. Inside are all sorts of pockets and it retails for 14.95. I'd rather pay 25ct!

25 cents each for silk leaf bundles

Always on the lookout for fun movies for my brother Sonny and bought these for 50cts each. I will enjoy watching them with him.

Fisher Price boat $2

The boat is for my great nephew Hugh. Fisher Price brand with a little captain and a flotation raft. Asking $3 and I got it for $2. That makes 2 boats for bath time at my sister's house. Cee had requested I find him a few. I picked up another today and that is it. I decided a flotilla is ok but not an armada!








We must have hit about 10 sales this morning. Most were very well priced, clean, on tables, and no drivebys. We did come to one which was a fundraiser (Relay for Life) and I was disappointed they were so motivated to make money their prices were too high. Example: a new Ipad screen protector with a TJ Maxx price of $7.99. I was interested since I have an Ipad 2. When I asked how much the 2 ladies there asked to look at it and said "oh, I remember I bought this, lost the receipt and couldn't return it. It is still new. $6." When I said it was more than I was willing to spend, they became quite huffy, and again made reference to "this is a fundraiser, we aren't making money for ourselves". Well, I walked away without saying any more. I did buy a flag (you know, I love flags) for $2 and was good with that price. It is in excellent condition. But I thought back later about why I was bothered by their attitude. And so I will pause here and relate my ideas. Yes, it is a fund raiser. I know that. However, it is also a yard sale. Bottom of the rung in the world of shopping. I have only so much money set aside to shop. So I am going to try to get the most out of a sale and have enough for the rest for the rest of the morning.

Garden flag $2

I would have paid $2 for the Ipad screen protector but I am not going to pay 1/2 of the sticker price at a yard sale. I don't know if it is going to work and I cannot return it if it doesn't which you could do if you have the receipt! So, lady, that is why I walk away when I think your prices are too high. You missed a sale and I hope someone else bought it but not at $6! I want your effort to be fruitful; it is an excellent cause. But a yard sale is a yard sale and unless you have a great amount of merchandise you are not going to reap a fortune. Ok, I am done. I promise! Oh, and here is the flag.

I picked up this set of Flicka, Ricka and Dicka books for 10cts each. Wow, they are in beautiful condition and I hope they find a home in my daughter Brenna's kindergarten's classroom.

Originally published in 1960 these classics are a nice break from the "princess stuff. The girls are helpful and just NICE!

Not sure what grade level they are but maybe Brenna can read them to her students.

The list grows: Paid $1 for this Brookstone weather center. Not good. I should have known since there wasn't a remote sensor. Seems that it is by radio waves but the company that transmits has a very limited range. Raleigh is the closest. Reviews on Amazon were ugly. Amazon no longer carries this product. $1 wasted.

Just because it is Brookstone doesn't mean it is fabulous.

Cute Christmas items. New hand towels and ornament.

I will buy toiletries any day. Brand new hand soap, sealed, L'anza leave-in hair protectant (maybe my daughters might like this), Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo and brand new balmex diaper ointment. These are all, except for the ointment, very large containers. Full. Paid 50cnt for each, balmex 20cnt

Yes, more shoes. $2 a pair. They fit great, look great and I am ready for the summer season! No wear on the tread on either.

Another boat for Hugh's bathtub entertainment (I swear it is the last one!) and a bag of view masters. I have a friend who sends these viewmasters to a mission in Africa. The kids love them and no batteries needed. The sticker said $5 but I paid $3. So glad I did, since I didn't look carefully when I bought them. Got them home and realized a couple of the cases were empty! Agh!

Found this cloth book with one of my favorite stories. Can't wait to read and play with grandson Nate

Are You My Mother?

See, the little bird has a pocket on each page to sit in! Love it.

I love the super soft material these days for baby blankets. This is very small, very plushy soft "lovey". Just big enough to hold up to a little cheek. Just for you, Nate!

Crib sheets, soft "lovey" and super soft knitted blanket. For Nate. Total: $2
Crib sheets will be used for the pack and play. 

This has a Pottery Barn Kids label...car seat cover. $1. Very soft and maybe it will fit Nate's car seat. We shall see.

Couldn't pass up these sweet smocked dresses. I have a friend due in June with a little girl. Will wash them and put them in her shower gift bag along with item on her gift registry. So cute.

Some thing for a little baby girl

Rain poncho for water rides at Kennywood this summer and placemats for Hugh. $1 total cost

I know, Tarot Cards! What the heck?!! I bought them for 50cnts thinking of selling on Ebay or Craigslist. New packs are selling $20-$30 on Ebay. The cards appear to be new, just a bit of wear on corners of outside of pack. We shall see.

Last sale was a pit bull mix rescue fundraiser. These pups were pretty laid back. Pretty much junk and old clothes, not much to see. But I did buy the poncho there. And gave them a little extra for the cause.

Here is a trunk shot at the end of the morning. Babs and Johanna found a lot of things too, crafts, grandchildren books and toys andthe plastic storage unit for $3.

And here is Miss Sophie the Schnauzer checking out the goods. She is such a sweetie and just so happy to be part of the pack.

Good news on the shoes. Took them to a shoe repair place and at zero cost, the shoes have been somewhat restored. So comfy and looking pretty good. So happy it worked out. He wouldn't say what he used but there was a slight smell of paint. Maybe a dye? Not sure but they are buffed and you really have to look very closely when I am wearing them to see the darker area. 

So a great morning, lots of goodies and the best part, we had fun and caught up with each other's week. Next week I will be in Carteret County, NC and Saturday I plan on hitting the sales with my sister Vickie (who comments as Night Shade)from Pensacola, FL. Maybe Brenna will join us too. We will see what the beach has to offer with the deals! Can't wait to go treasure hunting with my sister.

Thrifty Christy