Thrift Store Bargains

I love going into thrift stores.  You know the ones that are run by the churches and smaller charities; yeah, they sell just about anything and everything.  Well, there's one down the road from me that sells everything from books to televisions, small, portable organs, to clothes, old handbag and shoes upon shoes to kitchenware to beer bongs (yeah, I saw that walk out the door today - a glass one!).  

Today, I thought to take a walk from the post office down to the thrift store to see if it was open; and it was, so I walked inside and took a look around.  The first place I normally go to is the bookcases.  I noticed they had added on another two bookcases - more people are getting rid of their books and opting for Kindles; well, that's okay, more real books for me to read! I knew I was wrong in looking at the cases, but I just had to find out what people were throwing out so I knew what I had to read.  And I found myself three books:  'Liza of Lambeth' and 'On A Chinese Screen' which were two books in one by W. Somerset Maughem; and author I've never heard of.  Then there was 'Hugh Lunn's Head Over Heels' and 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes.  

On the way out the door - and before I found anymore books I thought looked nice - I almost past a great little bag that was very originally-made.  It was something I thought about toying with but never made a move on because I didn't know how to go about it: a bag made from a pair of shorts or old jeans.  I loved it and found it looked pretty good!  So, once I found the zip worked well and the pockets were deep enough, I knew it was something I wanted to have and added that to my things of purchase.  All up, I spent $3.50... a good bargain!  

On the way home, I stopped outside a place and chatted to a couple of ladies who were sitting outside an old shopfront.  And soon the doors of it opened and it ended up being a food co-op!  What a find!  I went in and asked how it worked - as I've never been to one before - and they explained the whole thing to me.  I ended up buying some Grainwave Chips for $1.50 and coming home.  So, do tell us what bargains you've come across lately?  Did you know the stores or markets were there, or did you stumble upon them like I did with the food co-op?  Leave a comment and let us know about your finds.  Until my next post, happy shopping!

Two Great Bargains

Today was the first time I found something worthwhile to buy at the Life Line store in a while.  And it wasn't just one thing, it was two lovely bags!  

The first is a purple bag which is originally for kids, but I loved the colours and the feel of it.  It also is big enough to pack some of my stuff in and very much the type of thing I'd carry with me around the place.  And it's brand new as well; seeing its tag is still attached!  For $8.00, it was an absolute steal!  

Then, there was the National Geographic Briefcase.  It's small, versatile and very well-made.  I love it as I'll be able to take it around the city with me and still be able to store what I need in it without it feeling bulky.  It's got a nice long, adjustable strap, the body of it has a zip where I can open it out or make it smaller and it's got room for a mobile phone.  However, this bag is an older-style National Geographic Briefcase as the phone holder is much larger than the ones you'd normally find on them.  This means all the clips and zips are metal on this bag; not plastic!  What a great find for $6.00!  

So, these were my two great finds today at Life Line.  I did see a make-up mirror, but something about it didn't feel right, so I left it.  I'm so happy with my purchases.  Until next time, happy shopping!

Today's Bargain Buys

Today, I was out and about on my own after being off my feet with a broken toe for the last month.  Now, that's not the best way to kick back; not in my opinion anyway.  Last shopping day, it was dreary and wet and I did want to go to Life Line, but decided that my folks getting me around in one of those shops in a wheelchair wasn't the best of ideas.

So, that brings us to today.  I had a great time being out on my own again - even if my left toe did begin to hurt a little halfway through my shopping day.  I just took my time and didn't push myself; not until it's completely healed anyway.

I found two great items at Life Life that I bought and do love very much.  The first one was a pair of jeans.  They were a size 10, but very stretchy; stripy and purple and I fitted into them beautifully!  And for $12.00, I thought they were great!  There was another pair of jeans - bright red ones - made by Thomas Cook - that were a size 12 (a small make though) and I decided against getting them as they just didn't feel all that comfortable.

Just when I thought I had done all my shopping, I spotted a bag that looked very cool.  On picking it up, I found it was made from New Zealand Lamb's Wool!  How beautiful!  It's a decent-sized bag too!  So, I bought that for $20!  It still had the cleaning instructions attached to it as well.  What a lovely thing it is... so cuddly and warm too.

Well, that's all I bought at the Life Line today.  What bargains have you come across - do share!  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting! 

Tested:  Lambs-Wool bag.
I went out to Garden City with my bag today.  I packed it with the bare essentials; however, when it came to finding them, I found it difficult to just find them as this bag has no interior pockets.  So, I often found myself digging around when I needed to find my purse or iTouch or anything else; and this became annoying within the first hour.
Also, the little tie that was around it broke.   I was trying to undo the knot when I pulled on it and it snapped... fortunately, I could tie it back up again with a similar knot on the other side (which is what I was trying to do in the first place).  Otherwise, this bag is lovely.  I have to remember to try not to get it wet, sit it in any dirt or anything sticky and make sure that if I want to have it cleaned that it's a dry clean only bag; which makes it a very expensive bag to own.  I think I'll use this bag on special occasions only... and not every day.

Boag's Draught

I looked around Life Line today - before I got in and did my normal day of shopping - and found a Boag's Draught bag.  It's amazing what you find in these stores as when I got somebody to pull it down off the high hook, I found this bag was a lovely canvas bag with a long, wide strap and an area for all your bits and a section for you mobile.  Yes, this bag is modern and up-to-date.  It is something that has been made in the last decade.  

However, I've never seen one around the place before.  I unzipped it and found it was a proper, real, Boag's Draught bag from Tasmania.  It's fully lined so you can carry cold drinks!  How's that for great?  And I bought it for only $6.00!  What a great deal... and I couldn't pass it up!  So, what great deal have you found lately and didn't pass up because it was so good?  I'll be testing this one out tomorrow when I go into the city to see the Matisse Exhibition.  Ought to be a great day. 

Tested:  1st, March, 2012

I took this great bag into the city for the ultimate test... around the GoMA at the Matisse exhibition!  It's passed with flying colours.  The best thing is that the zips can open from either side; but the down side is that these zips are also faulty.  They need to be replaced by a better zip.  The great thing is that because of the insulation it kept my water cool and everything else from getting hot - like my iTouch and mobile too.  So, I give this bag a 5 Star rating. 

Two Great Purchases

Last Wednesday, I was out and about at Life Line when I found two wonderful purchases.  One was was this brilliant Tutti Hat.  Isn't it beautiful?  It's nice and warm and is made of wool; so it'll be great for Winter when those cooler months come by, and it only cost me $10.  What a great deal!

The other deal I got was this overnight bag.  It may be a tiny thing, but I used it on Friday for an overnight stay at a friend's place.  

This little sweetheart of a bag cost me only $8.00 and it carries all my things from a little shower pack, make-up, a change of clothes, shoes, my medication and a few other essentials.  However, I found the main zip a little on the light side for my needs, so I'll be getting it replaced.  Otherwise, this bag was great and not too bulky.

The Big Clothes Clean-Out!

There comes a time in every collector's life that you must clean out your house.  This weekend I began on the next phase of my Big Tidy-Up.  For those who have been following me in 'My Book-Crazy Life' you'll know what I'm talking about; however for you people who don't, I'll explain.  I began cleaning out my two-bedroom townhouse last year and it's turned out to be a great success.  Just this weekend, I began on the upstairs bedrooms and I've been very honest with myself.  So far, one full rubbish bag of junk has been thrown in the bin; and it's not coming back inside the house!

However, the next thing on the agenda was my wardrobe.  Since I moved into this townhouse, I've cleaned out my wardrobe once; unsuccessfully.  This time, it's been very good.  I've been brutally honest with myself and pulled out clothes I haven't worn in over 2 years, looked at them and put them straight into the bag.  I even found a nice dress and a couple of vests my niece might like and put them off to one side for her.

But, it's not over yet.  I've still got a little way to go in the organisational parts of this before I'm happy with how my wardrobe looks.  So far, I have from left to right:  cloaks/shawls, dresses, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, knitted long-sleeved shirts, dressing gowns & brunch coats and all my jackets and coats.  However, it's still a bit muddled up.  So, I've happily just left it for a little while until I fix it up.  But seeing I've got 2 garbage bags of clothes ready to go, I'm rather pleased with myself that I have come this far in just two days.  

So, have done this kind of clean out recently?  Was it successful? Love to hear about your success stories of either your scores at charity stores.

Lone Wolf Dreaming

While out and about yesterday, I also picked up another piece I'm rather proud of.  However, it has traveled across most of Australia to be with me; and I'm not sure if it's a Dreamcatcher or a Hanger, but I do love it very much and have put it into my bedroom straight away.

How lovely is this piece?  I'm contacting the company immediately to ask them what it is, as it's brand new and still has the tag on it and the original price tag as well.

Beatles-Mania

As some of you know, I'm a fan of John Lennon and The Beatles.  However, there has been a fair bit of things from the Beatles-mania time hitting the charity stores; and I've been jumping in buying it up.  

Today, at Life Line, I found a black long-strapped bag which looked very cool and I bought it, however one of the ladies pointed out a Beatles bag out to me and when I saw it, I immediately wanted to swap it over.  They allowed it as the two bags were the same price.  And it's such a lovely bag too! I love it; even if it's made in Thailand and made of vinyl.... who cares, I love it.  I've yet to test it out.


3rd, February, 2012 - I went out today and tested out this bag.  I loved how nice and big is it and the strap is very comfortable over my shoulder; and doesn't twist either.  The front pocket is nice and large and holds my purse, phone, house keys and iTouch easily - and I'm happy to say - I can run with it and I didn't lose anything from it being jostled around.  Yes, this bag is a good one.  A very good purchase, being good-looking and a durable one as well.

Sexy Undies at Bargain Prices!

I've been in the great need for new underwear lately; and it's normally when I'm hanging out my delicates on to dry on my clothes line that I notice how much they've worn.  So, the last time I did my laundry, I counted up the pairs of nickers I had hanging out there that were my favourites - but they were worn out - and I was surprised to find that most of them were in great need of replacement.

So, when I talked to Mum about where to purchase new ones, I told her that I'd normally buy my new undies and delicates at Target.  However, she advised me that Best & Less were the place she normally bought hers.  Today, I woke early and took off to Garden City to run a few errands and check out Best & Less.  They've got a huge underwear section right in the middle the store; and so you've got your pick of what you'd like from g-string to boxer shorts to sports wear... it's all there at great prices.  Seeing I normally wear cool, funny knickers, I was pleased to find some cute and funny ones for $3.00 and $5.00 as well as a camisole for $5.00 to sleep in too.  Not a bad price if you ask me.

All that needs doing now is to have them go through the washing machine and then they'll be ready for use.  Then, I'll have to sort out which ones of my old knickers to toss out... I'm sure that won't take long.

Charity Store Bargain Buys

On Friday, I thought to get out of the house and go clothes shopping.  Now, I was initially looking for a nice blouse to go with the skirt below.  However, it didn't end up being that way.  I spent my time in the change rooms trying on some great clothes and scoring myself a brilliant mug too before coming home.  

My first set of clothes I tried on was a dress.  It was a full-length even dress of a quality I've not seen in a long time; and I've been looking for in - well - forever!  It's just gorgeous, got shoe-string straps, no zips and a scalloped front and an uneven hem with a bright red under-dress.  Just gorgeous if you ask me.  And I have a short coat that would go well with it as well as a black shawl that would compliment it too.

The next things I tried on were two skirts.  One was long and black with a short split up and back with a floral print all over it.  It was lovely.  I know what would go with it too.  And I have another white coat that would go with it and a few other things that would compliment it.  Then there was a skirt from the MissShop at Myers range that was in about 2 years ago that has an uneven back and front hems with a tie.  This is a skirt I could wear out to evenings or to a party.  I do have a variety of blouses that would set it off - and two pairs of shoes that would look good with it too.  

My last purchase was a strange one; but when I saw it, I knew it was something I couldn't pass up.  It was a retro 'John & George' mug that was made in England.  So, what do you think?  I thought it was an absolute bargain at .50c; very much underpriced if you ask me and of course I would have been a fool to not pounce on it when I did.  
Well, that's my bargain purchases this week.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.