When Free is $45…

Yesterday I stopped by Goodwill with all good intentions of only picking up a picture frame for my new free 8×10 photo print from Walgreens. (If you want one of those too, by the way, that offer is still good through today…)

• Free 8×10 photo print at Walgreens! Use code 8X10FALL through 10/13.  Choose in store pickup to avoid shipping charges.
• Note: Their codes don’t work in the app, so use the website.

Thrift stores are an excellent place to pick up photo frames, which are insanely priced at most stores — and you’ll often find them there used at better quality than the ones you can buy at Dollar Tree. So on the face of it, this was a good and frugal decision…

(And to Karen who I met at Goodwill, if you’re reading this, a shout out to you! I was not having a great day, and your act of kindness really lifted my spirits.)

So, yes, I did get the picture frame.

$45 and a full bag later…

Update your plates

After picture frames, one of my other favorite sections of Goodwill (or any thrift store) is the kitchen and bric-a-brac section. How fun is this plate, right? I pretend I collect these types of things to use in food photos for the recipes on this site (which is at least partially true…), but also: Because this plate just made me smile.

Is it just me, or does anyone else have a random collection of pretty yet mismatched plates and bowls from thrift stores and garage sales?

Clothes, clothes, everywhere the clothes

Bonus points if you spot the sleeping cat in my messy office!

I was actually pretty tempted by the “She who must be OBEYED” shirt, so it’s probably lucky for everyone that it was only available in a size I am not (any longer). So instead I got this cheerful striped sweater and pair of Paige jeans — they are super comfortable and well-fitting jeans, but not a brand I could ever bring myself to buy new.

Oh, and speaking of things that no longer fit, I really hope that someone buys and makes good use of this adorable little kid chair. My boys are way too old, alas — but ten years ago, it totally would have come home with me! I know you can’t read the tag with my off photography today, but someone there labeled it a “Blue’s Clue’s Chair,” and just: Awww.

But back to things I did bring home, because apparently I’m also now the proud owner of a pair of LuLaRoe leggings. They really are buttery soft, lol, and I just got back from wearing them (and this equally new-to-me purple athletic shirt) to yoga. So as I continue justifying yesterday’s buys: Look, how practical!

So, what have you picked up at the thrift stores lately?

I’m now sitting about 32 lbs down from where I started not quite two years ago, and am gradually replacing the too-large clothes in my closet with a new-to-me wardrobe. Why Goodwill? Well, at this point I’m fitting into very little of my clothing — but am not sure where I’ll settle out, and am still figuring out what sizes fit me well in different brands. So, what a serendipitous place to find out, right?

What’s the best use you make of your Goodwill (or other local thrift store?). And, please tell me it’s not just me who goes in for “just one thing…”