tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78435928693833329802024-02-01T22:32:54.071-08:00Blue Tags Are Half OffA blog about thrifty findsAliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-1733517181620838212012-02-08T15:51:00.001-08:002012-02-08T15:58:29.399-08:00Finding Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqKRhhzJKEm5ebk3wUV56Ik9Cw0HCMSEoUVv3kli8v9tNypk2iXkag2GQqMP0C-FdEyDPWh6TvyX7A_Y0ixRz17EZKAKilrvEzIH3MfZ_EH5dxvHoS_ghRmTc8Uph4YUe0p9HW8SeYfNe/s1600/31bIn1fYMLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqKRhhzJKEm5ebk3wUV56Ik9Cw0HCMSEoUVv3kli8v9tNypk2iXkag2GQqMP0C-FdEyDPWh6TvyX7A_Y0ixRz17EZKAKilrvEzIH3MfZ_EH5dxvHoS_ghRmTc8Uph4YUe0p9HW8SeYfNe/s320/31bIn1fYMLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706916885006704946" border="0" /></a><br />The Time Timer is one of my favorite parenting discoveries. This counts down time (up to an hour) visually. Its perfect for showing kids how long they have to wait for something or for doing time outs or rest time. When I first heard about this I splurged and bought one at full price. Even at<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Timer-Inch-Disk-Indicator/dp/B002K9KNOW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1328745026&sr=8-10"> $25 </a>it was worth it to avoid having to hear "how much longer?" over and over again. Yesterday I found 3 of these at Value Village for $3 each. I bought all three. I gave one to my sister in law and have one ear marked for a friend I know would be into it. The other one I guess I will hold on until I think of someone who could get good use out of it.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-20967197449658718212012-02-08T11:56:00.000-08:002012-02-08T11:56:00.394-08:00Le Creuset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Iq6g-h5Jsp8oUILqEQOgYkgUYGCRV-sEokl1Iy8RbkypG9hh562TKide36AZ3J2mvSfgfvE7FOwKuzAoe9zkvHZfcJtv1szzNm1kSVebX7HUyTJxP_-2y2QgG-rUhkDRVNgRHIaPZSa/s1600/IMG_7861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Iq6g-h5Jsp8oUILqEQOgYkgUYGCRV-sEokl1Iy8RbkypG9hh562TKide36AZ3J2mvSfgfvE7FOwKuzAoe9zkvHZfcJtv1szzNm1kSVebX7HUyTJxP_-2y2QgG-rUhkDRVNgRHIaPZSa/s320/IMG_7861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706485409598559586" border="0" /></a><br />I've been married for 13 years and I was still using the utensil holder I got for my wedding. In that time my taste and kitchen has changed (many times over in fact). I have been looking for something that is a little more sleek and colorful then my country style pitcher I was using. I recently found this Le Creuset brand utensil holder buried amongst the flower pots at Goodwill. I liked the size and the color, although I wish it was just a little more funky. I confess I was swayed by the brand name and bought it. It cost me $2.99.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-28834527256966264502012-02-07T10:50:00.001-08:002012-02-07T10:58:13.540-08:00Tea time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWa06SUoR7IA4N_Ssi327-tOa-PKRgPIyLWeybEWIvvaGTmtrAaxExYTGr14MEfP9etdldWCu6PELIh8kqNYSaG-usfVBbJtBbwzDJ_ukkGbWsVS5BasHggmL6eIKtmMc9jnOP4K9TzCI/s1600/IMG_7859.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWa06SUoR7IA4N_Ssi327-tOa-PKRgPIyLWeybEWIvvaGTmtrAaxExYTGr14MEfP9etdldWCu6PELIh8kqNYSaG-usfVBbJtBbwzDJ_ukkGbWsVS5BasHggmL6eIKtmMc9jnOP4K9TzCI/s320/IMG_7859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706469065856757714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I found a cute little french tea cup by Quimper at the Goodwill yesterday. This french style pottery seems to be what <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/mugs/home-kitchen-mugs.jsp">Anthropologie</a> is now duplicating, which is totally adorable. This is definitely not new condition (you may be able to see the chips in this picture) and it is missing its saucer, but still enjoyed using it this morning for coffee. Since these <a href="http://www.merchantofpratoimports.com/quimperfaiencemistralteacup.htm">retail for $150</a> (wow!) I consider the $3.99 price a good deal.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-25679379715415065752012-01-22T15:49:00.000-08:002012-01-22T15:49:00.472-08:00Better than they look<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_TXC-nRs6nm44-Ucsr7FF9gFda7PSuvMYLo0NX_pJaqmcPn_-7RPxXY72YTpGSTMxQwtEHscuf7HU7bKqAePKyYKtdGgz-dLqsDFvg2ULOqxdLVL5JKK7ZZz_tbII8TK2rRl9mFWRbwJ/s1600/IMG_7827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_TXC-nRs6nm44-Ucsr7FF9gFda7PSuvMYLo0NX_pJaqmcPn_-7RPxXY72YTpGSTMxQwtEHscuf7HU7bKqAePKyYKtdGgz-dLqsDFvg2ULOqxdLVL5JKK7ZZz_tbII8TK2rRl9mFWRbwJ/s320/IMG_7827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699495088825934034" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, I know these look kind of trashy, but really its just my bad picture taking. These are <a href="http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/wall/shoes/kids/toddler">Keen's</a> in pretty good shape, which retail for around $50. Its so easy to find little girl shoes that I get excited when I find some good boy shoes, especially ones that may actually last through my 3 boys! These are in my eldest son's upcoming size and cost $3.99.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-9846514118566504582012-01-21T15:36:00.000-08:002012-01-19T15:49:40.319-08:00Sewing essentials<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yyw8qc3WKeBnY2r4hcguseBWTvAaBg8u5Es-po_ERIA2Y1sE9wEAy6JGAm-o8pSUQOpxdEq7Lu9Cb1bBTrWM6r16GU55oSOzA7kA3TloB7ZOMF-cV0in8eSS-rRpJfDRDlpWDsddL6L0/s1600/IMG_7828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yyw8qc3WKeBnY2r4hcguseBWTvAaBg8u5Es-po_ERIA2Y1sE9wEAy6JGAm-o8pSUQOpxdEq7Lu9Cb1bBTrWM6r16GU55oSOzA7kA3TloB7ZOMF-cV0in8eSS-rRpJfDRDlpWDsddL6L0/s320/IMG_7828.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699491530941536834" border="0" /></a><br />I am an amateur seamstress. Although I really enjoy it I am not good enough to invest serious money in it and all the supplies add up fast. So, when I see them at the thrift store I buy them to save for whatever project comes next. Above you can see 5 packs of machine needles. I don't know much about which ones to use on which fabrics, but at least now I have the supplies when (if) I figure it out. A bonus in the bag of supplies was the Coach measuring tape. Why Coach makes a designer measuring tape is beyond me, but I am hoping to make some money with it on Ebay. I saw <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/270896269523?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2661">one recently for sale </a>for $40. That definitely would reimburse my $1.99 investment in sewing supplies.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-66613788798702921552012-01-20T15:26:00.000-08:002012-01-20T15:26:00.848-08:00Pyrex Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAGA2pBFoLBc9F2jBw-hG2-DAb-Eoz_mmfNnYG1cHPae9lQDEiXCfKhp_e8PlCW5WjyiMYClPkypt_tnE-XKPRKQwVftYO6AIReDbQsnUlT_sK9V-F57O8XJwLne_WV-C7arNhfIDLXMZ/s1600/IMG_7851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAGA2pBFoLBc9F2jBw-hG2-DAb-Eoz_mmfNnYG1cHPae9lQDEiXCfKhp_e8PlCW5WjyiMYClPkypt_tnE-XKPRKQwVftYO6AIReDbQsnUlT_sK9V-F57O8XJwLne_WV-C7arNhfIDLXMZ/s320/IMG_7851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699490400808137858" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xYoeD3AcgVsCf5uF6VfM1AYUUYYd5v5A56SZtVCS1OKdOJ1OiaDR8fLKymNZH2FAlrtvu9J6qTzKvkqOr8Ndz4P2rlifdEEC9gfjMGv7V2N9RjM4kx6yzT4mZLLtqfkgRCXvwxTshFeB/s1600/IMG_7852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xYoeD3AcgVsCf5uF6VfM1AYUUYYd5v5A56SZtVCS1OKdOJ1OiaDR8fLKymNZH2FAlrtvu9J6qTzKvkqOr8Ndz4P2rlifdEEC9gfjMGv7V2N9RjM4kx6yzT4mZLLtqfkgRCXvwxTshFeB/s320/IMG_7852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699490415657146098" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1mkpIcKnZXtTxMzeW87Fd_D5fTK_cVlQOS-GwgjcF5jEvva1-9gVjFIc4nYx5SKw3bqPG_HXRlutR_GlvJ6670ShEDTW9G-trOXtpaAfo7UlTBc91L-JF39enOQTE5_sE6VkFV4gWPxR/s1600/IMG_7850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1mkpIcKnZXtTxMzeW87Fd_D5fTK_cVlQOS-GwgjcF5jEvva1-9gVjFIc4nYx5SKw3bqPG_HXRlutR_GlvJ6670ShEDTW9G-trOXtpaAfo7UlTBc91L-JF39enOQTE5_sE6VkFV4gWPxR/s320/IMG_7850.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699489124350032354" border="0" /></a><br />Pyrex has become my most recent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">collectible</span> obsession. I have admired it for awhile and bought several pieces <a href="http://bluetagshalfoff.blogspot.com/2007/08/pyrex-fun.html">in the past</a>, but its only recently that I have begun lurking on <a href="http://pyrexcollective2.blogspot.com/">Pyrex collector's websites</a> and learning the lingo. I still try to resist unless its a piece that I am really interested in since there is almost always some piece of Pyrex to be had at the Goodwill. The first piece pictured was one I was excited about. You can see from the pic below that I had another matching piece. The bottom picture is one that I was on the fence about. I don't love the color, but the size is great and the lid that goes with it was a nice feature. I paid $3.99 for the yellow bowl and $2.99 for the green casserole.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-56970718565497515472012-01-19T16:23:00.000-08:002012-01-19T16:28:21.748-08:00Vintage love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsudEi28PTeaMAoeOp7PLNFwwoLwu7b89TQX5rRiZerZgAmNKTlU8j77IodZmt9m7TM3HLKXqK2amNG3_TvgxtMrQORSiw6EZr1CCaNNGxx2nYq85ch1FwcNPbf0RhMl-L1Z5xidceBcY/s1600/IMG_7856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsudEi28PTeaMAoeOp7PLNFwwoLwu7b89TQX5rRiZerZgAmNKTlU8j77IodZmt9m7TM3HLKXqK2amNG3_TvgxtMrQORSiw6EZr1CCaNNGxx2nYq85ch1FwcNPbf0RhMl-L1Z5xidceBcY/s320/IMG_7856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699503768835966642" border="0" /></a><br />I love dressing my daughter in vintage dresses. As she gets older it gets harder to find ones in good shape (or at all for that matter). I hit the jack pot the other day. Someone either off loaded some long-held-on dresses or another vintage collector donated some of their collection. All three were right next to each other on the rack and all are size 6, the next size up for my daughter. Plus they were each 50% off making them $1.99 each.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-87784309070809863292012-01-19T14:59:00.001-08:002012-01-19T15:06:01.388-08:00Collectibles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WZFIGZ0mikF_qH-LYOxQd2tt5k4SVcyUXURjx_bnKzACuyBJ22RMfi0AV3c4fwB44sJeSUaEfznJb2op4ZuvL-dg2LeJjc6NN60SaUl4lB2OF5LwTik1g4oTwI7wYA7zO2VrWJP9noS5/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WZFIGZ0mikF_qH-LYOxQd2tt5k4SVcyUXURjx_bnKzACuyBJ22RMfi0AV3c4fwB44sJeSUaEfznJb2op4ZuvL-dg2LeJjc6NN60SaUl4lB2OF5LwTik1g4oTwI7wYA7zO2VrWJP9noS5/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699482282483573970" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGHwsXsPEB9qDbj0aKLSIAGebP0i8yHpVInGRTZcdfZTAex0sF1NTMUhLLqteKgJgW1rneEzyg3O7OwRFEfYnEy8LeqlS11W6LGYYynaSUtvnQUPgY56Nn9Y__Q12V58U_ekE59kUBVn0/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGHwsXsPEB9qDbj0aKLSIAGebP0i8yHpVInGRTZcdfZTAex0sF1NTMUhLLqteKgJgW1rneEzyg3O7OwRFEfYnEy8LeqlS11W6LGYYynaSUtvnQUPgY56Nn9Y__Q12V58U_ekE59kUBVn0/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699482293944309426" border="0" /></a><br />I really don't like the "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">collectibles</span>" section of my local Goodwill. Seems like they take all the good stuff and price it so high its no longer worth buying. Also some things in there are just way over priced in general, even though they are not really that great. I saw a Starbucks water bottle for $12.00! That is approaching the new price and trust me it was not in new condition. However I do usually <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">browse</span> through and look at the jewelry. Recently I found the above <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pyrex</span> dish in that section. It was priced high ($15) but I decided to splurge because I loved the color.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-18067433807854310672012-01-16T10:52:00.000-08:002012-01-16T10:52:00.911-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjc6sHiaKtlC2N3C4JSCxHvLvB8vrOUcG6vGblZKyAQ6QThxY9I4_JQLqvREzGpZMONRLZeyZhYh0y57dE1v9GwoWDnLqNGZ0z47Cy8QiUadAOmRWsqjUJJLuL6WQkY89ff3mOymAmgjM/s1600/IMG_7822.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjc6sHiaKtlC2N3C4JSCxHvLvB8vrOUcG6vGblZKyAQ6QThxY9I4_JQLqvREzGpZMONRLZeyZhYh0y57dE1v9GwoWDnLqNGZ0z47Cy8QiUadAOmRWsqjUJJLuL6WQkY89ff3mOymAmgjM/s320/IMG_7822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697563317582753874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGRi1bsPUdPkVnGMOoxl9wqlrRtxO9s9xa5afrdB3DjqVOJ_HjnajiXj2AzDM3JPTexJHysdNu4hqqfjUNebPcuWSVHFOP74IxzXnePRsAj-AP3QJX8tWTuTUp2zUD08sSfPTTHuFvFsK/s1600/IMG_7823.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGRi1bsPUdPkVnGMOoxl9wqlrRtxO9s9xa5afrdB3DjqVOJ_HjnajiXj2AzDM3JPTexJHysdNu4hqqfjUNebPcuWSVHFOP74IxzXnePRsAj-AP3QJX8tWTuTUp2zUD08sSfPTTHuFvFsK/s320/IMG_7823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697563323096339378" border="0" /></a><br />I am a big believer in balance bikes. My son got one for Christmas when he was 2 1/2 and by the time he was 3 he was amazing at it - cruising around, turning corners, stopping well. Once my daughter saw how much fun he was having she insisted on one as well, even though she was older. I didn't want to pay retail for a balance bike for her since she would only use it for awhile, but thought it might help her get onto a regular bike sooner. I found this one at the thrift store for $4.99, which seemed like the right price. Its not the best quality bike, but well worth it for $5. We have since found another one which adjusts to a level that better fits Hannah so I am planning on selling this one.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-60730585702424705532012-01-14T13:16:00.000-08:002012-01-14T13:16:00.092-08:00New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQumtuoNVJ5Yvzu36DPWobf1LZ7905RuaVSHatOyIJxHl7XcXK4MkHlPLJw5LAr7SlUkjQWG31pZf7sAuicNiHjCA21vGAtKS2v8WQ-jBer1ixm4SyefJviphMHilYMfPCiNW0FgJUDn1/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQumtuoNVJ5Yvzu36DPWobf1LZ7905RuaVSHatOyIJxHl7XcXK4MkHlPLJw5LAr7SlUkjQWG31pZf7sAuicNiHjCA21vGAtKS2v8WQ-jBer1ixm4SyefJviphMHilYMfPCiNW0FgJUDn1/s320/IMG_7818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696858010110764002" border="0" /></a>Yoga supplies new in the box at the thrift store. Includes a strap and block, which I being a newbie, am usually in need of. I usually prefer to take my classes at the Y, but recent events have made it more difficult to get there. I have yet to open the box (as you can see) but I think I could get into yoga at home. Plus they match my mat, which is just a bonus. You can almost make out the price tag in the picture - $1.99. Not an amazing deal since they retail for only about $10, but its new and I didn't have to go to Target to get it.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-88305783975110634752012-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:002012-01-13T12:57:00.520-08:00More stroller goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BuxfA2boHV9zveKsCODsDmpcp787ji-4sJCGxPZGOlh3d64uGNTL3CzD49k4FMVCmaeU6RWGUlNNvXRToRaGYqeBXaP7BPoKwiAZ8KMggo5sCdh9oX3ZQz1UKkoFrr_10Q9VCB35jpIS/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BuxfA2boHV9zveKsCODsDmpcp787ji-4sJCGxPZGOlh3d64uGNTL3CzD49k4FMVCmaeU6RWGUlNNvXRToRaGYqeBXaP7BPoKwiAZ8KMggo5sCdh9oX3ZQz1UKkoFrr_10Q9VCB35jpIS/s320/IMG_0147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696853244607933250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb3l10x7VySbu_O5_T9QJzVxChx9PWzqLC1-6Eabn2M3UtsjCwlx7cEb5F02xRmVCdiFkjzgzNXc096yiDVqFhx5hKwkYU3mKuyCyGuJX-qOhk7UPv4JOBefPzkVSj_zypovHKBIGKudX/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb3l10x7VySbu_O5_T9QJzVxChx9PWzqLC1-6Eabn2M3UtsjCwlx7cEb5F02xRmVCdiFkjzgzNXc096yiDVqFhx5hKwkYU3mKuyCyGuJX-qOhk7UPv4JOBefPzkVSj_zypovHKBIGKudX/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696853247509208642" border="0" /></a><br />This is not supposed to be a blog entirely about strollers, yet somehow that seems to be what its ending up as. We recently added another 1 year old to our family via the foster system. We had previously sold our double stroller when our middle child got old enough to walk to the park. My sister in law (also very thrifty) scored this BOB double jogging stroller for free. It's a very nice stroller, but in bad shape. It needed quite a bit of work and it wasn't something she wanted to invest her time in so she passed it on to me. It sat on our back porch for awhile until it our newest little one arrived and we truly needed it. Dan and I were able to fix it up with one evening's work. He fixed the breaks, inflated the tires, cut off the shredded handlebar pad and replaced it with some bike handlebar tape. I stitched up every tear I could find and scrubbed off the mildew. We managed to totally take apart the top piece and wash the cover in the washing machine. I'm pretty happy with the results. Its obviously used, but still a great stroller which works great. Since this <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/798582/bob-ironman-duallie-stroller">retails for $500</a> and it only costs us a couple hours work I think it was well worth it.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-4195163062292719212012-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:16:01.490-08:00Boring, boring, boring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GZY7STPJSajcwN7xfxhieefXXxEqb9e6w_1I_0_a-vrh4-nfLFOnyb6Hw9yLREP6rqX9Bc2cys5vANiqnf2beZTLA-5_JnHkOmXKdGeDUUZaV_K-5tu4WTdNg2XHW0dWG3FPpsMXWbmg/s1600/IMG_7817.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GZY7STPJSajcwN7xfxhieefXXxEqb9e6w_1I_0_a-vrh4-nfLFOnyb6Hw9yLREP6rqX9Bc2cys5vANiqnf2beZTLA-5_JnHkOmXKdGeDUUZaV_K-5tu4WTdNg2XHW0dWG3FPpsMXWbmg/s320/IMG_7817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696809631957058642" border="0" /></a>No great finds at the thrift store today. I had such a good run off luck around the holidays when there was so much turn over in merchandise, which was actually the inspiration to re-start my blog. Now its back to average. However its still where I buy most of my stuff. In this picture there is a pretty cute necklace ($1.29), a bag of little animals and a crayola marker/special paper set ($1.29 each). I bought these little toys primarily for my road trip/boring adult event box. When I find something that will occupy my kids and is small and easily packed I will pick it up and throw it in the box. Next time I now I know I will need something to occupy them I can dig through the box. I also bought a new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sippy</span> cup. We have a foster child in our home who will be moving on soon (have I mentioned I am a foster parent?) and he is in need of a cup for water. I wanted to get him one that he could take with him when he goes so the thrift store was best - $.99.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-31276315377374564802012-01-10T20:44:00.001-08:002012-01-10T20:54:33.456-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbE9kR8X_8kVpbhIBWjdwM0YXm8IgSPwnVPwF-TIHtXSxO21qrBRSJR-nxuPqCQEzKpJyXU9w43GsAHZT7oM9atsUSWnYg0WwPa7qW7IFuF7as6SyYfow7q5QZ2ewm-lLB4Vho0csE0K5/s1600/IMG_7790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbE9kR8X_8kVpbhIBWjdwM0YXm8IgSPwnVPwF-TIHtXSxO21qrBRSJR-nxuPqCQEzKpJyXU9w43GsAHZT7oM9atsUSWnYg0WwPa7qW7IFuF7as6SyYfow7q5QZ2ewm-lLB4Vho0csE0K5/s320/IMG_7790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696233303722278402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vF9t0WysROiQ1MWk4rtlW4WGHa3hyphenhyphenZJCA12I_UR5omB5oj6SQNOfTp-88ZUvk8uzqeYgK0j7e0XSRNzb62d8xtvu1Yl-yEvoe3glVsR_2aysNHSv_KqgDPFSoXxMn5I7qFFm1MQAQEFS/s1600/827226.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vF9t0WysROiQ1MWk4rtlW4WGHa3hyphenhyphenZJCA12I_UR5omB5oj6SQNOfTp-88ZUvk8uzqeYgK0j7e0XSRNzb62d8xtvu1Yl-yEvoe3glVsR_2aysNHSv_KqgDPFSoXxMn5I7qFFm1MQAQEFS/s320/827226.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696233307820691090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Found this cute little doll clothes rack at Goodwill super cheap - $1.99. It retails for a lot more <a href="http://www.magiccabin.com/Combi-Doll-Furniture_p789_S2004_D1501_C6102.html">($49.99)</a>. When I looked it up online I was so impressed at how cute they made it look in the pictures. Reality is not turning out so well. I am not sure why I thought my daughter would nicely hang up her doll clothes. Also we have way too many accessories for this thing. I think I may try to sell it, but now I have given it to my daughter and will have convince her to give it up. We'll see how successful I am.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-32222979225580953732012-01-09T15:37:00.000-08:002012-01-09T15:37:00.900-08:00More Lego Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Xt-lBaw9mhCTxvFuFLEGJ0_ebeSYfAIWkJrldftlwtMHsrjSOtvIOqfoiet093oOgDHsUpn_Q-Sh1aAorBjYnJ3ZMQVG2TUMMzR2RwKu1hpIHYD5-fEBPZatcy28e-AgbOUWWoZ_dztp/s1600/IMG_7792.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Xt-lBaw9mhCTxvFuFLEGJ0_ebeSYfAIWkJrldftlwtMHsrjSOtvIOqfoiet093oOgDHsUpn_Q-Sh1aAorBjYnJ3ZMQVG2TUMMzR2RwKu1hpIHYD5-fEBPZatcy28e-AgbOUWWoZ_dztp/s320/IMG_7792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695038759307250258" border="0" /></a><br />I know I <a href="http://bluetagshalfoff.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-legos-are-such-great-toy.html">just recently said </a>Lego sets are hard to come by especially new, however my husband was lucky enough to find another set new in the box. It has all the pieces still in their bags with the decal stickers and instruction book. He got it at the Lifelong Aids Thrift Store in Capitol Hill for $2.99. A good deal considering they <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Racers-Highway-Chaos-8197/dp/B002ZFW4N4/ref=pd_sim_t_2">retail </a>for around $15. It will be a birthday present for my oldest son whose birthday is coming in March and who luckily does not read blogs.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-23607313354208644132012-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:39:00.124-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63-Sfi4yrju4chYEIkdHd_xqiCdJRW29P41J8bpmKqk4EfJwAAsfQYzs5R3yYKvtlISKbzoD2roVGyXNShw5b28vlz2uejL7jevSd52U790BC1RyijFMiDVR_BcT-MNrWts6K_d1mgvVQ/s1600/IMG_7760.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63-Sfi4yrju4chYEIkdHd_xqiCdJRW29P41J8bpmKqk4EfJwAAsfQYzs5R3yYKvtlISKbzoD2roVGyXNShw5b28vlz2uejL7jevSd52U790BC1RyijFMiDVR_BcT-MNrWts6K_d1mgvVQ/s320/IMG_7760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695008387192889778" border="0" /></a>Another not so thrifty find. I would feel more confident about this find if it had been a whole set of powder blue canisters, but sigh, it was only flour. Still in good shape and added some color to our kitchen. We put it on our open shelves to hold coffee beans. Paid $4.99, again not such a great price, but still kind of cute.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-33232972083194639322012-01-07T13:35:00.000-08:002012-01-07T15:36:19.873-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVc-RjgM6x-HMMHB3yrr4KweWKZxP3dUl0f6xc2N1YAbZu0bTEMPhyphenhyphen64iObbB08PeBVmJHDaDGMDhyphenhyphenwrTkHb89HdP0TnoH7nL4hHWcQUfyofsG9qr2fC-dMA7w-kOoRp-hMwF4suC0GcQ/s1600/IMG_7758.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVc-RjgM6x-HMMHB3yrr4KweWKZxP3dUl0f6xc2N1YAbZu0bTEMPhyphenhyphen64iObbB08PeBVmJHDaDGMDhyphenhyphenwrTkHb89HdP0TnoH7nL4hHWcQUfyofsG9qr2fC-dMA7w-kOoRp-hMwF4suC0GcQ/s320/IMG_7758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695007390826144706" border="0" /></a><br />Cute little vintage purse. I mostly bought it because, well I love vintage bags of all kinds, but also because I have very fond memories of a red bag, much like this that I had when I was a kid. I used to carry it around a lot. I left it at a Taco Bell and never got it back. Now I have a duplicate to relive my childhood, which to be honest is what my love of vintage goods is really about. I did pay too much and I knew it at the time - $9.99, but you can't put a price on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nostalgia</span>.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-17836945283223312582012-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:002012-01-04T19:36:00.934-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcC-5WJ88oWfPBMtgzImduuvZQeJr165Pe1BChAKIMXUUvfSuBOZTAi6Ob-MCF1kHp1CWDGy_yhg8lywK6-G_j7W8-aq8hYHvMQ-sN1LnyVQSyCdH7VkZX26sRl_XVSoD4btb6nfxZ7SG/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcC-5WJ88oWfPBMtgzImduuvZQeJr165Pe1BChAKIMXUUvfSuBOZTAi6Ob-MCF1kHp1CWDGy_yhg8lywK6-G_j7W8-aq8hYHvMQ-sN1LnyVQSyCdH7VkZX26sRl_XVSoD4btb6nfxZ7SG/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692874221929739682" border="0" /></a>Another money maker at the Goodwill. Strollers are almost always $30 at Goodwill now a days. For most of the strollers I see there that is way over priced, but occasionally you find a gem like this stroller. It is a<a href="http://www.bumbleride.com/"> Bumbleride,</a> which is a pretty nice, and pretty expensive brand. They retail for around $500. It is pretty flexible in its use and seems to be well made. I used it once for my youngest and kind of liked it, but is a little too much stroller for me. I paid $30 plus 20% off (<a href="http://sea.chinookbook.net/">chinook book coupon</a>) so $24. I sold it today for $250. My best sale in awhile.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-28636226750000089562012-01-03T18:25:00.000-08:002012-01-03T18:25:00.760-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZTJVzumydoh1DCctaJDQXiHOK9BUgtkZv4lp4-Rj7ks69MgIVVfnnDy7LoWXqKsoq9XMfjtvBdme9FO0RuDqYDVhUfBrrFTZSGorMXTHQxa6_EvAVhu9EXFa7LcERal0kEDeRWE9Iwks/s1600/IMG_7753.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZTJVzumydoh1DCctaJDQXiHOK9BUgtkZv4lp4-Rj7ks69MgIVVfnnDy7LoWXqKsoq9XMfjtvBdme9FO0RuDqYDVhUfBrrFTZSGorMXTHQxa6_EvAVhu9EXFa7LcERal0kEDeRWE9Iwks/s320/IMG_7753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690628775690064674" border="0" /></a>Another one of those weird little finds. You gotta know what you're looking at to be able to tell its a good deal. I am sure I pass many things at the thrift store that others are amazed to find, but baby stuff is my forte. This is a little clip on high chair. It folds completely flat, which is great for traveling and storage and is adjustable to fit most chairs. We've had a rather ugly plastic booster seat for our littlest guy (another thrift store find, of course) so this is an improvement. Cost was $3.99. Its called the <a href="http://handysittchair.com/?gclid=COHM0Jiboa0CFcYZQgodnTwxmw">Wonderworld Handysitt</a> and retails for $130. I am hopeful I can resell it for a profit when we're done using it as well.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-40484419177821477572012-01-02T16:55:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:55:00.104-08:00An old friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvdJwQ4X-Qi0AA2uImDSSnSgVWihEdH85RpZbc08bLwCv7c-Cg2FtxO0ignzrg3vmbNKF0DvmH6xD0QhZpDTexbErSnP_6u7PV30afVBTjNeLBtwe5oARXQRVybI77ufMdCSM0OtVl3xh/s1600/IMG_7752.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvdJwQ4X-Qi0AA2uImDSSnSgVWihEdH85RpZbc08bLwCv7c-Cg2FtxO0ignzrg3vmbNKF0DvmH6xD0QhZpDTexbErSnP_6u7PV30afVBTjNeLBtwe5oARXQRVybI77ufMdCSM0OtVl3xh/s320/IMG_7752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690605741496077250" border="0" /></a>I have blogged about<a href="http://bluetagshalfoff.blogspot.com/2007/08/this-old-cookbook-is-one-of-my-all-time.html"> this cookbook</a> in the past, but I recently found it again at Goodwill. That makes about 5 copies I have found over the years. It is one of the most collectable Betty Crocker Cookbooks out there and this one is in great shape. It looks new and is shrink wrapped. I know it could have been shrink wrapped at some point in the past, but it could also be the original wrapping, which would make it an amazing find. I don't know enough about these books to be able to tell and a preliminary google search turned up no answers. In the meantime I am keeping it shrink wrapped and keeping it on the shelf. Maybe I will be able to turn up some answers at some point in the future. This copy cost me $4.99.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-71425864959417437312012-01-01T15:38:00.000-08:002012-01-01T15:38:00.821-08:00Blue tags on blue tables<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrN1lkbq9Jww9DRzAjuVVpc-GGJ80Pe9TP0IBR_nzcZHX_Kt4TR_ot_ztp_HWMlEZVT6CRCx_L8fq3wKjrbpuv0Z9ts4i3KY8Zi32lGZkCfXaKpQIA9TuboqqEEo668Ybb6dp9BHiLvuE/s1600/IMG_7755.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrN1lkbq9Jww9DRzAjuVVpc-GGJ80Pe9TP0IBR_nzcZHX_Kt4TR_ot_ztp_HWMlEZVT6CRCx_L8fq3wKjrbpuv0Z9ts4i3KY8Zi32lGZkCfXaKpQIA9TuboqqEEo668Ybb6dp9BHiLvuE/s320/IMG_7755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690585984371550722" border="0" /></a>We've got a great city view outside of our front window and an oddly shaped living room that makes it hard to put furniture there so we can enjoy it. Additionally my middle son started a <a href="http://prospectenrichment.org/">preschool</a> that has a bus this fall and so needed to spend the mornings watching for his bus. So I have been on the look out for a kid's table to put there. Again I searched craiglist on and off, but couldn't find anything that I wanted in my living room that was the right price. Then at Goodwill I found this cute bright blue table and chairs set. It was spray painted, but I think whoever did it did a fairly good job and I love the color. I set a bucket of colored pencils there and I have been amazed at how much drawing my kids have been doing as a result. I guess having a place for them to do it was the key. I paid $10 for them. I ended up spending more on the pencil sharpener I put on the table then the table itself.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-82349535770184541142011-12-31T15:31:00.000-08:002011-12-31T15:31:00.079-08:00Couch Conundrum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRhfT5yeCwi_SK7e5cMiyX3Fhdc4daABm3VAU_PgkhKVFIth9pYtP_RFzRcElDnYxxhd0Jtm2-ddAixJ-QpbtAQtf98CHzGeb1eKRjsTVSuK3biSuYYVwnKp2D9hLgjE8r8RQ7zk36gLw/s1600/IMG_7757.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRhfT5yeCwi_SK7e5cMiyX3Fhdc4daABm3VAU_PgkhKVFIth9pYtP_RFzRcElDnYxxhd0Jtm2-ddAixJ-QpbtAQtf98CHzGeb1eKRjsTVSuK3biSuYYVwnKp2D9hLgjE8r8RQ7zk36gLw/s320/IMG_7757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690584104547101554" border="0" /></a>Have I mentioned that I have 3 children under 5? I also have a love for mid-century modern design and vintage goods. However there is no way I am going to spend the amount it costs to get an awesome mid-century couch and then allow my 3 children to sit on it. (or allow myself to drink coffee on it) We have had an Ikea couch in our living room since this summer when we installed new floors and sold a lot of our old furniture. I hated that couch. It was uncomfortable and not really cute and belonged in our playroom for kids to make forts out of the cushions. I have searched craigslist a little, but did not find what I was looking for in my price range. At the thrift store I recently came across this couch. Not entirely awesome, but it has a right shape and was decent enough to last us until our youngest is old enough to be trusted near a nicer couch. It was priced at $100, but I had a 20% off coupon so we paid $80.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-55673159952688630952011-12-30T15:05:00.000-08:002011-12-30T15:05:02.409-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUogbZ-zR8Ogk2TMpLt31ItZ4iE040OwDW0C1vtP2OU1Xqx3MJs3TwEmWHC5KAAqrB0NI-gDuHsVXsjYuVZmU_hMbAU_huw6NMQqGgwnuynZsn1R1oEnWDx_dnPFDiPbCRjgKxSr4YvRj/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUogbZ-zR8Ogk2TMpLt31ItZ4iE040OwDW0C1vtP2OU1Xqx3MJs3TwEmWHC5KAAqrB0NI-gDuHsVXsjYuVZmU_hMbAU_huw6NMQqGgwnuynZsn1R1oEnWDx_dnPFDiPbCRjgKxSr4YvRj/s320/IMG_7485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690577279651338914" border="0" /></a>I have had good luck with baby gear in part because I can spot nicer brands and high quality pieces pretty easily. I saw this baby bouncer and was hopeful. I like the simply design. Most of the mass produced bouncy seats are obnoxious colors and have many toys hanging all over them. The bent plywood is a modern hallmark as well. The brand was Svan, which I was not familiar with and it said made in Sweden so I took a risk. Anything that is obviously gendered (like this pink) is harder to sell, but this was priced at $4.99, which was an amount I was prepared to lose. When I looked it up at home I was disappointed to find out it is brand that is sold at Babies R Us and Target, meaning there may not be much of a resale demand. However the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?categoryId=2256084&searchURL=false&f=PAD%2FBrand+Name+Secondary%2FSvan&fbc=1&fbn=Brand+Name+Secondary%7CSvan">new price was pretty high</a> ($119), so I gave it a shot. I did have to lower the price once, but I eventually sold it on craigslist for $40, which is a good profit.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-28880465208416619752011-12-29T14:54:00.000-08:002011-12-29T14:54:00.092-08:00Snow day prep<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvGpSv0ZDw2vGeQchiGc0_q7KzMK07ezTyfRP-i_HX09YLFp1taQxytqvb1Owg3GoGuqzrrdwFqJ9zlfWHqXg1265vamu6iBNjRFieIVeGocQRHICWAH1NyX5E5UZz5AEEWXI63oArtRP/s1600/IMG_7633.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvGpSv0ZDw2vGeQchiGc0_q7KzMK07ezTyfRP-i_HX09YLFp1taQxytqvb1Owg3GoGuqzrrdwFqJ9zlfWHqXg1265vamu6iBNjRFieIVeGocQRHICWAH1NyX5E5UZz5AEEWXI63oArtRP/s320/IMG_7633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690575379746892034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziYXpVfKV0oBLeS7Mh8CC7NXFPqz6FfencYeMpKht6H_btYXaAYPP7BN__a49hG666msGw74Tskbpad_f3cv7Clm2Vjad8MQu9CHnwChNEo6LdS2FxdXa1Wzj44LrmGIKcwhM-pHDaveB/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziYXpVfKV0oBLeS7Mh8CC7NXFPqz6FfencYeMpKht6H_btYXaAYPP7BN__a49hG666msGw74Tskbpad_f3cv7Clm2Vjad8MQu9CHnwChNEo6LdS2FxdXa1Wzj44LrmGIKcwhM-pHDaveB/s320/IMG_7635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690575388492918082" border="0" /></a><br /> It has not (and maybe will not) snow in Seattle yet this year. If it does snow everything in the city will be shut down and no one will be expected to do anything. Also it will melt the following day. Despite this the parent in me feels like I must stock up on snow boots when found at the thrift store. Shoes are one of those things that you can never find in the size you need when you need it (at least for kids whose shoe size keeps changing). So when I find good, not too worn shoes in the kids' upcoming sizes I buy them. These Sorel snow boots would have probably fit my son and daughter next winter. I found them at Goodwill for $4.99 and $5.99 repectively. However they were taking up room in the drawer I have ear marked for upcoming shoes and snow boots are not what I would consider essential in Seattle unless you are a snow adventurer which I am decidedly not. I decided to off load them and try to make some money. I sold them together to one buyer for $45.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-31098450492676148822011-12-28T14:42:00.000-08:002011-12-28T14:42:00.885-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk55Bkq46YSNu_ycZERnY2-24QATzrRhfid3WvbFn96Ltj89CvsGccOrMJAsnAYozBE-RGKBz87-Hp1XjyxhHPAbEH5d3hyWx32PZGprWEo7UHoPK8E7p_Tu3T1AOh-adX3elSeJ1JSIP/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk55Bkq46YSNu_ycZERnY2-24QATzrRhfid3WvbFn96Ltj89CvsGccOrMJAsnAYozBE-RGKBz87-Hp1XjyxhHPAbEH5d3hyWx32PZGprWEo7UHoPK8E7p_Tu3T1AOh-adX3elSeJ1JSIP/s320/IMG_7627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690571951863644050" border="0" /></a><br />Little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Legos</span> are such a great toy. (As <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">opposed</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Duplos</span>. Am I the only one who calls them that?) My kids love them and they are so classic. Loose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Legos</span> bagged are hard enough to find so I don't plan on seeing any complete sets when I scour the toy section at Goodwill. I was pretty happy when I came upon this Lego city set new in the box. One side of the box had been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">smashed</span> and the end opened, but all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Legos</span> were there in their unopened bags and the instructions and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">decal</span> stickers were intact as well. This was priced at $4.99, more than I usually pay for toys, but still pretty good considering it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-City-Harbour-Marina-4644/dp/B004P98RN4/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1324939553&sr=1-6">the retail price</a> is $45. I was hoping to make some money on it, but I also figured if it didn't sell I could pass it on to my kids and not feel too bad about it. It sold fast on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">craigslist</span> for $25. Not a huge profit, but pretty good for about 15 minutes work.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843592869383332980.post-90097397290381048702011-12-27T14:32:00.000-08:002011-12-27T14:32:00.504-08:00More Hot Haba<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD-IQkdQVcHhycdAAmsvvhLWGygTpLIQXLJfpurB2xvUH-CBwdcMmjPbty2ypeMtkEHdKVaroi85S_HeSb_AOZAy3X6dOfGSSDVQC-6eORKVkTXIJa7r5hrks6-e8rmlZ22zlhu94XTZN/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD-IQkdQVcHhycdAAmsvvhLWGygTpLIQXLJfpurB2xvUH-CBwdcMmjPbty2ypeMtkEHdKVaroi85S_HeSb_AOZAy3X6dOfGSSDVQC-6eORKVkTXIJa7r5hrks6-e8rmlZ22zlhu94XTZN/s320/IMG_6733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690569292177709474" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I posted about my Haba Walker Wagon. Since I was reflecting about Haba I remembered my Haba pull toy I got at the thrift store several years ago. When you pull it the pieces spin. Pretty cute and fairly fun for a child, for awhile at least. It retails for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Haba-1227-Circo-Pulling-animal/dp/B0002HYCQY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1324939062&sr=8-7">$45</a>. At the time I was able to write to Haba and get replacement pieces free of charge. I have since found out that they now charge for replacement pieces. These nicer toys missing important pieces are found in abundance at the thrift store. Sometimes it might be worth purchasing replacement parts, but not always. This toys cost me a $.99 investment. My kids played with it some, but there is no way they got $45 worth of fun out of this thing, so I am glad I didn't pay full price. I sold it on craigslist for $20 when I got tired of trying to find the pieces that were always under the couch for some reason.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00633817061999336348noreply@blogger.com0