Thrifting – Challenge

I read Young House Love (a DIY design blog that is fun and teaches me things that maybe I will one day put into action). The other day they put out a thrifting challenge because of this new song out there about the activity. I have not listened to the song, and don’t care to, but I do like to shop second hand!

The challenge had three rules:

1. Go to a thrift shop with – just as the chorus of the song says – “$20 in your pocket”and take a picture.
I did not take a picture of me with $20. What can I say…I am a rule breaker.

2. Spend that $20 any way you’d like and photograph your spoils.

3. Find one item (or more) referenced in the song and snap a pic.
Yet another rule I broke because I didn’t listen to the song and also Calvin does not a great photographer make.

So earlier this week I went out with my $20 (and instructions from Tim to only buy something if it was useful – which is no problem for me because I don’t like owning something if it is not used for antying) to our MCC which I prefer to Value Village because they are non profit and they have cheaper prices. Here is what I got:

IMG_0436

 

  • 3 blue couch cushions. Tim would say we have too many as it is, but a couple of them are hand me downs from family friends when I first moved out 5 years ago and are looking a little worse for wear. A few others we got for our wedding are getting really lumpy. The only one I have that is in good shape is a $5 one from London Drugs. But these new ones are in good shape and got the stamp of approval from Tim.
    $1 each
  • a blue wicker basket. I have put this in Calvin’s room on top of his dresser to hold all his socks and little things that tend to get scattered around.
    $1.50
  • Pyjamas. Calvin had a little growth spurt recently and grew out of a chunk of his clothes. Cheap baby clothes are always a good thing!
    $0.50
  • A cute little lamp. I am going to use this as my bedside lamp I think. The one I have currently is a little big and more suited to a living space. Maybe one day I will change out the shade for something different, but it’s not bad. I like the glass knobby thing in the middle.
    $5
  • 2 winter hats. These fit Calvin and might still next year. I thought they were super cute, and I like the beavers on the black one.
    $1 each
  • Rummy-O. Who doesn’t like this game? Tim and I enjoy playing a good game together and also with people we have over. I couldn’t pass this up.
    $2
  • A bag of wooden toys. Most of the toys there were kind of junky or just bits and pieces of larger sets. But I saw this ziplock of wooden cars and I knew I had to have it! My favourite one is the tiny helicopter.
    $6.50

My calculator now is telling me that the total is $20.50, but I came away with two quarters, so maybe I got a free pillow? Anyhow, I thought my haul was pretty good.

Have you found anything at the thrift store lately?

5 thoughts on “Thrifting – Challenge

  1. Wendy @ New Moms Talk

    Wow oh wow! You did awesome with your YHL challenge finds!

    We’re always on the hunt for wooden toys, but didn’t find any during the challenge. We did get a few cute clothing items for Susanna for when she’s grows a bit (which will probably be before we know it).

    Oh, and we also had the moment where we thought we were at $20, but nope.

    Reply
  2. Monika Thiessen

    We went to VV Boutique in the States this weekend. I came out of there with 2 pictures (I just want the frames) at $4.99 each. 2 (valentine-ish) wine glasses @ $1.99 (for candy at my breakaway table). Several yards of purple fabric for wedding decor @ $4.99 and a pretty top for me @ $1.99. I was quite pleased with my finds.

    Reply
  3. misty

    I adore thrifting! I have not heard about this song but will look it up. Those wooden toys are a sweet score! I think the helicopter is Hape brand…I’m so jealous. I thrift for wooden toys but have yet to find such lovely little vehicles. Still hunting!

    Reply