Bad Goodwill

I feel like I’ve had a terrible fight with my best friend!

If you’ve been around these parts for more than 2 seconds you know that Goodwill is(was) my unofficial best friend…………………… or maybe my official best friend since I see more of Goodwill. I think all of that shall soon change.

It pains me to write this post, but I have to know

Has anyone else noticed a HUGE jump in Goodwill prices?

I was shopping Goodwill today and could not find a shirt under $7-$8! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Eight Dollars for a USED shirt when I can get a new one for that? I picked up a plain white button up shirt with ARM PIT STAINS and several RIPS can you guess the price? Yep, $7. There is something terribly wrong with that, and it isn’t only one Goodwill that I’ve noticed this at.

I used to adore Goodwill shopping, though I have to admit my opinion has gone downhill and I do believe I will be finding a new best friend.

Please let me know if you’ve had the same experience.

Big Box Stores

To say I love a bargain is an understatement! However, I’ve recently watched this documentary and couldn’t be more terrified.

I am simply going to leave this post at that as I prefer to stay clear of “politics” here and if you wish to learn more you can.

Oh a happier note, I’ll have a few pictures of some CA-UTE handmade items soon that I hope you love.

Frame Collection

This is a teaser for an upcoming project, one I’ve been collecting for ALL summer and hope turns out F-A-B!!

Yep, you do see 50 cents on that amazing mirror!!

Sale Therapy

Woooo! I could use a foot massage, or really any kind of massage…I’m not picky.

Did anyone else take advantage of the Presidents Day Sale at Goodwill? You know I did.

There were so many people out it was hard to get a cart around at times. It’s to be expected when there is 40% off pink, blue, and green tags while red tags were .99 cents.

Oh how I luv me some Goodwill sale therapy!

Shopping can be so much like hunting, well minus the camo. First you survey the land, eye your prey and then pray the lady standing in front of it has her eye on something else and moves SOON. Ok Ok, maybe that last part doesn’t happen often in hunting.

I had such a good time today and scored some major deals, probably bought a few things I didn’t “need”, but then again isn’t need a relative term?

Are you a Handbag Girl?

I have to admit I am, but I’m not. I’m not the spend $500 on a handbag kinda girl, but I am an “oh that's cute” kinda girl so I thought I’d share some goodies.

My mom has become the “Coach shop” of my world. I’m excited about it, her maybe not so much, mainly because every time she finishes a new bag I steal it express interest in her finished product.

Please please excuse these pictures, they really don’t do these justice. I was trying to steal pictures of my sister’s Christmas present while she was in the other room. Shhhhh.

Isn’t it ADORABLE! I love black and white and this just sings to me. I’m lucky if I could sew a button on and my mom can make purses!

She just finished this pink one that seriously considered walking out the door with me. Isn’t it CUTE! I love the inside also.

These ones have spring written all over them. These are such a great size, you could even use them as diaper bags!

 

If you happen to be interested in one of the beauties let me know, maybe she can be the “Coach” of your world also. 

Update:

She finally set up an Etsy account so if you’re interested please head over and check it out here.

Victoria Secret Sale

Sometimes there are sales just worth mentioning.

I’m usually not what you would call a Victoria Secret groupie, the stuff is ok but I find their bras uncomfortable and most stuff overpriced. I did however receive a VS card as a gift… so I headed to the mall, why not right.

I noticed a gentleman holding the tell tale pink bag but the front said:

I love sales, and a sale makes a gift card even better.

The store was packed, I mean like thanks for the breath mint PACKED. Then, through the bodies I could see why………… 75% off. I love me some 50% off but 75%! Now you’re talkin.

Oh yeah they had some 3 for something or 6 for something else business going on but who really has time for that with a 75% off sign staring you down. Not me my friend, not me. Plus, you know it’s a good sale when you have people trying to grab out of the pile you’ve created. You know the uncomfortable “oh that’s mine” as they look at you with a naughty word in their eyes and all along you’re just giddy with excitement because you found it first.

Now this next picture, memorize it, study it, GET IT.

I picked one of these babies up. I was a tad iffy about it because I didn’t quite understand how it worked so here goes. This beauty cost me $29 (normally $39 and I had $10 off). Inside you will find 10 spray trial size VS fragrances (great size for travel) along with a voucher for a full size of whichever of the 10 fragrances you like, plus $10 off $35 purchase.

I did have one problem with this set though, only on the back of the voucher on the inside (which you can’t see till you open it) and no where on the box did it say a fragrance “up to $39”. Everywhere on the box it simply says “full size”. I simply spoke to a manager in the store, because the fragrance I wanted was $49 not $39 and since it said it nowhere on the outside of the box they gave me the fragrance I wanted. I say it never hurts to ask.

So all said and done I paid $29 and got a full size $49 fragrance, $10 off a purchase, and 10 perfect for travel fragrances. Not bad I say.

Oh, and they have some soothing hand cream for 75% off, (which makes it $2) that made my hands feel so soft. You should pick some up… at another store because well     uhmmm

That's my pile!

No more presents

I recently read this article….. no no please, feel free to go read it, I’ll wait here listening to Christmas Tunes.

No rush.

I’m so sorry, I should have warned you that after reading that you would suddenly have a scrooge image in your head, and the need for some cocoa to get you back in the Holiday Spirit.

I mean don’t get me wrong, I love slightly skewed math math to back up your facts, and I know we are in a recession right now, but don’t kick us while we’re down.

The holidays aren’t about giving your “sister-in-law a 35% gross margin marked up sweater”, its about being with and appreciating the ones we love.

If giving the ones I love a gift to say I’m thinking about you is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Now, I wouldn’t be a true Birdie if I didn’t have a tip or suggestion on how to turn this article around would I?

How many of you have those cute little corner gift shops and stores you like to visit and shop at on the weekends?

Did you know that on average for every $100 spent at a locally owned independent store $68 goes back in to the community through taxes, jobs or other expenditures? Only $43 out of $100 spent at a national chain stays in the community. See here.

The next time you’re looking for a gift for a holiday or loved one, check out a local “mom an pa” shop, or take a tour through some online crafter sites. Not only will you be giving support where it is most needed but you’ll likely pay less for a quality item instead of a “35% gross margin mark up”.