every little thing

How to Survive a J.Crew Warehouse Sale

I lived in Asheville for two years before I found out about the J.Crew Warehouse sales.  I can't really come to terms with this fact.  It boggles my mind to consider all the clothes I've missed out on. 

I probably shouldn't be blogging about it, either.  The reason I, the self-proclaimed "queen of the sales", didn't find out about it for two years is because the tight-lipped ladies of Western North Carolina knew they had a good thing going.  Spreading the word would only water down the deals and increase the competition. Sort of a quasi-fight club kind of thing.

I shouldn't be blogging about this.  But I can't help it.  For several reasons:

• It's too good to keep secret
• and I've never, ever, ever been good at keeping my big mouth shut

If you google info about the sale, you're lucky to find a few bread crumbs here and there, and it takes some serious digging to get the hard details.  So here we go, I'm about to tell-all.

There's a J.Crew distribution center in Arden, North Carolina.  About 5-10 miles out of Asheville. Here's the address:

1 Clifford Way
Arden, NC 28704

They have a clearance center store with regular hours:

Sunday 11-6pm
Monday - Sat 10-8pm

It's pretty great.  Not a huge selection, but about 50% off retail.  Quite a few formal dress and shoes when I was there, but the stock probably changes often.

This is not what I'm talking about, though.  The Warehouse Sale is when they pull out the big guns.  Once a month they have a huge, crazy discounts, digging-through-boxes-on-the-floor kind of sale.  And it is glorious.  You have to call them for the dates and times.  Here's the number:

828-687-6475

It was surprisingly hard to find that number.  Use it well.

I've been to three sales now, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert - or at least seasoned.  Here's how it goes down.

• The doors open at (usually) 10am.  There will be a huge line snaked around the parking lot.  They allow a certain number of people in the sale room at one time.  If you want to be in the first group, (and trust me- you do want to be in the first group,) you should arrive at about 8am just to be safe.
• I am fairly certain that they allow employees, friends, and family to shop early at 9am.  I think they get 20% off their total purchase too, which is insane.  If you can make friends with an employee - do it.  If there are any employees out there that want to be friends with me, give me a call.  I give good back rubs and I'll bring you Starbucks.
• The sale runs Saturday and Sunday, but there's really no point in going on Sunday.  Unless you're a guy, that is.  All the ladies clothes are picked over by then but there is usually a decent selection of guy's clothes left.

Once you are inside the main waiting area...

• You will be given a garbage bag and a price list.  The bag is to stuff your clothes into, the list tells you how much everything costs by type of clothing.  Here's a sample list from the last sale (click on the image to enlarge)

As you can see, the pricing is phenomenal.  This is J.Crew, people!  Where a great pair of jeans can cost you $100 online.  At the warehouse sale, the same jeans are $10. 

But there are some things you should know:

• Most of the sizes are sample sizes:  4, 6, and 8.  I did find a good range above and below those numbers, but the majority of the clothes fit into the sample range.  I personally fall into the outer limits of those number and I find it a great motivation to stay in shape.
• I find that J.Crew is a little generous with their sizing, and a medium cardigan will fit a variety of different body types and sizes.  So if you're not skinny, don't despair.  I'm not skinny.  Give the sale a chance. 
• Also, you won't find a lot in the way of petite or tall.  I'm a definite "tall", so this is a bit of a bummer.  However, I have found a few tall jeans and pants there (and I pretty much screamed with joy when I snagged them), otherwise I'll buy normal slacks and wear them like capris.  (Yes, I have freakishly long legs.)
• Selection-wise, it's pretty random.  I never have seen much outerwear, but I'm assuming that the coats get snatched up lightning-fast, so I may just be missing them.  Last time, there were tons of shoes and bathing suits.  At each of the sales there were plenty of sweaters and cardigans, and HUGE piles of Madewell brand jeans for $2 a pair.  I'm not familiar with that brand, but I see they are quite pricey online.  These jeans don't look that amazing but for $2, who cares?
• I have yet to delve in to the men's clothes, but I have seen guys there and it seemed like they were making out like bandits.  Not as much too look at in the way of volume, but much less in the way of competition.  There is also a row or two of J.Crew kids clothes.  I didn't dig much into them because they seems to stop around size 6 and my son is 8 years old.
• A note on quality: these items are not "seconds" or damaged goods.  They are samples, so most of them have strange sample tags inside and the small J.Crew label is either missing or marked through with a red pen.  Some of the cardigans I bought had "sample" written in marker on the fabric inside the garment.  My husband removed it for me easily with rubbing alcohol or acetone.  A small price to pay for $20 cashmere.
• The seasons and years were all over the place.  Lots of current-season clothes and many going 2-3 years back.  Most of them are labeled with a sample tag that has the year, clothing name, fabric type and color - which makes it super-fun and easy to research when you get home!

So, you've got your garbage bag, price list ready, and your about to be released into the jungle.  Here's what you can expect:

Rows upon rows of folding tables and boxes of loosely organized clothes, shoes, accessories and more.  There are a few racks with hanging formal dresses, but most everything is in boxes.  People are buzzing about, trying on clothes over their running pants, sitting on the floor sorting through piles, and frantically digging in boxes.  It's OK to be in shock for a minute after you walk in, I usually am.  Once you come-to and are ready to dive in, here are a few more tips:

• Leave your purse in your car. You'll want both hands free. If you forget, shove your purse into your garbage bag.  Lots of gals tied the bag to their belt loop and sort of drug it around behind them to keep their hands free. 
• Now is not the time to leisurely browse or hem and haw over a particular garment.  If you see something that has potential, shove it in your bag and move on.  You can sort, weed out, and try on clothes later.
• Since there are no changing rooms, be prepared to try on clothes over your clothes.  Many people wear tight running gear to make this easier.  I try to avoid physical activity and I don't own running pants, so I usually just do the best I can and eyeball it.  It helps to know your J.Crew size ahead of time.  In the summer, a skirt over tight leggings would be probably work just as well.  All the sales I've visited so far have been in the winter and it was just too cold to stand in line outside for two hours in a skirt.
• Be sure to dig through other peoples "discard" piles.  Even though the deals are great, often our eyes are bigger than our wallets and a few good finds have to be returned to the heap.
• Give your items a good, hard look over before you check out.  I did spot a few flaws, lost buttons, holes, etc.  Better safe than sorry.
• Stop when you feel ready.  It's way too easy to get caught up in the chaos and just keep going, and going, thinking, "..but what if I missed something?!"  Let it go.

When it's time to check out, you will get in line to have your items sorted by a friendly employee.  They will mark every piece on your price sheet and then your bag is sealed up and you take the price sheet to a cashier to pay.  They take cash and credit cards.  These lines can get long if there is a bottleneck of people checking out.  Plan to spend several hours at the sale, including the wait time in line.  I saw many a poor gal wait for 2 hours in line to get in, only to leave just inches from the door because the had an appointment, or work, etc. 

I wish I had documented all the clothes I bought so far!  The best part is going online when you get home and looking up the retail value of what you purchased.  My sister found a cardigan for $20 that was selling for over $200 on ebay.  Over the course of the three sales I've visited, I probably spent about $275 all together but I have an entire new wardrobe, no joke: 8-10 pair of pants, several skirts, 6-8 cardigans some of them cashmere, about 4 tops, a few socks, pajamas, several bathing suits, and a faux sherpa hoodie.  Plus more that I can't even remember.  If you shop retail J.Crew, you know that $275 will get you about 2 pair of jeans and tank top, if you're lucky. 

Really, the warehouse sales are that good.  You should check them out.  (But don't tell anyone I sent you.)

The next sale is February 26th and you better believe I'll be there with bells on.  I plan to document the sale a little more in-depth this time, and I'l be sure to post the before and after on the blog.  Fashion show?  Yes, I think so.

Did I mention that my sister is in town?

That means antique stores, vintage clothes, and photo shoots! (Among other things.)

 

             

My body seems to be oddly contorted in that first photo, but the dress is so pretty.  And I'm really nuts over the coat, too.  It also has a matching pencil skirt, but I wouldn't wear them together. 

 

Practicallity aside, this retro bathing cap was too amazing not to take home with us.  The thick, rubber shell is accented with a crazy tulle ruffle on the edge.  It also happened to match a vintage bathing suite my sister already had.  She's so adoreable.  I hate her. 

 

We are both trying to work on our pathetic wardrobes this summer.  It should be very interesting...

post turkey-shoot

 

So, the thrifting in Asheville....not so good.  Maybe I just haven't gotten out there yet and really given it a chance, but so far things are looking pretty bleak.  I'm beginning to think that I will just have to get my thrift-fixes in when I go home to VA to visit. Which is good for my clutter problem, but bad for my general morale.  But what's a girl to do?  I'm not ready to resort to ebay.  Not just yet.

My sister and I ventured out on Black Friday to hit a few of the Mercury Boulevard spots.  There were definitely some good finds, but nothing to write home about.  Except maybe the vintage metal cake tray up there.  Pretty glorious, huh?  The sad thing is that we both looked at it, decided NOT to get it (?) then waited until a day later to go back and buy it.  Not sure what that was all about.  Maybe we are both losing our touch?  I need to clean it up a little, the picture isn't really doing it justice.

Later on Saturday, the whole crew went to Youth Challenge Thrift Shop for one last hurrah.  I think I've talked about Youth Challenge before, but if you live in the area you must go.  That place is like the Bermuda triangle of thrift.  Finding it was like finding a four leaf clover.  (And no, I will not tell you where it is, you have to seek it yourself.  Or maybe someday it will find you?)  Since most of the employees are born-again Christians/former drug addicts, you can overhear some pretty amazing stories.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall with a notepad at that place.  Earlier in the year, whilst browsing in the book section, my sister found a very peculiar  journal.  She did some research and found out it belonged to a very famous artist.  She contacted him and was able to return the journal, which was presumably stolen many years ago.  No one could figure how it had ended up in Youth challenge.  See what I mean?  This place is magic.  My mother, who had mentioned wanting to start a Santa mug collection, just happen to stumble upon a huge box of them while we were there (and I think they charged $5 for the whole box.)

 

Instant collection.  It's almost like a Stephen King story, like Needful things.  "I have what you need."  Kinda creeps me out, but I just can't stop going back.  Oh, and Max found a double-sided light saber, so he was stoked about that.   

We finished off the day with a much-needed tip to Krispy Kreme for coffee and sweets.

 

 

 

Coffee + Sugar + Thrifting-High = dangerous

A Picnic on My Lap

   

I broke down and went to the DAV Thirft store last week, after days upon days of trying to avoid them.  It's hard, when you're an addict like me.  I know I should be de-junking, not adding to the problem, especially now that we are so close to moving.  But I just can't help myself, I start daydreaming about all of the wonderful things I'm missing out on.  It's like the big sign says at Family Thrift "MISS A DAY, MISS A DEAL."  How true. 

So, I succumbed.  But I only bought a few things: a shirt, skirt and 2 little bags (and whatever random toy Max picked out, I think  it was a pirate sword.)  I really like the skirt, though.  Isn't it nice?  Well-made, linen, fully lined, cute pockets.  It reminds me of an old-fashioned tablecloth (in a good way, I hope.)  I try to avoid the Van Trapp-syndrome, you don't want your clothes to look too much like they were made out of old linens.  There's a fine line.

(You can see all of the boxes piled up on the side of the picture!  Ack!  We are really moving.  Scary. )

Concessions

Last Saturday's Yard Sale went as well as could be expected.  Max's little snack stands always seem to generate more money than the actual yard sale does, but it's all in good fun.  This time we went to Costco and bought cookies, oranges, granola bars and individual bags of nuts.  These are all snacks we needed anyway, for the upcoming move.  Max also sold lemonade, and coke (the canned variety.)  We recycled this sign again, even though we didn't actually have any cupcakes.  Just the word itself will pull people in, so it's a good tactic.  If customers asked about the mysterious "cupcakes", Max told them that they had sold out already.  Ha!  What a shrewd little business man.  That kid has a head for making money, and he truly knows how to exploit his cuteness.  I caught him "pretending" not to know how to give change to one lady.  She thought is was so adorable, that she let him just keep the extra fifty cents.  Hmm.  Perhaps a little lecture in business ethics would be appropriate?  I'm not too worried though, because even after the excitement of the final tally (Max had made over $30 profit!) he gave the money to his dad and quickly forgot about it.  Just the thrill of the hunt for him, I guess.  

 

Summer Fever

(Don't you love this old book about the States?  I adore that Virginia is represented with not only a giant pig in an overcoat, but also a huge baked ham, and an enormous peanut.)

I'm still here, folks!  Many apologies for the blog absence.  I'd feel bad about it, except it seems like everyone is playing a little hookie lately.  Honestly, things have been pretty tame around here and there isn't much to report.  Mike and I had our 7th anniversary last Sunday (yay!) and even though we don't usually make a big to-do over it, we always have a good time.   Memorial Day at the beach was a total blast, and this week has been pretty mellow till the Maxwell caught some kinda bug yesterday.  It's fever city for him, poor little dude.

Why do they always get sick on a Friday?!  He was so very upset to be missing the Pirate festival we had planned to hit up this afternoon.  Hey, me too for that matter.  A sickly, slug-child means that I have the whole day at my disposal to clean and do chores.  (See why I am blogging now?  Anything to avoid responsibility!)   I am excited about tonight though, I was invited to tag along to a Sex and the City movie party.  I'm probably the last person on Mars to get into the show, but I caught up on season 6 last night while packing Emporium orders, and now I'm pretty jazzed to see the movie! 

And speaking of the old Emporium, I was quite surprised by the rush of orders that came in this week!  Since I don't' have tracking info in the Etsy site, I have no idea where all the customers came from, but I'm sure it had a little to do with all of the sweet bloggers who have been mentioning me lately.  Thank you so much, everyone!  The power of the Internet is an amazing thing!  Oh, and you have to check out Danielle's blog (if you haven't already) and look at the amazing terrariums she had at her son's B-Day party!!!  What a fabulous use for the fawn and gnome miniatures, I can't believe I never thought of it before!  She was very kind to mention my shop as her miniature source, but her whole blog is a wealth of information, ideas, and inspiration and she is very generous and thorough with her links.

I guess I'll leave you all now with a few thrifty highlights from earlier in the week:

Good, vintage fabric is getting harder and harder to dig up these days.  These were some of the best (non-polyester) finds I have scored in a while.

I've been doing a little late-night garment sewing/practicing lately, and I thought these vintage patterns looked fun and simple.  Most of them are pre-cut, and it's always nice to skip a step  I did try the Wendy top one more time, with equally disappointing results.  I just think the sizing is not right for my body type, and it's not worth a third try to get it tweaked right.  But as a side note, I had my sister (a petite size 2)  try on the first top I made in a size 12, and it still pulled majorly tight across her chest.  So, what's that all about? 

Another illustration from the United States Book I thrifted.  How adorable is this?!?  If I can bear to cut it up, I'm thinking of decoupaging the pics onto a little train case in the spirit of Jane's Apron and Pixigenne.  Wouldn't that be fabulous?  I was thinking that Max could put books and toys in it, and we could keep it in the car for road trips.  You know, in case gas prices ever go down enough to actually make a road trip affordable.  Sheesh.

We are all pink inside

{DISCLAIMER:  I love pink, in any and every form that our good Lord created it.  It is the universal color, it is pure perfection, no other color could come close to the pure magic and wonderment that is "PINK."}

(now here comes the *but*.....)

I found this skirt at the thrift store last week, and I couldn't seem to put it down.  I tried it on, and it was a great fit.  Good lines, flattering on me, well made, and dirt cheap.  What's the problem then?  I can't believe I'm saying this, but it was too pink.  Or rather, too much of the wrong kind of pink, for me.  It just didn't mesh with my skin tone, and I wasn't' sure if I had, or if there even were, many tops that would successfully pair with it.  I bought it anyway, of course, (you can only argue with yourself for so long over a $2 purchase without feeling stupid) and I had the notion that it could be fixed somehow, and the 'how' part came to me later in the form of a good bleach-soaking.  I have used this technique a few times in the past with mixed results.  Sometimes the bleach reduces the fabric to shreds, sometimes the color change is ghastly, sometimes nothing happens at all.  But this time, happily, the bleach was a success, and the skirt went from a garment that probably would have haunted the back of my closet, to a pretty, faded, much better (still pink) skirt that will get lots more use.  I actually remembered to take a before shot, but it's a little out of focus.

So, it does not look that bad in the picture, but trust me.  It was really PINK. 

Now, here is the *AFTER*

Sooooo, much more me.  It is very reminiscent of a faded, vintage sheet, don't you think?  And now it will go with so many of my light, summery tops (especially the white, lacy kind.)  And the bleaching also gave the slight stiff fabric a much softer and more wearable feel.  I'm so happy that one of my experiment actually turned out for the better, I've been needing that reassurance lately.  I will add this pic to my Summer Wardrobe Thrift Along set (please feel free to join me!)  Oh, and I can also add this top I found lately, too.

The tag says "sleepwear", but I say "Nay!  What can be worn in the night is also right for the day!"

(Wow, I'm a poet and I don't even know it.  I think the bleach fumes went to my head.)

Bubbles of Earth

 

I'm beginning to suspect that our family is being sucked into a "fantasy" phase.  I think it all began with Max and I getting into Peter Pan, and starting the original book which I've always wanted to read (and it's good, a little hard to follow sometimes, but very beautiful.)  It continued on with Max getting hypnotized by the inevitable little-boy mania that is "Star Wars."  Then, I started this book I found at the thrift store, even though I've never been much for the whole fantasy genre, I am completely taken in by it (more on that later.)  Then, on a separate thrifting adventure, this little gnome made his way home and into Mike's pepper patch.  But what really sealed our fate, was the unearthing of the Lord Of the Rings DVDs that we have been watching on and off for days now.  I made the mistake of telling Max that the movies were based on a series of books (why do I always do that?), and I saw his eyes widen, so there is only a matter of time before we are off to the library to fetch The Hobbit.  That kid really needs to learn how to read, and soon!  I mean, I absolutely love reading aloud to him, but I don't think I could make it through all of Mr. Tolkien's books without permanently damaging my voice box.  So it's going to be the Summer of fantasy, I suppose.   Why not? 

Garbage Pickers

Since I shared my thrifty fabric stash last week, I though it might be a good time to expound on the whole thrift-thing, and really dig into the subject.  But first, a musical interlude:

Do you guys like the music of Blanche?  I'm always behind on the trends, and I'm never hip to the hot, new stuff, so I'm going to assume that you've all heard of them and avoid embarrassment.  I like their shtick, I gotta say, but I especially enjoy this little ditty that's a not-so-subtle tribute to the thrifty at heart.  You can listen to it here, it's called Garbage Picker.    If you like their style, I'd recommend popping over to their terribly lovely website and listening to Another Lost Summer,  it's one of my faves (but it's actually best listened to in late August.)

Now that we've taken care of the overture.....on with the show.

   
 

Since I have been planing to create an entire Spring/Summer wardrobe with as many recycled pieces as possible, I thought it would be fun and educational to document my progress on my blog, and over at this flickr group I started up.  If you are interested in playing along, please do sign up and post pictures!  You don't have to commit to anything crazy, you don't have to be in the pictures, there really aren't any rules, just have fun!  You can post pics of any clothing or accessories for yourself, or loved ones that was thrifted, from a yard sale, found on the side of the road, or recycled in any way.  If you like, tell us a bit about where you found it, how much you paid, why you like it, etc.  And if you come home with a few dud (as we ALL do from time to time, ) you can post them as freebies to anyone who is interested.  Sometimes I buy things that I know are not going to fit or look good on me, but I just can't help it.  Shipping a light, summer item in a bubble mailer is less than $2 (only a bit more for International) so sending a few pretty things to a better home is not a big expenses (plus it can be kinda fun!)  All of that is optional, of course, and I'd like to just stick to free stuff, no money involved, if that's OK with y'all. 

I've already posted some things from a thrifting haul last weekend, and you can see and read about them over at the flickr group.  I can already see a that I'm going to have some weak areas.  One of them is the shoe department.  I can never seem to find good shoes, probably because my feet are giant and boat-like (tall girl = big feet.)  I usually get really discouraged and often skip that section altogether, so that's something I'll have to work at.  Also, the fun of buying cute tops often leaves me lacking in bottoms, so I must remember to scour the capris and skirts with more vigilance.  It is very relieving when a thrift store has a changing room (no matter how sketchy it may be) because that lessens my chances of bringing home garments that wouldn't fit me on a good day with a girdle.  I'm NOT very talented at eyeballing sizes and there is nothing more depressing than getting home and realizing, "Wow, guess I'm not exactly a size 10 by Banana Republic standards."  (But who was I kidding anyway?  I'm really a 12...)  The double edge to this sword is, that sometimes miracles happen and that size 7 dress that you though looked a little big actually does fit and looks awesome.  The morale is, try it on if you possibly can and don't buy it if it doesn't fit.  I was in Thrift Store City last Saturday, holding up a darling summer dress that I really wanted to fit (despite the discouraging size on the label.)  I was looking down at the waist, talking to myself (a bad habit of mine when I'm thirfting,) and this old lady standing next to me piped up, "Forget it honey, it ain't your size."  I was a bit taken back. The raspy, Marlboro voiced lady was absolutely right, and it was refreshingly honest.  I thanked her, and put the dress back.

You can meet quite interesting people at thrift stores, I always do.  You would think that, given the nature of establishment, it would be teeming with sad, downtrodden souls wandering the aisles, looking forlorn and despairing about their lot in life, too poor to afford the Mall, forced to buy second-hand.  But, that has never been my observation.  For the most part,I find the energy high and the shoppers fierce.  Hungry for a bargain, enjoying the hunt, digging for treasure.  I'm often surprised at how competitive even I can get, if someone walks buy with cart full of cute things, I'll beat myself up, "Why didn't I find that stuff first?  Why was I wasting time looking a the belts??"  There's never a dull moment.  Shortly after my fashion tip from Grandma-Menthol, I noticed I was being tailed by an older gentleman that was fond of natural linen dresses.  He kept asking me if I thought they would be OK in the machine, or if they'd have to be sent to the cleaners.  I told him I was not the best person for advice in that department, and he went on to tell me his life story, that his operation was next week, and how it was so expensive.  I'd noted already that he was a tranny (and yes, I can use that term because I watch Law and Order SVU and I have been schooled in this sort of lingo.  I would never, for example, call for an 'ambulance' again in my life.  That's rookie.  The proper term is 'bus', and don't forget it.  Save yourself the embarrassment.)  Anyway, I did find myself taken aback a little with the 'surgery talk', not because I found it particularly shocking, but because it wasn't a typical conversation for me and I wasn't sure how to respond.  I said the first thing that came to mind, "Are you excited?"  Apparently that was incorrect, because she gave me a funny look and walked away.  What I should have said is that linen wrinkles like a champ, and she'd look better in jewel tones. 

OK, the point is:  thrifting doesn't have to be hard, and it's not always exciting.  People ask all the time where I find my stuff, and say how lucky I am (and I do think luck is a factor) but I put in the hours, believe me.  For every killer haul I've made, there were at least five times that I trudged through an entire shop and left with nothing but a headache.  But, the same thing happens sometimes on a trip to the Mall, and I know you all have experienced that, too.  Here are a few tips and ideas that might help:

1.) Develop techniques to get you through a store faster.  Like, I have long legs, so when I browse the pants I just scan at the bottom and only look twice at ones that stick out far below the others.  Shop by section, and if you are feeling burnt-out, concentrate in one area only.  Don't feel like you have to scour the whole store.

2.)  Use a cart and if you like an item, just put it in and keep going.  Do a final weed-out at the end, before you check out.  I find it distracting and time consuming to hem-and-haw over every item as you find it.  If it really strikes your fancy, just toss it in the cart and keep going.  When you are ready to leave, you can go through the items assembly-line style and duds usually stick out like sore thumbs. 

3.)  Keep a mental list about what you need/would like to find, but don't obsess about it.  In fact, don't even write it down.  You'll just get discouraged.  Thirfting is about the serendipitous not the scheduled.  I usually seem to find what I want, but not necessarily when I'm looking for it. 

4.)  Step outside of your box.  This is hard for me, because I can be a real plain-Jane when it comes to clothes.  Thrifting is great for that, because it allows you the opportunity to try new things without a major monetary risk.  That daring-style top that I would never spend $75 on at Macy's is worth a gamble from Thrift USA for $3.99.  So what if I only wear it once?

5.)  If your heart tells you gotta have it, then just buy it.  Seriously.  I can't tell you how many times I've been haunted buy unbought treasures.  And for what?  A few measly dollars?  Even if you just donate the thing right back to the store next year, it's better than the regret.  I almost lost the Sea Captains due to my hesitation, and that would have been a sad thing, indeed.  Don't tempt fate.  If you have to "go back" for something, it will almost always have disappeared.

6.)  It goes without saying that buying second-hand is about as "Green" as you can get.  Your shopping local, your recycling, repurposing, and (depending on the store) you are often supporting a good cause.  Emerald green, in my book.  Gotta love it.

Whoa.  That was lot of info for one post.  Hope you're not bored to tears!  I could write on and on about the subject (maybe I should write a book?  Everyone else is.)  But that's enough for today, I will post more tips and ideas later, especially since Yard Sale Season is almost upon us, and that's a horse of a different color, my friends.  For all of you that complain there are no good thrift stores in your area, tune in for the Yard Sale tips, 'casue I know you can find a couple of those to hit up this Spring.  Oh, and I really must do a post about my sister, for even though it's only April, she has already won the "Thrifting Bandit of the Year" award.  For real, I could never top the goods she's unearthed already this year.  I cower in her almighty shadow.  I'd have to find the Hope Diamond on a bric-a-brac shelf to even still be in the running.  I did find a picture the other day that looks like it COULD be the last known photo of Jimmy Hoffa.  Doubtful, but it's all I got. 

What I did last week...

Lots of baking.  I only snapped a picture of the rice pudding, but there were also oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and 2 loaves of really excellent raisin bread.  It's all gone now, buy the way, and I've gained about 7 pounds.  But it was worth it.  I miss baking.  Don't do it nearly enough as I'd like too.  It's probably a good thing though, since Mike and Max aren't that big on sweets I just end up stuffing my face till it's all gone.  Oh well.  And, I have to add how much I adore this little spice grater (pictured above.)  It was very inexpensive and it came with a few whole nutmegs.  There really is such a lovely difference between freshly grated and the packaged spices, I had no idea!  Sort of an unnecessary kitchen item on some levels, but still...for $4, who cares?  Lovin' it. 

Neeeeeext....

Thrifting in the moonlight, with my favorite boys.  Mike's been getting home from work shockingly early lately, so we still have time to hit the thrift stores as a family before they close at 7pm.  Max found a record.

Ok, who decided that the "random bags of crap" method for pricing was a good idea?!?  This drives me up the wall, because I end up having to buy the whole pack of junk for $5 when I only really wanted 1/3 of its contents.  (I realize, of course, that this is actually a brilliant scheme invented by thrift stores to unload more stuff and make even more $$$ at the same time...but STILL.  Totally bugs me.)  Humph.

This picture has no relevance at all, and I can't even remember why I took it. 

Moving along....

I have learned how to make........

ANIMATED GIFS!!!!  (Oh my, this is so indulgent!  Tee hee!)

Before you run away screaming,  I PROMISE not to abuse my newfound powers and I'll keep the unnecessary giffing to a minimum.  At least I'll try.  It's so fun!  I'm clearly not very good at it yet.  The practice gif above is in preparation for a grand celebration I am scheming for the blog to honor and coincide with the PBS broadcast of the A&E Pride and Prejudice this February!  It's part of their Complete Jane Austin Series that I'm sure many of you have been watching.   I'm (obviously) a huge fan, and I thought it'd be fun to have lots of P&P excitement going on during those three weeks, February 10th, 17th and 24th.  It's the least I can do for a film that has done so much for me (sniff.)  I'm still brainstorming, so if you have any ideas I'd love to hear them!!!

Happy Monday!!!  (and how could it not be, with Mr. Darcy around....*wink!*)