My most favorite find this Saturday

Well, if I'm totally honest, the Liberty Lake community garage sale was a bust.  I had the intentions of buying 1 year's worth of clothes for both of my kiddos.  I walked away with 2 pairs of sweats and a hat, yikes!

However, it was not a TOTAL bust.  I spotted this granite table and 2 solid oak chairs while all of us (8 family members) were getting a little cranky.  They wanted $100, but my wonderful mother-in-law bought it for me, as an early birthday present, for $80.  It's super heavy and really pulls our kitchen together.  I can't tell you how much I love it!!  It's bigger than our kitchen nook, that I really didn't like in the first place, but it fit the bill (free and small).  We just need 1 more wood chair...currently I'm sitting on the Costco special aka camping folding chair ;)  It appears these table retail for $500+

Did you find anything note-worthy while thrifting or g-saleing recently?

The garage sale I've been waiting for...

...is this Saturday!  We're headed to Liberty Lake for their HUGE community garage sales.  The plan was just for me to go and The Hubbs would stay home with the kids.  However, now my entire family wants to go and The Hubbs is still on the fence.  Either way, we'll be sure to score on LOTS of stuff we NEED.  I'm hoping to stay away from stuff in the WANT category :)

Here is the link to last year's booty

This is a great article on preparing for a day of garage sales from Apron Thrift Girl.  However, I will be packing much more protein-heavy snacks :)

On this year's list is:
Tank tops for the kids and I
Rash guards for the kids
Fall/winter clothes for the kids
Butter dish *have proven SO hard to find*
Socks for the kids
I can't think of the other stuff on my mental list :)

Free shorts for summer...how I did it in 1 minute

You've likely seen all of the spring and summer clothes at the stores lately.  You've probably also noticed the price tag at say, Target, where they average $9.99.  If you like better brands, say Gymboree, than you'll pay $22.95 on average.  These prices don't take into account sales or coupons, but it gives you an idea.  If you're like me and like to have around 8 pairs of shorts for each child, than that runs you $80 - $184 for just 1 child.

If you're like me and prefer to shop used, than you can save some considerable cash.  You'll probably pay a max of $2.99 each pair, costing you $24 for 8 pairs.  Much more reasonable.

However, a few months ago it dawned on me that I could save even more money by re-using Baby J's knit sweats for summer shorts.  This morning I was going through all of his clothes; the stuff he's wearing currently (and making a pile to donate) and the big box of stuff I bought last summer at garage sales.  I came across 6 pairs of sweats that currently fit J around the waist, but weren't the correct length.  This is where that 1 minute of time = free shorts.  The pictures speak for themselves :)

Before

After

I'm going to do the same thing with Miss A's cotton leggings when it gets closer to spring, since she still fits into them.  These homemade shorts may not be okay for anywhere except the backyard, but I don't mind.  If you're looking to do this for your kids but don't have any leftover sweats/legging, than now is your time to shop.  The thrift stores will be full of fall/winter clothes once the weather in your area shapes up and people start buying spring/summer clothes.  If you prefer to buy new pants, the stores are clearancing their fall/winter clothes and you can score.  The thing to remember about buying pants to make into shorts is that they only need to fit around your child's waist.

What are your favorite brand(s) of shorts for kids?  How will you save money on this summer's wardrobe?

Linked up over at Raising Homemakers

Monday's thrifting finds

I went looking for a crockpot because my brand new one already broke.  Well, the stoneware broke.  So, I've been crockpotless for 3 weeks now and am really feeling the effects.  Anywho, I didn't find one, but I did find all of this for under $22!

The outfits on the far left are going to be a gift for a friend who just had a baby boy. I'm also going to send her the HA sleeper I got a while ago (if I can still find it) $.98 for both

The red pants are Silva (or something) $.89 and the Gap overalls for A were $.45. 4 pairs of leggings for A $1.89/all. 2 shirts and a romper $1.45/all

A Landsend lightweight fleece pullover for me, $1.45.
Striped tank for me, $1.99
Ruby red flowy skirt $2.29

 

My library discard finds totaled $9/all. These will be wonderful additions to our home school library down the road :)

 

What have you found at the thrift stores or garage sales lately?

My finds

Both my parents went with and we all had fun.  Our biggest score was an American deluxe light reel mower for $5!  These retail on Craigslist for at least $40 used so this was a huge bargain.  I told my parents that it would be great for their front yard, but I was going to buy it regardless.  They ended up paying me for it, so now I'm going to help them adjust it and it will glide like a dream.

My mom and I were looking for housewares but couldn't find any :(

Here is everything I bought:

The tablecloth everything is laying on was $1

From left to right
An alphabet board $2.50
A season/time/date/etc board $2.50
5 books $2.50
Pooh PC game $1

From left to right:
4 Children's Place sweats for J (I will be cutting these into shorts) $2
5 knit leggings for A for fall $4
Ballet slippers for A $.25
Nike soft shoes for J $1
2 small baskets to sort mail $.50

Total = $17.25