Thrifty-ness

A mid-week post...
Because I am going away on a mini-vac this weekend, I am posting early. Today I enjoyed a day off full of "Sara-time." It was just what I needed. In preparation for the day, I researched some second-hand stores that I wanted to check out or hadn't visited for awhile...you know, just to see what the prices were and what treasures were to be found.

First I went to Vespuccis...tried on a couple things but no luck. It has tons of designer labels at great prices. It is one of those stores you have to frequently shop to find the treasures.
Then I went to Heirloom Antiques...beautiful things at a good price but nothing caught my fancy.
Then I went to Value Village...the old stand by and I raked in the goodness.

Books, cloth napkins, trays, a bowl and a Liz Claiborne purse (not shown - oops! forgot to add it to the picture set-up)

Finally, I went to Cat's Eye Vintage. This store is so chaotic but I also happen to catch its closing (or moving - not sure) sale - "Stuff a bag for $20" deal.  I scored.

And to make the loot even more thrilling, I did not try anything on until I got home. There were no sizes in the clothes except the black blazer so I knew I was taking a chance. The velvet blazers fit perfectly. The vintage dresses just need a bit of alteration...the green one needs a little taken in on the sides and darts in the chest and the blue one needs to be hemmed. All for $20. The black velvet blazer was normally selling for $48. Here is a virtual high-five for that deal.

Oh, and I solved the blackboard paint issue with some ingenuity and conditioned the door so I could write on it. One more thing off my 101 things list!

And to help in my gardening pursuits this year, I found this lovely book at Chapters. I look forward to curling up and reading about the garden while I still wait for the snow to melt.