A complete home gym for under $40??!! Impossible! Or is it?

Sunday, July 21, 2013

In the last couple of years I have developed an interest in exercising and working out. I have always been in good health. When I found myself in my late 40s, I decided that I should not take that for granted and should start making some lifestyle changes that would maximize my ability to continue to be healthy as I got older. Especially as I have always lived a mostly sedentary lifestyle and my hobbies are all those that do not require any physical exertion.

I started by finding a Tony Little Gazelle elliptical trainer at a garage sale two summers ago. It was marked for $25. I had seen commercials on t.v. and knew that it was priced well. But I still wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to take the plunge and get a piece of exercise equipment of my own.

I had frequently seen work out equipment at yard sales or offered for sale on kijiji. People start out with the best of intentions when making those New Year's resolutions. But the interest and committment wanes. Or room is at a premium. Or something else happens that interferes with their plans.

Prices for used exercise equipment vary greatly. I was determined to hold out for the lowest price I could find. I didn't want to invest too much money, not knowing whether this was something I'd be inclined to stick with or not.

I left that sale and the Gazelle behind. I didn't get too far though, before having non-buyer's remorse. I didn't have much cash left, so we stopped at an ATM and circled back. I was certain that by the time I returned, my Gazelle would be gone. But it was still there. I offered $20, it was accepted, and I brought my first piece of gym equipment home to be ensconced in the downstairs family room.

I have to admit that I did not use it regularly at first. My muscles protested as I put them through unfamiliar motions. My stamina was practically non-existant. I did not find working out fun. Where was this endorphin rush I had always heard about? I could only do 10 minutes in a single session at first. And even then it was hit and miss.

But gradually it became easier. I didn't exactly enjoy exercising, but I didn't hate it anymore. I would turn on the t.v. and let my mind concentrate on other things while my body went through the motions. Bit by bit I would extend the duration of my work outs as well as their frequency.

Then my sister was organizing and purging and had a set of dumbbells that she was getting rid of and offered to me for free. I brought those home and incorporated a routine using five pound weights. Again, my muscles protested vociferously at first. I would include five minutes of weights after 30 minutes on the elliptical.

Those were my exercise staples until this spring. On the Victoria Day weekend in May I happened upon a sale that was just packing up. I stopped because I spied the lampshade I had been searching for. After I paid for it, I noticed some kind of stepper on the ground behind the table. I asked the price. For $2, I had to take it! It is by Body Break and includes cords for resistance training. I added that to the routine to follow the weights.

I wanted to get a stationary exercise bike as well. I would check kijiji but the good ones were always priced higher than I wanted to pay. I would see some at garage sales but they were usually not the sturdiest, were much older, or were uncomfortable. So I waited.

Then a couple of weeks ago, my husband spied a Pro-form 940S stationary bike. It was marked for $5! I did not even haggle on the price, but promptly paid and it was loaded into the van.

Last weekend, while out garage saling with my friend Carolyn, I found another elliptical trainer. I like the Gazelle and the scissoring/skiing motion that it provides. But I have always liked the stepper ellipticals as well, that are more of a running motion. This one was marked $10. They threw in a portable resistance trainer for free. That sale was raising money for breast cancer research, so I felt extra good about the purchase.

I also picked up an Everlast exercise ball late this spring for $1. It is something that my daughter had asked for and thought would be fun. I have not incorporated it into my workouts yet, as I am not quite sure what to do with it. But it is there and part of my 'home gym'.

So, for a complete work out experience...two elliptical trainers, a stepper with resistance training, a set of dumbbells, a stationary bike, a separate resistance trainer and an exercise ball...I have spent $38 in total.

And I am at the point where I am actually enjoying working out and feeling my muscles respond to the challenge. I am seeing results in strength, and stamina and have lost some weight in these last couple of years. I work out for an hour a day now, utilizing the different pieces of equipment at my disposal. I watch t.v. or listen to music and feel good that I am doing something for my health.

And as an added bonus...I am doing it in a thrifty way that makes it that little bit sweeter!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

I apologize that these are not the greatest photos, but at least you can see my home gym set up and equipment.

Ah ha! I found it! Just the jacket I have been searching for!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

It was a long weekend here this past weekend...Monday, July 1st was Canada Day...and traditionally there are not many garage sales on long weekends in this area. Add to that the fact that the forecast was calling for rain, and I had pretty much accepted that there would be no garage saling for me.

I woke early Saturday morning to skies that were somewhat gray, but the rain that had threatened had held off. There were a few garage sales listed on kijiji and on the on line classified section of our local newspaper. So I made up a list and headed to the first address that I had circled. One that stated they had women's clothes and accessories.

As we pulled up to park, I spied it. The black and white jacket that I had been searching for at every garage sale this season, on kijiji, and when shopping at Value Village. A woman was perusing the rack where it hang. As I jumped out of the van and hurried across the street,  I channeled all of my mental energies towards her.

'This is not the jacket you have been looking for. Move along...'

Dutifully she stepped away from the rack and turned her attention to other things. Heart pounding, I moved in to get a better look. Yes! Classic houndstooth pattern. Timeless, my best friend would later describe it. I reached to check the tag, to see what size it was. Bingo!

Now for the real test. I removed it from the hanger, and with some trepidation slid my right arm into the sleeve. As I am taller than the average woman, I often have issues finding clothes...coats and jackets especially...that are long enough in the sleeves for me. The sleeve length was perfect. Very generous.

I slipped my other arm in and pulled the jacket closed around me. It fit! Clearly this was meant to be. I had been looking for a black and white jacket for fall and spring. I had come across a black one with white polka dots a few weeks previously. It had been cute, though not 'quite' what I had been looking for. It had been in my size as well, but the sleeves were far too short on me.

But this...this was perfect! In my mind I was already pairing it with the red leather skirt I had recently picked up, or the black pants and a bright solid coloured top. Or perhaps it would look nice with my black turtleneck, black pencil skirt, and black knee high boots.

The price marked on it was $5. But it was in excellent condition, it fit me well, and it was a well made brand name (Tan Jay). I clutched it to me while I looked for other items that I could bundle with it.

This is the jacket. I love how the sleeves have the pattern running in a different direction. I love the detailing on the buttons, with the black ribbon. I love that it actually has snaps, for ease of wear, and that the buttons are just for show.  I love the style of it. The classic houndstooth pattern. I love the lapel. I love that it is lined, yet light enough and flexible enough that it could easily be belted.

As I continued to browse, I found a cute pair of copper coloured sandals with faux stones in rust and green. They were marked for $2. I slipped them on ( I almost always wear ballet flats when garage saling to make it easy to try on footwear) and they looked and felt great.

A long table next to the clothing rack yielded a couple of belts. One was a simple and utilitarian shiny black pleather. The other was a very nice brown leather with a brass buckle. The brown one was marked $1, the black one was missing a price tag. I took some photos of the brown one to show the detail.

There were two cardboard boxes marked 25 cents. In one of them, I found three lovely scarves. The black and orange one is big enough that it could be used as a beach cover up, or a shawl. I love the colours in the one on the far right.

I also found a pair of bright blue slingback flats at this sale, and a chunky gold and black bracelet. I offered $8 for everything, and she accepted. She took the items from me to bag them. Unfortunately, I did not realize until I got home that the bracelet had not made it into the bag. I was a bit disappointed about that, but was so stoked over finding the jacket, that I got over it quickly enough.

At another sale that day, I picked up a pair of jeans and (yet another) purse for $3. The jeans are an inexpensive brand, but in great condition and more than good enough for work. (I work in a warehouse). The purse is pewter coloured, shading to black, and the kind of larger bag that I prefer and feel looks better with my height and frame.

The final sale of the day netted me six tops, both t-shirts and tank tops, that I can wear for work. I spent a total of $2 for all six. I also picked up from there a gray v-neck cardigan for 50 cents. It is ultra soft.

So what I had anticipated would be a rain out, turned out to be a productive day after all. And the highlight of the outing was finding the houndstooth jacket. Once I got home, I googled it and found a photo of the exact same jacket. They featured it here with black pants and a green top. It gives a better idea of the length and how it looks when worn. The image was originally from a D'Allairds webpage.

I did get a couple of things as I start to shift focus from warm weather items to pieces for the cooler days of fall and eventually winter. It is difficult sometimes to shop for such items when it seems as though summer has only just arrived and will be here forever. But the seasons change quickly, moreso as I grow older it seems, and so I try to think of what I will want and need a few months from now as well.

I am glad that the weather held, and that I was able to get out on Saturday morning. Is it wrong that I almost 'wish' for cooler weather so that I can wear my 'new' houndstooth jacket, lol?

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

Attractive, fashionable outfits for under $20 head to toe - Part Two

Friday, June 28, 2013

Here is the second installment of outfits that I put together for under $20 each.

This is one of my teen daughter's favourite outfits for me. In fact, she asked that I wear this top, skirt and tights to her grade eight graduation ceremony earlier this week. She feels the neckline on this top is very flattering. It is such a nice feeling when your thirteen year old girl is proud of you! I wore different shoes and accessories.

The top was only $2.80 after my 30% off coupon at Value Village. The necklace was 33 cents, one of several pieces I picked up at a garage sale for that price a few weekends ago. The skirt is a hand me down. The hose are the pair that I bought for $1.99 from Value Village, which were new in the package.

The $5 wedge sandals from Suzy Shier are making another appearance. I wear them a lot because they are so comfortable and easy to walk in. The red Liz Claiborne purse was $4.20 at Value Village after my 30% discount. The black magnetic bracelet and the silver link bracelet were $1 and 50 cents respectively at different garage sales. I paid $2.50 at an Additionelle clearance, for the ring.

The final total of this outfit, clothes, shoes and accessories...$18.32.

I have had the skirt seen in the next photo for a few years now. I love the colours in it and the way it falls. I paid $4.99 for it at Value Village. The tank top was also from Value Village and was purchased for $1.99. Those were regular prices for both items, but they were very well priced I think, so I didn't mind not getting any discount.

The sandals also came to me via Value Village, and were $5.99. You can't really tell from the picture, but the shoes have two shades of blue that match the blues in the skirt. It's like it was Fate, lol!

The ankle bracelet, from a garage sale, was $1. You can't really see them, but I am wearing two toe rings, which I bought from two different garage sales, for $1 each. The necklace and ring came from two different garage sales and cost $1 a piece. I have had the necklace for a few years now.

There's that black purse again! Yes...it was 25 cents from a garage sale. The total price that I paid for this 'summertime blues' outfit was $18.22.

This brown skirt was a hand me down. The brown tank top was $2.99 from Value Village. The orange leather belt came from a local dress boutique. They had it on clearance for $5. The shoes are the ones pictured above, bought for $5.99 from Value Village.

The necklace came from a garage sale several years ago and I paid 50 cents for it. The earrings and the orange bracelet are from kijiji and were $1 each. The two gold bracelets came from my recent garage sale jewelry bonanza and were 33 cents each.

The purse was free. I traded a Walter Campbell winter scene that I was just going to donate, for it. I told you I had other purses, lol! The total of this cute outfit was $17.14. 

I love this next dress. They say that you should avoid horizontal stripes because they invariably make you look too wide, which is not the silhouette most of us are going for! I don't know if it is because the stripes are fairly narrow, or because I am quite tall (5' 10") but I think I can carry it off. I bought the dress with a 30% off coupon, and ended up paying $9.09 for it.

The shoes were $5 from the Suzy Shier outlet. The ring and bracelet came from the same garage sale and were $1 and 50 cents respectively. The earrings were 33 cents.

That makes the total for this outfit $15.93. I have a variety of purses that I could add to it, all keeping the final price well under $20.

Here is the same dress which I had mentioned was bought for $9.09 at Value Village. The blue cardigan came from the same place. I paid $4.20 for it after using a 30% off coupon. The gold gladiator sandals were a Value Village 50% off day bargain at $3. The purse was $1 from a garage sale. And it's not black!

The earrings were part of my 33 cent jewelry score at a recent garage sale. The three gold bracelets were $1 for the set from the same garage sale. A rare Sunday sale the following day yielded the ring for $1.

The final cost of this outfit...which I think looks rather chic...was $19.62.

For the cost of a moderately priced bottle of wine, I have several different outfits to choose from. And remember that my total monetary outlay was not the total of the price of all outfits added together. Many pieces moonlighted to work with other outfits. So $50 or $60 spent might create six or seven different outfits which each price out individually at under $20 total.

I should do a future blog post on just that thing. The total spent on multiple pieces and then show how many outfits I can make utilizing them, and break down what each outfit itself cost. What do you think?

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

Attractive, fashionable outfits for under $20 head to toe - Part One

Friday, June 28, 2013

I am going to split this post into two parts, because I have several different outfits I would like to share, and do not want to create one ultra long posting that takes forever to scroll through.

The first outfit is wash and wear. I love easy care clothing! The earrings were $2.50 from Additionelle on clearance. The ring was also from the same sale, same price. The top was a Value Village find for $5.99.

I often try to follow the rules of Stacey and Clinton from TLC's 'What Not to Wear'. And here I went with something that is fitted under the bodice, to emphasize a narrower part of the body. The skirt was a hand me down that sees A LOT of wear.

The hose, bought new in package from Value Village, cost $1.99. Black hose always make the legs look slimmer! The shoes were $5 from the Suzy Shier outlet. The bag came from a garage sale and is perhaps the best 25 cents I have ever spent in my life. The bracelet was a gift.

Total cost of the first outfit, $18.23.



The next outfit features a dress that I think has a retro vintage flair with its large floral print. It was purchased from Value Village on 50% off day, for $5. The hose are the same as above, $1.99. The red shoes with the silver stilleto heels are another acquisition from the Suzy Shier outlet. They were priced at only $5.

The Liz Claiborne purse ended up costing me $4.20 from Value Village after my 30% off coupon. The earrings were from the clearance at Additionelle and were, as you probably guessed, $2.50. The bracelet was agan a gift. Total cost of this outfit was only $18.69.

I wear a lot of dresses and skirts in the summertime. I like the comfort and easy of care of maxi dresses like the one pictured here. It came from Value Village. The tone on tone pattern gives it some visual interest, but is still subtle. It was $5 when purchased on 50% off day.

These are the same black shoes from Suzy Shier as pictured with the first outfit. $5. The ankle bracelet is magnetic, and can also be used as a necklace or a bracelet. I picked it up last year from a garage sale, for $1.

The ring and bracelet combination is rather unique, I think, and has an exotic flair. I found it on kijiji, and purchased it with several other items. Bundling things brought its price to $1. The earrings were also $1 and came from the same kijiji seller.

Surprise, surprise, there is the black purse again! As you know by now, 25 cents for that little gem. The genuine leather belt was 50 cents. I have never had a belt to wear low on the hip before, but I quite like it. The necklace was a gift.

Total cost of this outfit...$13.75!

I paid more for the purple top that I am wearing with this next outfit than I would normally pay at a thrift store. It was $7.99 at Value Village. Regular price. No 30% off coupon! No 50% off day! But I love royal purple and have always felt this colour looks good on me. And I had been looking for just the right top in that shade for some time. So, knowing that it was highly unlikely the top would remain there til I had a coupon, or til half off day rolled around, I bought it. And I am glad that I did.

The earrings were $2.50 from the Additionelle clearance. The skirt was that free hand me down. The hose are the same ones purchased from Value Village for $1.99. And the shoes bought for $5 from Suzy Shier are again making their appearance. It extends your budget even more to have versatile pieces that go with a variety of outfits.

Here is the black bag...AGAIN! You'd think I didn't have any other purses, lol, but I do, and switch them out frequently. It just happened to be hogging the spotlight for today's post. The total for this outfit was $17.73.

I don't think that any of these outfits scream 'second hand rejects' or 'thrift store'. I think they are all quite presentable. Many of the pieces appear as new and at most were only very gently worn. I never feel as though I am 'settling' with my wardrobe in an effort to save money.

I shop at the places I do because it is fun for me. I consider it a hobby. I won't deny that the savings are a help with the budget. But I enjoy wearing the clothes that I have. And I think the outfits I put together are attractive and fashionable. Knowing they cost me less than $20 from head to toe just puts a little extra spring in my step!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy



Where do I find thrifted items to put together my wardrobe?

Friday, June 28, 2013

In my next post, I will showcase some more of the outfits that I have put together from totally thrifted sources. Where do the clothes, shoes, and accessories come from? The more obvious sources for clothes and accessories were thrift stores and garage sales.

While I do not personally use them for the most part, some people have great success at consignment stores. Prices are generally higher than thrift store pricing, but the selection tends to more high end. For someone who is a professional especially, or is looking for a special piece for an important event, consignment stores are often just the place to shop.

There is still a significant savings over retail pricing. And consignment stores usually spend more time checking things like zippers and buttons, looking for stains, checking for wear, etc. than employees at a more high volume thrift store have the time to do.

Sometimes you can even find pieces that rival the thrift store in pricing. Especially now when thrift stores are starting to differentiate between every day clothing items and accessories and some of the more prestigious brands or high end designer pieces, and have adjusted their pricing accordingly.

Don't forget hand me downs from others. Friends and family members often have items to give away. Or you can trade or borrow jewelry, purses, or even shoes or clothes, if you happen to wear the same size. It's a way to give your wardrobe a boost and some variety without having to spend a cent.

And don't forget freecycle. Some people cannot be bothered to host a garage sale, or do not want to make a trip to the thrift store drop off location. They are happy to give away good second hand items to others who can use and appreciate them. For many, it's not about making money, but about keeping usable things out of the dumps, and being 'greener'. They will access needed and wanted things themselves on freecycle, and are happy to give back when they can.

Freecycle can be a source for many things, not just items for the wardrobe. You might consider joining a local community and to be part of the give and take. Picking up things you need and giving new life to those you don't.

I personally have used freecycle both to donate and to accept items. As it happens, our cat, Bobby, came to us via freecycle. His owner was moving and could not take him with her and was looking for a new home for him.

I will digress for a moment, for a PSA. Pet advocacy groups will recommend not rehoming a pet for 'free' because it could result in people picking one up on impulse and not really being committed to caring for it. Or you might find people who do not have the financial resources to take on all of a pet's care needs taking a pet because there is no initial cost. And in some parts of the continent, unscrupulous people will take 'free' pets and then sell them to labratories, or use them in illegal dog fight training.

Bobby's experience was positive though and he has been a cherished member of our family for over 6 years now. Here is my handsome boy.

While shipping costs are often prohibitive, ebay can also be a source for specific clothes or accessories. When my son was in his Thomas the Tank Engine phase, I found a wonderful sweater for him on ebay. Even with shipping it was far less than purchasing one in a local retail shop.

And when my daughter was crazy about Blues Clues, I found a seller who had some adorable outfits, clothing items that were not even sold here, for a very reasonable price. Both children got lots of wear out of what became very special wardrobe pieces. And I still have them safely packed away as childhood momentos.

So if there is a special brand of shoes you are looking for, or a purse you saw in a magazine and just have to have, it can be worthwhile sometimes to just browse ebay and see what is being offered, and for how much. Sometimes you might be pleasantly surprised.

Finally, being thrifty doesn't always have to mean 'second hand'. Some people shop retail clearance sales exclusively. They do not like the idea of 'used', or have never had much luck with second hand, and have become quite proficient at putting together great wardrobes at a fraction of the regular retail prices.

I do not normally shop retail, though there are a couple of outlet stores that I hit fairly regularly. Bluenotes is a favourite for jeans and tops for my teen daughter and son. I have a love affair with the Suzy Shier outlet that is located next door to it. They always have shoes on for great clearance prices, often less than Value Village. The last time I was there, they had earrings for $1.

And a couple of years ago I popped into an Additionelle store on a whim and found that they were clearancing their jewelry. I picked up several large, chunky rings...something I had been searching for unsuccessfully at garage sales all that season...for only $2.50 each.

So don't forget outlet stores and potential clearance sales at retail stores whose merchandise you tend to like. I am not a 'mall' person and you will not find me there shopping recreationally. It is not my 'thing'. I find that you have to make multiple trips to find something whereas at the thrift store I am successful at each outing.

But if you do like the mall, or have to be there for some other reason, even if you are committed to shopping on a budget, or tend to be more frugal like me, there 'are' deals to be found. And it never hurts to take a look.

Happy thrifting!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

Cute thrifted (complete) outfits for $10 or less?! YES!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Cute, thrifted outfits, complete from head to toe, for $10 or less? Impossible you say? Not for a dedicated garage sale and thrift store shopper!

I thought that I would share some of the outfits that I have put together using a combination of hand me downs, garage sale finds, and thrift store scores that cost me less than the price of a pair of cheap shoes at some bargain basement retail store. I know that taste is a personal thing, but I think that each outfit is something I can be proud to wear in public. And I guarantee that no one has any idea of how much (or how little, as it turns out) I paid for each one.

This first outfit is centred around a dress that has a style and colours that I love, and which was free to me as a hand me down. It came from Value Village prior to that, where it was purchased for $9.99, a bargain even at that price.

I kept this outfit simple, adding just a pair of bright yellow heels which were acquired from a garage sale for $2, and a pair of earrings that I bought at another sale for $1. So, total cost of this outfit...$3! I could add my choice of purses, bought for between $1-$2, and additional jewelry, bought for between 33 cents and $1, still keeping my final total well below the $10 mark.

The next outfit was a whopping $1.50! You can't buy a cup of coffee at many places for that price! The black skirt was another hand me down. Before me, it came from Value Village, just like the blue dress, where it was priced for around $5. The mushroom coloured top was purchased from a garage sale a couple of weekends ago for $1. It is also pictured in a recent blog post about finds from that weekend.

The black sandals were 50 cents from a garage sale I went to late this past spring. I could accessorize this with the black purse that I bought that same day for 25 cents or with any number of purses on which I have spent $5 or less. And I could add any one, or more, of the number of pieces of jewlery I bought for 33 cents from the garage sale coup discussed in an earlier blog post. Again, keeping the head to toe outfit priced well below $10. I cropped off my head here due to a 'bad hair day'.

The third outfit includes purse and accessories. The fitted tee came from a sale where you were encouraged to fill a plastic grocery bag for $2. I took all of the t-shirts in my size; eight of them. Two I ended up not liking and donated to the thrift store. So the remaining six priced out for 33 cents a piece.

The black skirt with the lacey overlay...which I think is so pretty and feminine...was purchased from Value Village for $4. The sandals are the same as pictured above, costing 50 cents. The purse was a garage sale bargain at 25 cents. It actually had never been used and still had the retail price tag on it, of $35.

The ring was one of several which I purchased a couple of years ago from Additionelle when they were having a clearance on jewelry. I paid $2.50 for it. The earrings came from kijiji and I paid $1 for those. The ankle bracelet was 50 cents at a garage sale a couple of years ago.

It is actually a necklace. I love ankle bracelets but they are hard to find at garage sales, so I will often buy necklaces and wrap them to use instead. A little tip in case you want to try it! The gold necklace was a gift.

Total cost of this completely accessorized outfit...$9.08!

The final outfit for today features a faux wrap dress in versatile neutrals. The dress was a Value Village find, bought on 50% off day for $6.50. The shoes are the yellow heels from the first photo, which were $2. The earrings were $1 from a seller on kijiji. Which makes the final total for this outfit $9.50. I could add the 25 cent black purse to bring that total up to $9.75 for a complete outfit for under $10. And one that I can hold my head up wearing out and about town.

So, for little more than the price of a Big Mac meal at McDonalds...and sometimes for even less...you CAN put together a head to toe outfit, including shoes, purse and accessories. All it takes is a little time, some luck, and the love of...or at least an interest in...thrifting!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

Sale days at the thrift stores

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

This past weekend I was fortunate to spend a couple of days with my sister. We did not go to any garage sales, but we did get out to a couple of her local thrift stores.

Saturday afternoon we hit the Talize. A sign on the door announced that it was 50% off purple tag items that day. I have determined that I will no longer buy things just because they are inexpensive or on sale. I will only buy things that I actually like and which I think look nice on me. It's not a 'deal' if you don't feel good wearing something, even if it was free.

So I wasn't specifically seeking out purple tag items. As it happens though, the thrift store gods were smiling down on me and all but one item that I picked out and wanted to buy did indeed have a purple tag.

I was looking for some capris and found two nice pairs from Reitmans. One pair, a cheerful lime green colour, were priced at $9.99, but half price. Another, also from Reitmans, but a versatile brown, were marked $7.99 and also half price.

I found a sleeveless black and white knit top marked $4.99, with a coveted purple price tag, so it ended up being $2.50. I did pay the full price of $1.99 for a 'Jessica' brand tank top in a pale peach colour.

My favourite find at Talize was a pair of purple high heeled sling backs. They are one of the highest heeled shoes I own, but their design makes them easy to walk in. I have only recently been wearing heels with any real height to them, and am still mastering the art of looking balanced and graceful. I love how heels look though.

And now that I am almost fifty, even though I am 5' 10", I no longer care if wearing a pair of heels makes me not only the tallest woman, but often the tallest person, in a room.

The following day we visited Value Village. It was 50% off day for card members. Naturally, I am a proud Value Village card member! I did not find the selection in this particular Value Village to be anywhere near as varied as that of my local store. I did manage to find a short, denim skirt priced at $3.99, ringing up for $2 after my discount, which was something I had not been able to find at my Value Village.

A faux wrap around top in bright hues of orange, and turquoise, with black and gold, caught my eye. It was priced for $7.99, $4 after the discount. 

I also found a fuschia coloured light sweater with three quarter length sleeves, priced at $5.99, purchased for $3.

I was particularly pleased to have found a hat which was the exact style I had been looking for since seeing one in a nearby dress shop. The hat I had looked at in the retail shop was $19.99. 

I might have splurged, because on occasion I do for something I really want, but I was not too keen on the colours. It was a floppy fabric hat with a wide brim, and I liked how it looked on me. And I thought the wide brim would be great for keeping the sun out of my eyes and away from my rosacea plagued skin.

I have been on the lookout for one ever since. As I was standing in line waiting to use the change room, I saw a display on a nearby wall and a hat which looked, at least from a distance, as though it might be just what I was looking for.

Naturally, as I stood there holding my place in line, another woman picked it up and put it on her head. Thankfully, she decided it did not suit her. But once I had finished with the change rooms, I went back to the hat. It was exactly the style I had wanted. I am not really a 'hat' person, I do not usually wear them, and often think they look out of place on me. But this one was, I thought, just right!

I conferred with my sister, who is always honest with me, and decided that it was 'the' hat and added it to my purchases. It was priced at $6.99 so was only $3.50 after the discount. With the thin black and white stripes encircling it, it will go with anything.

Thrift stores are generally pricier than garage sales, of course. But you can find some great deals, especially on sale days. And naturally the selection is much better. I love both, for different reasons. If you happen to go and see something you like though, you had better buy it then and there. Because almost everything is a 'one of' and odds are it will not be there later if you decide to go back for it!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy