Thrifty Thursday - How to Buy Part I...

Today's Thrifty Thursday Tip was inspired by a pack of note cards.

I found them when I rummaged through a bag of curtains that I 

bought a few months back.  (Happy dance!  I forget these lovelies were in there!) 

My Thrifty Tip?  BUY USED!  Or put another way - Do Not Buy New!

Yep - that's it!   Let me be more specific.  In this yard sale/thrift shop 

era that we live in - there are precious few things that a person 

needs to buy new.  Let me share a list of things that I buy used...

As already mentioned - 1. Curtains

Sheers - pretty ones - are in abundance.  And sometimes just a little 

hemming is all that's required to make a curtain work for you.

2. Greeting Cards & Invitations  

Even for 'special' 40th, etc. birthdays I often buy at thrift stores.  

I figure - how many '40th' cards does a person really want to receive?  

So I'll give a lovely 'regular' birthday card instead and write in my

own thoughts in addition to whatever sentiments are already there....

3. Clothing!  

There is good, current and name brand stuff out there.  You can easily

 skip the malls on this one and be cute and unique at the same time.  

(My exception to this is intimate lingerie.)

4. Linens - of all types

I'm talking anything from table linens to bedding.  

You can find it ALL at thrift stores.  Beautiful things!  

Wash it of course - but then -  you're good to go...

5. Ribbons and Gift Wrap Supplies 

I have tons.  It's all thrifted... and it's some really neat stuff!

  Sometimes I pick up 'new' wrapping paper just cause I like it.  

But I certainly wouldn't need to.  Brown craft paper is not hard to

 come by.  Pretty gift bags are plentiful... and pretty paper too!

6.  Lamps and Lamp Shades 

With today's spray paint options - those brass lamps (which are a

 dime a dozen) can come into the current age in no time flat!  

Brass lamp and shade here cost me $7 total! - plus spray paint...

7. Furniture 

The options are endless and paint is magic.  

 I consider 'new' for upholstered pieces only.  And often I still 

buy used if its odor free and doesn't need reupholstered, etc.

8.  Dishes

Oh my - there are tons of pretty dishes in any style imaginable at

 thrift stores.  Whole sets are even available - but mixing and

 matching is in vogue so we're all good to go!  

9.  Home Decor Items  

Pick them up when you see them and they appeal to you.  

You'll be able to use them somewhere - eventually.   

And your home won't be cookie cutter!  

(Who wants that?)

And speaking of home decor - don't forget the freebies of nature!!

10.  Major Purchases

Big things like houses, cars and vacation homes... yep - buy used!

Now what do I buy 'new'?  Not much!  

But grocery items and consumables are a regular need so new it is.

(Not to say I haven't found cleaning supplies, etc. when out thrifting.)

Specialty appliances and large home needs (furnaces, etc.) - we buy new.  

But watch for 'scratch and dent' or floor models for huge savings.

  And if you have a bit of time on your side - shop Craig's List.

  Eventually it all shows up there.   Often though - it's worth paying

 retail price to meet a need in a timely manner. 

So what did we learn today?  Buy Used!   

Don't try to keep up with the Jones'.  Instead - be your own person 

and have a style all your own!  

You can do it.  Dare to be a little different. 

Stay thrifty my friends.  And remember to be generous with your

 surplus as you are able.  Simple kindness is free and if you are a

 Christ follower - it all belongs to Him in the first place!
Blessings today  ~Joyce
linking to the Home Sweet Home party

You can read Part II here