$0

...From a secret source! Sheet music for the piano in stacks and stacks, dating from the 1910s - 1940s. I have so much, I don't know what to do! But I couldn't turn it down; do you see how pretty these covers are, all these years later?

valentine gift

And there's more...



I LOVE THESE PIECES! THANK YOU ANNIE!

$2

I'm quite fancy on Pyrex accessories. They just speak to me. Especially when they involve sticks of butter.

$2

This Pyrex pattern is Golden Bouquet (it pays to Flickr!)

$5.95

I mentioned earlier that I had a horrible time thrifting in January. I know you know the feeling; isn't it the worst? The unlucky streak ended on February 1st. I'd been putting off errands all day because I had so many things to do at home, but when I finally got out, I decided to go to my favorite shop right before it closed on my way home from the bank (phew, that was wordy and I'm afraid it doesn't even make much sense!). I almost missed these; not because they were hidden but because I was so deflated from my bad luck that I think it ended up affecting my vision. But I spied something pink and white, and then zeroed in on this set -- all nesting together. I picked them up like an Oscar winner that no one predicted, a come-from-behind winner, the type that gets to the stage and cries, or can't think of anything to say aside from "Thanks MOM." I then cradled them close to my chest until I came back to Earth and paid for them.

There's something about pink Pyrex.

.49 x 7

These are Pyrex coffee cups, for which I had absolutely zero need! I was drawn to the color - milk - and I was drawn to their weight - solid. It turns out they're a lot of fun to take pictures of, which is about as satisfying as my morning coffee.

i'm actually *saving* my money, but not by choice

It's no mystery: I love to thrift because it's something my mom had me doing at a very young age. Also, it was something I still enjoy doing with her when I'm lucky enough to in her company! I was home in Portland recently and a short stack of her mostly Lu-Ray Pastels had me tremendously inspired. I just love them. And my mom.

Yes, I know: things have been quiet here lately. I think the month of January will forever be known as the Great Thrift Drought of 2008, because it certainly had me in moments of Great Depression.

I was really lucky today and will post my recent find soon. Also, my younger sister surprised me with three pieces of Pyrex for an early Valentine gift. I've been dying to share, but I think I'll hold off until the 14th.

Hope you've had better luck than me! (I should say here that Steve has had tremendous luck lately -- photo enlargers, serious-hiker backpack, heavy-duty portfolio case -- everything in like-new condition. All for less than a dinner out!).