VERY thrifty "thrifting"
Have you noticed that shopping second-hand has become stylish? Now it's become it's own verb -- "thrifting" -- and even has exceptionally catchy songs written about it?
{Please, please don't tell me there is a "thrifting community." I will keel over. The abuse of the word "community" is a creepy signpost of how warped our culture is. I digress....}
The funny thing is, second-hand shopping was invented by and for people like moi -- those of us raising families on one income, not hipsters who are trying to make a statement.
Enter Madonna House, specifically St. Joe's. It's become a weekly tradition for me and the kids to head out on Thursday, that day otherwise known as why-aren't-you-the-weekend-yet-so-let's-think-of-something-entertaining-to-do-that-gets-us-out-of-the-house.
When we get there, we find unbelievable treasures at even more unbelievable prices.
Such as:
a Sealy posturepedic mattress and boxspring, in excellent condition...
for $4.00
an Italian suit that actually fits Patrick...
for $4.00
a child-sized skateboard for the patient but eager four-year-old
for $.50
Shopping at St. Joe's is such a wonderful gift to our family. It's what Regina Doman calls "guardian angel shopping." Our guardian angels know our needs, know our tight budgets, and allow us to be in the right place at the right time to get the desired objects.
We were in big need of a bed for Patrick's sister who now lives with us, and we came across one, just in time. We needed a new suit for Patrick to wear to the wedding this past weekend, and again, just in time, we found one.
And the skateboard?
Well Noah discovered that the lovely women at St. Joe's will actually put aside a requested item when they sort through donated items. He called and asked for one, all by himself, about three weeks ago. (I was so surprised and impressed by how grown up he was calling and asking! For being so introspective, he's not in the least bit shy.)
They hadn't actually put this skateboard aside for him when we went in today; it was a bit hidden behind some highchairs and other things. But when he saw it, he said, "Oh! My skateboard!"
Yes, little one, Providence had it waiting there, just for you.
I was more than happy to fork over two quarters to see you light up with your new toy.
{Please, please don't tell me there is a "thrifting community." I will keel over. The abuse of the word "community" is a creepy signpost of how warped our culture is. I digress....}
The funny thing is, second-hand shopping was invented by and for people like moi -- those of us raising families on one income, not hipsters who are trying to make a statement.
Wearing one of my favourite dresses from the Salvation Army.
I got this because I needed something to wear to Noah's "Knights and Princesses" party
(you can see the decorations in the back) --
he saw it and said "You look like a princess in this!"
Also, every time I wear it, Isaiah runs up and rubs my pregnant tummy and tells me I have a "nice womb"
When we get there, we find unbelievable treasures at even more unbelievable prices.
Such as:
a Sealy posturepedic mattress and boxspring, in excellent condition...
for $4.00
an Italian suit that actually fits Patrick...
for $4.00
a child-sized skateboard for the patient but eager four-year-old
for $.50
Shopping at St. Joe's is such a wonderful gift to our family. It's what Regina Doman calls "guardian angel shopping." Our guardian angels know our needs, know our tight budgets, and allow us to be in the right place at the right time to get the desired objects.
We were in big need of a bed for Patrick's sister who now lives with us, and we came across one, just in time. We needed a new suit for Patrick to wear to the wedding this past weekend, and again, just in time, we found one.
And the skateboard?
Well Noah discovered that the lovely women at St. Joe's will actually put aside a requested item when they sort through donated items. He called and asked for one, all by himself, about three weeks ago. (I was so surprised and impressed by how grown up he was calling and asking! For being so introspective, he's not in the least bit shy.)
They hadn't actually put this skateboard aside for him when we went in today; it was a bit hidden behind some highchairs and other things. But when he saw it, he said, "Oh! My skateboard!"
Yes, little one, Providence had it waiting there, just for you.
I was more than happy to fork over two quarters to see you light up with your new toy.
You know, my dad wore a thrifted suit to our wedding and we laughed lots because my mom had thought it was an Armani suit but had failed to notice tha it was a Mani suit! Apparently Mani is a division of Armani but it was still funny. I think that I saw that mattress set. Be happy tha Joseph didn't see the skateboard first; a skateboard has been a daily prayer intention for a few years now.
ReplyDeleteYour thrifty thrifting is even thriftier than mine! I get so excited about Value Village's 50% off days. :) Of course, as a result of those sales, I have scored basically an entire maternity wardrobe for under $15.
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