Hidden Treasures...

I love to bargain shop. My favorite places are the ones that most of my friends wouldn't dart in the door to...grungy little hole in-the-wall consignment shops...but oh, the thrill of the hunt... Not knowing what treasures I might find if I just look on one more rack...

Today I found a nasty little kids store in a very questionable part of town. It was next to the county health clinic if that says anything. If I'd only been looking for my kids I would have been pretty bummed, but Anne and I sort of have this tradition of picking up "treasures" for each other's kids; so I was on the hunt for my sweet nephews too. Jett's size had several totally cute, trendy little pieces that I couldn't believe... So now I can't wait to get back there in 3 days and show off my finds! The cutest Old Navy vintage-y hoody: $3. Super cute skater shoes:$1.99. cargo jeans: $2. Finding the perfect size in the latest fashion for next to nothing? Priceless. I'm so proud... She always truly appreciates these gems as much as I do so we can totally brag about our super-cheap finds. She still has me beat however, with the cutest Carters outfit she brought home for Shelbi last visit for 75 cents!! Seriously...I know I must be sort of pathetic because nothing excites me more, or is quite as rewarding as finding the ultimate bargain... (ok, so teaching my first born to read is up there on the list too...but...oh, the hutch in our study room? Yeah, bought it at the Goodwill and painted it. You should have seen it when I first brought it home!! Just needed a little TLC and...) Oh, don't get me started on furniture. Love it!! Jus used to get so irritated when I'd bring home a disgusting looking piece that wouldn't even be found in the motel 6. But I'd see the vision, sand it, paint it, distress it... I get tons of compliments on my $25 coffee table I bought at a yard sale and painted lipstick red! He doesn't even bug me now; I think I've finally earned his trust. Besides, what good would it do him to complain?

And my closest friends know not to get offended if their kid gets a birthday gift bought at ROSS or Pick 'n Save... Because I really don't buy junk, it's just that I found the greatest deal... Discount stores are actually high-end stores by my standards. Just feel special that it didn't come from the Consignment shop or the Goodwill...!