Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bargain Madness

On Monday I had to run some errands with the boys which took me to a part of town I don't usually go. After we finished up the errands, I asked Owen if he wanted to go to Saver's to see what they had. Eli had been feeling sickly and we all really needed to get out of the house.
We pulled into the parking lot and I noticed there were quite a few cars, but didn't think anything of it until we walked into the store which was pure pandemonium. I looked around and saw women with shopping carts heaped with clothing--seriously about 60+ items in each cart. I still couldn't figure out what was going on until I heard someone say, "Yeah, everything in the store is 99 cents." What? Seriously? EVERYTHING?!?!?
Then, I became a bit anxious. I don't know what it is, but when I have the kids with me, I can't really take my time to look at anything, it's more of a quick browse and rush on, so that I can keep them entertained enough for me to get errands done. This was madness though. It reminded me of an event that BYU holds annually (at least they used to anyways) called something like The Rummage Sale. What it amounts to is that anything that has been turned in to the Lost and Found during the course of the school year and not claimed gets piled on tables to be sold. The one time I went we stood in line for two hours to get into the sale. Once they open the sale you have to calmly enter the ballroom (that's where they hold it, so you can imagine how much stuff is there), but then it's every woman for herself.
Because I didn't know about the sale and didn't arrive at the crack of dawn, a lot of stuff was gone, but I did manage to get two sweaters and a little jacket for myself--none of which I tried on with the mentality, "So what if it doesn't fit. It was only a dollar!" The best find were the two pairs of Banana Republic slacks in perfect condition for my husband--for the grand price of $2!
I kept thinking to myself, "Boy, my mother in law should be here. She'd come home with a complete set of china or some painting that would end up being a front for a Picasso."
You have to know my mother in law to appreciate her bargain savvyness. I usually go into Goodwill or Savers or such stores to get used books, but she goes in to find anything and everything. I like to go with her because, though I'm not a superstitious person, I think she's good luck. Really. You know how we all have different gifts? You know, some people have faith and other people have a good voice? Well, among the talents that lie within my mother in law is thrift store shopping.
I guess because I was still feeling pretty high on my Saver's find, I went to Goodwill to get some glass for a frame that had broken. We walked in and there were oodles of people. I almost started to get nervous again wondering what was going on, but it turns out it was nothing. However, I did manage to snag the complete hard back boxed set of the Eragon book series in perfect condition. I've never read them, but I've heard they are great. Besides the box sells for $67 and I paid $19.99. Maybe if I keep working, I can develop my thrift store gift too!

16 comments:

Brooke said...

I am never that lucky in thrift stores. . .

I really liked the Eragon books. But I love all kinds of books. But I have read the set twice.

Mel said...

Sounds like fun! I love great bargains--sounds like you found some good finds!

Lara Neves said...

I love thrifting. Love.

Unfortunately, ever since I left the PHoenix area, I've lived in towns too small to have any great thrifting potential. Although, I've still found some great stuff here and there. I'm usually looking for the home decor/furniture things, though. I rarely bother with the clothes because I don't have time to comb through it.

Tiffini said...

Awesome! I've definitely fell in love with DI up here, especially the one in Sandy. The Mesa DI sure looks sad compared to what you can find up here.

I've always thought that Mariley Johnson has that thrift store shopping gift, too. I've always envied her ability to turn "trash into treasure." Maybe I'll get better with practice? I think it also takes a lot of time shopping, and with Laci being as active as she is, I just don't have that luxury right now... is it sad that I'm looking forward to my first baby starting school?

Annie said...

I adore thrifting! LOVE IT. But it is hard to get out and do it with the kids. Sounds like you did good!

JLJ said...

I never have luck 'thrifting' - maybe I need to go with someone who can show me the ropes. I can totally relate to that sale anxiety. I sometimes dream I am at a really great sale but I can't seem to get anything - my legs won't move or I'm just not fast enough. Pathetic, I know.

Ruth Petersen said...

Glad to hear I have one gift worth emulating. What a fun surprise to get to the store on just the right day. Sounds like you weathered it like a pro.

Mariley Johnson said...

My sister Carley has the gift of thrift store shopping.
I miss Savers. They don't have them here in Texas - at least not San Antonio.
And thanks Tiffini!

JenW said...

love love love savers. honestly. and my sister definitely has that "gift" she is amazing. i aspire to thrift as she does:)

kjirsti said...

I laughed and laughed. So true. I think the trick to successful thrifting is more frequent visits. I got the cutest brown tweed jacket yesterday- yup $2.50!

rachel said...

The thrift store shopping is such a buzz. If I were to ever use any kind of drug I assume that's what it would feel like;) Although I know exactly what you are talking about with the "gifted". I know several people with the magic touch. Sadly, I find entirely too many things that I love and may or may not use! Great job on finding those slacks. . . Banana republic lasts too!

Lyndsey said...

Well now we have something to add to our list of activities or playdates, i am sure the kids would love to hit the thrift stores. I love them, it has been a new hobby lately and i need to get better. Tommorrrooowww, sat the 27th is 50%off the goodwill on power...

Lauren and Trevor said...

The last time I went to Goodwill with you I found a lot of good stuff...I think you AND Ruth are good luck. I can't believe everything was $1. Crazy!

wackywilsons said...

We can all totally relate about running errands with little ones in tow.

Great job on the bargain shopping!

Jessica Martiele said...

Next time you're in socal, come Goodwilling with me...my sis-in-law went with me and bought a PERFECT Coach purse for $30 (retail $400) and I found a perfect Dolce & Gabbana skirt (that would NEVER fit me) for $6 that I sold on ebay 3 days later for $45. (And then there was that $189 bebe blouse I bought for $4...with the tags still on!) Enjoy Eragon...good stuff! :)

Marisa said...

That is so cool! Why don't I ever hear about stuff like that?! I'd be there in a flash.