To Thrift or Not To Thrift...

Now I absolutely love garage sales! and I love thrift stores. But I tend to find too many items I 'need' when I go to them. I mean seriously who can pass up a good deal? Well, it seems that my husband can! Or at least that's what he wants me to believe. I will admit that I am the biggest pack rat there is. I think it's genetic, the US government gives all this money to different studies that are a waste of time and money...I really think looking into the genetic link of 'collecting' and then holding onto the items would be a relevant study! So I have stayed away from these wonderful heavenly paradises for several weeks maybe even a month or two. But I have hit just a couple over in Fayetteville when I've had something to do over in Fayetteville so I'd take Lance to campus and then go on my way until it was time to get him. I've been really good at these two particular thrift stores...I bought a set of rugs that we did need, I promise we really, really did! And I've spent less than $20 in the 4 trips that I've made to them. But recently I went on a search for a coffee mug tree to use for a dog collar project with on e of my volunteer endeavors. A very nice person answered my plea with an e-mail saying she had just seen one at a local thrift store!!! Oh, I heard that voice, "You know you shouldn't go because you won't just buy the mug tree!" But come on a deal is a deal and I really wanted a mug tree. So I conned Lance into going with me...well I found the ultimate mug tree and a couple of pieces of clothing, Easter cards (which I knew I'd forget to buy at the store), a special gift for some friends in GA, a pair of earrings to match a summer dress that I bought last year (yes, at a thrift store) and a class with a Confederate theme for my hubby and 2 pizza cutters which we desperately need because somehow we've lost ours (don't ask)...ummm...I think that was all at that one. We left with our goodies in hand...and proceeded to another favorite thrift store...and oh my goodness books were 1/2 price!!1 Imagine .25 for a book!!!! Do I hear the Angels singing??? Yes, I think I do!!! So Lance and I hit those books...he got 6 books for just $1.50!!! And one is a complete set of books!!! These things sell for over $8 a piece!!! Now I did find a couple pieces of clothing again. Plus we came out with some odds and ends...now that I think of it I bought something there for a friend..and I haven't unpacked it yet..ummm gotta find that item! An even $10 for all this loot!!! So I think if I just get a 'thrift store fix' now and again I'll be fine...but go cold turkey NO WAY! I will continue to 'bargain' shop at my favorite places and hit those yard sales..when I have $5 in my pocket...do you relize how much I can come out with for $5???? Come with me and I'll show you the way......