Category: thrifting

Retail Fatigue

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn thriftingLeave a comment

I do not like shopping. I find this ironic because I worked in retail for so many years. For many years I worked as a retail manager/buyer for a large company. I knew how much the actual cost of an item was and how much we actually sold it for. It would blow your mind to know what the actual margins are. I honestly could not wait to get out of that job. When we would get large orders, the off gassing of the dyes in the clothing would give me sinus issues and headaches. One time we got a shipment of specialty shirts and they smelled so bad, like dead fish. I called the company and they told us to just spray them with febreze and let them air out. Like what??? They sold after about a month of airing out, but I can’t help but think of what awful chemicals were uses to make these garments.

This past week I had to go out shopping for Donny’s father’s day gifts. We don’t really do anything big for each other on these days, but I did want to get him something. I knew he needed tshirts because his were looking a bit scruffy so I headed to TJMaxx. When I walked in it was SO crowded and the place was a mess. I turned around and walked out. Burlington is in the same strip mall so I walked down there to see if I could find anything. It was surprisingly clean and I did find a Tshirt and some snacks. That was enough for one day. I was exhausted just from going into 2 stores. Jackson and I did finish his gift buying in Walmart which wasn’t too bad.

He ended up with 2 tshirts, a ceramic coffee mug and some snacks.

Now here’s the funny part. I can go to thrift stores and estate sales all day long. Doesn’t matter if they are crowded or a little messy. I’m 100% up for it. I’d say that 95% of my clothes are thrifted. I just feel better knowing that I’m recycling and these garments aren’t ending up in some land fill. Jackson and I are working on a little project and needed some 4X6 frames. I headed to the big thrift store around the corner and picked up two for 3 dollars total.

I never look through the clothes at this one, but I had a little extra time and decided to see what they had. I found these super cute Kancan boyfriend jeans for 4 bucks.

I’m still looking for some denim shorts. I saw some cut off shorts at Walmart for $24.98. People, please!!!!! Buy thrifted jeans and cut them off yourself. That’s over 20 dollars you’ve saved.

I also found this cute vintage vest that I can wear over a tank top. I will always and forever buy my tshirts and thrift stores and estate sales. This one says “for everything there is a season” and It’s in excellent condition.

If you want to pay full price, that’s your choice. I saw a quote that really spoke to me. It said, take a look at everything in your house. That was once money.

I Feel Seen

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn Home life, thriftingLeave a comment

If you read here you know how much I love our backyard, especially the tree line that acts as a natural privacy fence. It is lush and the trees curl over making a great hiding place/chill out place for our chickens. It’s like you are in a little forest.

We had to disconnect part of the lights because of the chickens heat lamp that is in their coop.

Yesterday I was at the kitchen window and looked out. I thought our yard looked different, then my brain registered what I was seeing. The tree line was disappearing.

I immediately called our landlord. She doesn’t own the house directly behind us, but owns the white house next to it. We are friendly with the neighbor who lives there. Our landlord had no idea what was going on. I told her that I had seen a dumpster in their driveway so maybe they had moved. She didn’t think so, but something was going on. I walked over to the house and knocked, but no one was there. I opened the door to the dumpster and there was a lot of household things in it. As I was walked over to the white house to find out if that neighbor knew anything Trent, the neighbor saw me and came out. I asked him if he knew what was going on and he told me that the neighbor had died and that the daughter now owned the house. He gave me her cell number.

I took pictures for Donny because when they were cutting everything down they were just leaving it in our yard.

Today it got worse. The lawn crew was out there bright and early this morning and Donny went to tell them to get all of the branches out of our yard. They did but not before cutting every single bush, plant and tree down. It’s awful. Our whole backyard is now exposed. Before it was so nice to not have to look at the neighbors behind us. Now the whole fence is naked. When I went out to feed the chickens her two young girls were leaning over the back fence just staring into our yard. Not only is their no privacy now, but we are going to have to put up more chicken wire along the back fence so the chickens won’t jump over.

While I was out there I noticed my string lights that I had attached to our tree were down.

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They had cut right through the wires. I did call the owner and tell her what had happened. I also asked her why she had everything cut down. She just said, Oh, it had gotten overgrown. No shit, It’s a natural privacy fence. Donny assures me it will grow back some and we are planning on planting a new fence in the spring, but until then we’ll just have to grin and bear it.

Jackson asked if we could go to the thrift store today so I figured some second hand retail therapy might help. We went to Goodwill first. Ours is not that great, but I did find these plant stands for $1.99 each that I’m going to use out on the patio when it warms up and we can plant again.

We also went to the big thrift store where I found one of the two cookbooks that have been forever on my wish list. Yes, I know I could buy it new, but finding it secondhand is so much better. Plus it was only 50 cents.

I also found this 1979 bread cookbook that I am going to love cooking out of. The Julia Child book is the one I was the most excited about though. Now if I could only find the Jacques Pepin’s Le Technique. One day.

I also picked up this vintage whisk. I use a whisk everyday and I just loved this little guy.

Cooking is definitely my therapy.

Cream Cheese + Mini Thrift

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn Frugal Life, Recipe, thriftingLeave a comment

Today I made cream cheese from scratch. It was SO easy! There are only 3 ingredients: whole milk, lemon juice and salt. That’s it. Here’s how I made it.

Pour 4 cups of milk into a heavy pot. Heat over low heat and stir, stir, stir. You want it to get to 190 degrees.

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Once it has reached 190, take it off of the burner and pour in 4 Tablespoons of lemon juice. It should start to form the curds. If it doesn’t add a little bit more juice.

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Stir it around and then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to cool off a bit.

Next put a dish towel in a colander, set it in a bowl and pour the mixture into the cloth. Let it drain and then give it a good squeeze. I made the mistake of squeezing it dry. Leave a little of the whey water in it.

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The above picture is before I squeezed it out. Once you have it squeezed, add 1/2 teaspoon salt. (you can also add anything else you like in your cream cheese) I used a little blender and blended it for a couple of minutes.

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It was so good. I ate some on a skinny everything bagel. It just tastes so much fresher and not a chemical as the store bought cream cheese. The longest part is just getting the milk to 190 degrees.

Jackson and I had not really had a thrifting date in a while. When I picked him up from school on Wednesday he suggested that we hit 2 of our favorites. We didn’t find anything at the first one we went to. The second one I found 2 books that I really wanted to read. The hardbacks are only 50 cents so I didn’t feel bad about buying them. I also found 3 cute little mushrooms that I’ll use outside once the weather is better.

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I also picked up a shower caddy. I have never bought one before because our shower head is above the shower insert and it’s not level all the way down. This caddy is the exact one I would have bought if I thought it would fit, but I didn’t want to pay 30 bucks for a brand new one only to find it wouldn’t work. I was surprised that it works really well and I only spend 4 dollars on it.

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I can’t wait to reorganize the shower now.

Little Thrifting Trip

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn thriftingLeave a comment

I spend most of the morning cleaning out the bathroom cupboards, so I really needed to just get out of the house for a little while. Hannah had had a late night so Jackson and I decided to hit our 3 favorite thrift stores.

At the first one, I saw the Koi fish picture that I really liked, but had no wall room for. I think if the next time we go back and it’s still there I’m going to get it. I just love the colors and the frame is fantastic.

They also had some cute little tiered trays and mushroom birdhouses. The birdhouses were heavy, even though they looked crocheted. I passed on them because I really just don’t have the room for either of them, but the prices were really good.

I love the next store we went to. They have a good selection of books with a little sitting area if you decide you want to sit and read.

Jackson always likes to try to find vintage toys and he wins the prize for finding the creepiest thing we have seen in a while.

This creepy doll was SO heavy and floppy. It was just so weird.

The last store we headed to is very close to home. It’s huge and you always have to dig a little bit, but I like that. I had been looking for a square picture frame for a picture I found of my mother and her friends having a coffee get together. I lucked out and found a really cool frame.

How fancy do they look?

I really like the craft aisle. This is where you really do have to dig to see if there is anything worth buying. I found the coolest molds. I cannot wait to make some faces for different projects.

When I was going through old photos a few days ago, I realize that I’ve always been a frugalista. Many moons ago when I lived in Bermuda I bought an old, cheap, paint chipped off Moped. The newer ones were a lot more expensive, but I knew I could fix this one up. It started off orange, well at least where the paint was still on, and all of the stickers were rubbed off. I spray painted it Navy blue and went to the scooter shop and bought new stickers. That little moped looked brand new.

And just because, here is Figaro, a monkey who lived outside my apartment.

Pillows

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn thriftingLeave a comment

Yesterday when Jackson and I were leaving our favorite thrift store I saw two pillows. They weren’t with the other pillows. They were on a shelf and I stopped to look at them, but Jackson was already headed to the door. I told myself that I absolutely did not need any more pillows.

Well, I kept thinking about them. They were only $2 each, had zippered cases and looked to be pretty high quality. I knew the chance of then still being there was pretty slim, but I drove over anyway just to see.

Sure enough they were still there.

It’s hard to tell from the picture, but the designs are appliqued on.

Then when I was checking the inside tag to see how to wash them I found out they were from Crate & Barrel.

I googled how much their pillows are and they run about $60. Not a bad find for four bucks. I’m surprised they were still there because the rule of thrifting is, if you find something you really like but don’t get it, it won’t be there when you go back. I lucked out.

i also found the perfect picture for the little frame I picked up yesterday.

My mom is on the far left. I have no idea where this was even taken, but I thought it was so cool.

Treasures

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn thriftingLeave a comment

Today Jackson and I decided we needed a mom and son thrifting trip. Donny has asked me if I could make a quiche for dinner since we have so many eggs. Well, of course I can. Only problem was that I needed a deep dish pie pan. So off Jackson and I went to find one.

We normally have our three staples we always go to, but today I remembered about a store named Treasures that I went to about 5 years ago and then it just fell off my radar. I didn’t find the pie plate, but I did find some goodies. I hit the jackpot at the second one we went to and a few more things at the third and fourth.

Let me show you.

i got a cotton tablecloth for the outdoor dining table. I found what I actually went looking for, a deep dish pyrex pie plate and the best baking cookbook ever. I CANNOT WAIT to start delving into all of the recipes.

i hate paying full retail for ceramic pots so I’m always on the lookout for them when I’m thifting.

i picked up this heavy bad boy for 4 bucks. I love jewel tones so I grabbed this little frame for $2.

I don’t really need any more summer clothes, but Born Again thrift store always has such cute clothes and I found this chambray lined skirt and cute tank dress for a steal.

And Donny got his quiche.

It was really good.

Chairs

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn thriftingLeave a comment

Normally, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, Jack and I have a mom son date to our 3 favorite thrift stores. We haven’t been able to go lately, so since the kids were off from school today, we decided to make it a day. Donny was off today too so he decided to tag along with us.

The biggest find I found today were 4 chairs. Do I need dining room chairs? No. But they were so comfortable and I really liked the look of them. They were also only $5 a piece. That sounded like a deal to me so I had one of the workers take them up to the front. When I paid for them, they ended up only costing $10 for all four.

Now these chairs are rusted on the base, but I knew that I could fix that. So that’s what I started on when we got home.

Here are the chairs.

They just need a little (a lot) of love.

For being 20 years old, they aren’t too bad.

I took the seat off of the base and started sanding. I was surprised how easy the rust came off.

I can’t wait to see them finished. It will definitely be a labor of love.

A Little Shopping

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn thrifting, WeekendLeave a comment

We had a little bit of time to kill the first day in Dallas, so we decided to check out the Goodwill outlet a.k.a. The Bins. I forget how long it actually takes to get anywhere in the DFW metroplex.

If you have never heard of the bins, it’s a giant warehouse with row after row of bins that you just dig through. When we got there they were bringing out new bins. Everyone has to stand behind a red line and after they put them out they say “GO” and the race is on. People run and grab. I had no idea what to expect, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Even Donny and Hannah were having fun looking through everything. There are no prices, you just pay by the pound. I think clothing was $1.49.

These were the “older” bins.

It’s such a crazy fun experience. Well, if you like thrifting that is.

This is what we came away with.

A pair of Levi cropped jeans and an Old Navy dress

Donny found the Bob Seger Tshirt for me because I absolutely love Bob Seger. I found this Johnny Cash shirt.

Hannah found an H&M dress, hoodie and some Pink yoga pants. I also found her some Seven jeans that aren’t pictured. It was a pretty good haul for the short time we were there. I wish we had something like this here.

The next day, on the way home, Jack asked if we could go to one of his favorite stores. Well, of course!

We made it inside before a torrential downpour. We decided to have lunch in their cafeteria and to our surprise most everything was half off. Jack and I weren’t really hungry so we shared chicken strips and fries. They were only $4.49. Hannah had the salmon and Donny had what we had. They always have such good food. The Daim Bar cake is Hannah’s very favorite.

Here’s what we bought.

Both of the kids got these stuffies. Jack’s was a cat astronaut that he took the suit off of and put on the alien. Apparently, these stuffies are popular with the teenagers. Who knew? I got two candles that were on sale. Pillowcases, also on sale. Veg peelers and kitchen scrubbers. I love their light bulbs, so I picked up 2 boxes. Jack needed a new charging cable and I found this awesome collander that stretches across the sink, also on sale.

Can’t wait to go back to both places!

Old Hwy 80 Sale + Easy Dinner

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn Easy meals, Frugal Life, thriftingLeave a comment

For more than 25 years there has been a 392 mile garage sale than runs down old Hwy 80 from Texas to Georgia. People bring their trailers and just set up shop in parking lots and on the side of the road.

It happens twice a year, once in the spring and again in the Fall. I needed to run to Aldi today so I thought I’d take the back way down Hwy 80 aka Marshall Ave. The first one I saw were two very sweet ladies who told me that a lot of the vendors had packed up and left the day before because of the heavy storms. I’m glad I stopped because they had some cool stuff for sale. I ended up with a Buddha head and a cute little plant all for $2.00.

A little ways down the road I saw a whole parking lot filled with different vendors. There I found a lampshade, curling iron and a pretty summery blouse by Indigo Soul. I spent a whopping $9.00 there.

The lampshade worked pretty good on the lamp I was wanting it for. I like the fact that when you turn it on it looks like glowing little moon.

The Buddha head works well next to the stereo with my other brass objects.

I specifically got the plant for a flower pot that I had picked up several months ago.

When Donny got home from work we needed to run to the grocery. He’s been itching to find a plant for the rooster he got me for my birthday. It has been sitting in our living room and has now found its place outside. Please excuse the dead circles, we have moved a lot of pots to the backyard. It’s some kind of palm. I just know it works well in shade or sun.

After a busy day, I didn’t really feel like making a big messy meal. A shrimp boil is one of the easiest meals to make with very little to clean up. Right now shrimp is on sale here.

Growing up on the coast in Corpus Christi, we would go down to the T-heads when the shrimp boats came in a buy shrimp fresh off the boats. This is definitely not the same, but it will do in a pinch.

I like to use the bagged shrimp boil, but when did it start coming in the plastic pouches and not the net ones? So strange.

I also like to throw in a healthy dose of Old Bay seasoning.

I make a pretty simple boil. Fill a big pot with water. Add seasoning and red potatoes. Boil until they are tender. Add sausage and corn on the cob. Boil for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and boil for 3 minutes. You’re done.

I use a big commercial kitchen pot. I worked at a catering company and the owner gave me this pot so I’d always have one big enough to do this, gumbo, etc. Using it reminded me of the fun, hectic, sometimes stressful time I worked there. He has since passed away so it’s pretty sentimental.

And that’s it. My son doesn’t like shrimp so I made him some boudin and cut up some pineapple. Easy peasy meal.

B.O.B. + Discarded Art

On By thefunkyfrugalistaIn Easy meals, saving money, thriftingLeave a comment

We woke up to a terrible thunderstorm with rain so heavy you could hardly see across the street. That’s unfortunate because it is the weekend of the Old Hwy 80 garage sale that stretches for 392 miles. Hopefully there are places that are getting to still have it.

Anyway, yesterday I was making one of our favorite breakfasts, the BOB aka Breakfast on a Bun. We used to get them all the time at Whataburger. When my husband and I were both working, we never really thought about spending money on fast food or eating out. Now that we are living with one income, I watch the finances much more closely.

If you purchase a BOB and hashbrown sticks at Whataburger it will set you back $6.05. That seemed like a lot to me so I did a breakdown of how much it actually costs to make it yourself at home. My go to grocery is Aldi, so this is where I have gotten the prices for what I use.

Hamburger buns – $1.45 (8 count) .18 per serving

Sausage patties – $9.45 (20 Patties) .47 per serving

Cheese – $1.89 (11 slices) .17 per serving

Eggs – $2.29 (1 dozen) .19 per serving

Hashbrowns – $6.05 (20 count) .30 per serving

That totals $1.31. Plus you get actual cheese and not the American rubber cheese. That is such a huge savings. I know a lot of people just like the convenience of a drive thru and I get that, but you are saving $4.74. If you are getting this for a family of 4, it’s a savings of $18.96. That’s a nice chunk of change for just a little bit of effort.

And because I like to save money anywhere I can, we needed more than the 20 hot rollers I had for Hannah’s hair. Some of you may cringe, but I ran to the thrift store down the street and found a nice set for $3.50. Even though they looked like they had been barely used, I still sanitized them with my spray.

I always have to look through the artwork to see if there is something handmade. Discarded handmade art just makes me sad, so I was very happy when I found this sweet cross stitch for only $1.

I also found this cute little owl that was only $3.00. I had needed something to fill in on the window shelves in the kitchen since I moved one of the plants outside.

Such a cutie!

Hopefully, the rain will stop by tomorrow and the kids and I can hit the Hwy 80 sale. I’ll let ya know.