I know, lots of people have lots of luck getting that stuff in thrift stores. My father's wife, for instance, buys almost all her clothes second hand, and she always looks sharp. (Of course, it probably helps that she's a size 2.)

I have gotten very good at not buying anything I don't need since moving to Toronto last year, whether at a garage sale or whatever. Even when it's cheap - or even free. I have a tiny apartment (and will probably be moving to a tinier one) and I don't need the clutter.

Do you collect those Olympics glasses as well?

[ 13 March 2004: Message edited by: Michelle ]

I also have a nice tea caddy with Charles and Di at the time of their engagement on it -- but I'm not letting go of that. Funny coincidence: the only other person I know who collects Royals teacups is an old friend who is now a judge in Vancouver. She has several from the 1939 tour. Lawyers and Royals: how odd.

If I see a nice piece of brass at these places I'll pick up the odd one. Can't say I'd buy things like carpets or upholstered furniture second hand.

I haven't been to an auction lately, but there's another place you can find a bargain, or unique items.

I donate clothes to it twice a year and also look there for clothes, but have rarely found anything because I'm a plus size. When I hit the 2nd hand stores in larger centres, I sometimes find things that fit...especially in the men's section.

We also donate to Goodwill and Diabetes drives once each year. We have been given so much in this life, I believe in giving back, so don't garage sale my stuff.

I got my current Doc Martens there for $2, along with countless jeans, shirts, a pair of Sperry Topsiders in Black Watch tartan, and a nice shawl collar tux jacket. Some sweet deals for the adventurous. Plus they put out new stuff each and every day, so bad luck today could precede a huge windfall tomorrow.

quote:

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god, I wish I had gas here to have a gas stove

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Electric is lame. It's the one bad thing about where I live now (along with the electric baseboard heaters that haven't been turned on in years). For some cooking, gas is almost a necessity... for example, cooking with a wok. For that I have a small caterer's stove — a single burner butane hob that packs up into a little carry case. It cost me about $20, the gas is reasonable, and while I'd happily trade it for all 4 burners gas, it gets me by when I need it. To be fair, electric is nice when you want to simmer a stock just below boiling for 6 hours, but when you're deep frying, or you just want to punish some food, you need a flame.

Goodwill, on the other hand, seems to be okay. And the BTP Magoo mentions is pretty neat. Take your patience with you, though, and if you're sensitive to musty smells and dust, you might think twice. I've only been once, but I managed to find a cute little leather purse (made in Italy) and a pretty silk scarf for 88 cents altogether. That's a helluva bargain.

Love love love a thrift sale, I do. I like it best when a whole neighborhood or block's worth of families host garage sales at the same time. It's like going to a mall, but it's all outside and you get to chat with the folks sipping lemonade in their lawn chairs and haggle, and y'always go home with something good! (even if it's just a good mood, it's worth it!)