Jul 20, 2011 | Flashback, Just plain good, Repurposed, Thrift store |
The first thing I do when I’m on vacation in a new city is scope out all of the local thrift stores and resale shops. It was raining yesterday, so the kids couldn’t do some of the things they had planned, so we hit the thrift stores. The first one had...
Jul 19, 2011 | Downsizing, One year of downsizing, Save $, Thrift store |
With a goal of 365 items, downsizing one item a day over a one year period, has proven to be more difficult than I imagined. With the exception of my garage, there’s just not much left to downsize in my house. When I open a cabinet or a drawer, thinking I...
Jul 8, 2011 | A better way, Repurposed, Thrift store
Yes, I paid full price. Two times. But it was planned. As I said early on in the no retail shopping challenge, I would love to have a pair of TOMS shoes. I love what they’re doing and if I buy a pair of shoes, a child that is in need of shoes gets a pair....
Apr 25, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Thrift store
This morning, all I heard was, “Mom! Where are my Crocs? I can’t find any shoes to wear!” My kids only have 2 or 3 pairs of shoes at a time. They’re not only growing fast, but boys shoes are hard to find used and in good condition. I try to...
Apr 15, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Thrift store
About 2 weeks ago, I decided to downsize my wardrobe again. Why? I realized I still have too many clothes I don’t wear. I started by purposely wearing things toward the back, things I haven’t worn in a while. That led to either realizing I really...
Apr 10, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Recycle, Repurposed, Save $, Thrift store
There’s a lot of stuff that might be considered trash, but before you throw something away, think about the possible uses for it. These are partially full cleaning supplies and pesticides, well, there’s also a random bottle of unopened champagne too....
Apr 6, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Thrift store
I found myself at a thrift store about a week ago, one that I haven’t visited in a long time. I really didn’t need anything, but since I was on that side of town, I decided to check it out. In the past, any good must be purchased, but now I apply my new...
Mar 28, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Thrift store |
It starts when we’re born. Accessories. “My daddy is the best” and “My mom is better than your mom” on our shirts, iconic pacifiers, hair bows in more styles and colors than Baskin Robbins has flavors, complete ensembles of coordinated...
Mar 28, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Save $, Thrift store
Buy one, purge one. I’ve been practicing my “buy one, purge one” philosophy and it’s going well. I was hoping to photograph all of the items, however that would take a lot of time. I am doing it though. I don’t shop near as much as I...
Mar 24, 2011 | No retail shopping, Read the fine print, Recycle, Repurposed, Save $, Thrift store |
I decided to check out a little boutique in downtown Frisco. Yes, I said boutique. I heard a story about some recycled jeans they are selling and decided to check it out. The Blue Door Boutique, a cute little shop with a lot of style, carries a lot of interesting...
Mar 8, 2011 | No retail shopping, Thrift store
I dropped off several bags at the Goodwill trailer, and the only logical exit is to drive behind the shopping center. It’s a strip mall with a grocery store, a couple of restaurants and lots of small mom and pop type stores. As we were driving around back to...
Feb 27, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Recycle, Thrift store |
Yesterday, I spent the early part of the day running errands before work. Most of them were driving the Infiniti sleigh, full of donations, to all of the required destinations for drop-off. I started at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, dropping off my old back...
Feb 22, 2011 | No retail shopping, Thrift store
I was asked last night if I ever shopped like a real woman. I’m not quite sure how I should take that… Yes? At least I think so, from what I’ve studied about them. ;) Seriously, my shopping habits are more like a man. I have an easier time...
Feb 17, 2011 | Downsizing, No retail shopping, Thrift store
Several months ago, I conducted a Photoshop training class at the church where I work. It was something I did for fun, and for free. All I asked is that people bring something to donate to the local food pantry or a thrift store. The photo is of the food that was...
Feb 3, 2011 | No retail shopping, Recycle, Repurposed, Salvaged, Thrift store
So this is the third day we’ve been “iced” in. This is clearly not snow, as you can walk on top of it. I even saw a video of a kid ice skating in the street. My kids are bouncing off the walls and I’m so ready for this mess to go away, and...
Jan 19, 2011 | Mini challenges, No retail shopping, Recycle, Repurposed, Thrift store |
Here’s the experiment. I decided to reduce my wardrobe by 50%. I also threw out a mini-challenge. Take 25 pieces of clothing from your closet, place them in a box or plastic tote. Put it away for a month and see if you miss any of the stuff in it. If not,...
Jan 17, 2011 | No retail shopping, Thrift store |
I promised you dirty laundry, so here it is. There’s actually more of it, but this is my basket. My kids have one upstairs too. So why an I showing you this? I have no idea, other than it seemed like a fun title for this blog post. I was thinking a few days...
Jan 15, 2011 | No retail shopping, Save $, Thrift store |
Several people have asked me to compile this information, so here it is to the best of my knowledge. I did not start this challenge to save money, although it’s been a nice benefit. Here’s a few of the details, and I will be tracking this more going...
Jan 10, 2011 | No retail shopping, Recycle, Repurposed, Save $, Thrift store |
I had to go to 2 stores for work yesterday. I needed a frame, a mat board and to have 1 photo printed. I decided to go to Aaron Brothers for the frame and mat board, because in January, they have their “buy one, get one for a penny” sale. I found the...
Jan 8, 2011 | Save $, Thrift store |
Amy found this clothing store in New York City called Necessary Clothing. Yes, clothing is necessary, and from the looks of the mannequins, you might need to buy several pieces of it. I did a little research on this store. They’re located in the SoHo district...
Dec 16, 2010 | Ideas, No retail shopping, Thrift store |
I’ve been asked a lot, “…what are you getting your kids for Christmas if you can’t shop?” Here’s the answer you’ve all been waiting for. I can shop, it just has to be pre-owned things, so here’s the plan. Half Price...
Dec 11, 2010 | Dumpster diving, No retail shopping, Salvaged, Thrift store |
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk0vwmq26JQ This video was created for a school project by a student at the Clarion University of Pennsylvania for a Physics of Energy and the Environment class. It’s a wonderful video on the how-to’s of dumpster diving...
Dec 4, 2010 | No retail shopping, Recycle, Thrift store |
Let me just say, before you read my list of things I don’t get, that there’s a purpose behind this list. That purpose is something I say regularly. Just think about what you’re buying and what you’re doing. Your actions make a difference....
Nov 13, 2010 | Dumpster diving, Ideas, No retail shopping, Recycle, Salvaged, Thrift store |
Okay, so it’s not an olympic sport… yet. I do however, find this black friday business very interesting. The idea for this blog post started with an article I found in a local magazine, called Black Friday: Survival Tips. Please understand, if you...
Nov 4, 2010 | No retail shopping, Read the fine print, Thrift store |
The challenge has been challenging this week. I get my kids clothes at thrift stores or they are hand-me-downs (or handy-downs as Cole calls them), which has worked nicely for a long time. It’s still working, but here are some of the difficulties. Boys vs....
