Category: Deals, Steals, & Thrifting

A trip to Minnesota wouldn’t be complete with out a thrift store stop.  Between our December trip and now, a new thrift store has opened up near my parent’s home.  Curious, we stopped in one day, just to take a peek.  Obviously, thrifting is hit or miss, but I was pleasantly pleased with how many large furniture pieces they had.  Sadly, I couldn’t take anything home with me.  But, I had a good time browsing.  Kitchenwares are always abundant.  I loved this gold striped bowl.

Silver rimmed stem ware could also double as pretty candle holders.

These green ceramic canisters are cute, functional and cheap.  The large was $3 and the small only $2.00.

I spotted this $25 mid-century modern end table for my sister.  She’s been on a MCM kick for her new home.  She loved it, so we took it before someone else could.

Of course, we saw some junk, too.  Really, when was this creepy girl lamp ever acceptable?  I’d think your kid wouldn’t be able to sleep because of the distant stare.

Oh, look.  Another cat figurine.

I’m actually kinda undecided on this brass knight head.  With a coat of spray paint, and in the right setting, like a geeky man’s office, I think this could look cool.  Sort of how the bright Buddha head statues are all over.

What do you think of Sir Knight?  Are poppy painted knight busts the next big design trend?  Or flop?  Probably neither.

On one hand, thrifting is a great way to find cheap home decor and much more.  On the other hand, thrift stores are also a great place to find hideous junk.  Goodwill is the cemetery for figurines, it seems.  Like floral cats.

And people carrying water buckets.

Poodle perfume bottles and ugly mini busts.

Overly animated golfer statues are there, too. 

Beware, not all thrift items are thrifty.  Take this clear lidded jar for example.  You can snag jars like these at Target and other big box stores for $10 bucks or less. 

Thrifty price?  $15.00.  I don’t think I’ll take that with me.

Are you also impressed amused by thrift store figurines?  I always seem to find one that I just crack up over.  Quickly followed by one that makes me want to scream in horror.  Be honest, have you ever bought an ugly figurine?  Was it for you?  Or as a gag gift?  Or, did you donate an ugly?  Please share.

Last week, Ev and I stopped in a thrift store while Ben and Vincent did some of their own shopping.  Thrift stores are always hit or miss, but there were so many great items that day.  I fell in love with this metal dresser.

It was in great shape and super clean.  The knobs were a little shabby, but nothing a trip to Home Depot couldn’t change.   The top was a faux wood laminate, but I could paint that.

And it was only $25 bucks.  I tried to convince Ben that we needed it, but he didn’t agree.  I think this would look great painted a bold blue or sunny yellow, though.

Someone also donated an entire Duncan Phyfe dining set.  I have a few Duncan Phyfe chairs, but we don’t need a dining set.

This large $20 coffee could look really great with a coat of paint and a mirrored top.

I don’t have a place for it, but this two tiered end table is oh so mid-century modern.  And, for $10, it could add character to almost any space.

I’ve been loving brass lately, so I thought this heart bowl could look cute in an entry holding loose change and keys.  Or on a night stand corralling jewelry.

In the current condition, these leaves are kinda ugly.  But, if painted gloss white or another fun color, several hanging on a wall could make interesting 3D wall art.

A black and white calla lily canvas for $14.99 isn’t such a bad deal.

And, how about a giant lamp.  The shape and color are great, if only I had a large enough space for it.

Now, onto a few items I brought home.  The sugar and cream containers were only 50 cents at Michael’s, so I had to get them.  The egg crate was 3 bucks at JoAnn’s.  I keep hard-boiled eggs in it and it looks so cute in our fridge.

I scored six Calypso St. Barth plates for $.98 each.  I couldn’t get a good picture.  Luckily, I found this one.

Calypso items were on clearance, so I also grabbed two $.48 purple votive holders for the main bathroom.

While at TJ Maxx, I found a white marble soap pump and matching lidded square box for $5 each.  And, a bottle of Mrs. Meyers lavender window spray.  Seriously, that stuff smells fantastic.

And, you already saw my ceramic garden stool from Ross for only 31 smackeroos.

And, the winner of the Kiss Me Kit from Good Fortune is Jennifer.  She’d like to plant a smooch on Jimmy Fallon because he’s funny.  Me?  I wouldn’t turn down Ryan Reynolds or Dermot Mulroney.  Yes, please.

What is your proudest recent bargain?  Do you have a specific item you’ve been searching for with no luck?