Thrifting

Violet and I went to the thrift store to look for material and a throw pillow that could be used with the pillow cover she made.  We stumbled into a huge sale.  All the clothing you can cram into a paper bag for $2.  Total.  $2.  We know the ladies who work there, yes, we're regulars.  One told us you can get 2 men's suits into a bag.  For $2.  We ended up with 8 items between us including a jean jacket for Violet.  For $2.  Even if we only ever wear one thing, we'll still come out ahead.  Ladies' shirts are usually $4 each.

We also found a bunch of material, including a really cute Thanksgiving pattern.  I may make it into a table runner, if Violet doesn't do anything with it first.  We also got 3 yards of a really cute heart pattern for $3.  I bought yarn.  "My name is Freakmom and I'm addicted to yarn."

We found a soft, squishy throw pillow the same size as her pillow cover she made in class.  It was a bit worn, but clean.  For $3 it has now been stuffed into her pillow cover.  Pillow forms were over $10 at JoAnn, closer to $16 if you wanted a soft one (we used a 50% coupon, but still!)

While Violet was in sewing class I walked to 2 other thrift stores near the town square.  Neither are as nice as "our" thrift store.  But I found a white blouse to wear to the 50's night I have to go to at a conference in September.  Not sure if I'll just go with denim capris and bobby socks or if I'll get brave and try to make a poodle skirt.  I picked up some other odds and ends, like a new shoulder bag.  Which I've already replaced with a different one on clearance at Wal-Mart.  Consider my $2.50 for the first bag a donation to the women's shelter that the thrift store supports.  I still may use it from time to time and the shelter does really good work.

Recently I had to rewrite my bio for work.  They wanted us to put a personal statement at the end.  You know, "when not working John Doe enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife."  In fact, of the ones I've read, 90% say just that.  Insert Jane and husband some of the time.  I wrote, "When she isn't at the office Freak keeps busy homeschooling her daughter, volunteering with Girl Scouts, and frequenting thrift stores in search of that perfect bargain."  Maybe 90% of the people just aren't as interesting as I am!  (Insert hysterical laughter.)