$4

Another non-Pyrex round of thrift shopping...boo! But I did find this font-happy bag today and I love it. Such a crazy assortment of Florida cities and towns. Yes, it has your token spots: Miami, Tampa, Palm Beach. But all in the same breath, there's Bradenton, Hallandale, Pompano, Hollywood, and Lakeland (of all places). Anyway, perfect for toting library books to and from work. Plus, it's navy...my latest favorite color.

gift

My mom gave this to me when I was in Portland last month. Yes - we all know she's a thrifter, but I think she found this at an antique store for $3 - not a bad price. I love Butterprint and 501s; they are the perfect size and shape. And when I get them for presents? My heart sings and sings and sings.

picture

Lately, the thrifts are not providing me any treasures. I bought a green pair of pants on Saturday that didn't fit me when I brought them home and tried them on for the first time. I like to think I gave the Salvation Army a charitable donation of $4.99, nothing more. Damn! The pants are so cute. But way too small in the waist. So when the thrifts dry up, I take out my Pyrex and play with it. See above for the results. Almost as satisfying as finding really great Pyrex for dirt cheap prices.

$1

Another piece of Pyrex I found in a Portland Salvation Army last month, only at first I didn't believe it was Pyrex as I had never before seen this shape or pattern (which doesn't mean anything, I suppose). It pays to be a curious bowl-flipper-turner-over type of thrifter. This is Pyrex, made in England. Apparently there's some discussion on the same exact piece here, at this Flickr page. Anyway, here's a sight you don't often see:

NOT MINE!

I was staying at a condo on the Oregon Coast last month and happened to find this in the cupboards. Christmas in July, anyone? It was harder for me to leave this behind than the ocean. Sad, but true! I am still waiting to find black snowflakes in the local thrifts...maybe since I didn't steal this, I'm due some good Karma...!

$1

When I was in Portland, this Pyrex pattern was everywhere! I left most of it behind, but since I like this size, it came home with me! Not without getting some fresh air first.

.65

Sometimes, the littlest pieces of American-made china (in this case, Syracuse) bring me the greatest joy. I found this in a Portland Goodwill last month - the things we pack in our carry-ons! I love the black on white, the fleur-de-lis, and the Gothic shout-out. Perfect for espresso, coffee, tea...

$55

My mom collects a Staffordshire pattern called Liberty Blue; she has since it debuted in 1976! It was promotional where she worked and leftover pieces were chucked into the dumpster. You bet she got right in the trash and rescued what she could. She collected it over the years at garage sales and thrift shops (we're related, can you imagine?) but since her dumpster diving days, prices have skyrocketed. I found the lot pictured above at a thrift store last weekend for $55. It would have cost me well around $700 if I bought the same pieces here! What caught my eye first was that pitcher. The ever-elusive pitcher! She has been trying to find one since 1976.



What a deal! When I told her about it, she squealed!

(More pictures here...)